Seasons Greetings

From Christelle's Desk

Time really flew these past few weeks and sitting in the office today I can’t think about a better way to end the year than to visit one of the many exhilarating and fun-filled activities and attractions in the area!

What better way to enter the new year, than to spend it with friends and family while enjoying the many wonders that makes the Garden Route, Little Karoo, Route 62 and Overberg what it is today!

With activities ranging from quad biking, horse riding, canoe rides, strawberry picking to boat rides, game drives, and elephant rides; there is no reason to sit at home!

I wish all my readers a Merry Christmas and a 2008 that will be filled with love, happiness and health! May you be showered with success!

Remember that Lalakoi will still bring you all the hot and happenings in the new year so keep posted to our blogs!

Seasons greetings
Christelle Coetzee

Romonza - for a Seal Island trip you will never forget!

Is a three generation Klapwijk family run business that has been operating most successfully in Mossel Bay for over twenty five years. Romonza offers Seal Island Trips (all year round), Eco Ocean Trips (all year round), Sunset Cruises (November to April) and Boat Based Whale Watching with permit (July to October). Fully qualified Tourist Guides on all our boat trips.

Departs every hour on the hour from 10:00 to 16:00 all year round, other times can be arranged.
Running commentary on sights en-route

We depart from a comfortable harbour for Seal Island and stop for a fascinating closer look at 4000 seals - don't forget your camera!

For more information - click here

New Years Fest! @ Alpine Inn

COME AND EXPERIENCE TRUE GERMAN HOSPITALITY!

Alpine Inn invites you to their NEW YEARS Feast! Come sing and dance to an Oumpa band while indulging in their traditional German buffet.

The Alpine Inn is a unique establishment with a inviting atmosphere. This beautiful Hotel Village with tea garden and cosy bar is situated right opposite the entrance of the renowned Fancourt golf course.

The Inn offers reasonable priced lodging and a optional wholesome breakfasts described as a “total treat”. Their rooms are stylish and comfortable opening up on their own balcony with a variety of options available.

Alpine Inn’s offerings are not commonly found and is sure to entice you friendly German hospitality.
Soon to follow will be a 80 seater German style restaurant.

Contact us on Tel No: 044 870 7643

Carouse - December and January Program

If you are looking for a party Carouse is the place to be!

The interior is bright coloured with industrial elements and a 60s atmosphere. There are two bar areas, big screen TVs, large open spaces for dancing, comfortable seating inside and on the covered deck. And off course smoking and non smoking areas.

Open daily from 9am till late

Friday 7 December

Sasha Martinengo and Ian F together with PO-10-C host a 12PM party

Thursday 27 December

Party with DJ Paul Tavares

Friday 28 December

Booom Vol.3 Party with Paul Almeida and Zappa Sambucca

Foam Parties for December

Dates to be announced

Huge promotions all through December and January

For more information on Carouse -

click here

Garden Restaurant @ Leani Nursery

Leani Tuin Restaurant is located on the R102 between Great Brak River and Little Brak River. Leani’s is a brand new coffee shop/ restaurant offering visitors a variety of mouth-watering light meals and delicious home bakes.

This is the ideal restaurant if you just want to break away for a light meal or an afternoon tea with friends and family.

We also offer seating outside in the garden with the birds singing in the background and a secure play area for the young ones. Bring your friends and family and come and enjoy our Sunday Buffet Lunch. We offer a variety of menus to choose from. Bookings are advisable.

Click here for more information and contact details!

Experience Tranquillity at the Breede River Lodge

Experience Tranquillity at the meeting place of the Mighty Breede River and Mysterious Indian Ocean. Situated at Port Beaufort, Breede River Lodge is set upon the banks of Southern Africa’s richest fishing estuary, an unspoilt paradise of natural wealth and scenic wonder.

The Breede River Lodge offers deluxe rooms all en-suite with a private balcony, underfloor heating, satellite TV, coffee and tea making facilities, hairdryers, telephones and safes. Luxury self catering lodges are also available at the Breede River Lodge.

