|
The Rainbow Nation continues to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, a country as diverse as the nickname indicates and as beautiful as its most famous city suggests.
You might say it is easy to build a city that gorgeous when you’ve got the ocean and the Table Mountain to work with, but it takes more than that. To be spectacular a city also needs a vibrant atmosphere, hospitality, fascinating architecture and a great deal of authenticity, and Cape Town has all that. For all its splendour, the most-visited site in Cape Town is Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 30 years. Ferries leave from the Victoria and Albert waterfront, the seafront promenade. The countryside to the north of the city is gorgeous with pine forests, green valleys, and vineyards, whereas to the south you get to legendary Cape of Good Hope, a mere 30 mile (40 km) ride by car.
Also in the area is the Garden Route, stretching between Port Elizabeth and Hermanus, a trail of such beauty that millions take it every year by car, foot or any other means of transportation. On this trail you get the best of everything this country stands for: rough mountains and pearly-white beaches, cold mountain lakes and warm lagunas.
The highest peak in South Africa is the Drakensberg, standing 11,242 ft (3408 m) high. Should you decide to go hiking here you should now that only the northern and central parts are appropriate for the average tourists, while the southern part requires quite some mountaineering expertise. This does not mean you should avoid the Drakensberg; the hike, no matter which side of the mountain, is incredible and takes you past ancient indigenous art, carved into stone walls and caves.
To continue the outdoor experience, go to Kruger National Park, one of the most famous nature reserves in the world and home to the Big Five: elephant, leopard, lion, rhinoceros, and buffalo. More than 150 different species of mammals live in this park, and more than 500 species of birds, and the safari programmes are excellent.
Every visit to South Africa should include a trip to Johannesburg, and possibly Pretoria in the south. Pretoria, the capital, counts as one of the world’s most liveable cities, possibly in part due to the amazing spring vegetation, definitely due to the hospitality of the locals.
Jo’burg is the place to go and learn about African history, colonisation and the gold rush, it is also a thriving metropolis full of ambition and opportunity. Just one of many signs for this is the Carton Center, at 721 ft. (220 m) the highest building on the African continent.
If after a holiday of such educational magnitude you wish to indulge in some frivolous fun, go to Sun City, a Las Vegas-like, glittery amusement center with glamorous shows, casinos, and luxury suites.
If all these attractions have not yet sufficiently convinced you to book the flight, remember that in 2010 South Africa will host the Football World Championship, and in XXXX the England cricket team will tour the Rainbow Nation. Perfect opportunities to support your team and spend the holiday of a lifetime.
Useful Links:
Home James – Chauffeured Transfers : Home James is a personalised chauffeur company based in the South African coastal city of Port Elizabeth. It caters to the needs of tourists, businessmen and women, and those who need the best service possible. www.homejames.co.za |
