Getting away from Cape Town into something unfamiliar and with a different weather system is as easy as crossing Sir Lowry's Pass which takes less than one hour from the centre of town.
Stopping for a pie or still-warm Mosbolletjies at Peregrine Farm Stall as you cross into Elgin is a must but there are increasingly other good reasons to visit the valley.
South Hill Estate produces very fine wines (their '08 Cabernet Sauvignon earned 4.5 stars out of a possible 5 in the Platter Guide) and offers a sought-after venue for weddings, called, simply The Venue. We spent a night in
their "honeymoon suite". The Pumphouse is situated in the seclusion of an indigenous garden on the banks of a dam surrounded by Shiraz vineyards. We loved it but did get smoked out when we made a fire. Other than the enclosed bathroom, the entire space is open planned. The location is very pretty.
We enjoyed the spa tub in the garden and looking up at the stars from it at night. There is a suggestion of a kitchen but far better is to eat the very fabulous cuisine at Gordon Manuel restaurant or have them deliver to your suite. The Pumphouse is available from R880 per night (winter rates).
The main guesthouse is next to the restaurant. This four bedroom deluxe villa is best taken as a single booking although individual rooms can be booked. There's an open plan kitchen, dining room and lounge areas overlooking the garden and
surrounding vineyards. Rooms open onto patios. The loft houses the entertainment area and can be converted into dorm area for five children. In winter the whole house is available at R3750 per night which works out at just over R930 per room.
I think this spot is perfect for an extended family or group of friends who like to cook - there's a fully-fitted kitchen and an outside pizza oven. If you like being active, there's a 15m pool but also Tri-Active down the drag where we donned Robin Hood caps and tried archery. Like many things, archery is much harder than it looks. Despite excellent coaching it was only on the sixth arrow that I even managed to hit the target.
JP went on a guided adventure walk onto the adjacent estate and remarked on the unspoilt flora he saw. Owner Cany Bugler is a veteran guide and ran overland tours into Africa before starting this business. She also has the psychological and business process understanding to compile team building and leadership workshops either at Tri-Active or at other venues.
Tri-Active also has affordable, simple tented accommodation from R605 per person which works especially well for groups. The permanent tents are on platforms and have mainly twin beds, a shower and a loo. Hot water and electricity are standard. Some are timber cabins with the same configuration but only a few have double beds. Here you are in the heart of apple country with Kromco packers, Oak Valley Estate and the Cluver's as immediate neighbours.
For more information go to http://www.thecapecountrymeander.co.za/
