From Christelle’s desk

I almost can’t believe that March is a thing of the past. Time really flies when you are having fun hey! The extra long March/April holidays is also soon over, but don’t despair…now is a good time to start planning your next breakaway.

Not only is April a beautiful time of the year to visit the Garden Route, Little Karoo, Route62 and Overberg weather-wise, but there is also a number of great specials.

For more information on the specials & Events and Festivals, great ideas on where to go for your next breakaway – SUBSCRIBE TO OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER on www.gardenrouteaccom.co.za.

The newsletter will be coming out soon – so hurry hurry hurry!

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

Malagas Hotel - Swellendam

Built in 1996, Malagas Hotel is a 51 - room "Old Cape", styled establishment, as well as 6 cabins on the Breede River Queen houseboat, which provides elegant accommodation, well-prepared meals and old- fashioned hospitality. Our top priority is to provide our guests with tranquility and relaxation, that "home-away-from-home" atmosphere and complete peace of mind during your stay with us. For more information click here

Swallows Nest Country Cottages

We extend a very warm welcome to you at Swallows Nest Country Cottages, situated in the heart of the Tsitsikamma in the quaint village of Storms River. We offer you a lovely peaceful and comfortable base to enjoy your holiday, surrounded by forests and mountains and the sea a short drive away. Ideal for nature lovers, enjoy peaceful walks in the unspoilt Tsitsikamma Forests or Tsitsikamma National Park or do unusual activities such as the Treetop Canopy Tours, Tsitsikamma Falls Zipline, the worlds highest Bungy Jump off the Bloukrans Bridge, the attractions are many! For more information click here

Feathers Gallery - Knysna - South Africa

Feathers of Knysnas story began more than 21 years ago in the picturesque coastal town of Knysna. Situated along the famous South African Garden Route, Knysna has a rich heritage of artists, and is a town particularly well known for its carved wooden bird industry, which was started by Feathers in 1986.

A modest start indeed, the first bird being carved on a dining room table with rudimentary tools. The original collection comprised of 14 different carvings, now numbering some 300 collectable and limited edition figurines.

Originally, Feathers of Knysna specialized only in wooden birds, but as the company grew, the product range expanded to include various other products, made with equal attention to quality and detail. The range now includes ceramic castings of wildlife, ceramic birds, cats and an incredible range of wooden birds and animals crested with fine pewter heads.
For more information & contact details - click here

Valentine’s Special at House of Flavour Coffee Shop & Eatery in George

Come to House of Flavour for a romantic candle light dinner. For only R130 per person, you will have a magical evening that you will never forget!

Free

Welcome Starter on arrival “Cherry bomb” cocktail or a cranberry cocktail – served with watermelon bites.

Starter

Toasted White Rock, on mini paninis – served with fresh herb salad, biltong, nuts, strawberry, dried cranberries and a berry vinaigrette to compliment the dish (If vegetarian leave out the biltong

Main Course (Your choice of one)

* Roasted chicken breast fillets – served with a carrot and springonion mash, asparagus spears black mushroom, red sweet peppers and a creamy garlic and smoked paprika sauce to compliment the dish.

* Slow roasted deboned leg of lamb, served with a beetroot and mint springroll. Oven roasted baby potatoes, baby honeyed and lemon thyme carrots and fine green beans.

Dessert

Chocolate fruit pizza- A totally luscious dessert with lots of fresh fruit – served with ice cream or fresh whipped cream.

Coffee

Book now for a special evening only R130.00 per person. Fully licensed

For more information & contact details –

click here

Special Valentines Day – Karaoke Evening at Carouse

Come and impress your lover with a song at Carouse in George. On the 14th of February 2008 are having a Karaoke Evening.

Thursday 14 February

Bar Specials
Promotions
And cool prizes!

For more information & contact details – click here

Valentine’s Dinner @ Protea Hotel King George

Bring your Valentine to the Protea Hotel King George for a Valentine’s Dinner in the beautiful setting overlooking the famous George Golf Course.

Valentine’s Dinner
14 February 2008 Starts at 19:00
R155.00 per person
If you have any special requests for us to assist in making your evening even more romantic: please contact us and we’ll gladly make a memorable evening filled with MAGIC!

For more information and contact details on the Protea Hotel King George – click here

Valentine’s Day @ Diaz Beach Hotel & Resort

For an unforgettable Valentine’s Day, bring your loved one to the Rosebud Restaurant or the Bahia Dos Vaqueiros Restaurant at the Diaz Beach Hotel & Resort in Mossel Bay.

Rosebud Restaurant
* 3-Course set menu @ R125 per person *
A glass of Champagne on arrival.
Stand a chance to win a prize in our Valentine’s Lucky draw.

Bahia Dos Vaqueiros Restaurant – Mossel Bay’s Premier Fine Dining Restaurant
* 3-Course set menu @ R170 per person *
Or stay the evening all inclusive @ R650 per person
A glass of Champagne on arrival, as well as a beautiful red rose for all our lovely ladies and a gift for the men.
Stand a chance to win a prize in our Valentine’s Lucky Draw.
Live Entertainment

Book Now to avoid disappointment
Tel No: (044) 692 8400
For more information on the Diaz Beach Hotel & Resort – click here

Invitation to the Garden Route, Little Karoo & Route 62 of South Africa

The Lalakoi Team is proud to present you with the February issue of the Lalakoi E-Newsletter. We offer you a multitude of romantic places to visit and a Valentine’s Special.

Not only is February known for Valentine’s Day, but it is also the month with the best weather in the Garden Route! With beautiful summer’s days and clear skies, now is the ideal time to plan a break-away to our beautiful area! Don’t miss out on your dream vacation – it is just waiting for you to grab it.

