South Africa
One for the money, two for the show
By Linda McClain, CTA
Is a wildlife safari on your dream list?
Did you know that South Africa has experienced a strong increase in tourism over the past decade? With almost 1,800 miles of coastline, it is a country of breathtaking beauty and diversity. Due to a favorable exchange rate, a South African vacation can be more affordable for an American traveler than today’s average trip to Europe.
Getting there
South African Airways operates non-stop flights from JFK to Johannesburg. Hop a two-hour flight to Cape Town, a great starting point for your trip.
United Airlines and South African Air share a Star Alliance air partnership. You could earn over 17,000 round trip air mile credits, awarding you for an estimated 19 hours of air travel each way.
The South African time zone is seven hours ahead of EST.
When should you go?
South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere. Seasons are the opposite of North America.
Winter: June-August. It is dry for most of the country, except the Western Cape, which has wet winters. Day time highs average 60F. Nights can drop into the frigid 30s. Animals are easier to spot during winter season because bush and grass are minimal.
Spring: September-November (ideal travel weather).
Summer: December-February. Temperature averages 80F in Cape Town, but can reach up to 100F in Kruger National Park. Surprisingly, landscape remains lush and green.
Population: Approximately 45 million.
Language: There are 11 official languages used in South Africa, several indigenous to the country. However, English is widely spoken.
Documentation: Valid US passport required. Two blank visa pages must be available in your passport. Visa not required unless you stay longer than 90 days. Passport expiration date must be valid beyond six months of return travel, or you may be denied entry.
Important health requirements: Consult your physician to determine necessary vaccinations and anti-malaria treatment, at least six weeks prior to your trip.
History
South Africa’s history is rich with culture. It is a blend of so many religious sectors and colors and is referred to as “The Rainbow Nation”. For the history buff, South Africa has an amazing story to tell.
The Khoi san bushmen were the first hunter-gatherers to inhabit South Africa thousands of years ago. Amazing evidence of the Koi inhabitation has been discovered in regions throughout South Africa, with more than 15,000 authentic rock art sites.
In the late 15th century, Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama was the first to explore South Africa. Over 300 years of Dutch and English immigration were followed by the German and French during the late 1700s and early 1800s. The Dutch colonized Cape Town as their first settlement. During the same time period the migration of the great Nguni and Sotho tribes led to a battle of domination. They both tried to take control of the land and hundreds of tribesmen were killed in the process.
There is no concise way to detail the events which led to the first and second Boer wars. Nor is there a simple way to understand the development of Apartheid, the 27 years that Nelson Mandela lived in prison for crimes he did not commit or his amazing rise to political fame.
The shift from Apartheid to a working democracy has improved their country’s future. Fortunately, struggle for power and expression of beliefs has made South Africa a stronger nation.
Province of Western Cape
Cape Town has a familiar European environment and is referred to as the “Monte Carlo” of South Africa. From Victoria and Alfred waterfront to Table Mountain as its backdrop, your first impression of South Africa will be as unforgettable as your last.
Things to do & see
• Table Mountain—Its flat top resembles a large table. When clouds roll in, they appear to cover the mountaintop like a tablecloth. Hike or take a cable car to the summit for dramatic views of the Atlantic and Indian oceans.
• Cape Point – It is home to a variety of birds, antelope and baboons.
• District Six Museum, Cape Town – A tribute to 60,000 people forced to relocate during apartheid.
• Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town – Built by the Dutch between 1666 and 1679, it is the oldest colonial building in South Africa.
• Robben Island – Boat transfer available from Cape Town waterfront. A former prison, now a World Heritage Site (Nelson Mandela was jailed here).
• Cape Peninsula – Visit Boulder Beach to see a colony of over 2,000 penguins.
• Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens – A world heritage site since 2004.
• Mossel Bay – Visit the Maritime, Shell and Cultural History Museums
• Hermanus – Whale watching hotspot (June-October). Also experience shark diving in a two-person cage.
• Enjoy Grotto Beach, over 18 miles long.
• Cape Winelands – Fine wine and culinary perfection await you in Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch Winelands.
• The Garden Route – Spans over 500 miles from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. Travel amid spectacular mountain passes, view pristine lagoons, lakes, beaches and rivers.
• Plettenberg Bay – Reminiscent of the French Riviera.
• Oudtshoorn – The Feather Capital of the world. Take an ostrich ride!
• Cango Caves – These breathtaking limestone formations sculpted by nature are said to be over 15,000 years old.
• Knysna – Adventure seeker? Choose from scuba, quad-biking or abseiling. Nature lover? Surround yourself among pristine forests and mountains that frame the Indian Ocean.
• Seeking retail therapy? Interesting shops are tucked around every corner.
• History buff? Knysna will intrigue you with its monolithic sandstone heads that frame its own lagoon.
• The Blue Train – Take the luxury Blue Train through the heart of South Africa to your next destination. Thinking of the North Cape? The route travels through Kimberly, known for its diamond mines and related attractions.
Province of Mpumalanga
(African for Place Where The Sun Rises)
Location: Northwest region of the country
Visit Kruger National Park, which hosts over 600,000 visitors a year. It is one of the largest game parks in the world and compares in size to the countries of Wales or Israel. Recent studies have recorded over 150 types of mammals, 500 types of bird species and more than 150 kinds of plant life here. The excitement of watching herds of giraffes, tribes of monkeys and exotic wildlife in their natural environment makes Kruger National Park the perfect place for wild animal enthusiasts.
Want to spot the big five?
• Elephants (over 10,000 of them!)
• Lions
• Leopards
• Buffalo
• Rhinoceros
Heard of the little five?
• Antlion
• Leopard tortoise
• Buffalo weaver
• Elephant shrew
• Rhinoceros beetle
Additional highlights of Mpumalanga:
Blyde River Canyon – The third largest and only green canyon in the world.
• Dullstroom – A fly-fishing haven
• With over 21 national parks in South Africa, 14 have overnight accommodations. Accommodations range from minimal to marvelous. Do you prefer the adventure of a tented camp or high-end luxury lodges? Regardless, there is something for every budget and comfort level.
Interesting facts
• Survivors of the Boer War (1899-1902) included three men who would go on to change the course of history: Winston Churchill, then a British Army general; Mahatma Gandhi, who worked as a stretcher bearer; and Louis Botha, a Boer commander who became South Africa’s first prime minister.
• The only street in the world to house two Nobel Peace Prize Winners is in Soweto, where Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu both have houses on Vilakazi Street.
• The world’s largest diamond is the Cullinan, found in 1905. It weighed 3,106.75 carats, uncut.
• Four out of five of the fastest land animals live in South Africa: Wildebeest, lion and gazelle can run 80mph, while the cheetah out does them all at 100mph.
South Africa has something for everyone. Is this the year to plan your visit? l
Linda McClain, CTA, is owner of Capital Region based Linda McClain Travel Services “From The Islands To The Highlands, No Dream Is Too Far From Here!” For more information call 372.7657 or visit www.lindamcclaintravel.com.