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3 Top Ideas For Cape Town Holidays

TAD — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 09:50:07 +0000

Many people on their Cape Town holidays will spend most time in the centre, enjoying the cosmopolitan and dynamic energy of South Africa’s largest city, or the peace and quiet of natural features such as the glorious Table Mountain. There are plenty of reasons to choose Cape Town as your South African destination of choice, and many people plan their travel itineraries well in advance. However, it can be puzzling trying to decide on all the details of the best itinerary, with all the aspects of Cape Town that are simply unmissable. Here are three ideas that just may help you with your holiday plans.

Table Mountain

With a magnificent flat-topped mountain right in the heart of Cape Town, it’s no wonder hiking and rock-climbing are popular activities for visitors looking to challenge themselves. Amidst the beautiful scenery and stunning views of the ocean, hikers can enjoy numerous tracks and trails winding around the mountain on their Cape Town Holidays, including the famous Skeleton Gorge route beginning in the Kirstenbosch National Gardens. Climbers can test themselves with traditional methods, as bolting is not allowed in most areas. Some groups offer abseiling from the upper cable car station – definitely a thrilling experience! Although the opportunities for caving are more limited, Table Mountain’s unique Wynberg Caves are worth exploring. Unlike many of the world’s other famous caves, which are limestone, these ones are entirely sandstone.

The Beaches

If you simply want to relax in the sun, Cape Town’s beaches are the place to be. Due to the city’s unique geography and layout, it’s possible to visit several different beaches in the same day – a wonderful fact to take advantage of on your Cape Town holidays in the sun. One point to bear in mind is the water temperature, if you have a strong preference. Beaches located on the Atlantic coast tend to have colder water, while the water on the other side, at beaches such as the famous False Bay, is usually warmer by up to 10 degrees Celsius!

The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

Right in the vibrant, historic heart of Cape Town’s working harbour, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront has the acclaim of being South Africa’s most-visited destination – with the highest rate of foreign tourists of any attraction in the country. There’s good reason for the popularity amongst people on Cape Town holidays – the V and A Waterfront is home to some of the most stylish shopping and entertainment in Cape Town. Visitors looking for an exciting and cosmopolitan experience don’t have to look any further.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

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Cape Town holidays – Meet the Sharks!

TAD — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 09:40:14 +0000

There are plenty of reasons to visit Cape Town – the vibrant culture, the nightlife, the natural landscape surrounding the city – but for animal lovers and thrill-seekers, one aspect of Cape Town holidays that is very attractive is the presence of sharks! Shark tours in Cape Town attract marine wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world and nearby False Bay is known as one of the greatest spots on the planet to observe great white sharks in the wild. Whether you go on a boat trip, or even delve into the depths and try cage-diving to get up close and personal with the sharks, knowing a little more about these apex predators can really help enhance your experience.

Stealth

One feature of sharks that many divers come to appreciate is their colouring. For people interested in cage diving on their Cape Town holidays, it’s important to be able to spot the sharks coming – but their colouring often inhibits any attempt! It works to their advantage when they’re hunting for food – with a pale white underside and a grey dorsal area, from any angle they’re camouflaged. It breaks up the shark’s outline from the side in dim light, making it hard to recognise. From above, the darker shade blends in with the sea, and from below it exposes a minimal shape against any sunlight closer to the surface.

Senses

While all sharks share the same five senses of most animals, they enjoy an extra sense, afforded to them by tiny electroreceptors called the ‘ampullae of Lorenzini’, which lets them detect the electromagnetic pulses given off by the movement of other animals. It’s a fascinating ability to ponder if you’re diving with sharks on your Cape Town holidays. With every movement, a living creature generates an electrical field, and sharks are so sensitive they can detect half a billionth of a volt. It helps them to locate prey, even creatures that burrow into the sand as a defence mechanism. Some shark repellents make use of the shark’s senses, producing electromagnetic fields that make the sharks retreat from the device.

Seal Island

The first destination for all shark fans on their Cape Town holidays should be the nearby Seal Island, in False Bay. It’s a famous location for shark watching, and early morning visitors will quickly see where the reputation of great white sharks as eating machines comes from! They often attack cape fur seals in the morning, and ambush them from below at high speeds – sometimes travelling so fast that they completely leave the water.

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The Midlands – A Peaceful Stop on South Africa Holidays

TAD — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 15:32:16 +0000

South Africa holidays offer a rich bounty of choices that will fill your schedule with activities, whatever your interests may be. With the natural, cultural and historical wonders packing the country from end to end, the temptation can be strong to be rushing about, making the most of all the Rainbow Nation has to offer.

One place, however, calls for you to stop and rest awhile: the Midlands in KwaZulu Natal. It is an idyllic spot lying between the coast and the mountains, filled with grassy expanses and rolling woodland hills, where stretches of farmland, quaint towns and picturesque scenery combine with fresh mountain air. It’s just the perfect place to spend leisurely days exploring on your South Africa holidays.

The Art of Nature

Green pastures, hills and forests with sparkling mountain rivers and streams dot the area, and you can spend lazy afternoons on your South Africa holidays fishing or just drinking in the peaceful scenery. A number of game reserves are also in the area, where you can enjoy nature’s creativity in the huge variety of colourful birds, rare butterflies and other animals – as well as the ferns and other flora that abound in the area.

The Art of Man

Caves in the foothills of the Drakenberg Mountains exhibit man’s timeless desire to create, and here is where you will find splendid examples of rock art from the bushmen of yesteryear, who inhabited the area until around one hundred years ago. Explore the Main Caves in the Giant’s Castle Game Reserve on this leg of your South Africa holidays, and be amazed at the more than 500 rock paintings in one spot. The Midlands is also home to the Zulu, and a visit to one of the many cultural Zulu villages can offer insights in to the history and way of life of one of South Africa’s largest ethnic groups.

Where to Go And What To Do

The Valley of A Thousand Hills is the scenic gateway to the magical Midlands, lying between coastal Durban and Pietermaritzburg, the provincial capital. Here you will find green suburbs where you can spend time on your South Africa holidays taking leisurely walks browsing through crafts, curios and collectibles. There are also higher end shopping centres in Hillcrest, Botha’s Hill and Westville.

The Midlands Meander is the famed 80-kilometre route between Pietermaritzburg and the Mooi River, where weavers, cheese makers, potters, woodcraftsmen, leather workers, metalworkers, beer brewers and artisans of all persuasions join forces to create the biggest arts and crafts attraction on South Africa holidays.

Bed and breakfasts, inns, restaurants, galleries, crafts studios, churches, cheese dairies and more, along with the charming countryside atmosphere, make it a delightful shopping and browsing trip where you can pick up wonderful souvenirs of your South Africa holidays.

Pietermaritzburg, the second-largest city in KwaZulu-Natal, is renowned to be one of the best-preserved Victorian cities in the world. A walk through the city will definitely leave a distinct impression of country’s colonial heritage, making visitors feel as if they were in Victorian London, instead of on South Africa holidays. Don’t miss the National Botanic Gardens in the city, where majestic trees, ferns and azaleas make for an explosion of joyful colour.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made South Africa holidays as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

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Bird Watching Tours in South Africa

TAD — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 12:09:56 +0000

With its amazing biological diversity, thriving ecosystems and wonderful climate, it is no wonder that South Africa has emerged as one of the top global destinations for bird watching tours. South Africa has around 850 recorded bird species, 725 of them resident or migrant and 50 endemic. These numbers make bird watching tours supremely satisfying for birders of all levels who flock together (pardon the pun!) from all over the globe to catch a glimpse of beautiful, rare and endangered species – such as the blue crane and black African oystercatcher.

Hundreds of nature parks and game reserves throughout he country provide excellent opportunities for bird watching. Tours to the coastal areas, the grassy wetlands, and even the interior regions and cities with their high density of birds per square kilometre, allow bird watchers of varying ages and levels of expertise countless hours filled with sightings. Here are just a few of the important birding areas of South Africa:

Western Cape

Many say that Cape Town offers the best sea-birding and pelagic bird watching tours in the area. Certainly, many varieties of gulls, frigate birds, tropic birds, boobies, petrels, cormorants, albatrosses, and terns abound. For those who manage to schedule their bird watching tours during the Sardine Run that occurs around June or July, the incredible sight of Cape gannets diving into the seas to catch fish is definitely something to remember and record in birding journals. And did we mention the African penguins? Make your way to Boulder Beach, and you’ll be delighted at how close they come to you.

Bird watching tours in the Western Cape will take you where the fynbos are, and that’s where you’ll also be able to spot some of South Africa’s favourite endemics such as the orange-breasted sunbird, protea seedeater, Cape siskin, Cape sugarbird and Hottentot buttonquail. The rocky cliffs are home to the Cape rockjumper, while the Knysna and Victoria’s warblers prefer damper valleys.

Kwazulu-Natal

Freshwater lagoons, tidal estuaries, marshes and flooded grasslands make this province a perfect habitat for a large variety of birds. It is one of the most species-rich spots to visit on South Africa bird watching tours. In Tembe Elephant Reserve alone, about 340 species of birds can be found, including some rare one such as the Rudd’s apalis, Natal nightjar and the Woodward’s barbet Others you may be lucky enough to see include the palmnut vulture, African broadbill, Neergaard’s sunbird, Delegorgue’s pigeon, Livingstone and Knysna turacos, and the southern banded snake eagle.

Mpumalanga

The central grasslands – an area of high grasses, marsh and wetlands – are a popular destination for organised bird watching tours to spot a wide variety of birds such as Rudd’s and Botha’s larks, yellow-breasted and African rock pipits, the bush blackcap, blue and white-bellied korhaans, Stanley’s bustard, the blue, grey-crowned and wattled cranes, the southern bald ibis, and the white-winged flufftail. Lowveld, on the northeastern part of the province, and low-lying bush areas (such as that taken up by Kryger National Park) serve as home to a large number of South African raptors such as the martial eagle, tawny eagle, brown snake eagle, African hawk eagle, Walhberg’s eagle, steppe eagle and lesser spotted eagle. Other great birds of note are the saddle-billed stork, ostrich, southern ground hornbill and the Kori bustard.

Byron Palacios is a Tour Manager for Naturetrek, a tour operator specialising in expert-led natural history and bird watching tours worldwide. Naturetrek bring over 25 years of experience to their bird watching tours in some of the most spectacular regions on Earth.

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South African Marine Conservation Programs for Your Gap Year

TAD — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:28:38 +0000

Being a gap year volunteer in a South African marine conservation program is one of the best ways to learn about diving. In addition, you will also get to contribute towards the preservation of the fragile marine ecosystem found off the coast of South Africa.

Our activities are constantly affecting our environment adversely. Unless steps are taken to try and reverse some of these negative impacts on the oceanic ecosystem, the ocean will never be the same. As a gap year volunteer in a marine conservation program, you will help make a long lasting, positive impact towards preserving one of the most important natural resources of mankind.

Marine Conservation Programs

The marine ecosystem, apart from being fragile, is a very complex environment. This means your contribution as a gap year volunteer in a marine conservation program can take on many forms. Your focus can be on a variety of issues and interests. It can involve coral, fish, mangroves or any biological community that is tied to the marine environment. Gap year marine conservation programs can also involve the monitoring of sustainable fishing.

South Africa Marine Conservation Programs

South Africa, famous for its safari parks and “Big 5″ game, is also well known for its marine life. The warm temperate waters off the coastline of South Africa tend to attract many interesting species like the great white sharks, the Cape fur seals, and pelagic fish that dwell in the waters off the coastline. Other interesting marine life that can be found here in South Africa includes the humpback whale, the southern right whale, the bottlenose dolphin and the humpback dolphin – to name just a few.

Because of the rich marine biodiversity that can be found here, researchers from all over the world flock to South Africa to study and gain insight as to how these various marine species survive and interact with each other. As a gap year volunteer, you will be assisting researchers in their fieldwork. By participating as a volunteer for marine conservation programs in South Africa, you will gain valuable first hand knowledge of the most exciting research projects being conducted there. Gap year volunteers will have the opportunity to gain education about the conservation of the marine ecosystem at the highest level. You will learn how to conduct a proper research by capturing useful data that can be utilised to help better understand the marine ecosystem.

Being a gap year volunteer for a marine conservation program in South Africa is not just about learning about the marine life. It is also about meeting people who share the same interests as you, and seeing new places at the same time. However, most important of all, you will be contributing something towards preserving one of the most important treasures of our world.

Mark Bottell is the General Manager for Worldwide Experience, an online tour operator offering extended breaks on gap year and other wildlife conservation holidays for adults.

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Working With Wild Animals on Your Gap Year

TAD — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 15:23:51 +0000

All around the world, more and more animals are now facing the threat of extinction due to the expanding human population. Some examples of animals that are facing this threat are the “Big 5 “game like the elephant and rhino, found in Africa. As such, these animals are in serious need of wildlife conservation efforts to save them from extinction. Nowadays, wildlife conservation advocates have come up the idea of gap year wildlife conservation programs for people who wish to volunteer while they are taking a break from studies or work. With a gap year wildlife conservation program, volunteers can contribute their free time towards the preservation of these endangered animals.

The Rhino in the Wild

Facing threats from poachers, the rhinos that once roamed the plains of the veld can hardly be found at all except in wildlife game reserves in the National Parks. As a gap year volunteer, you will be involved in conservation efforts to preserve the existing rhino population, and at the same time become involved in programs designed to help increase population. Gap year volunteers also work closely with the wildlife conservationists to help eliminate poaching, by educating the rural communities on the negative effects of poaching the rhinos for their horns.

The Ivory trade and the Elephant

There is no doubt that the illicit global trade in ivory has caused the sharp decline of the elephant population in Africa. The elephants were once the giants of the plains, in number as well as stature, but today their population is rapidly declining. Today, the elephant population is diminished and fragmented. They are still being poached for their ivory, and wildlife authorities severely lacking in resources are unable to implement an effective wildlife conservation program. As such, gap year volunteers are in high demand to assist the authorities in elephant conservation projects.

The Gap Year Volunteer Duties

As a gap year volunteer, one of your duties will be to search for poachers on foot or on horseback. You will also be involved in monitoring the wildlife, mapping their locations, and photographing them. With regard to vegetation, you will be planting trees as well indentifying the different species in the wild. In addition, you will be involved in caring and feeding the injured or orphaned animals. Another important aspect of a gap year volunteer work is the community outreach program. Part of the wildlife conservation program involves educating the local populace about the need to preserve the endangered wildlife as part of their children’s heritage.

Required Skill Set of the Gap Year Volunteer

As a gap year volunteer working with animals in the wild you will be expected to be hard working and have passion for animals. To ensure a fulfilling experience as volunteer, you need to be committed towards the objectives of the wildlife conservation programs. You must have patience and initiative as well. Although the workload may be heavy at times, the opportunity to live among the wild animals and participate in the management of a game reserve is truly a unique experience.

Mark Bottell is the General Manager for Worldwide Experience, an online tour operator offering extended breaks on gap year and other wildlife conservation holidays for adults.

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Gap Year Programs for Grown-Ups

TAD — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 15:01:23 +0000

Although by tradition a gap year is meant as a break for pre-university or university level students to take in between their studies, nowadays, this is no longer the case. When we take a closer look at the age group of people participating in gap year programs, only 35% of the participants are school leavers. This suggests that around 65% of the gap year participants are actually adults of varying ages. The fact is the adult gap year program has always been around – we just classified it differently.

The Adult Gap Year

When we talk about an adult gap year, we are actually referring to the ‘time out’ that an adult takes in between his or her various life stages. The length of time does not specifically last for a year. For some, the gap year may represent a break of a just a few weeks; for others, it may stretch to a few years. We all have heard of people who quit their job or sold their business, packed everything up and then set off to travel the world. The idea is actually the same as taking a career break. The main objective of a person taking an adult gap year is really about having enough time to get out of one’s comfort zone and find the peace of mind to refocus on the priorities of their lives.

South Africa Gap Year Conservation Programs

Nowadays, there many gap year programs to cater for anyone with an adventurous spirit. The most popular programs are usually those which focus on wildlife conservation and volunteer work focused on community development. Recently, especially after the hosting of the World Cup by South Africa, the “Rainbow Nation” has proven to be one of the most popular destinations that the adult gappers are heading to. Not surprisingly, many gap year programs are geared towards wildlife conservation projects located in the country.

South Africa, apart from its diversity in culture, also has one of the richest collections of fauna and flora in the world. The Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in the world. Home to the “Big 5″ game, it has also proven to be the most popular safari destination for the many visitors that visit the continent.

So, why should the enjoyment of these spectacular opportunities to help be confined to students? Regardless of whether you are on a career break, taking unpaid leave or retiring, taking a gap year holiday in South Africa is guaranteed to be a life changing experience – and one you can take at any time of your life.

Mark Bottell is the General Manager for Worldwide Experience, an online tour operator offering extended breaks on gap year and other wildlife conservation holidays for adults.

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Impacting Lives as a Volunteer Teacher on Your Gap Year

TAD — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 14:32:49 +0000

In many underprivileged communities around the world, children are in desperate need of assistance with their primary and secondary education and development. South Africa is no exception. In spite of the beautiful scenery surrounding the communities of South Africa, many rural South Africans live in very difficult circumstances, and the children do not get the opportunity to receive a good level of education. The gap year volunteer teacher program aims to provide gappers an opportunity to teach English to the children from disadvantaged families.

By contributing your time as a volunteer teacher during your gap year you will be helping to develop the lives of the underprivileged children in this community. To quote Nelson Mandela, “Education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mineworker can become the head of the mine, that a child of farm workers can become the president of a great nation. It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another.”

Your Gap year Volunteer Role

Many schools in South Africa are understaffed, and by being a gap year volunteer teacher you will be helping to alleviate the shortage of teachers in the classrooms. It is easy to be a gap year volunteer teacher. You do not even have to possess TESOL or TEFL qualifications in order to teach English in the underprivileged communities of South Africa. Your role as a gap year volunteer English teacher will be helping the local teachers to teach English with the correct pronunciation and intonation.

Not only will you get to enrich the lives of those you teach, as a volunteer teacher you will also get to experience living with people from different cultures in the “Rainbow Nation”. The time you spend helping out in the areas of extra curriculum activities will help enrich your own life experiences.

For the majority of the time as a volunteer teacher, you will be teaching conversational English to these communities. You will have the opportunity to talk about where you live and how you live in your own community back home. In some cases it can even help to bring clarity to your own life as a result of these reflections. Normally, as a volunteer teacher, you will be teaching about 18 to 20 hours per week. In addition, you will take time out to prepare your lessons prior to the next days activities.

Your Gap Year Experience

The volunteer teaching program can be a very rewarding and varied gap year experience in South Africa. The teaching is not formal and your voluntary work can be adapted to your own interests and skills. Regardless of what your input is, the focus is on creating a stimulating environment conducive to learning, and you as a gap year volunteer can help stress the importance of education to your students and their parents. This way, you will be helping the poor farming communities to escape the hardships that they face every day.

Mark Bottell is the General Manager for Worldwide Experience, an online tour operator offering extended breaks on gap year and other wildlife conservation holidays for adults.

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South African Sports Coaching on Your Gap Year

TAD — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 12:14:43 +0000

One of the most rewarding experiences about being a gap year volunteer in South Africa is helping to coach local adults and children in rural South Africa in sports. Being a developing nation, South Africa has limited resources at hand for the development of sports. Hence, the country is sorely lacking in terms of sporting facilities as well as qualified coaches. You can help put a smile on the face of the South African children by volunteering to be a coach in a sport that you are skilful in during your gap year.

Sport Coaching Program Details

As a gap year volunteer coach, you can be involved in the coaching program as a sports coach or fitness coach. As a volunteer sports coach, you will be working on honing the skills that are required for the elected sport. This involves either coaching at the local schools, or at the community level. At the school level, your task will be to deliver a well-planned and structured coaching session to encourage positive results from the class. At the community level, you will work together with the local coach and community leaders to train the local teams.

As a gap year volunteer fitness coach, you will be working on the fitness of the players. Your task will be to help them improve their health through structured exercise and fitness programs.

In addition to coaching, you will also be involved in organising friendly matches, which assists in getting the children to be interested in sports. Most of your time will probably be spent with children from orphanages and the pre-school and primary school level. At the community level, you might be involved with cleaning up the pitch, setting up games or refurbishing the old club houses.

Although it may seem like there is a lot on the plate of a gap year volunteer sports coach, most activities are undertaken during the working week. You will still have time to pursue your own leisure activities during the evening and some weekends. Due to the nature of the work, you will get to foster extremely close relationships with the local community, and you won’t have any difficulties in making new friends.

Not only will you be contributing towards the development of sports in rural South Africa, as a gap year volunteer coach you will also get to put a smile on the faces of many of these underprivileged South African children.

Mark Bottell is the General Manager for Worldwide Experience, an online tour operator offering extended breaks on gap year and other wildlife conservation holidays for adults.

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South Africa Holidays – A Visit to the Battlefields of KwaZulu Natal

TAD — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 12:05:47 +0000

The rolling grasslands dotted with spiked hills of northern KwaZulu-Natal are a silent witness to some of the biggest events in the history of South Africa. Holidays centred around the colourful history of the nation just aren’t complete without a visit here; where epic battles in wars between the Zulus, Afrikaans and the British were fought – bloody conflicts filled with stories of great bravery and even greater sacrifice.

The Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal is now a peaceful region, yet visitors on South Africa holidays can still feel the weight of the past in the atmosphere. It is carried through the air in the ruins of forts and small graveyards, in the monuments and museums in historic towns, and, of course, the battlefields themselves – all making sure the past is not forgotten.

A tour of the battlefields can be an enlightening, if sobering, experience for those on South Africa holidays. It will involve stops at several towns and sites that have played a great part in the series of wars fought in the area; beginning with King Shaka’s conquests of the rival tribes, to the Anglo-Zulu war of 1879, the First War of Independence in 1880-1881, the Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902, and the many clashes and conflicts in between.

Ulundi

One of the most important stops on historical South Africa holidays, the capital of Zululand and legislative capital of KwaZulu-Natal, Ulundi, was witness to several epic battles in the Anglo-Zulu War. The British empire suffered its largest defeat here at the hands of King Cetshwayo’s Zulu forces, as well as King Shaka’s defeat of the Ndwandwe people on Gqokli Hill. Visit the mythical Valley of the Kings, as well as the site of the Battle of Ulundi.

Ladysmith and Surrounding Areas

Ladysmith gained worldwide notice during the four-month (118-day) siege of Boer forces in the crucial stages of the Anglo-Boer war, and is an important stop for history buffs on South Africa holidays. Walk through Elandslaagte Battlefield, where Zulu forces defeated Genera Koch and his men; Wagon Hill, the site of the Devonshire Regiment’s historic bayonet charge; and Burgher Monument, Vaalkrans Battlefield, Caesars’ Camp and several military cemeteries on site. Also noteworthy is Spioenkop Battlefield, where the bloodiest of five battles was fought in a campaign to relieve Ladysmith during the siege.

Dundee

Rich in history and natural beauty, this was the site of many battles including the Battle of Talana – the first one in a war between the British and the Boers. Dundee is the place where seven roads meet, making it a natural destination for hiking and trail walking on South Africa holidays. Blood River Battlefield and the Ncome Museum commemorate the Voortrekker-Zulu conflicts, while Isandiwana Battlefield, where 24,000 Zulus defeated the British, Fugitives’ Trail, and Rorke’s Drift, where 100 British soldiers made a heroic stand repelling 4,000 Zulu warriors, offer us a vivid look into the Anglo-Zulu war.

Other sites to see

Visits to Eshowe, Newcastle, Colenso, Estcourt and Vryhead offer a more complete picture of the history of the area. Still, the tragic and oftentimes bloody reminders of man’s clashes with his fellow man are not the only attractions in area; majestic game reserves, great Zulu culture and heritage sites, the remains of Iron Age settlements, plus the workmanship of skilled craftsmen living in the region are also worthwhile reasons for spending time here on South Africa holidays.

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Somewhere Over the Rainbow Nation – South Africa Holidays in the Air

TAD — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 11:46:41 +0000

If you’re looking for a high, you’ll definitely find it on South Africa holidays – literally!
There’s nothing like viewing the magnificence of the Rainbow Nation from high above sea and ground level – and what’s more, there are quite a few ways to do just that.

Gliding

Great weather and unique topography combine to create superb flying and gliding conditions for hang gliders and paragliders on South Africa holidays. There are over a hundred established sites including the most popular – Lion’s Head in Cape Town – from where to launch and take flight, powered only by you and the wind. Talk to a few hang-gliding and paragliding aficionados, and they’ll point you to even more spots that are lesser known, but just as great.

Soar over the seas from near the town of Wilderness on the Garden Route, spying on dolphins and whales. Or head to the mountains of Porterville, Drakensberg Mountains in Kwazulu-Natal, Mpumalanga Escarpment or Gauteng, for the most spectacular sights on South Africa holidays, seen from the ultimate viewpoint: that of a bird on the wing!

For beginners, and those who’ve never tried it before, there are plenty of certified schools with instructors that teach the sport for reasonable fees, as well as options for tandem gliding.

Skydiving

For an even bigger adrenaline high on South Africa holidays, skydiving is the ultimate thrill. Many companies offer exhilarating skydiving excursions from Cape Town, Bloemfontein and Johannesberg. Jump out of a plane thousands of feet off the ground, then float slowly down to the ground, enjoying the blue sky above you, and the great sights below.

As with gliding, you don’t have to have any experience skydiving prior to your South Africa holidays to try it – certified schools abound that can teach you, and beginners can opt for the safety of a tandem dive with a certified instructor.

Helicopter Flights

If you prefer your airborne South Africa holidays with more than just your own power and bravado keeping you afloat, that won’t be a problem either. Helicopter rides from a variety of locations can be arranged to give you a bird’s eye view of some of the most glorious scenery around. Many companies can fly you over Cape Town, the Garden Route, Drakensberg Mountains, or any of a number of nature parks and game reserves to view the great landscapes, seascapes, cityscapes – all with the added attraction of a higher vantage point.

Hot Air Balloons

For up-in-the-air thrills that are a little calmer and less intimidating, hot air ballooning from Magaliesberg, Natal Midlands and Mpumalanga to mention a few, can give you a slower, steadier alternative way to get your adrenaline high on your South Africa holidays. It’s an awesome experience, floating across the plains with unbroken vistas as far as the eye can see – definitely something to be experienced at least once in your lifetime!

With so many different adventures and attractions this breathtaking land has to offer, isn’t it high time you got here? There’s no time to waste, arrange your South Africa holidays now, good times are definitely in store for you!

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South Africa in Your Heart – Holidays that Make a Difference

TAD — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 11:32:16 +0000

If you’re counting on travel to provide nourishment for your body, heart and mind, there’s nothing that fits the bill quite like a visit to South Africa. Holidays to the Rainbow Nation have almost everything you’re looking for to feed your hunger to restore your body, your mind and your spirit, with a restful, yet richly fulfilling holiday.

South Africa holidays are rich in experiences that allow you to broaden yourself in different ways. It will give you a new appreciation of nature’s wonders through its stunning landscapes filled with flora and fauna we’ve never heard about before much less seen; its sometimes heartbreaking yet often soul-stirring history; and its amazingly diverse cultures and the people behind them.

Still, there are certain stops on South Africa holidays that provide meaning and satisfaction on a deeper level. It is a kind of satisfaction that stays with you when you go back to the day job – after you’ve left the nature reserve to go back to the concrete jungle, away from the sun and music of South Africa’s beats. Here are some of them:

Hope For The Children in Tamboerskloof

The saying “encourage that you may be encouraged” is what comes to mind after a visit to this children’s refuge for underprivileged orphaned and abandoned children of South Africa. Holidays can be made much more rewarding by spending time with the children and seeing their happy faces, knowing how far they’ve come.

