Madibas Tide Country Hotel - Knysna

Madibas Tide offers an unparalleled romantic hideaway. Champagne and spa baths is only the beginning of the spoils at Madibas.

Our 13 luxurious rooms include extra long, feather-filled beds; several include spa baths,air-conditioning,wood burning fireplaces and private balconies. The heated swimming pool is kept at a comfortable temperature.

At Madibas Tide you decide what to do. Relax at the hotel or experience the richness of the Garden Route. Our 13 luxurious rooms/suites include extra-long queen size beds, several include spring water spa baths and private balconies.

Imagine a country lodge that says "Welcome" from every enchanting corner of its century old buildings - a place where friendliness is reflected in every room - a tranquil haven with the appearance of an exclusive retreat yet open to all seeking hospitality and luxurious country living. Click here for more information

Gansbaai – Big 2 Town of South Africa

Gansbaai – Overberg – Western Cape – South Africa
Gansbaai is situated only 165km from Cape Town and is ideally situated to explore the Overberg from. Gansbaai is well-known for the Great White Sharks that ensure you of an experience of a lifetime. It is not only the Great White Sharks that makes this any adventure seekers paradise, but is also known for the unspoilt beaches, nature reserves with over 1500 species of Fynbos, ancient Milkwood forests, rocky inlets, caves and spectacular views across Walker Bay. It’s a well known whale watching and great shark viewing destination.

The Gansbaai Festival takes place annually in July in the Gansbaai Harbour and the Winter Fynbos (Wild flower) show is a great attraction not to be missed.

WHALE WATCHING & SHARK CAGE DIVING IN GANSBAAI
Join Marine Dynamics & Dyer Island Cruises for an unforgettable experience on the waters of Gansbaai!
For more information on Marine Dynamics & Dyer Island Cruises click here

ACCOMMODATION IN GANSBAAI
Stone House Guest Lodge is divided into 3 separate units - each furnished and equipped with all modern amenities! Stay in comfort! Enjoy the breath taking sea views from your unit!
* Breakfast can be arranged at additional costs.*
For more information on Stone House Guest Lodge click here

Whales! Whales! Whales!

Hermanus – Western Cape – South Africa
Hermanus is only 120km from Cape Town. This is coastal town is known for boat and land based whale watching from June to November when the Southern Right Whales visit Walker Bay. The long white beaches (more than 40km of walks & activities) make this a popular destination for nature lovers.

The town of Hermanus is known as the best land-based whale watching destination in the world. But Hermanus is not only well known for the whales, but shark cage diving is also a popular activity in this town!

Abalone Guest Lodge is an unusually artistic and unique guesthouse situated on Sievers Point, a landmark beachfront position midway between the town centre and beautiful white beaches of Hermanus.

Abalone Guest Lodge offers an outstanding opportunity to watch Whales thanks to the well-known scenic cliff path. Come and stay with us in comfortable, tastefully decorated en-suite accommodation that offers you every luxury and stunning all round views of Walker Bay and the mountains.

For more information and contact details on Abalone Guest Lodge click here

Stylish Self Catering Accommodation in Wilderness, South Africa

Wilderness – Garden Route – Western Cape – South Africa
The picturesque coastal village of Wilderness, only 17km from George along the N2, is a true playground for outdoor lovers!

Clairewood is situated in the tranquility of the Outeniqua Mountains and surrounded by indigenous forest which is home to nearly 200 species of birds and wildlife such as monkeys, bushbuck, porcupine, bushpig and occasional otters.

Clairewood offers 2 serviced self catering chalets each with two bedrooms; king-size or twin (sleeps 4 per chalet). Each unit has a stylish bathroom with shower and bath facilities and an open plan well equipped modern kitchen with oven, microwave and refrigerator.

The lounge with full satellite television and cozy fireplace has breathtaking views of the lush green surrounding hills and nearby Outeniqua Mountains and leads through stack-away doors to the patio with built-in barbeque.

Guests can enjoy a fun game of tennis without leaving the estate, take a refreshing swim in the pool or take a walk through the indigenous forest that meander along the banks of the Silver River.

For more information and contact details on Clairewood click here

Self Catering Accommodation in Cape Town

Cape Town – Parow North - Western Cape – South Africa
The Mother City of South Africa is regarded as one of the most beautiful places around the world. This diverse city offers a multitude of entertainment ranging from outdoor adventures, white sandy beaches, night life, flea markets, shopping malls and much more!

