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Cape Winelands
The extensive and verdant beauty of the Winelands region is one of the Cape's most alluring attractions. No visit to Cape Town would be complete without having taken the time to explore at least one of the 13 wine routes in what is the largest wine-producing area in the Western Cape.

Rugged, blue-tinged mountains surround the green valleys where charming, historic towns rest among vineyards and olive groves, where visitors can admire traditional Cape Dutch architecture, sip world-class wines and soak up the rich cultural and historical heritage. Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl are the most well known wine producing valleys in the region, situated within easy reach of each other, while the oldest wine farm in South Africa, Groot Constantia, is located within the Mother City itself, and is part of the tiny Constantia wine route, which was developed by Simon van der Stel in the late 1600s. Other smaller wine routes include Worcester, Tulbagh, Wellington and Somerset West. With a selection of more than 200 cellars to choose from, the Cape Winelands boast some of the finest wines in the world.

In addition to savouring the fruits of the vine, visitors can sample superb culinary fare at some of the finest restaurants in the country, browse the art galleries and local craft shops, visit historic monuments and museums, and partake in an array of activities from walking, horse riding and fly-fishing to golf and paragliding. Food and wine festivals take place throughout the year and are a great introduction to the bewitching charms of the region.


Cape Town
The lure of Cape Town lies in its spectacular setting and the beauty of its natural environment, as well as the rich cultural diversity of its people.

It has had a long and turbulent history and the effects of Apartheid still linger in the minds and hearts of the people. Transformation however has led to a feeling of hope in this new 'Rainbow Nation', which can be experienced in the cosmopolitan city center of Cape Town. Flower sellers, business executives, parking attendants, office workers and shoppers all rub shoulders in a setting of both historical and modern buildings, backed by the city's most famous landmark, Table Mountain. The colorful Malay Quarter, the remains of District Six, St George's Cathedral, Government Avenue and the old Castle are historically significant, while world-class African and international restaurants tempt travelers with their culinary delights. Although an African city, Cape Town has a marked European influence and visitors can experience the excitement of Africa from the comforts of First World surroundings.

Cape Town's unique setting means that it can be enjoyed from various vantage points: Table Mountain and Lion's Head provide breathtaking vistas over the city bowl and the Cape peninsula with its beautiful beaches; trips to Robben Island offer a dramatic sweep of scenery across to Table Bay; and harbor tours and old buildings await exploration at the cosmopolitan Waterfront. Many scenic routes meander along magnificent stretches of coastline and inland terrain leading to special places like Cape Point, the meeting place of the cold Benguela and warm Mozambique currents, and Chapman's Peak boasts one of the most picturesque drives in the country.

It is a city with four distinct seasons, each working its particular magic on Cape Town and bringing with it a flood of associations - summer and white sandy beaches, autumn's crisp colors, the ferocity of stormy seas in winter, and spring's show of Cape 'fynbos' flowers.

From culture, history and scenery - to an unforgettable experience. This is a special place with much to contribute towards its growing reputation as a favored travel destination.

Getting Around: Cape Town and its suburbs sprawl for miles, but with the ocean and the dramatic landmarks of Table Mountain and Lions Head the city is fairly easy to navigate. Most of the hotels are situated along the Atlantic Seaboard, the five miles (eight km) of coast running from the central business district to Camps Bay, taking in Greenpoint, Sea Point and the Waterfront. Public transport is poor and often unsafe, so most visitors hire a car, particularly if planning excursions from the city. To rent a car, drivers need to be over 23 years old and have a credit card and a full driving license (the license must have a photo and be in English, otherwise an International Driving Permit is required). Driving can be a harrowing experience in Cape Town and lane changes confusing, with signage often easy to miss, and the same road can change names several times. Table Mountain does provide a good landmark, however, and locals tend to be helpful with directions. Minibus taxis are cheap and convenient and can be hailed if traveling short distances along a well-known route, but the vehicles are often in very bad condition and the driving can be appalling. Passengers should expect to pay around R4 for most journeys within the city, but are cautioned against getting into an empty minibus. Golden Arrow buses leave from the main bus terminal to destinations around the city; although timings can be erratic they can be a good option for those on a budget. Tourists are advised to avoid the trains, with the exception of the Simon's Town line, which runs around Table Mountain, through the smart residential Southern Suburbs, past Muizenberg and along the stunning False Bay coast. Pick pocketing is rife, however, and there have been several attacks on passengers. Rikkis, or small, open rickshaw type vehicles, are a novel way to explore the city center and Simon's Town and are usually safe and reliable. Taxis are expensive but are a good option at night for those without a car. Public transport should not be taken after dark and the outlying township areas should be avoided at all costs unless on an organized tour.