Founded in December 2006, the children’s refuge is aimed at helping the orphans and abandoned children heal and grow in a place of security, through different activities such as interaction with animals and trauma-specific art therapy. Taking the time out from your South Africa holidays to visit and donate your time, food, and educational materials is definitely appreciated.

Nobel Square

If there’s something to learn on South Africa holidays, it’s this: there’s something about South Africa that inspires greatness. What is it, exactly? A visit to Nobel Square may prove enlightening, and provide a bit of insight about how a country with a tumultuous past can produce some of the greatest heroes of peace the world has ever known.

Nobel Square, on the V&A Waterfront, honours South Africa’s four Nobel Peace laureates: the late Chief Albert Luthuli, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and former presidents Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk.

Take the time to be inspired by the larger-than-life figures of these great South African larger-than-life heroes, and you’ll surely come home from your South Africa holidays with a renewed understanding of what the effort towards peace and democracy entails. On this note, also of special interest is the Peace and Democracy sculpture – a tribute acknowledging the contribution of women and children to the quest for peace in South Africa.

South Africa Holidays That Are More Than the Usual

If you’re the special kind of traveller who finds great satisfaction in helping uplift every place they visit, South Africa holidays can prove not just exciting, but also very rewarding indeed. Many of the attractions on your itinerary are operated and promoted by socially committed institutions. They often partner with the local communities in order to benefit the people by providing jobs and opportunities for businesses while protecting their natural and cultural heritage. Your travel experts can help provide you with relevant and socially responsible options for your itinerary.

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Exploring Limpopo on Your South Africa Holidays

TAD — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 11:23:41 +0000

If you’re like many people who read Rudyard Kipling in their childhood, the name Limpopo will sound familiar to you. After all, the “great gray-green, greasy Limpopo River” was where Elephant Child got the trunk he has today. But anyone who has ever visited this northernmost province bordering Mozambique and Zimbabwe on South Africa holidays will most certainly think Kipling got the descriptions wrong – Limpopo is bigger, better and more magnificent than even he managed to describe.

A fascinating land of untamed wilderness, great beauty and entrancing myths and legends, here are a few of the attractions that make Limpopo an unforgettable stop on South Africa holidays.

The Great Baobabs
Massive baobab trees, counted as among the oldest in Africa (some up to three thousand years of age!) are among the curious sights that greet you as you visit Limpopo on your South Africa holidays. These amazing succulents, that look like they have been planted upside down, are ecosystems in themselves – providing homes and nourishment for wildlife such as fruit bats, bush babies, baboons and more.

Under the shade of the great baobab trees, ancient kings, elders and tribal leaders would traditionally meet, counting on the wisdom of the tree’s spirit to guide them on matters of great importance. The largest Baobab Tree is at Sunland, and has been turned into a railway pub accommodating up to 60 – a very popular attraction for visitors on South Africa holidays.

Crocodiles, the Elephant Child And More

More than two-thirds of the world-renowned Kruger National Park is situated in Limpopo Province. This vast wilderness, made up of 16 different ecosystems, serves as home to 147 species of mammals including elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopards and lions; 116 reptile species (crocodiles included, of course); as well as 505 bird and 34 amphibian species. It is extremely popular for those wishing to take wildlife safaris and nature tours on their South Africa holidays.

Kruger isn’t the only choice for sighting the unique flora and fauna in the area however – there are at least 40 more game reserves, national parks and nature conservancies, totalling 3.6 million hectares of protected land, in the province.

Legends And Mysteries of Limpopo

Limpopo is perhaps where those literary buffs will find the quintessential magical mystery tour, with numerous myths and tales to match the magnificent sights in the area. The mythical haunted Thathe Vondo Forest is said to be home to many spirits and the lightning bird called Ndadzi, while nearby Lake Fundudzi is considered so sacred that the shore is traditionally forbidden to visitors. Newcomers must turn their backs and view it from between their legs. The lake is said to be is formed from the waters coming from the Mutale River where, legend has it, a giant python god lives, demanding a yearly sacrifice of a maiden.

On the other hand, Modjaji, the mystical Rain Queen, is a living legend. Crowned in 2003, Modjadji VI, Queen of the BaLobedu people, comes from a line of rainmaking queens who have ruled the area since the 16th century. Her ancestral home, Modjaji’s Forest, is an ancient stand of cycads, filled with an abundance of flora and fauna. A walking tour of the Modjadji kingdom is an unforgettable highlight of South Africa holidays in Limpopo, and visits to the Royal Kraal can be arranged by appointment.

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South African Game Ranger Training for Your Gap Year

TAD — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 10:57:44 +0000

If you are thinking about pursuing a career in a wildlife conservation, taking a Game Ranger Training program in South Africa during your gap year will help you improve your knowledge about game farming and wildlife management. In addition, the gap year Game Ranger Training program will also open up a whole new world of career opportunities in a game reserve. South Africa, with its diverse fauna and flora, offers the perfect training ground for those who are particularly interested in becoming a Game Ranger.

Becoming a Game Ranger

Usually lasting for 2 to 6 weeks, the Level One Game Ranger Training program in South Africa is accredited by the Field Guides Association of South Africa (F.G.A.S.A.). With the Level One course you will get to learn the essentials of wildlife conservation that are necessary for a career in a game reserve, or as a field guide.

Program Details

The topics covered in a Level one Game Ranger course which you can undertake on your gap year normally include:
• Amphibians
• Animal behaviours
• Arthropods
• Astronomy
• Biomass of South Africa
• Birds
• Botany and grasses
• Learning how to create a guided wilderness experience
• Ecology
• Learning to be a Professional Field Guide
• Marine life of South Africa
• Geology
• Hospitality (inclusive of wine tasting)
• Conservation management
• Mammals
• Reptiles
• Taxonomy
• Weather and Climate

The gap year Game Ranger courses are particularly hands-on and are suitable for those who wish to pursue their interest in wildlife conservation at a higher level.
Gap year Game Ranger courses have no minimum requirement for enrolment, although some knowledge about game conservation and the African Veld will be helpful in having a better understanding of the course. You will need to have an international driving license for learning 4X4 driving, and you also need to be registered with the FGASA. Towards the end of the gap year training course you will be required to take a practical and theoretical exam before you can get a certification of success. The certificate will prove that you have the entry level qualification of a professional field guide.

Leisure Time

The gap year Game Ranger training course is very intensive and as a result there is very little free time. The evenings are your leisure time and you can relax in the accommodation provided in the game reserve, or take a trip to the local town. However, at times as part of your training, you will be required to spend your nights camping in the wilderness.

The knowledge and experience gained from the Game Ranger training is a unique and enriching experience found only in the wilderness of South Africa.

Mark Bottell is the General Manager for Worldwide Experience, an online tour operator offering extended breaks on gap year and other wildlife conservation holidays for adults.

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Nobel Square – A Tribute to the Peacemakers of South Africa

TAD — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 10:55:03 +0000

It could be the majestic glory of nature that greets the visitors on South Africa holidays; it could be the rich and colourful tapestry of culture wondrously woven from the threads of the different forms of art, cuisine, music, literature and other aspects brought ashore by the different ethnic groups who have come to call it their home. But everyone agrees – there is something about South Africa…

It could in part also be the tumultuous history, filled with stories of faith, courage, strength and ferocity, seen through places like the District Six Museum and Robben Island, and other historic sites that offer an unforgettable glimpse of the nation’s journey to those who wish to get to know it on their South Africa holidays. Whatever it is that is unique about South Africa, one thing is for sure: it is a country that breeds greatness, the kind that inspires all who visit.

Nobel Square: A Glimpse Of Greatness

Nowhere is this fact made more apparent than at Nobel Square, the larger than life tribute in sculpture to the four winners of the Nobel Peace Prize who hailed from South Africa. Holidays that find you in and around Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront would do well to include a visit to this awe-inspiring site, a place designed perfectly for quiet contemplation and reflection.
Conceptualised in November 2002 and finally unveiled in 2005, Nobel Square is a tribute in art honouring South Africa’s four great Nobel laureates:

• Chief Albert Luthuli, whose commitment to freedom, equality and development for his people, particularly through equal access to education earned him the respect of people all over the world (while earning the ire, hate and fear of his own government, causing him to be banned and prohibited from publishing any written work).

• Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the symbol of both justice and reconciliation for the people of South Africa, whose leadership guided millions of South Africans, and gave them the strength to work towards their dreams and aspirations

• President Frederik Willem de Klerk, whose key role in dismantling apartheid, and work for racial and national reconciliation drastically changed the fate and future of the nation -leading to the beginning of the free, peaceful and progressive nation we see today on South Africa holidays.

• President Nelson Mandela, longtime political prisoner at the other historical mainstay of South Africa holidays – Robben Island. Honoured for his unwavering commitment to the twin ideals of freedom and justice, and who became the first black African leader of South Africa. He has since devoted his life to working for reconciliation, choosing peace over bloody conflict, to unite the nation towards development and progress.

Where To Find Nobel Square

There’s no way to miss it on your South Africa holidays in Cape Town. Located between the V&A Hotel and the CD Wherehouse on the V&A Waterfront, Nobel Square stands on a 386 square metre area covered in granite. Four bronze larger-than-life sculptures of the honourees with their famous quotations form a crescent with Table Mountain in the background. A fifth statue “Peace and Democracy, is a narrative of the South African women and children’s journey to peace. Take the time to drop by, pause a little and reflect – and help pay tribute to four men who have worked to open the eyes of the world while bringing peace to South Africa.

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A Galloping Good Time on South Africa Holidays

TAD — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 10:40:24 +0000

A romantic mode of transport that evokes the action and adventure of bygone eras, horseback riding is arguably one of the most perfect ways to spend South Africa holidays, seeing the magnificent expanse of this great country. With its richly diverse terrain – steep mountain ranges, thick forests, sandy beaches, rolling winelands, wildlife-filled reserves and wetlands – this is without doubt a country best viewed from the back of a horse.

Horseback Safaris

Try a wildlife safari on horseback and you’ll find yourself being able to get closer to the animals than you could on foot or in a 4 x 4. And for good reason – the smell of horses masks that of humans, so the wildlife is less apt to hide away. This gives you a chance to see the awesome giraffes, elephants, leopards, hippos and rhino that you’ve been dreaming of seeing on your South Africa holidays – animals that would otherwise shy away at any hint of humans in the area.

A popular route for game viewing safaris on horseback begins in Mpumalanga, through the Wilderness Trail and Drakenberg Mountains, culminating at Kruger National Park and the many private nature reserves in the area. Other popular destinations for horseback safaris for your South Africa holidays are the Waterberg Mountains, Sta. Lucia Wetlands Park, and Spioenkop Mountain.

Days of Wine And Horses

For those who love horses just as much as great food and wine, a horseback tour of the Cape Winelands is a definite must on South Africa holidays. Whet your appetite with crisp, fresh air on your bracing ride amidst nature’s beauty, then stop in the olive groves and vineyards, sampling the region’s fine wines and delectable dishes for lunch – ending with a leisurely and relaxing ride back through fynbos and the wine-growing hills to cap your day. Stellenbosch and its wine farms are a favourite destination for this kind of easygoing horse-riding adventure, as are nearby Wellington, Franschhoek and Paarl.

Hoofing Through Surf And Sand

With two oceans bounding South Africa, holidays on the beach are never in short supply. If you’d prefer a surefooted equine to be kicking up a sandstorm or pounding the surf for you, there are plenty of opportunities for that as well. The white, powdery sand beaches of the Western Cape let you go for fast gallops or easy walks that are invigorating either way. The rugged coastline of the Eastern Cape, on the other hand, offers quite a different experience. The “Wild Coast” with its crashing surf and miles of unspoiled beauty lets you explore cove after cove, and maybe a shipwreck site or two, along with the simple villages on the way.

Happy Trails To You

Whether you want to ride through the desert, over grassy valleys, savannahs, around lakes and wetlands, or up and down majestic mountains, or all of the above, it’s all here! With so many different types of horse-riding trails running through equally spectacular landscapes in South Africa, holidays for the horse-riding enthusiast are never short of fun and variety. The hardest part, perhaps, is choosing where to start!

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South Africa Holidays – Travelling Route 62

TAD — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 13:17:41 +0000

To many people who have enjoyed South Africa holidays, the best road trip in the country is the one called Route 62. Taking the N2 from Cape Town to the Garden Route is much shorter, but this longer scenic drive offers practically empty roads, spectacular mountains and gorgeous valleys.

If you have the time, give yourself two or three days so you can make stops to visit interesting communities and sample wines. Start north on the N1 from Cape Town and take the Du Toitskloof Pass instead of the Tunnel. The mountain views are worth the extra time. At Worcester, stop to tour the Karoo Desert Botanical Gardens where you’ll see numerous weird and wonderful plants from arid regions. From here, follow the R60 southeast to Robertson. Then take the R317, a scenic road that passes several fine wineries where you can make stops. You will also see old mansions that were built on the wealth of ostrich feathers.

A Choice of Routes

Now you face the pleasant dilemma that often greets visitors on South Africa holidays - a choice. You can follow the signs to Swellendam, and then double back to rejoin the R60 at the Cape Dutch Jan Harmsgat Country House. Or you can take the R62 through the 10 km (6 mile) Cogmanskloof Pass. This takes you to the pretty town of Montagu. It’s a great place to stay for a night in one of the B&Bs or guesthouses. You can stroll around town to look at the Victorian architecture, and have a therapeutic dip in the nearby hot springs. The soothing waters are a constant 43 degrees C (109 F).

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

From Montagu, take the road east to Barrydale. Then follow the signs to Calitzdorp. Along the way you’ll see the turnoff for the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. Everybody who goes on South Africa holidays wants to see wildlife, and this is the best game reserve in the Western Cape in which to see the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and Cape buffalo – in their natural habitat. It covers 54,000 hectares (133,380 acres), and its arid landscape has a beauty all its own.

The Klein Karoo scenery provides a safari experience somewhat different from those of the Eastern Cape reserves. Accommodations range from a secluded tent lodge to luxurious rooms. There are also rooms for families with children. The Sanbona Wildlife Reserve provides you with a great opportunity to take a leisurely break from your drive and spend a night or two in the African wild, go on safari, and enjoy first rate lodging and services.

When you leave, head for the village of Calitzdorp, where you can sample some of the Cape’s best fortified wines. Twenty km (12 miles) northeast of Calitzdorp is the Retreat at Groenfontein. You can reach it by dirt roads that loop through lovely countryside. The Retreat is a Victorian farmhouse that is now an inn. It sits in a small, remote valley with outstanding views of the Swartberg Mountains. If you spend the night here, you can be sure to arrive the next day in Oudtshoorn before dark. You will then be able to take on the Swartberg Pass, one of the most spectacular drives in the country, in daylight. Spend a night in the pretty village of St. Albert, and then continue south to George and Wilderness, and on to further adventures along the Garden Route.

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South Africa Holidays – 3 Exciting Winelands Drives

TAD — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 12:08:41 +0000

The Winelands region is right in Cape Town’s back yard, and it is one of the most beautiful places you could visit on your South Africa holidays. It is a region of rolling hills, lush valleys, endless vineyards and picturesque communities. If you don’t have the time to see all of it, any one of these three scenic drives will provide you with a memorable Winelands experience.

Should you wish to stop and spend a night at any of the communities along the way, there are plenty of good hotels and guest houses. The Four Passes Route traverses four mountain ranges and takes in Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. It takes a full day, including stops for lunch and wine tasting. Head out of the city on the N2 and follow it into the Hottentots Holland Mountains via Sir Lowry’s Pass. There are breathtaking views of False Bay. Take the turnoff for Franschhoek and Villiersdorp. You will pass through the town of Grabouw and cross the Groenland Mountains via Viljoen’s Pass. This will take you through valleys full of orchards, and past the Theewaterskloof Dam. Turn right at a sign marked Franschhoek, and go up the Franschhoek Mountains via the Franschhoek Pass. There are great places here to stop for lunch. Drive on to Stellenbosch via the scenic Helshoogte Pass. At Boschendal you can tour the Cape Dutch Manor House. The R310 will take you back to the N2.

The Breede River Valley

The second choice for your South Africa holidays tour of the Winelands takes you into the Breede River Valley. Take the N2 past Paarl, and then take the spectacular Du Toit’s Kloof Pass through the mountains. (If you’re pressed for time, you can take the tunnel). The descent takes you into the Breede River Valley. Although not as famous as some of the other South African wines, the wines of this valley are known for their distinctive berry flavours. There are many wineries along this route where you can stop and try a few samples. Turn right at the sign marked Rawsonville, then follow the signs to Goudini Spa and Slanghoek. From there follow the signs to the town of Wolseley, and then go on to Tulbagh -this is a good place to stop for lunch. When you head back to Wolseley, take the R303 to Wellington via Bain’s Kloof Pass, a route with spectacular scenery. From Wellington, follow the signs to Paarl or Franschhoek to get back to the N2.

The Coastal Route

One of the most spectacular drives anyone can take on South Africa holidays is along the dramatic Coastal Route from Cape Town to the town of Hermanus. The highway snakes along cliffs that plunge down into the ocean, where waves break on jagged rocks. The seascape views are unsurpassed anywhere in the world, and in season you have the opportunity of stopping to do some whale watching. Hermanus is the whale watching capital of South Africa. At Hermanus you can turn off on the road to the Hemel en Aarde (Heaven and Earth) Valley to sample some of the wines there.

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South Africa Holidays – Exploring Grahamstown

TAD — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 11:56:46 +0000

There are two good reasons to visit Grahamstown on your South Africa holidays: history and art. This city is located 60 km (37 miles) east of Alicedale and 120 km (75 miles) northeast of Port Elizabeth. It could pass for an English country town were it not for the sprawl of poor shanty townships that are so much part of urban South Africa. But those townships make their own cultural contributions to this historic community. The downtown area is small enough to be explored on foot, but for the rest of it, you’ll need a car. The quality of the roads ranges from good to poor.

A British Garrison Town

Visitors on South Africa holidays who have a taste for history will be interested to know that Grahamstown was established by the British in the early 19th century as a garrison town to maintain what they then considered to be the border of the Cape Colony. The Battle of Grahamstown, which took place here in 1819, was one of the landmark events in South African history. The Xhosa leader Makana tried to drive the British out, but was defeated. He surrendered, and was sent to Robben Island. He later drowned in an escape attempt.

A Grahamstown-based tour company enables you to re-live the battle from the perspective of Xhosa historians. Full day and half-day tours take you to local forts, and guides explain what happened over the course of the battle. You will visit the Valley of the Ancient Voices, which is rich in old rock art. You’ll also have an opportunity to buy locally made arts and crafts. The Drostdy Arch, erected in 1841, was the original entrance to the military parade ground. The statue of the Winged Angel of Peace commemorates the dead of the Boer War, now called the South African War.

A Centre for Education and the Arts

Grahamstown is the home of Rhodes University and some of South Africa’s other leading schools. Many people consider it to be the country’s seat of culture and learning. One of the main attractions for visitors on South Africa holidays is the Cathedral of St. Michael and George, which dates back to 1824. The church’s steeple dominates the skyline, and is the highest in South Africa – its bells were the first in Africa.

The Observatory Museum offers a fascinating study of Victorian science at its best. The displays include a two-storey pendulum and the only authentic Victorian camera obscura in the Southern Hemisphere. The National English Library Museum houses a fascinating collection of books and exhibits relating to South African writers in English. The International Library of African Music is a teaching and research centre that has a collection of more than 200 traditional African instruments.

The ten-day Grahamstown National Arts Festival, held in late June or early July, is South Africa’s premier cultural event. It is one of the largest arts festivals in the world, offering artistic exhibits, theatre, music, dance, and even a children’s festival. Theatres, schools, churches, museums, pubs and outdoor venues all participate, but the largest events are staged at the 1820 Settlers National Monument on Gunfire Hill.

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Colourful South Africa Holidays – The Flowers of Darling

TAD — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 11:37:22 +0000

The town of Darling is 82 kilometres (51 miles) north of Cape Town. Many South Africans know of this community as the home of the satirist Pieter-Dirk Uys, whose iconic character Evita Bezuidenhout (popularly known as Tannie Evita) boldly and brilliantly ridiculed the racist policies of the apartheid government. He still performs here on weekends at Darling Station, his own theatre-restaurant. His autobiography, Between the Devil and the Deep: A Memoir of Acting and Reacting, makes an excellent souvenir. However, for foreign visitors thinking of South Africa holidays, the main attraction in Darling is its flora. The older part of the community also has some fine old Victorian houses.

Wildflower Capital of South Africa

The natural world is the biggest tourist draw in South Africa. Holidays here often mean visits to game parks where people can go on safaris to see the wildlife. But if you are a lover of flowers, Darling is the wildflower capital of South Africa. They are at their most gorgeous from August through October. If you come at the height of the flower season, when the greatest numbers of species are in bloom, one of the best places to go is the Tienie Versfeld Wildflower Reserve. This fantastic park is one of South Africa’s largely undiscovered gems. It is wonderfully unpretentious and uncommercialised, and displays some uniquely South African veld types, such as sandveld, renoster, and strandriet. Among the most striking in their diversity of size and colour are the Geophytes (bulbous plants). The variation is amazing. For a more formal floral experience, go to the Rondeberg Nature Reserve, another paradise for people who love flora. Here you can see more than 900 species, including the very rare disas (a type of orchid) that you aren’t likely to see in many other places. All tours in this park are guided, and you must call ahead to make reservations.

Don’t Forget to try the Wine

For visitors on South Africa holidays who enjoy the fruit of the vine, Darling has also become famous for its local wine. The Groote Post Vineyard has been producing prize winning wines ever since it began in 1999. The 2008 sauvignon blanc and the 2008 merlot have become favourites with connoisseurs. There are no cellar tours, but there is an excellent restaurant. Because Groote Post is operated as an environmentally sensitive winery, part of the grounds here has been left uncultivated, and is covered with wild renosterveld (rhino grass). This scrubby vegetation once thrived in South Africa, but is now the most endangered plant in the Cape floral kingdom because of agriculture and because it is very susceptible to fire. The management of Groote Post sometimes organises game drives through the renosterveld for groups of six to ten people. The drives last between one and two hours, and must be booked in advance. Also visit Darling Cellars, which produces wines under several different labels. In its Onyx range there is an excellent cabernet sauvignon. Also look for the 2005 Pinotage, the 2009 sauvignon blanc, and the 2008 Terra Hutton Cabernet Sauvignon.

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South Africa Holidays – Gordon’s Bay and Beyond

TAD — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 11:20:33 +0000

There are many wonderfully scenic routes that people on South Africa holidays can enjoy. A very good base from which to explore a few of them is Gordon’s Bay, 70 km (43 miles) southeast of Cape Town. This community is on the slopes of the Hottentotts Holland Mountains overlooking False Bay. It’s a popular place with whale watchers in October and November. It is also an excellent starting point for touring the spectacular coastal route called Clarence Drive (R44).

This is one of South Africa’s most scenic drives. To really appreciate it take any one of the dirt roads that lead down to the sea from the highway. From the road between Gordon’s Bay and Rooiels there are numerous paths to the seashore. However, if you go down to watch the waves pounding on the rocky coast, use caution. Don’t go alone, and keep a few yards back from the water if the waves are big. Under certain conditions, huge freak waves can suddenly roar in. If you decide to check out the lovely beach at Pringle Bay, watch for the sign that warns of quicksand.

Betty’s Bay

If you want to see African penguins on your South Africa holidays, Betty’s Bay is one of only two mainland locations in the country where they can be found. (The other is Boulders Beach on the Cape Peninsula). Betty’s Bay is 30 km (19 miles) southeast of Gordon’s Bay. This pretty hamlet, set amidst wild and untamed scenery, is popular with South African retirees and weekend vacationers. The main penguin colony is at Stony Point, 600 yards from a parking area. There is a fence to keep the birds from being disturbed by tourists and land predators, but the occasional leopard still manages to get through. Betty’s Bay is also the site of the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden. This 440-acre protected nature reserve is in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom. The rich profusion of plant life supports 78 species of birds and many species of small mammals, including large troops of chacma baboons. Cradled between the Atlantic Ocean and the lofty peaks of the Kogelberg Range, the setting is magnificent. You can take walking trails through the reserve to the mountains. Book ahead for the services of a guide.

Kleinmond

The quiet coastal town of Kleinmond, 25 km (15 miles) southeast of Gordon’s Bay, is another little gem awaiting visitors on South Africa holidays. Kleinmond is perched on a magnificent stretch of shoreline. In the background are the mountains of the Palmietberg. Like Betty’s Bay, it’s a popular place with retirees and weekenders looking for a break from the cities.

There’s an attractive collection of restaurants and shops near the harbour. Not far from the town is the Kogelberg Nature Reserve; this 66,000 hectare park extends along the Palmiet River from the mountain almost to the sea. The nature walks are well-marked, and in addition to the gorgeous flora you will see some beautiful birdlife. At the eastern end of town is Sandown Bay. Here you will find a long, sandy beach. Swimming is risky because of dangerous currents, but if you’re lucky you might see the famous Bot River horses that live in the marsh. According to legend, they are descendants of horses from the time of the Boer War.

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South Africa Holidays – The Hunt for the Perfect Safari

TAD — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 15:16:55 +0000

If you think going on a safari is an activity solely reserved for billionaire big-game hunters, think again. South Africa holidays offer fascinating opportunities to view exotic big game in the wild. In fact, spotting the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros – is still considered the greatest thrill visitors can have in South Africa. Holidays in the mysterious wilds of this intriguing land are truly unforgettable – a glorious experience of excitement, wildlife and magnificent scenery.

What kind of safari?

Yes, there are definitely more than just one! Travellers on South Africa holidays planning to go on safari tours have a wide range of options to choose from They range from the ultimate in pampering complete with private guides, chefs and trackers in the most luxurious accommodations, to romantic getaways with breathtaking sunsets in dreamy settings, and family outings specially designed to give both parents and children the escape of a lifetime.

Aside from the game drives, there are also walking safaris which allow you to view the animals from the ground and familiarise yourself with their tracks and habits while immersing yourself in nature. Yet another option are night drives, which give you better odds of spotting leopards and hyenas and the other nocturnal natives of South Africa. Holidays in the wilderness definitely take on a different character by night!
What’s more, when it comes to safaris, the five big headliners aren’t the only game in town. There are also those revolving around bird watching, tracking turtles, swimming with penguins, watching whales and sharks, and getting to know the indigenous flora and fauna of South Africa. Holidays don’t necessarily have to be centred on mammals, after all.

Where to go?

Kruger National Park remains far and away the most popular site for game-viewing safaris in South Africa. Holidays centred on wildlife tours in this national game reserve are often not just exciting, but oftentimes educational and awe-inspiring as well. Aside from the big five, other inhabitants of the Kruger include the elegant giraffe, graceful antelope, impala and kudu, as well as wildebeests, crocodiles, and the warthog just for starters.

Sabi Sands Game Reserve on the western side, on the other hand, is a private reserve that houses the private lodges of Sabi Sabi, Mala Mala, and Londelozi – favoured by those wishing to experience the more luxurious side of South Africa holidays.

Planning is key

Every traveller knows that the success or failure of any trip lies in the planning. And if it’s a land where you’ve never been, a well-thought out plan designed for your specific tastes and needs becomes doubly important. For your once-in-a lifetime safari tour to be perfect, it’s best to have it designed by a reputable company intimately familiar with the best of South Africa. Holidays can thus be tailor-made to make sure they are as perfect as you hope them to be.

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Vegetarian Dining on Your Cape Town Holidays – Yes you Can!

