The French Region of South Africa “Franschhoek” specializes in luxury high end holidays offering some of the finest cuisine and native wines of South Africa, many restaurants and hotels boast Michelin star menus and world renowned kitchens.

It doesn’t sound like the stereotypical safari by any stretch of the imagination; it does however have startling similarities, with the sense of discovery existing in the wine glasses rather than the plains.

The wine regions of Franschhoek are breathtaking and offer the perfect place to discover the hidden gems of South Africa. The region is a perfect blend between African culture and French design and taste. The hills are scattered with French houses overlooking acre after acre of rich grape growing soil.

South Africa is synonymous with safaris and wildlife, yet people also forget the exquisite green mountain ranges and endless vineyards that cover the landscape, producing exquisite wines making South Africa a class leader in up and coming new world wine producers.

I recommend that you put down your boots and pack you dinner suit, the opulent surrounding and luxurious finish of La Residence will inspire you come to sample the finer things in life.

La Residence offers a je ne sais quoi that can be rarely found anywhere else in the world, the combination of exquisite vistas, friendly and attentive staff not to mention an award winning cellar, La Residence has the balance just right, perfect you could say.

Liz, the owner has big plans for La Residence and is in the position of relocating to a 30 acre vineyard which is less than half a kilometre away, “The views are more exquisite” Liz boasted when we went to see her. Liz’s attention to detail is one of the reasons why La Residence is held in such high regard, striving to be the best Liz is willing to move her entire plot 500 metres down the road.

This eye for perfection is carried on throughout your stay with excellence being the ethos of every member of staff.

South Africa has a side that is rarely seen by the majority of the world, a side which brims with elegance, luxury and style, offering exquisite comfort, food and drink in the most decadent of surroundings.

“A South African hideaway, a tented treasure…a piece of paradise”

In the middle of South Africa there is a place which is so secluded, in touch with nature and serine, you’d be fooled in thinking that it had never been discovered before, but in the distance there is a camp, standing firm against the plain, a destination, a viewpoint.

Tanda Tula is based amidst the beauty and picturesque surroundings of the Timavati Reserve, within Kruger National Park.

Tanda Tula Safari Camp offers more than just a roof over your head and a hearty breakfast, they offer a South African Hideaway, a tented treasure, they actually offer you a piece of paradise. Set on the banks of the river bed Tanda Tula is set amongst lush green vegetation and bush land which thrives next to the river and therefore attracts wildlife from all across Kruger National Park.

The camp consists of 12 individual tents each offering private views of the river along with private deck, en suite bathrooms, traditional bath tubs and romantic outdoor showers. An infinite pool overlooks the river giving you exquisite opulence in the most rustic of places.

Tanda Tula is situated in the best area for meetings with the “big 5”. The Timbavati is home to numerous lion prides including Timbavati’s own “white lion”. Buffalo and Rhino spend a lot of their time around the riverbed often spending days wallowing in the river’s waters.

The views are incredible, giving you the sense of solitude, and that refreshing humble feeling of lowliness against the landscape.

Tanda Tula’s tented set up gives a great feeling of openness and whilst still having a hand on an array of decadent luxuries. The food for one is exceptional serving exquisite cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The outdoor dining, including outdoor kitchen gives Tanda Tula a great safari “camp fire” feel and one that sets South African safaris apart from any other holiday  location.

You make friends in South Africa, it’s that simple.