TRAVEL + LEISURE 201 7 13
CLOCKWISE: ESPIEGLE/GETTYIMAGES; F1ONLINE DIGITALE BILDAGENTUR GMBH/ALAMY; ROBERTHARDING/ALAMY
enjoy a quick getaway in a charming
country property called Valley Lodge
& Spa or settle for some fi ve-star
hospitality in Sun City.NORTHERN CAPE
From sprawling cotton, date, and
grape farms, to lions roaming freely
in the Kalahari Desert, the best of
South Africa is packed in the remote
province of Northern Cape. Explorethe luxury game reserve of !Xaus
Lodge in the desert area of the
Kgalagadi Transfontier Park, Tswalu
Kalahari Reserve in the grasslands,
or Richtersveld National Park in
the vast plains of the Tankwa Karoo.
Tread further into the Kalahari
Desert and you’ll fi nd boutique
gems like the Sun River Kalahari
Lodge and the River Ridge Resort
that offer breathtaking views ofthe Orange River transecting the
Northern Cape. Apart from the
privacy of the lodges, there’s the
Diamond Coast, winding along the
coast of the Northern Cape between
Port Nolloth and the mouth of the
Orange River. Take a walk through
the history that pillars this coastline,
among which are some restricted
diamond mining areas and a
dramatic shipwreck site. ▪FREE STATE
Expect historic freedom sites,
a terrific topography, and
between them, classic
properties that exude
sophisticated South African
luxury. Whether you’re
traversing the capital city of
Bloemfontein, or small towns
like Rosendal, Clarens, and
Bethleham, options are aplenty.
Stay at Gariep Hotel which
off ers views of Gariep Dam
(100kms long and 24 kms wide).
Visit the Golden Gate Highlands
Park to see Vredefort Dome, the
oldest and largest crater on
earth, also home to the world’s
only pink granite.Clockwise: A long mud path leads to a quaint, lovingly built Cape
Dutch Manor House and Vineyard; A Four wheel drivw in Kgalagadi
Transfrontier Park; Mapungubwe National Park viewpoint
overlooking Limpopo and Shashi River.