What's New 2022/23

New hotels, adventures, train travel and filming in South Africa 

L-R: Sala Beach House, Saseka Tented Camp, Helipad at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Rovos Rail

19th October 2022 

It's no surprise that so many people want to visit South Africa, with its stunning scenery and beaches, history and culture, great climate, once-in-a-lifetime safaris and adventures, delicious food and wine, great value for money, and virtually no time difference - which means no jet lag! Plus there are direct flights to Cape Town and Johannesburg with Virgin Atlantic and British Airways from London airports.

If you need any more reasons to visit, here are some new and exciting places to stay and things to do in South Africa this winter.

HOTELS NEWS

Waterside, Royal Malewane, Greater Kruger

Part of the Royal Portfolio group, Waterside at Royal Malewane is specially geared towards families and small groups, and has twelve bedrooms, each facing the bush with a heated swimming pool. All rates are all-inclusive.

Sala Beach House, Thompson's Bay, KwaZulu-Natal

Offering uninterrupted ocean views of the Dolphin Coast with private beach access, the property has four luxury guest rooms and three spacious suites sharing the use of two pools, as well as a separate, self-contained three-bedroom private villa with its own pool. Sala's prime location guarantees the “wow” factor as a backdrop to its infinity pool, yoga deck and fire pit. It's also just twenty minutes from King Shaka International Airport in Durban which means you will get there in no time at all.

Saseka Tented Camp, Thornybush Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger

A state-of-the-art luxurious lodge with a focus on food and service. Each air-conditioned tent has floor-to-ceiling sliding doors, a spacious, wrap-around environmentally friendly deck overlooking the sand bed, a private plunge pool and an outdoor shower. 

The Homestead, Nambiti Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal

An ultra-luxury eco-lodge with sustainability at its core, The Homestead is designed to become a complementary part of the natural landscape. There are twelve suites, private infinity pools, a spa, fitness centre, and culinary and dining experiences that encompass organic, locally sourced, African-inspired dishes curated by world-class chefs. 

One&Only, Cape Town

One & Only Cape Town has undergone an extensive refurbishment, spanning the entire 133 guestrooms and suites of the resort, as well as the entrance lobby and Vista Bar & Lounge. The new design showcases a refreshed take on ultra-luxury, modern accommodation. Situated in the heart of Cape Town, at the fashionable V&A Waterfront overlooking the marina and with panoramic views across to Table Mountain, One&Only Cape Town is a tranquil enclave on the doorstep of the vibrant city.  

NEW ADVENTURES & ATTRACTIONS

Experience Johannesburg's bustling art scene with a stay at The Saxon

To coincide with the surge of artistic projects and exhibitions in the city, The Saxon has introduced a new package for arty travellers, where you can pair artistic adventures with a stay in one of the hotel's elegant Luxury Suites. Enjoy dinner, breakfast and a bespoke 6-hour art tour around the city created around your personal preferences. 

Live like a rock-star in Cape Town at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa

Arrive at the hotel's newly upgraded private Helipad for lunch, then enjoy a spectacular sundowner, an indulgent spa treatment or a luxurious night's stay. Their Art of Flight package makes the most of these exceptional experiences, in one of the Western Cape's most sublime locations. Or take a mountain walk on The Fynbos Trail, a 3km guided hiking trail directly from the hotel that heads into the Table Mountain National Park. The walk takes approximately 60 minutes.

Vine to Wine experiences at One&Only Cape Town

From January to March guests can participate in an interactive, behind-the-scenes experience, which gives keen wine aficionados the opportunity to pick grapes, experiment in viniculture, and enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch. Continue your wine journey back at the hotel by discovering The Wine Studio, a newly launched space at One&Only Cape Town which houses the Resort's impressive wine offering. Guests can take part in memorable wine experiences such as Sip & Savour, a curated wine tasting experience, or a South African Wine Blending experience.

Experience a fabulously gay bus tour on the Glitter Trail

This amazing eight-day journey will take you through Johannesburg to explore its LGBTQ+ heritage and gay night life, then head South West towards Cape Town with stops in some of South Africa's most delightfully charming towns and villages. The adventure includes delicious culinary experiences, wine tastings, ziplining, fabulous gay parties, ostriches, arts & crafts and more! All of this happens on the Glitter Trail Bus, which is kitted out with 'pink-paraphernalia', a glitter ball, and offers bottomless bubbles and fun and games hosted by one of South Africa's most famous drag characters.

