Why South Africa

by: Travelhouseuk
Total views: 14
Word Count: 2451

A total of 9.07-million foreigners visited South Africa in 2007 - representing an 8.3% increase over 2006 - as the country broke its annual tourist arrivals record for the third year running.

South Africa is a treasure chest of unforgettable scenery, from lofty mountains to sun-baked deserts and dramatic coastlines washed by the Atlantic and Indian oceans. Its game viewing equals the best in Africa, and where else can you find both penguins and elephants?

Overshadowed by dramatic Table Mountain and surrounded by the Atlantic, Cape Town is one of the world's most picturesque cities. You can sample fine wine under the grapes in the tranquil wine-lands, while the pretty Garden Route offers country towns, lagoons and forests to explore. The Wild Coast boasts isolated beaches, rocky coastline and traditional rural villages, and the resorts along the KwaZulu-Natal coast offer lots of family seaside fun.

Inland are the intriguing and moving battlefield sites that lay testament to the Anglo-Boer war. Here too rise the Drakensberg Mountains where vultures ride on the thermals over deeply green valleys and jagged peaks. To the east is the Kruger National Park where the thorny bush harbors the ‘Big Five' animals to see (the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino) as well as many other fascinating animals and birds.

A FREQUENT CHOICE IN INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
South Africa is one of the most diverse and beautiful countries to travel in the world. Aptly nicknamed the Rainbow Nation, its spectacular and varied land and its friendly people never fail to captivate those who travel in South Africa.
Here are a few top South Africa travel destinations to help you choose your ideal travel holiday. Whether you are looking for a wildlife, beach or adventure holiday we have them all for you. Just follow one of the links here:
 Cape Town
 Durban
 Johannesburg
 Port Elizabeth
 Victoria
 Windhoek
LEGAL ISSUES.
Visa Requirements
Every person seeking to enter South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport for travel to South Africa and, where necessary, a visa. Enquiries can be directed to South African diplomatic representatives abroad or the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria. Visitors who intend travelling to South Africa's neighbouring countries and back into South Africa are advised to apply for multiple entry visas.
In terms of existing arrangements, passport holders of certain countries are exempt from visa requirements. Tourists must satisfy immigration officers that they have the means to support themselves during their stay, and that they are in possession of return or onward air tickets. They must also have valid international health certificates.
MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS
Top South Africa tour Destinations
1. Kruger National Park: As the iconic South Africa travel destination, the Kruger Park is one of the most popular travel destinations in Africa.
2. Cape Town: has not only been rated the top South Africa travel destination, but also one of the top destinations in the world.
3. Sun City: Sun City is internationally renowned as South Africa's premier holiday resort offering a multitude of attractions and activities to keep everyone occupied.
4. Garden Route: The Garden Route, spread out along the coast like a giant natural theme park, is a rich tapestry of very large trees, freshwater lakes, mountains and a wide range of activities.
City of Gold: Johannesburg: Besides being a practical jumping off point, Johannesburg—aka Joburg or Jozi to the locals—is the best place to see the "real" South Africa and to get a sense of the startling changes of the past decade. Joburg has thrived as a mining town since 1886 and it remains the economic hub of South Africa.
The Western Cape: Cape Town & Beyond: After exploring the untamed corners of Kruger Park, you'll probably be ready to seize on the sophisticated life of Cape Town, South Africa's gorgeous "Mother City." It's a two-hour flight from remote Kruger Mpumalanga Airport to teeming Cape Town International Airport, but don't expect a break from mother nature—towering mountains and exquisite vegetation, not to mention baboons and penguins, can be found right on the doorstep of this increasingly popular metropolis. In fact, it's a good idea to save South Africa's Western Cape Region for the last leg of your trip so as not to render everything else anticlimactic.

Like Johannesburg, it's best to get your bearings here with a panoramic city view, courtesy of a dramatic cable car trip to the top of the city's signature landmark, Table Mountain which costs 18 dollars. When you get a glimpse of the city's surroundings from this spectacular vantage point, you'll understand why J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings, divined inspiration for Middle Earth not from New Zealand (where the trilogy was filmed), but from the rugged peaks and misty forests of his native South Africa.
Cape Town's beaches: Don't forget to work on your tan. Often referred to as the African Riviera, Cape Town's gloriously sexy beach scene is based around Clifton Bay, which encompasses a series of four white sand beaches, each separated by jagged outcrops of granite boulders. Each beach is numbered: beaches one and two are where the chic and stylish play in semi-secluded splendor, beach three is favored by gays and lesbians, and beach four is the most family-friendly. The first three, hidden by apartments and hotels, are accessible by steps winding down from the coast road. The fourth is the largest and most popular, with ample parking and refreshment facilities. Of course, most beachgoers are here to be seen, not to swim—Atlantic Ocean temperatures are generally quite frigid. Thick skinned surfers frequent Camps Bay, a popular beach on the west side of Table Mountain lined with a promenade of restaurants, sophisticated shops and shaded picnic areas.
Where to eat

