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Welcome to Destination Africa’s February/March tourist newsletter.

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EASTERN PROVINCE – GRAAFF-REINET Graaff Reinet located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. It is the fourth oldest town in South Africa, after Cape Town, Stellenbosch and Swellendam. The town was established in 1786, and was named after a Governor of the time, van der Graaff and his wife Reinet. The town lies 750 metres (2,500 ft) above the sea and is built on the banks of the Sunday's River, which rises a little farther north on the southern slopes of the Sneeuberge, and splits into several channels here. It is one of only a few towns in the world to be surrounded by a game reserve with her valley of desolation. The area around the town is now famous for its sheep farming, and the quality of its wool and mutton are well known. Karoo Lamb has gained the reputation as being some of the finest in the world.

Climate: Graaff-Reinet normally receives about 236mm of rain per year, with most rainfall occurring mainly during autumn.. It receives the lowest rainfall (6mm) in July and the highest (42mm) in March. Daily maximum temperatures range from 17.4°C in June to 30.4°C in January. The region is the coldest during July when the mercury drops to 2.5°C on average during the night.
Places of interest and activities
Graaff-Reinet has managed to retain much of the character of a typical 19th century rural town. There are over 200 preserved buildings in this town. Just in Cradock Street there are more than 50 buildings. A focal point in the town is the Dutch Reform Church. Built in 1886, it was modelled like Salisbury Cathedral in England. Built using local sandstone and is one of the best examples of gothic architecture in South Africa.
The Drostdy originally built in 1786, underwent changes in 1806 and then in 1977 Restored to its former splendor by De Oude Meester group, it plays host to many of the group's priceless antiques and paintings.
	Reinet House, a good example of Cape Dutch architecture and was declared an historical monument in 1952. This house boasts with the oldest living vine planted in 1870
One of the prime attractions of the area is the Valley of Desolation only a few kilometres north west of Graaff-Reinet. Experience the awe-inspiring rock formations and the splendid view across the Plains of Camdeboo.

NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE - UPINGTON
	Upington is a town founded in 1884 and located in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, on the banks of the Orange River, one of the largest rivers in South Africa. The town was named after Sir Thomas Upington, Attorney-General of the Cape. It originated as a mission station established in 1875.

The mission station now houses the town museum, known as the Klahari Orange Museum – also home of the donkey statue, which recognizes the enormous contribution that this animal made to the development of the region during the pioneering days of the 19th Century.

Climate:
Upington located on the outskirts of the Kalahari desert, has a warm, dry climate, scarce rains fall between December and April. The best time to visit the region of Upington are the warm and sunny winter months between June and September. Minimum summer temperatures 18 degrees reaching highs of 36+ degrees.

Places of interest and activities:

	White water rafting down the Orange River is a great way to spend some of your valuable holiday time in the Northern Cape. The Orange River (also known as the Gariep River) is one of the most popular spots in Africa for an action packed white water river rafting holiday. The Orange river is the 39th largest river in the world, and has many spectacular rapids, ranging in intensity from gentle to near impossible.
	Augrabies Falls approximately 120km from Upington, in a barren and desolate land of sand, scrub and rock, the broad Orange River plunges through a massive canyon in a sudden and dramatic sequence of rapids and cascades. The waters descend through the ravine to breach the main gorge.

EASTERN PROVINCE

Tsitsikamma

Misty Mountain Reserve

Misty Mountain Reserve is a4 Star Lodge situated in the heart of the Tsitsikamma within the Marine Reserve only 1 1/2 hours drive from Port Elizabeth. Our chalets are serviced daily with complimentary conveniences (dstv, spa bath, fire place). Panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and magnificent Tsitsikamma Mountains. Scenic walks and hikes in the forest, mountain biking, bass/kurper fishing in the dams, swimming pool, private braai facilities, dining room offering full English breakfasts and 3 course country dinners, bar and TV lounge. Misty is the perfect Honeymoon destination, Corporate venue for hosting small think tanks, special staff events or team building (wireless internet), adventure or a Break-A-Way stay.