TAD — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 15:14:35 +0000

With meat playing such a large part of traditional South African cuisine, is it really possible for vegetarians to eat well on Cape Town holidays? Definitely! There is no dearth of vegetarian restaurants and cafes in South Africa’s glorious Mother City. Here’s a quick list of places to go for great vegetarian dishes:

Vegan/Vegetarian
Vegans on Cape Town holidays are often pleasantly surprised to find that there are more than just a few places that serve predominantly vegan and vegetarian fare. These places offer tasty vegetable dishes that more than just the usual salads.

•   Krishna’s Pure Vegetarian Cuisine, Riverside Centre, Main Road, Cape Town – their legendary lentil biryanis are a lunch staple for vegans on Cape Town holidays.
•   Bella Vegan, St. Georges Street., Simonstown – try their vegan pita pockets Tuesdays to Sundays. Unfortunately, they’re closed on Mondays.
•   Govinda’s Natural Food Café, 17 St. Andrews St. – Look for the Hare Krishna Centre (a sure sign that there are vegetarian and vegan places nearby) and you’ll find this cosy café serving mainly Indian fare. Even meat-eaters on Cape Town holidays often come here for a break!
•   SOPHEA Gallery and Tibetan Teahouse, 2 Harrington Road, Seaforth, Simonstown – a great place, absolutely bright with positive energy, they offer vegan, vegetarian and lacto-vegetarian options in the Tibetan style. Their masala chai are a must-try for vegan Cape Town holiday makers.
•   Zucchini’s, 1 Loop Street, Cape Town CBD – it’s a tad small so you’ll have to keep an eye out for this little vegetarian favourite, but it’s worth the search!
•   Café Jo Brown, Buiten Street – try their samosas, pasta bakes and tofu stir fry. A good range of great dishes to sure to please.
•   Lola’s, 228 Long Street– a highly recommended favourite among hip and fashionable Capetonians, be sure to schedule visits to this popular spot on you Cape Town holidays.
•   Quensh, 42 Lower Main Road, Observatory – this cool and contemporary vegetarian and organic haven offers more than just vegetarian fare; they stock fresh produce and other organic basics (including baby food) as well.

Vegetarian Friendly
While not totally vegetarian in the strictest sense of the word, these great places offer hearty, tasty menus to please vegetarians on Cape Town holidays:

•   Addis in Cape, 41 Long Street – Ethiopian dishes with vegetarian options.
•   Kwalapa, 31 Newlands Avenue – the regular Wednesday raw vegetarian lunch feast is definitely not to be missed.
•   Gold Restaurant (Gold of Africa Museum courtyard),96 Strand Street, City Centre – drop by at night for their interactive drumming experience followed by great entertainment you’ll remember long after your Cape Town holidays are over!
•   Rooti, Shop 1, Piazza Level, Clock Tower Centre, V&A Waterfront – try the veggie curry for a taste of vegetarian with a Cape Malay touch.
•   Mama Afrika, 178 Long Street – great vegan African stew!

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Golf: A Different Kind of Game on Your South Africa Holidays

TAD — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:57:08 +0000

If your idea of the perfect vacation involves playing rounds of golf in different world-class courses situated in the most magnificent settings, we have just the place for you: South Africa! Holidays in the land of legendary golfer Gary Player‘s birth offer many wonderful possibilities for the golf enthusiasts – from high altitude courses that allow you more distance for your swing, to coastal courses where warm sea breezes blow, and spectacular fairways where you catch views of South Africa’s wildlife between rounds on manicured lawns.

The perfect golf climate

With its gentle, temperate climate, bright sunny days and clear blue skies almost all year round, South Africa holidays provide for great golfing almost 365 days a year. In fact, many golf aficionados from the colder regions in the Northern hemisphere escape to South Africa’s courses in order to make the most of the wintry days practicing their swings under the bright African sun.

More than 500 golf courses and counting

Golf enthusiasts all over the world are rapidly discovering South Africa as a golf paradise, and for good reason: there are at least 500 golf courses to choose from, spread out among the provinces of South Africa. Holidays tailor-made specifically for golfers offer an amazingly wide selection of prestigious courses designed by world-renowned names such as Robert Trent Jones and Gary Player – you’re sure to find top-notch greens whichever part of the Rainbow Nation you choose to go.

Top golf courses in South Africa

Gary Player Country Club in Sun City is perhaps the best known among the golf courses in South Africa. Holidays for the most passionate golfers are hardly ever complete without a visit to this resort, the home of the Nedbank Golf Challenge – the competition offering what may be the highest prize of any tournament. One of the world’s longest courses, stretching more than 7000 metres over magnificent terrain, some also say it’s one of the world’s toughest, testing the accuracy of your approach with plenty of bunkers and water hazards.

Leopard Creek, South Africa’s number one golf course is located right beside Kruger National Park. Designed to make the most of its natural setting, which also happens to be home to many of Africa’s wildlife, including the Big Five – lions, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and the leopard for which the creek is named. Sightings of crocodile, hippo, wild boar, antelope and hundreds of birds are quite common on the course or the river nearby – one of the most unforgettable experiences you’ll ever have on South Africa holidays.

A magnificent view of the Indian Ocean serves as a backdrop to Wild Coast Sun Country Club – a challenging course with changes in terrain and elevation that present interesting problems for the golfer who wants to test and hone his skills. You’ll want to see how well you’ll do on the notorious 13th hole, where you’ll need to drive your ball across a ravine with a waterfall!

Fore!

With more golf courses than there are days in a year, South Africa holidays offer a wide variety of options for the golf aficionado out for a challenge. Book a golfing break to South Africa now, and experience the kind of golfing that has produced some of the greatest players the world has ever seen.

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Cape Town Holidays – More Than Your Usual R & R

TAD — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:49:21 +0000

Whether it’s communing with nature, a trip down the halls of history, a leisurely tour of great food and wine or simply a great adventure that you need to feed your soul, Cape Town holidays offer different ways to refresh your spirit, renew your mind and body, and restore your equilibrium. They’re definitely a far cry from the usual holiday rest and recreation!

Reconnect With Nature

Table Mountain greets you the minute you arrive in Cape Town. Holidays here aren’t complete without a trip to the top of the mountain for an exhilarating panoramic view. Take a ten-minute cable car ride or embark on a leisurely walk through paths that let you enjoy the wonders of South African flora and fauna a little bit closer. Try a visit to Kirstenbosch and Cape Flats Nature for flora; while Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point, Tygerberg, and Rondevlei, are great places to see South Africa’s wildlife.

Cape Town holidays also abound with beach options as well. Head on to Clifton (known as Cape Town’s St. Tropez), Blouberg Beach or Camps Bay where you can relax in the sun; Boulders Beach where you can swim with African penguins (yes, there are penguins in South Africa!); or watch whales and other marine mammals in one of the many land-based whale watching sites along the Cape Point coastline.

Revisit History
Robben Island and the District 6 Museum may seem to be standard stops on Cape Town holidays, but for very good reason: these sites are testaments to the painful and oftentimes volatile past when apartheid and political turmoil divided men, and the price people pay for freedom and enlightenment. Rare is the visitor that comes away untouched.

For a more rounded view of South Africa’s colourful past, however, Cape Town holidays should always include visits to the Heritage Museum, the Castle of Good Hope and Cape Town Cultural History Museum – which is a former slave lodge that now houses displays of furniture, weapons, artwork and from the different peoples who have settled in South Africa. The South African museum, which is the country’s oldest, houses Stone Age tools and relics.

Recharge With An Adrenaline Rush
If what you need to feel renewed are thrilling adventures, you’ll find plenty that are sure to send a surge of new energy through your veins on your Cape Town holidays!
You can try rock climbing up and then abseiling down the rocky cliffs of Table Mountain; paragliding, hang-gliding or micro-lighting from nearby Signal Hill and Lion’s Head; bungee jumping from the high bridges around Cape Town; or even shark-cage diving in False Bay!

Revel In the Good Life
If what you need to recover from your workaday life is some time off in the lap of luxury, Cape Town holidays provide plenty of ways to do so. Get some serious pampering from any of the wellness spas that abound in Cape Point – whether a mountain retreat with hot springs or one with an ocean view. Take a scenic drive through the vineyards of Cape Point, Constantia Valley and Tygerberg, tasting the best wines (and food!) South Africa has to offer, or simply stay put at the lovely Victoria & Albert Waterfront and relax after a day of shopping and sightseeing.

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A Spicy Blend: Sampling Cape Malay Cuisine on South Africa Holidays

TAD — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:34:43 +0000

Part African, part European, and part Asian, Cape Malay cuisine is the perfect demonstration of why the term ‘rainbow nation’ is the most popular nickname for South Africa. Holidays in this beautiful country are a great way to see just how various races and cultures have melded together to create a uniquely distinct character- and the food is a great example.

The Cape Malays

Cape Malays are a group of people descended from slaves brought over by the Dutch East India Company from Indonesia to the Western Cape. Bo-kaap, the picturesque Malay Quarter on Signal Hill, is the site of Cape Town’s modern-day Cape Malay community, and a popular stop on South Africa holidays.

The beginnings of Cape Malay cuisine

The slaves, mostly Javanese, with smaller groups from India, Malaysia, Ceylon and Madagascar, though coming from different regions, had one thing in common – a penchant for using a large variety of spices in their cooking. With many of them employed in the kitchens of the Dutch settlers, it was merely a matter of time until their way of cooking was incorporated into traditional European and Dutch dishes, as well as those from the indigenous Black Africans – fusing together to form what is now recognised as Cape Malay cuisine.

Unless you’ve eat particularly unadventurously on your South Africa holidays, chances are you will get a taste of this fusion in some of your meals – particularly in the restaurants around Cape Town. If you’re particularly lucky, you may get the chance to sample it in one of the Cape Malay homes themselves – purists will often tell you it’s the only place where you’ll find true Cape Malay cooking.

So what makes Cape Malay cuisine, Cape Malay cuisine?

Some say, it’s the spices. Turmeric (locally called borrie), is the primary spice that gives many Cape Malay dishes their distinctive flavour and hue, which – along with the omnipresent garlic, chilli and ginger combo, plus rosewater, allspice, fenugreek, nutmeg, saffron, mustard seed, cardamom, cumin, bay leaf, mint, cinnamon, star anise, and many more – are essential ingredients in the Cape Malay kitchen.

If you’ve sampled Cape Malay cooking on your South Africa holidays, you may be inclined to think it’s the spices themselves that define the cuisine. But for the many fans of Cape Malay cuisine, that’s not all there is to it. Indian food, for instance employs many of the same spices after all. More than just the presence of the spices alone, what distinguishes Cape Malay cuisine is the way the flavours are layered: each spice is carefully measured and added to the dish as a counterpoint to the other spices added before – building a dish that is distinctly Cape Malay and distinctly South Africa.

Talk May Be Good But…

A real Cape Malay meal is worth a thousand words, and for that, we suggest a visit to South Africa – holidays to this enchanting paradise have never been easier! With its wealth of attractions – landscapes, cities, wildlife, scenery and of course, food – you’ll surely find plenty of reasons to make the trip!

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Meet the Crocodiles on your South Africa Holidays

TAD — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:29:15 +0000

Many visitors decide to take South Africa holidays hoping to see the ‘Big Five’ in action. These five animals – the lion, the African elephant, the Cape buffalo, the leopard, and the rhinoceros – should not be missed while you’re there. The moniker came from their desirability (as the most difficult animals to hunt on foot) for big game hunters before the species’ became protected. However, there are many more fascinating animals in South Africa. Chief among these, in terms of worldwide fame, is the crocodile. With just the right mix of danger and elusiveness, the crocodile never quite made it onto the ‘Big Five’ – but it remains an intriguing sight for South Africa’s animal lovers all the same.

Swimming

Believed to be over 200 million years old, the crocodile species is theorised to have remained largely unchanged since the days of the dinosaur – an apt comparison for the creatures. As large aquatic reptiles, crocodiles have streamlined bodies that help them move through water, and in addition to this they tuck their feet in to their sides while swimming, further decreasing the water resistance. Although their webbed feet aren’t used to propel the croc through the water, they allow it to make fast turns and sudden moves; although it’s a rare sight to see a crocodile in action, if you do see it, it’s one memory you won’t forget from your South Africa holidays.

Hunting

Crocodiles belong to the category of animals known as ‘ambush hunters’, meaning that they wait for fish or other land animals to approach them, before rushing out in a surprise attack. However, it would be rare to see such an attack while on South Africa holidays. The crocodile’s metabolism is very slow, allowing them to go days without food; this increases the amount of time crocodiles can lay in wait for their prey. One notable exception to the animals in fear of the croc is the Egyptian plover bird. It feeds on parasites that dwell within a crocodile’s mouth, and so a crocodile will open its jaws to allow the bird to pick its teeth clean without harm, in a symbiotic natural relationship.

Behaviour

It can be an exciting experience to see a crocodile on your South Africa holidays – but you may not be prepared for the sight of one panting like a dog does! Crocodiles don’t possess sweat glands, and so release their body heat through their mouths – crocodiles will also sleep with their mouths open, which can be an unnerving sight.

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Cape Town Holidays with Children

TAD — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:20:34 +0000

It can be difficult to plan a holiday for the whole family, especially when travelling with young children. They can be demanding at the best of times – but as we all know, no holiday would be complete without the entire family there to enjoy it. So what is on offer for children during your Cape Town holidays? There are plenty of child-friendly attractions and activities to visit and take part in while you visit Cape Town – and who knows? Perhaps some of the adults in your group may just find themselves having a little bit of fun as well. Here are a few top choices for children on holiday in Cape Town.

Fathers and Children

Cape Town holidays are a great chance for fathers and kids to really bond and have fun together with some of the exciting activities on offer. Cool Runnings Toboggan Park provides plenty of thrills as you thunder around the half-pipe in a toboggan, reaching speeds of up to 40 kilometres per hour. For a more relaxed experience, The Giraffe House is a wildlife centre which offers talks and exhibits, and even interactive reptile and snake shows! There are play areas, picnic areas, and even a bike track for children under 10.

Summer Holiday Fun

For those interested in the sciences, a perfect activity for making the most of the exotic location is the Summer Science Splash, if your Cape Town holidays fall in the summer. It is edu-tainment at its best, with topics ranging from sharks to penguins, and even the reason why starfish have five arms! If a more energetic experience is needed, heading up to Table Mountain at sunset is a great way to let of some steam and be able to explore the mountain at any pace.

Out of the Ordinary

If you and your family are overheating in the sun during your Cape Town holidays, it might make a nice change to cool off by going ice-skating at the V&A Waterfront; with real ice-skating at the water’s edge housed inside a giant inflatable cube. If ice-skating isn’t enough of an experience in South Africa, the V&A waterfront is also home to the Jolly Roger Pirate Boat, offering pirate shows, treasure hunts, face-painting, and all sorts of other pirate-themed activities – along with an hour’s cruise in the harbour of Cape Town. The waterfront is full of places to buy an ice-cream or two as an after-dinner treat, and a beautiful place to sit down and simply watch as life in Cape Town goes by.

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Cape Town Holidays in Four Days

TAD — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:09:41 +0000

Is it possible to see all the highlights of Cape Town in just four days? For those on Cape Town holidays, such a packed itinerary can seem like a bit of a challenge. If you don’t have much time to spend on holiday, though, or you want to get as much bang for your buck as possible, here’s our guide to seeing the sights of Cape Town in just four days.

Day One

A walking tour of the city itself can be a great way to engage with Cape Town’s history and to get to grips with the layout of the city. With so little time to see everything, navigating the city will become important on your Cape Town holidays. You might visit the eclectic, cobbled streets of the Malay Quarter, Bo-Kaap, or city hall, where political and spiritual luminary Nelson Mandela addressed millions upon his release from Robben Island in 1990.

Day Two

Once you’ve gotten to grips with the city on the first day of your Cape Town holidays, it is time to set your sights higher – on exploring Table Mountain, the natural feature that dominates the rest of Cape Town spread below it. Whether you ascend by walking up its slopes, or taking a cable car to the top, it’s well worth the effort for the view from the wide plateau.

Day Three

Check out some of the natural features on your third day by heading to the Kirstenbosch Gardens, and enjoy some of the exquisite South African flora on offer. Once you’re done enjoying the peaceful ambience of the gardens, the Constantia Vineyards are less than an hour away, and can make the perfect way to round off an afternoon. If you’re a little tipsy after an afternoon wine-tasting, take a break at Llandudno, Cape Town’s most exclusive slice of real estate. A stroll along the beach in the evening breeze can be just the thing to clear your head.

Day Four

The last day of your jam-packed Cape Town Holidays, and it begins with a drive to Cape Point, the rugged tip of the continent. You’ll have to make an early start to beat the crowds, but the rewards are well worth it, with spectacular views and the chance to spot animals such as antelope and zebra. The more adventurous can go for a walk around the Cape of Good Hope, with its magnificent view of the sea.

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South Africa Holidays – Oudtshoorn, the Ostrich Capital

TAD — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 17:47:35 +0000

When planning the itinerary for their South Africa holidays, few people consider Oudtshoorn: Ostrich Capital of South Africa. Holidays there, however, can be especially memorable for those in the know. The town is situated in the Western Cape province and has 80,336 human inhabitants – and the world’s largest ostrich population. Many live in specialised ostrich breeding farms, such as the Safari Show Farm and the Highgate Ostrich Show Farm; visitors to the town can see these graceful birds at some of these farms, and even ride them.

Oudtshoorn’s Beginnings

The region in which Oudtshoorn is situated was originally inhabited by bushmen, who left many rock paintings in caves throughout the nearby Swartberg Mountains. The first white explorers to the region followed an ancient elephant trail in 1689, but Europeans only began settling there over a hundred years later, with the first large permanent structure erected in 1839. The town went through several periods of economic hardship and boom; the former caused by droughts, the latter by surges in demands for ostrich feathers. Visitors on South Africa holidays may not consider it a priority souvenir, but in the late 1800s an ostrich feather in one’s hat was incredibly popular. While ostriches are no longer in such great demand, and many farmers have returned to traditional crops, the birds’ population remains high.

Oudtshoorn Today

Oudtshoorn is by no means a grand and famous town, but its slightly quirky focus makes it a great destination on South Africa holidays. Visitors can observe the ostriches at various farms around the town; some offer a chance to ride one of the birds, which is definitely a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. To learn more about the history of ostrich farming in Oudtshoorn, as well as many other aspects of local history, visitors can browse the informative exhibits at the CP Nel Museum. Those who wish to interact with the birds in a very different manner will find their menus full of options: ostrich eggs, ostrich sausages and ostrich steaks are readily available in hotels and restaurants. The eggs have a very rich flavour, while the meat is similar to beef.

However, there is plenty to do besides watching and riding (and eating) the ostriches. Oudtshoorn hosts the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees, South Africa’s largest Afrikaans language arts festival, each year. History and architecture buffs will enjoy the town’s many churches, which date back as far as 1837. Oudtshoorn is also an excellent launching point for cycling and hiking in the region, as well as providing a more laid-back atmosphere than bustling Cape Town and the other cities of South Africa. Holidays to the town are highly recommended.

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Books to Read on Cape Town Holidays

TAD — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 17:12:43 +0000

Cape Town is, like any city, a complicated, multi-layered place. Numerous writers have tapped into this city like a vast pot of ink, drawing on its history, its present and its many possible futures. Visitors on Cape Town holidays will not learn everything about the city by reading its books, but they might offer an unconsidered slant, a new view into the city they’re briefly passing through. Here is a list of books to consider adding to the suitcase or picking up while in the city.

Richard Rive, Buckingham Palace, District Six

Everyone knows about apartheid, but far fewer people on Cape Town holidays know the real stories of the countless black Africans who suffered from its racist policies. Beginning in 1968, over 60,000 people were forced to leave their homes in Cape Town’s District Six because it was declared a “whites-only” area. Since the end of apartheid, some people have been able to move back, although the logistics of this are rife with disagreements. Richard Rive’s novel, Buckingham Palace, District Six, chronicles the lives of the District Six residents before and during the removals – a worthy introduction to the subject for visitors on Cape Town holidays.

Lauren Beukes, Moxyland

Looking to the future is Lauren Beukes’ novel, Moxyland, a near-future story of technology, corporate control and standing up for individual rights. The what-ifs it posits offer a far from ideal future, but one that might be more real that most people would like to think; the feisty, determined young protagonists show that hope should never be abandoned. Moxyland is a fun and thought-provoking read, about Cape Town and the modern world in general.

Andrew Brown, Coldsleep Lullaby

Fifty kilometres east of Cape Town is Stellenbosch, a popular day-trip destination for people on Cape Town holidays – and the setting of Andrew Brown’s novel, Coldsleep Lullaby. Its intertwined narrative tells of a murder mystery in the present day and a cruel viticulturist lusting after a slave girl in the 17th century. The story is dark and serious, whether dealing with the horrors of early colonialism or the contemporary police detective’s personal demons – but it is also a fast paced thriller, with twists guaranteed to keep the reader turning the page.

These three books are only a tiny sampling of Cape Town’s rich literary tradition. Take the time on Cape Town holidays to discover these and others, such as Sindiwe Magona’s Mother to Mother, Zakes Mda’s The Whale Caller and the countless others on Cape Town’s bookshelves.

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South Africa Holidays – On the Dolphin Trail

TAD — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 15:51:31 +0000

Many visitors on South African holidays come for the whale-watching, which lasts from June to November. The Whale Coast is one of the country’s most frequently visited regions. Not as well known to foreign tourists, but just as fascinating, is the Dolphin Coast.

It is named for the great number of bottlenose dolphins that frolic in the coastal waters throughout the year. It lies north of Durban, between Umhlanga and Tugela Mouth. Because of the rolling expanses of sugar plantations, it has also been called the Sugar Coast. But for the tourists lucky enough to discover this uncrowded stretch of Indian Ocean coast, it is the dolphins that make the show. The best way to see the Dolphin Coast is to get off the N2 highway and take the old coast road that runs parallel to the sea.

A Local Favourite

The Dolphin Coast is popular with the residents of South Africa. Holidays for many locals mean trips to the beach resorts of Ballito, Umhlanga Rocks and Salt Rock. There are a lot of smaller, more expensive resorts that attract an upscale clientele. The soft sand beaches are wildly beautiful, and the waves that roll in are majestic – but before you head in for a swim be sure that the location is protected by shark nets. You’ll find some excellent golf courses here, as well as numerous tropical nature reserves that are seldom overrun with tourists. The reserves are well protected and well run, and are especially inviting to bird watchers.

If you want to do some shopping, there is Gateway, South Africa’s premier shopping mall – claiming to be the biggest shopping centre in the southern hemisphere. You’ll find it in Umhlanga Rock, a resort community that is practically a suburb of Durban. Shopaholics could easily spend a day here, and an evening, too, if they want to see a movie in the 18-screen cinema.

Just to the north is Umhlanga Lagoon, where there are gorgeous expanses of wetland and forest, and an unspoiled beach. A popular landmark here is the Umhlanga Lighthouse. Kids and adults alike will enjoy a visit to Crocodile Creek, which has 9,000 crocodiles, as well as snakes, tortoises and monkeys. Between December and March you can see the hatching of baby crocs.

Salt and Shaka

For people on South African holidays who have a taste for history, the legacy of the Zulus is strong here. Salt Rock, north of Ballito, was once a place where the Zulus gathered salt. Nearby is Shaka’s Rock. It was from here that the warrior king, Shaka, the Zulu’s version of Julius Caesar, allegedly had his enemies thrown into the sea. The reefs here provide good snorkelling, but don’t expect to see the bones of Shaka’s victims. The community of Stanger/KwaDukuza was once Shaka’s capital. It was here that he was assassinated by his two half-brothers. Visitors can see his monument, and learn his story in the KwaDukuza Visitor Centre. If you go 20 kilometres (12.5 miles) north on the N2 highway, you will come to the Howard Johnson Nature Reserve. This is the site of the remains of Fort Pearson, the base for the British invasion of Zululand in 1879. A small museum displays Zulu dress and cultural artefacts. It’s a great historical experience, and an educational break from the beach and the dolphins.

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How to Support Sustainable Tourism in Africa

TAD — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 15:46:01 +0000

These days, more and more visitors going to ecologically vulnerable destinations are showing concern about their environmental “footprint.” Those who aren’t so inclined are encouraged by host countries to become more aware of the necessity of “going green.” It’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering a vacation in South Africa. Holidays there are more than likely going to bring you in contact with flora, fauna and topography in need of careful management. Just by visiting, you could be leaving a negative footprint without even realising it.

How Big is Your Footprint?

Most of the people who go on South Africa holidays want to see the beautiful countryside and the animals that live in it. But it is virtually impossible for visitors to go out into the bush without making an impact. Sustainable tourism, also called ecotourism, has been defined as “ethical, considerate or informed tourism, where visitors can enjoy the natural, historical and social heritage of an area without causing adverse environmental, socio economic, or cultural impacts that compromise the long-term ability of that area and its people to provide a recreational resource for future generations and an income for themselves.” South Africa is wild and beautiful; it is also a fragile, living, working landscape. Environmental legislation helps protect it, but every visitor can participate by taking measures to lessen their footprints.

Skip the Flights

Most people who go on South Africa holidays fly there. Some of these “go green” alternatives might not be practical for everybody, but if you have the time, they could add to the adventure. Take a ferry from southern Spain to Morocco, and drive to South Africa. Get passage on a freight ship to South Africa. Take the luxurious Cunard voyage from England to Cape Town. While in South Africa, avoid internal flights and drive yourself around. Use the Bas Bus to go from Cape Town to Durban and Pretoria. Travel on the South African train system.

Keeping it Green

There are a lot of ways you can help the cause of conservation in South Africa. Holidays can be fun and exciting without being hard on the environment or the animals. Stay on the well-marked roads and tracks; off-road driving is harmful because of smoke and oil, and destruction of the grass leads to erosion. Enter and exit parks only through authorised gates. Within the parks, stay in your vehicle except in designated places such as picnic sites or starting points for walking trails. Respect the park’s opening and closing hours. Don’t harass or disturb the animals, or try to attract their attention by shouting or whistling. Always turn your engine off when observing animals from close range, and under no circumstances should you try to feed the animals. The food you give them could be harmful, and it could make them see humans as a source of food, causing them to become aggressive with people. This can result in the animals being shot. If you’re camping in a park, make sure all food is secured so that animals can’t get at it. Don’t drop litter, used matches or cigarette butts. This is not only a matter of cleanliness and fire prevention; some animals eat anything they find. Don’t exceed the speed limit; fast driving is hard on the roads, disturbs the animals, and increases the chances of animals being run over. Never forget that wild animals are potentially dangerous; don’t take foolish risks.

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Best Restaurants for your South Africa holidays

TAD — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 17:12:57 +0000

South Africa boasts a long list of world class restaurants in each city and deciding where you want to eat while on South Africa holidays is often a tough decision. To make your choices a little easier we have selected the top restaurant in each region, so no matter whether you are visiting Cape Town, The Winelands, Durban, The Garden Route or Johannesburg, a visit to one of the top-notch eating establishments listed below is bound to tantalise your taste buds.

Five Flies- Cape Town

Found in a beautifully restored historical building in the heart of Cape Town, Five Flies restaurant should be on the top of your list for dining choices on your South Africa holidays. For those after a quiet drink, there is a large lounge bar as well as a beautiful cobbled outdoor bar. And, for those looking to tuck in, Five Flies extensive menu of unique local and international dishes is sure to keep even the most discerning food critic happy. Highlights include the fantastic slow roasted leg of lamb with roasted parsnips and the baked kinglip and prosciutto.

Le Quartier Francais- Winelands

Le Quartier Francais is found in a stunning countryside setting where you’ll dine in a garden room with large windows and cottage furniture. If you visit the Winelands on your South Africa holidays, make sure you stop at Le Quartier to sample a menu that combines French, Asian and South African flavours to create an array of delectable delights. Signature dishes include double baked beetroot with rocket soufflé, olive oil baked salmon trout and the unique grilled springbok lion.

