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SOUTH AFRICA - The Ultimate Holiday Option!
"Being South African born and bred, and having travelled through much of Europe this year, I now feel compelled to convince the whole of dooyoo to visit good old South Africa. I recently went back for a short visit, and was once again convinced that I will eventually end up back there. Wide open spaces, wonderful sunshine for at least 9 months a year and some of the most beautiful scenery you are ever likely to find. All this made me realise that the Tourism Board’s slogan of “A World in One Country” has never been more true.
A short history:
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South Africa’s ethnic population has been around for many hundreds of years. There is still today a rich mixture of tribes and different cultures, but sadly they are becoming more westernised. South Africa was first colonised by the Dutch in roughly 1651, to be used as a port for their ships travelling to the East. The French Hugenots (protestants driven from their own country) arrived early 1700’s and brought with them the fine art of winemaking. Some of the world’s best wines (in my opinion) still come from the Cape / Stellenbosch area. The British Settlers arrived in 1820, and South Africa eventually fell under British rule after 2 bloody wars. It became a republic in 1961, and round that time resigned from the Commonwealth due to the troublesome racial policies. Things have slowly been improving over the last 10 years since the release of former, and internationally respected, President Nelson Mandela from Robben Island prison (a wonderful trip from Cape Town harbour every day!). A new government is in power and South Africa is once again establishing itself as the economic superpower of the African continent.
Crime:
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Let me first address the question of safety. Papers are full of horror stories about people getting mugged and killed, and reading each one of those articles are like a knife in a South African’s heart. You cannot deny that some areas are to be avoided. I guess that is true for many countries. The important thing is to realise that papers will only publish the worst and most sensational stories. We have had many an overseas visitor, without ever having any problems. Tourists are respected, treated exceptionally well and usually have their problems quickly tended to.
How to get there:
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South African Airways is the national carrier with several flights departing from Heathrow every day. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic also flies direct several times a day. Most other European airlines will take you there for a little less if you are willing to connect somewhere in Europe.
Average flight time is 10 to 11 hours.
Expect to pay anything from £360 to £600 for a return economy fare, depending how far in advance you book. Try SAA as the first choice.
If you are really posh with lots of time, P&O Cruise liners will take you from Southampton to Cape Town for a few thousand pounds.
When to go:
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Being in the Southern Hemisphere the seasons are exactly the opposite from the UK. Spring starts on the 1st of September, and by early November a real summer is in full swing. The whole of spring and summer are excellent for touring round the country, but it does get hot. Generally temperatures will vary between 25 and 35º C.
Depending on what you like I would advise November / early December or otherwise February / March. Temperatures are more moderate, and the touristy scenes are quieter. If it is people and action you like, Christmas and New Year are some of the busiest days on the beaches, with wild parties all festive season. You can actually run around half-naked over New Year without having to get admitted for hypothermia. Wintertime can be freezing cold in the mountainous areas, with Ski Resorts open in the Drakensberg area, but you could very easily swim all year round on the Eastern coastline. Once again it is a country of extremes.
Tourist Highlights:
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You will fly in to Johannesburg International Airport, which is in close proximity to both Johannesburg and Pretoria (the two biggest cities). My opinion is that it is just another two big cities like any other in the world. If you want to do some shopping, there are wonderful and very big shopping centres, with prices generally much cheaper than in Europe.
Your aim should be to head towards the game parks and the coastline (my humble opinion). If you are talking about visiting game parks, then the Kruger Park needs mentioning. An expanse of land towards the east of the country, bigger than the whole of Wales! The Park is geared towards tourism, and all camps are very well appointed. Whether you like camping or luxury, there will be something to suit your taste. A car is essential unless you take a guided bus tour. Lions, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard make up the traditional Big 5, all seen regularly.
Many private game parks and lodges have been opening over the last few years, mostly geared towards the international tourist. They are much more pricey, but it is an experience not comparable to any “bush-holiday” you have ever been on. 5 star luxury with escorted and guaranteed game viewing has made this option very popular for both US and UK tourists.
The South African coastline offers wide sandy beaches, with some of the best surf in the world. Jeffrey’s Bay (J-Bay to the locals) is world famous for the regular surfing events and legendary parties. With more than a 1200 miles of coastline, you are guaranteed to find a beach of your liking. Durban, East London and Port Elizabeth are all big cities along the more eastern side of the country, all well worth visiting.
The real jewel of the country is the stretch of coastline from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town, the world famous Garden Route. Driving this 400 mile stretch of tourist heaven is a holiday in it’s own. Wonderful beaches, indigenous forests at Tsitsikama, quaint little towns and then suddenly you enter Knysna. A beautiful town, once a port notorious for it’s rough seas and Heads – two rocky cliffs at the entrance to the old harbour where many a ship ran onto the rocks and sunk. Furniture makers are in abundance and they will ship your yellow wood purchase all over the world. The restaurants are also some of the best in the country. A steam train runs between Knysna and the town of George, once again spectacular views.
Your ultimate destination needs to be Cape Town. Best known for the famous Table Mountain, it is a city to which there is no rival. A lively and ethnically diverse place. Be sure to visit Clifton and Camps Bay beaches, the hangout of many a model and moviestar. The old Castle, cable ride up Table Mountain, Flower market, Hout Bay, Constantia Vineyards and countless other places demands visits.
For shopping visit the V&A Waterfront or Century City where you will find all the usual designer shops, and many local traders selling quality products.
Last but not least remember to visit the Stellenbosch wine farms where wine tasting is not to be taken lightly, seeing that there is in excess of 50 farms, all offering tasting either free or for less than the equivalent of £1!!
Remember that suntan lotion and a good hat is absolutely essential for the fair skinned. Umbrellas can by left at home.
How much?
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The South African unit of currency is the Rand. Being a developing market, the currency has been subjected to speculation over the last few years, causing it to depreciate against some of the major currencies.
£1 equals R13-90
$1 equals R 9-80
Accommodation varies from bargain prices like R100 (£8) a room, to more than R1500 (£120) for 5 star luxury.
R250 (less than £18) will buy you a 3 course meal in a good restaurant with a bottle of good wine for two!
Petrol costs R3-90 a litre (less than 30 p).
Tax refunds are available to foreign nationals, and all shops are more than willing to assist.
In my opinion a brilliant balance between First World infrastructure and facilities, and Third World splendour and prices. See for yourself.
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