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February 2010

10 Reasons to visit Cape Town

Situated on the tip of Africa, Cape Town has been described as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. From majestic Table Mountain that lies in the heart of the city, to the pristine white beaches, wild ocean, cosmopolitan city life and neighbouring winelands, Cape Town captures the heart of anyone who steps on her shores.

Here are a few reasons why you should visit this iconic destination:

1. Stand on top of Table Mountain

Take a trip to the top of this iconic mountain and enjoy the panoramic views of the city, beaches and distant mountain ranges. For the daring and adventurous, try abseiling off Table Mountain! This 112 meter abseil is considered the world’s highest, natural, commercial abseil and certainly not for the faint hearted.

2. Cape Point - the most Southern Tip of Africa

Cape Point is situated at the tip of the Peninsula in the Cape Point Nature Reserve, which is home to a variety of animals including buck, baboons and Cape Mountain Zebra, as well as over 250 species of birds and indigenous flora. Famous for some of the world’s highest sea cliffs, Cape Point marks the spot where the cold Beguela current on the West coast and the warm Agulhus current on the East coast merge.

3. Cape Town’s City centre and the Bo-Kaap

Cape Town is South Africa’s oldest city and boasts diverse and beautiful architecture. The British and Dutch era is seen in the meticulously preserved Edwardian, Victorian and Cape Dutch architecture, while the Eastern influence is seen in the Malay homes found in the Bo-Kaap.

4. Paddle with Penguins

Enjoy a leisurely paddle along the coastline to Boulders Beach, home of the African Penguin Colony. During this memorable paddle you will have the chance to see penguins in the wild, and explore hidden coves and outcrops along the way.

5. Come face to face with Great White Sharks

Experience the thrill of diving with Great White Sharks. Gansbaai, which is situated two and half hours from Cape Town is the perfect location for Shark Cage Diving. This area is world-renowned for its high concentration of Great White Sharks.

6. Cruise the coastline at Sunset

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Enjoy spectacular views and fresh sea air while cruising along the glamorous coastline of Cape Town, past the stunning sea-facing suburbs of Clifton and Camps Bay.

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7. Visit Robben Island

Visit the infamous prison island that was home to former president of South Africa and international icon, Nelson Mandela. The cruise starts from the V&A Waterfront and includes a guided tour of the prison.

8. Explore Township life

Stepping into a South African township is an eye-opening experience. Each township is unique, however the generous hospitality, vibrant street culture and joined determination to escape the cycle of deprivation is common throughout.?

9. Drive along Chapman’s Peak

Chapman’s Peak is a spectacular drive along the Atlantic coastline, boasting breathtaking views of the majestic ocean and enormous rocky cliffs. The 9 km route with 114 curves, includes look out points where you can capture the spectacular views.

10. Savour the flavour of Spier Wine Estate

From its delicious wine, to magical dining at Moyo, Spier Wine Estate in Stellenbosch is an experience like no other. This stunning estate, a mere 30 minutes from Cape Town’s city centre, perfectly blends the beauty of the winelands and the vivid colours and tastes of Africa. Indulge in a traditional African buffet at Moyo restaurant, which is set under Bedouin tents, wrought iron gazebos, and tree houses almost reaching the clouds. Taste Spier’s world famous wines while sitting in the tranquil gardens.? ?

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January 2010

Malaria Free Game Reserves in South Africa

Surrounding the coastal city of Port Elizabeth, lies a selection of game reserves boasting outstanding facilities and thrilling Big Five game viewing. What makes this area even more enticing is that it is malaria free, and no anti-malaria medication is required.

The Eastern Cape is renowned for its pristine beaches, its vast plains, and epic history. Many 1820 English and Dutch settlements are found in the area, while The Great Fish River was the border during the Frontier Wars of 1779 to 1878 between the Xhosa, and the Settlers.

There are a plethora of game reserves to choose from. Bukela Lodge situated in the 6000 hectare Amakhala Game Reserve is a mere 40 minutes drive from Port Elizabeth, and offers intimate accommodation with four exclusive African-inspired suites.

Located 80 minutes from Port Elizabeth, Kariega Game Reserve offers Big 5 game viewing and a variety of 4 star Accommodation. An hour outside Port Elizabeth is Pumba Private Game Reserve, which covers over 6000 hectares of grassland, thicket and forest. The reserve is home to the Big Five, and has recently introduced a White Lion breeding programme – a first in the region.? ?

