Ellerman House Cape Town

Experience the very best that South Africa has to offer when visiting Ellerman House. Surround yourself with national treasures, exceptional flavours, uninterrupted views, sweet sounds and a refined atmosphere with sincere hospitality.

With only 13 bedrooms and 2 private contemporary villas, we excel at offering our guests an intuitive and understated level of service.

Enjoy the Spa, Contemporary Art Gallery, Wine Gallery, wine and Champagne cellar, brandy lounge, BAR ROC, library, dining rooms, lounges, guest pantry, solar-heated swimming pool, fitness centre and cascading terraces during your stay. You’re our guest, this is your home. Welcome to Ellerman House.

The story of that house on the hill
This grand old home (originally known as Florida House) has been collecting stories for over a century. Built in 1906 it has seen its fair share of owners and transformations.

Most notably its namesake, Sir John Ellerman who did not build the property, but took ownership and was the longest resident of the property second only to its current owners, The Harris Family.

Sir John Ellerman was an interesting fellow. Often referred to as the wealthiest man in Britain, thanks to his inheritance of the family business, the Ellerman Shipping Lines. A fierce rebel who married his Canadian girlfriend Esther De Sola, under the protest of his father.

Known as a stickler for timekeeping, there are infamous stories of how Sir John Ellerman would sit on his South African home’s terrace and watch his ships sail in and out of the Cape Town harbour – his captains would not dare to be late.

On the flip side, he was a generous philanthropist – shortly before his death he had transferred 79% of the shares in Ellerman Shipping Lines to grant-making trusts.

Ellerman House then saw a few more owners come and go and when one day it came across the radar of the immediate neighbour across the road, Paul Harris – a South African banker with a pioneering attitude, not dissimilar to Sir John.

When purchasing his home across the road, the house immediately adjacent caught his eye. Paul moved to Australia during this time to continue his business interests, but before he left he told his sales agent that he would love to see inside that house on the hill.

Late one night in 1988, he received an unexpected phone call. It was the sales agent notifying him that Ellerman House would be going up for auction in the morning and asking if he would like to make an offer!

Paul excitedly jumped at the opportunity and made an offer (site unseen). As luck would have it, he won the bid. That was the easy bit, as in the morning he had to notify his wife of their new purchase. Naturally, she thought he was dreaming.

When Paul walked down the staircase from the top terrace down towards the gardens upon his very first visit to his latest acquisition, he felt obligated to share its beauty with the world. He knew that this property would be able to showcase the very best of South Africa.

This philosophy still rings true today – from genuine South African hospitality delivered by an experienced team. To the incomparable location in Bantry Bay (a sought after suburb of Cape Town), with its uninterrupted views over the Atlantic Ocean.

To a collection of South African art considered to be the most important collection in the country due to its diversity of important artworks. To a unique cuisine offering that celebrates local flavours, yet embraces techniques from around the globe.

To a gallery that honours our country’s most delicious export, wine. To a garden that rejoices in indigenous flora. And lastly, to music, the original craft chosen by Africans to share history and stories by means of song.

In 1992 his dream was realised when Ellerman House was opened as a 7-bedroom luxury hotel. Now operating for over a quarter century as a world-leading boutique luxury hotel, Ellerman House has continued to reinvent and innovate without losing sight of its origins.

Since its inception, four bedrooms, two ultra-modern villas, a spa, a wine gallery and a contemporary art gallery have been added to the property. These are only the tangible additions.

Unparalleled service standards, food philosophies and authentic South African experiences are constantly evolving at the hands of the Ellerman House team. To this day, Ellerman House continues to share the very best that South Africa has to offer. And no, it’s not for sale.

Elegant Rooms
Ellerman House sets the benchmark in service excellence, luxury and refined living in Cape Town while giving visitors the feeling of a welcoming home space.

In fact, you may never want to leave. We have 13 individually-styled rooms, each with their own personality. No matter which room you choose, you are promised a perfect night’s rest.

