Jukani Predator Park, Mossel Bay

Jukani Predator Park, Mossel Bay is the only facility of its kind on the Garden Route and guarantees an experience of a lifetime to our guest. The Park is home to lions, white lions, cheetahs, bengal tigers, leopard (Spotted and Black), jaguar, caracal, serval cats, wild dogs, hyenas and jackal species. All are wild animals, none have had their spirits broken, none have been tamed, and yet when you see how they welcome and accept Jurg, Karen and their staff amongst them, you will begin to realize that something very special happens here between predator and man! The enclosures have been designed to allow the animal friends optimum space to play, run and even hide from human eyes if they so feel.

Guided tours are at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00 daily, including Sundays. A tour lasts approximately one hour and you are guided through the park by a highly skilled and very motivated guide who will not only give you an insight into all the animals at Jukani Predator Park, but enable you to gain a better understanding of these creatures in the wild.

After the tour, you are welcome to stay at Jukani Predator Park for as long as you like, our snack bar serves cold drinks, coffee and tea and snacks, and our curio shop is well stocked with mementos of your visit.

Photo opportunities with the younger animals are always a pleasure!

Gates open at 09:00 and close at 17:00.
Jukani is now located on the N2 on route to Cape Town, just 200m from the Total Garage, outside Mossel Bay

For more information and contact details please click here.

The Lofts Boutique Hotel - Sumptuous Lofts Winter Warmer

A TRANQUIL BOUTIQUE Hotel situated at the waters edge in South Africa’s favourite town Knysna. To make it more enticing - we would like to offer: 4 nighs Accommodation for 2 adults including Breakfast and lots of extra’s

* Four Nights Luxurious accommodations in one of our Luxury Loft Rooms with a far-distant view of the Knysna lagoon for 2 adults sharing incl. breakfast at famous ile de païn and pay for only three nights.

* An warm turn-down gift on your first night consisting of a full bodied Red Wine from one of South Africa’s finest vine yards and mouth-watering rich homemade chocolate from île de païn to warm you on those cold winter’s nights.

* A special sweet surprise and full creamed Cape Ruby Port with romantic candle light as turndown gift on your last night at The Lofts.

* An R 200.00 dinner voucher contribution for two adults, to use at any of the four quintets of cuisine restaurants during any of the four nights staying at The Lofts. Complimentary restaurant transfer (for restaurant selections situated in the Waterfront only).

* Le Spa Tranquill - His / hers 30 minute Hydrotherapy Bath for two including natural therapy bath oils and a steaming sauna session for two, ideally to drive away the cold winter shivers.

* Combine the 30 min Hydrotherapy Spa Bath with a Full Body Massage instead of the Sauna and save R 95.00 per person on the normal price.

R 3600.00 incl. Vat – Hydro Spa Bath & Sauna

R 4200.00 incl. Vat – Hydro Spa Bath & Full Body Massage

Valid from 01 September 2008 until 31 August 2009 only, subjected to availability

For more information on the Lofts Boutique Hotel and contact details please click here.

June 2009 Interior Design ideas from Helene Coertze

WEIRD AND WONDERFUL
A strong design message- go wild or go home!

Bring in some cheek and fun by introducing some of the following trendy suggestions in your interior environment:

GENERAL:
* Black and white is taken a tenacious leap into the main spotlight… in everything from fabrics, rugs, wallpapers, bedlinen and flooring
* Gloss and sheen by using metallic threads, brilliantly interwoven into both natural and synthetic base fabric, for cushions, ottomans and head boards.
* Return of romance - creators of exquisite comfort – oversized chairs with names like The Orchid Sofa!

FLOORS:
* Pattern is the thing – from wall-to-wall carpeting and rugs through to parquet. In soft flooring, it’s anything from giant florals and fashionable stripes to weird and wonderful designs reminiscent of marbled paper.
* Any colour - from exquisitely jeweled brights, stimulating blues to seductive green to give the flooring palette a glamorous and powerful design message.

FURNITURE:
* A tendency to weird and futuristic designs (see Alien Coffee table and Nouvelle
Vague’s chair and Ottoman)
* Clean Scandinavian lines and designs from before World War Two by designs from Isamu Noguchi.
* A furniture piece can act as an art piece –An “off the hook” design has the dynamic ability to make a space interesting.

LIGHTING:
* From chandeliers made of baked mud to crystals – make your choice!!


Article supplied by Helene Coertze from De Brak Gallery & Heleen Coertze Interiors in Great Brak River / Mossel Bay.

Visit Oudtshoorn – Klein Karoo

Situated between the Outeniqua and Swartberg Mountains Oudtshoorn is the Ostrich capital of the world. Oudtshoorn is rich in culture and history. A number of the original sandstone ostrich palaces in the town of Oudtshoorn and surroundings is proof of the booming ostrich industry of the early twentieth century.

During March/ April each year Oudtshoorn hosts the annual Klein Karoo Nasional Arts Festival.(KKNK) During this festivals visitors and locals can enjoy typical South African art, culture, music, cuisine and hospitality!

