With the miserable January weather now
upon us, surely it is the time of year to think about booking your
next getaway?
South Africa has long been a popular
holiday destination and is famed for its wildlife reserves. Kruger
National Park is the oldest National Park in South Africa and one of
the largest in the world. On safari you may be lucky enough to spot
one or more of the 'Big Five'- elephants, buffalo, leopards, rhinos
and lions.
South Africa is also home to some of
the most beautiful and diverse cities on Earth that reflect the
wealth of the country's history and culture.
A South African holiday is great value
for money with one pound (GBP) buying approximately 17 South African
Rand (ZAR). The South African climate is temperate and is known for
its long, sunny days- certainly a nice change from the cold and damp
British winter!
Popular tourist attractions include the
Table Mountain National Park in Capetown. Table Mountain itself is a
flat topped mountain with many tourists choosing to hike to the top
that is almost 2 miles across. A cable car service is available for
those less athletic! Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded
with breathtaking views over Capetown and surrounding areas.
For the more historically minded, a
visit to the Robben Island Museum is a must. The island, situated
approximately 4 miles off the coast of Bloubergstrand,
was the site of a prison for political prisoners during the 20th
century. The most notable inmate was Nelson Mandela, who was
imprisoned there for 18 years.
If spectacular
scenery is on your bucket list, look no further than the Blyde River
Canyon Nature Reserve in Northern Mpumalanga. Enjoy fantastic views
as you hike or drive through the reserve. One vantage point at the
southern extremity of the reserve has been nicknamed 'God's window'
due to its panoramic splendour. There you can see sheer cliffs plunge
down into an expanse of forests and on a clear day be able to see for
miles around.
If after all that
travelling you feel a bit thirsty, then visit the Winelands of South
Africa to quench your thirst! The Cape wine routes allow you to
discover the joys of South Africa's award-winning wines and cuisine
as well as enjoying beautiful green valleys and historic towns.
The South African Tourism Board has
compiled a list of South Africa's top ten cities. The tourism
hot-spots of Capetown, Johannesburg and Pretoria feature. Some lesser
known cities feature, such as Port Elizabeth on the Eastern Cape
which is known for its hospitality and picturesque beaches.
Pietermaritzburg, in the state of KwaZulu-Natal, is cherished for its
history and picturesque countryside. Durban,in the same state, is a
hot destination with endless beaches, sultry nightlife and famous
curries!