Ellerman House Suites
The Ellerman House Suites are the epitome of luxury and comfort and showcase some of South Africa’s prized paintings and sculptures.

You can have dinner or a drink with friends in the suites while feeling completely at home. These suites have a phenomenal ocean view, private terrace and a separate, spacious lounge and dining area.

Deluxe House Room
These spacious rooms are a traveller’s dream with double doors opening onto a private terrace. Each room is uniquely decorated and boasts spectacular views of the indigenous garden and the Atlantic Ocean. The room and our luxury Cape Town hotel is a space you can breathe and relax in all day.

Deluxe Spa Room
Situated in the Ellerman House Spa, the Deluxe Spa Rooms are stylishly decorated and feature a shared pool between these two rooms. Feel the relaxation of a world-class spa as you simply lounge in this luxurious space. The two adjacent rooms open to a shared pool and deck, ideal for couples travelling together.

Superior House Room
The majestic bay window in this room demands attention and immediately draws your eye towards the uninterrupted ocean view.

The room offers cosy luxury at our boutique hotel in Bantry Bay, combining both classic elegance and warm intimacy. Take in the beauty of the Atlantic ocean as you curl up in the Superior House Room.

Ellerman House Villas
On the slopes of Lions Head with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Ellerman House Villas epitomise the glamorous beach lifestyle Cape Town is famous for.

Exclusive and privately staffed, each villa offers all the benefits of hotel living with the advantage of complete privacy and flexibility, perfect for multigenerational families or groups of friends.

Built on multiple levels, each villa offers spacious entertainment and relaxation areas, numerous en-suite bedrooms and a private infinity pool with the best views Cape Town has to offer.

You may never want to leave the villa and we wouldn’t blame you. However, if you do want to do some exploring, we have a variety of activities available for you on and off property.

At Ellerman House, we can provide you with an unforgettable experience at our very own wine gallery, our private art gallery or of course, the spa. With all of that you may find yourself wanting to stay at Ellerman for the duration of your stay in Cape Town.

We would encourage enjoying our villas for at least a full day. But as you are in Cape Town though, why not also explore the rest of the city?

We have a variety of experiences that are exclusive to guests of Ellerman House. Our concierge team can arrange something that you will never forget. After you have enjoyed your curated experience, you will have our luxury Cape Town villas to come home to with a dinner made for you by the villa’s private staff.

Luxury Bantry Bay Villa
Gravity defying architecture and breathtaking Atlantic Ocean views complete with highly personalised service, including your own private chef and hospitality team. Villa Two is ideal for small families or a group of close friends.

With accommodation for up to six people, spacious entertainment and relaxation areas and a private infinity pool, this beautifully modern, designer villa is the ideal private holiday retreat.

After staying at this villa you will understand why Bantry Bay is a location that every South African dreams of. The luxury of lying in the sun with a view of the Atlantic Ocean, knowing that you have nothing to worry about as your private hospitality team prepares meals and drinks for you, is unparalleled.

It is a true experience of luxury. Enjoy the ability to breathe and feel at home in the truest sense. Experience the beauty of Ellerman at this villa in Bantry Bay.

Luxury Villa in Cape Town
Designed with the discerning luxury traveller in mind, Villa One offers the ultimate villa holiday experience.

With complete privacy and highly personalised service, including your own private chef and hospitality team, this Villa is ideal for multigenerational families or large groups of friends looking to relax or explore all that Cape Town has to offer.

Villa One accommodates from 2 to 10 people, and offers superb, spacious entertainment and relaxation areas and a sublime private infinity pool with endless ocean views. This is a place for people of all ages to enjoy.

For the kids long summer days by the pool and enough room for them to play. For those a bit older you can still enjoy a full day by the pool after starting your day at the spa and end it with a decadent meal cooked by your own private chef and hospitality team. There is no luxury villa in Cape Town quite like it.

