Northern Provinces of South Africa
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Johannesburg was founded on the discovery of gold in the late 1890’s
and since then has grown into Africa’s major commercial centre with
a vitality all of its own. As it is the international gateway to the
country you may have to overnight in the city where we use hotels in
the northern suburbs. If you are arriving late in the evening or
departing early in the morning then the Southern Sun Johannesburg
International Airport Hotel is the ideal stop-over.
50km to the north, is the city of Pretoria, the country’s
administrative capital. There are many historic buildings to be
visited such as the Voortrekker Monument, the Union Buildings and
Paul Kruger’s house. The drive time from Johannesburg International
Airport to Pretoria takes approximately 25minutes.
Within an hour’s drive of Johannesburg and Pretoria are the rolling
Magaliesburg Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty and a
perfect place to escape to from city life or a stop over en route to
Sun City, the fabulous man-made resort which is the ultimate in
leisure and entertainment.
The region is not without its game reserves. Alongside Sun City is
the Pilansberg National Park with a wide variety of game and
birdlife whilst towards the Botswana border lies the 75,000 hectare
Madikwe Game Reserve. The Waterberg Mountains, about 2.5 hours drive
north from Johannesburg (1.5 hours from Sun City) is one of South
Africa’s prime wilderness areas and home to many mammals and over
280 bird species. In the heart of these mountains lies Lapalala
Wilderness and the Welgevonden Game Reserve.
THE WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG
The 5-star hotel, part of Orient-Express Hotels group, is situated
in one of Johannesburg’s most affluent northern suburbs. The 115
beautifully appointed bedrooms and suites are in a series of villas
cascading down a slope and surrounded by 3 acres of landscaped
gardens. Most have a sunny private balcony or terrace with views
over the zoological gardens. Guests can enjoy afternoon tea in the
Conservatory, drinks in the Polo Lounge and a choice of dining in
The Loggia or the more formal La Belle Terrace restaurant. Private
dining rooms are also available for small parties. There are2
swimming pools, a floodlit tennis court, fully equipped gym and
health and beauty centre.
THE GRACE, JOHANNESBURG
Located in the fashionable northern suburb of Rosebank, this
5-starhotel has 60 bedrooms and 15 suites. All are elegantly
furnished and include tea and coffee making facilities, desk, fax,
computer modems and satellite TV. The ground floor open plan lounge,
bar and library area is charming and fine cuisine is served in the
dining room which leads to a pool terrace and rose garden high above
the street level. Facilities include complimentary transport within
a ten kilometre radius of the hotel. A skywalk leads directly from
the hotel into a mall complex which houses a range of quality shops,
cafes and entertainments.
KLOOF HOUSE, PRETORIA
Set high on a hill in the diplomatic area of Pretoria, Kloof House
enjoys commanding views over the city from the gardens – a
spectacular view especially when the jacaranda trees are in full
bloom. This is a charming, personally managed guest house and all
guests are made to feel very much ‘at home’. Kloof House has 5 well
appointed bedrooms in the main house and 2 garden suites located up
a few steps from the well-tended gardens. The comfortable lounges
lead onto the terrace which is an ideal spot for sundowners.
Excellent set dinners are served in the intimate dining room. There
is a small swimming pool and sun bathing terrace.
ILLYRIA HOUSE, PRETORIA
This incredibly stylish privately owned residence is set in
tranquil gardens with sweeping views over the treetops of the
Jacaranda city of Pretoria. All 6 spacious air-conditioned suites
are ornately furnished with antiques and a personal butler will look
after all your needs. Dining is a wonderful experience and fine
South African wines are available from the cellar. In the expansive
gardens is the Aquarius Wellness Spa and the resident therapist
offers an extensive range of treatments. The transfer time from the
railway station in Pretoria is about 5 minutes whilst Johannesburg
O. R. Tambo Airport is about 30 minutes away. Illyria House has
received numerous worldwide awards for its truly personal and caring
service.
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