The Estuary Restaurant offers full South African & Continental Breakfasts, Light lunches and a la Carte Dinners. Famous for locally caught fish and Bouillabaisse du Cap.

The Fishersman’s Pub and terraces overlook our private harbour. Open daily for light lunches and refreshments. A private Swimming pool is available to our guests.

Click here for more information on Breede River Lodge

Honeymoon in South Africa at Tsitsikamma Lodge

Tsitsikamma Lodge is a three star lodge situated between the mountain and the sea. The lodge offers cosy log cabins set in the most beautiful part of the Garden Route.

The Lodge offers guests 32 log cabins with stunning mountain and forest views! All the cabins have their own spa-bath and a private deck, own barbecue facilities, mini fridge and a television with M-net. Tsitsikamma Lodge became a well-known honeymoon destination!

The Lodge is ideally situated between Port Elizabeth and George.

• Timber Log Restaurant
• Swimming Pool
• Games Room
• Forest Walks
• Conference Facilities
  

Click here for more information on Tsitsikamma Lodge

Spring Special at Oudtshoorn Hotel & Wilderness Beach Hotel, in the Garden Route

Visit the Oudtshoorn Hotel and Wilderness Beach Hotel now, for a relaxing break away!
With a number of activities and attractions in the area and perfect weather – this is the ideal time to pack your bags and make use of this great Spring Special!

Weekend Special
R650-00 per night per room Bed & Breakfast for 2 adults
* LADIES *Receive a free neck, back & shoulder massage

Mid Week Special
R550 per night per room Bed & Breakfast for 2 adults

Valid from September 2007 to November

For more information on Oudtshoorn Hotel
For more information on Wilderness Hotel

Bravo Festival @ Garden Route Casino

18 to 22 December 2007

Don’t miss out!

Tuesday 18 December 2007
Kurt Darren & The Campbells
As well as the Egoli Stars!
Entrance fees are R40 p.p. Children under 6 are free.

Wednesday 19 December 2007
Bravo! Christmas concert with Jannie Moolman, Matthys Roets & Rina Hugo!
As well as Christo & Cobus, Nic Stevens & Egoli Stars!
Entrance fees are R40 p.p. Children under 6 are free.

Thursday 20 December 2007
Juanita du Plessis & Jak de Priester!
As well as Christo & Cobus, Nic Stevens & Egoli Stars!
Entrance fees are R40 p.p. Children under 6 are free.

Friday 21 December 2007
Egoli & Friends Show!
Come and meet your favourite EGOLI STARS, MNet IDOLS winner as well as Amore Vittone, Arno Jordaan, Freid Nest & Klipwerf Orkes.
Entrance FREE!!

Saturday 22 December 2007
Bok van Blerk
As well as Christo & Cobus, Nic Stevens & Egoli Stars!
Entrance fees are R50 p.p. Children under 6 are free.

Gates open at 17:00 with a Food & Wine Festival!
Concerts from 19:30!

Exclusive mid-night lucky draw for guests to the concerts to the value of R5000.00!

For more information and contact details of the Garden Route Casino - click here

New at Diaz Beach!

Watersport

Jetskis & Hobie Cats
Luxury Yacht
Coming soon

Roelita…Diaz’ new 45 ft Catamaran
One of the only Day Charters built in SA.

Join us for a fabulous trip @ R180 per person Cruises daily.

