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Moola Magic is a product of SAYTC.

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SAYTCBackpacking South Africa (BSA) was formed in 1998 as a non-profit organisa-tion with the following objectives:

to market South Africa globally as a preferred backpacker destination. •to establish a professional backpacker tourism industry based upon ac-•creditation and guidelines.

In 2007, BSA recognised the need to incorporate address other aspects of youth tourism. BSA expanded and the South African Youth Travel Confedera-tion (SAYTC) was formed. SAYTC is a membership-driven organisation with members from the following sectors:

Backpacking South Africa (BSA)• Representing the accommodation sub-sectorEducation South Africa (EduSA) •Representing student travel and language schools Tours & Transport South Africa (TaTSA) •Representing specialised youth and adventure tour operators and transport providersVolunteering South Africa (VolSA) •Representing organisers and operators of volunteer programmes.

Membership is not limited to South Africa, but includes members from neighbouring Southern African countries; Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland.

Most youth tourism service operators in the region are independent, but recognise the need for a national body, that is looking after the needs of visitors to South Africa. All members have undertaken to abide by basic standards and work towards the common good of both the traveller and industry.

Picture creditsCertain pictures courtesy of South African Tourism and the Apartheid Museum

Tel: +27 (0)82 220 6443E-mail: deborah@backpackingsouthafrica.co.zawww.saytc.co.za

INSIDE

About SAYTC

South Africa at a glance

Why visit South Africa?

Youth travel in South Africa?

Planning your trip

Responsible travel in South Africa

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Eastern Cape

Garden Route

Gauteng & Mpumalanga

KwaZulu-Natal

Western Cape

Lesotho & Victoria Falls

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Indian Ocean

Atlantic Ocean

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Swartberg Pass

Valley of DesolationValley of Desolation

Battle�elds

Kagga KammaNature Reserve

Verneuk PanBluebird Land speed

record (1929)

Verneuk PanBluebird Land speed

record (1929)

South AfricanAstronomicalObservatory

South AfricanAstronomicalObservatory

The Big Hole

Winelands

Namaqualand

spring flowers

National Arts Festival

Nelson MandelaMuseum

Southern tip of Africa

Golden Gate Nat. ParkGolden Gate Nat. Park

Mountain Zebra N.R.

Mountain Zebra N.R.

Tankwa-Karoo National ParkTankwa-Karoo National Park

Tsitsikamma Nat. Park

Tsitsikamma Nat. Park

Wilderness Nat. Park

Wilderness Nat. Park

Royal NatalNational ParkRoyal NatalNational Park

MadikweGame ReserveMadikweGame Reserve

PilanesbergGame ReservePilanesbergGame Reserve

KgalagadiTransfrontier ParkKgalagadiTransfrontier Park

KrugerNat.Park

KrugerNat.Park

Hluhluwe-uMfolozi

Park

Hluhluwe-uMfolozi

Park

Addo ElephantNational Park

Addo ElephantNational Park

KarooNat. Park

KarooNat. Park

Augrabies National Park

Mapungubwe Nat. Park

PRETORIA/TSHWANE

MBABANE

MASERU BLOEMFONTEIN

CAPE TOWN

uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park

The Cradle Of Humankind

Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape

Vredefort Dome

Richtersveld Cultural & Botanical Landscape

Robben Island

Cape Floral Kingdom

The Greater St. LuciaWetlands Park

JOHANNESBURG

MAFIKENG

BHISHO

POLOKWANE

NELSPRUIT

DURBAN

PIETERMARITZBURG

KIMBERLEY

MTHATHA

EAST LONDON

PORT ELIZABETH

Alexander Bay

Port Nolloth

Sodwana Bay

Jeffrey's Bay

KnysnaMossel Bay

Witsand

Phalaborwa

Pilgrims Rest HazyviewSabie

Terra Firma

St Lucia

Richards Bay

Ulundi

Eshowe

Port Edward

Springbok

Port St. Johns

Nieu Bethesda

Citrusdal

Paternoster

Cape Agulhas

Hermanus

Stellenbosch

Grahamstown

Lesotho

Namibia

Mozambique

SwazilandTembe

ElephantReserve

TembeElephantReserve

Cape Point Nature Reserve

West Coast National ParkOudtshoorn

Neighbouring countries

National Park

World Heritage SiteBotswana

Place of interest

South Africa at a glance

Perth9hrs 15min

Mumbai8hrs 15min

Singapore10hrs 15min

Hong Kong13hrs 15min

Cairo8hrs

Nairobi4hrs

Frankfurt10hrs 10mins

London11hrs

Miami18hrs

Rio de Janeiro9hrs

Buenos Aires11hrs

New York15hrs 20mins

Johannesburg

Getting to South Africa is very simple. There are many international daily flights and direct connections to Cape Town and Johannesburg from all corners of the globe. Travellers can also take an overland tour from most countries in Eastern and Southern Africa down to South Africa.