Garden Route
The stretch of southern coastline between the town of Mossel Bay and the Tstsikamma National Park makes up South Africa's well-traveled 'Garden Route', scattered with popular resort towns. The coastal plain is backed by spectacular mountain ranges, offering scenic lakes, indigenous forests, golden beaches and secluded bays. The main town on the route is George, which is a bustling commercial center with some good hotels making it a good central point from which to explore the coastal region. From George it is also a short drive inland over the Outeniqua Mountains to Oudtshoorn, site of the world-renowned Cango Caves and home to several ostrich farms that welcome visitors to enjoy their entertaining and educational tours.

Attractions along the Garden Route encompass a wide variety from historic sites to scenic vistas, and beaches to nature reserves. To make the most of the area one needs to stray from the national N2 highway and explore the towns, villages and resorts en route. A fun way of enjoying the scenery is to ride on the Outeniqua Choo-Choo vintage steam train between George and Knysna. There are also great recreational opportunities to enthral active holidaymakers, from bungee jumping and water sports, to hiking trails.


Port Elizabeth
The industrial city of Port Elizabeth is the center of the Eastern Cape region of South Africa, known in most tourist guides as 'settler country'. The city was founded by shiploads of British settler families who arrived in the Eastern Cape in the early 19th century hoping to improve their prospects after suffering economic hardship because of the industrial revolution at home. The settlers also intended to strengthen defenses against the local Xhosa people, who had been pushed back beyond the Fish River frontier. They came ashore at Algoa Bay, where there was nothing more than the small British Fort Frederick to welcome them. The city, from its humble beginnings, has grown into a principal port and manufacturing center. Although it is very much a working town with a large indigent population living in the outlying township areas, Port Elizabeth draws plenty of tourists because of its proximity to the attractions of the east coast and historically interesting interior. The city is justifiably known as 'the friendly city' and Algoa Bay boasts 25 miles (40km) of beautiful sandy beaches lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The attractive beachfront is the venue for the annual 'Splash' festival and world boardsailing championships, and features a long promenade and pier full of tourist facilities.

Getting Around: Port Elizabeth has little or no public transport system and the existing bus service is erratic and unreliable, with schedules hard to come by and very few areas covered. The principal means of transport, as in most of South Africa, is the minibus taxi. These are usually crowded and drivers pay no attention to road rules, stopping wherever and whenever to drop off and pick up passengers. This makes them easy to catch and they are cheap, but are used at one's own risk. Passengers should not get into an empty minibus and should only travel in daylight, on well-known routes. Metered taxis are available, but are usually fairly expensive. Hiring a car is usually the best and easiest option.


Durban
Delightful Durban is the largest city of the vast and varied KwaZulu Natal province of South Africa. A coastal port with a more than equable sub-tropical climate and wide golden beaches washed by the warm Indian Ocean, Durban is a holidaymaker's paradise and gateway to the dozens of seaside resort towns of the coast to the south and north of the city. The 'Golden Mile' central beach area, flanked by numerous high-rise hotels, stretches for four miles (6km) and is fronted by promenades and entertainment facilities such as a skatepark, flea markets and colorful traditionally clad Zulu rickshaw pullers. A fleet of 'tuk-tuk' type three-wheelers has augmented public transport in the city.

Although much of Durban is characterized by British colonial architecture, the city is actually an exciting mix of cultures. There is a large Indian community, descendants of indentured laborers who came to work on the Natal sugar estates in the 1850s and who provide the city with an intoxicating oriental flavor enhanced by their shrines, bazaars and tantalising curry restaurants. There are also the Zulu people, whose proud warrior ancestors inhabited the province before the coming of the European colonial powers. The heritage of the amaZulu is very evident in the region north of the Tugela River, known as Zululand, where legendary King Shaka once ruled supreme and today is where most of KwaZulu Natal's game parks are to be found.

Durban is the gateway not only to the coastal beach resorts of the province, but also to the rolling hills and plains of the Natal Midlands and their backdrop, the majestic, jagged peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains, which border the province in the west.