Click here for more information on Diaz Strand

Summer Carnival @ Garden Route Casino

3 October 2007 to 30 January 2008
Stand to win CASH to the value of R30 000 every Wednesday…
R8 000 @ 13:30 and R22 000 @ 21:00!
Remember, your ticket stays in the bin for the 21:00 draw if you attend the 13:30 draw!
Stand to WIN 1 of 3 Toyota Yaris T1’s!
At the 21:00 draws on 14 November, 12 December & 9 January 2008.
On 12 December, during our BIRTHDAY BASH there will also be additional hourly bonus draws to the value of R5 000 each from 14:00 until 19:00!
Stand to WIN 1 of 2 exotic holidays for 2!
A trip for 2 to Zanzibar at the 21:00 draw at 5 December!
Carnival Fever Bonus Draws!
Additional hourly bonus draws to the value of R 3 500 each from 14:00 until 19:00 on Wednesday 28 November and 30 January 2008.
Every Wednesday @ 20:00
The ALL-OR-NOTHING Roll-over R2 000 DRAW!!

Click here for more information on the Garden Route Casino

South African Honeymoon – Looking for the ultimate honeymoon destination???

South Africa offers honeymooners a honeymoon destination with a difference. Come and build memories to last a lifetime under the African sun, in the African bush, along unspoilt white sandy beaches or in the bustling city life.

South Africa is the perfect honeymoon destination and all the different characteristics ensure that it is the ultimate getaway for honeymooners looking for a romantic and unforgettable vacation.

Sun drenched days along the unspoilt white sandy beaches, game drives at luxury Game Farms, romantic picnics and wine tastings in the Winelands, sundowners in Hot Air Balloons, horse riding – just to name a few of the things one can expect!

The area offers newly weds a wide variety of accommodation, ranging from elegant guest houses, luxury game lodges and luxurious hotels and resorts. Whether you are looking for 5 star treatments or are just looking forward to a quiet honeymoon – South Africa is the perfect destination. Make sure your honeymoon is unforgettable and start planning your dream honeymoon today!

Not only is South Africa the ultimate honeymoon vacation destination, it is also well known for weddings as well. With a number of outstanding wedding venues in the area, photographers, wedding planners and caterers – the dream wedding you have been dreaming about can now be a reality! Let us help you in creating an unforgettable memory!

Whether you are looking forward to a quiet and peaceful romantic honeymoon or an adventurous honeymoon – South Africa is the ideal destination:

Start planning your romantic honeymoon now!!
Go to our website for all the information you will need to plan your dream honeymoon!

http://www.gardenrouteaccom.co.za/

December Events @ De Dekke in the Garden Route

Sun drenched days along unspoilt white sandy beaches, exploring the Garden Route, sightseeing – to name a few of the fun adventures you can have on a summer’s day in the Garden Route!

But what to do when the sun goes down???

De Dekke Restaurant and Ladies Bar is the place to be!

This is the place to go when looking for a true family restaurant with live entertainment.

From 12 December 2007 you can look forward to a dance with a DJ every night!

Dance to popular South African bands!!

1 Dec – Christo & Cobus
8 Dec – Wynand Windpomp
15 Dec – Nic Stevens
22 Dec – Woonstel Broers
26 Dec – Duidelik Supergroep
29 Dec – Flashback
30 Dec – Flashback

De Dekke is open from Mondays to Thursdays from 11am to 10pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 11am to 11pm.

Click here for more information on De Dekke and contact details!

Hope to see you there! :)

Summer is ALMOST here!!!

Less than 2 months left of 2007 and by now everyone is getting ready for a long deserved holiday, or a short break away.

Whether you are one of those people how can spend hours on the beach or would rather prefer an adventurous outing the Garden Route, Klein Karoo and Route 62 is the ideal holiday destination.

The area of the Western Cape is a very diverse area and offers visitor to the area a true South Africa feeling, ranging from long white sandy beaches, indigenous forests, Karoo, winelands and lots more.

Also visit our website, http://www.gardenrouteaccom.co.za/, for updates on events & festivals in the area. And if you're not yet receiving our monthly newsletter - don't forget to subscribe on the main page of our website.

For accommodation an activities in the Garden Route, Little Karoo and Route 62 - visit

http://www.gardenrouteaccom.co.za/ today! And prevent the disappointment of late bookings!

Hope to see you soon in our beautiful area!!

