Why South Africa?

South Africa, situated at the southern tip of the mysterious continent of Africa, is a country that has much to offer the adventurous traveler.

A land of contrasting and stunning visual beauty, South Africa is the country that gave new hope to a cynical world in 1994 when the Nationalist Party government which had ruled for nearly 50 years, was defeated at the polls to make way for the African Nationalist Congress in what can only be described as the “miracle” elections. Despite the misgivings of many leaders and ordinary citizens the world over, and thanks in no small measure to the forgiving, almost saintly nature of the country’s first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela, the transition was made without any bloodshed. Former Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, later described the event as “the birth of the Rainbow Nation”. Today, South Africa is recognised around the globe as a srong democracy with an enviable Constitution. People who were once isolated from each other because of the Apartheid policies, are now starting to appreciate and accept one another. There may still be some way to go before all doubt and fear is eradicated, but there can be no denying that once all South Africans put aside their petty differences, South Africa has the potential to become a powerhouse, not only in African terms, but in world terms.

AFFORDABILITY
South Africa has to be one of the most affordable tourist destinations anywhere in the world right now. In recent times the South African currency (the rand) has performed below expectations against both the American dollar and the British pound. What all this means is that tourists from Britain can spend up to 12 days in luxury accommodation in South Africa enjoying golf on magnificent courses, going on sight-seeing tours and eating out at world class restaurants at a total cost that is not only extremely affordable,but that will also really please the bank manager.

Picture this! In South Africa a beer at most hotels or pubs would set you back between R7.50 and R11. In Sterling terms that’s somewhere between 48 pence and 70 pence. A ticket to the cinema costs R26 (One pound-60). Where can you find better value than that?

FACTS TO REMEMBER - Crime
South Africa reportedly has one of the highest crime rates in the world. While that statistic is debatable, it is one that should not be ignored. while it is perfectly true that many of the country’s more than 44-million inhabitants are unemployed and struggling to eke out a living, the reality is that South Africa is no more dangerous to visit than many countries in Europe, South America or even the rest of Africa.

The good news is that the government is fully aware of the challenges it faces in combating crime and is constantly reviewing its tactics in a bid to make South Africa a safer place for everybody.

Many is the visitor who has told of how, before their arrival, they were led to believe that a visit to South Africa was akin to walking through a minefield only to discover that it really is “quite safe”. However, The tourism industry in South Africa is very concerned about your safety and well-being during your visit. Therefore, just as in other countries, a few basic precautions are recommended to ensure that your stay in South Africa is as pleasant and safe as you would wish it to be:

At the hotel:

• Never leave your luggage unattended
• Store valuables in the hotel's safety deposit box
• Hand the keys in at the desk whenever you leave the hotel.

In the street:

• Never display expensive cameras or jewelry
• Always consult locals about the safety of an area before venturing there
• It’s advisable not to give money to beggars. If you really would like to help, rather make a small donation to a worthy charity.

THE CITY OF CAPE TOWN
The city of Cape Town is situated on a peninsula, the focal point of which is majestic Table Mountain in whose shadow the city nestles. The oldest city in South Africa,Cape Town is a city of contrasting moods and cultures and is renowned for its beauty and the friendliness of its people. It was here that the first European settlers decided to set up a halfway station to service the ships rounding the southern most tip of Africa on their way to the East. In 1652,under the governorship of Jan van Riebeeck, the Dutch East India Company built a fort which still stands today, a monument to those early explorers and their influence on South African history.

Today Cape Town remains the cultural heartland of South Africa. Cape Town boasts the oldest school in South Africa, the oldest university, the oldest golf club, the oldest rugby club, it had the country’s first race track. It is the seat of the country’s Parliament and the South African Rugby Football Union’s headquarters are based in leafy Newlands. It is the city where the world’s first heart transplant took place.

The population of Cape Town is as cosmopolitan as you will find anywhere and the city has produced many renowned artists, actors, play-writes, singers and musicians, as well as internationally renowned sportsmen and women. Cape Town is also famous for its many beautiful beaches and the Cape Floral Kingdom,one of the earth’s six designated plant kingdoms, is one of the richest in the world, yet it occupies less than 6% of the area of the country.

Cape Town enjoys a vibrant night-life and 100's of good restaurants serve up a host of culinary delights from all corners of the world. The winelands of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are a must for any visitor to the Cape who dares not leave without sampling the wines and enjoying some of the local food on offer at these beautiful wine estates.

Once you have experienced Cape Town you will understand why Richard Busch, Travel Editor of National Geographic Traveler, had this to say about what we South Africans refer to as “the Mother City”:
“By any standard, the Cape Town region of South Africa is one of the most beautiful and compelling places to visit on earth. Here, in addition to a city with fascinating historical sites, excellent museums, vibrant markets and a handsomely restored waterfront, I encountered mountain wilderness, rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, lush gardens, beautiful wine estates, superior hotels and some of the warmest, most welcoming people I’ve ever met.”

The Western Cape Province has a moderate Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny summers and mild, wet winters (Summer October - April)

THE GARDEN ROUTE
The Garden Route is a region of infinite diversity and contrast, from golden beaches and rocky shorelines to mysterious forests and breathtaking mountain ranges. This beautiful region of the Cape Province is blessed with a mild all year round climate that provides opportunities for the visitor to enjoy a host of outdoor activities.

The towns of George, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay have unique shops and markets that sell items grown and manufactured in this area. A scenic railway route along the coast links all of these towns. A ride on the Outeniqua Choo-Tsjoe steam train that passes through some of the most spectacular scenery is a great way to see the sights of this region.

The Garden Route which includes the Ostrich--farming centre of South Africa with its world renowned Cango Caves, also boasts an abundance of good restaurants that serve up a host of freshly caught seafood which alone will make any visit to this region worthwhile.