Cape Town, Franschhoek and the Sabi Sand in ten nights
Three nights above the Atlantic in Cape Town, three among the vineyards of Franschhoek, then four in the Sabi Sand for leopard. Little jet lag from the UK and a good first safari for couples.
Ellerman House
A 1906 Edwardian house above Bantry Bay, full of South African art, with a wine gallery, sea-view pool and two villas cut into the granite.
Why we love it
Ellerman House was built in 1906 as a seaside home on the slopes of Lion's Head, and it still runs like one. There is a guest pantry you can raid at any hour, a library, balconies over the Atlantic and gardens replanted with Cape species. The walls carry one of the most significant private collections of South African art, spanning two centuries, and it is hung to be lived with rather than admired from a rope.
The Wine Gallery is the other reason to stay. It holds a deep collection of South African wine, and a guided tasting here is the best short introduction to the Cape's regions we know, useful before a few days in the Winelands. Rooms include free entry to the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa at the V&A Waterfront, a short drive away.
It is right for couples who want Cape Town at a quieter pitch than the Waterfront, and for families or groups who can take one of the two villas, each with its own pool, chef and host. Children must be 12 or over in the main house. It is a city hotel, not a beach resort: Clifton and Camps Bay are close, but you will be driving to them.
Rooms and villas
Classic and Superior House Rooms
Individually designed rooms in the main house, from quieter garden-facing Classic rooms to Superior rooms looking out over Bantry Bay.
Deluxe House and Deluxe Spa Rooms
Deluxe rooms open onto private balconies with ocean and garden views; the Spa Rooms sit in the spa gardens with a shared pool and sun deck.
Ellerman House Suite
Separate living, dining and sleeping areas with art from the private collection, opening onto a terrace over the Atlantic.
Villa One and Villa Two
Exclusive-use contemporary villas set into the cliffs, each with an infinity pool, private entrance and a team including a chef and host; one has a private cinema.
Dining
Breakfast is included for guests in the main house, and the kitchen cooks seasonal, locally sourced menus for lunch and dinner. The Wine Gallery runs guided tastings, and dietary requirements are handled with notice. Villa guests have a private chef.
Wellness
The spa offers massages, facials and other treatments alongside relaxation areas, and there is a light-filled gym with sea views. The main pool overlooks the Atlantic; both villas have their own infinity pools.
Children and families
Guests in the main house must be 12 or older. Families with younger children are welcome in the two private villas.
The facts
| Built | 1906 |
|---|---|
| Airport | About 26km from Cape Town International, around 30 minutes by road |
| Transfers | Complimentary airport transfers |
| Children | 12 and over in the house; all ages in the villas |
| Included | Breakfast, minibar drinks excluding wine and French champagne, Wi-Fi, parking |
| Check-in | From 14:00; check-out 11:00 |
Where it is
Bantry Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
Nearby
A few of the things we plan for guests in South Africa.
Leopards in the Sabi Sand
The Sabi Sand shares an unfenced border with Kruger, so animals move freely, but vehicles are few and guides can drive off-road. Leopards here are unusually relaxed around vehicles. Morning and evening drives last three to four hours, with a bush breakfast or sundowners. Three or four nights is ideal.
Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula
Take the cableway or hike up Platteklip Gorge early, before the tablecloth of cloud rolls in. Then drive the peninsula via Chapman's Peak to Cape Point and the penguins at Boulders Beach. The fynbos here belongs to the Cape Floral Region, one of the richest plant kingdoms on Earth.
Estates and lunches in the Winelands
An hour from Cape Town, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch sit beneath granite mountains, with Cape Dutch homesteads and restaurants among the vines. A driver lets you taste properly. Harvest runs from about February to March; autumn colours follow in April and May.
Journeys with Ellerman House
Ask about Ellerman House
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will check availability, suggest the right room and send a price.