From Christelle's desk

Hi everyone!

What an experience!

My weekend was everything I expected it to be and A THOUSAND TIMES MORE!

We left for Oudtshoorn at about 17:00 Friday afternoon. On arrival at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge we got a warm welcome and immediately felt welcome.

Our guide was already there to assist and welcome us at the parking lot. Our luggage was taken to our luxury tent and all we had to do was to enjoy the spectacular views from the elevated vantage point of the Lookout Lounge. The lounge offers a lovely big fireplace for those cold winter nights. Overlooking the beautiful dam next to which the whole Lodge was built, we sat and enjoyed the company of the friendly and professional staff of Buffelsdrift.

Buffelsdrift Game Lodge offers guests to this luxury game farm an Open-air bar, Gift Shop, Restaurant, Swimming Pool, Elephant Feeding Experience, Elephant Walk Safaris, Horseback Safaris and Bush Safaris.

You can enjoy a refreshing cocktail while overlooking the dam to the towering Swartberg Mountain in the background at the Open-air Bar. There is a gift shop located in the reception area that reflects the best of local arts and crafts. A variety of beautiful, stylish leather products and a range of clothing are also available.

The lodge offers guests 25-tented units. Each has its own wooden deck where guests can relax, admire the view and spot the game. You have a choice of Superior or Luxury accommodation.

The Superior Accommodation is situated on the waters edge with a wooden sundeck overlooking the dam, while the Luxury Accommodation is situated just a few meters away from the waters edge with beautiful mountain and dam views. All units offer fully en-suite bathrooms with a private outdoor shower with hot and cold water. The tent is equipped with a dual air-conditioning unit to cool you on those hot summer Karoo days & warmth on those chilly winter days. Also provided are tea/coffee facilities, digital safe, mini bar, hairdryer and telephone.

Saturday morning we had breakfast in The Buffelsdrift Restaurant. They had a bit of everything and we enjoyed our scrumptious meal while overlooking over the dam. The restaurant offers an à la carte or buffet menu that specializes in local Karoo cuisine – homemade preserves, chutney, and pickles – fresh produce and herbs from the area as well as a variety of freshly baked oven bread.

The selected wine list is a true representation of excellent South African wine and offers guests some of the best award-winning wines on the R62 – the longest wine route in South Africa.

This venue is available for functions – corporate as well as family celebrations – all year round

After our scrumptious breakfast, it was time to meet the 3 elephants on Buffelsdrift. With the elephant feeding experience we got the opportunity to interact and feed the elephants. Getting to know these gentle giants by name and their meanings from close up, feel the texture of their skin, scratch behind their ears and sit on an elephant’s knee, was an experience we will never forget. We even had the chance to see how our giant friends play soccer.

During our weekend at Oudtshoorn we also had the chance to visit Le Petit Karoo Ranch and Wilgewandel Holiday Farm.

We headed to Le Petit Karoo Ranch, only 4km from Buffelsdrift Game Lodge. Le Petit offers you horseback rides and whether it’s your first time near a horse or you are a professional rider, they will suit your needs. We walked the Labyrinth and for the first time in a very long time we experienced a peacefulness within us. Even after trying we couldn't’t think of anything. We relaxed in a way we never thought was possible. Labyrinths exist thousands of years and have been found on all the continents. They are meant to be walked silently as in an active meditation. The idea is that walking the pattern will bring balance back to your physical body. Le Petit Karoo Ranch offers you first and foremost an experience in nature, but with all the comfort you deserve! It is with great pleasure that Pascal and Florence will greet you at Le Petit Karoo Ranch.

Wilgewandel Holiday Farm is only 2km from the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn. Here we were greeted by 3 new members to the Wilgewandel Camel Family. The 3 new camels arrived last week and were still very new, but we are sure that Josef, Thabo and Nelson will soon feel as loved as the rest of the animals on the farm.

Our experience of the weekend at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, Le Petit Karoo Ranch and Wilgewandel Holiday Farm was one we will remember forever!

