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Areas of Interest | Best Time to Travel | Climate | Currency | Electricity | Entrance Fees | Flights | Health | Information | Languages | Roads-Transport | Topography | Visas | What to Pack |
South Africa is divided into summer and winter rainfall areas. The southern Cape Coast has a Mediterranean climate with winter rain. The rest of the country is essentially a summer rainfall area. The western area of the country is arid and forms part of the Kalahari Desert region and consequently has a low rainfall, high summer temperatures, mild winter days and cold winter nights. The central portions of the country have a moderate climate with warm summers and cold winter nights with warm winter days. The eastern areas of the country are sub-tropical and enjoy a very mild climate throughout the year with high summer rainfall. The northern portion area of the country has warm weather throughout the year and is dryer than the highveld plateau that dominates the central area of the country. Johannesburg
The unit of currency is the Rand. The country has a very sophisticated monetary system and cash machines are virtually available in all towns thus making it possible to draw money 24hours a day. Money is easily exchanged for all major currencies. Money may only be exchanged at Bureaux de Changes. Master, Visa, American Express and Diner's Club credit cards are accepted and almost every restaurant, hotel, guesthouse. Power is AC220- 240 V. All National Parks have entrance fees per person and fees for vehicles entering. Most major international airlines have flights into Johannesburg, Durban or Cape Town. British Airways, South African Airways and a host of domestic airlines and charter companies handle flights within the Southern African region. South Africa has state run hospitals in most major towns and cities and many private hospitals in the larger towns and cities. The quality of health care ranges from reasonable in the state run institutions to world class at some of the private hospitals. Medical rescue operators cover the whole country and are easily contacted. South Africa's eastern regions are malaria areas and it is necessary to take the necessary precautions. The local population has a high and still rising HIV infection. Clients are urged to ensure, prior to arrival, that they are sufficiently insured against all possible risks including death, personal injury, medical expenses, baggage loss, theft and cancellation or curtailment of tour. South Africa has a very developed insurance industry and insurance can be purchased on arrival from ant travel agency should this be deemed necessary. South Africa has a reasonably stable democracy. It is a mixture of 1st and third world with its banking, IT, insurance, mining, telecommunications, retail, industrial, and tourism sectors being of a high standard. It has a highly developed infrastructure with an excellent road system and rail system but sorely lacks in the public transport systems. It is essential to hire a vehicle or be part of scheduled or organised tour in order to get around safely. The tourism sector is well developed and there are thousands of good quality establishments to choose from throughout the country. The are many operators that offer the full range of tourism products. South Africa with its wonderful summers and diverse eco-systems offers something for everyone from the adventurer, sun and ocean lover, to the hiker, fisherman, adrenaline enthusiast, diver, fitness and sports lover, mountaineer, fun loving tourist of all ages. Official language is English, while 10 other languages are also spoken amoung the population.
The road system in South Africa is very well developed and has tarred highways and roads throughout the country. Good secondary roads service all tourist areas not covered by the tarred roads.
There is very limited public transport and this should not be counted on. Taxis are available in all major towns and cities. There are many car hire companies whose depots cover the whole country. Charter buses are plentiful and most operators handle high quality fleets with strict standards being applied.
South Africa, on the southern tip of the African continent stretches, from the west with the cold Benguerra current to the east with its warm Mozambique current. The cold Atlantic and warm Indian oceans meet on the south coast giving rise to its Mediterranean climate. The warm Indian Ocean, with its long sandy beaches, causes the sub-tropical climate that predominates in the eastern sector of the country.
The country slopes upwards from the west to the highveld plateau that forms the centre of the country culminating in the Drakensberg Mountains that form the spine of the country. The Drakensberg range runs from south to north along the length of South Africa and drops sharply to the east resulting in the lowveld of northern KwaZulu Natal and Mpumalanga. Many mountain ranges criss-cross the country giving an ever-changing scenery with the exception of the central plateau.
The country boasts 6 of the world's floral kingdoms.
Namibian, Zimbabwean and Zambian citizen's passport holders do not require visas. Citizens of other countries should enquire as to the need for a visa.
Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year. The most practical items to pack for safari are:
Blouses with long sleeves (even in summer, they will protect you from the sun and from mosquitoes), shorts or a light skirt, jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days, fleece or sweater and a warm jacket for game drives (necessary, even in summer), comfortable walking shoes, sun block, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent, binoculars and a camera, light, compact raincoat is a good idea for the summer, swimsuit, towel, torch and sleeping bag for camping safaris (sleeping bags can be hired from most safari operators), Elegant casual outfit for dinner and/or cocktails at the smarter hotels and restaurants - men are generally expected to don collar, jacket (sometimes even a tie) in cocktail bars and restaurants after 18:30, except in the warmer parts of the country and at the game lodges. Layers are most practical for the fluctuating day/night temperatures of Botswana. Dull and/or neutral colours are more suitable for safari, white is not practical. It is best to pack hardy, durable clothing.
If you are travelling with an organised safari, it is important to check what your weight limit is. Generally you will need to restrict your luggage to 10-12 kg (packed in a soft bag) plus a reasonable amount of camera equipment.
Battlefields
The Battlefields Route, as it is known, starts at Escourt in the south and winds north through Colenso and Ladysmith to Newcastle and Volksrust, and eastwards to Utrecht, Glencoe, Dundee, Nqutu, Paulpietersburg, Vryheid and Ulundi. It is traversed by the mighty Tugela River, which rises high in the Drakensberg mountains and flows eastwards to the sea, forming the natural boundary between the Old Natal colony and what is traditionally known as Zululand.
The scene of the Anglo Boer War (1899 -1902), Rourkes Drift and Isandlwana where the British were defeated by the Zulus in 1879 and the Battle of Blood River in 1838.Amongst other battles the area was the scene of Siege of Ladysmith, Fugitives and Ntombe's Drifts, Spioenkop, Fort Mistake, Majuba, Bambatha's Rebellion and the Capture of Winston Churchill. Historical attractions aside, the Battlefields Route has much to offer. For the adventurous there are nature reserves, hiking trails and white water rafting. There are also farm resorts, charming B&B's, craft industries and roadside stalls. For those interested in traditional culture, a venture off the beaten track will give you glimpses of a way of life that has hardly been touched by the march of time.
Breede River Valley
The Breede River Valley is the most prominent wine-producing region in the country. It is mixture of Mediterranean warmth, alpine mountainous and high desert arid supported by lush valley. From winery visits to game reserve exploration, tribal art and cultural tours, museums, day spas, hiking trails and historic inns the area can be explores by car, bike, canoe or on foot. Winemakers welcome you for cellar tours and tastings. Historic wine towns with Cape Dutch and Victorian buildings, charming guesthouses and top-notch restaurants wait for your visit.
Worcester is the centre of the valley and is famous for its white wine and the KWV Brandy Cellar. The Keinplassie Living Open-air Museum is a fascinating example of resourcefulness and history, offering interactive tours for the entire family. The Karoo Botanical Garden is wonderfully colourful in season and nurtures 400 species of indigenous arid-area succulents. The are is surrounded by magnificent mountains and offers wonderfully scenic walking trails.
Visit De Doorns and the Hex Valley where table grapes are the main produce, Montagu, at the entrance of the Klein Karoo with its hot springs, sample the Chardonnay in Robertson or visit Mc Gregor a well preserved Cape Dutch town. Nestled in the Cedarberg Mountains is Kagga Kamma," place of the bushman", a game reserve with an arid climate and home of the bushman people. Spend the day with these ancient people and step into the life of the tribe to learn of their traditions and culture.
The Cape Peninsula still provides one of the world's most spectacular viewpoints - rugged Cape Point. Rich in history and legend its coastline is a rocky grave to several ships, while many of the 2600 fynbos plants growing in the Cape Peninsula occurring nowhere else in the world.
The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve is 1 hour's drive from Cape Town. It covers 7750 hectares and boasts over 1100 plant species of which 14 are endemic and 28 rare. No fewer then 25 protea, 39 Erica and 52 orchid species have been recorded here. The viewpoint is situated on the site of the original lighthouse 209 m above sea level roam which you can see the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Maclear, Danger Point and Cape Hangklip. The circular drive to the peninsula winds along the slopes of the Muizenberg and Kalk Bay Mountains affording travellers breathtaking views of False Bay. Looking eastwards you can see the Cape Flats and Rondevlei Nature Reserve (sanctuary to the Peninsulas only hippos), also noted for its birdlife and Sandvlei, with its marina.
