Thursday, August 11, 2011

Stunning South Africa

South Africa is one of the most diverse, enchanting countries in the world. It is much more than the thrill of viewing lions up-close and personal, the breathtaking beauty of sunsets on the savannah and the delight of swimming with dolphins in tepid, azure blues seas. It is an exotic combination of landscapes, people, history, culture and experiences.


South Africa, the Rainbow Nation, is an exotic combination of rich culture, striking mountains, enchanting vineyards, glorious beaches, rugged landscapes and electrifying wildlife. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is the meeting point of two great oceans and the gateway to the African continent.


Cape Town is one of the most beautiful places on earth that you just have to visit at least once in your lifetime. It is an awesome city - great parties, great shopping, loads of galleries and other cultural attractions. Cape Town’s most popular attractions are Table Mountain which is the soul of the city, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Boulders Beach and its penguins, and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens that showcases South Africa's fabulous floral heritage.

A quick spin by revolving cable car to the 1,086 m summit of Table Mountain gives you a breathtaking view the city, the famous Robben Island, and the most visited Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. The latter has an assortment of shopping, eating, entertainment and sightseeing facilities, all set within a working harbour. At close quarters to Cape Town are the picturesque wine valleys of Franschhoek, Paarl and Spier where you can indulge in wine tasting or simply relax and soak in the ambience.

No visit to the Western Cape is complete without at least a few days spent in the beautiful Garden Route region. Garden Route, a slender 300 km stretch of coastal plain between Mossel Bay and Storms River Mouth, is ideal for a self-drive holiday. Relaxing, active, romantic or family fun - the Garden Route offers it all. The sensitive coastline is protected from overdevelopment by South African National Parks in three areas – the Wilderness National Park, the Knysna National Lake Area, and the Tsitsikamma National Park. The towns of Garden Route include Mossel Bay, Wilderness, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay.

One of the must-sees along the Garden Route is Oudtshoorn, known as the Feather Capital of the World, thanks to its huge ostrich industry. Whilst there, you can visit the Crocodile and Cheetah Park and take pictures of yourself with the cheetah. Also check out the Cango Caves, of South Africa’s most spectacular natural wonders, to marvel at the icy formations underground.
South Africa is blessed with many national parks, of which the Kruger National Park is the most popular. Spread over 20,000 sq kms, it is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. Soak in the wilderness and spot the Big Five - elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo.

While in South Africa, you could take an excursion to Livingstone in Zambia to see the Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. At 1,708 meters wide, it is the largest curtain of water in the world. The sheer marvel of the towering columns of spray, the thunder of the waters as it drops into the Zambezi Gorge, the terrifying abyss and the tranquil lagoons upstream in which the hippos and the deadly crocodiles lurk, leaves you speechless and wanting for more.

South Africa’s 2800 km of sensational coastline with glorious white sands, offers some of the best beaches in the world. Enjoy the local cuisine of good old barbecue and spicy sausages, washed down with wines from its famous winelands. Check out the trendy nightspots with balcony restaurants and alfresco dining. The music scene here is as varied as its people; from Jazz, Hip Hop, traditional Zulu music to Kwaito – the local pop music.

South Africa is an exhilarating country that promises a wholesome holiday experience. It is sure to reward your senses and your soul much beyond your imagination!

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