Getting Around: As in most South African cities, Durban has a limited public transport system. Buses operate in the city center and the suburbs, though schedules are erratic. Metered taxis are available, although most common is the minibus taxi. These are less expensive but tend to be more dangerous as drivers rarely pay attention to road rules. Minibus taxis should only be caught on regular routes at busy hours and passengers should not enter an empty minibus. Colorful hand drawn rickshaws are a common sight on the Durban beachfront and are more for tourists than for getting around. They are well worth the experience, however. There a number of car rental agencies available and the city is relatively easy to negotiate, though can be very congested during morning and evening rush hour.


Johannesburg
The capital of South Africa's smallest province, Gauteng, Johannesburg is the economic powerhouse of Africa with its ever-growing suburban sprawl creeping outwards from the central city skyscrapers and ring-road motorways.

The more than 10-million inhabitants live fast and have a restless spirit, which they have imparted into the fabric of the city, also known by its African name as Egoli, 'the place of gold'. The development of the city, which is just over a century old, has followed the fortunes of the Witwatersrand (White Water Reef), the rich gold-bearing rock reef that stretches across this area of central South Africa. The initial gold rush started in the 1880s, and barely ten years later Johannesburg had become South Africa's largest town and the site of frenzied development that has been ongoing ever since.

Johannesburg today is a city of contrasts, with glass-paned modern luxury high-rise buildings towering beside a few remaining dilapidated Victorian buildings, and affluent northern suburbs filled with stunning private homes giving way to the squalid streets and tiny shoebox houses of the massive Soweto township in the south. The chasm between rich and poor in the city has given rise to a high crime rate, evidenced by the fortress-like security that pervades the wealthier suburbs.

Most visitors to South Africa, particularly those intent on exploring the game reserves of Mpumalanga, arrive at Johannesburg's busy International Airport, which is the main point of entry for the country. There is little in Johannesburg itself to grab the attention of tourists, but a few days can be filled taking in some entertaining man-made attractions before heading off to the game parks of the northeast or the coastal regions. The most interesting diversion in Johannesburg is undoubtedly a 'Heritage Route' or 'Shebeen Crawl' tour of Soweto, but take care only to venture into the maze of the township with an organized tour or professional guide.

Getting Around: Johannesburg is a sprawling city and the lack of convenient and safe public transport is often an obstacle to visitors. City transport consists of an unreliable bus network and a series of minibus taxi routes, neither of which operate much after dark. The main bus terminus is at Ghandi Square in the city center where there are timetables and route maps, but times are rarely accurate; alternatively a City Slicker sightseeing bus provides hop-on hop-off tours around the city in open-topped buses. The quickest and cheapest way to get around is on a minibus 'taxi', an informal bus service that goes everywhere but has no schedule or formal stops and can be picked up at taxi ranks or hailed anywhere along its route. However, dangerous driving, overcrowding and high crime rates at taxi ranks have deterred many from using them as a means of transport. If necessary use them for short hops only and never with baggage. Safer but far more expensive are metered taxis, which need to be booked in advance. The best way to get around is by private car and there is an excellent network of highways and well-maintained roads. There are a number of car rental agencies that require drivers to be over 23 years old and hold a full driving license. A passport and credit card are also necessary. Drivers should keep their windows up and doors locked at all times, never leave anything visible in a parked car, and never stop for hitchhikers. Be aware that there is a risk of car hijacking so remain alert, especially when leaving or returning to the car, and seek out secure parking.


Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga, meaning 'land of the rising sun', is a province rich in wildlife, African culture, pioneer history and natural beauty. Situated in the east of the country, north of KwaZulu Natal, it borders Swaziland and Mozambique and encompasses the southern section of the world-renowned Kruger National Park.

Mpumalanga is 'Big Game Country', and the Lowveld is the setting for dozens of private game reserves and luxury lodges that abound in bird and animal life. Nelspruit is the capital and gateway to the province, situated two hundred miles (325km) east of Johannesburg, and is South Africa's fastest growing city with a vibrant Central Business District. Although not much of a tourist attraction in itself, Nelspruit is situated in the heart of a region rich in natural attractions, which makes it a favorite jumping off point for exploring the Lowveld area. The city's train station and airport welcome travelers several times a day, most of whom are en route to the Kruger National Park, whose southern Malelane Gate is about 40 miles (63km) from Nelspruit.