Contemporary South African Cuisine
Extraordinary attention to detail defines the dining experience at Ellerman House. Integral to our philosophy of sharing the best of South Africa is our cuisine, which showcases our rich local food heritage with international flair. Every plate is bursting with flavour, beauty and creativity.

Talented Head Chef Kieran Whyt is guided by Culinary Director Peter Tempelhoff, a celebrated member of Relais & Châteaux’s World Culinary Council and a chef with over 20 years of experience in Michelin-starred Relais & Châteaux restaurants across the culinary capitals of the world.

Breakfast
Served complimentary each day from 07h00 – 11h00. From the perfect Eggs Benedict to a delicious array of fruits, pastries and cereals, breakfasts at Ellerman House are the perfect way to start the day.

Guest Pantry
Our Pantry is your Guilty Pleasure. Fresh, homemade treats are prepared daily, making it perfect for a light snack between meals, or for grabbing supplies before heading out for the day. Cakes are baked fresh every morning and guests can help themselves to a range of teas, coffees and drinks throughout the day or night.

Restaurant
The Ultimate Dining Experience. The cuisine at Ellerman House works in symphony with our art and fine wine, creating an extraordinary experience for even the most discerning traveller. Vibrant recipes that reflect the best of local and seasonal flavours will delight taste buds and astound the senses.

The restaurant at Ellerman House is so much more than a dining room. “It’s a fully-fledged restaurant experience in an exclusive, family-owned hotel setting,” explains Kieran Whyt, Head Chef. Kindly note an advance booking is essential.

The Wine List
Award-winning in every drop, with a decade of Diners Club Diamond status awards under it’s belt. Wines from the cellar are only made available on the hotel’s wine list once they have been optimally aged and are deemed ready for enjoyment at peak maturity.

Many of these fine wines are also available by the glass without compromising on quality, thanks to the Le Verre de Vin preservation system. The depth of the wine list allows guests to try verticals of vintages whereby the same wine can be sampled over various releases.

Wine Gallery
Integrating outstanding contemporary architecture with breathtaking sculptural elements and cutting-edge design, the Ellerman House Wine Gallery is not only a showcase for this extensive, award-winning wine collection but offers guests a unique, interactive journey into the world of wine.

It brings to life South Africa’s 350-year old heritage of winemaking, providing an environment for tasting and learning about local wines as intriguing and inspiring as the wine itself.

Sophisticated storage is provided in state-of-the-art wine racks and separate, temperature-controlled maturation cellars for white and red wines. The gallery incorporates an interactive multi-media wine library and brandy tasting lounge.

There is also a Champagne cellar, stocked exclusively with rare and special vintages of Dom Pérignon.

Daily Wine Tasting
Join our team for a complimentary wine tasting experience where we feature the best of South African wines from our curated collection.

Dom Pérignon Experiences
Our Sommelier and Chef have created the perfect Dom Pérignon Experiences at Ellerman House. The different notes are accentuated with carefully selected South African dishes.

Let our Sommelier guide you through an enriching culinary journey. This experience includes a bottle of Dom Pérignon paired with a Bento Box style culinary experience. Advance booking essential and subject to availability.

LOUIS XIII Experience
This unique LOUIS XIII experience takes place at sunset where guests will be served a glass of Le Lude along with specially curated canapés that echo the first four decades of the maturation of the eau-de-vies from which LOUIS XIII is crafted.

The tasting doesn’t end there as a second round of canapés will be served, this time paired with LOUIS XIII. The experience will follow with a 3 course meal paired with wine.

BAR ROC
Quintessentially Ellerman House, BAR ROC’s tailored interior has a tangible sense of distilled calm and languid luxury. The precisely articulated material palette is raw, brutal, sumptuous.

Exacting design allows each finish to express itself with clarity and integrity, revealing and accentuating the linear, rigorous elegance of the space.

Attitude and Resonance
The terrazzo floor and bar counter, the expansive use of solid brass, are reminiscent of the halcyon days of the Milanese bar / bistro; terrazzo conveying both classicism and modernity.