Outshoorn offers a number of activities and attractions including the world famous Cango Caves and Wilgewandel Holiday Farm about 20 minutes drive from the centre of town. The Cango Wildlife Ranch and Buffesdrift Game Lodge is also on this route. At the Cango Wildlife Ranch you can discover animals seldom seem, giving you a thrill of a lifetime. Experience a tour of fact and fable with guides as they venture into the crocodile enclosures, visit the snake park & catch a bird’s eye view of the family of big cats. Buffelsdrift Game Lodge offers a unique bushveld experience in the Little Karoo. Various options of game viewing offered by trained guides; Bush Safaris in open game vehicles, guided Nature trails, Horseback safaris and Elephant walks.

Bushman Curios offers you a range of Ostrich Leather products, Ostrich Feather products and Ostrich Eggs. Also Lion Rugs, Shoulder Mounts and Antelope Skins, Semi-precious Stone Articles and Gold Jewellery collections.

Tantinki Goatsmilk Products produce 13 different types of cheese in 17 flavour, butter, yoghurt, fudge, ice cream and even soap. Visit our Country Shop at 45 Langenhoven Road, Oudtshoorn.

Now is your chance to experience the unique sensation of a Hot Air Balloon trip with Oudtshoorn Ballooning. The panoramic view of Oudtshoorn and the majestic Swartberg mountains will stay in your memory forever.

Hurry and hug a bird at Highgate! Visit Highgate Ostrich Show Farm, here you will have great fun learning more about the largest bird on earth. Tours takes 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours. Open from 7h30 to 17h00 daily, including Sundays and public holidays.

When in Oudtshoorn visit The CP Nel Museum at 3 Baron van Reede Street, one of the best small town museums. The museum’s main theme is the ostrich industry, focusing on the ostrich feather boom period (1900 – 1914). Also visit Le Roux Town House Museum at 147 High Street.

Visit the Kango Wijnhuis in Van der Riet Street in Oudtshoorn and discover the best wines in the Klein Karoo. Here you will find a wide range of award winning dry and sweet Wines, Brandies and Liqueurs. Wine sales and tasting Mon - Thurs 8am – 5pm, Friday 8am – 4:30pm and Sat 9am – 1pm.

Relax in the romantic and welcoming atmosphere of Nostalgie Coffee Shop and Restaurant at 74 Baron van Reede Street whilst enjoying true South Africa hospitality and traditional South African cuisine. Also visit our gift shop

Old Mill Restaurant is the only A la Carte Restaurant who specialize in Rooibok, Springbok, Kudu, Ostrich and much more! Enjoy your meal while viewing our tame game. Located on the R328 15km out of Oudtshoorn.

Accommodation in Oudtshoorn is available in B&B’s, Guest Houses, Lodges, Hotels, Resorts, Camping Sites, Guest Farms, Game Farms and Game Lodges as well as in self catering cottages and apartments.

For more information on Things to do & places to visit in Oudtshoorn click here.

For more information on Dining out in Oudtshoorn click here

For more information on Venues in and around Oudtshoorn for weddings, conferences and other functions click here.

For more information on accommodation in Oudtshoorn click on the links below:
B&B and Guest Houses
Camping
Game Lodge
Hotels
Resort
Self Catering

Winter Special at Paddy’s Place Guest House – Mossel Bay

The centrally located Paddy’s Place Guest House in Mossel Bay offers four bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms. Paddy’s Place Guest House is the ideal place to stay in Mossel Bay!

Winter Special:
5% discount on B&B accommodation for a booking of 2 nights or more for period 1 July to 30 September 2009

For more information on Paddy’s Place Guest in Mossel Bay click here.

Winter Special at Kwelanga Country Retreat – George

Kwelanga Country Retreat is situated 5km outside George. Accommodation is offered in log cabins, each one with its own private deck and sea view! Kwelanga Country Retreat also offers a restaurant and venue for weddings, conferences and parties.

Winter Special – June, July & August
R250 per person sharing per night – breakfast included.

For more information on Kwelanga Country Retreat and contact details click here

WINTER WONDERS = SOURCE, COVER UP, LAYER AND COMBINE

SOURCE:

- One stunning timeless piece of furniture in each room!
- An oversized black and white photo on canvas in the lounge
- An Ellen Grey glass-top table
- A retro fifties chair from a second hand shop with a veneer bronze or gold finish can look surprisingly stylish .
- An unusual coffee or unpair bedside tables

COVER UP:
- Loose covers for couches - an old idea with a contemporary freshness
- Create a complete new look- loose cushions in now colours,
- Slipcovers - give your worn-out jerseys or denims a new purpose
- Cover your walls in darker shades – or at least introduce one seductive, deep luxurious wall-colouring in red or
aubergine.
- Use wallpaper abundantly – from headboards to screens

LAYER: - Layering textures and solids for a sophisticated impression
- Proudly introduce grandma’s crochet blanket with its subtle harmony of hues.
- Layer tones of russet, faded gold, instead of last seasons’s silver Burned marmelade and cocoa combined with
faded aqua are wow factors.
- Layer a colourful retro look with flamboyant colours and crazy shapes.
- The revival of patchwork, knitwear and crochet is making a homely comeback!
- Layer your bed linen - delicate appliques on bed linen, chic blankets, “fur” throws, hand crocheted lampshades to
Marcel Wanders crochet-inspired side tables!

COMBINE INTERIOR TRENDS TO GET AN UP-DATE LOOK!!!

Article supplied by Helene Coertze from De Brak Gallery & Heleen Coertze Interiors in Great Brak River / Mossel Bay.