It is not only those interested in safaris that come to Mpumalanga, however. Besides wonderful opportunities for bird watching and game viewing, the area is also scenically beautiful with its mountains, valleys, waterfalls, canyons and panoramic passes. Mpumalanga's lack of development means more space for its natural finery, which is particularly evident along its scenic meander known as the Panorama Route that takes in spectacular sights along the eastern slopes of the escarpment such as the Blyde River Canyon and God's Window. The little town of Pilgrim's Rest is a popular attraction for those interested in the history of the 1870s gold rush, while streams that once held the promise of gold are now a Mecca for trout and fly-fishermen, particularly near the town of Dullstroom. The region is also home to the Ndebele people, famous for their beadwork and uniquely painted houses.


Kruger National Park
The Kruger National Park is South Africa's oldest, largest and best-known wildlife conservation area, home to a huge variety of wildlife and most famous for its 'Big Five' viewing opportunities. Visitors have an excellent chance of seeing lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhino among the enormous variety of wildlife, including over 140 species of mammals, 500 species of birds, reptiles and amphibians.

The park had its beginnings in 1898, when President Paul Kruger established a protected area for wildlife after hunters came close to wiping out the rich game of the region. The Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902) stopped further progress until the development of the Sabie Game Reserve by the British, which later expanded into today's Kruger Park. The park was opened to visitors in 1927, and at present stretches for 236 miles (350km) from the Crocodile River in the south up to the Limpopo River, and is about 40 miles (65km) wide; roughly the size of Israel.

Situated on South Africa's north eastern border, Kruger is a primary destination for international tourists, and is visited by more than half a million local and international people every year who are attracted by the different safari options as well as the park's excellent range of visitor facilities and choice of accommodation, from luxurious game lodges to cottages and camping. The park is criss-crossed by over a thousand miles of roads and offers excellent opportunities for self-drive safaris as well as guided drives. Bush walks with armed and experienced rangers offer a more thrilling safari option where animals like lion and elephant are tracked through the bush on foot. Visitors may only traverse the park between sunrise and sunset; when darkness descends it is best to be safe in a fenced rest camp.

This vast sanctuary is a must-see for every visitor to the country. The south is teeming with wildlife and as a result is the most popular area, while the remote northern region is little visited by game or people, but provides some of the best birding opportunities in southern Africa as well as an abundance of historic iron-age and Bushmen (San) sites. Rivers interrupt the extensive grassy plains towards the center of the park, and the region provides an excellent setting for predators and birdlife.


Battlefields
Zululand, ancestral home of the Zulu people and site of many a bloody battle between the British, the Boers and the Zulus during the 19th century, abounds in significant towns, memorials and battle sites that form part of the historic Battlefields Route. This land once encompassed the Zulu kingdom led by legendary Shaka Zulu, and then by his half-brother Dingaan, who clashed with both the English and Afrikaaner settlers in what are today recorded as some of the most important battles in South African history.

Over a period of about 70 years, the plains, rolling hills and river valleys saw numerous brutal, blood-soaked conflicts over land ownership, political independence and the desire for colonial domination. The first major battle, and one of the most terrible, took place in 1838 between the Voortrekkers and the Zulus in what became known as the Battle of Blood River. Then followed the Anglo-Zulu War in 1879 in response to British dissatisfaction regarding the increasing strength of the Zulus, and the battles that took place at Isandlwana Hill and Rorke's Drift are remarkable for their tales of heroism and brutality. In 1880 and again in 1889, anti-British sentiment among the disgruntled Voortrekkers, as well as a desire for Afrikaaner independence, led to the two Anglo-Boer wars that captured the attention of the world and resulted in heavy loss of life among both the Boers and the British. The devastating siege of Ladysmith and the Battle of Spioenkop are among the most famous battles that took place during the second Anglo-Boer War from 1889 to 1902.

The Battlefields Route covers 14 historical towns, including Ladysmith and Dundee, numerous national monuments and informative museums, and over 50 battlefields in the surrounding countryside, which are best explored as a self-drive adventure or as part of a tour. Every town on the route has a story to tell or an event to commemorate and tourism offices throughout the region provide maps and guides to assist visitors in making the most of the history, culture, scenery and wildlife.


Kimberley
Capital of the Northern Cape Province, Kimberley is best known for its Big Hole, a legacy from the diamond rush in the area in 1871. Kimberley began as a town named New Rush, which formed around the hill where a 83.50 carat (16.7g) diamond was found; as miners arrived in their thousands the hill gradually disappeared and became known as the Kimberley Mine or 'Big Hole', the largest hand-dug excavation in the world.