GAUTENG

Johannesburg – Linden

Jojendi

Jojendi Guest House consists of 5 Double units. All the units have a separate outside entrance from either the patio or the balcony. Each unit has an en-suite bathroom and a well equipped kitchenette, ideal for warming up meals. All accommodation units are fitted with a TV (Mnet), Wall Heater, Modern Ceiling Fan and a lock-up Safe. The Guest House has a comfortable separate Dining Room, which is suitable for breakfast, dinner, and meetings or socializing .

Pretoria – Kameeldrift East

Thula Thula Lodge

Only half an hour’s drive outside Pretoria is a haven for business accommodation or weekend retreat that gives you time away from it all in a peaceful bush felt atmosphere. Experience nature even tough you are close to many other enriching activities such as the Nearby Cullinan Diamond Mine, Mooi Poort Golf Course, Roodeplaatdam that is great for fishing, canoeing, horse riding and other activities.

KWAZULU NATAL

Champagne Valley

Cathkin Cottage B&B

Cathkin Cottage Bed and Breakfast offers 2 double and 1 twin room, all en suite. Each room comprises tea and coffee making facilities, a mini bar fridge and is fully serviced. We serve delicious breakfasts on our patio overlooking the mountains. Since we are in the heart of Champagne Valley we are in close proximity to all local attractions and restaurants. Many hikes are right at our doorstep and whether you choose to lie at the pool and relax or get out and about exploring, you will find this beautiful place induces great peace and relaxation.

Umhlanga

Sylvan Grove B&B

Sylvan Grove Guest House is set in a quiet residential area of Umhlanga with a tranquil tropical garden with prolific bird life and a inviting swimming pool facing the Indian Ocean. Our 6 double rooms have en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, complimentary tea & coffee facilities, hairdryers, bar fridges, safes, telephones, wireless internet and satellite TV.

LIMPOPO PROVINCE

Hoedspruit

Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate Lodge 468

The Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate is the jewel of the Lowveld and we guarantee a luxurious Lowveld experience with every visit! The Estate is situated a mere 1km outside the beautiful town of Hoedspruit. Accommodation at Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate is of the highest standards. The luxury 4, 6 and 8-sleeper lodges are luxurious and comfortable and guests will feel right at home. The lodges are fully self catering with a braai area. The peaceful surroundings are accentuated by the free roaming wildlife... You can expect to see rhino, buffalo as well as all the smaller antelope! The Estate is also a bird lovers dream come true.

MPUMALANGA

Marloth Park

Bushwise Safaris and Safari Lodge

Situated on the banks of the Crocodile River overlooking the Kruger National Park, Bushwise Safari Lodge combines the real Kruger Safari experience with luxurious accommodation boasting a unique ambiance true to the safari adventure you are seeking. Watch the Kruger National Park and the Crocodile River (where a variety of wildlife often drink at the water’s edge) at your leisure from the comfort of your vantage point on the upper deck, bar area or swimming pool

NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE

Springbok

Kleinplasie Gastehuis - Self Catring & B&B

Kleinplasie is situated on an estate with 23 chalets and en-suite rooms, all with private entrances and built-in braais on the stoep or verhanda, in a quiet and peacefull area with beautiful views of the klipkoppies that surround our enchanting town. Beautiful gardens, lots of birdlife, swmimming pool and safe parking. Our stunning guest house is the ideal stopover for thos who are looking for style, tranquility, luxury and comfort. All our chalets/rooms are equipped with dstv, honesty bar, air-conditioning, coffee and tea making facilities and guest anemities. Close to shopping centre and restaurants. Full breakfast buffet.

WESTERN PROVINCE – GARDEN ROUTE

George

Aziza Guest House

AZIZA Guest House is a newly redesigned and renovated guesthouse in the heart of the Garden Route. Situated in a quiet, up-market suburb, guests can relax in the tranquility of a lush subtropical garden and be refreshed around the sparkling swimming pool. Assurance of lasting memories of a delicious breakfast, served on the superb terrace, with the Outeniqua Mountains as a back drop.