Simons Town with its old buildings is a popular stop en route and a visit to The Boulders and its jackass penguin colony is not to be missed. Then of course the famous and fabulous Chapman's Peak Drive, Hout Bay and Noordhoek Beach, the Peninsula's longest, which stretches all the way to Kommetjie.
Cedarberg
This area includes the highest peak in the Cedarberg, the Sneeuberg and stunning rock formations. The area offers the Cedarberg Tourist Park with many hikes and day walks, Sanddrif and the Wolfsberg Cracks (spectacular rock formations), Matjiesrivier - with its rock paintings, Elephant and Stadsaal Caves and many other natural wonders, rivers and scenic delights. The northern part of the Cedarberg is a region of rugged mountain peaks and crags and facinating rock formations not to mention ancient cedars. The Cedarberg Wilderness Area, the Biedouw valley, famous for its spectacular display of spring flowers, and the picturesque, Moravian mission village of Wupperthal are just some of its highlights. The mountain fynbos includes proteas, Cape reeds, ericas and disas, amongst which you will find klipspringer, grey rhebok, baboon, duikers, dassies, and leopard. The Doring River offers the excitement of white water rafting. Not to be missed if you like nature at it's most spectacular. Dolphin Coast
North of Durban, the coastline stretches from the Tugela River Mouth to the Umdloti River is known as the Dolphin Coast, where shoals of bottlenose dolphins patrol up and down the coastal waters, surfing the waves and performing their trademark acrobatics. Umhlanga Rocks is stylish holiday haven of hotels and holiday apartments with sophisticated shopping malls and good restaurants. A visit to the Natal Shark's Board, the only organisation of its kind in the world, provides the visitor with an informative insight into these ocean predators.
The beaches alo ng this coastline are outstanding and together with its warm climate all-year-round it is a great place for a sun, sea and surf holiday. There are many outstanding resorts, exciting holiday towns, guesthouses and hotels with many golf courses nearby. For nature lovers, the bird and animal life is abundant, especially around the river mouths and in the indigenous coastal forests. There are nature reserves and trails, crocodile parks and guest farms. Just inland the rolling hills of KwaZulu Natal are covered with sugar cane farms, this being one of the most important sugar production area in the country.
Durban
Durban is the economic hub of KwaZulu Natal, a vibrant and modern cosmopolitan city, where 1st world meets 3rd world, East meets West, to create and atmosphere that is uniquely South African. In one city block you can savour the influences of India, the traditional Zulu Culture, while the attractions of the modern city are nearby.
Durban is Africa's busiest harbour with all types of restaurants and bars dotted along the quays. The "Golden Mile" is a string of beaches and warm Indian ocean waters where visitors can enjoy the year-round sunshine. Durban is famous for its outdoor lifestyle and the relaxed attitude of its people. Water sports dominate, with surfing, sailing, canoeing, fishing, beach volleyball and many other pursuits. There are several golf course and world class stadia for sports such as cricket, rugby football, swimming and tennis.
Garden Route
This area, a rival to the ancient garden of Eden, gets its name from the tranquil lakes, unspoilt estuaries and lagoons and dramatic mountains including the Wilderness Area, Tsitsikama National Park, Storm's River Gorge, Knysna and its lagoon as well as the long stretches of beach in the beautiful Plettenberg Bay. Just behind the coastal belt with its miles of golden beaches and rugged cliffs plunging almost vertically down to rock strew beaches lie well-watered coastal plains with indigenous forests and fynbos covered mountain slopes. In the eastern section lies Baviaanskloof, a rugged mountain wilderness, the Amatola Mountain range, with its magnificent indigenous forest and beautiful waterfalls, The Zuurberg Mountain range and Addo Elephant Park, named after the magnificent animals that are its main but not only attraction. The park is also home to the black rhino and flightless dung beetle. It is also the start of the mountain range that form the backbone of the country, namely the mighty Drakensberg. Activities in this area include anything from hiking, scuba diving, and other adventure sports to just lazing in luxury on the golden beaches and in 5 star forest hide-always.