Butcher Boys- Durban

For carnivores who visit Durban on South Africa holidays, Butcher Boys in the Morningside region is an upmarket steakhouse serving the best grain fed beef South Africa has to offer. Non-carnivores are also well catered for with a variety of seafood and chicken dishes also on the menu. And, for those who like their meal so much they want to take some home with them, the in house butchery can cut your preference of steak- whether you want a lean thin piece or a weighty thick slice, the butchers will then seal it in a vacuum bag for you to take home.

Browns of Rivonia- Johannesburg

Boasting one of the best and most varied wine cellars in the whole country, and an extensive menu to boot, Browns of Rivonia offers an intimate dining experience. With a seasonal menu, it all depends on the time of year you visit as to your menu options. And, with delectable listings such as ostrich fillets and Moroccan lamb it doesn’t matter when you visit, Browns is bound to be one of your culinary highlights while on South Africa holidays.

Sirocco, Knynsa- Garden Route

Considered to be one of the best seafood restaurants in South Africa, ensure you stop at Sirocco in Knynsa on your South Africa holidays. One of the most popular seaside towns for those driving along the Garden Route, Sirocco is a seafood lovers delights. Boasting an extensive seafood menu as well as options for carnivores, simply sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning views in Sirocco’s waterfront setting.

Sally Rushbrooke is a South Africa specialist for key2holidays, an online tour operator offering South Africa holidays as well as holidays around the world. key2holidays has a dedicated team of experienced travel consultants to share their knowledge and help you to plan and book great South Africa holidays.

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Top five places to see on South Africa holidays

TAD — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 16:41:56 +0000

South Africa is one of the most diverse countries in the world offering visitors a myriad of sites and places to visit. On your South Africa holidays ensure you take a drive down the Garden Route, take in the view on Table Mountain, go on Safari in Kruger National Park, experience the eye opening Soweto Township and finally take tour of Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was kept for 27 years.

The Garden Route

One of the best ways to see the scenery on your South Africa holidays is to take a drive down the famed Garden Route along the south eastern coast. Starting in Mossel Bay and finishing at Storms River, there at least 10 nature reserves along the Garden Route, which harbour an array of marine life and multi-coloured birds. Ensure you stop at Knysna along the way – a beautiful seaside town that is perfect for some fun, relaxation and fine food.

Table Mountain

Table Mountain is one of South Africa’s best known landmarks and all South Africa holidays should include a trip up this majestic mountain in Cape Town. There are two options for reaching the summit; you can take the cable car which does the hard work for you or if you are feeling energetic, you can hike up the mountain in about 2-4 hours. Whichever option you choose, from the moment you step foot on the top you are greeted with a 360O view over Cape Town that is guaranteed to take your breath away.

Kruger National Park

The oldest park, the Kruger National Park is found five hours north of Johannesburg and is famous the world over for its rich diversity of flora and fauna including the ‘Big 5.’ On your South Africa holidays safaris to Kruger is a must and with your choices ranging from self drive options to guided tours, no matter how you wish to see this beautiful national park; everyone is easily catered for.

Soweto Township

Perhaps not the best looking of the country’s attractions the Soweto Township in Johannesburg is a must see for anyone who wants to understand the freedom struggle fought both under the Apartheid regime and throughout the 1900’s. There are many local tour companies who conduct guided tours for those on holidays in South Africa, as you should not venture into Soweto on your own. Soweto tours are extremely humbling and take in particularly important sites such as Nelson Mandela’s former home and the Hector Pieterson Memorial.

Robben Island

You could not consider your South Africa holidays complete without a visit to the Robben Island Prison Museum which is found 7km off the coast of Cape Town. The now disused prison is famous for being the involuntary home of many anti-apartheid activists during the 1900’s with perhaps the most notable being Nelson Mandela who was kept on Robben Island for 27 years. The best way to experience all that the island has on offer is on a guided tour, where you’ll begin in Cape Town and spend half a day touring the island learning it’s startling and eye opening history.

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South Africa Holidays Go East!

TAD — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 14:39:30 +0000

Be sure to include some time for the magnificent Dolphin Coast with its wide variety of accommodations, beaches, world-class golf, nature areas and sparkling beaches when you are putting together your South Africa holidays agenda. This fascinating region is on the east coast, north of the great city of Durban in the KwaZulu Natal.

The geography of the Dolphin Coast reaches from Ballito and its Tongaat River to the Umhlali River, a stretch that is sprinkled with marvellous resorts. Visitors often report sighting playful bottlenose dolphins in the waters of the Indian Ocean, hence the name. Keep in mind that this unique landscape is quite isolated from much of the hustle and bustle of the big cities, yet it’s only 30 minutes by car from Durban.

Sunshine Coast

For yet another extraordinary South Africa holidays experience, spend some time on the Sunshine Coast, which stretches from St. Francis Bay to East London. Luxurious travel arrangements are available to ensure your comfort while you enjoy the view. But you can also arrange a safari trip to see big game animals in their natural habitat. These trips can be made by four-wheel-drive vehicle or, in some cases, on foot. There are several top-shelf game lodges that cater to your every need.
You may want to include a Port Elizabeth stop on your trip as well. This area is considered the water-sports mecca of the country. It is home to the Ironman Triathlon-South Africa, yet another reason to put this on your list of things to do on your South Africa holidays.

Of Sardines and Sharks

Some visitors to South Africa make straight for what they call the “wild” coast, if only because it is different from Cape Town and Johannesburg in many ways. Travellers include this area on their South Africa holidays because of a unique event – the sardine run. For about two weeks each year these tiny fish follow cold-water streams that lead north. What makes this event so fascinating? Larger marine animals such as sharks and dolphins feed on the sardines, creating quite a spectacle for those who are fortunate enough to be there. But you can get even closer to the sharks, if you dare! With the correct guidance and equipment it’s possible to get up close and personal with a few of these large fish. You may even see a southern right whale or a humpback along the way.

After all this excitement you may need to relax and enjoy a few of the human creature comforts. You certainly can – in nearby Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London and other port towns. There are fine restaurants, night clubs and hotels to accommodate you after an exhilarating day on the water or in the wild.

If you still have some energy left you can always play tennis at one of the professional venues, enjoy great golf, or bet a few coins on the thoroughbreds at one of the area courses. To put it simply, there is plenty to occupy your time on the east coast. Turn your South Africa holidays attention to the east.

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South Africa Holidays – Discovering Durban

TAD — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 14:15:57 +0000

If you’re planning your South Africa holidays and are looking for a place to call “home” for the duration, why not choose Durban? As the old saying goes, there is more here than meets the eye.

This is one of the largest cities in South Africa. It is home to numerous professional sports teams – soccer, rugby, cricket and more. Durban is also home to one of the five largest sea-world aquarium attractions in the world, uShaka Marine World. The city was one of the primary host cities for the 2010 FIFA World Cup so you know it has the amenities to satisfy every want and need on your South Africa holidays. You’ll be able to enjoy a professional tennis venue and Greyville Racecourse for thoroughbred racing. Relax in a first-class hotel and pass the time at a world-class casino. Plan to include a rickshaw ride in your agenda too!

Rickshaws? Really?

Durban is well known for what some have called the “iconic” Zulu rickshaw pullers. Words such as “colourful” and “vibrant” have been used to describe this experience, unique to South Africa holidays. This fascinating method of transportation has been in use for well over 100 years, giving the city a reputation all its own. Rickshaws were brought to the city in the early 1900s and were a standard way to get about before cars came on the scene.
The pullers own their rickshaw and are only allowed to own one. They attract business with their complex, gorgeous and massive costumes, yet another tie to the past. The rickshaw was supposedly invented in Japan by a missionary working there. The vehicle idea migrated to India and eventually to Durban. Of course, all other transportation to and from Durban, as well as in the city, is very modern and efficient. The city is served by major airport, highway and rail service, perfect for all South Africa holidays.

Casino and Sports Excitement

One of the fastest growing industries in South Africa is the casino/hotel sector. The country has been a proving ground for poker players who are now on the world tours. Companies have been formed to establish such gaming and entertainment venues as Suncoast Hotel and Casino. The 432-room hotel and full-service casino opened in 200 to provide accommodations for guests and 82,000 square feet (7,600 square meters) of gaming space. There are a number of excellent restaurants in the hotel/casino complex. The gaming areas are divided into smoking and non-smoking sections.

Suncoast is on the north end of the Golden Mile, near the Kings Park Sporting area. Several restaurants and movie houses are nearby. There is a popular beach bar and a private beach for guests as well. Visitors enjoy the art deco design of the casino, which pays homage to the art deco heritage of the city. Cyclists out for some serious recreation often use the casino as their “base camp.” Don’t forget to look into the vibrant sports scene in Durban as well. It is home to professional sports clubs in soccer, cricket and rugby and is a popular starting point for bicycle tours along the spectacular coast.

So if you’re heading off to this vibrant country, why not include Durban, a tourism jewel, on your South Africa holidays.

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South Africa Holidays – Fascinating Johannesburg

TAD — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 15:11:27 +0000

Johannesburg: this large metropolitan area is not generally considered a tourist destination in the sense that Cape Town, Kruger National Park or the coastal towns are. However, Johannesburg may be a fascinating stop on some South Africa holidays itineraries because it is a fine example a modern, prosperous city. Some of the tallest buildings on the continent are to be found in the city.

Going Green

Mixed in with the “big city” feel are the wonderful parks and gardens maintained by the municipal parks department. In fact, Johannesburg has become known as one of the greenest cities in the world due to the number of trees planted in recent years. Johannesburg Botanical Garden draws many visitors as well.

Getting Sporty

If there is one area of activity that does rate inclusion in South Africa holidays it is sports. A number of clubs compete in the Premier Soccer League as well as in National First Division. Of course, South Africa was the host country for FIFA World Cup 2010, an event that truly put Johannesburg and South Africa on the business and economic radar. The classic game of cricket is still quite popular here. The city hosted the 2003 Cricket World Cup Final.

Art , Culture, and Other Treasures

Travellers who visit Johannesburg as a “jumping off” point to another area might want to investigate some of the hidden treasures here. Newly established history museums and the excellent Johannesburg Zoo should be on the South Africa holidays list along with a visit to Gold Reef City, a massive amusement park near the city centre. World-class art is one of the treasures of Johannesburg. There are several excellent museums, including the Johannesburg Art Gallery. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cradle of Humankind, is just a few miles away. The site is known as the location for the first adult Australopithecus africanus and is considered the world’s best hominid site.

Stay in Comfort

As you plan your South Africa holidays and include Johannesburg on the itinerary you will be happy to know that four-star and five-star hotels abound in this great city. For example, if you fly in you may want to settle in at the Airport Sun Intercontinental, a five-star hotel with world-class service. D’Oreale Grande Emperors Palace is a five-star hotel, casino and convention resort that is well-known for its busy casino and outstanding service. Among the high-quality amenities are an art gallery, business centre, gym/health spa, helipad and swimming pool with a pool bar.

Another great option for fine accommodations is Fairlawns Boutique Hotel, which opened in 1998. Visitors often remark that the Highveld setting causes them to forget they are in the heart of a great city. This new addition to Johannesburg has already garnered a number of platinum and diamond awards for excellence and also received the Diners Club “Wine List of the Year” award. Guests are treated to the finest in personal service in the hotel’s spa.

So, if a visit to one of the world’s modern, exciting cities is on your wish list, why not include Johannesburg when planning your South Africa holidays.

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Top five places to see on South Africa holidays

TAD — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 11:10:44 +0000

The Garden Route

South Africa’s oldest park, the Kruger National Park is found five hours north of Johannesburg and is famous the world over for its rich diversity of flora and fauna including the ‘Big 5.’ On your South Africa holidays safaris to Kruger is a must and with your choices ranging from self drive options to guided tours, no matter how you wish to see this beautiful national park; everyone is easily catered for.

Soweto Township

Perhaps not the best looking of South Africa’s attractions the Soweto Township in Johannesburg is a must see for anyone who wants to understand the freedom struggle fought both under the Apartheid regime and throughout the 1900’s. There are many local tour companies who conduct guided tours for those on South Africa holidays as you should not venture into Soweto on your own. Soweto tours are extremely humbling and take in particularly important sites such as Nelson Mandela’s former home and the Hector Pieterson Memorial.

Robben Island

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South Africa holidays and unique sporting Experiences

TAD — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:56:47 +0000

If you are a sporting fan you won’t be short of a conversation starter with the locals on your South Africa holidays. In South Africa sport is the national religion, it unites their citizens regardless of race, sex of beliefs. If you happen to be visiting South Africa when the national team wins, be prepared for a cacophony of cheering, hooting and of course the sounds of the ubiquitous vuvezela.

Football
To see the popularity of the world game on your South Africa holidays you only need to look as far as June and July of 2010 when South Africa successfully became the first African nation to stage the World Cup. The nation was united in celebration as thousands of supporters turned out to support not only the national team, but the other countries playing as well.

South Africa’s domestic football competition has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years with each major city fielding at least one team and the quality can be seen in the plethora of South African players now plying their trade in European competitions. On your South Africa holidays check to see if there are any local or international matches being played as the experience of a live football match in South Africa is one you will treasure forever.

Cricket

Since South Africa’s readmission to the international sporting arena in 1992, they have been consistently providing cricket teams that are world class and capable of beating the traditional superpowers of England, Australia and India.

With a flourishing domestic competition and countless international matches each summer, the options for viewing are endless. Ensure that on your South Africa holidays you make time to visit one of the top class cricket stadiums to watch some of the best players on the planet in action.

Rugby Union
The third of the big three sports that are fanatically followed in South Africa is Rugby Union. The national team, the Springboks are the reigning world cup holders and Pretorian side the Bulls have won the Super 14 title two years in a row. Add to this a more than 120 year old domestic rugby competition, the Currie cup which is run in the off season of the Super 14 (July- October) and you really are spoiled for rugby choices in South Africa. For rugby lovers, the chance to visit one of the imposing rugby stadiums such as Elis Park while on South Africa holidays is a once in a life time opportunity.

Other Sports
For lovers of other sports, South Africa likely has something in store for you too. On your South Africa holidays consider a visit to Jeffery’s Bay, home of the ‘Perfect Wave’ surfing competition or a round of golf on one of the Gary Player designed golf courses.

Finally, for adrenalin junkies there are a range of sky diving companies in operation or you could try your hand on the highest bungee jump in the world in Bloukrans, which is a whopping 216m high. No matter which sports you enjoy, South Africa offers something for everyone.

Rita Bhartia is a South Africa specialist for key2holidays, an online tour operator offering South Africa holidays as well as holidays around the world. key2holidays has a dedicated team of experienced travel consultants to share their knowledge and help you to plan and book great South Africa holidays.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

4 Things that Make South Africa the Best

TAD — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:35:42 +0000

South Africa is the best country in Africa, which makes it the perfect destination for any holiday. But what is it exactly that makes it the holiday destination of choice for so many people heading to Africa? Here are a few of the things that really make South Africa stand out from its neighbours.

1. Huge Variety of Animals

Most countries in Sub-Saharan Africa have a good selection of animals to view on a safari. But it would be hard to beat South Africa for the sheer amount and variety of animals. The country boasts a huge range, including the Big Five – lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and buffalos. These are the most important animals to spot when you go on a safari, and the ones that everyone wants to check off their lists.

In addition to the Big Five, you will also see cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas and many more exciting animals, making it an ideal country for anyone who is interested in going on a fantastic safari. There are many places to go on a safari in South Africa, but a few of the most popular include the Kruger National Park, the Drakensberg, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.

2. Spectacular Scenery

The natural scenery on display in South Africa is simply breathtaking. From the great nature reserves of the interior to the stunning coastline, which stretches 2,500 kilometres around most of the country, and from the two mighty oceans to the Drakensberg mountain range and the impressive Table Mountain – South Africa has it all. Whether you want a safari holiday, a beach holiday, an adventure holiday, or one that includes a bit of each, you only need to head to this one destination to get the whole lot.

3. Developed Infrastructure

Although some areas of South Africa are still very poor, many of its big cities are very developed, making it a better option than many of its African neighbours. Cape Town, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Pretoria, Durban and Pietermaritzburg are some of the biggest cities, which are comparable to any western cities, and are often more beautiful – especially in the case of Cape Town. One of the benefits of this is that things like healthcare are often on a par with that which you would expect back home. The private healthcare in South Africa is excellent, and as long as you are carrying travel insurance you can get excellent healthcare without having to worry.

4. Tasty Cuisine

Many African countries are not generally known for their cuisine, but South Africa has it all. Whether you are looking for international cuisine in swanky restaurants, or more traditional dishes, you will find them all over the country and especially in the larger cities. For some delicious traditional dishes make sure you try boerewors (a type of spicy sausage), potjiekos (a meat and vegetable stew) and skop (the head of a sheep or cow).

Visit South Africa

All of these things make South Africa a truly fantastic holiday destination, so if you are planning a holiday to Africa and you can’t decide which country to choose, South Africa is a safe bet.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made South Africa holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Cape Town – The History Walk

TAD — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 10:25:28 +0000

Situated in the narrow confines of a peninsula, Cape Town, the historic Mother City of South Africa, is custom made for visitors who like to do their touring on foot. For most of the year the weather is ideal for roaming around outdoors. If you’re a history lover, Cape Town has the distinction of being one of the most historically strategic places in the world. The best way for you to see the important historic sights is with a tour group. A good tour leader can tell you the stories of Cape Town’s turbulent past. The walk covers about three kilometres and takes a minimum of two hours.

Starting Point: The Castle of Good Hope

The star-shaped Castle of Good Hope is South Africa’s oldest European fortification. It was built by the Dutch to protect their trade route to the Far East, and to discourage attacks on their colony by native warriors. Just to the west of the fort is Grand Parade. This was the site of the original defensive work built by Jan van Riebeek, the founder of Cape Town. It was used as a military parade ground and a place for public executions. It is now used as a market place twice a week. Look up at the balcony of the Old Town Hall, and you will see the place where, in 1990, Nelson Mandela gave his first public speech in 27 years, following his lengthy incarceration.

District Six: Victim of Apartheid

A must see for anyone doing a Cape Town history walk is the District Six Museum. Here you learn the story of this inner-city community that was ruthlessly demolished by the apartheid regime in an attempt to uphold the whites-only law. The area is gradually being rebuilt. On a traffic island beside Church St. Square, you can see the site of the Old Slave Tree. It was here that slaves were auctioned off before 1834, when slavery was abolished throughout the British Empire. Not far away is the Old Slave Lodge, which is now a museum. Across from the Slave Lodge is the Groote Kirk (Great Church), which dates back to 1704. This is the mother church for the Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa.

Started Out as a Vegetable Patch

The Company’s Garden’s is a great place to take a break. This shady green area in the heart of Cape Town started out as a vegetable garden for the Dutch East India Company. Under Jan van Riebeeck and subsequent governors the garden was expanded and planted with exotic botanical specimens. Here you can see a statue of the South African statesman Cecil Rhodes. He brought in the North American squirrels whose descendants now scamper through the Gardens. After you leave the Gardens, pay a visit to St. George’s Cathedral. This church dates back to 1834, and was for many years a bastion against apartheid.

Colourful Bo – Kaap

The Bo-Kaap district is a largely Muslim neighbourhood, and home to many of Cape Town’s non-white residents; that is, people of mixed race or Asian background. Many are descendants of slaves brought in by the Dutch colonists centuries ago. This is a neighbourhood of brightly coloured homes, narrow streets, and interesting shops. It is advisable to visit here only with a group, and not after dark. You can learn much of the local story at the Bo-Kaap Museum. The Owal Mosque in Bo-Kaap is the oldest mosque in Cape Town.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Cape Town – The Hoerikwaggo Trails

TAD — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 10:05:00 +0000

The most dominant geographic feature of Cape Town is majestic Table Mountain, which looms above it like a craggy sentinel. On top of this great outcropping of ancient rock is Table Mountain National Park. For Capetonians and visitors alike, this is a vast natural reserve that is just a cable car ride away from the downtown area. Of course, Table Mountain National Park is one of Cape Town’s most important tourist attractions. Thousands of foreign visitors come every year to climb it, and to hike the miles of scenic trails.

To Sleep on the Mountain

At one time, visitors to Cape Town could take only day trips into Table Mountain National Park, then, in 2005, park authorities opened the first of the three planned Hoerikwaggo Trails. These were designed to permit visitors, for the very first time, to actually sleep overnight on the mountain, and hike the 80 kilometres (50 miles) of trails from the City Bowl to the extremity of Cape Point. The experience of a night on Table Mountain, with the stars of the African sky above, and the lights of the city below, would appeal to anyone with a taste for romantic adventure.

Table Mountain Trail

The original Table Mountain Trail hike is a three-day expedition, and is fully guided. You begin at the Cape Town Waterfront with a boat ride out onto Table Bay. Then you go through the City Bowl and spend a night at the historic Platteklip Wash Houses in Vredehoek on the mountain’s lower slopes. The accommodations here are quite stylish. In the morning you continue up the cableway, and then go to the summit. You’ll spend the night at the Overseer’s Cottage beside the De Villiers Reservoir on the mountain’s Back Table. The “cottage” is actually two buildings, tastefully decorated, and comfortably heated by an open fire in the lounge. On the third day you explore the Back Table, visit the Waterworks Museum, and descend the eastern slope to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

Tip to Top Trail

For visitors to Cape Town who like a more rugged hike, there is the six-day, five-night Tip-to-Top Trail. This guided expedition requires you to carry your own food, gear and sleeping bag. You will sleep in camp grounds that are in or close to the park. Your hike will take you along the coast of False Bay, which is an extension of the Indian Ocean, and across the peninsula to the Atlantic coast. The views are spectacular, and stopovers at places such as Simon’s Town give you a taste of South African history. Visitors who would like a more luxurious expedition can try the Top-to-Tip route, which goes in the opposite direction. The scenery is just as beautiful, but you sleep in comfortable huts.

For Love of the Environment

Millions of people visit Cape Town every year, so park authorities try to keep the impact on the environment to a minimum. The Hoerikwaggo Trails use only previously existing paths, access points and structures. Outdoor furniture is made from fallen trees that have been cleared from pathways, the use of water is minimised, and solar power is used whenever possible.

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Beach and Bollywood in Durban

TAD — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 15:26:32 +0000

Where in South Africa can you combine thrilling surf with ancient Indian customs and traditions? Durban, South Africa’s surf capital is also home to the largest population of Indians living outside India, so why not combine the two on a beach and Bollywood break.

Durban – The Beach

If you like nothing better on holiday than catching rays and chasing waves, then Durban is the perfect destination for you. The lifestyle in Durban is all about the beach and the area is home to South Africa’s most laidback crowd. Durban is also home to the only surfing museum in South Africa and among the exhibits you’ll find ancient surfboards and photographs of surfing through the centuries. Although surfing is the main attraction, the main beach at Durban also boasts two yacht clubs, where you can hire a yacht for the afternoon or simply take a stroll past and have a look at how the other half live. It’s virtually impossible to visit the beach at Durban and not catch a surfer, but if you choose to ignore the popular Ethekwini Beach and instead go to the less populated North and South beaches, you’ll discover an area popular with the Kwa-Zulu Natal locals, and instead of surfers you’ll catch people training for marathons and enjoying leisurely runs down the beach. The beaches of Durban are also home to some of the best nightlife in South Africa and after a day spent in the surf you can join the locals for a drink and dance in Joe Cools, or instead, gamble away your holiday allowance in the huge Suncoast Casino.

Durban – A Bollywood Break

The largest population of Indians outside India live in Durban, and this becomes apparent when you approach the Grey Streets area of town and are instantly hit by a pungent aroma of spices. Indian labourers were first brought to this area of South Africa to work in the emerging sugar industry and many decided to stay on and make their home in Durban, bringing customs and traditions from their home country with them. Many men and women still adopt the traditional Indian dress and it can be hard to believe you’re in South Africa while sari-clad women mix spices next to you.

No visit to Durban is complete without a trip to the Victoria Street Market. The market specialises in exotic spices like cumin, saffron and turmeric, but you can also purchase electrical goods and even shoes and fabric from the vendors. In fact, the Victoria Street Market is the best place in South Africa to pick up a bargain, so don’t buy any holiday souvenirs without searching here first.

The best time to visit Durban is towards the end of October, when South Africa’s weather is still pleasant and festivities are under way for the Indian festival of Diwali. Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, is celebrated in style in Durban. The skies are lit up with colourful fireworks displays and thousands of people take to the beaches.

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Don’t Pet the Lion on Your Safari in South Africa!

TAD — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 15:10:45 +0000

Imagine the scenario – you are on a fabulous safari in South Africa and you find yourself face to face with a very hungry female lion, who just happens to have three hungry lion cubs to feed. Agreed, with today’s well-organised tours this is an unlikely situation, but it never hurts to be well prepared for the possibility of a dangerous confrontation. Here are some tips to read before you set off.

Car Safety

If you are going on a safari in South Africa by car there are a few safety issues you should be aware of. Many of the safari jeeps are open-top so you can view the area without restriction and marvel at your surroundings. However, this does not mean you can lean out of the car to stroke the big kitty with the yellow mane as you see it walking past. Try to keep all limbs that you are partial to within the confines of the car, and do not jump up and down to attract the attention of the wildlife. Only exit the car when your tour leader tells you it is safe to do so, and if your vehicle has them, keep the windows up – you do not want a mischievous monkey in your car, trust us!

Going off the beaten track on a safari in South Africa is not the best plan. If you are going it alone and touring without a guide, make sure you have maps with you and stick to the suggested paths and designated hides dotted about. Do not think that it is fine to get out of your car and move closer to the large buffalo to get a better shot! He will not be pleased.

Walking Safety

If while on safari in South Africa, you decide not to follow the advice above and vacate your car in an unsafe area, or you simply decided to trek on foot, you will need to follow this next bit of advice.

Stay away from tall grass, you have no idea what may be lurking inside hidden from view. It could be something that will trample or charge you if disturbed. Try to avoid rivers, lakes and anything with water; again, dangerous things may be skulking beneath. Whenever you sit or lay down for a picnic or rest, make sure that you check the area thoroughly for snakes and scorpions, you do not want to be bitten or stung in the middle of nowhere!

Try to be within the confines of your campsite when night falls. It is not the best idea to wander about the wilderness of South Africa in the pitch black as you won’t be able to see the danger coming.

Final Words
If you have follow these tips, and the numerous pieces of advice other seasoned travellers and locals bestow on you when you arrive, then you will remain safe and enjoy an incident-free safari. But remember, some of the world’s most dangerous creatures surround you and you can never predict when a buffalo might take a dislike to you, or a hungry lion decides you look just too delicious to resist – so follow the rules!

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South Africa – Port Elizabeth

TAD — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 09:13:41 +0000

Tourists go to Port Elizabeth, South Africa, partly because it’s a large, vibrant city with an exciting nightlife. The main reason they come here, however, is for the long, sandy beaches. Port Elizabeth, or PE, as the locals call it, is an industrial city and a major port. It is also the biggest coastal community between Cape Town and Durban. The heart of the city, called Central, is the best part of town and is made up of neighbourhoods of lovely Victorian houses and lots of green spaces. The Donkin Heritage Trail is a great self guided tour of Central. At the tourist office you can pick up a guide book that lists 47 places of historical interest.

Central

The pyramid-like structure near the tourist office was erected by Sir Rufane Donkin as a memorial to his wife Elizabeth, for whom the city was named. According to local legend of South Africa, her heart is buried under the pyramid. Market Square is the most attractive corner, and here you can see a couple of important historic buildings. City Hall was constructed between 1858 and 1862 and the clock tower was added in 1883. The Main Public Library, which dates back to 1837, was actually re-located here from the United Kingdom and was originally used as a courthouse. The marble statue of Queen Victoria out front was erected in 1903.

