Agritourism

Brian Berkman says Africa's greenest hotel shows how eco-conscious stays can also offer excellent value. Voted by the Green Building Council South Africa as Africa's greenest hotel, Hotel Verde in Cape Town, Western Cape, recycles more than 90% of its waste. And in June this year, it was named Africa's Leading Green Hotel in the World Travel Awards.

Brian Berkman visited the Accor Hotel Group’s first Pullman-branded hotel in South Africa, formerly a Radisson Blu, and found that subtle changes enhanced the guest experience.

Why settle for The Grand Budapest Hotel when you can stay at The Trade Boutique Hotel instead? Brian Berkman discovers a delightful hotel in the Cape Town CBD inspired by the set of the classic film.

Just an hour from Joburg, urbanites can swap the bustle for the bush, enjoying game drives and outdoor activities at Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge, while staying in the Cradle of Humankind.

A tour to the abandoned Old Whaling Station, now a world heritage site, brought up memories of a regrettable bygone industry.

Travel writer Brian Berkman discovers why the pristine Kogelberg Nature Reserve, east of Cape Town, offers the perfect off-the-grid escape for botanical lovers in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom.

You don’t have to be a full-on British royalist to enjoy Betty’s Boutique Hotel in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, writes Brian Berkman. There’s a mix of good hospitality and service on offer at this establishment.

Set in the Munywana Conservancy in the Zululand region of northern KwaZulu-Natal, &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is renowned for exceptional safari experiences and fascinating wildlife.

The Waterberg is home to one of SA’s last free-roaming African wild dog populations. Lindani Game Reserve hosts a weekend to aid an NPO working to protect them.

Head off to the Magalies Meander for a tranquil, self-catering farm stay.

When seeking the ultimate in hotel room design, look no further than the newly refurbished rooms at the GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World’s Grand Hotel in Cape Town.

Guest-farm owners and animal lovers Annatjie and Chris Geldenhuys treat pets as family, welcoming dogs of all shapes and sizes. They even roll out the welcome mat for cats and birds.

What’s the best way to enjoy Cape Town’s top food and nightlife without having to splurge on a five-star hotel? Brian Berkman has some good suggestions.

The distinctive touch, diligence, and 24/7 customer care are just a few of the reasons you should visit four-star Tourism Council-graded Pumula Game Farm.

Not quite ready to say goodbye to holiday mode? Take a break from the weekly rush at RusteVinde, a lovely guest farm just one hour north of Pretoria.

Vergelegen has been rejuvenated to pursue its destiny. Wayne Coetzer, managing director of the wine estate, spoke to Brian Berkman about significant changes being made to its farming and hospitality aspects.

While past owners of the Karoo Art Hotel failed to find and keep their market, the current proprietors have survival lessons to share with everyone in the hospitality industry.

Such charming and affordable accommodations on a 17th-century farm are rare in the Cape Winelands, writes Brian Berkman, who wishes he could have stayed longer. And there’s a wine-tasting barn, too!

Set aside at least three nights when you book into the Villa Marine in Pringle Bay, and be sure to goin the off season for the best weather and uncrowded beaches.

Brian Berkman kept his eyes peeled for ghosts in the oldest continuously run hotel in South Africa, but all he found was a fabulous two-night stay.