Travel ideas in South Africa

Since the first democratic elections were held in South Africa during 1994, the nation has begun to purge its Apartheid past and has witnessed a resulting boom in cultural tourism.

Visitors to the nation are mainly drawn by its natural beauty, as well as South Africa's diverse ethnic and social history, but the diversity of attractions on offer, as well as the climate, has ensured a growing reputation.

This is a nation where Asian and European (mainly British and Dutch) influences have merged with an indigenous tribal heritage over a period of centuries to crate a unique social climate.

Here travelbite.co.uk takes a look at some of the highlights of this fascinating country.

What to see

The natural wonder of South Africa is perhaps best encapsulated by the Northern Kruger National Park - especially in the 'wild north' of the park.

While south of the Crocodile River is dismissively referred to as a zoo by locals, the north of the park offers visitors a chance to view massive herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as rare species like tsessebe, sable, roan and eland amid the dense tropical jungle.

Camps at Satara, Shingwedzi, Mopani, Letaba, Olifants and Punda Maria all offer respite and a range of accommodation options.

For those looking for a more urban retreat the cities of Johannesburg and Cape Town offer a look at a different side of the nation.

'Joburg', as it is known to the locals, is the economic and cultural centre of South Africa – with highlights including the annual National Arts Festival, Apartheid Museum and black townships of Soweto.

Over in Cape Town, the oldest city in our country, visitors can check out Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront (a unique shopping and holiday experience on a scenic working harbour) and Robben Island, the former home of Nelson Mandela.

Located on the Cape of Africa, South Africa has tremendous access to the natural wonders of the Antarctic – including opportunities to watch Southern Right Whales in their natural habitat.

Leaving behind their icy feeding grounds, the whales head toward the warmer climbs in order to mate and calve - providing whale-watchers with spectacular displays of raw power and elegant water acrobatics.

Some of the best locations to view these natural wonders include Hermanus, which overlooks Walker Bay on the Cape south coast, and is considered to boast the best land-based whale-watching platform in the world.

On the west coast areas along to Lambert's Bay, Elands Bay, St Helena, Saldanha and Ysterfontein all offer opportunities.

Those wishing to explore the nation amid timeless glamour can do so on one of two luxury trail routes. The Rovos Rail criss-crosses the country, offering five-star accommodation to a maximum of 72 passengers in wood-panelled coaches.



Life aboard the Rovos Express

Services depart from a private station in Pretoria – offering red carpet service from start to finish.

The Blue Train also offers a luxury window into the South African world. Featuring a personal butler service, the trains offer all the splendours imaginable, including air conditioning or under-floor heating.

For connoisseurs, the Club Lounge offers imported cigars while delectable cuisine offers a taste of the nation amid the luxurious surroundings.

2010 Football World Cup

South Africa won the honour of hosting the 19th FIFA Football World Cup in 2004, with the event now scheduled to take place between June 11th and July 11th 2010.

Some nine cities across the country – including Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, Pretoria, and Rustenburg – will host matches, featuring teams from 31 nations from around the world.

Tickets for the event will go on sale during 2009, with prices ranging from $20 (£12) for a category four ticket for a group stage match, to $900 (£580) for a category one ticket for the final.

The hope is to reflect FIFA’s positioning of the World Cup as a premium international sporting event, yet also take account of the South African market – allowing local residents to take advantage of the tournament.

For more information on the preparations for the tournament take a look at the official FIFA website.

Where to stay

Among the most enchanting locations in South Africa is the Singita Game Reserve hotel – composed of the Ebony and Boulders lodges, amid an 18,000 hectare concession in the renowned Sabi Sand Reserve adjoining the Kruger National Park.

Offering everything you would expect from a luxury resort - world-class cuisine, spa, exquisite décor – the location also offers a chance to tour the local region and see the big five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) in their natural habitat.

In Cape Town, Ellerman House ranks among the most exclusive properties in South Africa – occupying a commanding position over the Bantry Bay. Original artworks and a vintage wine collection are both on hand and waiting to be enjoyed, in this exclusive setting.

The Peech is located in the exclusive suburb of Melrose in Johannesburg, close to restaurants and nightlife of Melrose Arch. Rooms are also decorated with an indigenous African feel and include the famous 'raindance' showers.

For those looking to camp in the natural splendour of South Africa La Mouette near Stanger on the KwaZulu Natal North coast is clean and well run, while self-catering accommodation can be found at ATKV Hartenbos, located between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth on the Garden Route, approximately eight kilometres from Mossel Bay.

How to get to South Africa

South African Airways has a number of flights daily between Johannesburg and London Heathrow, while British Airways also operates the route.

Chris O'Toole