From Christelle's desk

Hi there,

It's another warm and sunny day in George and the Lalakoi girls are heading to Oudtshoorn after work. We are spending the night at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, Only 7km out of town.

I will report back to you after the weekend! I can assure you, it will be worth reading.

Enjoy your weekend!

Only one week to go till our July 2007 newsletter hits your mailboxes!
If you are not yet on our mailing list - visit www.saholidaydestinations.co.za and
subscribe there!

Till Monday then,

Christelle

From Christelle's desk

Hi everyone!

Today is another warm and sunny day here in the Garden Route of South Africa and doing some exploring is now high on my priority list. The thing is, even after living almost all my life in this beautiful area, there are still a lot of hidden secrets waiting to the revealed.

I will make it my mission to keep you informed of all the fun and exciting things that I am "discovering".
Like for instance, our visit to Assegaay Bosch Game Reserve in the Ladismith area about 2 weekends ago.
To read more about it - click here for my article on the experience and see some of the photo’s we took.

Well, I have to be off now. Enjoy your weekend and if you have not planned all the exciting things you want to do, have a look on our website for some inspiration!
www.saholidaydestinations.co.za

Have fun!
Christelle

Assegaay Bosch Game Reserve - a well kept secret on the Route 62

The Lalakoi Girls left George on Saturday morning for a weekend at Assegaay Bosch Game Reserve.
Assegaay Bosch is situated on Route 62 between Ladismith and Calitzdorp on over 10 000 hectares
of indigenous fynbos. We made our way over the Outeniqua Mountains, through Oudtshoorn,
to Calitzdorp and over 38km of the most scenic pass we had seen in a long time, the Rooiberg Pass.

As we entered the Reserve, we were greeted by an Eland and with quick reactions I managed to get a
photograph for our collection of the weekend. Colleen Smith, the Manager of Assegaay Bosch met us
at reception and escorted us to a stylish, yet comfortable thatched roofed cottage. Our cottage had
two bedrooms, each with en-suite bathroom and a cosy open plan kitchen and lounge area with a
fireplace to fight off the cold and even an air conditioner. One bedroom cottages are also available,
as well as loft rooms – ideal for larger groups.

After enjoying a cup of coffee and some of Anna’s Home Made Rusks on the stoep of the restaurant
overlooking the water holes, swimming pool and surrounding landscape we took our camera's and started
to explore! Assegaay Bosch Game Lodge also offers guests Bird watching, Game viewing, Fynbos viewing,
Hiking Trails, Fishing and Star-gazing.

First we took a walk around the water holes, capturing the magical tranquility and to warm up for
our mountain bike ride! What an experience – this is must for all!!!
By now exhausted by all the wonderful experiences and encounters of the afternoon we headed back to
our cottage to sit back, relax and enjoy the surroundings.

As the cottages each have a kitchen you may prepare your own dinner. We however headed to the restaurant.
With the fire crackling in the background we discussed our day and enjoyed the traditional
South African cuisine. An excellent selection of locally produced wines and ports are available to
complement the variety of dishes.

The game on the reserve includes Giraffe, Waterbuck, Kudu, Nyala, Red Hartebeest, Eland, Impala,
rare Cape Grysbok, Zebra, Duikers, the Agile Klipspringer and troops of Baboons. Occasionally one can
spot Caracals, Servals, Porcupines, Honey Badgers, Ant-eaters, as well as the occasional Leopard.
During our morning game drive with Jacques our guide, we spotted a number of the resident game. Half way,
we stopped for coffee, hot chocolate and rusks at a viewing point.

Back at the restaurant we had breakfast. By now the sun had made it's appearance and we could still see the
dewdrops on the plants. Walking to the Bamboo Garden we laughed all the way and realised that this
must be part of paradise. Going over a shallow stream we came across one of nature’s treasures, the Gorge
on the Reserve.