Johannesburg: Enjoy fillet of ostrich, as tender and tasty as filet mignon, on the sunlit patio at Café Mezza Luna (9a 7th St.), in Melville. Situated in an ultramodern building in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind, the Cornuti Restaurant (Route T3, Kromdraai Rd.;) features dishes like quail salad with baby potatoes and venison stew in a pastry crust.
Cape Town: La Perla (Beach Rd.) is a swanky Italian seafood restaurant in Sea Point that's hosted everyone from Marlene Dietrich to Winnie Mandela to Prince William to South African president Thabo Mbeki. Occupying an 18th-century house and courtyard, the Five Flies (14–16 Keerom St.) serves up a menu of local fish like kingklip and linefish.

Wine Country: Voted one of the finest restaurants in all of South Africa, Bosmans in the Grande Roche Hotel in Paarl, can serve up an 8–12 course tasting menu for those who can't decide between the medium seared tuna with passion fruit–curry crème fraîche and the breast of quail and seared foie gras.
Cape Peninsula: Your waiter may have to shoo a pesky baboon off of your table before seating you at the Two Oceans (Cape Point Nature Reserve), where fresh seafood from both the Atlantic and Indian oceans is served.
ACCOMMODATION
No matter what your budget, you can find something to suit. Africa has a huge range of places to stay. And right throughout Africa, you will be able to find something to suit your needs, at least most of the time in most places. Throughout Africa, you have the entire big international hotel chains.
Johannesburg
Even most desirable neighborhoods (Rosebank, Sandton, Melville) have hotel options ranging from high-end European-style grand hotels to budget hostels and funky B&Bs. For all-out luxury, the Grace in Rosebank (54 Bath Ave), located in the leafy and stylish suburb of Rosebank, has one of the highest levels of service and posh in the city. Another good choice is the secluded ambiance of the Westcliff Hotel (67 Jan Smuts Ave.), which has attracted the likes of Charlize Theron, U2, and Sir Peter Ustinov; most of its 115 fully appointed rooms have private balconies. For value, our favorite is the Tuscan-flavored A Room With a View (1 Tolip St.), set high above trendy Melville; the natural parkland of the surrounding Koppies will resemble an Italian countryside from your room’s private balcony, and each room has a fireplace perfect for cozying up. Otherwise, head to the four-star Rosebank Hotel (Tyrwhitt and Sturdee aves.), in the heart of the stylish Rosebank neighborhood and steps away from three exclusive shopping malls (many of the stores inside give exclusive discounts to hotel guests) and the African Crafts Market, regarded as South Africa’s best flea market, where you can pick up your de rigueur African masks, wooden carvings, beaded dolls, wire baskets and other indigenous objects. If you’re doing the city on the cheap, your best budget rooms are at the Melville Turret Guest House (118 Second Ave.), within walking distance from the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve; each room has its own private entrance. Also, try the Backpackers Ritz (1A North Rd.;), a well-appointed hostel set in a beautiful mansion on the edge of the bustling Rosebank neighborhood.
Cape Town
In town: While the trendiest place to stay in Cape Town is definitely on or near the waterfront, it’s easy to find a broad range of options to suit your needs without getting soaked. The height of luxury is the Table Bay Hotel (Quay 6, V&A Waterfront) features luxurious rooms at the doorstep of waterfront shops and attractions. Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain, the Mount Nelson Hotel (76 Orange St) has upheld high standards of luxury and elegance since 1899. Some of the best value in town can be had at the boutique The Metropole (38 Long St) occupying a Victorian building with the oldest working elevator in Cape Town, it sports a 21st-century makeover by designer François du Plessis, extra length beds, and travertine marble bathrooms—plus a top-notch breakfast of eggs benedict and ricotta hotcakes (included with stay) that give it that extra razzle for relatively little extra rand. Some of the best deals in town can be had at De Waterkant Village (1 Loader St.)), an assortment of over 70 recently restored, fully serviced apartments and cottages situated in the oldest district in Cape Town; many of the brightly colored units have stunning views of the harbor and some of the cottages feature private plunge pools. Located within easy walking distance to the Cape Town city center and St. George’s Mall, the Fritz Hotel (1 Faure St.) is a good budget option furnished with Art Deco pieces; each of the ground floor suites has a small garden area.
On the beach: Whether you’re looking for a quiet beachside cottage for two ($315-$525) or a 6-room cliff-side Tuscan-style villa with its own funicular system ($1000-$2500), the well-appointed accommodations offered by Cape Town Villas exude the kind of hassle-free luxury you’d expect to find in the Mediterranean. Another place to find listings of rentals and guesthouses is Camps Bay Online. Just a five-minute stroll from the Clifton beaches, Clifton House (1 Clifton Rd) offers unobstructed views of the rocky peaks of the imposing Twelve Apostles mountain range through the floor-to-ceiling windows of its five en suite rooms. Conveniently located in the heart of the palm-tree lined Camps Bay beachfront, Bay Hotel features 76 comfortable and stylish rooms and six suites. For warmer swimming options than the Atlantic Ocean, take a dip in their pool—or simply lay back in a deck chair with a good book. You may want to try their "pillow menu" before you conk out.
Popular South Africa Hotels