In this month's edition:
- De Vette Mossel
– Beach Seafood Restaurant
- Qiang Tents & Events
- ProTours Coach Charters
- The Alpine Inn – German hospitality in George
- Madiba’s Tide Country Hotel in Knysna
- Southern Comfort Western Horse Ranch
- Ama Sun Bed and Breakfast in George
….and much more!!!

Enter our February Newsletter Competition and stand the chance to win two nights accommodation for two at the Diaz Strand Hotel & Resort.

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 February 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/feb08.htm

If you enjoy our newsletters and know of anyone who might also benifit 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

Tradouw Quads - Barrydale

Come and join us on an Eco Friendly Quad Bike Tour in the Barrydale district on Route 62. Our tours are for sightseers and nature lovers. Experience nature in a unique, healthy and thrilling way. Trips are for beginners and the experienced.

An orientation session will take place before we start any tour. Nine, 160CC Suzuki Semi Automatic Quad bikes are available but you are also welcome to bring you own bike. For more information & contact details - click here

Qiang Tents & Events

Qiang is affiliated with Freeform Tents and Canopies CC, and takes pride in hiring and rigging the innovative stretch fabric tents along the Garden Route and throughout the Western Cape. The extensively researched and carefully designed stretch fabrics and rigging gear used to create Freeform tents allow us to shape and construct striking, waterproof tents that will transform your visions into reality.

Our stylish tents even take care of unpredictable weather, providing elegant shelter come rain or shine!

For more information and contact details - click here

Lightleys Ultimate Honeymoon Special

A different experience to those who need a little more than a honemoon. Romantic, adventurous and the ultimate relaxation.

Includes:
* 4 Nights onboard a houseboat.
* A Bottle of Champagne, oysters and flowers on arrival
* Suppers and 3 Breakfasts onboard.
* A Canoe for a romantic upriver cruise and a picnic basket.
* SPA Treatment – 1 hour Full Body Hot Stone Therapy
* 20 min Spa bath with a bottle of sparkling wine.
* Elephant park visit

High Season: R 7 750 Low Season: R 6 776

Price excluding fuel and refundable security deposit. Valid from 1st March 2008 to end Feb 2009 Excluding Peak Season – Subject to availability

For more information and contact details - click here

De Vette Mossel - superb seafood

Kick off your shoes! Sip some wine, gaze over the ocean and enjoy seafood in abundance!

De Vette Mossel offers much more that superb seafood - this is an experience - in unusual and informal surroundings - with traditional Cape fisherman culture in true West Coats style. Right on the beach. The only way to really enjoy seafood, is in abundance, sand under your feet, with the smell of the ocean - right on the beach. West Coast belief.

For 3 hours you can feast on as much as you want or can eat! A with a variety of fresh seafood repaired on the spot and served straight from the grid is served to ensure the best quality seafood possible!

For more information & contact details - click here

Outstanding venue in Mossel Bay @ Diaz Beach Hotel

The Diaz Beach Hotel has two outstanding venues available for conferencing and functions. Pero Dias Conference Centre that can accommodate 750 people cinema-style or up to 300 seated at tables, is the ideal venue for a memorable conference experience.

The breathtaking Starlight Room, which is situated on the 12th floor of the hotel, is the perfect venue for award ceremonies, weddings and other special occasions. The venue can accommodate up to 80 people seated and if required catering can be arranged.

For more information & contact details - click here

House of Flavour Coffee Shop & Eatery - George

House of Flavour Coffee Shop & Eatery is centrally located in George, the business hub of the Southern Cape. Whether you are on business, shopping or a leisure trip to George, this centrally located Coffee Shop and Eatery is definitely one of the must visit spots!

For more information & contact details - click here

Events & Festivals for 2008!

The Garden Route, Little Karoo and Route 62 houses a number of events and festivals during 2008, with events ranging from the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival to the Calitzdorp Port Festival and the Wacky Wine Weekend in Robertson.

George Old Motor Show
Date: 2 Feb 2008 to 3 Feb 2008 in George
Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge
Date: 16 Feb 2008 in George
Klein Karoo National Arts Festival
Date: 21 Mar 2008 to 29 Mar 2008 in Oudtshoorn
Pink Loerie Mardi Gras
Date: 1 May 2008 to 4 May 2008 in Knysna
Wacky Wine Weekend
Date: 6 Jun 2008 to 8 Jun 2008 in Robertson
Pick a Pay Knysna Oyster Festival
Date: 4 Jul 2008 to 13 Jul 2008 in Knysna
Knysna Cycle Tour
Date: 6 Jul 2008 in Knysna
Volstuisfees
Date: 11 Jul 2008 to 13 Jul 2008 in De Rust
Calitzdorp Port Festival
Date: 20 Jul 2008 to 21 Jul 2008 in Calitzdorp
Vodacom George Cheese Festival
Date: 28 Jul 2008 to 30 Jul 2008 in George
Wilderness Festival
Date: 7 Aug 2008 to 10 Aug 2008 in Wilderness
Talisman/The Herald Karoo to Coast Mountain Bike Challenge
Date: 20 Sep 2008 in Knysna
Gastronomica
Date: 21 Sep 2008 to 28 Sep 2008 in Knysna
Eden Challenge
Date: 25 Oct 2008 to 28 Oct 2008 in George
To Hell and Back MTB
Date: 10 Nov 2008 in Oudtshoorn
Great Outeniqua MTB Tour
Date: 15 Dec 2008 in George
Kurland International Polo Test
Date: 29 Dec 2008 in Plettenberg Bay
Prince Albert Town Festival
Date: 25 Apr to 27 Apr 2008 in Prince Albert
Buffelsdrift Mountain Bike Challenge
Date: 24 May 2008 in Oudtshoorn

For more information on Accommodation in the Garden Route, Little Karoo and
Route 62 - click here