Fish and Snakes

Baysworld is a museum complex off Marine Drive in Humewood, to the southeast of Central. It features three main attractions. The main museum is a mixture of natural and cultural history, with plenty of specimens of flora and fauna, and local artefacts from pioneering times. The Oceanarium displays more than 40 species of fish and there are seal and dolphin shows put on twice every day – a big hit with children. What the kids really love, though, is the Snake Park. This park has a large collection of the reptiles, from South Africa as well as other countries. Some of the snakes are rare and endangered species.

Those Beautiful Beaches

A combination of long hours of sunshine, and the warm waters of Algoa Bay lapping on sandy beaches makes Port Elizabeth one of the most popular beach communities in South Africa. Because there is also a large student population, the beach scene and the downtown nightlife scene are lively. The water of Algoa Bay is warm for most of the year, so it is perfect for water sports. New Brighton Beach is great for swimming and fishing, and is one of the main northern beaches; the other is a long stretch of sand called Bluewater Bay. King’s Beach, which lies between the harbour and the district of Humewood, is the closest one to the city, but it is heavily developed. Hobie Beach is very popular in the evening due to the proximity of the Boardwalk entertainment area. Here you can find great bars, clubs and restaurants. Sardinia Bay is a marine reserve where you can enjoy some of the best scuba diving and snorkelling in South Africa.

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South Africa – Kimberley; the Diamond Capital

TAD — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:06:43 +0000

If there is one thing that is as much associated with South Africa as wildlife, it is diamonds. South Africa is one of the world’s leading producers of the precious stones, and the town of Kimberley is the country’s diamond capital. At one time it was a rip-roaring, wide open frontier town, full of fortune seekers who made it an African version of Dodge City. Kimberley today is a bustling commercial centre, but most of the interesting sights are connected with the diamond industry. The town itself shows little evidence of sparkling wealth; only in the suburb of Belgravia are there fine old Victorian houses. The central part of Kimberley is dominated by the De Beers headquarters and the Telkom Tower, which overlook office blocks and modern shops. You can tour the town on foot, or if you like, you can take advantage of the only working tram in South Africa. It runs from City Hall to the Mine Museum.

Diamonds, Diamonds …

Kimberley’s main tourist attraction is the Diamond Rush area. This is a collection of 40 buildings from the late 19th century. A few are authentic models, but most of them are original. They have been put together in an amazing replica of a community made up of a jumble of streets, complete with sound effects to add to the realism. Visitors can hear singing and snippets of conversation, as though they were there a hundred years ago. They can visit a bar, shops, restaurants, and a boarding house. In the Mining House there are historic photos of the diamond diggings that drew adventurers and fortune hunters to South Africa. In the De Beer’s Hall, you can see genuine South African diamonds.

… and a Big Hole

The entire museum complex is centred around the Big Hole. This crater is one mile (1.6 km) around, and covers more than 32 acres (13 ha). Its excavation goes down 2,600 feet (800 metres). You can look into the Big Hole from two caged viewing platforms. What you see is an enormous cavity, partly filled with murky water, but it is nonetheless an amazing sight, especially when you consider that it was man-made, before the age of big machines. Every bit of earth and rock was hauled out by hand and searched for diamonds. The amount of labour involved is staggering to imagine; small wonder that the Big Hole has become such an attraction in South Africa.

Diamond World

In 2006 a new part of the complex was opened to the public. It is called Diamond World, and it invites visitors to experience first-hand what life was like for diamond miners in the early days of South Africa. Visitors will experience a simulated dynamite blast, complete with dust in the air. They will have the opportunity to see real diamonds, including the famous yellow Eureka Diamond. This is an astounding 616-carat, perfect octahedron (eight faced). Visitors can see this extraordinary gem in a guarded vault. Only 15 people are allowed inside at a time. A fully operational pulsar machine demonstrates how diamonds are extracted from surrounding rock beds by modern mining technology, and a twenty-minute film tells the story of diamond mining in Kimberley.

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South Africa – Driving the Magoebaskloof

TAD — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:59:19 +0000

South Africa has an excellent system of roads and highways, making it a great destination for people who like the independence of touring a country by car. You can go wherever you want to go, and follow your own schedule. But because South Africa is a large country, it’s a good idea to plan your road tour in advance. One part of the country that is well suited to automobile touring is the Magoebaskloof.

Superb Touring Country

The Magoebaskloof was named after a legendary 19th century chieftain, called Makgoba, who rebelled against white authority. It is part of South Africa’s Limpopo Province, and it is super touring country. You go on a circular drive that leads through misty hills and green forests at the northern fringes of the Drakensberg Escarpment, then to the Rain Queen region, and back to the lovely Letaba River Valley. The drive starts and ends at Haenertsburg, and covers 190 km (118 miles). It can be done in a day, but to enjoy the experience to the fullest, give yourself two.

Home of Spirits

From Haenertsburg you drive 34 km (21 miles) over and down the Magoebaskloof Mountains toward the Tzaneen Dam Nature Reserve. Your route takes you past stands of pine, giant redwoods, yellowwoods and ironwoods. About 25 km (15.5 miles) along the way, you’ll come to the Debegeni Falls of the Ramadipa River. This is a great place to stop for a swim. Keep in mind that you might have company though – like so many places in South Africa, the waters here are believed to be the home of revered spirits.

Rain Queen

Drive on to the Tzaneen Dam reserve and follow the signs that take you to a dirt road which leads to Ga-Modjadji. This is the home of the Rain Queen, a mysterious figure said to be immortal. The legend dates back many generations. Even the Zulu warrior king, Shaka, one of the most powerful men in South Africa’s history, was said to fear the magic of the Rain Queen. British author H. Rider Haggard based the protagonist of his 1886 novel “She” on a runaway princess named Modjadji, who was the original Rain Queen. The current Rain Queen lives in a modern house in the village. During dry spells many local farmers, black and white alike, come to ask her to use her powers to bring rain. This area has some lovely walking trails and picnic spots, as well as some terrific views if it’s not a misty day.

The Conquest of Malaria

Go back to the highway, and continue on to Tzaneen, the largest town in the area. This was once the research headquarters of Dr. Siegfried Annecke, whose pioneering work helped to vanquish one of the most dreaded scourges of South Africa, malaria. In the middle of Tzaneen, turn onto the Agatha Road, a stunningly beautiful scenic drive that takes you through the New Agatha State Forest. You also have the option of taking another route and going to the Rooikat Nature Trail. When you head back to Haenertsburg, take an alternative route that follows the Great Letaba River Valley. The views of the Wolfberg Massive are marvellous. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for the drive. Summer is hot, and there are frequent thunderstorms.

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South Africa – A Nation’s Music

TAD — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:48:59 +0000

Music lovers who travel to South Africa find a great array of intriguing sounds that have their roots in many sources. Some of them are home grown, while other influences have been foreign. They range from 17th century Indonesian slaves who adapted Dutch instruments, to the morphing of the bar band music of the 1990s into the phenomenon of kwaito. Like much of the culture of South Africa, the music is inextricably connected with the social and political upheavals of the last century. Whether you hear it in a Zulu kraal, a Cape Town jazz club, or a Johannesburg rock festival, you will find that South African music is a powerful force.

From Kraal to “Graceland”

The stirring harmony of Zulu vocalizing in call-and-response patterns is a centuries-old tradition of life in the kraals. It was the inspiration for Ladysmith Black Mombazo, a group made up of ten male singers, including the founder, Joseph Shabablala. They struggled for years, then in 1997 they gained international recognition when pop star Paul Simon invited them to perform on his “Graceland” album. “Graceland” was one of the most successful albums of all time, and Ladysmith went on to record more than 40 albums of their own. They are still the most popular group in South Africa.

Unity in a Song

The national anthem of South Africa is called “’Nosi Sikelel’ iAfrika” (God Bless Africa). It was composed in 1897 by Enoch Sontonga. It originated as an emotion-packed freedom song, and it was the anthem of the anti-apartheid movement and singing it could land a person in jail. Today it is combined with the old apartheid era anthem “Die Stem” (The Call). It has verses in Afrikaans, English, Sotho, Zulu and Xhosa. As a result, most of the population knows only a small part. A campaign called “Your Anthem Needs You” has been encouraging South Africans of all ethnic backgrounds to learn the whole song, for the sake of national unity.

The Jazz Singers – and Players

South African jazz emerged from the slums of Johannesburg in the 1920s, and it has been hugely influential ever since. Many of the biggest stars left because of apartheid, but in the new Rainbow Nation jazz has been flourishing. At the annual Cape Town Jazz Festival you can hear such stars as Abdullah Ibrahim (formerly known as Dollar Brand), and Hugh Masekala.

Zola and the White Zulu

The biggest music rage in South Africa right now is kwaito. This is a mixture of dance, rap and hip-hop. It’s a dark, angry sound that began with young blacks in the townships of Johannesburg, and then spread to the youth of white neighbourhoods. Its biggest star is a young musician named Zola. His counterpart is Johnny Clegg, an English-born South African who has become known as the White Zulu. He crossed racial boundaries when he mixed traditional Zulu music with western rock. Clegg was part of the musical force that opposed apartheid and he is still a major influence on the music scene of South Africa.

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South Africa – Where to Find the Best

TAD — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:40:44 +0000

You’re planning a vacation in South Africa for the first time. It’s a big country, with a lot of things to see and do. You aren’t going to be able to take it all in on a single vacation, so you have to plan according to what activities interest you the most. Where are the best places for you to get full value for your money and your precious time?

Where the Wild Things Are

South Africa’s wildlife is the country’s number one tourist attraction. But the animals aren’t roaming the streets of Cape Town and Johannesburg. You have to go out to the countryside to see them. Kruger National Park is a favourite place for wildlife safaris, and you are sure to see lions, zebras, rhinos, and all the other animals with which Africa is identified. But Kruger isn’t the only great place to see animals. Oudtshoom, a town in the Karoo region, is famous for its ostrich farms. In fact, it has 90 percent of the world’s population of the big birds. In the Eastern Cape, the Greater Addo Elephant National Park has large herds of wild elephants. It is easily the best place to see the giants. Go to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park for a chance to see the Kalahari lion. For whale watching, head out of Cape Town for the famous Whale Coast. The town of Hermanus is the whale watching capital.

Sun, Sand and the Sea

South Africa has beaches to die for. In Cape Town you have a choice between Atlantic beaches and the beaches of False Bay, an extension of the Indian Ocean. The Atlantic beaches are okay for sunbathing, but the water is very cold. It’s much warmer at Boulders Beach on False Bay, where you can even swim with penguins. You can escape the crowds if you go to one of the many long beaches on the Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape. The city of Durban, with its famous Golden Mile of beachfront is South Africa’s answer to Malibu.

Bright Lights and Night Life

Cape Town is the most beautiful city in South Africa, and also one of the liveliest. It has great bars and restaurants, colourful neighbourhoods, and first rate shopping. It is the home of an annual jazz festival that draws top musicians from all over the world. The city of Durban’s Golden Mile is another hot spot where the bars and discos along the beach are packed with young people who party into the small hours of the morning. But for life in the fast lane, you have to go to Johannesburg. Jo-burg, as the locals call it, has the cutting-edge clubs that are the trend setters for the rest of urban South Africa.

I’m Here for the History

South Africa has had a colourful history, full of adventure, conflict and tragedy. No community in the country is richer in historical facts and legends than Cape Town. It was visited by famous explorers such as Bartolomeu Dias, and fought over by the English and the Dutch. Cape Town has an imposing fortress, and many fascinating museums. Go to KwaZulu-Natal Province, and you can visit the sites of two of the most dramatic battles of the Zulu Wars; Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. To learn about the dark days of apartheid, the best attractions are Cape Town’s Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, and the unforgettable Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg. Whatever you don’t see and do on your first trip to South Africa, you can save for the next one.

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The Spiders of South Africa

TAD — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 16:46:34 +0000

With over 3,000 species of spiders calling South Africa their home, it’s a perfect destination for arachnologists or even those with just a passing interest in spiders! Often considered in mythology as symbolic of both patience and creation (when spinning webs to catch prey), though the tiny eight-legged animals might not be the first choice you’d call ‘cuddly’, there are often fascinating features to be discovered when you look a little closer. A few of the more interesting varieties are presented below.

Black Button Spider

Also known as ‘Widow Spiders’ in the USA, Button spiders are common throughout South Africa and Madagascar. Their long legs, bulbous black abdomens and bright red markings make them easily identified, along with the funnel-shaped webs they make their homes in, and their large white egg-sacs. As opposed to several wilderness-dwelling spiders in the region, the Button spider prefers a little company, living in human inhabited areas and man-made structures for their warmth and dryness. You might find a Black Button spider enjoying an attic or two in South Africa! Although the species is shy, it is poisonous – interestingly, only females actually have the strength to bite through human skin and deliver the toxin.

Six-Eyed Sand Spider

As opposed to the Button spider, the Six-eyed Sand spider enjoys remote, uninhabited desert areas of South Africa. Sometimes referred to as ‘Crab spiders’ for their scuttling movements, they have squat, red-brown bodies covered in hairs, called ‘setae’, that help retain moisture – invaluable in the desert climate. With highly effective camouflage and burrowing skills, they’re rare to spot. This might be a good thing – researchers consider the Six-eyed Sand spider to be one of the most lethal spiders in the world, based on the power and volume of their venom. Fortunately, victims are few due to their remote habitats, and the spider’s timidity.

Violin Spider

Found throughout South Africa, Swaziland, and Namibia, Violin spiders take their name from the distinctive dark violin-shaped marking on their abdomen. With long, slender legs and a golden-brown colouration, the Violin spider can make its home in any one of a number of different locations, such as under floorboards or in rarely-used cabinets in human homes, under bark or stones, or within rotting logs in the wilderness. Most encounters with Violin spiders take place at night while they are hunting, and although their venom is not as lethal as other South African spiders, their venom is painful and can lead to inflamed wounds.

Baboon Spider

Baboon spiders, known more commonly outside of South Africa as tarantulas, are a diverse group, and sometimes popular as exotic pets! Large, heavy-bodied, and hairy, their colours range from golden-brown to black. As the Baboon spider favours arid conditions, they are only rarely found near human habitation. It differs from other spiders in that it is a ‘trap-door’ hunter, using a funnel shaped, silk-lined burrow where it can lie in wait for prey. Though bites from Baboon spiders are very painful, they are exceedingly rare, and despite their threatening appearance, not fatal to humans.

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‘Rainbow’ Cuisine in South Africa

TAD — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 16:39:02 +0000

Most travellers exploring South Africa for themselves will be fascinated by the food on offer. With many different styles of cooking originating in the region’s different cultures, the country is host to a wide range of different meals. For many discerning diners, the centrepiece of any meal is the meat, reflected in the national appreciation of a good barbecue (also known in Afrikaans as a ‘braai’), and a fondness for ‘biltong’, meat that has been dried and preserved. A meal might also consist of ‘pap and vlies’, or maize porridge and grilled meat. But national favourites aside, there are several distinctive culinary traditions and types of food in South Africa.

Cape Dutch

A distinctive regional style of cookery, Cape Dutch is often recognized through its use of spices, such as hot peppers, allspice, or nutmeg. One of the most famous dishes is ‘Bobotie”, minced meat cooked with spices and baked with an egg-based topping. Having been made in the Cape of Good Hope since the 1600’s, when it was cooked with a mixture of mutton and pork, the dish has evolved into several different forms in South Africa today. While some recipes include chopped onions in the mixture, others include raisins or sultanas to give the meal a sweeter flavour. The introduction of modern curry powders has simplified the recipe somewhat, but the basic meal remains the same.

Curry

Curried dishes are very popular, and especially with the added ingredient of lemon juice. One of the most famous recipes involving curry is ‘bunny chow’, slang for a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry. Created in Durban during the 1940’s, the original recipe was vegetarian, though it can include lamb, chicken, or bean curries. Often served with a side portion of grated carrots, chilli, and onion salad (known as ‘sambals’), it’s common to see one portion shared between two or more people. Served in quarter, half, and full loaves, there’s usually enough to go around.

Potjiekos

Literally translated, ‘potjiekos’ means ‘small pot food’, and consists of a stew prepared outdoors in a traditional cast-iron three-legged pot. Traditionally, the recipe includes various meats, vegetables, rice or potatoes. The meal originated with South Africa’s Voortrekkers, as a stew made of venison. As the trekkers shot wild game, it would be added to the pot, with large bones included to thicken the stew. When their wagons stopped, the pot would be placed over a fire to cook, with new bones replacing old, and fresh meat taking the place of meat eaten as the journey went on. In modern cooking, often a little beer or sherry is added to the pot for flavour, as well as the contents being accompanied by rice or pasta.

Vetkoek

A traditional Afrikaaner pastry, Vetkoek is made of dough deep-fried in cooking oil, and either filled with cooked mince, or spread with syrup, honey, or jam. Translated, the literal meaning of the word is ‘fat cake’. Shaped similarly to a doughnut, and being comprised of dough rolled into a ball and then deep-fried, it’s easy to make the comparison! Vetkoek remains a fantastic food for a hungry traveller to try while exploring South Africa.

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Cape Town – A Holiday With a Difference

TAD — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:31:51 +0000

Cape Town, in South Africa, is one of the world’s great marvels and a destination that’s guaranteed to give you a unique holiday. Sometimes however holidays can be as much of a challenge as they are a pleasure. The discerning traveller typically has limited time and high expectations and this leads to certain requirements.

• You may not enjoy spending endless hours trying to sort out your itinerary – and you simply may not have the time.
• You probably won’t welcome finding on arrival that you’re being shoehorned into agendas and sightseeing trips that are simply not to your taste.
• You probably are looking for holiday experiences that are a little more individual than the traditional packaged holiday.
• You may very well be a little jaded with many of the ‘conventional’ holiday destinations.

If this sounds like you, a tailor-made holiday to Cape Town may suit you better and here’s why.

Why Cape Town?

Few destinations can offer the variety of holiday experience that you’ll encounter in the Cape area. Although it’s something of a painful cliché, in reality there really is something for everyone including:

• Magnificent beaches on the peninsular – you can even choose whether to swim in the Indian or Atlantic Ocean.
• A city with centuries of history.
• A vast and diverse cultural legacy that incorporates elements of African, Dutch, British, Indian, Indonesian, Chinese and many other origins.
• An incomparable natural backdrop of Table Mountain, which offers walking and countryside exploration.
• A world famous centre for exotic plants (Kirstenbosch National Gardens).
• Access to great game and wildlife encounters in various reserves.
• Coastal path explorations with rare wildlife and penguin colonies.
• Access to the great South African vineyards and wine industry (and samples!).
• Superb shopping at any one of several major centres.

Cape Town is sometimes called Africa’s most cosmopolitan and interesting city. Whether you agree with that or not, just a glance at the above list indicates why it is a serious contender.

Your holiday

Interesting as the above list of attractions may be, not all of them may be to your personal taste. That’s why a holiday that shapes your time in South Africa to meet your requirements rather than somebody else’s may be of interest. It will allow you to indulge your tastes and in a fashion to suit you. So, for example, if you wish to visit the art galleries or museums then you can do so – and without being limited to a 15-minute breakneck tour.

Perhaps you’d then like a day on the beach followed up by a tour of the vineyards. After that you’d possibly like a guided walking tour around some of the historic streets but really aren’t too bothered about trips into the countryside to see wildlife. If so – that’s not a problem. Whatever your needs, an itinerary can be constructed to ensure that you see what you want to see and most importantly, enjoy your time in this great city.

Experience the Rainbow

People have lived in the cape region for millennia. Europeans have been coming here since the 15th century and people from all corners of the earth have made it their home. The city fully and proudly plays its part in the development of the modern South Africa’s ‘rainbow nation’ culture. So, come and explore it and see why Cape Town is so highly regarded as a holiday destination. It’s waiting to welcome you!

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Cape Town – A Unique Destination

TAD — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:28:08 +0000

Not too many holiday destinations can compete with the charms and attractions of Cape Town. Yes, of course, if you’re a seasoned and discerning traveller then you’ve probably heard that before about many destinations; but perhaps not all have subsequently lived up to your expectations. Yet in the case of Cape Town, you certainly won’t be disappointed!

Sea, people, land and history
Indigenous peoples have hunted, gathered and farmed in the Cape Town area for many thousands of years. The peninsular on which it is located is famed for its climate and rich natural resources from both land and sea. Its first significant appearance in modern history comes with the arrival of the Portuguese in the 15th century. Over the next 400-500 years the area was first Dutch then eventually, due to its trade route importance, British. During what’s sometimes called the colonial period, other nationalities arrived here from other parts of Africa and indeed, the wider world as trade and commerce grew in the 19th century.

Cape Town and the cape region eventually became part of the modern Republic of South Africa. Today the city has a multi-cultural background making it, arguably, Africa’s most cosmopolitan city.

A holiday centre
The history, cultural diversity and geographical location aren’t just of academic interest. They have combined to make the cape a wonderland for visitors that are looking for that slightly more discerning holiday. Cape Town is one of those rare holiday destinations that can offer a huge range of highly diversified activities and interests, within a comparatively small area.

In the city and immediate environs you’ll find an extensive list of things to see and do which includes:

• The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden – a justifiably famous display of rare and exotic plants that grow here by virtue of the climate – and loving care;
• Bo-Kaap – once called the Malay quarter, this area comprises picturesque houses originally built for Indonesian slaves brought to the area by the Dutch in the 17th and 18th centuries;
• The Houses of Parliament and National Gallery;
• The Victoria and Albert Waterfront – a fantastic waterside area of restored old buildings containing shops, restaurants and galleries;
• The Castle of Good Hope – a building dating back to the 1650s and the oldest in South Africa;
• Robben Island (a boat trip) – now a museum and once a leper colony, it is perhaps best know for its previous lengthy use as a prison for political prisoners including Nelson Mandela.

The one thing you can be sure of when visiting Cape Town is that you won’t be short of things to do and see!

The wider area
If you do want to get out of town a little further, then just a short distance from the city you’ll find vineyards that produce some of South Africa’s famous wines. You’re also within short distance of several game reserves where you’ll be able to experience African wildlife in its natural environment. Finally, one can’t discuss this great city without a mention of Table Mountain. Today, along with the surrounding areas, it is part of a protected park environment which you can explore at your leisure and enjoy stunning views.

Your visit
Like many cities, you may find that you’ll see and learn more of Cape Town if you’re on foot.
That doesn’t mean necessarily hiking from one side of the town to the other, but using your own two feet in combination with sensible transport may be far more enjoyable than other methods. It’s perfectly possible to arrange a guided tour that is designed specifically to meet your exact interests and objectives – you won’t have to fit in with a huge group’s views or have to participate in ‘majority decision making’ about where to go next!

The Rainbow Nation
It’s perhaps worth remembering that attractive as Cape Town is, it is part of a much wider region that has many other areas and sites of interest. If you’d like to see more of South Africa, tours and bespoke holidays can be arranged to other areas, as you require.

Cape Town and South Africa are waiting for you. Why not come along and see what they have to offer?

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Walking South Africa – What an Experience

TAD — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 08:45:45 +0000

If you want a break with a difference – then why not think about walking South Africa? If you’ve never been on a ‘guided walking’ holiday before, then perhaps the thought of walking South Africa may leave you a little intimidated – but don’t be.

You can put out of your mind any images of forced hikes through the blistering bush with an empty canteen in your hand while trying to outrun wild animals. That’s the stuff of 1930s Hollywood films and, entertaining as they may be, they are of no relevance whatsoever to the 21st century reality.

A guided holiday experience walking South Africa is a unique experience. It’s a way to really immerse yourself in the countryside and culture that is very different to the traditional ‘tourist excursion’. Yet that uniqueness is not at the expense of your comfort. Nobody is going to forget that you’re on holiday, and the emphasis is on professionally guided walks that are appropriate for your needs as well as your level of expertise.

The sights

A holiday walking South Africa will probably be unlike any other holiday you’ve ever had. The ‘rainbow nation’ offers a diverse and interesting series of attractions including:

• marvellous cities such as Durban and Cape Town;

• incomparable bush and wildlife areas;

• fantastic historic sights and locations;

• exotic displays and collections of unique flowers and plants;

• superb beaches and coastal areas on the Atlantic and Indian Oceans;

• massively diverse cuisines due to the varied cultural backgrounds of many of the people that live there;

• a booming and highly-regarded wine industry and supporting vineyards;

• a host of very friendly and welcoming people.

Of course, you can choose a visit to South Africa that involves locking yourself away in a hotel near a beach and simply having what some call an ‘international holiday’. That may be fine for some but for others, that sort of holiday can feel very much the same whatever country you’re in. By contrast, a guided holiday walking South Africa will mean that you have the opportunity not only to see the country but actually to live it.

Holidays designed for you

Perhaps one of the biggest attractions of a guided holiday walking South Africa is that you don’t have to make huge compromises on what you want to do and see. These holidays are typically built around the individual needs of the more discerning holidaymaker who, over time, has learned what interests them – and what doesn’t.

For example, if you enjoy flora and fauna there will be a guided tour which allows you to see some of South Africa’s fantastic gardens and plant life. Similarly, if (for example) the sea is simply not your thing, then you’re not going to be forced to participate in a boat trip just because everybody else is. Your holiday can be tailored to some degree to your specific interest and needs, and all the time you’ll be in the expert hands of your well-qualified tour leader or leaders.

Avoiding the superficial

Walking South Africa at an appropriate pace (tours exist for all ages and fitness levels) with time to spare will allow you to see what has to be seen in-depth and at your convenience. Furthermore, your tour leader will be an expert in the location you’re walking and will ensure that you get to understand and fully appreciate the beautiful spots you’ll be visiting. You’ll see and experience the location to the maximum extent possible, so that it will be indelibly ingrained in your memory.

The modern Republic of South Africa has come a long way and is justifiably proud of the attractions its land and peoples hold for visitors. It’s there and waiting for you – and a holiday walking South Africa may be the very best way to see it.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. They offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. Whilst walking South Africa with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can walk the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Cape Town – Greenmarket Square and Vicinity

TAD — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 10:59:15 +0000

Greenmarket Square is the location of the best flea market in Cape Town and is easily accessible via Long Street and Shortmarket Street. It was once an outdoor vegetable market, and for many years the site was occupied by a parking lot. Now Greenmarket Square is an attractive area of cobbled streets lined with coffee shops and impressive buildings. In the terrific flea market, visitors will find vendors selling all sorts of crafts and jewellery at bargain prices. Collectors of Africana will also find that Greenmarket Square is one of the few places in Cape Town where Congolese and Zimbabwean traders sell such exotic items as genuine ceremonial masks and malachite carvings. This is an excellent place to spend a few hours browsing, and perhaps pick up some special souvenirs and gifts.

Historic Old Town House

Not far from Greenmarket Square is one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the city. With its limewashed walls and shuttered windows, the Old Town House is a classic example of Cape Dutch architecture and the splendid interior adds to the appeal. This house was built in the mid-18th century and over the years it has served as a guardhouse, a police station, and as Cape Town’s city hall. Today it is the home of the Michaelis Collection of 17th century Dutch and Flemish landscape paintings. In addition to the landscape art, visitors can see some of the works created by 17th century artists of the Dutch “Golden Age”. Among the great works on display in the Old Town House are Portrait of a Woman by Frans Hala, and Couple with Two Children in a Park by Dirck Dirckz Santvoort. Other paintings depict still lifes, mythological scenes, church interiors, landscapes and seascapes, and dramatic scenes of ships in rough seas. A small print room on the ground floor displays a minor collection of works by Daumier, Gillray and Cruikshank. One of the gallery’s prize possessions is Goya’s El Sueno de la Razon Produce Monstruos (The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters). The Old Town House also hosts visiting exhibitions, and holds regular evening classical concerts. You can check the quarterly newsletter for upcoming events.