CapitalSouth Africa has three capital cities. Pretoria is the administratrive capital, Cape Town the legislative and Bloemfontein the judicial capital.

TimeThroughout the year, South Africa is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, 1 hour ahead of central European winter time, 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Winter Time (USA) and 7 hours after Australian Central Time.

Area South Africa is 1.2 million square kilometres or roughly 5 times

the size of Great Britain and 3 times the size of Texas. It is 4% of Africa’s total area.

CoastlineSouth Africa has 2 798km (1 726 miles) of coastline.

ElevationSouth Africa’s lowest point is 0m (0mi) at the ocean. The highest point is Njesuthi in the Drakensberg at 3 408m (2 118mi) above sea level.

South Africa has a population of roughly 50 million classified into four ethnic groups - Black (77%), White (11%), Coloured (9%) and Indian 3%. The Black African majority is not culturally homogenous and ethnic variations occur. The white population of South Africa are mostly English and Afrikaans speaking, Afrikaans being the language of Dutch setters. “Coloured” is the term used to describe people of mixed race. The Khoi Khoi and San, also referred to as the Bushmen, were the original inhabitants of South Africa. These hunter-gatherers exist presently only in small isolated groups. Indian settlers first arrived in South Africa in the late 1800’s to work on sugarcane plantations in KwaZulu-Natal and Indian culture has a strong influence in the area, particularly in Durban. The majority of South Africans are Christian (68%) and almost 30% continue to follow indigenous faiths, with beliefs rooted in the ancestors.

South Africa has 11 official languages. English is the fifth most spoken home language (8.2%). However, English is widely spoken throughout South Africa and visitors should not have a problem with communication or being understood.

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Cape Town

East London

Durban

JohannesburgPretoria

Bloemfontein

Lesotho

Swaziland

Mozam-bique

Namibia

Botswana

Port Elizabeth

Limpopo

Western Cape

Eastern Cape

Northern Cape

Gauteng

Mpumalanga

Kwa-ZuluNatal

North-West

Free State

South Africa has 4 862km (2 999 miles) of boundaries. The country has borders with Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe. South Africa completely surrounds Lesotho and almost completely surrounds Swaziland. South Africa’s biggest neighbour by far is the ocean – or two oceans, which meet at the southern tip at Cape Agulhas.

South Africa has nine provinces, each with their own attractions.

Eastern CapeThe Eastern Cape is home to South Africa’s longest and sunniest coastline and the world’s highest bungee jump and the birthplace of Nelson Mandela.

Free StateFree State is a province of wide, open space and conservation areas that are rich in wildlife and rare beautiful birds.

GautengSouth Africa’s economic powerhouse and hub of business and entertain-ment. It is a gateway to Africa.

KwaZulu-NatalThe “Kingdom of the Zulu” is home to ancient San Rock Art, Big 5 game reserves and spectacular coral reefs.

LimpopoLimpopo Province is the Land of the Upside-Down Trees, baobabs, and boasts a number of game parks.

MpumalangaMpumalanga is known for its game reserves, breathtaking natural scenery, mountains, waterfalls and spectacular views.

Northern CapeThis Northern Cape is a land of contrast with exquisite scenery and unique fauna and flora. It is home to the Diamond Capital of the World – Kimberley.

North West ProvinceThe area is rich in archaeological discoveries that go back to the beginnings of humankind.

Western CapeMajestic Table Mountain is undoubtedly the most famous landmark in this province. Experience country hospitality on the Wine Route, Route 62 and the Garden Route.

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Southern Africa is an all year destination. It enjoys a pleasant climate, with warm sunny days most the year. Summer runs from November to February, when most of the region is basking in warm to hot weather.

The eastern coastline is lush and subtropical with humid summers. Swim-ming and surfing here is a year-round activity. The southern coastline and the Cape of Good Hope have a Mediterranean climate with wet winters and hot, dry summers.

The great inland Karoo plateau, where rocky hills and mountains rise from scrubland, is dry and gets more so going north-west into the Kalahari desert. Winters are mild everywhere except in the higher country. There are frosts and occasional snowfalls in the mountainous Drakensberg and Lesotho plateau.

