The advent of summer brought with it the good news that our borders are finally open for local and international travel, after nearly eight months.
President Ramaphosa confirmed last night that all international travel will resume subject to the traveller providing a valid certificate of a negative test which was obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel. International air travel is restricted to OR Tambo, King Shaka and Cape Town International Airports.
This will be particularly good news for those people facing a winter of discontent, in a manner of speaking, as a second wave of the coronavirus has caused major lockdowns in most European countries.
In South Africa, we have seen the number of daily confirmed cases reducing by 90% from 12 000 at the peak to 1 200, currently. In the Western Cape, it is substantially less. The total number of positive cases since the outbreak here stands at 118 583, of which only 3 299 are still active. Yesterday, only 133 new cases were reported in the whole province.
The advent of winter caused chaos in countries moving into that season, mainly as a result of congestion in public places, and natural ventilation being limited, leading to restrictive socialising regulations.
In South Africa, we are able to enjoy the great outdoors to the fullest extent after a particularly wet winter, which resulted in the fairest Cape in the world living up to its reputation. The annual Namaqualand floral extravaganza was the best in twenty years, and the mountains around Stellenbosch provided a spectacle and variety of proteas not seen in years.
Restaurants and wine farms offer safe, well-ventilated facilities to patrons who have suffered the congestion of lockdown for 231 long days and nights.
At 10 Alexander B&B, we spent the long layoff to prepare for when things return to normal. Or rather, the new normal.
All our staff attended the required training to conform to the World Health Organisation’s protocols, and limited access to business travellers allowed us to perfect our application of these in order to ensure the safety of both guests and staff.
We are blessed to stay in Stellenbosch, one of the most special places in the world. You too can share in this delight.
Whether fine dining, superb wine tasting, hiking in the mountains, e-biking around town or wine farms, or simply soaking up the sun is your thing, 10 Alexander B&B is the ideal location from which to enjoy the wonder that is the Western Cape.
We offer substantial discounts to guests who book directly with us. Coupled with favourable exchange rates, there are many reasons, other than escaping from a dreary winter, and the upsurge in Covid-19 infections, to re-visit South Africa’s premier tourism destination.
We have also relaxed our cancellation policy substantially. In the event of a cancellation as a result of Covid-19, the provision of documented proof will result in a 100% refund.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email us.
And, as always, a hundred thousand welcomes to 10 Alexander B&B.
Céad míle fáilte.