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South Africa
At the southern tip of the African continent lies South Africa, a country known for its rich diversity of landscapes and cultures - One of the top travel destinations on the planet. South Africa blends both the wild, old Africa with the modernity of today's world. With 11 official languages it is no wonder the country has been named "The Rainbow Nation" after its array of diverse and very distinct cultures.
The landscape is no less varied with both the Atlantic and Indian oceans on its borders, forming a splendid selection of beautiful beaches. The semi-arid region of the Kalahari Desert in the Cape contrast significantly to the world renowned city of Cape Town; the vineyards of The Cape Winelands and lush tropical forests of The Garden Route. The dramatic Drakensberg mountain range stretches down to the green valleys of the famous Zululand Battlefields while the vast stretches of the African bushveld are yet another wonder, hosting game reserves of the highest calibre. The Kruger National Park and other smaller private reserves offer Wildlife Safaris in Big 5 country that are not to be missed.
If the opulence lifestyle attracts your attention, a trip on one of the country's Luxury Trains is an experience of true 5 star luxury travel. A few nights stay at 'The Palace of the Lost City' puts you into a fantasy world in one of the world's best hotels in every regard.
South Africa really does have something for everyone, be it an interest into the fascinating history of our past, or a couple of rounds of golf on one of the many world class golf courses. Or for the more adventurous, why not challenge your body to its limits or scare yourself half to death with some of the Adrenaline Activities South Africa has to offer.
The Beaches of South Africa
Set on the Cape peninsular, Cape Town is almost surrounded by the ocean and prides itself on having simply stunning beaches. Along the rugged coastline, many beautiful bays of fine white sand and calm aqua-blue chilly seas; Camps Bay, Clifton, Lundudno and Muizenberg to name a few, are the perfect destination for some rest and relaxation for those beach goers enjoying a lazy suntan. Moving up the coastline the water turns warmer and whales and dolphins can often be spotted from these many inviting bays and lagoons.
For a more unrefined coastline, the Eastern Cape area is renowned for its 'Wild Coast', offering the visitor an experience of desolate beaches located at the base of rocky cliffs and rolling hills. Here the fishing and walking is very good for the more rustic traveller looking for great rewards.
The KwaZulu Natal coast, running north towards its border with tropical Mozambique, has long stretches of white sandy beaches which offer a diverse underwater world for those beach goers interested in snorkelling or scuba-diving.
The Drakensberg Mountains
This impressive mountain range has been proclaimed a world heritage site and is certainly worth the accolade! The Drakensberg Mountains stretch for hundreds of miles along the interior of the country forming a dramatic escarpment between the coastal plains and the high lying plateau, providing a glutton of peaks, pinnacles, tabletops and breathtaking vistas. The Drakensberg region is certain known for its beauty worldwide, offering a wealth of mountain walks, mountain streams and rolling green hills. This is a wonderful getaway for anyone who enjoys peace and tranquillity, with the option of taking part in all levels of hiking, trout fishing, horse trails or even a game of golf.
Zululand Battlefields
It is difficult to imagine that the scenic and tranquil landscape of Northern KwaZulu Natal was once the focal point of major military engagements that shaped the course of South African history and rocked the pedestal of the British Empire. Over some 70 years Boer, Brit and Zulu forces clashed in bloody conflict on these battlefields, against the backdrop of sweeping grasslands and the mighty Drakensberg Mountains.
Expert historians and storytellers vividly recreate the battles, strategy and personal stories of these hero's of yesteryear, making history come to life. This is a memorable treat not to be missed.
Wildlife Safaris
An African Safari is an opportunity of a lifetime. South Africa has preserved wide tracts of land for conservation; allowing visitors to witness and experience close encounters with African animals at home in their natural habitats. Many game reserves can be found around South Africa, all offering excellent opportunities and experiences. The Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in South Africa at nearly 2 million hectares is home to an impressive number of species.
The Big 5; lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhino are among these. Also to be seen are zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, cheetah, wild dogs and hippo. Surrounding the park are smaller private game reserves that have increased the animals freedom by lowering their fences with Kruger National Park and forming a larger area for them to roam. These private game reserves offer exclusive luxury accommodation in harmonious bush lodges or luxury tented camps. With most of these lodges in excellent settings, it is not uncommon to see game from your private viewing deck overlooking a waterhole. With every modern comfort and excellent cuisine, the romance of Africa is certainly captured. Game viewing takes place from open-air vehicles and a private game guide will ensure that the experience is unforgettable, getting you up close and personal with the wildlife.
Luxury Train Travel
South Africa boasts two luxury trains. Their main route is from Pretoria to Cape Town and vice versa taking either one or two days for the journey, but there are other shorter or longer side trips that are available. Both offer a memorable and very special experience.
The Blue Train: The Blue Train affords the traveller the ultimate luxury of the leading hotels of the world with the charm of luxury train travel. Take a journey into the timeless world of grace, elegance and romance. While the spectacular landscapes of South Africa stir your imagination, allow luxurious comfort to soothe your body and soul.
The Rovos Rail: Step aboard the wood panelled coaches of The Rovos Rail - classics remodelled and refurbished to mint condition - and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era, when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion.
The Palace of the Lost City
In a remote part of Africa, amidst surrounding bushveld, lies the spectacular Sun City, home of the Million Dollar Golf Challenge, and close to the Pillansberg Game Reserve.
This magnificent 5*luxury hotel ranks as one of the world's most extraordinary hotels. The centrepiece of the Palace of the Lost City complex is a fairytale residence, built with unbelievable attention to detail. The Lost City is a fantasy world of Africa's jungles, cliff-tumbling gardens, streams, waterfalls, swimming pools, and al fresco entertainment areas. Legend tells us that the Palace of the Lost City was built as the royal residence of an ancient civilization of South Africa, but was destroyed by an earthquake. It has now been restored to its former glory and offers splendid luxurious accommodation in the most sumptuous surroundings in South Africa.
Golfing in South Africa
Golfing in South Africa is as good as it gets. Year round golf in a moderate climate can be enjoyed by men and women on any course. It is both affordable and available with no long booking lists, and best of all are the magnificent settings so that you are surrounded by wonderful scenery and experiences.
The South African Open is the second oldest Golf Championship in the world after The British Open. This is the home of Gary Player, Ernie Els and Retief Goosen (The Goose). South Africa abounds in top rate Golf Courses which can be found in all parts of the country. Sun City boasts the famous Gary Player course, home of the Million Dollar Golf Challenge, The Links at Fancourt, where the Presidents Cup was played, Durban Country Club - ranked in the top 100 in the world, and Leopard Creek where you might surprise wildlife with your drive, to name but a few.
Adrenaline Activities
With many heart pumping activities to choose from, adrenaline junkies will find their fix in South Africa. Great White Shark Cage Diving gives you the opportunity of being seriously up close and personal with one of the ocean's top predators. No doubt your heart will be racing while crouching in a thin metal cage facing a four meter Great White Shark. Sea kayaking with a massive Southern Right Whale is sure to rock your boat, with a good possibility of dolphins joining in the fun. White Water Rafting in some of Africa's big rivers will turn your knuckles white as you hit a grade 5 rapid. Reach your ultimate high with Sky Diving or Bungi Jumping. Feel the rush of terminal velocity as you jump off the highest commercial bunji jump in the world, Bloukrans Bridge, 216 metres down to the valley floor. Or maybe you prefer to keep the fear factor down a notch, and partake in a scenic flip in a Cessna plane, a Hot Air Balloon ride over the African savannah, horse riding along the sandy beaches, or even a cycling, hiking, or 4x4 trail.
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