St. George’s Mall and Church Street

Head southeast from Greenmarket Square and you come to St. George’s Mall. Many visitors to Cape Town prefer this pedestrianised street to the more publicised Adderley Street. St. George’s Mall runs northeast from Wale Street to Thibault Square, near the train station and is full of coffee shops, snack bars, street merchants and buskers. While you browse and shop, you can listen to singers and drummers, watch dancers, and observe painters at work. At the southern end of the mall on Church St. is the Victorian era gothic St. George’s Cathedral, which was the scene of an important historic event. On September 7, 1986, Desmond Tutu banged on its doors demanding to be accepted as South Africa’s first black archbishop. Three years later he led a procession of 30,000 people from the cathedral to the city hall, where he coined his famous slogan, “We are the rainbow people!” Pay a visit to this part of Cape Town, and stand in the places where history was made.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Cape Town – The Bo-Kaap

TAD — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 09:27:02 +0000

The Bo-Kaap district is one of the oldest and most fascinating residential areas in Cape Town. Situated on the slopes of Signal Hill, not far from the Parliament, Bo-Kaap has its own distinct and very strong identity. The residents even speak their own dialect of Afrikaans, although it is gradually losing ground to English.

Cape Malay Origins

Many of today’s Bo-Kaap residents are descended from slaves who were brought to Cape Town in the 16th and 17th centuries. Rather than enslaving members of the local population, Dutch settlers instead imported slaves from other parts of Africa, as well as Madagascar, India, and Sri Lanka, with a very small percentage from Malaysia. Nonetheless, the slaves of the Cape colony were dubbed Cape Malay, and the name stuck. Because of the blend of Asian, white, and black people, the Bo-Kaap of today has a very racially mixed population.

Deceptively Quaint

As you walk along Bo-Kaap streets, you’ll see many brightly coloured 19th century Dutch and Georgian terraces which provide a rather deceptively quaint atmosphere. With the exception of Wale Street, a main thoroughfare, this is not an area that tourists should explore alone. Even though Cape Town authorities are making great efforts to reduce the crime rate, tourists are advised to join one of the tours that take visitors through the neighbourhood. The guides are often Bo-Kaap residents who know the streets well and are full of interesting information.

The Bo-Kaap Museum A good place to start a tour of the Bo-Kaap is the Bo-Kaap Museum. Located at 71 Wale St., near the Buitengragt end, it was once the home of Abu Bakr Effendi. He was a 19th century Muslim religious leader from Turkey who the British brought to Cape Town in 1862 to act as a peacemaker between feuding Muslim factions. Abu soon became a leading member of the community. He founded an Arabic school, and wrote a book in the local Afrikaans vernacular – thought to be possibly the first book ever published in Afrikaans. The museum displays many of his possessions. There are also exhibits pertinent to local Islamic traditions. Cape Town’s First Official Mosque

On Dorp St., one block south of the Bo-Kaap Museum, is the Auwal. Dating back to 1797, this was the first official mosque not only in Cape Town , but also all of South Africa. Its founder was Imam Abdullah ibn Qadi Abd-al-Salam, known to his followers as Tuan Guru (Master Teacher). He was a Moluccan prince who was exiled to Robben Island in 1780 for opposing Dutch imperialism in the East Indies. While he was on the island he wrote a series of important Islamic commentaries which greatly influenced Muslims in the Cape colony. After his release in 1792, he founded the Auwal. Today however, not all of the residents of the Bo-Kaap are Muslim. Because of the neighbourhood’s architectural charm and central location, it has become attractive to non-Muslim Capetonians as well. Houses fetch high prices, and many have been sold to people from outside the community.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Cape Town – Exploring Long Street

TAD — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 09:08:20 +0000

Fascinating Long Street is one of Cape Town’s most popular and diverse attractions. With its views of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and Signal Hill, it invites a leisurely exploration. It was first settled by Muslims about 300 years ago, and made up Cape Town’s old boundary. By the 1960s, Long Street had become a disreputable part of town, lined with brothels and seedy bars. Some of that underworld atmosphere still remains, but the street has been somewhat upgraded by the presence of antique shops, craft shops, delicatessens, cafes, and some very good second hand book stores.

The Long Street Baths

The Long Street Baths are a Cape Town institution. Established in 1906, the Baths are at the top of the road, near where it intersects with Buitensingel. The steam rooms provide great relaxation on a cool winter day but, if you’re going with a friend, be aware that there are separate hours for men and women. A session lasts four hours, and the price of admission gets you a private cubicle and a towel, access to the wet or dry steam rooms, and a massage. Give it a try for a unique and invigorating Cape Town experience.

The Palm Tree Mosque and the Pan African Market

Just north of the Long Street Baths, the Palm Tree Mosque is an unmistakable city landmark. It is not open to the public, but is nonetheless worth a look from the outside. This is the only surviving 18th century building on the street and was constructed in 1780 as a private home. In 1807 it was bought by Frans Van Bengal, a Muslim, and Jan Van Boughies, a freed Muslim slave, who turned it into a mosque. Just nearby, you will find the Pan African Market, one of Cape Town’s most intriguing secrets. It is one of the best places in the city to buy African crafts, but it is very easy to miss if you don’t know where it is with a quite inconspicuous frontage. Within, however, are three floors of rooms and connecting passageways crammed with art and artifacts from all over Africa. A range of traders display brass animal figures, masks from West Africa, contemporary South African textiles, leather goods, and tailored clothes. You can also buy bargain priced CDs and musical instruments, have your hair braided, and even take lessons on playing drums.

The South African Missionary Meeting House Museum

Located near the end of Long Street at the harbour is the South African Meeting House Museum. Completed in 1804, this was the first missionary church in South Africa. It is an extraordinary building, with one of the most beautiful frontages in Cape Town. The façade is dominated by large windows which are separated into bays by delicate Corinthian pilasters. The interior features an impressive neoclassical pulpit carved from wood which is perched on a pair of columns high above the congregation. The columns frame the inlaid image of an angel in flight. This museum is a good place to either start or finish your stroll along Long Street.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Cape Town – What’s the Weather Like?

TAD — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:50:41 +0000

As with any vacation destination, the weather in Cape Town is an important factor to consider when you are planning your holiday. Certain seasons are better for some specific activities than they are for others. For example, while summer is the best time for beach lovers, the city’s winter months are better for visitors who want to head out of the city on wildlife safaris, as various weather-related conditions can make the animals more visible.

Mediterranean Climate

Because South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are the opposite of those in North America and Europe. It is located halfway between the Equator and Antarctica, so overall it has a temperate climate. Cape Town’s southernmost location on a peninsula between two oceans gives it a Mediterranean-like climate. The summers are warm and dry, and the winters are wet and cool. But be forewarned, the weather can be fickle in Cape Town at any time of year. In the summer, cool winds can bring a sudden chill to the city, ruining plans for a day at the beach. Likewise, in winter a sudden warm spell can bring gorgeous, sunny days. A rule of thumb for tourists going to Cape Town is to pack a sweater or jacket if you’re visiting in the summer, and some light clothing if you’re going in the winter to cover all bases.

Southeaster and the Cape Doctor

The nippy summer wind that can suddenly sweep across Cape Town is called the southeaster. It blows in from across False Bay and can reach gusts of up to 60 km per hour. On those days you’ll want to find something to do indoors! In its gentler form, this wind is called the Cape Doctor and is a breeze is just cool enough to provide relief from the humidity. The Cape Doctor is what causes the mantle of cloud around Table Mountain which locals call the Tablecloth. The Tablecloth is beautiful to look at, but it can shut down the cable car service on the mountain due to poor visibility.

Party Time

For fun in the sun, sand and surf, the best times to visit Cape Town are from October to mid-December, and from mid-January to Easter. These periods will produce an average of ten hours of sunshine a day. From mid-December to mid-January, Cape Town is one of the favourite places for South Africans looking for a seaside holiday and this is also party time when the city hosts numerous festivals. So it is advisable to book accommodation and transport well in advance if you’re planning your holiday around this time.

Joys of Spring and Autumn

In spite of the shorter hours of daylight, the autumn period, from April to mid-May, is a pleasant time to visit Cape Town. The southeaster drops off, the temperature is comfortably warm, and the light is sharp and bright. Likewise, the spring month of September can be very attractive. These are good times to tour the Garden Route or enjoy spectacular views from Table Mountain.

Winter Wonderland With No Snow

June and July are considered the depth of winter in South Africa. However, aside from periods of heavy rain, the weather is usually quite mild and temperatures rarely dip below six degrees Celsius. Flowers are always in bloom and there are no bare trees, making it a picturesque time. In addition to being the best time to go on wildlife viewing excursions, winter also marks the beginning of whale watching season. Migrating whales begin to appear off the Whale Coast in July, and remain until November.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Cape Town – the Music Scene

TAD — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:33:01 +0000

Cape Town’s musical pace is pretty laid back and leisurely compared to the wild and woolly music scene of Johannesburg. Nonetheless, a remarkable amount of high quality music is produced there, especially by jazz artists. Cape Jazz is, in fact, the city’s greatest musical legacy, and a South African treasure. Cape Jazz has in its own way made the city the New Orleans of South Africa. It had its roots in the 1920s and grew in spite of a conservative political environment. It borrowed from American and European innovations, but developed into a sound that is distinctly Cape Town’s.

Dollar Brand and Friends

One of Cape Town’s greatest jazz legends is Abdullah Ibrahim, who went by the professional name Dollar Brand before his conversion to Islam. He was born and raised in Cape Town’s District Six, and emerged on the music scene as an extraordinarily gifted pianist and composer. His work is a spellbinding mixture of African, American, and Cape Muslim idioms. Other Cape Jazz greats include three saxophonists: Winston “Ngozi” Mankunku, Robbie Janson, and the late Basil Coetzee; bassist Spencer Mbadu, guitarist Errol Dyers, and pianist Hotep Galata. Young stars who are carrying on the tradition include pianist Paul Hanmer, whose subtle, mellow artistry defies verbal description; and guitarist Jimmy Dludlu, whose sense of cool when he is on stage is infectious. Music lovers visiting the city should take the opportunity to see them live to really experience their musical genius.

The Beat Goes on in Studios

Of course, not everybody will have the opportunity to hear these artists live. For those who do, recordings are the only way to relive the experience at home. Several adventurous independent recording studios have sprung up around the city. They have been producing not only cutting edge jazz, but also hip-hop and the gritty South African urban underground sound, kwaito. Melt2000 is the most innovative and intelligent of the established labels. Their titles, and those of the other studios, can be purchased in Cape Town music stores or ordered through them. These albums make fantastic souvenirs and gifts.

Cape Town Music – “Must Have” Recordings

For any serious music lovers, jazz fans in particular, who want a comprehensive collection of the best of the Cape Town music scene, the following albums are essential: Monwabisi by Basil Coetzee, Operation Lahlela by Dantai, Essence of Rhythm by Jimmy Dludlu, African Princess of Pop and Memeza by Brenda Fassie, Trains to Taung by Paul Hamner, African Market Place by Abdullah Ibrahim, Nomad Jez by Robbie Jansen, Crossroads by Winston Mankunku, Ghetto Code by Prophets of Da City, Sondelani by Ringo, and Afterlife Satisfaction by Springbok Nude Girls.

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival

Visitors to Cape Town can hear Cape Jazz played by both famous artists and emerging musicians at many venues throughout the city at any time of year. But the very best place to hear both local artists and international stars is the city International Jazz Festival. This great celebration of jazz music dates back only about ten years, when it was established as a counterpoint to the renowned North Sea Jazz Festival. Since then it has become world famous in its own right. Besides showcasing local talent, the Cape Town festival has attracted such stars as Herbie Hancock and Courtney Pine. The festival is held every year on the last weekend in March.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Fact File on Cape Town

TAD — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:45:48 +0000

The South African city of Cape Town was founded 350 years ago, making it the oldest city in the country. It was once just a place where Portuguese ships put in for food and fresh water on their way to and from the Far East. When the Dutch took over the lucrative spice trade, they established a base on the Cape Peninsula but had no intention of starting a colony. Then someone noticed that the land around the Cape was prime agricultural real estate and Dutch farmers came to stake out new lives. They were soon followed by French Huguenots and others and the Cape Colony was firmly established.

Legislative Capital

The city is the legislative capital of South Africa but for many years it was the administrative, social and economic centre of the Cape Colony as well. Today, the distinction and responsibilities of the South African federal capital are shared by three cities: Pretoria is the administrative capital, the headquarters for the judiciary are in Bloemfontein and Cape Town is the seat of the national parliament. The Parliament Buildings, which date back to 1885, are on Government Street and guided tours are available. Cape Town is also the capital of the Western Cape Province.

This Old City is Young

Cape Town has a population of just over three million people. Half of Cape Town’s population is of mixed race; “coloured”, according to South African ethnic classifications. Native black Africans make up 26 percent of the city’s population and white Capetonians of Dutch and English descent account for 23 percent. The rest of the population is of Asian background. Of the total number, one third of the population is under the age of fourteen making Cape Town demographically a very ‘young’ city.

So Many Mother Tongues

The post-apartheid South African government recognises eleven official languages and three of them are commonly heard in the city. Xhosa is the mother tongue of most of Cape Town’s black residents. Afrikaans is a distinct Dutch dialect that is indigenous to South Africa and is the first language not only of the Afrikaners, the descendants of pioneering Dutch farmers, but also of a large portion of the coloured population. English, besides being the first language of Capetonians of British background, is also the language of business and education. Knowledge of English in Cape Town’s tourist industry a given, and most of the people holiday-makers encounter in the city speak English.

Buy Genuine Souvenirs

Poverty is a fact of life for many of the residents of the city and unemployment is high, especially in the black neighbourhoods. The inhabitants of about 40 percent of Cape Town’s households live on, or below, the poverty line. As a result, the city also has a high crime rate and visitors should take all common sense precautions. They can help by purchasing souvenirs that are hand-made by local craftsmen, sometimes from refuse found in the streets. These souvenirs are a genuine product of the community, and the purchase of them helps struggling families.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Walking South Africa – Just You, or Two

TAD — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:34:44 +0000

If you’re planning a holiday walking South Africa, the chances are that you are going to be joining a group tour with an experienced leader to guide you. These types of tours are the best way to get the most out of a walking holiday as you have most of the hard work, like finding accommodation and looking for transport, done for you and you are free to concentrate on experiencing the spectacular scenery for which you came. There are, however, times when on a rest day you may want to escape the group and get back to being just the one, or two of you. There are some perfect opportunities to enjoy walking, South Africa style, with your loved one, or alone, where you won’t need to guidance of a leader.

The Garden Route – Knysna
This charming town has twice been voted South Africa’s favourite and anyone who spends time here is quick to agree. In the heart of the famous Garden Route the town offers the best of both worlds in the form of the picturesque ocean on one shoulder and the lush forests of the interior on the other. Extremely well appointed and easily accessible, Knysna has a very unusual way to experience walking. South Africa is home to an abundant bird life and a canopy tour through the Tsitsikamma forest near Knysna will introduce many of them to you on a very personal level! The walk involves moving through the forest at canopy level along a network of platforms 30 metres above the ground; the only catch is that in order to get from one platform to another the method is by steel cable. It’s not as scary as it sounds and, once you adjust to unfamiliar seating position, it is a truly magical experience; and perfect for a tranquil day for two.

Beaches Walks in Cape Town
There can little more enjoyable than a peaceful walk along a deserted beach with your companion watching the sun rise over the horizon. Walking South Africa’s stunning coastline can give you the ultimate sunrise experience and nowhere more so than along one of Cape Town’s spectacular beaches. For a real ‘get away from it all’ walk, head to Noordhoek where you can wander in peace along the seemingly endless stretch of sand right up to Kommetijie. In the early morning, save for the odd like-minded walker, you will have the beach to yourselves. If you feel more comfortable in the company of others, but still want to enjoy a picturesque coastal walk, try Hout Bay where you can start at the Mariner’s Walk and make your way along to Chapman’s Peak. Perfect, easy walks for one or two.

Pretoria – Botanic Gardens
If your holiday walking South Africa takes you to Pretoria, then you, or you and your loved one, can slip away for an afternoon to the impressive Pretoria National Botanic Gardens. Easily reached in the eastern suburbs of the city, the gardens are a 70 hectare haven of flora and fauna. You can spend as much or as little time as you like in the gardens and can wander around on your own, or engage a guide and take one of the official tours.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Goema Music in Cape Town

TAD — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 09:45:22 +0000

With everything to do in Cape Town, you could be forgiven for wanting to take a little while to sit back, sip on a Mojito cocktail, and relax to some of the unique sounds of Cape Town’s music. As well as being home to a wide variety of South African cultures, the city is also home to its own particular brand of music – goema, or goema jazz. Based on a wooden, barrel-shaped Malaysian drum set known as a ghomma, the style evolved into a unique brand of music that became identified as Cape Town’s ‘goema’.

Cape Jazz

Previously identified as ‘Cape Jazz’, the music of Cape Town sounds similar to the popular jazz style of marabi, a fast-paced keyboard style known for its energy and the ability to get people dancing in local bars or shebeens! Cape Jazz became more improvisational than marabi, however, in large part due to the celebratory culture of the city. A large part of the improvisational structure evolved from the situations the music would be played in – often street parades, where being able to improvise or extend a piece of music or song would be of tremendous help to an aspiring musician! The style also developed around the instruments used, as the players became accustomed to instruments that could be carried by hand, such as brass instruments, banjos, guitars and, of course, ghomma drums.

The Goema Captains

One of the most famous bands of Cape Town, the Goema Captains featured famous jazz musician Mac McKenzie, Alex van Heerden, and Hilton Schilder, who took a different direction by rearranging traditional songs with the important improvisational elements of goema. Another example is The Cape Jazz Band, an ensemble drawing all of its members from different groups playing in Cape Town.

Where to Go

If you’re looking to investigate Cape Town’s live music scene, you can’t do better than a few of the venues nestled right in the heart of the city. ‘Mercury’ has long been the favourite haunt of most of the top South African Bands playing in Cape Town. It is divided into a downstairs lounge and an upstairs section, ‘Mercury Live’, boasting one of the best sound systems in the city, as well as a spacious stage and standing area. For those looking for a little more variety than simply music, the ‘Zula Sound Bar’ offers a diverse range of music including hip-hop, rock, traditional African, reggae, and goema, as well as live comedy on occasion. Situated in Long Street, it sits in the heart of Cape Town’s nightlife and provides a full menu, along with tables on a balcony affording great views of the bustling city.

Whether it’s a short visit to Cape Town, or a longer exploration of all the city has to offer, music is an unavoidable part of the urban landscape. With the reintroduction of several traditional songs to the popular repertoire of goema music, it’s also becoming a new way of discovering the city’s cultural history. Give goema a go, and you never know – you may find yourself unexpectedly tapping a foot along to the beat.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

The Cable Cars of Cape Town

TAD — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 09:33:36 +0000

No trip to Cape Town would be truly complete without setting some time aside to experience a trip to Table Mountain. Once the habitat of lions and leopards, the mountain has come to be seen as a symbol of the city it towers over. But as spectacular as the views from the mountaintop are, there’s enough to be enjoyed during the trip up and down in Cape Town’s cable cars.

The first cars

It took over 40 years of discussion and planning – interrupted by two wars – before construction began in 1926, and the first cableway opened for business three years later in 1929. In the beginning, the construction of the cars featured a tin roof and sides made out of wood. Of course the design evolved over time, and cable cars leaving from Cape Town today are built to maximise the view during the journey, with a rotating floor ensuring a 360 degree view during the journey. The base of the cable car is filled with water, serving as ballast in the windy conditions – and it can get windy above Cape Town. Ascending to Table Mountain takes visitors 1067 metres above sea level, and the winds at that height can be extremely strong. Luckily, the cableway only operates when weather permits, which is often, and boasts an impeccable safety record.

A unique system

The system itself is fairly unique – Cape Town is the home of one of only three Rotair cable cars in the world (the others having homes in Switzerland and the USA). The system relies on two cable cars to counterbalance each other – as one goes up, the other comes down. The cars can’t operate independently, but it also halves the wait whether you’re ascending or descending. The cars travel at a maximum speed of ten metres per second – long enough to enjoy the view, and quickly enough to reach the summit in about 4 or 5 minutes. Good news for the traveller in a hurry. Each car can carry 65 passengers, and the cableway as a whole has transported over 20 million people from Cape Town to Table Mountain and back. They can’t be booked in advance, though, and tend to become very busy on clear days.

Starting or finishing

If you’re looking to take advantage of the adventurous activities around Table Mountain the cable cars are a convenient way of beginning or ending your chosen day. If you’re interested in hiking up Table Mountain, but worried the descent back to Cape Town might be a step too far, then descending in a cable car will allow a quick and restful descent. Likewise, if abseiling down from the summit is your method of choice, a cable car up to Table Mountain could give you some perspective on your route, as well as letting you save your energy beforehand! Whether walking up from, or climbing back down to Cape Town, or even just enjoying a peaceful ride and appreciating the vista, the cable cars of Cape Town are something to experience in their own right.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made
Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

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Cape Town: Read All About It

TAD — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 10:10:16 +0000

So you’re tanned, you’ve toured – in fact, all the items in your guidebook have been checked off, one by one. So what better way to refresh yourself than by seeing Cape Town through the eyes of a fellow traveller? Discovering the quirks of a holiday destination through stories and novels has been a time-honoured tradition for generations of travellers, and Cape Town provides a superb canvas when it comes to stories. In fact, whatever your tastes, there’s something that might just give you a new way of looking at the city.

Travel and Teaching

Some novels are packed with cultural insights, such as Zoe Wicomb’s collection of stories titled ‘You Can’t Get Lost in Cape Town’, which (instead of the travelogue you might expect!) features different vignettes of a young woman returning to South Africa in order to confront the culture that shaped her as a child. Another critically-praised read is Finuala Dowling’s ‘Flyleaf’, a novel depicting the life of a teacher with some very unorthodox teaching methods, and the challenges she faces in moving from the country to build a life in Cape Town.

Action and Adventure

For the more adventurous, there isn’t a better setting for a thriller than the vibrant, bustling city of Cape Town. ‘Thirteen Hours’ by Deon Meyer, South Africa’s bestselling crime fiction author, is a detective tale of a missing backpacker and a conspiracy that threatens the country. Or there’s Lauren Beukes’ ‘Moxyland’, a debut science fiction novel looking to Cape Town’s future, displaying the blend of cultures in the city along with a vision of where technology might take them. You’ll never look at your phone the same way again, wherever you are.

Choices and Cooking

Or if you prefer a lighter touch, Patricia Schonstein’s ‘A Time of Angels’ is a light-hearted comedy, focusing on the colourful characters inhabiting an expatriate neighbourhood in Cape Town. It is a wonderful fable about good, evil, and most importantly – the love of food! If you’re venturing on holiday with family members, there’s no better way to get the teenagers excited about being in Cape Town than by giving them Sally Partridge’s ‘Fuse’, with its story of teenage friendship put under pressure by bullying, and a plan to fight back that transforms the novel into a gripping tale of adventure.

Off the Page

Not only can you find a new way of looking at Cape Town in novels as well as the guidebook, but the city is proud of its literary culture. Cape Town’s book fair gives around 18,000 literature lovers a new way of enjoying South Africa, after the wines have been drunk, the food enjoyed, and the music danced to. Notables such as Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, and novelists Jodi Picoult and Wole Soyinka visited 2010’s fair, marking it as the place to be seen for authors from around the world.

With pages and pages written about Cape Town outside of the guidebook, there’s a story for everyone – and reading a few others can help you decide how you’re going to live your own. Whether you’re there already, or just planning a visit, picking up a novel or two just might give you a few new ideas about Cape Town.

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Cape Town’s Best Cosmopolitan Cafes

TAD — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 09:50:57 +0000

If you’re spending some time in Cape Town during your holiday in South Africa, you will most likely need somewhere to stop for lunch at some point. Why not call into one of the best cosmopolitan cafes in Cape Town?

Afro Cafe
Tucked away down a pedestrian street that is littered with antique stalls, the Afro Cafe is one of the most popular cafes in Cape Town. Known for its vibrancy, this coffee shop is both funky and fresh and offers a real taste of Africa. With an incredibly bright interior, and dazzling, retro packaging accompanying any food or drink being taken out, the Afro Cafe is the epitome of African style and sassiness and can be spotted a mile away. The best part of the cafe is its unrivalled range of exotically flavoured teas, though by all accounts the coffee is pretty good too, and don’t even get us started on the moreish menu! For an authentic taste of South African culture, the Afro Cafe is a real hot spot you’d be mad to miss out on.

The Daily Delhi
If your daily routine back home involves a morning cup of coffee with a read of the local paper before you can even think about facing the day, then there is a really easy way to superimpose that routine onto your holiday in Cape Town – simply pay a visit to the Daily Delhi. Perfectly situated in the quaint back streets of the Central Business District, the Daily Delhi is more of a local hangout than a tourist trap. This only serves to make it more of an enjoyable experience for the odd visitor or two to South Africa who happen to stumble upon it. If freshly baked breakfast croissants, a morning newspaper, a fantastic cup of coffee, and a real local hustle and bustle atmosphere all sound like the key ingredients to your day, then this is definitely the cafe for you. The Daily Delhi may be small but it is certainly worth a visit if you like to start your day with a good cup of coffee.

C’est La Vie
Venture a bit further south of Cape Town and you will soon come across suburb, Kalk Bay. A Parisian style cafe, C’est La Vie, means only one thing in this case – this is the life! Voted a top ten Cape Town coffee house by top women’s magazine Elle, this really is a classic place to get that kick of caffeine. Making many of their own breads themselves, their breakfast treats are a real delicacy, and when you add the great cups of coffee you really do have the recipe for a fantastic start to your day. You’ll find C’est La Vie down a cobbled street which simply adds to the classic, yet slightly eccentric, atmosphere exuded by the cafe. A plain, but incredibly pleasant menu gives you plenty to choose from, and it really is impossible to choose the wrong thing..

So, if you’re feeling a little bit peckish while you’re in Cape Town, make sure you drop into any one of the best cosmopolitan cafes – you’ll be glad you did!

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A Gastro Tour of the Stellenbosch

TAD — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:07:08 +0000

Walking South Africa is hungry work and if you’re planning on walking around the Stellenbosch then you’ll find that your stomach won’t stop rumbling from all the delicious food on offer. The Stellenbosch isn’t just the wine capital of South Africa, but also a gastro-lover’s paradise offering fresh local produce and gourmet restaurants. Here are a few things that you must do while walking the Stellenbosch:

Visit the Stellenbosch Fresh Goods Market

Every Saturday, Oude Libertas is transformed into a haven of local goods and fresh produce. All the products sold at the market are grown, raised, caught or preserved by the producers themselves. You’ll find a range of high-quality food producers and local and regional farmers, all offering delicious seasonal and home-cooked dishes. With so many mouth-watering stalls at the market, it can be hungry work walking around them all. However, we recommend stopping at the Fish Deli to buy a South African speciality, snoek, which tastes wonderful barbecued and served with apricot marinade from the nearby stall, Oded’s kitchen. If you need something to get yourself going while walking South Africa, then try an espresso from Espresso Urself before you leave.

Take a Wine Tour

Walking South Africa’s wine region just isn’t complete without a specialty wine tour and there are many different ways you can choose to tour the area. One local operator specialises in cycle tours, while another offers shuttle safaris. With such a variety it can be hard choosing the perfect Stellenbosch wine tour, but it’s often the classic tours run by knowledgeable guides that are the best. A typical wine tour takes you around five different wineries, where you’ll taste the best wines that each has to offer, before stopping for lunch at one of them. It’s not always just wine-tasting that’s on the agenda; cheese, chocolate and olives are often sampled alongside the wines in order to bring out some of their subtler undertones.