Smithlands Holiday Apartments is the ideal base to explore this beautiful area from.
Smithlands offers you comfortable, luxury, 3 star, self catering apartments.Smithland Holiday Apartments offer you all the convenience and luxury of a guesthouse. Here you have the benefit of fully equipped self catering units, where you can plan your own day.

Our apartments are situated in a security complex, named Olympia in Parow North, in the heart of the Northern Suburbs and within 3 to 20 minutes from Cape Town Centre, The Waterfront, Century City, Ratanga Junction, the nearest beaches, as well as restaurants, shopping centres and public transport.

We can offer you a very convenient shuttle service from the airport or bus station. Smithland also offer car rental at very competitive prices. Baby car seat available!

Book your accommodation at Smithlands Holiday Apartments today and be assured of a relaxing stay!

* Only 15 minutes drive from Cape Town International Airport *

For more information and contact details on Smithlands Holiday Apartments click here

Shark Cage Diving and Whale Watching Tours

Marine Dynamics & Dyer Island Cruises are located at the Great White House in Kleinbaai. We are situated approximately 180km south east of Cape Town (driving time about 2 hrs).

DYER ISLAND CRUISES - WHALE WATCHING TRIPS:
Dyer Island Cruises offer exciting and informative eco-tours around Dyer Island all year (excluding May). Between July and December we combine the Island experience with boat- based whale watching.

Our whale watching trips are considered not just magical but rewarding too, and are sure to capture everyones imagination. We can guarantee Southern right whale sightings between July and December.

Dyer Island is located 8 km from shore and is completely protected for the conservation of its many resident bird species, including African penguins. Adjacent to Dyer Island is Geyser Rock, home to a 60,000 strong Cape Fur Seal colony. These seals are also present all year round. The channel of water between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock is the now world renowned Shark Alley. This channel is part of our trip. On our whale watching and Dyer Island trips we also see: Great white sharks, Brydes whales, Humpback whales, Southern giant petrels, Cape gannets and Dolphins. Each trip is led by experienced marine guides who will share their knowledge with you, keeping emphasis on the welfare and conservation of the animal.

MARINE DYNAMICS - SHARK CAGE DIVING TRIPS:
Breakfast (included in the price) is provided at the restaurant before the boat launch. Every trip is preceded by a brief introductory talk about the route and what to look to out for. Passengers are fitted with comfortable inflatable life-jackets. Safety is of the utmost importance. We have extensive public liability insurance.

We usually launch around 9:00 am in the morning (note that launching times may vary due to tide and weather conditions), arriving at the anchoring spot in 20 to 25 minutes. The anchor is lowered, the cage goes into the water, a scent trial is made, and we settle down. On our way back to land, we make a stop at Dyer Island to view African penguins, Cape cormorants and many other species. We also often spot giant petrels, Cape gannets, white chinned petrels and storm petrels. After about 3 to 4 hours, depending on the day, we head back to land.

The Great White House offers bathroom facilities, as well as a restaurant and gift shop, where you can relex before or after your trip!

Easter Special @ La Verne Wine Boutique

La Verne is a special wine experience in the heart of Robertson on the Route62. You can look forward to mouth-watering cheeses, innovative wine accessories and gifts in store.
We supply wines for weddings and special functions. By shopping with us you can be sure of a great variety of quality wines and expect value for your money.

Easter Special
Are you planning a long Easter Weekend with the family at a fun destination? Here are some wines to take with to relax and enjoy …

Weltevrede Tricolore White @ R29.00
(Blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Colombar & Semillon Grapes)
BUY TWO AND GET ONE FREE

Mooiuitsig African Red @ R29.90
(Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot)
BUY ONE AND GET ONE FREE

Du Von Sauvignon Blanc @ R31.50
(Fynbos flavours)
BUY ONE AND GET ONE FREE

Du Von Cabernet Sauvignon
(Soft fruity flavours)
WAS: R37.80 NOW: R32.15

Buffalo Creek Merlot @ R30.00
(Soft Tannins with fruity flavours)
BUY TWO AND GET ONE FREE

Buffalo Creek Rosé @ R24.00
(A Natural Sweet Rosé, made from Petit Verdot)
BUY TWO AND GET ONE FREE

Now in stock again: McGregor Colombar @ R21.00 & Bon Courage Inkara Shiraz @ R85.00
Contact La Verne Wine Boutique to order today!