From Amamzintoti to the start of the Wild Coast, the Hibiscus Coast comprises long stretches of beach ideal for scuba diving, spearfishing, shore fishing and just enjoying the sunshine and surf. Margate and Port Shepstone are the larger towns along the coast and the visitor can stop at a crocodile farm or take part in the sardine run, in June, when the teeming shoals move up the coast to spawn in the warm Indian Ocean.
Umkomaas is a scuba diving haven, with the famous Aliwal Shoal and its sharks the focal point. The Ezulwini Nature Reserve on the outskirts of Umkomaas offers walking trails, small game and a 20 sleeper tree house. One of the country's finest golf areas can be found in this stretch of coast offering both 9 and 18 hole courses.
The Banana Express is a passenger service which runs along the South Coast for 7 km. The Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve, at the head of the Mzimkhulwana Gorge an covering 1837 ha of wild canyon scenery, has the spectacular 24km long gorge, carved into the heart of the reserve. A massive 5km wide and 500m deep it makes a magnificent sight.
Johannesburg/ Pretoria
Johannesburg and Pretoria are the main commercial cities of South Africa. Johannesburg, "City of Gold" and its international airport are the gateway to South Africa. It is a melting pot of many nationalities and a mix of both 3rd and 1st world. The opulent 5 star hotels, shopping malls, casinos and restaurants in Sandton contrast with Soweto a previous township and highlight the differences in wealth and cultural backgrounds that make South Africa such an interesting place. Johannesburg has much to offer by way of entertainment, including Gold Reef City where you can experience a bit of the lifestyle of the early pioneers of the gold industry.
50km away is Pretoria, the nation's capital and home to Union Buildings, a magnificent architectural masterpiece. The "Jacaranda city" as Pretoria is known, is due to the jacaranda lined streets that fill the city with colour in the spring months. Once the base of the Afrikaaner nation, symbolised by the Voortrekker Monument, it is now the cradle of democracy in South Africa. A vibrant, developing metropolis it has many guest houses and hotels to offer and is the home of the State Theatre. Visit the Cullinan Diamond Mine, do a township tour, see the magnificent cats at the De Wildt Cheetah Farm or stop off on your way to Sun City the Las Vegas of South Africa, a mere one and half hours drive away.
Karoo
The Karoo stretches for several hundred kilometres through the southern interior of South Africa. It is a vast expanse of land with vegetation ranging from Karoo bush to succulent montane veld characterised by the porkbush only interrupted by dolorite hills and ridges. It has become world renowned as a result of the fossil finds but indeed has a stark beauty of its own. Two parks, namely the Karoo National Park and the Karoo Nature Reserve preserve this unique semi-desert area and its 1700 plant species and Mountain Zebra National Park is home to the rare Mountain Zebra and many other species of animal. It offers the spectacular Valley of Desolation, game viewing, hiking, walking and 4x4 trails, watersports and angling amongst other attractions.
Klein Karoo
The Klein Karoo or Kannaland is home to enormous ostrich farms, Bushman art and the formidable Cango Caves. The main road through the region is the R62, the Great Alternative Scenic Route, stretching from Cape Town via Worcester, Montagu, Oudtshoorn to the coast and Port Elizabeth. In the 19th century, Oudtshoorn was known as the feather capital of the world. Today the industry stills survives and ostrich farms provide guided tours. Ostrich meat is low in cholesterol and makes a delicious meal. The Klein Karoo Arts Festival features Port Wines, ostrich delicacies, and sweet fruits grown in the district of this little town.
KwaZulu Natal
The roots of the Zulu nation are deeply embedded in the soil of KwaZulu Natal, hence the title "kingdom of The Zulu". The province's diverse culture results from the influences of Africa, India, China and Europe. Each group has brought their unique cultural identity, which adds to the unique, exotic, fascinating and sometimes confusing flavour of the area. History is dotted with conflicts between the groups that shaped this province. The province has one of the most exciting combinations of typography in the country. From the sandy beaches and sub tropical climate on the coast to the towering Drakensberg Mountains in the west, the midlands with its temperate climate to the highveld in the north, KwaZulu Natal truly has something for all.
Maputoland
Geographically, Zululand and Maputoland are 2 separate regions with no clearly defined boundaries. The region stretches from the Tugela River in the south to the Mozambique and Swaziland borders in the North and is inhabited by the Zulu and Tongo people.