Your trip to South Africa would be incomplete without a wildlife safari. The open plains, clear skies and grazing buck have always been an attraction for fascinated animal watchers. Most tourists go on safari hoping to spot one of the Big 5, lions, leopards, elephants, rhino and buffalo.

But just as many have discovered that the more modest of South Africa’s wildlife are equally enchanting. There are buck, giraffes and zebras that roam the plains. Ostrich and meerkat live in the dryer Karoo. If you were to look down, perhaps you could spy a dung beetle hauling his load.

South Africa’s wildlife is not limited to the land. Hippos and crocodiles inhabit waterways and estuaries. Dolphins and sharks, including the Great White, are regular visitors to the coast. Whales make an appearance during the winter months from mid June to the end of October.

South Africa has twenty national parks and numerous private game reserves. Winter (July to October) is a better time to view game when the vegetation is shorter and you can view more. Safaris are best enjoyed in an open-vehi-cle with a guide who will tell you more about what you see.

Popular national parks for game viewing:

Addo Elephant Park for elephants•iSimangalisto Wetlands Park for hippos and crocodiles•Hluhluwe-uMfolozi Park for rhinos•Kruger Park is the oldest and biggest game reserve•Pilanesberg is closest game reserve to Johannesburg•

South Africa’s history has been turbulent, but South Africans draw strength from the past. Leaders like Nelson Mandela have been an inspiration. Learn about his life, and the history of others, at museums like Robben Island, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, the Nelson Mandela Museum in Mthatha and the District Six Museum.

Given South Africa’s diverse culture and history and its spectacular natural resources and wildlife, it is not surprising that it boasts the eight World Heritage Sites. They are:

Cape Floral Kingdom•Isimangaliso (St. Lucia) Wetlands Park•Robben Island•The Cradle of Humankind•Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park•Vredefort Meteorite Dome•The Richtersveld Cultural & Botanical Landscape•

Why visit South Africa?

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part

heid

Mus

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South Africa has the wonderful weather and beautiful landscape to thank for the abundance of outdoor activities on offer. There is really something to keep everyone busy.

The breathtaking mountains, forests and beaches are perfect for traditional activities like hiking, cycling and horse riding. But South Africa is growing as an adventure destination and visitors can engage in activities that are more extreme.

Southern Africa now boasts the highest bungee jump, gorge swing and sin-gle drop abseil in the world. Zipline tours, involving speeding down a cable suspended high above the ground, is becoming a South African speciality. Then there’s canyoning, tubing, quad biking, skydiving and countless other thrills that can faciliate as many adrenalin fixes as the body can cope with.

South Africa’s coastline is also a treat for water babies. There are countless surfs spots and just as many locals willing to share their knowledge with visiting surfers.

Kite surfing and wind surfing equipment is availabe to hire in the windier destinations. Divers can come face to face with a prowling shark, either in the cage or not. Sodwana Bay is a favourite amongst scuba divers and snorkellers for its unspoilt coral reefs, warm water and diversity of fish and invertebrates.

There’s nothing better than meeting the people in the places that you visit and South Africans can’t wait to meet you. If the country’s eleven official languages are anything to go by, it is very culturally diverse.

Some South Africans have their roots in Europe and India, but most have their roots in Africa. Zulus, Xhosas, Ndebele and Afrikaners are only some of the people you are likely to meet on your visit.

Each culture is unique has a language and customs. People in the rural areas lead more traditional and simple lives that involve ceremonies, celebrations, traditional healing and belief in the ancestors. Many still live in mud and grass huts. Constrastingly, modern African music and funky fashions have grown from the hip culture in urban townships like Soweto.

South Africans love al fresco dining. There are many fine restaurants that serve local and international cuisine and quality South African wine. Vine-yards have a long history of producing fine wines and many are on beautiful estates that, like most other places in South Africa, welcome visitors.

Crafters come from all over Africa come to South Africa to sell their wares. Beadwork, pottery, basketry and carving continue to thrive. Crafters are also using new materials to fashion their artwork - pieces of wire are moulded into the shapes of animals, flowers and even cars and cellphones. Beads add a splash of colour to the wire sculptures. Waste material like old telephone wire and plastic bags get recycled into fashionable accessories like hand-bags and ear-rings.

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Backpacking is a fun and exciting way to tour South Africa on a budget.

Independent travellers can hop between hostels that are referred to as ‘backpackers’ in South Africa. They’re like hostels, but are so much more. There are backpacker hostels in all ma-jor tourist destinations in South Africa.

Many of them are in great locations – in the city centres close to the action, in rural Africa, on the beach, in the forest and in the mountains.

