Emerging as a popular destination for the nineties, South
Africa is a value-for-money destination, known for its excellent
climate, remarkable natural beauty, good tourist infrastructure
and entertaining culture. Car hire is essential to truly
appreciate its geographic splendour.
Cape Town is the prime target for visitors,
nestled beneath the grandeur of Table Mountain, and surrounded
by a lush vineyard hinterland. A 300-year history has resulted
in a curious city centre, lively (restored) Victoria and
Albert Waterfront, sombre Robben Island prison, and riviera-like
Camps bay. The Chapman’s peak drive to Cape Point
reserve, historic Stellenbosch and whale
watching in Hermanus are popular day trips.
The Garden Route and Wilderness
area (South coast) are spectacularly beautiful
coastlines featuring picturesque lakes, mountains, tall
indigenous forests, lazy rivers and golden beaches.
Kwazulu Natal (north east), is steeped
in the proud history of Shaka’s great Zulu nation.
Durban is the main city with its golden
mile of luxury hotels and apartments, while St Lucia
lagoon wetlands is a World Heritage site. Inland
is the impressive escarpment of the Drakensberg
mountains.
Johannesburg is the commercial and shopping
hub of the country, including the world famous Soweto
township, while the more relaxed and stately Pretoria
is the country’s capital. A day trip to Sun
City entertainment complex and its magnificent
Lost City Palace is great fun.
To see elephant, buffalo, zebra, lion, leopard, giraffe
and more head east to the enormous Kruger National
Park.
Johannesburg international airport is a busy gateway, some
airlines also fly into Cape Town and Durban. Rail isn’t
popular with tourists, buses are numerous and the road network
is excellent, though local drivers are dangerous.
Since 1994 guesthouses and private holiday homes (very
affordable) have blossomed to support the world class hotels,
diverse world cuisine and numerous bars. Experiencing some
of the colourful native African entertainment is a unique
treat.
Despite the apartheid hangover, South Africans of all backgrounds
are friendly, offering a diversity of culture to add to
the blend of cosmopolitan and rural third-world atmosphere.
Picturesque, often charming, relaxing and sunny, full of
entertainment and excellent tourist facilities, South Africa
is a pleasant surprise.