Juxtaposed mirrored brass and austere, deep, black finishes instill an ambiance of quiet provocation. BAR ROC emits an evocative lustre truly in keeping with the attitude and resonance of Ellerman House.

Character
A relaxed, contemporary space for friends to gather at the end of the day and chat about the incredible adventure they find themselves on. A space for the classic raconteur to wax lyrical about his or her African escapades.

A space to say goodnight to another glorious day while watching the sun set over the Atlantic Ocean. We look forward to playing home to the most stylish bar in Cape Town. Kindly note an advance booking is essential.

Pantry
The Pantry is your guilty pleasure. Fresh, homemade treats are prepared daily. Perfect for a light snack between meals or ideal for supplies whilst out for the day.

Library
The Ellerman House Library offers guests a collection of fiction and nonfiction titles, plus magazines from around the world.

Our guests love to sit and read books in the morning, or enjoy an after-dinner drink by the fireplace. For convenience, a nearby computer and printer are connected to the network and available for complimentary guest use.

The Spa
Situated on the lower level of the Ellerman House Villa, the Ellerman House Spa is an opportunity to experience true relaxation and well-being while rejuvenating body and mind.

The facility includes three single treatment rooms and one double treatment room, plus a sensation shower, sauna, and steam room. Our therapists draw on healing and beauty techniques from around the globe.

Spa Experience
Body treatments designed for relaxation. A small, highly experienced team of therapists offers a carefully considered menu of skin care therapy and body treatments designed for relaxation, rejuvenation and self-improvement.

Everything is designed to soothe the senses while the body and mind are coaxed into balance. Our spa is open Monday to Friday from 08:00 – 19:00 and Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays from 10:00 – 19:00

Spa Facilities
With three single treatment rooms and one double room designed for couples, the spa specialises in cutting-edge massage techniques and anti-ageing beauty rituals drawing on the wisdom and restorative healing techniques of different cultures from around the world.

In addition, there is a sensation shower, sauna and steam room for hydrotherapy (advance booking required to remain in line with current Health regulations).

Specialised techniques
Specialised massage techniques on offer include traditional Swedish, Aromastone, Bellabaci, Aromatherapy, Lymph Drainage, and deep-tissue massage. The spa stocks a choice of excellent skin care ranges for facials, pedicures, manicures, body wraps, bronzing and scrubs.

Yoga
Start your day off right with one of our complimentary morning yoga sessions. Based on the principles of Vinyasa and Hatha yoga this gentle restorative session focuses on breathing, movement and meditation and is suitable for yoga beginners.

Gym
Secluded in the lush gardens near the swimming pool, the Ellerman House fitness facilities offer a fully equipped gym for guests wanting to maintain fitness during their stay. With its state-of-the-art equipment, sauna and change rooms, guests can enjoy an energising workout while taking in a signature view of the Atlantic.

Our Technogym Excite equipment includes free weights and benches, treadmill, stationary bicycle, rowing machine, elliptical trainer, medicine balls and exercise mats. As always, our staff are available to familiarise guests with the facility and offer assistance when needed.

Pool
Located on the lower terrace of the hotel, our lap pool is heated to a temperature between 19 and 24 degrees Celsius.

This pool is perfect for guests who enjoy a swim as part of their workout, while enjoying great views across the Atlantic Ocean. Alternatively soak up the rays and relax beside the pool in our loungers with a good book.

The Collection
The Collection at Ellerman House is a handpicked range of beloved and proudly South African designed and created products. Available in our reception area – browse all the unique items and take home a memory from Africa.

The Cape Floral Kingdom
The world famous Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town served as inspiration behind the gardens at Ellerman House. The botanists shared their advice, and plants, to help transform our garden into an indigenous oasis.

Our gardens showcase incredibly rare species from our Cape Floral Kingdom as well as iconic South African species from all over the country.

Various plants, synonymous with other regions of South Africa, like statuesque aloes (typical of the Eastern Cape) and succulents from the Karoo compliment the impressive architectural features and blend seamlessly into the garden.

