While I was in South Africa I spent a few days at Casa ILanga, a great B+B in Somerset West.
Somerset West is about 50 minutes drive from Cape Town, it is about 30 minutes from Cape Town airport and it is a really good place to stay when touring the wine farms or driving to Cape Point.
The owner Geertje initially lived in Belgium where she was a care-giver for disabled people, but after a few trips to South Africa she realised that she had to move there. She started her B+B Casa Ilanga especially to cater for people in wheel-chairs or with special needs. She can even provide care from professional nurses on request.
Geertje is a lovely person, I did enjoy chatting to her about her b+b and about her history.
Checking in:
The day I wrote this review the room rates were $112 or $123 per night, such good value.
Casa ILanga is on a quiet cul-de-sac so no passing traffic. Geetje was ready for me when I arrived even though I was the only person checking in that day. She showed me around my room and then showed me around the meal area as well as the pool with poolside seating.
I did not eat at Casa Ilanga as I was attending a reunion and the meals were provided there.
My Room:
A comfortable space to stay. Rather dramatic mural of Proteas, the South African national flower on the wall. There is a nice 2 seater couch to sit on so you are closer to the tv which is a smaller size.
Open plan cupboard with many coat hangars, nice shelves, extra blanket and incense holder.
This is the counter in front of the couch. The TV is wall mounted. There is also a folder with all the information you need such as wi-fi code and nearby restaurants, etc.
Great that there is a Nespresso coffee machine, kettle and all the implements for tea including proper cups. Also wine and drinks glasses, an emergency light and a fridge.
Bathroom:
This is a wide bathroom, specifically because it is made for people using wheel chairs. It has all the requisite bars for assistance and handles are at lower heights.
Hand wash and body lotion are provided in bespoke Casa Ilanga containers as well as a Casa Ilanga incense holder. Really marvelous that a small b+b has their own bottles and containers.
Nice shower with hand shower and a bench. Really elegant tiling throughout the whole bathroom.
Nearby Somerset-West:
This is one of a lovely wooded roads nearby.
There are lovely drives near the b+b, the wine farms are within 30 minutes and we had a great time exploring. This is the Meerlust wine farm where we had a tasing session. In my opinion Meerlust Rubicon is the best South African wine.
This was the drive up to the wine farm. Most wine farms are very well looked after.
In conclusion:
I cannot recommend Casa ILanga highly enough. All the reviewers that have stayed there write about it as if it is family and it gets consistent 5 stars.
You will not regret it if you decide to stay there and get to meet Geertje.