The growing metropolis became the first city in the southern hemisphere to install electric street lighting and was home to the country's first stock exchange and flying school. Kimberley's prosperity has continued into the 21st century and the thriving city is rich in history. Most of the city's opulent lifestyle and characteristic Victorian architecture can be seen in the historical suburb of Belgravia, and it also boasts many museums as well as one of South Africa's most important art galleries. Kimberley's biggest attraction is still the Big Hole, however, and visitors can visit the informative museum, which recounts the tale of the diamond rush and offers an insight into the lives of those who lived and worked in the area. The Big Hole reached a depth of 787ft (240m) and yielded three tons (2,722kg) of diamonds until its closure in 1914.


East London
Gateway to the Wild Coast, East London is a small, friendly city on the Indian Ocean where activities like surfing, fishing and golf take precedence. The city center branches out into business parks, malls and suburbs set in subtropical vegetation, which are dissected by a myriad of rivers such as the Buffalo and Nahoon, whose wide banks meander lazily into the ocean, offering locals excellent fishing, rowing and cruising opportunities.

Formerly a British fort, the city can easily be explored on foot. There are many attractions such as the East London Museum that houses the prehistoric coelacanth and the city hall that should not be missed. It is best for visitors to have a car so that they can access various attractions dotted on the outskirts such as Steve Biko's grave, the aquarium, the harbor which is the only river port in the southern hemisphere, and the superb seafood restaurants that line the beachfront.

It takes only 20 minutes from the bustle of this small city to one of the tranquil and isolated holiday villages on the coast where rolling hills of indigenous vegetation are met by long expanses of untouched beaches. Here visitors can go horse riding on the shore, visit the Gonubie Nature Reserve that has over 150 different bird species or stay at the Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve where the remarkable Big Five can be seen.


Bloemfontein
Known as the City of Roses, Bloemfontein is a small interior city that forms the economic and cultural center of the Free State and is the judicial capital of South Africa. With wide streets, beautifully kept gardens and dated state buildings, Bloemfontein is a modern city that has an old charm about it. Surrounded by rural farmland, the metropolis is the central transport hub for the rest of the country and is visited mainly as a stopover to other destinations.

While visiting, take a stroll down the historical, tree lined President Brand street, which has been declared a national conservation area and admire the architecture of the sandstone government buildings. The Oliewenhuis Art Gallery is also a worthy sojourn as it houses magnificent work by both traditional and contemporary South African artists. The monthly art market in Kings Park, the annual Rose Festival in October and the Agricultural show in March all pull crowds from around South Africa and visiting tourists.


Richards Bay
Richards Bay is one of South Africa's biggest ports boasting the largest export coal terminal in the world, loading 65 million tons every year, and is situated on the 12 square mile (30 sq km) lagoon of the Mhlatuze River. It began as a makeshift harbor that was set up during the Anglo-Boer War of 1879 and is named after its founder, Sir Frederick Richards. The specialized ships that call are a must-see for maritime buffs. The town is a bustling business center featuring every modern facility and offers plenty of recreational facilities for visitors.

Besides the rapid industrial expansion, Richards Bay's tourism industry is thriving and it is fast becoming one of thenorth coast holiday destinations with spectacular scenery on offer and pristine golden beaches which are gently lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. It is a popular kite-surfing destination as the area has good consistent winds blowing from the north-east and highly ranked kite-surfers are regular visitors to this town. Tourists can enjoy plenty of other adventurous activities such as fishing, yachting and kayaking. Humpback dolphins and whales are frequent visitors to the waters around Richards Bay and can be viewed from a specially erected viewing point at Alkantstrand Beach.

Richards Bay offers tourists entrance to the once forgotten corner of Africa that is Zululand, a place of exquisite beauty and diversity. A multitude of game reserves are within an hour or two's drive of Richards Bay. Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park is a must-see for nature lovers, featuring the 'big five' (elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo and rhinos) as well as cheetahs, wild dogs and nyala. Lake Mzingazi, the primary water supply of Richards Bay, is a popular tourist attraction offering visitors the chance to view Nile crocodiles and hippos as well as over 350 species of birds, making it a bird watcher's paradise. Richards Bay's surrounds have vast expanses of untouched and unspoilt indigenous vegetation as well as natural lakes and marshes, making it one of the most picturesque tourist destinations in the country.



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