Every backpacker hostel has a personality. Some are bustling and festive, while others are quiet and relaxing. Every backpacker hostel is unique. Decor and architecture make bold statements and reflect the culture and styles of South Africa.

Backpacker hostels are comfortable and convenient. This may be Africa, but you will be pleasantly surprised at the high standards set by our backpacker hostels. Travellers are well looked after with comfortable shared or private rooms, kitchens, meals and travel desks that will conveniently arrange anything if you ask.

Backpacker hostels have atmosphere. They are places where you can meet

and share with both South Africans and fellow travellers.

The popular way for independent bud-get travellers to get around South Af-rica is by either renting a car from one of our reliable car rental companies, or taking the hop-on hop-off shuttle, the Baz Bus. Your choice depends your time in South Africa and your budget.

If you don’t want the hassle of inde-pendent travel then daytrips, tours and

open-vehicles safaris are a great way to see the country. Overland trucking is a great way to explore both South Africa and beyond our borders into other countries in Southern and East Africa. There are a number of reputable companies that have routes to some of Africa’s most captivating attractions.

Finally, no trip to South Africa is complete without some adventure and there are many adventure companies willing to help travellers get their

adrenalin fix - bungy jumping, abseiling, shark cage diving .......

Make your travels meaningful by vol-unteering in Southern Africa. Volunteer programs are widespread and diverse. They include wildlife and environmental conservation, community work, educa-tion and childcare. With volunteering, you get to visit a wonderful country and make a positive contribution.

International students can also arrange internships in South African companies and gain valuable work experience.

English is one of South Africa’s official languages and is the main language for business and the media.

South Africa is a great place to learn to speak English and there are a number of English language schools in beautiful and interesting places.

Over the past decade South Africa has increasingly entered into the EFL industry, and has become an extremely popular destination for English Language Travellers. Education South Africa (EduSA) centres focus on the provision of English language tuition and ar-range many tourist related services such as accommodation, excursions and the building of cultural links.

EduSA is committed to developing and guiding the growth of the English language travel industry in South Africa and ensuring that its members meet or exceed guaranteed minimum standards of professionalism and quality.

Youth travel in South Africa

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Planning your trip

South Africa is a big country and the most convenient way to get around is by car. Generally, the road networks are excellent and South Africa’s highways continue to be upgraded and maintained. A number of reputable car hire companies offer a wide range of vehicles that vary according to the traveller’s needs. There are also bus and coach companies that do long haul trips and operate within the bigger cities. Sometimes, it is more convenient to fly between cities. There are three major international airports and six national airports.

South Africa is an all year destination, so your visit will depend on your inter-ests. The seasons are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere.

The best time for game viewing is late winter to early spring (July to Oc-tober). The Namaqualand Flowers bloom between August and November.Whales can be seen off the coast from mid June to the end of October. Div-ing and surfing are year round activities but are generally best from April to September. The best time for river rafting is at the end of winter in the Cape and during summer (late November to February) in KwaZulu-Natal. Spring and autumn are the best months for hiking as summer can be very hot. South Africa’s superb climate allows you to lounge all year round on one of her beaches.

Entry is straightforward and hassle-free for the majority of foreign nationals who travel to South Africa. All visitors to South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport. For many nationalities, visas are not required up to a maximum number of days. Contact your closest South African consulate for the latest visa requirements. A yellow fever certificate is required from travel-lers over 1 year of age coming from an infected area.

The local currency is the South African Rand (R1=100 cents), which ex-changes favourably with the major international currencies. International traveller’s cheques are accepted, but it is better to carry hard currencies like Dollars, Euros or Pounds. Credit cards and debit cards are widely accepted and can be used to withdraw money at cash machines.

South Africa has one landline telephone operator and several mobile phone operators using the GSM system. Bring along your mobile phone and ar-range international roaming before you leave. Alternatively, use ‘pay-as-you-go’ with one of the three mobile networks.

Internet access is widespread throughout the country, but can be slow in the rural areas. Cities have broadband internet access and some WI-FI spots. Many travellers carry their laptops.

Most parts of the country can be safely visited by tourists provided they take basic common-sense precautions (for example not walking alone in de-serted areas at night and being circumspect about how much photographic equipment or flashy jewellery you carry. Most of the crime that takes place in South Africa is between people who know each other and random acts of violence are the minority of cases. Most major cities run organized crime prevention programmes.

South African men may be sexist, but the country is safe for women travel-lers, even those travelling alone.

In a great many medical disciplines, South Africa is a global leader. In fact, South African trained doctors are sought after all over the world, so this should give an indication of the standard of medical care available. There is a large network of public and private hospitals countrywide, offering excel-lent service. However, visitors must have adequate health insurance to cover the fees private hospitals charge.