The region has a vast diversity of natural and cultural resources. Drive amongst the "big 5' in the Hluhluwe/Umfolozi game reserve, with the fossil lined shores of False Bay, Fanies island and Charters Creek, cruise the hippo and crocodile infested waters of Lake St Lucia, fish and dive the sub tropical ocean waters at Kosi Bay, Sodwana, Cape Vidal, St Lucia, Mapelane and Richards Bay. Enjoy a wealth and diversity of bird life, offered at Ndumu Game Reserve, witness the last remaining herds of Maputoland elephant at Tembe Elephant Park, drift across the largest fresh water lake in Southern Africa - lake Sibaya or simply relax and unwind in this exquisite piece of Africa. Of special interest are the leatherback and loggerhead turtles that nest on the beaches in the Maputoland Marine Reserve.
Mpumalanga
The home to Jock of the Bushveld, Mpumalanga offers the diverse pleasures of open grasslands, towering mountains and pure African Bushveld. Mpumalanga & the Northern Province are also home to the world's most beautiful game parks where the cry of ancient Africa can still be heard. From the searing heat of the Lowveld to the cool shade of the subtropical forests you will find peace and rest for your soul. Few regions in the world can match the extraordinary beauty of this province of South Africa.
With its many private game reserves, the most well known being the Sabi Sands Reserve, and the world famous Kruger National Park, it is unsurpassed for wild life viewing. Steep mountains, panoramic passes, dramatic river canyons and plunging waterfalls make up the landscape. Visit God's Window for panoramic view of the Lowveld, the Blyde River Canyon, 3rd largest in the world and the waterfalls in the Sabie and Graskop regions. The picturesque towns of Dullstroom, Belfast, Machadodorp, Lydenburg and Waterval Boven are popular getaways for weekenders, especially trout fishermen who will find plenty of opportunity to practise their skills in what is known as the trout fishing triangle. Bird watching and walking trails in the areas of Wakkerstroom and the Steenkampsberg Nature Reserve, which is a sanctuary for the rare wattled crane. Songivelo and Loskop Nature Reserves are some of the most beautiful in the province. The Botshabelo Mission Station, close to Middleburg, is a colourful, restored village of the traditional lifestyle of the Ndebele people and depicts the daily routine of the typical 19th century mission station. Here the Ndebele women do beadwork, paint attractive murals and produce Ndebele arts and crafts. The commercial and administrative hub of the province is Nelspruit, a beautiful town, nestled in the valley surrounded by mountains. The area around is well known for its citrus, avocado, papaw, mango and banana production. It has an airport that has regular flight from Johannesburg. Namaqualand
These areas of barren landscapes with extremes of temperature and periodic droughts are nevertheless also home to spectacular waterfalls (Augrabies Falls), caves, rugged mountain ranges and deep gorges. The Knersvlakte and Oorlogskloof, Namaqualand Klipkoppe and Sandveld, and the Richtersveld are some of the regions best know areas. The Knersvlakte is an area of rolling hills with white quartz littered around, well know for its spring flowers and to the east its striking views of the Bokkeveld Escarpment, where the fynbos and Karoo vegetation meet.
Namaqualand is really and area of total desolation except once a year when it comes alive with the spectacular displays of spring flowers for which it is world renowned. It gets its name from the Khoi people (Nama) and is also home to the striking quiver tree. The Richtersveld - a mountainous desert region - is a mixture of valleys and deep ravines and kilometres of flat plains all the way to the deserted, diamond rich Atlantic Coast. The Orange River flows through this area is indeed is responsible for some of its dramatic scenery. The Augrabies Falls National Park is where the mighty Orange River has carved a deep cleft in the granite and the waters of the river tumble down in spectacular fashion. The falls are surrounded by a moonscape interspersed with Quiver Trees.