Eat at an Award Winning Restaurant

Terroir is owned by the chef behind London’s Michelin starred restaurant, Le Gavroche, and the food here is just as delectable. With a focus on classic French country fare, slow-roasted pork belly and sous-vide lamb are typical dishes served at this establishment. After walking South Africa’s most scenic landscapes, a nice relaxing meal should be top of the agenda, This cellar-door restaurant provides hearty servings and local acclaimed wines by both the bottle and glass and there is even the option to sit on the garden terrace with its scenic pond and garden views.

Attempt to Catch Your Own Food

Stellenbosch offers some of the best local produce that South Africa has to offer, but if you don’t want to purchase it from expensive food markets, then why not try your hand at catching it yourself. Stellenbosch is a popular fishing destination and some of the wine estates even have their own fishing lakes teeming with trout and bass. Many fishing companies allow you to keep what you’ve caught and if you’re lucky enough to catch yourself a trout, we recommend cooking it in traditional Stellensbosch style – grilled on the braai with Riesling.

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Main Attractions of Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

TAD — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:35:18 +0000

There are many wonderful places to visit in South Africa. But whilst most tourists head to Cape Town and Johannesburg, there is another gem that should find its way onto your itinerary: Pietermaritzburg.

Pietermaritzburg is the second-biggest city and the capital of KwaZulu-Natal province, and is often referred to as Maritzburg or PMB. It is located between Johannesburg and Durban; if you’re travelling between the two cities then it is a great place to stop off for a few days.

Established in 1838 and well known for its historical features, it is considered to be one of the best-preserved Victorian cities anywhere in the world. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, it contains an interesting mix of people making it one of the most vibrant cities in South Africa. With the Msunduzi River flowing through the centre, it is extremely picturesque as well.

So what are the main attractions of Pietermaritzburg?

The Gardens
The spectacular gardens have to be one of the main highlights for many visitors. Known as the ‘City of Flowers’, Pietermaritzburg lives up to its namesake with a large number of public and private gardens. With colour and variety all around, you could easily spend a day exploring them.

The best of the lot is surely the National Botanic Gardens. One of only eight in South Africa, the gardens were established in 1870. They are home to endangered and rare plants and over 100 species of birds. They are open throughout the year and guided tours are available.

Other options include Wylie Park with its delightful landscaped gardens and a trail that leads up to World’s View for an amazing panorama over the city. Or for those who don’t mind a short drive out of the city, they can visit Queen Elizabeth Park and take a self-guided trail.

Nature Reserves
Pietermaritzburg is situated very near to KwaZulu-Natal’s game reserves, making it an ideal location to stay if you want to go on a safari in South Africa. Surrounded by countryside, you will have easy access to numerous reserves and game parks where you’ll be able to see many of the best animals in the country.

The four main parks nearest to Pietermaritzburg are Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve, the Lion Park, Tala Game Reserve (a 20-minute drive away) and Albert Falls Nature Reserve (about 30 minutes away).

Museums
There are plenty of museums of interest for those wanting to find out a bit more about the history of Pietermaritzburg. The Natal Museum celebrates over a century of the heritage of South Africa through objects of cultural significance, and art fans should also visit the Tatham Art Gallery, one of the main art museums in South Africa. Amongst other things you will find a collection of early 20th-century paintings by English and French artists, including works by Picasso, Renoir and Matisse.

Take a Tour of Pietermaritzburg
If you can’t decide what to see in Pietermaritzburg, the best thing to do is take a tour. Visit the historical centre, the numerous national monuments, the city wall and the Gandhi statue outside the Colonial Building. There are also lots of monthly markets for arts, crafts and food if you are there at the right time. So visit Pietermaritzburg and enjoy one of the most exciting cities in South Africa.

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South Africa – Freedom Struggle Highlights

TAD — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 10:36:26 +0000

The World Cup brought South Africa to the forefront of the world’s attention, providing a great chance to remember the incredible history of the country’s fight against apartheid.

The football may now be over, but if you head to South Africa one opportunity you should not pass up is the chance to visit some of the main points of interest in the struggle for freedom.

Apart from the iconic Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 27 years, there are a number of other places in South Africa where the struggle is remembered and brought vividly to life.

Red Location Museum
Red Location first came into existence as a shanty town back in 1877. Black people were relocated here by force at the beginning of the 19th century, and it became one of key areas for anti-apartheid activists in South Africa. Now its name is synonymous with the anti-apartheid movement.

Situated right in the middle of New Brighton township on the outskirts of Port Elizabeth, the Red Location Museum is one of the best museums dedicated to the fight against apartheid. Lots of activists and political leaders from South Africa were born in the township, and many events during the struggle to end apartheid also took place here.

The award-winning architecture ensures a spectacular setting for the museum, but it is the exhibits inside that will really amaze. The museum takes a unique approach to highlight the contribution of the people of the area in the apartheid struggle, and it makes for a fascinating afternoon.

The Freedom Route
The KwaZulu-Natal Freedom Route is a journey that takes you through some of the most important areas of South Africa in the history of the fight against apartheid. The main locations on the route are the cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

In Durban you can visit the Luthuli Museum and Cato Manor, the settlement where Mahatma Gandhi was based for a time. There are also lots of museums to visit, along with the homes of renowned activists, and ANC hideouts. The KwaMuhle Museum is also of particular interest.

In Pietermaritzburg you can visit the Old Prison, see the statue of Ghandi, visit the Mandela Capture Site and take a trip to the Sobantu township. Here you can visit real communities of South Africa, eat the local food of the township and talk to local people who lived through the horror of apartheid. There is no better way to experience the real history of South Africa.

Liliesleaf Farm
Liliesleaf Farm has gone down in legend in South Africa as the secret location where high-ranking members of the ANC planned their attempts to overthrow the government. This hideout even housed Nelson Mandela for a while. Following a police raid in 1963, many senior members of the ANC were arrested, leading to the Rivonia Treason Trials. It is well worth a visit to see one of the most important locations in the anti-apartheid movement.

A Different View of South Africa
South Africa may be visited more for its stunning wildlife and incredible natural scenery, but if you want to experience the recent history of the country through the eyes of the people who lived through the horrors of apartheid, the above locations provide you with a unique opportunity to do so.

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South Africa – On Your Bike

TAD — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:06:04 +0000

South Africa’s temperate climate makes it an ideal holiday destination for an energetic break involving walking, hiking or cycling. Any of these activities will enable you to approach your itinerary with a different view, and you will be able to see and experience things that you may otherwise not have been able to. Whilst walking or hiking are admirable ways to travel, sometimes it’s just not practical to take so long to cover so little distance! That’s where riding a bike can come into its own: not only will you be out in the great outdoors experiencing the real South Africa, you will also be able to eat up the miles a lot easier while still being able to enjoy the scenery – perfect.

The Cape Winelands
The stunning winelands town of Paarl has a great network of cycle paths which radiate from its centre and are suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities. You can simply stick to the picturesque tree-lined streets in town, or venture out along paths through lush vineyards; stopping to sample the vintages along the way. The Cape Winelands are the true jewel in South Africa’s crown and you can cycle gentle, undulating country paths interspersed with picture-perfect villages and historic country estates. This region is ideal for packing a picnic lunch on your panniers, picking up a bottle of local wine and exploring at your own pace.

Hogsback – the Eastern Cape
By bike is far and away the best way to experience the breathtaking scenery in this region. You can hire either mountain bikes or normal cycles depending on how energetic you want to be and there is a huge network of tracks to head out to. Some trails you may want to attempt are the gentler (and shorter) Holy Cyrus Loop at 8km; the medium length Deodar Loop and Madonna Loop, at 14km and 22km respectively; and for the very experienced and super fit, the Complete Trail at a thigh-wobbling 28km. This last one certainly requires dedication but, if tackled, is bound to be the highlight of your South African cycling adventure.

Soweto Town Tour
For those who prefer to stick to the more urban routes, you can’t beat a day tour around Soweto by cycle. Join one of the professional tour companies or buy a map and strike out on your own! You can set a leisurely pace as you cycle by Nelson Mandela’s and Bishop Tutu’s houses (both in South Africa’s most notable residential street, Vilakazi Street); or take a breather at the fascinating Hector Pieterson Museum. If you take a professional tour, you will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel and offered a running commentary along the way; but if you prefer to go solo, it’s a reasonably easy city to navigate and you’ll find it hard to get lost if you follow the landmarks.

There are many other cycle paths around the cities and regions of South Africa, and the country has a wonderful infrastructure in place to cater to cyclists of all abilities. If you are heading out on your own however, it is advisable to ask around before setting off, as many of the roads can be treacherous in terms of traffic. But use your common sense, wear a helmet and experience the best of South Africa on your bike.

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Animal Encounters Whilst Walking South Africa

TAD — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:47:34 +0000

Whilst walking South Africa’s wonderful paths and trails, you will see all manner of wildlife, from the smallest of blue crane birds to the largest of elephants. Seeing these animals in their natural habitat will take your breath away; however if you’re looking for a real animal encounter, there are ways to get just a little bit closer!

Riding an elephant
There’s no denying the fact that you’ll see more of the country if you’re on foot and walking. South Africa does, however, tend to look very different from on top of an elephant. Far less work than using your own two feet, and more importantly far more fun, an elephant ride is a great way to see the country from a different perspective. It is also something of a special opportunity as the temperament of the African elephant is very different from that of Asian elephants ridden in areas such as Thailand. Not all can be ridden, however, there are some places where it is possible not only to ride African elephants, but also to groom them, walk trunk in hand with them, and feed them their meals. To get close to one of South Africa’s finest animals, and to see the country from a different vantage point, taking a ride on an elephant is a must.

Swimming with Penguins
When we think of South Africa, penguins are not necessarily the first animals that spring to mind. Hardly one of the Big Five, the small African penguin is admittedly not the first animal you would think of seeing, however it is certainly one you are likely to come across whilst walking South Africa. During your visit, make sure you head to Boulders Beach near Cape Town where you will find a whole colony of the bouncy birds. Energetic and playful, they are a lot of fun to be around, and they are more than likely to try to make friends with you while you are swimming. Very used to people being around, the birds will not hesitate to act naturally around you giving you the perfect opportunity to see them feeding, preening and swimming in their natural environment.

Ride an Ostrich
For an animal experience that’s out of the ordinary, be sure to head out towards Oudtshoorn to do some walking. South Africa’s largest ostrich population can be found out in that direction, thanks to the slightly dry and desert-like feel to the region. With ostrich farms that hold regular ostrich racing for riders of any level, there’s nothing stopping you from having a go at becoming an ostrich jockey. If however, your balance leaves a lot to be desired at the best of times, it might be best to stick to the sidelines and watch others attempt to ride the ungainly animals. Spending time at an ostrich farm is always a great day out and if you’re feeling lucky you might even want to put a penny or two towards a flutter on your favourite ostrich.

So if one of your reasons for walking South Africa’s beautiful territory is to see the wonderful wildlife the country has to offer, then these animal encounters are just what you’re looking for, allowing you to get up close and personal with animals you may not get to experience otherwise.

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Walking South Africa – Discover Durban

TAD — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:46:40 +0000

Cape Town is often lauded as being South Africa’s premier city destination but, although it is undeniably beautiful and an exciting and cosmopolitan place to visit, it is not the only jewel in South Africa’s crown. Durban, in the eastern province of KwaZulu-Natal, is a beautiful sub-tropical city with just as much personality as her south-western counterpart. Gateway to the magnificent Drakensberg region, Durban also has a lot to offer in its own right, and a few days spent discovering the delights of this gorgeous city will be time well spent. Walking South Africa’s urban regions is very different to a walking adventure in the more remote and rugged areas of the country; but the journey is no less rewarding.

Victoria Street Market

Located in what is commonly known as the ‘Indian’ part of the city, the Victoria Street Market is an eclectic fusion of modern and traditional. As you are walking South Africa’s diverse cultural blend is ever more apparent as the tantalising smells of spices and aromatic food stuffs blend with the shouts and whistles of the stallholders; who are in themselves a wonderful attraction. The exotic mix of Indian and African craft, culture, art and food is a heady mix and, with over 170 stalls, entering the market place is almost like stepping into another world. The building in which the markets are held is a magnificent structure reminiscent of a Maharajah’s palace, however, sadly it has been earmarked for demolition in the next few years; so get in quick before a slice of history is lost.

uShaka Marine World

This is a great place to add into your Durban itinerary if you have children in your party, especially if they are a little young to keep up with the pace of city walking. South Africa, surrounded by oceans on two sides, has a wonderful marine life and an impressive selection of this is on display at the uShaka Marine World. The entertainment is non-stop; from live feeding shows and exhibitions, to the snorkel lagoon and diving with sharks. It is not hard to fill in the entire day and, once the sun goes down, there’s still more fun to be had. The ‘After Dark’ experience will see you wandering the aquarium as it basks in an eerie blue light. You can get a glimpse into the private lives of the sea-creatures as they go about their silent nightly business. Although only open to the public since 2004, uShaka Marine World has become a firm favourite with the local families of the city and the huge numbers of tourists who visit every year.

Durban Botanic Gardens

A tranquil oasis in the midst of the bustling city, the Durban Botanic Gardens is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon walking. South Africa’s oldest surviving gardens contain an abundance of African, Asian and American trees and shrubs, some of which are extremely rare. Wander along the shady paths stopping at the herbarium and the orchid house, then stop for lunch in the quaint and calming tea gardens. The beautiful Sensory Gardens are designed to allow blind visitors to touch and feel the plants within, and are inhabited by hundreds of twittering birds – a wonderful experience for both the sighted and non-sighted visitor.

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South Africa by Air

TAD — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:22:52 +0000

South Africa is one of the most magnificent landscapes in the world to explore from the air. Imagine the undulating savannah landscapes miles below you, as you take to the air and watch migrating wildebeest and pink flamingos below you. Whether you’re looking for a romantic breakfast over the Western Cape or an adrenalin-packed flight over the Drakensburg, the hardest thing will be choosing your preferred method of transport:

Whale Watching From the Sky

Stuck in a boat in the middle of the Indian Ocean is not always the best way to spot a whale. Instead why not take to the skies in a small aircraft and try your luck above Plettenberg Bay. Africa’s self-professed whale capital is best visited during early June, when hundreds of Southern Right whales leave the Antarctic to frolic in the warm waters of South Africa. Although these whales can be seen from the shore, a light aircraft allows you to cover more ground and thus spot more whales.

Flip a Helicopter over the Drakensburg

South Africa is one of the best areas for adventure sports and what can be more adventurous than flipping a helicopter over the Drakensberg Mountains. You can choose from a Bell or Robinson helicopter and some companies even have a licence to host weddings. Flying over the Champagne/Cathkin escarpment, you can take in the rugged peaks of the Drakensburg; or opt for a champagne stop-over where you land on a low-berg next to the escarpment and enjoy a chilled glass of champagne before continuing on with your flight.

Glide Over Du Toitskloof Mountains

If you like gliding then there’s hardly anywhere in South Africa more scenic to experience your flight then the Du Toitskloof Mountains. The arid conditions around this area are just perfect for soaring, and with the jagged peaks and clouds as your playground you won’t want to come down. You’ll be gliding at heights of 5,000 to 20,000 giving you a true bird’s eye view of the stunning Breede River Canyon.

Thunder City Cape Town

Thunder City in Cape Town is the best place to go for the complete Top Gun experience. If you’ve grown up in the mid-1980s and dreamed of flying a fighter jet since Maverick and Goose took to your screens, then Thunder City is the place to make your dreams come true. When at this destination in South Africa, you can try your hand at vertical flight breaking the sound barrier in an ex-military buccaneer, or see the curvature of the earth on Mach 2.

Fly a Tiger Moth in the Cradle of Humankind

Sterkfontein, located in the Gauteng Province is a set of limestone caves recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is also known as the Cradle of Humankind due to the many hominid remains that have been found in the area. The undulating hills and valleys are reminiscent of a verdant olde worlde England, which makes it the perfect landscape to soar over in a 1940’s Tiger Moth. Sterkfontein is the richest hominid fossil site in the world, so make sure you take some time on the way to stop and explore the area; who knows what you may discover.

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The Best Golf Spots in South Africa

TAD — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:46:14 +0000

For many, a trip round the golf course is the best way they know to let go of the week’s stresses and strains and relax. By that logic, the best way to really unwind is to make sure you get plenty of time out on the golf course while you’re in South Africa. Here are just a few of the best golf spots South Africa has to offer.

Leopard Creek
The Leopard Creek Golf Course has built itself a reputation not only as the best in South Africa, but also as the 25th best course (outside of America) across the globe. As such it is certainly a feather in your golfing cap to be able to say that you’ve played there. Located on the border of the ever-impressive Kruger National Park, Leopard Creek embraces the wildlife and animals indigenous to the area, protecting players from wild animals using clever landscaping techniques. Be warned however, that the occasional hippopotamus, antelope or crocodile might just make that water-based shot a little more exciting! Should you want to get a bit closer to the animals, game rangers are often on hand to take you nearer in a Land Rover. A par 72 course with 18 holes, Leopard Creek is undoubtedly one of the best golf spots in South Africa.

Durban Country Club
Rated the sixth best course in South Africa, with the third hole being rated best hole three in the world, Durban Country Club is certainly a memorable course to play. More about technique than strength, your driver is not likely to come out much on this course, however your thoughts might just be a little distracted by phenomenal views of the ocean and the Blue Lagoon Estuary. Built on sand dunes, the Durban Country Club course undulates, creating wind channels that can make the game very interesting. It seems it is worth tackling the wind however, as this course has hosted more Opens than any other golf course in South Africa. If you want to play on the same greens as golfing greats such as Gary Player and Ernie Els, this is the course for you!

George Golf Club
In the heart of the Western Cape’s beautiful Garden Route, the George Golf Club is as picturesque as its surroundings. One of the most beautifully kept courses in South Africa, and featuring rolling hills and plenty of trees, a round of golf here will require a certain degree of precision. However, with its signature hole – the seventeenth – featuring in the best five hundred holes in the world (according to Golf Online), it is worth attempting a round at the George Golf Club. Allow between three and four hours to get round this course, or alternatively two hours for the first nine holes, but be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to take in the stunning scenery of the Garden Route. This truly is one of the most beautiful places to play golf in South Africa.

So if golf is one of your guilty pleasures and a holiday is not a holiday without a game or two, then fear not – you can use the wonderful nature and beautiful scenery as an excuse to drag the rest of your party around some of the best golf courses in South Africa.

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Seeing the Real South Africa

TAD — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:05:42 +0000

The holding of the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa perhaps brought three things to mind to anyone that watched them – even momentarily; the beauty of the countryside, the warmth of the people, and the vibrancy and unique cultural mixture that is the modern ‘Rainbow Nation’. You can experience all those things on a tailor-made holiday to South Africa.

Why not a regular holiday?
There is nothing wrong with the traditional holiday but they are typically put together on the basis of ‘one size fits all’. Their over-arching concern is often to offer economy and, as a result, individual preferences and interests may need to be sacrificed in order to achieve conformity and efficiency. Perhaps at some times in your life, that may have been acceptable but if you’re planning a trip to experience this land in all its splendour, then possibly a compromise on your requirements isn’t something you’re too keen to consider.

Why bespoke holidays?
Let’s consider just a sample of South Africa’s magnificent attractions.

In the countryside there are game and wildlife reserves that offer you the opportunity to see animals in their natural habit and to see what many people regard as the ‘real’ Africa. Cities such as Cape Town and Durban offer world-famous facilities for exploring great cultural centres, shopping and multi-cultural dining experiences. The Indian and Atlantic Ocean coasts provide unrivalled opportunities for beach and water sports, plus the chance to get away from the crowds to explore quiet havens of botanical and marine life. There are numerous gardens and tourist attractions that preserve and display the country’s unique history and diverse individual cultures. There are world-class entertainment, leisure and sporting facilities if playing hard is to your liking.

Unless you are fortunate enough to have extensive amounts of time, realistically you’re unlikely to be able to see anything other than a small percentage of the above attractions while you’re in South Africa. That fact makes it even more important that you are not asked to waste your precious time by being taken to see things that simply don’t appeal to you. That’s where a specialist provider of bespoke holidays may be able to help.

Comfort
This type of holiday also puts you into expert hands that know South Africa well. That’s important if you’re to get the opportunity to see the country as locals and experts see it, rather than as a passing tourist. Having expertise to hand can immensely enhance a visit to many locations; although if you do prefer privacy and to make your own way at times, then that can also be arranged of course.

Why South Africa?
Few people can fail to have been inspired by the efforts of this country to forge a new integrated future and to exploit, for everyone’s benefits, locals and visitors alike, the beauty and abundance of their natural resources. These decades have created an energy and drive that acknowledge and build upon the past, but with a clear vision of the future.

South Africa has always fascinated and captivated tourists but it has never been easier or better to visit than it is today.

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Exploring the New Horizons of South Africa

TAD — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:59:24 +0000

Few holiday destinations currently offer the intuitive attractions of South Africa. The ‘Rainbow Nation’ has spent recent years busily transforming itself into not only a great holiday destination, but also a vibrant and exciting new country.

A touch of history & culture
The indigenous peoples of the area have left us a fascinating archaeological record that takes us back thousands of years at certain sites. From the late 15th century, Europeans (the Portuguese initially) began to record the sights of South Africa. Around 150 years later, the Dutch arrived in the area of what would become Cape Town and began a period of colonisation. During the period of the Napoleonic wars, much of the Cape area was taken over by Britain.

In the 19th century, some of the Dutch descendents (now called Boers) began the Great Trek to leave British controlled areas to found their own independent states. After the sad events of the Boer War (1899-1902) the entire region became part of the British Empire and began to take the shape that we recognise today as South Africa. During the 19th and 20th centuries, peoples from all over the world settled in the region and the latter part of that period was also when the non-European South Africans struggled successfully to achieve their integration into the society.

The African, Dutch, British, Indonesian, and Asian peoples have all contributed to the melting pot of the modern country and its many cultures. It’s all there – waiting for you to experience it.

The countryside
No discussion of holidays here could possibly avoid mentioning the magnificent countryside. Hugely diverse, it ranges from grasslands to arid areas, pastoral farmlands to mining communities and the spectacular backdrop of Table Mountain at Cape Town. There are excellent opportunities for observing wildlife locally or in the game parks and reserves.

Sea and sand
If beaches, coastline and the sea are more to your liking, you can choose from the Indian or Atlantic Oceans. This doesn’t just mean deciding where you place your sun-bed either. There are large areas of coastline that are undeveloped and a haven for wildlife. For example, one beach has a large colony of penguins and you can also stroll along the coastal paths looking at the exotic flora and fauna.

The towns
South Africa boasts a number of famous cities including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban. Cape Town’s famous waterfront and the beaches and monuments of Durban are particularly worth visiting. Perhaps the major attraction of the cities is the cultural mixture that affects everything from shopping opportunities to architectural variations and, of course, the choice of cuisines when dining out.

Cutting loose
If indulging yourself is something you enjoy, then many of the towns and cities offer fantastic opportunities to pick up high quality items and some bargains. If you’re also feeling lucky, South Africa’s Durban is famous for its seafront entertainment and casino, and there is Sun City – the vast purpose built entertainment complex in the countryside.

Getting about
It should be remembered that South Africa is a huge country. Try as you might, you’re unlikely to be able to see everything in a single visit. Therefore, you may wish to ensure that you’re seeing those things that really appeal and giving an amicable miss until ‘next time’ those things that don’t. Fortunately, there are companies that offer bespoke holidays to this great land.

Seeing South Africa may be a rare or perhaps even once in a lifetime experience. A custom-designed holiday may help you make the most of it.

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South Africa – The Boschendal Manor House

TAD — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:49:36 +0000

The Franschhoek Wine Route in the Winelands district of South Africa is famous for its scenery and for the beautiful estates that dot the countryside. One of the most interesting attractions to be seen here is the gorgeous Cape Dutch estate of Boschendale. This winery produces some of South Africa’s best known wines. Located between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, with the Drakenstein Mountains in the background, the estate is laid out on beautifully landscaped and maintained grounds. But the principal attraction is the manor house, which is now a museum.

Eighteenth Century Beginnings

The present house was built by the wine-making de Villiers family in 1812, but the wine cellar and coach house date back to 1796. Today it belongs to a consortium of local business people, and is one of the stars of South Africa’s Cape Winelands. It is built in an H shape, and its elegant, rustic, white Dutch exterior with its gables and both rounded and classical pilasters makes it one of the most frequently photographed buildings in the Winelands district.

Nineteenth Century Furnishings

The gorgeous interior of the manor house gives visitors a good idea of what life was like for a successful wine maker in South Africa in the 19th century. The hand-crafted room dividers are made of teak and yellowwood, and are decorated with geometric designs in dark ebony. The house is full of beautiful 19th century furnishings. Of particular interest is the locally made antique, four-poster stinkwood bed with the lace hangings and embroidered cotton bedspread. The bed was made in 1810, and the bedding around 1820. The sitting room is crafted in oak, with a walnut veneer. The highlight of the décor is a collection of Ming Dynasty porcelain. In the front entrance way there is a fascinating long-case Dutch clock. This beautiful timepiece was made in 1748. In addition to the time of day, it shows the date, the day of the week, the month, the current zodiac sign, the phase of the moon, and the tide in Amsterdam. The kitchen floor is made of clay. In bygone days it would be washed with a mixture of water and cow manure to keep it cool and free of vermin. The walls were painted dark brown or red so that dirt would not show up. The reception rooms have their original friezes of black acorns and green leaves. The friezes were discovered when the house was being restored in the 1970s.

Dining With Class

Boschendal offers three lovely dining experiences. The luncheon buffet is served in the original wine cellar. There is a sumptuous buffet selection that includes Malay cuisine and many of the traditional dishes of South Africa. Among the tasty offerings are venison carpaccio with Satsuma preserve, and watercress with local goat’s cheese and walnuts. For lighter fare, sit at one of the wrought-iron tables under the trees and try the quiche. From October to April you can buy a picnic hamper (no wine included) and sit on the lawn. Inquire about the romantic full moon picnics. Wine, preserves, and souvenirs are available in the gift shop. Wine tasting tours are available in season.

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South Africa – The Sunny South Coast

TAD — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:03:16 +0000

A combination of year-round sunshine, beautiful sandy beaches, and never-ending surf has made the southern coast of South Africa a mecca for vacationers from the country’s interior, and from Europe and North America. This coastal playground stretches for 162 kilometres (100 miles) from Durban to the border of the Eastern Cape. More than thirty resort towns serve the needs of people who come to swim, dive, surf, fish, sail, or just lie on the beach. But there is more to the South Coast than sand, water and sunshine. Visitors will also find everything from glitzy casinos to pristine nature reserves and bird sanctuaries.

Hibiscus Coast and the Sardine Run

The gorgeous Hibiscus Coast is about 120 kilometres (75 miles) south of Durban, and extends from Hibberdene in the north to Port Edward in the South. It is famous for its beaches and golf courses, but is especially well known for an annual event the people of South Africa call the Sardine Run. Every year starting in June or July, millions of the little silver fish begin their migration from their spawning grounds off the Eastern Cape to the waters of Port Edward. This lasts for several weeks, until the vast shoal of fish moves farther north. The Sardine Run presents a terrific opportunity for bird watchers and people who want to see marine life, because the huge concentration of small fish attracts predators. Dolphins, seals, and sharks are among the sea creatures that come for the feast. Thousands of sea birds attack from the sky, scooping up all the sardines they can eat.

A Gorgeous Gorge

Not all of the South Coast’s natural beauty is along the coast. Twenty-one kilometres (13 miles) inland from Port Shepstone, in the heart of South Africa’s sugar cane country, is the beautiful Oribi Gorge Nature Preserve. Carved into the rock over millions of years by the Umzimkulwana River, the Oribi Gorge presents plenty of wonderful photo opportunities. It is 24 kilometres (15 miles) long, up to five kilometres (3 miles) wide, and is 300 meters (975 feet) deep. There is a scenic, circular drive through the reserve, and three hiking trails. The forest, made up of more than 500 different species of trees, is home to samango monkeys, bushbucks, duikers, and leopards.