Malaria is found only in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo and on the Maputaland coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Malaria is not much of a risk in the winter months. Although the incidence of malaria is rare, it would be best to take adequate precautions if you choose to visit these areas.

All visitors intending to drive are required to obtain an international drivers permit. Visitors found driving without a permit will be fined and not permit-ted to continue on their journey.

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Responsible travel in South Africa

We’ve put together some tips for responsible travel in South Africa. If you run through the list, you’ll realize that the suggestions aren’t that unreason-able and not meant to reduce your enjoyment of our country in any way.

You’ve flown a long way to get here and then worked your way around •South Africa. Companies like CliamteCare and TreeFlights will help offset the carbon emissions from your trip.Public transport and the Baz Bus are great ways of reducing your carbon •footprint because you’re sharing the burden. Rent a car that is fuel efficient and offer rides to other travellers.•

Be adventurous. Get to know the people in different parts of South •Africa. Learn a few words of the local language and use them. Be respectful of our people’s privacy, especially on township and village •tours. Ask permission before you take a picture.Souvenirs are cheap in South Africa. Try not to bargain the seller down •to too low a price. They need to earn a living too.Don’t short-change waiters and waitresses. The minimum tip for good •service is 10%. You can choose not to tip them if the service was bad, but tell them where they went wrong.Understand that we have a different concept of time. Be patient. •We really do have different thought patterns than you. Try to under-•stand before you judge.Buy local produce, hire local guides and stay in locally owned lodges. •This way, the money that you spend stays in the community.Support local conservation and social projects.•

South Africa is a dry country. Use water sparingly.•Switch off lights and air-conditioning when you go out.•Don’t litter. South Africans do enough of that already.•Remove excess packaging before going into rural areas. Disposing •waste can be is difficult. Re-use your plastic bags. You have to pay for these anyway.•Tap water is safe to drink in most parts of South Africa. Keep a bottle •and refill it instead of buying bottled water.SASSI advises diners what fish is legal to buy or order in a restaurant and •what species are threatened or endangered. Send the name of a fish by text message 079 499 8795 and you will get a prompt response telling you what the status of the species are.Stay on trails and don’t drive into protected and prohibited areas. •

Don’t feed, touch and harass wild animals. Wild animals may look cute, •but they’re still unpredictable and you place yourself at risk. Don’t support animal performances where animals are trained to do •things that have no basis in their natural behaviour.In closer interactions with wild animals, first ask questions. Where did •the animal come from and what is it destined for? A responsible opera-

tor is not in any way linked to the canned hunting industry.It is illegal for foreigners to buy ivory in South Africa. Also think twice •about buying products made with porcupine quills and rare trees.Don’t encourage guides to move so close to wildlife that your presence •disturbs it. If an animal is feeling threatened or alarmed by your pres-ence, leave it alone. This applies to both game viewing and boat-based whale and dolphin watching.

The sure-fire to ensure that you’re making a good choice is by choosing •tourism busineses for some form of independent accreditation. There are several eco-certifications that you can use as a guide. We recom-mend Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa, the first certification of its kind, and one that was designed specifically for South Africa’s needs.

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Cities: East London, Port Elizabeth, MthathaAirports: East London, Port Elizabeth, MthathaLanguages spoken: Xhosa, English & Afrikaans

Game viewingThe Eastern Cape has several reserves that offer excellent game viewing. The Greater Addo Elephant National Park is a vast marine reserve that is home to the Big 5 and two giants of the seas – Southern Right Whales and Great White Sharks.

Xhosa cultureXhosa villages dot the rolling hills of the Wild Coast. Life here echoes the past – homes are simple mud huts without modern conveniences and traditional healers, ceremonies and coming-of-age rituals still play a central role in the Xhosa life.

Nelson Mandela MuseumVisit the birthplace and early stomping ground of Nelson Mandela and learn about his extraordinary life at the museum dedicated to him in Mthatha.

Owl HouseThe eclectic town of Nieu-Bethesda is home to the Owl House – an ordinary Karoo home transformed into a display of colour and light, created from sculptures in cement and glass.

Surfing and beach lifeLong sandy beaches and sunny days bode well for sand, sun and sea lovers. Places along the Wild Coast and Sunshine Coast have good surfing condi-tions. Jeffreys Bay is the centre of the winter surfing season and contenders for world champion title face-off here every July.

Amathole Mountain EscapeThe mysterious Amatola Mountains set the scene for a dramatic tourist route. With clear mountain air, thick blankets of snow in winter and warm, sunny days in days in summer, it is a great destination at every time of year.