Franschhoek in the Western Cape has rebranded as the “Valley of Dreams”

Franschhoek is one of South Africa's oldest towns. Only an hour's drive from Cape Town it is steeped in history, rich in fertile soils, has activities a plenty, and is said to be the jewel in the crown of the country's culinary scene. With over 15 wine farms grouped together within a 10km stretch, one of the most popular attractions is the Franschhoek Wine Tram. After all that wine, make sure you stay locally. The Leeu Collection has three five-star boutique properties located in the Franschhoek Valley and village.

New AR Art Exhibition at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden

A new Augmented Reality Art Exhibition has opened at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden. It will be available for visitors to enjoy from now until 30 September 2023. 

Seeing the Invisible is an augmented reality exhibition that features the work of more

than a dozen highly regarded artists from around the world. Their works, 'placed' in the

garden for optimal impact, may only be viewed through the Seeing the Invisible app for

tablets and smartphones. It will amaze, expand the mind, provoke thought and

shift the boundaries of reality. The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden joins ten botanical gardens around the world to premier these augmented reality artworks.

LUXURY RAIL TRAVEL IS BACK!

The Blue Train - A window to the soul of Africa

Undoubtedly one of the most luxurious trains in the world, The Blue Train has personal on-board butlers, fine dining and superb service. It traverses South Africa and its breath-taking scenery in a manner that befits the mystique that has grown around it. Kings and presidents have indulged on this magnificent, moving five-star “hotel-on-wheels”. The Blue Train operates between Pretoria and Cape Town, and Pretoria and Durban. A special trip to the Pilanesberg Game Reserve is also available.

Rovos Rail - Pure nostalgic elegance harking back to the 1930s.

Step aboard the vintage wood-panelled coaches and sit back as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. With discreet and friendly service, top cuisine and a selection of South Africa's finest wines, Rovos Rail harks back to a simpler, more elegant era encompassing the timeless grace and high romance of African exploration. The beautifully rebuilt trains carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites. 

SOUTH AFRICA ON SCREEN

The Woman King is out now at cinemas in the UK. It was shot in Cape Town and takes viewers to South African Game Reserves, beaches and castles. Starring Viola Davies and South African born actor Thuso Mbedu, it is the remarkable story of the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who protected the South African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s with skills and a fierceness unlike anything the world has ever seen.

Love Island is returning to South Africa in the New Year, with a fresh batch of islanders looking for love and romance. "After eight brilliant series, we are excited to be serving up two helpings of love in 2023 by kicking off in January at a stunning new villa in South Africa," said Mike Spencer of Lifted Entertainment, which produces Love Island.

I'm A Celebrity All Stars is currently being filmed in South Africa and will air in 2023. Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly will once again host the show. Dec said; “We can confirm we're doing a very special series of I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in South Africa! We're here, it's going to be your favourite celebrities from the last 20 years who are going back in to do it one more time."

Mission Impossible 8 - Tom Cruise has been spotted filming Mission Impossible 8 in South Africa this year, including a stunt on top of a World War II biplane as it flew over South Africa's Blyde River Canyon. The film is due for release in 2024. 

For further information about South Africa please visit: www.southafrica.net

-ENDS-

For press information and images please contact the MMGY Hills Balfour PR team:

Email: southafrica@hillsbalfour.com 

Sarah Sheehan, Associate Director, 07770 235564

Samantha Cuthbert, Vice Associate, 07929 927291

Maddie Rees, Account Executive, 07544 745318

Gina Scott-Barber, PR Intern, 07591 938764

South African Tourism contacts:

Email: southafrica@hillsbalfour.com

Telephone number: 020 8971 9350

Website: www.southafrica.net

Online image library: http://digitalassets.southafrica.net/

Know before you go: https://www.southafrica.net/uk/en/travel/article/know-before-you-go

Facebook: @southafrica.uk

Twitter: @southafricauk

Instagram: southafrica.uk

About South African Tourism 

South African Tourism (SA Tourism) is the tourism marketing organisation responsible for promoting leisure, business, and events tourism to the country both domestically and internationally.

South African Tourism is committed to meaningfully contributing to the government's objectives of increased GDP growth, sustainable job creation and transformation of the country's tourism economy.