North West
Game Reserves, malaria free and Sun City are the main attractions for the tourist in this region. The capital is a collage of traditional African and modern showing the two sides of this very African coin. There is an international airport in Mafikeng together with large hotels, conference centres, casinos, botanical gardens, shopping and a business centre. The province has topography ranging from mountains to savannahs, wild rivers and misty forests. Towards the south the resorts on the Vaal River offer white water rafting, canoeing and fly-fishing. Cultural experiences include Lesedi, New Rainbow Cultural Villages, Ndebele Village and Kortkloof Cultural Village. The Madikwe Game Reserve, the 2nd largest in South Africa, Pilanesberg National Park, the 5th largest, De Wildt Cheetah research Centre and Borakalalo Nature Reserves are the main reserves amongst a host of game farms in the province. Both the Pilanesberg and Madikwe allow you a "big 5" experience. Sun City, built in the picturesque old volcanic crater is home to the magnificent Palace and two other hotels with their casinos and is considered the Las Vegas" of South Africa. The Sun City Complex boasts 2 internationally renowned golf courses, water sports and many other activities. For those interested in history the Taung site in the province is where the 25 million year old "missing link" skull was found.
KwaZulu Natal Drakensberg
The Drakensberg, Barrier of Spears, is the longest range of mountains in South Africa. Formed 15 million years ago from violent volcanic activity, which through up great chunks of basalt rock, the Drakensberg form a natural mountain barrier more than 3000m high. Almost the entire Drakensberg area is a protected. It is a wild unspoilt region of waterfalls, trout streams, caves with rock paintings, high peaks, rolling foothills and is a refuge to the eland and the bearded vulture. Snow covered in winter and green clad in summer there are few parts of South Africa that are more dramatic. Sit by your log fire overlooking the peaks in winter or hike the deep valleys and mountain peaks in summer, but just don't miss the magnificent range calling itself the Drakensberg.
KwaZulu Natal Midlands The KwaZulu Natal Midlands is the agricultural heart of the province. Gentle rolling hills covered in lush green pastures, herds of pedigreed cows and endless commercial forests stretch to the horizon. The olde world charm and tranquil countryside has attracted a new breed of people who have taken up residence amongst the farmers. These are creative crafters, sculptors, potters, weavers and leather-workers, who ply their trade in quaint old cottages and farmhouses, lovingly restored in the original colonial style. The Midlands are dotted with cosy country inns where the food is fresh and wholesome. Trout fishing is a passion in the midlands. The rivers and dams are well-stocked with brown and rainbow trout and fishing licences are readily available. Activities in the area include horseback riding, walking or water-skiing. Summers in the midlands are mild, with long sunny days and patches of drizzle and cool mist. Winters are cold and clear, though there are occasionally cold snaps and snow. Pietermaritzburg is the capital of the Midlands. It has a distinctive colonial character, with world renowned examples of Edwardian and Victorian architecture.
Northern Province
This province borders on three Southern African countries and is thus the gateway to sub-Saharan Africa. Gigantic baobabs tower over its expansive landscape, while the subtropical climate is ideal for fruit and certain crops. The wild Bushveld is the home of the "big 5" while the province is also home to mountain ranges and their streams and rivers. Towards the north are mountain regions, towards the east the Lowveld and the Kruger National Park, to the south is the Nylsvlei wetland and the Waterberg. Pietersburg is the capital and a commercial and agricultural town, serviced by Gateway International Airport. If it is game, hiking, cultural experiences, history, mining, golf, mountains or agriculture you are interested in the Northern Province has it.
Panorama Route
The Panorama Route will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Africa. From God's Window you can see the flat plains of the Lowveld and the vast spaces of the Kruger Park and from the vantage point at the Blyde River Canyon, the world's 3rd largest canyon lies spread out below, answering the question as to why the route was so named. We will visit some of the many waterfalls that cascade over the escarpment, namely the Mac Mac, Lisbon, Horseshoe, Bridal Veil and Sabie Falls and take a trip back in time to the gold rush when the village of Pilgrim's Rest was filled with many hopeful pioneers prospecting for gold.
The mountains of this region are covered with indigenous and commercial forests within which are a myriad of hiking, walking and mountain bike trails and many quiet country retreats to suit all pockets. The local arts and crafts, sold on the roadsides are perfect souvenirs to take back home as a reminder of one of your very best holidays.