Towns in this destination: Hogsback

Wild CoastAn almost untouched paradise and a true African coastline - the Wild Coast is rocky and untamed with breathtaking scenery and a rich cultural heritage. Trek through lush coastal forests, along pristine beaches and discover the age old traditions of the local Xhosa people.

Towns in this destination: Chintsa , Coffee Bay, Bulungula, Mdumbi, Mthatha, Port St. Johns

Frontier CountryThis region provides a mixture of attractions varying from old forts and battlefields, museums and monuments and abundant wildlife. Graham-stown is the home of South Africa’s premier arts festival held in July.

Towns in this destination: Grahamstown

Karoo HeartlandA land of wide open spaces, this is where “the earth meets the sky”. Head off-the-beaten track to discover fossil treasures, Bushman paintings, history and (sometimes quirky) culture.

Towns in this destination: Nieu-Bethesda, Graaff-Reinet

Sunshine CoastThe Sunshine Coast stretches along a spectacular strip of coastline that is blessed with sunny days for much of the year. It is a playground for water-sports, fine wildlife viewing and a variety of trails and outdoor adventure activities.

Towns in this destination: East London, Jeffreys Bay, Port Elizabeth, Addo

Eastern Cape

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Garden Route

Cities: GeorgeAirports: GeorgeLanguages spoken: English, Afrikaans & Xhosa

Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National ParkThe Tsitsikamma is an 80km long coastal strip between Nature’s Valley and the mouth of the Storms River. The luxuriant forest is old and untouched. There are two hiking routes for the well-trained hiker; the popular Otter Trail and the 72km Tsitsikamma Trail. The park has many unique plants and is home to antelope and monkeys.

Adventure activitiesThe Garden Route can facilitate as many adrenalin fixes as the human body can cope with. The Bloukrans Bungee is the highest in the world at 216m. Abseil above raging waters at the Heads in Knysna or dive to the sunken ship, The Paquita. Skydive in Plettenberg Bay or Mossel Bay and paraglide onto the beach in Wilderness. Mossel Bay is also the only destination on the Garden Route that offers shark cage diving. Head off to Storms River to go river tubing and to do a zipline adventure high above the ground in the forest canopy. Optionally there’s quad-biking, horse riding, mountain biking and other less extreme activities.If you’re on a budget, there’s plenty of free day walks and beaches....

Whale watchingSouthern Right Whales come into the Garden Route’s calm waters to calve and protect their young during winter and spring months. Plettenberg Bay offers boat-based whale watching facilities.

Cango CavesA series of limestone caves in the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains that have both spectacular halls and grand limestone formations, as well as rather small passages that visitors squeeze through on an adventure tour.

George & Victoria BayThe capital of the Garden Route, George offers a full range of adventure activities, most notably cycling down the Outeniqua Pass. Victoria Bay is a small cove that is popular with surfers, which consists of a right hand reef like wave which rolls over small boulder-like rocks for about 200m.

Knysna & Sedgefield Knysna nestles on the banks of a beautiful lagoon with soaring monoliths called “The Heads” that guard the bay and the treacerous waters that lead into the lagoon. Knynsa is surrounded by a natural paradise of lush indig-enous forests, tranquil lakes and golden beaches.

Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay is an all-year-round friendly holiday haven. The Maritime Mu-seum has a replica of the first European ship that landed in the bay in 1488.

Oudtshoorn

The heart of ostrich country, Oudtshoorn now attracts wildlife and cycling enthusiasts, as well as those wanting to befriend the world’s largest bird.

Plettenberg Bay Originally christened “Bahia Formosa”, or “beautiful bay” by early Portuguese explorers, Plettenberg Bay is characterised by sweeping, unspoilt golden beaches, a dramatic rocky peninsula, intriguing lagoons and estuaries, tow-ering indigenous forests and unpolluted rivers.

Storms River VillageStorms River Village is the hub of adventure on the ‘Garden Route’. It is also the closest town to the Tsitsikamma National Park.

WildernessWilderness is a seaside town on the Touw River Lagoon that is known for its long white beach. The Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park has rivers, estuaries, beaches and a lake area. Popular activities include hiking in the forest, canoeing on the estuary and paragliding.

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Cities: Johannesburg, PretoriaAirports: Johannesburg, LanseriaLanguages spoken: English, Afrikaans, Zulu & Sotho

Apartheid MuseumThe Aparhied Museum is dedicated to illustrating apartheid and the 20th century history of South Africa. Provocative film footage, photographs, text panels and artefacts tell the stories of apartheid.

