|
As a destination, South Africa is multi-faceted - we are never just
one thing at any one time. From our people, to our landscapes to our
abundant wildlife we have so much to inspire and enthrall. Let us
take you on an enlightening journey across our country far and wide.
 South
Africa is an incredible destination in so many ways from the deserts
of the Kgalagadi to the lush green forests of Tsitsikamma to the
unspoilt beaches of the Wild Coast to the vibrant nightlife of Cape
Town - we really do have it all.
South Africa is mercurial in nature, one moment you'll be exploring
the origins of ancient man at the Cradle of Humankind, the next
you're cage-diving with Great White Sharks in Hermanus and the next
you're drinking traditional beer in a lively township shebeen among
the streets of Soweto. South Africa really is a destination where
you can experience it all and more.
South Africa also enjoys a favourable exchange rate against all
major currencies particularly for visitors in Australia and the Asia
Pacific region where now is a perfect time to visit and enjoy the
many wonders of our rainbow nation.
As a people, we are known for our humanity - we may have come from a
past filled with separation and struggle but our future is one of
unity and possibility. In true African spirit, we understand the
value of a warm South African welcome, and we can't wait to welcome
you to our Rainbow Nation - in 11 official languages.
Here are some highlights from our vibrant cities:
Cape Town, Western Cape
Renowned as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, this
seaside playground has it all. It is the home of Table
Mountain as well as the historic Robben Island.
You can experience the finest in dining through the Cape
Winelands or bargain with the market vendors at
Green Market Square or enjoy the cosmopolitan entertainment
style of the Waterfront - the Mother City looks
forward to welcoming you
 Johannesburg,
Gauteng
Founded on a gold rush; it's the financial and entertainment
epicentre of the country. Jozi rocks in more ways
than one. An urban city with a unique African twist you can
experience fine dining and great shopping in the heart of
Sandton Square, you can walk the paths of Noble
prizewinners in the streets of Soweto and learn
about the history and journey of South Africa's colourful past. You
are within arms reach of Africa's Kingdom, Sun City which is home to
the Palace of the Lost City among others. Egoli,
Jozi or Jo'burg, whatever you like to call it, is not to be missed!
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
If you're looking for a hot destination - Durban is it! From its
sultry nightlife, weather, beaches and heady cultural mix to its
famous curries, Durb's is scorching! It is home to the largest
shopping centre in the Southern Hemisphere (The Gateway)
and offers excellent urban vibes, including a mix of design, art,
music and food at superb venues such as Ushaka Marine World
- peppered with fascinating cultural influences. Even in winter
there are lots to experience, especially with snow-capped mountains
in the Drakensburg, top game reserves, country meanders and loads of
other top attractions nearby.
Pretoria, Gauteng
Seemingly stately with numerous international embassies, monuments
and museums, this city, is sports-mad with plenty entertainment in
theatres, music venues and nightclubs. Worth a view are the
Pretoria Zoo and the Tswaing crater in the
Tswaing Nature Reserve, where a meteor slammed into the earth. The
National Zoological Gardens - known to the locals
simply as "the zoo" - is a fetching stretch of greenery located
right in the heart of the city, on the banks of the Apies
River. Poolside barbecues, golf, tennis, fishing, hunting,
game viewing, adventure sports (sky diving, micro-light flying) -
these are all popular Pretoria entertainment activities. If there is
a sport you'd like to pursue, or simply watch or research, chances
are one of its main bases is in Pretoria.
 Port
Elizabeth, Eastern Cape
Known as the friendly city, this easy-going bayside metropolis is
known for its hospitality and beautiful beaches. Being the end point
of the Garden Route, Port Elizabeth's long
stretches of white beach and its historical significance have
resulted in the city experiencing a revival of sorts. PE, as it is
fondly known, is a vibrant city, with shopping, flea markets, great
restaurants and other entertainment on offer. It has always been a
family destination, so there are activities for both young and old.
PE is worth visiting for its surrounding attractions too - you can
arrange day trips to game lodges, to the Addo Elephant
National Park, to the cultural hub of Grahamstown
and to Jeffrey's Bay, famous for its impressive
scenery and surfing.
