Table Mountain - from South Africa Tourism
South Africa Destination Guide
by Tina Banerjee
Summary
With its diverse history and culture, glorious scenery, wildlife parks and beautiful beaches, South Africa has much to offer fans of luxury or exotic holidays. Nature lovers will delight in its sprawling game reserves, while the Transkei region and the superb Drakensburg Mountains offer some fantastic hiking routes. Those with a more refined palate will love a trip to the vineyards in Stellenbosch, a stay in one of the country's five-star hotels or boutique properties, while Cape Town, sandwiched between a roaring ocean and Table Mountain, boasts one of the planet's most breathtaking city locations. Adrenalin junkies can indulge in surfing, diving and close encounters with great white sharks.
As the country prepares to host the 2010 World Cup, there's no doubt South Africa will cement itself as a premiere long-haul holiday destination. Whether you're seeking a first-time safari, cosmopolitan holiday, or special honeymoon destinations, South Africa more than fits the bill.
Getting there, getting around South Africa
There are direct flights from the UK to Cape Town and Johannesburg - the beauty of travelling to South Africa is that despite the 10- to 12-hour flight time, travellers won't suffer from jet lag.
Once there, there is an efficient domestic airline service. Rail fans should note that two of the world's best luxury rail journeys, the Blue Train and Rovos Rail, offer elegant travel from a bygone era between Cape Town and Pretoria. Rail packages vary in duration and price and can be combined with safari parks.
In the cities, many locals use taxis, mainly in the form of minibuses, to get around. Hiring a car is easy but there are some no-go areas in the city and some rural roads may be hazardous, so it's best to seek advice first.
Quick facts
Currency: Rand
Language: South Africa has 11 official languages, including English, which is widely spoken
Flight time: Around 12 hours
GMT: +2 hours
Weather: Weather varies across the country, but generally it's hottest between December and March, when temperatures are between 20C and 30C
Dialling code: 00 27
Electricity: 220V/230V, 50Hz
Coastal Durban - from South Africa Tourism
Beaches in South Africa
The country boasts 21 Blue Flag beaches, the most outside Europe. Some of the best city beaches are in Cape Town overlooked by the dramatic Table Mountain. The city cascades down to the roaring Atlantic and Indian Oceans, where the surfing action is legendary - but a wealth of other watersports from kite-surfing, snorkelling, diving and sailing are all possible.
Among the city's best beaches are glamorous Clifton Beach, where the beautiful people hang out, family-friendly Camps Bay, lined with shops and restaurants and where divers can swim with seals in nearby Justin Canes, Hout Bay, where boat trips depart for Seal Island, and Big Bay/Little Bay, offering stupendous views of Table Mountain.
Lined with high-rise hotels, Durban's Golden Mile beachfront offers a vibrant seaside experience, while Port Elizabeth's glorious beaches on the eastern cape provide a memorable whale-spotting opportunity. Unspoilt Sodwana Bay is a mecca for advanced divers, while Protea Banks on the KwaZulu Natal Coast is renowned for the sardine run every May/June, when the sea churns in a spectacular feeding frenzy as sharks, whales, dolphins, birds and seals hunt for the million-strong shoal of migratory fish.
Sightseeing in South Africa
Cape Town is an urban jewel, glittering with buzzing cafés, clubs, restaurants, shops, museums and markets - all within striking distance of the touristy Victoria & Alfred Waterfront district, where the Mount Nelson hotel evokes British-style charm. From the city, many visitors are lured by the Garden Route, one of the world's best scenic drives, which weaves through beaches, forests and small towns through the Western Cape.
Other city break destinations include Sun City, the Vegas of South Africa, offering world-class hotels, gambling, golf and a myriad of entertainment options. Durban is often overlooked but its Indian markets and revitalised beaches are worth exploring, while the spiky Drakensberg mountains offer formidable hiking terrain nearby. Alternatively, consider Johannesburg, where a tour of Soweto offers an insightful glimpse into the country's turbulent past.