Tourist Capital

The town of Margate is considered the tourist capital of the South Coast. It has a small airport that has flights to Johannesburg, and from there has connections to other parts of South Africa. Margate has dozens of hotels overlooking its spectacular beach, and there are plenty of restaurants, pubs, shopping facilities, and other services that cater to the tourist crowd. Even though this is a beach-lover’s paradise, one of the principal attractions here is fishing. Anglers can try their luck from shore, or charter a boat and go out after marlin.

Shaka Zulu Named It

Amanzimtoti is a small resort town 27 kilometres (17 miles) south of Durban. The name means, “The water is sweet.” According to legend, the name was bestowed on this place by the warrior king Shaka Zulu, one of the most colourful figures in South Africa’s history. The great Zulu leader supposedly stopped here on his way home from a campaign, and made the remark about the water after taking a drink from a stream. Besides the beach, visitors also come here for golf and a nearby bird sanctuary. Besides the beach, visitors also come here for golf and a nearby bird sanctuary.

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South Africa – The Wonderful West Coast

TAD — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:29:09 +0000

Do you like to get off the beaten track when you go on vacation? Do you appreciate the natural beauty of long stretches of windswept, empty beaches, with distant mountains behind you when you look out to sea? Do you love a feed of fresh crayfish? If so, then the West Coast of South Africa is just the place for you. Turquoise seas, big skies, simple fishing villages, and lonely dirt roads make this a great travel destination for visitors in search of a quiet retreat or some outdoor adventure.

Birds, Flowers, and Prehistoric Footprints

West Coast National Park is the main attraction for visitors to this part of South Africa. It lies about 75 miles (120 km) north of Cape Town, and covers 88,500 acres (29,700 ha). This park was established in 1985 as a nature reserve and protected marine area. It encompasses wetlands that are of global importance because they are the farthest point reached by migrating wading birds from the Arctic. Bird lovers come here to see the many species that arrive in September to feed and recover from their long journey, before congregating in March for the return trip north. In spring, the park bursts into a kaleidoscope of colour when the wildflowers bloom. The most spectacular displays can be seen around Postberg in August and September. Wildlife lovers can see zebra, wildebeest, and gemsbok. In 1997, in Langebaan Lagoon, the oldest known fossilised human footprints were found. They were dated back 117,000 years. The imprints were moved to the Iziko Museum in Cape Town for safekeeping. Langebaan Lagoon is the heart of the park. It is a purely saltwater pool with islands that are breeding grounds for numerous bird species, including penguins, gannets, cormorants, gulls and oystercatchers.

Deep Sea Fishing and Shipwrecks

Just north of Langebaan Lagoon is Saldanha Bay, named after a 16th century Portuguese sea captain. It is a deep, natural bay, and one of the best natural harbours in the world. For that reason it is the location of a training base for South Africa’s navy. It is also home base for a fishing fleet. Deep sea sports fishermen come here to go after tuna, yellowtail, and snoek – a fang-toothed species of fish that is unique to South Africa. If you have a taste for seafood, you will love the local restaurant offerings of mussels, oysters, calamari, mullet, and spiny lobster, which is known here as crayfish.

A traditional West Coast Village

Jacobsbaai is midway between Saldanha Bay and the town of Paternoster. It is somewhat isolated, and is known in South Africa as a traditional West Coast village. The roads are not paved, which helps to keep it happily remote for people who like an unregimented, laid back, out-of-the-way vacation. Scuba divers, snorkellers, fishermen, pleasure boaters and crayfishers are drawn to the waters here. The long, lonely coastal trails are a paradise for hikers and dune riders. This is a good place from which to explore nearby sites. Britannia Bay is famous for its many shipwrecks. Cape Columbine is the site of the last manned lighthouse on the coast of South Africa. St. Helena Bay is one of the best places for whale watching. It is also one of the few locations on Africa’s west coast from which you can watch the sun rise over the sea. South Africa’s wonderful West Coast is full of surprises.

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5 Things You Didn’t Know about South Africa

TAD — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:51:08 +0000

Much has been written about the many and varied charms of a holiday to South Africa. There is something for everyone; be it a bungee jump for the backpackers, a history tour for the boffin, a beautiful beach for a bikini-babe and much, much more besides. But apart from everything you’ve read, South Africa can conjure up a few lesser-known facts that you might not have known before. But read on, and once you do, you may find that holiday even more tempting!

Nuts About You
Anyone who has experienced the subtle delights of a macadamia nut may be surprised to know that South Africa is one of the world’s largest producers of these delicious, delicately flavoured nuts. Although indigenous to Australia, South African farmers recognised it as a viable crop and it now they commercially produce huge amounts for export annually. Not only a tasty treat, macadamias are renowned for their nourishing properties and are also used in high end skin care products.

A Prize-winning Street
Soweto, in South Africa has the only street in the world that can boast two Nobel Peace prize winners as residents. Both Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu had houses on Vilakazi street. Mandela’s has now been reborn as a museum, but much of it has been preserved just as it was in the 1960s when he lived there. Although he no longer resides there himself, Archbishop Tutu’s house is still in his family and used by his relatives.

All Aboard for Luxury
South Africa has over 19,000 miles of railway track so it is fitting that it is home to the world’s most luxurious train safaris on the Rovos Rail. With journeys ranging from a mere 24 hours up to a fortnight, this is train travel unlike any you have ever experienced before. With features like wood panelled Edwardian coaches, five-star fine dining and out-of-this-world luxurious suites, the train glides around Africa from Cape Town to exotic destinations such as Tanzania, Victoria Falls and along the magnificent Garden Route, covering thousands of miles of the continent’s most spectacular landscape.

Life in the Fast Lane
Everybody knows South Africa is renowned for its fantastic wildlife and people travel from all over the world to go on safari holidays to get up close to the country’s animal population. But did you know that South Africa is home to three out of the five fastest land animals on Earth? The cheetah, the wildebeest and the lion have all earned their place in this prestigious category, and you can meet them all in South Africa!

Falling Water
In terms of sightseeing, there are not many more awe-inspiring sights than the tumbling drop of a massive waterfall, spilling out from a soaring cliff. South Africa has many stunning waterfalls but perhaps the most dramatic of all is the Tugela Falls – which holds the title of second highest in the entire world. Beaten only by Angel Falls in Venezuela, at 2,789 feet Tugela Falls makes for a breath-taking sight. Located in the picturesque Drakensberg in Kwa-Zulu Natal, the trek to reach Tugela Falls is as spectacular as the waterfall itself.

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3 Unusual Sports You Might See in South Africa

TAD — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:12:19 +0000

What with the 2010 World Cup taking place in South Africa, the sporting status of the country has undoubtedly risen. However, it’s not all football, rugby and cricket in the rainbow nation. There is a whole range of sports, which are as diverse as the people of South Africa themselves – read on to find out about just three of them.

Sand Boarding
Expending a lot of energy climbing up sand dunes may not seem like your idea of fun, however I can guarantee that the thrill you’ll experience on the way back down will make it well worth the effort. Sand boarding is becoming an increasingly popular sport in South Africa, and it’s easy to see why. Relatively similar to snowboarding, sand boarding involves standing with two feet on a thin board and weaving and arcing your way at breakneck speed to the bottom of the dunes. However, for those who are less steady on their feet there is a great alternative of lying flat on your stomach on the board, and heading downhill as if you were on a surfboard. Whichever way you decide to descend down the dunes, sand boarding gives you a guaranteed adrenaline rush – just be sure to keep some sunglasses on and your mouth shut or you may just end up eating sand.

Shark Diving
Everyone who heads to South Africa is aware of the fact that there are some pretty big fish out in the waters. However, not everyone will know that you can in fact take to the water yourself, and swim up close and personal with the sharks. Some of the biggest and most magnificent sharks in the world can be found off the coast of South Africa, and cage diving is the perfect way to see them in all their splendour, whilst keeping at a safe distance from their teeth. During a cave diving session you will be fitted with breathing equipment and lowered into the water in a cage made from extremely strong metal, so that you can watch the sharks in their natural habitat whilst remaining protected from them. So whether you’re fascinated by sharks, or simply keen to face your fears, shark diving is a popular recreational sport, becoming more popular all the time.

River Boarding
If you like the idea of getting wet in South Africa, but are slightly less keen on the prospect of sharks, then perhaps another water sport is more suitable for you. River boarding is increasingly common in South Africa these days, and particularly in the area of Victoria Falls. Referred to by some as ‘motocross on your belly’, river boarding refers to the art of travelling downstream lying on your front on a board, navigating various rapids as you go. But it won’t all be roaring rapids; in places you will be able to lie back and relax as you drift along and make the most of the stunning scenery that surrounds you.

So, though the sounds of the vuvuzelas may be ringing out over South Africa for some weeks yet, there is much more than just football to enjoy where sports are concerned. Try your hand at any one of the weird and wonderful sports for which the country is becoming known.

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The Islands Around South Africa

TAD — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 09:03:19 +0000

Full of diversity and distraction, South Africa is truly one of the most exciting places you will visit in an entire lifetime of travel. However, it’s important not to stick too closely to the mainland or you might just miss out on some of the spectacular sights that surround the country – also known as, the islands around South Africa.

Robben Island
In the past, South Africa’s Robben Island has been known to many as a variety of things including a hospital for those suffering from leprosy and mental illness; a training and defence station for soldiers; and most infamously, an island of imprisonment housing many famous prisoners including Nelson Mandela and Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe. Today however, the island, which is accessible via ferry from the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, is best known as a world heritage site with a fantastic museum. Tours of the prison are conducted by former residents of the prison, providing a fascinating insight into what life would have been like on the island in years gone by. There is also a wonderful variety of birdlife, wildlife and vegetation to be enjoyed on the island, providing visitors with the perfect combination of cultural and natural activities.

Dassen Island
Declared as a nature reserve and renowned for being home to some of the most impressive wildlife the country has to offer, Dassen Island can be found to the north of Cape Town. With almost 70,000 African penguins inhabiting the island, as well as other species of bird such as white pelicans, cormorants, terns and gulls, it really is a twitcher’s paradise. However those preferring mammals or reptiles will not be disappointed as there are plenty of those to enjoy as well! The island is relatively small, as well as being low-lying and flat, which allows plenty of wildlife spotting and photo opportunities galore. The best way to visit Dassen Island is by boat, however if you really want to make it a special visit, you could always fly in by helicopter.

Seal Island
One of the smaller islands that surround South Africa, Seal Island’s name does all the talking for itself. A rocky island that looks more like one gigantic stone protruding from the sea than an island, you could easily fail to spot it. However, not to visit would really be to miss out on something quite extraordinary. Not only is the island’s surface area almost completely covered with Cape Fur seals, but the waters around the island are full to the brim with maritime marvels including whales, dolphins and jellyfish. If you visit Seal Island at the right time of year you may be lucky enough to catch one of South Africa’s best sights – breaching great white sharks. Cruises around Seal Island will allow you to watch the sharks as they leap out of the water to tremendous heights, almost as if they know you’re watching. Shark breaching is one of the most phenomenal sights you’ll see in the waters around South Africa and Seal Island is a popular island to visit.

So, enjoy yourself as you tour South Africa’s mainland, but don’t forget about those smaller land masses surrounding it, as these are often home to both cultural and natural phenomenon well worth seeing.

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The a to C of Active Pursuits in Cape Town

TAD — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:29:53 +0000

Cape Town is a great place to get outdoors and try your hand at some active pursuits. From skydiving to sand-boarding there are so many activities that we decided to just cover the first three letters of the alphabet – so here is the A to C of active pursuits in and around Cape Town:

Abseiling

What’s the best way to get down Table Mountain? How about abseiling? For just £25 you can bypass the long walk down from the top of the mountain and abseil down 100 feet to the bottom. The views might not be for the faint-hearted, but you’ll be attached to a rope so there’s no need to be too alarmed. Abseiling down Cape Town’s Table Mountain might be more appealing as it is one of the country’s most known landmarks. However, Kamikaze Kanyon is the best place for abseil aficionados as you can take part in a day’s kloofing – which is basically the name given to scrambling down a river gorge. At Kamikaze Kanyon you can abseil down a 65 metre high waterfall and then scramble around in the river gorge.

Ballooning

The Paarl Winelands are the perfect place to fly over in a hot air balloon early in the morning. The one-hour flight takes in the rows of neatly manicured vineyards and guests can enjoy a champagne breakfast afterwards at the Grand Roche Estate.

Birdwatching

Not far from Cape Town is the Cape Peninsula, an area that includes over 400 different species of birds. The best place to spot these birds is the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the nearby Rondevlei Nature Reserve. However, for around £25 you can book yourself onto a private tour where an expert will attempt to point out some of the area’s rarer birds to you.

Boardsailing

There’s only one place in Cape Town to try the sport of boardsailing and that’s Big Bay at Blouberg. The area is known for its fantastic views of Table Mountain, which regularly appear on postcards of the area. Although, it isn’t the fantastic views, but actually the consistent wind and the good waves that mean boardsailers just keep returning. Milnerton Lagoon and Platboom are also popular, although Big Bay remains Cape Town’s favourite.

Boating

One of the most exhilarating experiences that you can have in Cape Town is boating around Table Bay. You’ll need to hide on tight as boats can reach speeds of up to 81 mph, and you’ll be whizzing past the bay in a inflatable dinghy taking in the famous Clifton and Camps Bay before powering back past Robben Island and to the V&A Waterfront.

Canoeing

If you like your boating experiences to be slightly more laid back, one option is to rent a canoe and paddle past the Breede River. This canoe trip can be paired with the wine route adventure, so that you can taste numerous wines from Cape Town’s wineland region before canoeing back to base. If you don’t trust yourself not to capsize after too many South African reds then you should probably opt to go sea kayaking instead. Many people choose to paddle the rugged coastline of Cape Point – but there are canoeing options for both the Eastern and Western Cape.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Cocktails in Cape Town

TAD — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:51:14 +0000

Sometimes there’s nothing more relaxing on holiday then sitting back and sipping on a nice cool cocktail, as you watch the bustling city life pass you by. This past-time is even more enjoyable in the laid-back South African capital of Cape Town and whether you want to flash the cash or enjoy a secret sun-downer there’s a bar suitable for you.

Cocktails and Cash

If you’ve got cash to flash then Cape Town’s most expensive cocktail can be found in M Bar. The funky bar is attached to the Metropole Hotel and coloured in a deep poppy red, with red ostrich leather chairs and a Versace fabric-covered sofa. If enjoying cocktails on a Versace sofa isn’t flashy enough for you then you’ll probably want to order the Bling cocktail, which at R3500 is roughly equal to £315.00. The drink is a mixture of vodka, triple sec and lychee juice, served with a diamond necklace balanced precariously on the edge of the martini glass. The M Bar has only sold three to date and these have all been by patrons eager to impress their dates.

Cocktails and Cold

It isn’t just cold climates like Sweden and Iceland that have need for ice bars, warmer countries like Cape Town and Abu Dhabi have much more of a need for these bars, where patrons can cool off after a day’s sightseeing. Cape Town’s ice bar is located in the fashionable V&A waterfront area and the only hint you’ll have of being in Africa is the giant carving of Nelson Mandela on the wall.

Cocktails and Cuba

You’ll forget that you’re in Cape Town and be convinced that you’re lying on a beach in Havana when you visit Cape to Cuba in nearby Kalk Bay. This cocktail joint is known for its Caiprinhas and Mojitos and even the barmen are dressed in funky Cuban slacks and Che Guevara berets. You can suck on a traditional Cuban cigar in the outside Che Bar while souvenir sellers try to sell you traditional Cuban merchandise.

Cocktails in Camps Bay

If there’s one place to see and be seen in Cape Town, then it has to be the fashionable Camp’s Bay area. The area’s best bar is Baraza located on the promenade, where the house specialities include Jelly Bean and Sex on the Beach. The vibe is typically African with funky beats and traditional Swahili decor. It’s also one of the best places for enjoying a quiet sundowner while watching the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.

Cocktails and Kink

The House of Kink is a sensual cocktail bar located inside a stylish building in Park Road. If you’re after burlesque with your bubbles, or simply like the mixture of cocktails and cabaret, then the House of Kink is what you’re looking for. Upstairs consists of separate areas known as the boudoir bedrooms, while downstairs is the Kink Kitchen which serves cheekily named dishes such as dunk the skank (fondue) and Asian Persuasion (sushi). One of the best things about House of Kink is you never really know what’s going to happen, the club hosts everything from tango parties to masked balls, so if you’re looking for sexy surprises with your cocktails then head on down to Kink.

With Anchor Text: Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

With Anchor Text:
Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made
Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

5 Things to do on Table Mountain in Cape Town

TAD — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:47:14 +0000

Table Mountain – the symbol of Cape Town. Wonderful to look at it may be, but do you want to get more out of it during your trip to this amazing city? There are loads of ways that you can experience the mountain, some of which are certainly not for the faint hearted. Here are some of the things that you can do when you visit Table Mountain in Cape Town.

Cable Car to the Top
The best way to experience the mountain for all ages, the cable car is not for anyone with a fear of heights, but for anyone else it will be an exhilarating ride. Buy a ticket online to avoid the queues (but children under 4 go free), and then enjoy the five-minute journey from ground level up to the very top of Table Mountain. From the top you will get an unbeatable view of Cape Town and the stunning ocean over 1,000 metres below, as well as the new Cape Town Stadium built specially for the World Cup. From there just enjoy strolling around and admiring the plants, animals and the views until you’re ready to go back down.

Hike the Mountain
Hiking in Cape Town is accessible to anyone with a love of the outdoors, and is certainly available to novice walkers as well as hard-core hiking enthusiasts. There are lots of routes to choose from, and many guided walks are also available. The scenery is spectacular, and the views as well. You could choose to hike up, hike down, or take the cable car up and down and hike around at the top. If you do go hiking, remember never to go alone and to go with a guided group if possible. It’s also very important to take plenty of drinking water, especially during the summer months.

Enjoy a Meal
There is plenty of good eating on offer in Cape Town, and Table Mountain is no exception. If you are not one for strenuous activities, you can simply enjoy the views at the top whilst having a bite to eat in the Table Mountain Café. You will find breakfast, pizza and South African cuisine on offer, as well as tea, coffee and a selection of good wines.

Abseil Down
Any thrill seekers heading to Cape Town won’t be disappointed with the abseiling on offer on Table Mountain, which boasts the largest commercial abseil in the world with a vertical 112-metre descent. This has to be organised through an official guide and you should definitely not attempt it alone. On top of abseiling, there are also cliff jumps on offer for the adrenaline junkies, with drops of up to 18 metres into the ocean.

Rock Climbing
Another one for thrill seekers in Cape Town, Table Mountain boasts some fantastic rock climbing opportunities. Climbing is on offer for all ages on sandstone walls of varying levels of difficulty, and again this should only be carried out with experienced guides through an official company.

Enjoy all that Table Mountain has to Offer
Table Mountain is a fantastic place for those who either simply want to see some spectacular views or want to enjoy something a bit more exciting. Whatever you feel like doing, look into it next time you are in Cape Town.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Traditional Meat Dishes of South Africa

TAD — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:26:10 +0000

When it comes to holidays involving lots of walking, South Africa is hard to beat. There is plenty to see and do during a walking holiday, but one of the things that you really shouldn’t miss is the excellent local food on offer. South African cuisine is varied and delicious, and if you are a real carnivore then you will love the meat dishes described below.

Boerewors
Boerewors is a type of spicy sausage that is cooked on the braai (a South African barbeque). It is well worth trying at any of the places that you stop at when you are walking. South Africa has a lot of traditional food from its Dutch heritage, and the Boerewors is another one to add to the list.

It is generally made from minced beef, although sometimes it is combined with other meats like pork, and lots of spices are then added. It is usually served up with pap (a South African traditional porridge). There are lots of varieties of boerewors, including garlic wors and spekwors which contain extra pork fat.

Biltong
More of a snack than a meal, Biltong is something uniquely South African. It consists of strips of dried meat in a number of different flavours and styles, and it can be made using lots of different kinds of meat, including beef, game meats and even ostrich.

The most similar thing that can be found to biltong, outside of South Africa is called jerky, although the two are quite different in terms of their different tastes and ingredients. It originally arrived with the Dutch in the 17th century. Because of its high energy content and ability to last a long time, it is a great snack to take with you when you are walking. South Africa has lots of tasty traditional foods, but for walkers this is sure to be one of the favourites.

Skop
Not one for the faint hearted, you may only want to try skop if you work up enough of an appetite whilst walking. South Africa has a few recipes that may not appeal quite so much to the western diet and skop is one of them. Skop essentially consists of the entire head of a cow, sheep or goat. The skin is removed with a razor and the ears and nose are cut off before it is then boiled. It is especially popular with South African men.

Potjiekos
Potjiekos is a stew consisting of meat and vegetables, and is the perfect energy-boosting food to eat whilst you are walking. South Africa boasts lots of traditional recipes, and this is a mainstay of the South African diet. Due to its slow-cooked nature (it can take between three and six hours to cook), it is often quite a sociable activity. Traditionally it is prepared outdoors on a pot heated by wood or charcoal. Added to the pot can be meat, vegetables, spices and sometimes fruit. It is usually accompanied by rice, potatoes or pasta.

Try them All
All of these dishes are found throughout South Africa, meaning you will get the opportunity to try many of them when you head there to go walking. South Africa is not just about big game and spectacular scenery – the cuisine is also very unique and you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to try some of these meals during your next trip.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. Whilst walking South Africa with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can walk the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Cape Town – A Unique Holiday Destination

TAD — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:52:56 +0000

Why consider Cape Town as a holiday destination?

A different world
We take overseas holidays for many reasons. For some, it’s perhaps a question of getting guaranteed sunshine. For others it may be more to do with beaches, pools and tanning etc. Yet some people take their holidays primarily because they’d like to have a new experience.
That’s typically associated with seeing new cultures, meeting different peoples and participating in their societies and sampling the local cuisines.

Cape Town is a holiday destination that can meet all of those criteria for a ‘different’ holiday.
Positioned on the very southern tip of the African continent, Cape Town can offer a range of experiences that are truly unique.

The very old, old and new worlds combined
The local archaeological record shows that the history of the area around this great city goes back into prehistoric times. This part of South Africa became known to Europeans in the 15th century when the Portuguese were the earliest non-indigenous explorers. Over the following centuries, many other peoples and cultures made their own contributions to the melting-pot nature of what eventually became known as Cape Town. That included the Dutch, British and many other nationalities that came to live and work in the area.

Since the creation of the new Republic of South Africa, there has been considerable emphasis on the development of a ‘rainbow nation’ culture and the city is at the heart of that. Cape Town is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most cosmopolitan and vibrant cities.

A variety of attractions
Having a diverse cultural history doesn’t necessarily, in itself, make for a great holiday destination. Yet a holiday in this area can offer a wide range of things to choose from.

• The beaches
You can choose from one of several beaches. Some of these are on the Atlantic side of the peninsular and are regarded as chic. You may find though that the sea temperature is a little cooler than those on the Indian Ocean side. Those on the Indian Ocean also have a slightly more Bohemian culture and feel to them.

So you have plenty to choose from – depending upon your personal preferences!

• The sights and history
In the city you’ll find all sorts of different architectures – some going back to the 17th century including the castle. Many parts of the city show their different ethnic origins that affect not only the buildings but also the local restaurants and shops.
So for example, it’s possible to walk around and soak up the atmosphere of colonial Dutch times, some of the splendours of the 19th century British Empire or the colourful Indonesian culture of what’s sometimes misleadingly called “the Malay Quarter” (more correctly ‘Bo-Kaap’).

• The glamour
Those that enjoy the chance to buy those exclusive items also won’t be disappointed at the choice available.

Cape Town has several prestigious and well designed shopping locations. One of these, the V&A Waterfront, is located with a large sea front development of old buildings and is a wealth of shops, restaurants, cafés and bars. Canal Walk, Tyger Valley and The Cape Quarter, are just a few of the other centres where you can indulge yourself. If you prefer slightly more localised and craft-based shopping, try the Red Shed or Greenmarket Square where you may find some real bargains.

• The locality
One of the best -known images in the world is that of Table Mountain towering over Cape Town and the sea. It’s possible to take a trip to the top from where spectacular views are to be had.

It’s also possible to take wildlife tours or pop along to Boulders Beach to see the local penguins.

Of course, no trip to South Africa would be complete with taking a tour of the wine growing areas that start just outside of the city. Yet the tour isn’t obligatory and if you’d prefer just to drink some of the famous labels produced there – then why not!

Finally, a mention must be made of the famous Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. If horticulture is your thing, you’ll be amazed and the richness and variety of the exotic species on display in this magnificent environment.

How to do it
Holidays in Cape Town are no longer the preserve of the rich. There are specialist holidays available where you can customise your visit to concentrate on the things you wish to see rather than those things someone else wants to show you.

A specially designed and crafted holiday of that sort can ensure that your see Cape Town at its best and without the stresses and strains that sometimes accompany an entirely ‘do it yourself’ type of visit. So if you’ve always nurtured a desire to visit Cape Town and this fascinating country – now might be a good time to do something about it.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Walking in South Africa – The Sights, Smells and Sounds

TAD — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:46:59 +0000

The idea of a holiday walking South Africa may sound like an adventure. That’s good, because – it’s meant to be!

South Africa – The rainbow nation
The comparatively recent history of South Africa, over the past 20-30 years, is relatively well known to all. Out of troubled times has come a modern nation for the 21st century and one that is proud of its multi-cultural and diverse history. In fact, modern South Africa shows many legacies of its indigenous peoples, the Portuguese, Dutch, British, Asian and many other populations that have settled there and made it home. This is reflected not only in architecture but also the wide variety of cuisines available. There is so much to see during a visit to this land that no short article can possibly do it justice – yet one thing’s for sure; walking South Africa is one of the best ways to explore.

A land of city, country and coast
South Africa is a BIG country being approximately five times larger than the UK. It has vast open areas comprising grasslands, agricultural land, mountains, vineyards, mineral areas and lush hills. It also has a fabulous coastline with many famed beach areas. Some of its cities and towns are also world famous including the capital Pretoria, Johannesburg and, of course, beautiful Cape Town. That’s without even thinking about the wildlife, game reserves and absolutely unique flora and fauna to be discovered. The fact is that there’s so much to see that no one visit alone, is likely to ‘do it all’. That’s where a guided tour walking South Africa may come into its own.

Practical walking
Whatever your interests, sometimes using your own two feet to enjoy them is the best way to get around. For example, exploring parts of wonderful Cape Town is something best done on foot. That way you’ll avoid getting stuck in traffic or catching just a quick and fleeting glimpse of something interesting as it flashes by the coach window.

In terms of the countryside such as the fabulous Table Mountain, getting there by vehicle may be necessary but once there, you’re much more likely to be able to see and experience the area if you’re walking around rather than sitting in a mini-bus. Yet exploring anywhere on foot may, for some, carry certain drawbacks and worries: getting lost; missing things you didn’t know were there; or the intimidation of large unknown cities. That’s why a group guided holiday involving walking South Africa may be an ideal solution. Being in the company of an expert tour leader means that you won’t have to worry about any of those issues and simply enjoy the experience

Meeting the people
In talking about the wonderful attractions of South Africa, it’s easy to overlook its greatest asset – its people. One of the biggest advantages of taking a South African holiday that involves walking, is that it will give you the chance to meet and experience the people first-hand. That’s not an opportunity to be missed and you’re likely to be stunned at the warmth and friendliness of the welcome you’ll receive.

So, don’t just think of holidays walking South Africa as a distant and unachievable dream. Find out more and make it happen!

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.