Click here for more information on La Verne Wine Boutique

Only three weeks left until the long awaited March/April holidays! This year the March holiday was worth the wait, seeing that we have an extra long holiday stretching from the 21st of March to the 13th of April 2008. Make a stop at the Annual ABSA Klein Karoo National Arts Festival held in Oudtshoorn from the 21st to 29th of March 2008.

Start planning that well deserved holiday NOW! Visit www.gardenrouteaccom.co.za for all the information that you will need while planning - ranging from accommodation, activities, restaurants and lots more, or feel free to contact us directly.

In this month's edition:
- Featured Town of the Month – Barrydale * Route 62 * South Africa
- Warmwaterberg Spa
- Karoo Saloon
- The Blue Cow Coffee Shop
- Tradouw Quads
- Jamstreet – Oudtshoorn accommodation
- Salon Mareese – relaxing sculpt massage
- La Vita – lounge and bar in George
- The Bush Lapa at Herolds Bay Eco Resort
….and much more!!!

We hope that you will enjoy this edition and we would like to welcome you to our beautiful and diverse area. Click here view the March 2008 edition of 'Your invitation to the Garden Route, Klein Karoo and Route 62' or paste this link to your browser:http://www.lalakoi.com/newsletter/mar08.htm

If you enjoy our newsletters and know of anyone who might also benefit from it and enjoy receiving our monthly newsletters please forward this e-mail to them and ask them to subscribe.

Lalakoi Greetings,
Hanno, Jenny, Wilma & Christelle Coetzee

Barrydale - featured town of the month!

The town of Barrydale is nestled at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains between the fertile Tradouw Valley and the semi-arid Little Karoo. With the spectacular views, mountain passes, scenic walks, bird watching and healthy country climate; you will fall in love with this romantic area!
On the 3rd of March, Wilma and I, (The Lalakoi girls) packed our bags and headed to this famous town in the Route 62 of South Africa.And now back in the office again it’s time to report back to you, our loyal readers.

On our way to the Warmwaterberg Spa, situated between Ladismith and Barrydale, we went through the scenic Huisriver Pass just outside of Calitzdorp. Although they are busy working on this pass, there is no reason not to travel this way. The stops aren’t that long and it just givesyou the chance to relax and take in the scenic beauty that the area offers. Like the saying goes, “stop and smell the roses.”

At the Warmwaterberg Spa we were greeted with true country hospitality. The Warmwaterberg Spa is a hot mineral spring situated between Barrydale and Ladismith on the Route 62 from Oudtshoorn to Cape Town. The Spa offers you country hospitality at a slow pace, tranquillity, wide open spaces and steaming hot water to restore body, mind and soul.

Warmwaterberg Spa offers you a variety of accommodation options ranging from Timber Chalets, mobile homes, a Bath House with 2 roman baths and camping facilities. A restaurant, kiosk, hot & cold outdoor pools, hiking trails and conference facilities all contributes to a memorable stay!

Heading towards Barrydale the next morning, we stopped at a cosy little coffee shop called, The Blue Cow Coffee Shop. This coffee shop is ideally situated just as you enter Barrydale, and with the Blue Cow on the sign boards, showing you the way, there’s no reason not to turn off for a breakfast, light meal of something sweet. The Blue Cow is situated on what is known as the Barrydale Waterfront.

On your way to Montagu you will find Karoo Saloon, a biker’s theme stopover Pub n Grub also offering accommodation for up to 20 people. Here you can enjoy a meal, cool off in the pool or sit and enjoy the company of friends on the deck overlooking the beautiful area.

Only a few minutes drive from Karoo Saloon is Tradouw Quads, a well known activity in the Barrydale area. Here you can enjoy an Eco Friendly Quad Bike Tour in the Barrydale district. These tours are for sightseers and nature lovers and are suitable of beginners and the experienced riders.

Remember that Route 62 is the ideal road to travel on when heading to the KKNK in Oudtshoorn that is held on 21 to 29 March 2008. With all these great places to stop when heading through Barrydale, there is no reason to drive pass this gem of Route62.

Visit www.gardenrouteaccom.co.za for more information on Barrydale and surroundings