South Africa's myriad game reserves and parks, which include some of the world's most exclusive retreats, also make an ideal introduction for first-time safari-goers. Enjoy spotting the Big Five - rhino, elephant, buffalo, leopard and lion - in Kruger National Park, or malaria-free zones such as the Pilanesberg or Madikwe game reserves, or at intimate, upmarket game lodges at MalaMala and Singita. Bird lovers should head to Nylsvlei Nature Reserve, while Hluhluew-Umfolo Park and the Greater St Lucia Wetlands are more off the beaten track.
Family attractions in South Africa
South Africa has all the ingredients for a luxury family holiday, but do your research and plan carefully to avoid any safety problems. Sun City is a destination resort in its own right and has enough round-the-clock options to entertain families. Family-orientated safaris are also possible - opt for malaria-free parks if you have younger children. Be warned - some lodges impose minimum age restrictions, and you may want to limit your safari to two days as dawn wake-up calls and night drives may prove tiring for some children.
If you're taking your family on a city break, Cape Town is undoubtedly the most family-friendly city. There are plenty of beaches and watersports to entertain children of all ages. The Two Oceans Aquarium is one of the city's top attractions and boasts 300 different marine species. Helicopter trips and boat rides are also available from the V&A Waterfront. Also enjoy a drive to Boulders Beach on the camp, renowned for its resident penguins. Older children may enjoy a hike at the summit of Table Mountain, offering panoramic views.
Days out around South Africa
Within easy driving distance of Cape Town are Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, offering superb vineyards and pretty Cape Dutch architecture. Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, is definitely a must-do - frequent boat departures are available from the Waterfront. A tour of the prison by former inmates is an informative, moving experience. Day trippers should also consider exploring Cape Point Nature Reserve, the southernmost tip of the continent. Wild, dramatic and often bleak depending on the weather, the reserve nevertheless is home to many endangered animal and plant species.
From Jo'burg, it takes 90 minutes to drive to the Magaliesberg mountains, which are studded with waterfalls, streams and superb rock formations. Visit the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve on the outskirts of the city, if you haven't got time for a multi-day safari. Two hours away is Sun City, offering the make-believe world of the Lost City where water rides, a palatial hotel and sprawling forest offer Disney-esque magic.
Clifton sands - from South Africa Tourism
Eating out in South Africa
Dining out in South Africa has improved immeasurably over the last decade, with new restaurants emerging to cater to tourists, as well as more discerning local palates. You can find everything from Thai, Mediterranean, Chinese and Indian to African, European and American.
Traditional African fare includes everything from T-bone steaks to tripe, morogo (a type of wild spinach), spicy relishes, rice, sweet potato and dombolo, a dumpling often accompanying meat casseroles. Barbecues and curries are popular, seafood and game meat such as ostrich, crocodile and warthog are excellent and hefty boerewors sausages are something of an institution.
In Durban, enjoy unpretentious cuisine at Bean Bag Bohemia or the 9th Avenue Bistro. Cape Town's Africa Café is wonderful, while Jo'burg's Westcliffe Hotel offers elegant surroundings where diners can choose between the smart La Belle Terrasse or the more relaxed Polo Lounge.
Nightlife in South Africa
Cape Town's Waterfront area is safe to walk around with plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants on hand. Jazz fans are in for a treat - if you like live music, head for the Green Dolphin or Marimba centre. Sun City's 24-hour casino action, teamed with cinemas, theatres, clubs and restaurants, is ideal if you're seeking Vegas-style glitz.
In Jo'burg, drink at a local bar in Soweto, or head for Melville's 7th Avenue, Melrose Arch and the Newtown Precinct. Durban's Wilson's Wharf is a lovely spot if you're in the mood for a pub.
Shopping in South Africa
Head for local city markets - rather than overpriced malls - where you'll find a profusion of souvenirs such as wood crafts, jewellery, carvings, artwork, drums and statues. Wines and homeware are also worth splurging out on.
Upmarket shoppers should head to Cape Town's Waterfront area, which has boutiques and is also close to a huge craft market. Jo'burg's Sandton City and Mandela Square cater to mall shoppers, while the Rosebank Rooftop Market is worth exploring for locally made curios.
Related destinations
If you're interested in South Africa you may also like to look at these related destinations:
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