Cape Town
 Cape Heritage Hotel
 Cape Grace
 The Table Bay Hotel
 Mount Nelson Hotel
 Portswood V And A Waterfront
Johannesburg
 Palazzo Montecasino
 African Pride Melrose Arch
 Bobs Bunkhouse
 Saxon Boutique Hotel And Spa

Durban
 Gibela Backpackers Lodge Durban
 Hilton Durban
 The Palace
 Garden Court Marine Parade
 The Royal Hotel
Pretoria
 Sheraton Pretoria Hotel
 Hotel Boulevard
 Madikwe River Lodge
 Whistle tree Guest House
 Modula Sun
Sun City
 Cascades Hotel
 Sun City Hotel
 Sun City Cabanas
 Cascades Hotel
 Kwena Chalets
Port Elizabeth
 At Sta-Plus
 Garden Court King's Beach
 Windermere Hotel
 The Beach Hotel
 Protea Hotel Marine


GETTING AROUND SOUTH AFRICA
TRAVEL BY AIR
South Africa has a number of airlines flying between its major cities, and to some of its smaller ones, with fares ranging from first-class to cut-price economy. Flights can be booked online from anywhere in the world.
The Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) operates South Africa's 10 principal airports, including the three major international airports at Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. The other seven are domestic airports in Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth, East London, George, Kimberley, Upington and Pilanesberg.
You need to be at the airport an hour before departure for domestic flights.
1time
Offers low-cost, single-class flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London and George, and from those cities back to Johannesburg.

Mango
A new no-frills carrier operated by SAA, Mango offers low-cost, single-class flights between Johannesburg, Cape Town Durban, and Bloemfontein.

South African Airways
SA's national carrier flies locally between Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London, Bloemfontein, George, Pietermaritzburg, Mthatha, Kimberley, Polokwane, Richards Bay, Upington, Nelspruit/Kruger, Hoedspriut, Margate, Phalaborwa, Mmabatho, Manzini and Maseru - as well as into Southern Africa, the rest of Africa and the world. It offers economy, business and first class cabins.It also offers flights from London to South Africa.

Airlink
Flies locally between Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London, Bloemfontein, George, Pietermaritzburg, Mthatha, Kimberley, Polokwane, Richards Bay, Upington, Nelspruit/Kruger, Hoedspriut, Margate, Phalaborwa, Mmabatho, Manzini and Maseru - as well as into Zambia, Zimbabwe, Madagascar and Mozambique. Classes are economy, business and first.

British Airways
Offers return flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth, and between Cape Town and Durban. Offers economy, premier economy, business/club and first class flights.

Nationwide Air
Flies between Johannesburg and Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, George and Nelspruit. Also has flights to Livingstone, next to the Victoria Falls in Zambia.

TRAVEL BY ROAD
Cape Town - Bloemfontein (N1): Fastest connection from the Cape to Gauteng (Johannesburg, Pretoria) through the Great Karoo.

Bloemfontein - Johannesburg (N1): Continuation of the link between Cape Town and Johannesburg / Pretoria through the Karoo.

Cape Town - Garden Route - P.E. (N2): The popular Garden Route along the coast of the Indian Ocean and the R62 alternative country route.

Port Elizabeth - Durban (N2): From the Garden Route through the former Transkei to the province of KwaZulu Natal (via Umtata).

East London - Bloemfontein (N6): From the Indian Ocean coast to the N1 to Johannesburg / Pretoria and to the N3 to KwaZulu Natal.

Johannesburg - Durban (N3): Fastest connection between Gauteng and KwaZulu Natal. along the Drakensberg mountains and highland parks.

Messina - Bulawayo - Victoria Falls (A6): Through Zimbabwe via Bulawayo up to the Victoria Falls. Including Matoppo Hills, Great Zimbabwe, Hwange NP.

Cape Town - West Coast - Springbok (N7): From Cape Town north along the beautiful West Coast up to the Namaqualand in the far north-west.

Springbok - Kalahari - Johannesburg (N14) :Past Upington along the Kalahari basin and through Free State, including the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

About the Author

Travelhouseuk Offers Cheap flights and bargain holidays worldwide. Search millions of flights deals online and get Bargain Flights, Cheap Airline tickets, last minute flights.cheap flights worldwide , cheap flights to Cape Town

---

Rating: Not yet rated

--Choose-- 0 1 2 3 4 5

Comments

No comments posted.

Add Comment

You do not have permission to comment. If you log in, you may be able to comment.