Kwandwe Game Reserve consists of 22 000 hectares of thick savannah terrain and gentle slopes. This 5 star reserve offers a choice of accommodation from the Great Fish River Lodge with 9 exclusive suites, to Kwandwe’s Ecca Lodge, which offers 6 suites overlooking the valley.? ? Kwandwe boasts a private chapel, perfect for couples wishing to be married in the African wilderness.

The award-winning and world famous Shamwari Game Reserve is also located in the Eastern Cape.

Port Elizabeth is an hour’s flight from Cape Town, or 1½ hrs flight from Johannesburg. The drive from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, known as the Garden Route, is particularly scenic and passes quaint towns and breathtaking scenery.

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December 2009

Johannesburg - South Africa's City of Gold

Johannesburg, often referred to as Joburg or Jozi by locals, is the economic and cultural hub of South Africa. Discovered during the 1800’s as result of its overflowing rich gold mines, Joburg is commonly seen as the gateway to Southern Africa.

For the tourist or business traveler Joburg has so much to offer. This cosmopolitan city boasts top restaurants, 5 star hotels and boutique hotels, state-of-the-art conference centres, intriguing cultural attractions, pristine golf estates, and Big Five game reserves nearby.

When in Jozi don’t miss these attractions:?

  • Apartheid Museum – a powerful museum, which documents South Africa’s struggle for freedom
  • Constitutional Hill - Joburg’s newest historical landmark and a unique architectural symbol of democracy
  • Cradle of Humankind – a World Heritage Site, where caves have produced nearly half of the world’s hominid fossil discoveries
  • Gold Reef City – a reconstruction of Joburg during the gold rush era, built around a gold mine
  • Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG) – boasts an impressive collection of South African and international artwork?
  • Johannesburg Botanical Gardens – features indigenous trees and succulents, and a herb garden containing a collection of traditional African medicinal herbs, culinary, medicinal and cosmetic herbs
  • Johannesburg Zoo – covers 54 hectares and is home to 2 070 animals, representing 365 different species
  • Nelson Mandela Bridge - the largest cable-stayed bridge in South Africa, extending 284 m
  • Sandton City & Nelson Mandela Square – one of the largest shopping centres in Africa, and boasting an impressive statue of Nelson Mandela
  • Sandton Convention Centre - one of the largest convention centres in Africa, a 12-storey building featuring more than 22 000 m² of meeting, exhibition and special-event space and accommodating up to 4500 people
  • Soweto – South Africa’s largest informal settlement and former home town of Nelson Mandela and Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu

There is so much to see and do in this electrifying city; but make sure you don’t miss this one… Joburg is the venue for the upcoming 2010 World Cup Soccer Final!

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November 2009

Wild Weddings in South Africa

Jane cannot believe the scene. The day she has dreamt about since a little girl is more than she could ever imagine. She is about to walk down the isle, but she stops and takes a minute to absorb the breathtaking scene.?

The summer sun is about to set and has created a golden hue. Guests are laughing and champagne glasses are clinking. The velvety voices of the African singers are mixing melodically with the tribal drums. Elephants are walking on the distant plains, and zebra and antelope are nearing the lodge, as if trying to catch a glimpse of her special day. She takes a deep breathe and walks towards her future…?

Sound like a dream? Jane had her wedding in South Africa on one of the many luxurious private game reserves.?

With its moderate climate, favourable exchange rate, top quality facilities and professional service providers, South Africa is a dream destination for your special day.?

The 5 star Kwandwe Private Game Reserve has hosted several weddings. Found in the picturesque and malaria free Eastern Cape, Kwandwe covers of 22 000 hectares of thick savannah terrain and gentle slopes painted, and is home to the Big Five.

If you’d prefer a memorable beach wedding, then the exclusive Twelve Apostles Hotel in Cape Town is the ideal venue for your wedding. Nestled between Camps Bay and Hout Bay, this stunning 5 star hotel boasts breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains.?

The Cape winelands is another popular destination for weddings in South Africa. The Zorgvliet Wine Estate near Stellenbosch is nestled in the lush Bankhoek Valley and overlooks the Simonsberg and Groot Drakenstein Mountains. You can choose to have your ceremony under the shade of ancient oak trees or in the estate’s charming wedding chapel.?

To find the perfect planner to help you arrange your dream wedding in South Africa visit? our website.

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October 2009

Mind, Body & Soul Rejuvenation in South Africa

Traditionally going on holiday was a way to unwind, spend quality time with loved ones or visit distant relatives. Now holiday makers around the world are spoilt for choice, from adventure to cultural experiences to gastronomic delights to music and the arts, holiday makers are tailor making their visits to coincide with much more than a summer vacation!