Terraced lawns
On the sea-facing side of the property a series of terraced lawns, edged with aromatic Cape fynbos, provide spectacular ocean views. Sheltered from the prevailing Southeaster wind that blows in summer, the gardens and swimming pool are idyllic spaces in which to relax and enjoy all that the hotel has to offer.

Pincushions, proteas, ericas, reed-like restios, scented pelargonium, salvias and buchus are typical of this part of the garden. In front of the restaurant’s terrace, vibrant lion’s tail and strelitzias make a colourful show and also attract various species of birds.

The major benefit of having indigenous species is that these plants are well suited to the Cape’s hot, dry summers and are therefore extremely water wise.

The gardens are at their prettiest in spring when many of the species are in flower, while in summer late-flowering proteas create a dramatic display against the backdrop of the ocean.

Outdoor Art
A unique aspect of Ellerman House is its vast collection of South African art displayed throughout the property. The collection encompasses an intriguing cross-section of genres representing a 100 years of the country’s culture and socio-political history.

The gardens play an important role in providing outdoor gallery space for sculptures that form part of the contemporary collection.

Art is our soul
The Ellerman House art collection takes visitors on a journey that explores the huge social and cultural shift in South Africa from the mid-nineteenth century to present day. The art in this collection expresses the true character of our land, our people and our unique South African heritage.

South Africa has a special story to tell, a fundamental essence distinguishing it from all others. This art collection weaves this incredible story expertly, guiding guests through a century of vivid expression and soulful moments.

Private art guide
One of our in-house art guides can guide you through our extensive art collection. If you are interested in viewing galleries in Cape Town, they will accompany you for an insider’s tour of Cape Town’s top art galleries.

Some of them are artists and curators themselves, and guests will gain behind-the-scenes access and knowledge of some of Cape Town’s most important art and art galleries.

Ellerman House Art Collection Book
Every well-curated art collection tells a story. The Ellerman House Art Collection is no different – telling the tale of a nation with a long and rich history.

An electrifying story of triumphs and tribulations all recorded by the artists of the time. Social commentary is a strong theme that runs through the collection and an art book documenting this story was an obvious progression. Make sure to get your copy while you’re on propery.

Where Art Lives
A South African art collection like no other. Meticulously collected and curated to tell the diverse story of a nation through pictures.

Exceptional Ellerman Experiences
The Ellerman House concierge team have worked hard to add new and innovative experiences to the ‘Exceptional Ellerman Experiences’ collection. These are designed to be one-of-a-kind adventures never dreamt of before.

Benguela Diamond Safari Exclusive to Ellerman House Guests

Ellerman House, in partnership with Benguela Diamonds, is offering its guests an exclusive opportunity to embark on a ‘diamond safari’ to the mineral-rich west coast of South Africa – a unique place of origin for diamonds worthy of the most exquisite jewellery settings.

Benguela Diamonds is named after the predominant current, the cold, nutrient-rich Benguela Current, which flows in a northerly direction off the west coast of South Africa. ‘Diamonds are forever’, diamonds are known as ‘a girl’s best friend’, and diamonds are the purest and most brilliant of the earth’s precious gemstones.

Investing in a special diamond is not an everyday purchase, which is why this unique trip – the first of its kind in South Africa – has been curated as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Guests get to follow the journey of an ocean diamond from its humble origin beneath the surface of the sea to its transformation into a symbol of love and object of beauty.

This exciting new experience, exclusive to Ellerman House guests, is particularly attractive to couples planning an engagement or celebrating an anniversary or milestone in their lives.

The tailor-made day trip begins with an early morning private charter flight from Cape Town to Port Nolloth on the west coast.

The adventure begins the moment you are collected from Ellerman House by chauffeured limousine and transferred to a private terminal at Cape Town International Airport for your scenic flight on board a Swiss-designed Pilatus PC12 jet or a Kingair 200 aircraft.