Bloemfontein, Free State
At the heart of the Free State you'll find historic, hospitable
Bloemfontein, known as the 'City of Roses'. You've
had a true 'Bloem' experience if you've attended a sports match,
eaten some biltong, hailed the sunset with a drink and spotted local
wildlife. Sunny most of the year, Bloemfontein activities that are
encouraged by the clear skies include cycling, quad biking and
barbecuing anywhere near water (swimming pool, dam or river). A
great way to wind down the day is taking a leisurely drive to a
favourite lookout spot like Naval Hill to salute the sunset with
something cold and enjoy the star-strewn night sky that follows.
Bloemfontein's live entertainment scene is a fun way to access local
culture, as are restaurants that serve regional specialties like
fragrant Free State grilled lamb and farmers' sausage (called "boerewors").
The Free State's Golden Gate National Park is a major highlight and
offers up scenery not to be missed - it's definitely worth the drive
and can be counted as a Bloemfontein attraction.
Nelspruit, Mpumalanga
Gateway to the Kruger National Park and the world-famous game
reserves of Sabi-Sabi, Nelspruit is a thriving lowveld metropolis.
It is the entrance point to the largest National Park in Africa in a
region where there is a concentration of great animals such as the
BIG FIVE (Lion, Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo and
Leopard). A great destination for some R & R with lodges and chalets
to suit all types of budgets, accommodating guests who are looking
for an up close and personal experience with the animals of South
Africa.
Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
This KwaZulu-Natal hinterland city is cherished for its history,
colonial character and picturesque countryside.
Pietermaritzburg entertainment includes sporting events,
annual outdoor festivals and an agricultural show that is
unparalleled in SA. It is a dynamic commercial, educational and
industrial centre. Its attractions are linked to
its history and one of the best ways to view the sites is with a
self-guided 'Town Trails' tour. These are comfortable and
easy-to-navigate walks through the city's historical centre and it
includes 50 national monuments.
Polokwane, Limpopo
Meaning place of peace, Polokwane opens the way to the Great
Limpopo Transfronteir Park and the mystical, eco-adventure
landscapes of Vhenda. It has wide, jacaranda-lined streets, leafy
suburbs and a wonderful climate. The capital city of Limpopo has
attractions and entertainment galore to offer the intrepid traveler.
The Polokwane Game Reserve is an ecological jewel on the city's
doorstep. Here you can go on a self-drive adventure or a guided tour
to see game like antelope, rhino and tsessebe. It is only a few
hours' drive to the Kruger National Park. Or for something
completely different, book a guided tour to the home of
Amarula liqueurto see how this unique drink is made.
Enjoy the atmosphere of a good old-fashioned village pub at the Iron
Crown in the nearby mountain hamlet of Haenertsburg, or head for the
Ranch Hotel, where you can get up close and personal with a pride of
lions and then enjoy a hearty meal outdoors.
Kimberley, Northern Cape
Founded on diamonds; this historic city is home to the Kimberley
mine museum and the Great Hole of Kimberley so there's much to be
explored by the intrepid traveler. Take a tram ride from the City
Hall and head straight for the Big Hole of
Kimberley. Just imagine a hand-dug hole the size of eight football
fields. Adjacent to the Big Hole is the Mine Museum,
which is an exact replica of the city in the frenetic days of the
diamond rush. If you are not faint- hearted take the world's only
guided tour of an operational diamond mine which goes a staggering
840 metres below the earth. A few kilometers from the city centre
lies Kimberley's oldest residential suburb, Belgravia,
which dates as far back as the 1870s. These homes were built at the
peak of diamond trade. This is the place where South Africa mining
dynasty's patriarch, Harry Oppenheimer, was born. It's said that
there once was more millionaires per area in this place than
anywhere else in the world.
South Africa truly is a ground-breaking destination for explorers
and adventurers who want to experience life in all its fullness.
We're a destination that allows you to scratch below the surface and
experience endless possibilities, and to walk away the richer for
having been here. |