SowetoSoweto township is famous all over the world for its resistance during Apartheid. It was the home of many of South Africa’s most prominent political leaders. Today, Soweto represents the modern history of a free and democratic South Africa. Here, millions of Sowetans from all South African tribes live together in squatter camps, ‘matchbox’-houses and some man-sions here and there.

Soweto is bustling. Hawkers sell their wares on every street corner, kids play soccer on makeshift fields and the churches throb to the sound of gospel music. At night the shebeens, taverns and night clubs offer local entertain-ment. For visitors Soweto there is excitement, adventure and fascination. For millions of residents, it is home.

JohannesburgWith roots in mining dating back to 1886 when gold was discovered, ‘Joburg’ exploded from a dusty, crowded mining camp into the modern economic hub of South Africa that still attracts hopefuls from other parts of Africa.

Pretoria

The administrative capital is also called the Jacaranda City after the spring-time sea of purple blossoms. Pretoria has a student population of 76 000.

Cities: NelspruitAirports: NelspruitLanguages spoken: English, Afrikaans, SiSwati, Zulu & Ndebele

Kruger National ParkThe Kruger National Park is one of the oldest, biggest and best game reserves in the world. While the “Big 5” - lion, elephant, leopard, rhino and buffalo, are the biggest attractions, there are 114 species of reptiles, 507 spe-cies of birds and at least 140 other mammals to be seen. While the park can be explored on one’s own, we recommend you go on safari to get the most of the open vehicles and the knowledge of experienced rangers.

Panorama RouteThe Panorama Route, as the name suggests, has many panoramic view-ing points of dramatic scenery. The route begins in Graskop, heads off to the Lisbon and Berlin waterfalls and continues to God’s Window that has viewpoints that teeter on the edge of the wilderness. Bourke’s Luck Potholes are erosion features caused by the swirling river. The route veers to the Blyde River Canyon before returning to Graskop.

Towns aong this route: Sabie, Dullstroom, Hazyview

Adventure activitiesThe mountains and valleys of Mpumalanga offer much in the way of out-door activities. Hiking and moutain bike trails criss-cross the hills and the rivers and waterfalls are ideal of rafting, tubing and canyoning.

Nelspruit

Nelspruit is the capital of Mpumalanga. It is an easy going city and has a great reputation for sweep-you-off-your-feet friendliness. It is an excellent place to book a tour to Swaziland and Mozambique, get a visa or arrange tours in and around the Kruger Park.

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KwaZulu-Natal

Cities: Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Richards BayAirports: Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Richards BayLanguages spoken: Zulu & English

Isimangaliso (St. Lucia) Wetlands ParkSandy beaches, forested dunes, wetlands, grasslands, forests, lakes and savannah that is home to a wide variety of marine, wetland and savannah species. The landscape is shaped by the sea, wind and the river. The park was declared a World Heritage site on the basis of its biodiversity.

Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg ParkA mountainous region of outstanding natural beauty that is popular amongst hikers. It is also home to superb rock art paintings by the San, hunter-gatherers who lived here from the Stone Age until the mid 1800’s, and for this it has been declared a World Heritage Site.

The beach lifeKwaZulu-Natal’s tropical coastline, balmy weather, golden beaches and warm waters lends itself to dreamy days on the beach. Several beaches also offer excellent surf conditions, especially during the winter months between May and September.

Traditional Zulu CultureThe life of the rural Zulu is a blend of the modern and the traditional. Zulus may aim for mod cons like electricity and cellphones, but they still adhere to old beliefs and engage in the rituals of days gone by. Many traditional ceremonies are still held.

Game viewingThe northern reaches of KwaZulu-Natal was once the sacred hunting ground of the Zulu nation. Today, conservation is the focus and there are several Bi 5 game reserves. Hluhluwe Umfolozi specialises in the conserva-tion of the white rhino.

DurbanDurban is ‘South Africa’s playground’. African, Indian and European influ-ences harmoniously blend together to give every visitor an experience of sun, fun and culture second to none in South Africa. Durban is famous for its wonderful weather and beautiful warm Indian Ocean beaches.

DrakensbergThe Zulu call the Drakensberg, “the barrier of spears”. The range is spectacu-lar with towering peaks of up to 3,300m, deep ravines, sparkling cascades and plateaus brimming with over flowers and trees.

Towns in this destination: Underberg, Matatiele, Winterton

Dolphin CoastThe coastline north of Durban is called Dolphin Coast after the many bottle-nosed dolphins that are regularly sited offshore.