Knysna

Bamboo The Guest House

Blissful tranquility in a large tropical garden of water and birdsong, Bamboo Guesthouse is perfectly situated midway between two award winning golf courses, a 5 minute drive to Knysna’s bustling town centre with vibrant waterfront and restaurants, the famous Heads and Leisure Isle’s two sandy beaches. The 5 beautifully decorated garden rooms, accessed via elevated wooden walkways through the dense garden, and two well equipped courtyard suites each have their own entrance and are as sociable or private as one may wish to be. Each is equipped with colour TV, tea and coffee making facilities, ceiling fan, ipod docking radio clock and bar fridge. Your private terrace is a perfect place, after a day filled with all the excitement that the Garden Route has on offer, to relax and enjoy a cold drink while taking in the many bird varieties the garden attracts.

Mossel Bay

Linkside 2 Guest House

**** Tourism Grading Council of South Africa - 4-star graded Linkside 2 is the latest venture of ambitious guest house owner, Petra du Toit. Starting off in the tourism industry in 1999, she collected numerous accolades over the last few years, including an AA Award in 2003. Her previous endeavour, Bella Sombra, was a 5-star guest house that won the prestigious AA Award in the category Hotel/Guest House Garni in 2006. As an intimate new B&B, Linkside 2 offers visitors a complete personalized experience. Meticulous attention to detail and imaginative finishing touches are complemented by first-class luxury and exquisite views across Mossel Bay (voted town of the year 2007). Accommodation is offered in four exceptional bedrooms with satellite television, mini-bar and shaving plugs. All the rooms are luxury rated by portfolio and Rooms 1,2 & 3 offers a private deck and entrance.

Little Brak Beach House

Little Brak Beach House offers, comfortable and affordable accommodation. The house is situated 200 meters from the beach. There are 2 separate self- catering units, a bottom and top unit. The top unit consists of a double- ensuite room, a triple room ( double and a single bed) , a fully equipped self catering kitchen and spacious living room with DSTV and DVD. The bottom unit consists of 2 double rooms, bathroom, a fully equipped self- catering kitchen, living room with DSTV, BBQ area, secure off- street parking and wireless internet

WESTERN PROVINCE

Cape Town – Tokai

Bakelow Bed and Breakfast

Located in the scenic Western Cape, surrounded by the splendor of the mountains, we bid you a hearty welcome to our bed and breakfast accommodation, Bakelow, which is situated at the town of Tokai near Cape Town with a brilliant view of the mountains and mostly sunny skies! Tokai is centrally located, in one direction is Cape Town with all that it offers (V&A waterfront, Two Oceans Aquarium, Robben Island, Table Mountain just a few of the attractions). In the opposite direction within Table Mountain National Park is Cape Point.

Oudtshoorn

Hlangana Lodge

Hlangana Lodge is a four-star guesthouse set on more than a hectare of exotic gardens on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn, en route to the Cango Caves. The choice is yours: 12 standard, 6 superior rooms or the honeymoon suite. Offering the highest standards of luxury and service, it is perfectly situated to serve as a haven from where you can explore Oudtshoorn and the surrounding countryside .

Altes Landhaus Country Lodge

Cradled in the fertile Schoemanshoek Valley of South Africa’s Little Karoo, a stately Cape Dutch style homestead awaits to introduce you to the beauty and charm that is Altes Landhaus. The homestead was built a hundred years ago, and served as rectory to the local church from the 1950’s. Heinz and Helen Meyer bought the farm in 1994, endeavouring to restore its historic splendour. Antique furnishings and tasteful decor ring true to the homestead’s Victorian past, while oregon pine floorboards and high-beamed ceilings reflect its rustic surroundings. With great care and dedication, they have recreated an elegant tribute to colonial country living. Leisurely walks around the scenic grounds provide many an opportunity to admire the indigenous birdlife, or the farms own ostriches.