St Lucia World Heritage Site
Stretching along the coast from St Lucia's Estuary to the Mozambique border, and inland to the Lebombo Mountains, lies one of Africa's most spectacular wetland systems. A vast unspoilt wilderness where animals and people exist in harmony. In the north the 5 fresh water Kosi Lakes thread their way between the luminous green of the fever and the dark, impenetrable coastal forest. Further south lies Lake Sibaya, the largest fresh water lake in South Africa. Further south still lies St Lucia lake system and estuary, separated from the sea by high sand dunes covered in coastal forest. Inland are the intricate Pongola and Mkuze rivers, which meander through pans and lakes, across forested flood plains teeming with wildlife. The coast is a paradise of clear, warm water and offshore coral reefs. The Greater St Lucia Wetland National Park, now a World Heritage Site, is a vast unspoilt area that has at its heart the 38000 ha Lake St Lucia. Hippo, crocodile and other mammals abound. The fishing is excellent, both off-shore and in the estuary, and the birdlife is legendary. The park stretches from St Lucia in the south to Sodwana in the north.
Sun City Sun City, built on an extinct volcanic crater, is known as the" Las Vegas" of South Africa. A magnificent complex comprising 3 hotels, namely the extraordinary Palace of the Lost City, The Cabanas and the Main Hotel is a gambler's paradise. It also offers water sports for the whole family at both the lake and the inland beach in the Valley of Waves. Two championship golf courses are part of the complex. Not only can you enjoy the lights and glitter of this favourite place of Michael Jackson, but you can enjoy the "big 5" experience of the adjacent Pilanesberg National Park. This 55000 hectare African Wilderness, is the 5th largest in South Africa. You have your choice of 5 star accommodation to camping sites and the opportunity to enjoy bush braais, morning, afternoon or night drives or game walks with your experienced guides all in malaria free surroundings.
West Coast
The west coast and The West Coast National Park offer you a range of scenic attractions from the salt marches, rocky shores and beaches to the inland wonders of the spring flowers. The West Coast National Park covers 27600 ha and comprises a 15 km long lagoon, opening into Saldanha Bay, 16 Mile Beach (from Yzerfontein to Langebaan) and Malgas, Marcus, Schaapen and Jutten islands. This area is a mixture of salt marches, Strandveld vegetation and reedbeds which attract a large variety of birds, including Cape Gannets, crowned cormorants, southern black-backed gulls, jackass penguins, African Black oyster catchers and the swift tern. The lagoon is wonderful for all kinds of watersport and angling. The flora largely consists of Strandveld vegetation - dense, low-growing scrub and thickets. Growing amongst these are a large variety of bulbs, succulents and annuals - these provide the amazing floral displays between august and September. There are also dramatic rock formations and wonderful views of the lagoon and the ocean. All in all a unique experience not to be missed. The Swartland, northeast of Cape Town, encompasses waving wheatlands and lush fruit and wine farms, where protea farms and natural flora abound. The Swartland wine route comprises Malmesbury, Darling, Riebeeck Kasteel, Riebeeck West, Porterville and Piketberg. Malmesbury, the largest town, also has a cheese factory and a bread and wine cycling trail which winds through wheatfields and winelands. Citrusdal is known for its superior citrus products.
Wild Coast
Secluded bays fringed by wild banana palms, untouched beaches, waterfalls tumbling directly into the sea and the traditional home of the Xhosa people, with Nelson Mandela as its most well known figure, are attractions of the area know as the Wild Coast. The area boasts Coffee Bay, Hole in the Wall - An enormous hole through the centre of the rock formation - Hluleka Nature Reserve - forest, grassland and lagoon area of exquisite beauty, mangrove swamps, Magwa Falls and many other attractions. It is a hikers paradise and excellent for those who want to enjoy pristine beaches.
Winelands
Wine and fruit farms thrive in the Western Cape and most of the major estates are within easy reach of Cape Town. Internationally recognised cellars to small boutique wineries offer tasting and the purchase of noble cultivars, delicate whites, full-bodied reds, fortified wines and brandies, in Franschoek, Paarl, Stellenbosch, Wellington and Priel. Not only do the winelands offer a true wine experience, but the region also has many hiking trails, interesting rock structures and paintings. Quiet mountain streams and dams are a perfect spot for trout fishing, horseback riding and mountain biking. Strawberries and many other fruits are for sale along the roads while travelling though this stunning area of South Africa. |
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