The journey takes approximately an hour and 15 minutes, following the desolate but beautiful coastline to Port Nolloth. There’s time to drink a toast to the adventure ahead and take memorable photographs before landing.

Home base for the day is a luxurious, contemporary villa right on the coast, between Port Nolloth and McDoogles Bay, directly in front of Benguela’s private offshore concession.

Decorated in marine tones of blue and white, the villa offers a high level of luxury and comfort to ensure that every aspect of your day is relaxed and pleasurable.

The morning begins with a cup of coffee or a glass of freshly pressed fruit and vegetable juice, followed by breakfast. Fresh and healthy or decidedly decadent, guests are offered a tempting selection of hot and cold breakfast dishes while the host presents an introduction to the day’s activities.

By mid-morning, the adventure gets under way with the option of joining the Benguela dive masters under the water. A current Padi Open Water 1 certificate is all that’s required, as the dive is an entry level one, in fairly shallow water.

For those who choose not to dive, it’s just as exciting to be on the boat waiting for the precious seabed gravel to be brought up to the surface. The gravel runs into a classifier that separates the larger stones from the gravel.

The remaining gravel is then ‘jigged’ which means that the diamonds are sorted from the gravel using a vibrating pan system. The heavier gemstones, such as garnets, olivines and diamonds, fall into the pan. Only then does the final sorting and grading process begin.

A gourmet lunch awaits you on the terrace of the villa after being on the sea. A private chef accompanies guests for the day to take care of all your culinary needs. Ellerman House villa guests will be accompanied by their personal in-villa chef.

In keeping with the coastal setting, we suggest a delicious seafood lunch of fresh line-caught fish or west coast crayfish, depending on the season. The gourmet lunch of your choosing is paired to award-winning South African wines, handpicked from Ellerman House’s exceptional wine collection.

After lunch it’s time to sort through the day’s richest pickings with an expert from Benguela’s sorting team, and learn more about the grading of diamonds. This is the magical moment to select your rough diamond to be cut, polished and set into a piece of jewellery at the design studio in Stellenbosch.

While nature determines the colour, carat-weight and clarity of a diamond, only a skilled craftsman can determine the cut, displaying the fire, sparkle and beauty of the diamond.

When a diamond is cut to perfect proportions – not too deep nor too shallow – light will reflect inside the stone and disperse through the top of the stone, giving it an inner radiance.

By late afternoon, guests are winging their way back to Cape Town aboard their private aircraft. Safely back at Ellerman House, guests round off the day by indulging in the hotel’s signature Dom Perignon Experience.

As the sun sinks into the ocean, pop the cork on a bottle of vintage Dom Perignon paired to a delicious bento box-style dinner prepared by the executive chef.

The idea to make the diamond safari accessible to discerning clients began with one man’s dream of expanding the diamond business beyond mining by taking ownership of each step of the process to ensure authenticity, quality and seamless service.

The man in question is Wynand Hendrikse, an experienced South African diamond diver for over 20 years, who launched Benguela Diamonds precisely to offer a complete service to his clients at Aphrodite Diamonds, the family run diamond and jewellery design studio he owns in Stellenbosch.

Not only does the company mine and dive its own diamonds, operating a private ocean concession on the west coast, it also has its own cutting works and goldsmith.

‘Mining our own diamonds gives us a very exclusive niche in a market where traceability has become extremely important. This not only certifies the origin of our diamonds, but is also a guarantee of fair working conditions in our concession,’ explains Wynand.

To his knowledge, Benguela Diamonds is the only company in the world which controls the entire journey of an ocean diamond, from mining to polishing to setting.

For visitors to Cape Town, the biggest advantage of investing in a diamond through Benguela is that it only takes three consecutive working days to get a diamond cut and polished, and a piece of jewellery designed, made and certified.

It’s a high-end example of a ‘one-stop shop’, is how Wynand sums it up. Recently opened, The Studio at Ellerman House, also offers a full range of Benguela Diamonds for the convenience of its guests.

