South Africa: a whirlwind tour of the cities
South Africa is synonymous with Nelson Mandela, fine wines, sports heroes, game watching, vast seas and sunshine. As the adventure capital of the world, SA welcomes visitors from all over the world with open arms and a big smile. For those considering a trip here, this is the “Lightning Tour” of the weather, the main cities and a bit of what to expect.
South Africa enjoys diverse climates: from the desert in the northwest on the Atlantic side to the lush vegetation in the northeast bordering the Indian Ocean With a 2798 km long coastline that curves towards the southern end of the icy Cape Agulhas, being the place hottest on record in Northern Cape, Kalahari near Upington. The coldest place is Sutherland, in the western Roggeveld Mountains. In general, the temperature is good all year round.
Similarly, South African cities are as warm as its people and climate. They have such a different character that there is something for everyone to enjoy. The most popular cities in South Africa are Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town, the Mother City. It was founded in 1652 by Dutch settlers led by Jan van Riebeeck.
Table Mountain is the backdrop to Cape Town, while this most beautiful city shows the mighty Atlantic Ocean as the foreground.
Top attractions include: the Table Mountain cable car, the ferry to historic Robben Island, the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, and a tour of Stellenbosch; (wine lovers take note)
Great beaches to choose from include Clifton, Camps Bay, and Llandudno and Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, and Strand. You can shop at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cavendish Square and Canal Walk and for the flea markets, go to Greenmarket Square, Green Point and Hout Bay. The nightlife is for dining and dancing. He’s at his best on Long Street.
Johannesburg, also known as Jo’burg, Joeys, Jozi, JHB, iGoli or Joni by South Africans, was founded in 1886 when gold was discovered in the Witwatersrand. It is the most modern city in South Africa. The population of 3.2 million includes Soweto residents.
Top attractions include: the Soweto tour that runs through Nelson Mandela’s birthplace. Newtown and Constitution Hill (the birthplace of democratic South Africa) feature prominently on visitor itineraries. The Sterkfontein Caves in the World Heritage Cradle of Humankind are a 40 minute drive with the Rhino and Lion Park en route.
Shopping is in Sandton City, Hyde Park, Rosebank or Northgate, Eastgate, Southgate or Westgate. Popular weekend markets are Rosebank Rooftop Market and Michael Mount Organic Market. Newtown nightlife, world-class theater productions and sophisticated restaurants. Alternatively, there are the shebeens from Soweto and Alexandra. Do you want more relaxed? Head to the towns of Melville, Parkhurst, and Norwood. During the day, the Apartheid Museum, Planetarium, and Jo’burg Zoo are popular destinations.
Durban, with its origins in commerce, is a busy port and year-round vacation spot. Recently, it has proclaimed itself as one of the world’s leading conference venues with its International Conference Center (ICC).
Hedonists beware: this is playground paradise in the Indian Ocean. Top attractions include: UShaka, the fantastic 16 hectare marine theme park. Whale, shark and dolphin watching tours are run by The Natal Sharks Board (in nearby Umhlanga), as well as deep sea fishing for sport fishing and magnificent beaches for surfing and swimming.
Shopping is better at The Gateway Theater of Shopping, Victorian, The Pavilion and The Workshop. For authentic African and Indian goods, head to the Victoria Street Market, the Warwick Avenue Triangle, and Gray Street. On the Golden Mile: Take a rickshaw ride, shop for curios, or enjoy great seafood by the sea. Cosmopolitan restaurants thrive throughout the city with an emphasis on Indian cuisine – try the “bunny chow”
Port Elizabeth is the friendly seaside town founded in 1820, its many monuments pay homage to its British heritage. Port Elizabeth (PE) is dominated by Sir Rufane Donkin’s lighthouse and is named after his wife, Lady Elizabeth.
Top attractions include: Walking through town to enjoy wonderful Victorian and Edwardian architecture, with its rich settler history from 1820. No 7 Castle Hill is the most famous old settler’s cottage. Visit the Campanile, the monumental 52-meter bell tower and the intact Fort Frederick.
The calm waters and gentle breezes off this coast lend themselves perfectly to swimming and water sports of all kinds, including fishing, scuba diving and sport fishing. Head to Kings Beach or Hobie Beach. The Bayworld complex is home to dolphins and seals, Snake Park, and a museum depicting natural and cultural history.
Shopping venues include Greenacres, The Bridge, and Walmer Park. For a lively nightlife, The Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World, facing the beach, is the place to be. Addo Elephant National Park is home to the Big Seven. The Big Five are the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo, so add whales and great white sharks. Enjoy the wonderful view from Shark Pier.
If you have not yet made the trip, we are waiting for you. When you do, you’ll wonder why you didn’t come sooner. With so much to do and get involved in, you may leave South Africa feeling exhausted. But one thing is for sure, you won’t forget us!