For lunch Colleen planned a truly Traditional South African braai in the Boma. Heading to the Boma we could
smell the aroma of the ‘braaivleis’. Once again we had a superb meal and enjoyed great company. After lunch
we had to say good-bye and head back home.
We had a wonderful time at Assegaay Bosch!

The facilities, service and hospitality at this Game Reserve are of the highest standards.

Truly a place where you arrive as a stranger and leave as a friend!

Here are some of the pictures we took on our weekend at Assegaay Bosch Game Reserve.

Utopia Farm Cottages – Special on accommodation

Self catering Lodge cabins at Herolds Bay , George, Garden Route
At Utopia Farm you can stay in a log cabin with modern amenities in a forest like setting.
Here you can relax in the tranquil atmosphere away from the rush of day to day live with out being miles away from civilization.
From May to July you can get one of there beautiful and tranquil cottages
for R250 or R350 per cottage.
This is a offer not to be missed!
For more information on Utopia Farm – click here

Garden Route Boutique Hotel & Spa – Special

Break away packages at this upmarket hotel & spa on the beach front in Mossel Bay
Romantic Weekend Breakaway
*Accommodation for 2 for a weekend
*With full English Breakfast
*The use of indoor Heated Pool & Sauna
*A Romantic Dinner for 2 in our Whispering Waves Restaurant – 3 course meal
*And a Pamper Hamper
Only R2060,00
Offer valid until 31 August 2007
For more information on the Boutique Hotel - click here

Milkwood Village – Accommodation Special

Self catering apartments in Wilderness , Garden Route South Africa
Only R125.00 per person sharing per night
Offer valid until the end of August 2007
Excluding School Holidays and long weekends
For more information click here

Limberlost Wilderness - Special

Self catering accommodation in Wilderness, Garden Route, South Africa

Only R299.00 per couple per night for any of our units
For more information on accommodation – click here

“Fees van die Ganse” – Gansbaai

On every first weekend of July every year, Gansbaai is home of the annual “Fees van die Ganse”. On average the festival attracts more than 10 000 visitors and offers something for young and old.

The festival is held in celebration of the origin of Gansbaai. In earlier days wild geese flocked to the freshwater spring located in the present harbour. Apart from the ‘Fees van die Ganse’ is also the Winter Fynbos Wildflower Show. The Festival offer you a multitude of activities from live music, boat trips, 4x4 adventures, food and craft stalls, soccer an much more!
Click here for your accommodation when visiting the Festival!

Whale Watching in Plettenberg Bay

The first Southern Right Whales have been seen along the Plettenberg Bay coast line.
These wonders of the ocean can be seen from the land but for a live changing experience you can join one of the Whale Watching companies in Plettenberg Bay who will take you on a boat trip where you can get as close as 50 meters from these mammals.
Or be at one with the ocean in a Sea kayak! Besides whale watching, Plettenberg Bay and the surrounding area offers you a variety of other activities and attractions.
Click here for more information on Ocean Blue Adventures
Click here for more information on Ocean Safaris
Click here for more information on Things to do in Plettenberg Bay
Click on the links below for accommodation in Plettenberg Bay and area.
B&B`s and Guest Houses
Resorts
Backpackers
Camping
Self Catering

Your holiday guide to the Garden Route, Klein Karoo & Route 62 of South Africa

Accommodation · Attractions · Activities · Tours · Restaurants

The one stop website where you will find a selection of accommodation, activities and restaurants in the
Garden Route and Little Karoo.
Towns that we cover include; George, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Storms River, Herolds Bay, Glentana, Great Brak River, Little Brak River, Hartenbos, Mossel Bay, Dana Bay, Still Bay,
Oudtshoorn and Port Elizabeth.
For holiday and business travel we offer you a large range of accommodation from;
luxury to basic accommodation in B&B’s, Guest Houses, Hotels, Guest Farms, Game Farms, Resorts, House Boats, Camping Sites and self catering houses and flats.