MAKHADO (LOUIS TRICHARDT) – Three tourist accommodation establishments in the area reached the finals of the 2004 AA Travel Guides Accommodation Awards programme.

The three establishments are Inn on Louis Trichardt, Lesheba Wilderness and the Makhado Municipal Caravan Park.

Early this month, a total of 239 semi-finalists in 33 categories were announced. Eighteen tourist accommodation destinations in Limpopo were under the semi-finalists. The list of finalists appeared recently and seven were from Limpopo. In total, 171 finalists were selected in the various categories, which represent the entire spectrum of accommodation establishments, including different types of guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, resorts and lodges, caravan parks and farm accommodation.

Inn on Louis Trichardt is situated 10 km from town in a valley high atop the Soutpansberg Mountains. The beautiful view from the front porch, tranquil surroundings and friendly service to the last detail are but a few recommendations for this accommodation. In the 2003 AA Travel Guides Accommodation Awards, Inn on Louis Trichardt was a finalist in the category Small Hotel/Inn (maximum 45 rooms).

Lesheba Wilderness was also a highly commended finalist in last year's award programme. Lesheba wilderness is situated 36km from Louis Trichardt on the Vivo road. From there, a steeply winding road is followed up the south western side of the 'Mountain of Salt' where, through a gate above the clouds, the tracks crest and a hidden valley stretches before one. Lesheba Wilderness is a farm filled with wonder: Bushman paintings, indigenous vegetation and wildlife. Lesheba Wilderness is a finalist in the category Game and/or Nature Reserve which is defined as a conservation area where game viewing is a major attraction.

In a new category, Caravan and/or Campsites, the Makhado Municipal Park, with its luscious vegetation, neat gardens and tranquil river flowing through its eighty sites, is one of three finalists.

The AA Travel Awards is the only established mechanism available through which customers can pro-actively judge the quality of tourist accommodation. This year, some 2500 consumer questionnaires were received, giving information on approximately 1 000 accommodation establishments throughout the country.

Guests commented on aspects such as friendliness, service levels, cleanliness, décor and food. The winners will receive their awards at an awards ceremony at the Tourism Indaba in Durban on May 9.