Available for a maximum of 6 guests staying at Ellerman House, the trip includes the road transfers, return air transfer on a private jet, and all food and beverages including the Dom Perignon Experience at Ellerman House).

The price remains the same, regardless whether 2, 4 or 6 guests travel together. Note that the price excludes the cost of any diamonds purchased from Benguela Diamonds and also excludes the cost of designing and manufacturing a piece of jewellery.

Exploring the White Desert
The Ellerman House concierge team has been working hard to add new and innovative experiences to the ‘Exceptional Ellerman Experiences’ collection.

In addition to the one-of-a-kind Benguela Diamond Safari, we have now collaborated with the incredible White Desert – the only company in the world to fly into the interior of Antarctica in a private jet. A carbon neutral experience that is as luxurious as it is adventurous.

After arriving in Cape Town and enjoying a few days of complete relaxation at Ellerman House, you will be primed and ready to take on the ‘Greatest Day’ – a 24hr round trip to Antarctica.

Your Antarctic Adventure is set to depart in the African night on a private gulfstream jet for a quick 5.5hr flight. Travel over thousands of icebergs as you enter 24hrs of continuous sunshine.

Landing at the specially prepared ice runway, you will then be transferred by 4x4s to the magnificent Schirmacher Oasis. A land of cliffs, lakes and science bases – all of which will be explored throughout the day.

With an aim to spend 8hrs on the ground, you can partake in a host of activities ranging from completely gentle to as adrenaline-fueled as you wish. Expert guides are on hand to escort you every step of the way.

The day culminates with a gourmet Champagne dinner, in celebration of the spectacular setting that is the Antarctic. Landing back in Cape Town 24hrs later, nestle yourself into the crisp white sheets of your Ellerman House bed. Pinch yourself – it’s not a dream, you just experienced the greatest day.

If you don’t think 24hrs is enough to satisfy your need to explore the white desert, then consider going for the 4-Day or 8-Day experience.

Travel via private jet from Cape Town for 5.5hrs and land on the specialist runway amid the spectacular Wolf’s Fang mountain range in Antarctica. The afternoon is spent amongst kilometer high monoliths of rock, before connecting to Whichaway Camp – the only camp of its kind in the world.

Wake up at Whichaway Camp and select your activities for the day. Activities range from painting the beautiful vistas to learning how to rock climb on a nearby ‘Nunatak’ mountain.

Your third day is spent exploring Schirmacher Oasis – a rare stretch of terra firma surrounded by the ice cap of Antarctica.  Visit a nearby science base to learn more about the research and work happening in the world of discovery.

On the last day after a hearty breakfast, you board your final flight which crosses the Drygalski Mountains to the Wolf’s Fang runway. Enjoy a final Champagne celebration to salute your unforgettable trip to the last great wilderness on earth.

This luxury 8-day adventure takes you into the heart of Antarctica to see the Emperor Penguins, then on to the lowest point on earth – the South Pole.

After settling into Whichaway Camp and taking part in the various activities on offer for the first two days, day-3 will start with a short 2hr flight across Antarctica, landing at the Emperor Penguin colony.

You will be the only people to witness this incredible wildlife spectacle and be able to get up close and personal with these real-life stars of ‘March of the Penguins’. Day-4 marks the halfway point of your adventure and what better way to celebrate than exploring the ice waves beneath the camp?

Delving into the series of ice-tunnels that are as surreal as they are beautiful. The day ends with a visit to the nearby Russian science base to learn more about their work – followed by a sauna.

Day-5 is the day you journey to the South Pole – starting early morning by flying on a DC3 Bassler Turbo prop plane. The plane flies across stunning mountain ranges before landing at 83 degrees South to refuel.

Here you will have a chance to walk around the high polar plateau before continuing onto the pole. At the South Pole itself, you will have plenty time for photos and a tour around the base before camping down for the night.

After your night camping at the South Pole, you fly back to Whichaway Camp. The evening ends with a wonderful 3-course dinner and champagne to celebrate your achievement.