A new trend in holiday making is Mind, Body & Spirit Travels.? Travelers are selecting their destination to renew not only their mind, but rejuvenate their body and rediscover their soul.

South Africa, well known for its beautiful destinations and wide variety of travel options, such as game viewing, golfing, scuba-diving and hiking, is fast becoming a popular destination for Mind, Body & Soul Tourism.

Numerous Health Farms, Spas and Wellness Centres are located in every corner of South Africa.? Spas in the Western Cape have tied in with wine tourism and are boasting many other benefits associated with the fruit of the vine.? A leading wellness centre offers rejuvenating spa packages based on the health benefits of wine.? They offer a specially fitted wine casket filled with a rejuvenating blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and relaxing herbs and essences, which promises to relax and unwind.

Special Mind, Body & Spirit Tour Operators have formed to promote this growing trend. FULLIFE Coaching hosts combined Yoga & Life Coaching retreats on peaceful farmlands in the Eastern Cape.

It seems that in today’s fast paced and stressed society, that Mind, Body & Sprit Tourism will only grow in popularity.? And with it’s beautiful and unspoilt destinations, South Africa will soon be on the top of every stressed out executives’ holiday agenda.

To find operators specializing in Mind, Body & Spirit Tourism, visit our website, a comprehensive directory of things to do while on holiday in South Africa.?

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September 2009

Top 10 Things to Do in Durban

  1. Attend world-class conferences and exhibitions at Durban’s International Convention Centre

  2. Come face to face with majestic ocean creatures at uShaka Marine World, Africa’s largest marine theme park, comprising of five distinct areas known as Treasure World, Sea World and Dolphin World, Beach World and Wet ‘n Wild World

  3. Find local curios and crafts at the Grey Street and the Warwick Triangle markets

  4. Shop till you drop at the Gateway Shopping Centre, Africa’s largest shopping complex, comprising of 280 stores

  5. Surfs up! Durban’s beaches boast some of the best waves in the world. Durban also hosts the Mr Price Pro, an annual surf competition, where professional surfers from all over the world, come to compete in this ASP world circuit event.?

  6. Enjoy the classic sounds of the Kwazulu Natal’s Philharmonic Orchestra at the 'Music by the Lake' evenings held in Durban’s Botanical Gardens

  7. Take a day trip to the two world heritage sites, the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park

  8. Enjoy the spicy local cuisine! Durban’s hot curries are world famous

  9. Run the Comrades, the world’s oldest and largest ultramarathon, a 87 km (56 miles) run between Durban and the nearby city of Pietermaritzburg

  10. Experience the thrill and glamour of South Africa’s top horse racing event, the Durban July. Each year South Africa’s best thoroughbreds compete for the R2 million grand prize!

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August 2009

Cape Town - More to offer than a Mountain

What is it about this city situated on Africa’s most southern tip that has property moguls, Hollywood stars, royalty and politicians flocking to it year after year?

The backdrop for this luxurious complex is none other than Table Mountain. In the middle of this bustling yet relaxed city lies this dramatic mountain which offers numerous walks, hikes, richly diverse flora and fauna, and a powerful landscape that paints the Mother City.

Tourists and locals flock to Cape Town’s beaches to enjoy hot, lazy days and movie-like sun sets.? It is quite common in summer to bump into your favourite Hollywood Star in Camps Bay having a refreshing cocktail at one of the many trendy bars.

Cape Town’s Kirstenbosch Gardens, best known for its Proteas, is gaining increasing popularity amongst locals and travelers for its summer sunset concerts and picnics.? Kirstenbosch covers 528 hectares, of which 36 hectares make up a landscaped garden and boasts 8 500 indigenous plant species. It is known as one of the Seven Magnificent Botanical Gardens of the world.

Another symbolical and significant piece of land, which has become a “must see” when in Cape Town, is Robben Island.? The island was home to Nelson Mandela who was imprisoned there for over 20 years. Its a popular tourist destination as a place of history, education and insight into South Africa’s past.? ? ?

From walking to hiking, from tanning to swimming, and from shopping to surgery, Cape Town does seem to live up to the hype and offers, well, a lot more than a mountain!

Looking for things to do while on vacation in South Africa? Visit our website for a comprehensive directory of things to do while on holiday in South Africa. Book your safari, wine tasting, private tour, bungee jumping adventure - any activity you can think of - directly with the tour company in South Africa. No commission - just quality information about the best, most fun and memorable things to do in SA!

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