Towns in this destination: Ballito, Salt Rock

Elephant Coast The Elephant Coast is an eco-tourist’s dream with Big 5 game reserves the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park that is home to hippos, crocodiles, fish and birds. Sodwana Bay, at the northern end of the park, is popular with divers-for diversity of marine life and corals.

Towns in this destination: Hluhluwe, Sodwana Bay, St. Lucia

South CoastThe South Coast is the ultimate beach holiday destination. In winter the sea is warm and the air is balmy. In summer the sun is hot and the nights almost tropical. Everything on the South Coast exists in a state of happy tranquillity.

Towns in this destination: Warner Beach, Scottburgh, Umtentweni, Port Edward

ZululandThis is the centre of Zulu Culture. Find museums, battlefields, crafts, pottery and beads amidst the scenic rolling hills of Zululand. Visit local villages and attend traditional Zulu celebrations.

Towns in this destination: Eshowe, Mtubatuba

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Cities: Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Paarl, GeorgeAirports: Cape Town, GeorgeLanguages spoken: English, Afrikaans & Xhosa

Table MountainThe top of Cape Town’s landmark can be reached via a leisurely ride on the rotating cableway or along various hiking trails. Whichever route you choose, you can be certain of the view from the top - it’s stunning.

Robben IslandRobben Island, just 20km from Cape Town, was where Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were jailed. Today, it is a symbol of the struggle against apartheid and a World Heritage site.

Wine tastingExplore the Western Cape vineyards on a bicycle tour, on a scenic drive or an organised tour. Most wine estates offer wine tastings and sales and offer cheese and chocolate tastings and have restaurant and picnic facilities.

Whale watchingThe Western Cape coastline offers excellent land-based whale watching be-tween June and November when Southern Right whales visit these shores.

The Southern tip of AfricaCape Agulhas has the double-honour of being the southern-most tip of Africa and the meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.

Shark cage divingGreat White Sharks are regularly sighted along the Western Cape coastline, but those wanting a close encounter can opt for a cage dive. Shark cage diving is popular in False Bay in Cape Town, the Overberg town of Gansbaai and Mossel Bay on the Garden Route.

Cape TownFew cities in the world can boast a more spectacular setting than the “Mother City”. It is dominated by a towering, table-shaped mountain, set on a peninsula of soaring, rocky heights and lush valleys. Immense natural beauty, and the fast pace and bright lights of a great urban centre meld ef-fortlessly here. Firmly positioned on the international map, Cape Town offers a myriad things to do and places to see, whatever your tastes, inclinations or budget.

Overberg

Overberg is the name used to describe the area from the Hottentots Hol-land mountains in the west to Mossel Bay in the east. The region includes many fine beaches along meticulously sculpted bays. Coastal towns are famous for offering good land-based whale watching during the winter season and shark sightings for much of the year.

Towns in this destination: Gansbaai, Hermanus, Struisbaai

West Coast & CederbergThe West Coast comprises a chain of fishing villages. The sea and its bounty is central for the people of these villages. Life here is all about simple pleasures; fresh seafood and springtime flowers. Whales are regular winter visitors.

Towns in this destination: Paternoster, Cederberg, Clanwilliam

WinelandsThe rolling vineyards of Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek and Wellington are nestled amid soaring mountains. Wine estates preserve traditions from the 17th century and offer wine tasting and cellar tours. Each estate is as unique as the taste of their wines.

Towns in this destination: Stellenbosch, Somerset West

Garden RouteThe Garden Route is a popular and scenic stretch of the southern coast of South Africa. It stretches all the way from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape.

Western Cape

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Lesotho Victoria Falls

Cities: MaseruAirports: MaseruLanguages spoken: Sesotho

Pony trekkingThe Basotho use sure-footed ponies and donkeys on treacherous mountain passes. Go on a pony trek for an authentic Lesotho experience. Most longer treks include overnight stays in remote Basoth villages.

Basotho cultureThe Basotho are passive people with an indomitable spirit. Most are subsis-tence farmers and their colourful woolen blankets and grass hats dot the fields. The Basotho are friendly and will welcome you into their homes.

Abseiling the Maletsunyane FallsThis 200m abseil along the falls into the gorge is the highest in the world.

Cities: LivingstoneAirports: LivingstoneLanguages spoken: English & many local dialects

White water raftingRaft the Zambezi river with its grades 3-5 rapids and breathtaking scenery of the Batoka Gorge.

Microlighting over Victoria Falls The best way to view the Victoria Falls is from the air and a microlight trip offers uninterrupted views and great camera angles.

Mosi-Oa-Tunya National ParkGo on a walking safari and get up close to giraffe, elephant, zebra, rhino, buffalo and other creatures of the wild.