Enjoy talks delivered by the extremely experienced polar explore staff about the lesser known history of Antarctica and their world-breaking expeditions on day-7. Day-8 is your journey back to reality. Sad to leave, but excited to share your experience with whoever will listen.

Whether it is the 24hr, 4-day or 8-day voyage, stay at Ellerman House before and after to experience a truly unique adventure combining the best of both South Africa and Antarctica.

CITY ORIENTATION & BO-KAAP WALKING TOUR
This half-day tour puts guests in touch with the very earliest days of Cape Town. Visit the District Six Museum (and District Six, itself) and the Bo-Kaap, previously the old slave quarter.

Our specialist guide will help deepen your understanding of the city’s history through engaging with local families in the Bo-Kaap community. Bo-Kaap (roughly translated to High Cape) is aptly named as the small suburb that sits high on the slopes of Signal Hill, overlooking the Cape Town city bowl.

The very first fragment of land ‘gifted’ to the Muslim community by the Dutch, is easily identified by the colourful homes of the residents. Many theories linger as to the genesis of this animated colour palate chosen for the buildings, all of which will be delved into by your guide.

Experience true South African hospitality, while enjoying a delicious home-made meal. With pre-arrangement, you can join in the preparations and learn about the Cape Malay cooking techniques.

R44 MARINE 4X4 SAFARI & ELGIN VALLEY
The scenic R44 follows the coast all the way from Cape Town’s False Bay. Look out for whales and dolphins as you head towards Walker Bay – known for some of the best land-based whale-watching in South Africa.

On the way we’ll stop at Betty’s Bay to visit its resident colony of African penguins, plus the fascinating Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens, home to more plant species than any other garden in the world.

Your guide will show you how to make use of traditional plants, perhaps preparing fresh iced tea, as you explore the nature trails that lead up into Disa and Leopard’s Kloof.

Next, head inland into the Elgin Valley with its wealth of hiking and mountain bike trails. Our return to Cape Town brings us over Sir Lowry’s Pass, with incredible views across the city and back along the R44 coastal road.

This Private Cape Adventure is a superb way to experience some of the most beautiful and diverse regions in this Southern part of South Africa.

BEST OF THE CAPE TOUR
The definitive Cape Town tour, the Best of Cape Town encompasses all of the city’s top attractions and destinations.

From the beaches of Camps Bay and Hout Bay, to the quiet village of Noordhoek, beautiful Cape Point Nature Reserve and warm beaches of False Bay, as well as the award-winning wine region of Stellenbosch, you will be able to discover the many wonders of the Cape Peninsula and its many highlights.

CAMPS BAY & CHAPMAN’S PEAK
Situated along the Atlantic Seaboard, the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay have been awarded Blue Flag status, offering pristine white beaches and beautiful, clear waters that make these beaches highly popular as well as majestic coastal drive of Chapman’s Peak.

CAPE POINT
Cape Point and the spectacular nature reserve that lies in this area is one of the most famous landmarks in Cape Town, and for good reason. Cape Point is situated on the south westerly tip of the Peninsula. This area spans across landscapes such as rugged cliffs, lush fynbos and vast open spaces.

SIMON’S TOWN & PENGUIN COLONY
Simon’s Town is the seat of the SA Navy, and has a charming coastal town atmosphere and a vibrant history. Here you can find a thriving harbour and other attractions as well as Boulders Beach, which is one of the only places in the world that you can swim alongside penguins. (30min)

STELLENBOSCH REGION VISIT
The Cape Winelands is situated outside of Cape Town, and this is where you will find some of the country’s top wine estates. A number of wine varietals are produced here.

The town of Stellenbosch offers vibrant historical monuments and plenty more besides wine tasting, from exclusive cellar tours to various chocolate & cheese tasting with a chance to purchase wine at cellar prices.

Website: www.ellerman.co.za

Rooms: 13

Price: from 617 EUR per night