DISCOVER, explore, experience and wander is what South Africa’s website tells us to do. And sage advice it is. There are so many possibilities in the country and no itinerary in the world should miss this fabulous, colourful land of excitement.
South Africa offers lively cosmopolitan cities, such as Johannesburg and Cape Town. Wildlife-rich countryside for safaris and neighbouring Botswana and Zimbabwe provide great offbeat trips.
South Africa is the seventh largest producer of wine in the world and has a number of vineyard tours and wine -Castings notably in the Cape Town region. The Cape Winelards is a wonderful combination of small historic towns, beautiful scenery and wine estates producing delicious wines and brandies. Says Munches. “There are hundreds of wine estates, all offering the chance to sample their unique blends in a picture-perfect acting.
A number of heritage sites, particularly the Robber Island Heritage Site, home of a museum built on the island where former president Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years, remain a draw in Cape Town. For a look at modern history, a day trip to Sowertay, the all black Johannesburg township whose political energy helped put an end to apartheid is a must do
Whilst South Africa has the most sophisticated tourism product in the region, others such as Botswana, with its vast game plains, deserts and the haunting Okavango Delta, as well as Namibia, where Fiesta National Park, one of the most important game reserves and sanctuaries in Africa, Damarland, home of the black rhino and the Namib Desert are sure to attract more Indians in future. The Kruger National Park, arguably South Africa a premier tourist attraction, has 500 kilometres (312 miles) to the east of Johannesburg, about a five-hour drive through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.
The Park is home to an impressive number of species 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals One is likely to get a look at the B, Five collection ,elephant, lien, buffalo, rhino and leopard) Accommodation a available in larger rest camps, bushveld camps and guest lodges
At Sabi Sabi, a five-star private park adjoining Kruger, night drives are popular and experienced rangers accompany groups Trained officials take visitors to areas of the nark that are normally inaccessible to tourists.
In Cape Town, the monolithic Table Mountain is the centerpiece of the lush, green city. Flat and usually covered with wispy strands of Lend, the mountain offers both an immediate escape from the bustle of downtown, and a springboard for adventurous hikers, climbers, parachutists, and hang-gliders.
Beaches are another getaway option.Spectacularly surrounded by the mountain and pure air each small oasis has its own culture, be it the familiar vibe of Camp’s Bay or the moneyed atmosphere of Clifton
One idea for a gorgeous day out is at the Kirstembosch Botanical Gardens Walk through the forest and then climb Skeleton Gorge Collapse at the top with a picnic lunch next to the reservoir. Then take a leisurely stroll across that ho flat mountain to the far on, for a well deserved sundowner before taking the cable car down.
Close to Durban is Dumazulu, a traditional Zulu village, 40km to the north. This kraal forms pan of a living museum that offers daily cultural tours and is an ideal opportunity to learn more about the Zulu’s customs and traditions .
After all the battle field stomping, and game-viewing, why not give your guests a break at the Peowern Country Lodge in the Southern Drakensberg just outside Undaborga The property offers full board, bed and breakfast and self-catering accommodation and lots of outdoor activities.
HONEYMOONERS
The game reserves of South Africa, Botswana and Namibia cater for all ages and tastes, from honeymooners adding a short saran ages a city break, to mature nature lovers who want luxury on their week with the wildlife. South Africa’s five-star trains are tailor-made for seeing the area in style. Sun City and the Garden route are popular with Indian honeymooners. Cape Town has exciting restaurants and bars.
INDIVIDUALS
Group safaris are available across the region, whilst South Africa provides the best choice of city and country hotels, nightlife and golf Operators emphasize the importance, of detailing exactly what solo clients will get for their money in Southern African although standards are generally high,
FAMILIES
Although offering superb game drives and both Bohai and Namibia can be expenses for a family break, and some camps in Botswana do not accept children under 12. By comparison South Africa is relatively inexpensive and family friendly, ins attractions including beaches, safaris, theme parks, wineries, whale watching, penguin and seal sanctuaries.
ACTIVE BREAKS
Across Southern Africa, and along beaches lapped by the Atlantic and Indian oceans, enthusiasts will find every activity to test their skills and exhilarate their senses. In South Africa, the choice includes sailing, canoeing, scuba diving, surfing, jet boating, horse riding and abseiling, while Botswana offers elephant-back safaris, fishing and four-wheel driving in the Kalahari Desert Namibia provides sand skiing, paragliding and fishing for shark, and the intrepid can bungee jump, white-water raft and body surf at Victoria Falls, on the Zambia-Zimbabwe borden
INCENTIVES, MEETINGS AND MOVIE CREWS
Palace of the Lost City, one of the finest and most extraordinary hotels in the world has 338 rooms, and suites are decorated in unique style to reflect the rich fauna and flora of the area. Superb cuisine is offered in the Palace’s two top-class restaurants. Elegant bars and lounges provide the perfect atmosphere for casual pre-dinner and after-dinner drinks.
Sun City’s two golf courses attract the world’s greatest players annually in this Million-Dollar Challenge, This international gathering point is complemented by the Lost City Golf course offering magnificent views, unique challenges and a pennant hazard, live crocodiles at the 13th hole
NOT TO BE MISSED
SOUTH AFRICA
Table Mountain; Cape Point; Wine and Garden Routes; Sun City; Kruger National Park; whale watching (July-November); surfung in Durban, visit an Ostrich farm.