About South Africa

South Africa is an exhilarating, spectacular and complex country. With its post-apartheid identity still in the process of definition, there is undoubtedly an abundance of energy and sense of progress about the place. Travellers too are returning to a remarkable land that has been off the trail for way too long.

The infrastructure is constantly improving, the climate is kind and there are many places to see Africa's wildlife.

—    The South African Experience

South Africa is well endowed with a large assortment of wonderful experiences. You can enjoy the sweet scent of desert that amazingly turns into a colourful carpet of flowers in Spring or you can choose to see the big five in one of the world’s most recognized national parks or simply take a journey to a deeper understanding of the country and humankind through some of the country’s heritage sites.

There are vibrant cities and thrilling townships to give you a memorable South African urban experience and there are blue flag beaches to chill out on - There are countless wonderful South African explorations that anyone can embark on.

—    Places of Interest in South Africa

There are many places to go and enjoy South Africa at her best; the list of places to go to in South Africa is endless!

Iconic places include Robbin Island, a former political prison that now stands as one of the key world heritage sites in South Africa, Table Mountain, our blue flag beaches, the gold mines, fossil-based World Heritage site The Cradle of Humankind and many more intriguing, fascinating places of interest.

About Cape Town

With its ancient tradition of hospitality and a modern reputation as the favorite destination of South African's and visitors alike, the city of Cape Town is funky and old, vibrant and new, colourful and exciting.

High, blue mountains and sweeping oceans that border the Cape Peninsula are a thrilling and stimulating accumulation of city and country, offering something for everyone- whether you are looking for the excitement of street life or the quiet nature at its undisturbed best.

Cape Town Heritage and Culture

 

—        People of the soil

The Western Cape is a rich agricultural tapestry. Fruit, wheat and livestock (sheep and chickens) are the main produce.

Wine routes are one of the biggest tourist attractions in the Western Cape. Daily wine tasting, cellar tours and sales are offered at most cellars and many of these have restaurant and picnic facilities.

Wine may be purchased at the cellar door. your purchases of any given quantity can be delivered locally or internationally.

Historic Stellenbosch:

In 1679 the valley was fertile and particularly suited to agriculture and the river banks and surrounded areas well wooded. The Dutch East India Company intended that fruit and vegetables be grown here to supply ships enroute to and from the East Indies. The early settlers were encouraged to plant oak trees as the oak lined streets, they bear testimony today and the country's second oldest town became effectively known as "Eikestad"- town of oaks.

 

—                    The Spirit of Ubuntu

A typically South African term,

There are many possible translations in English for ubuntu, including:

• "Humanity towards others"
• "I am because we are"
• "A person 'becomes human' through other persons"
• "A person is a person because of other persons"

A popular definition of ubuntu is, "the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity."

An attempt at a longer definition has been made by Archbishop Tutu (1999):

“

A person with ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed.

”

 

The word township refers to the country's many satellite settlements created by a policy of segregation. People were forced to move into the townships under difficult circumstances during Apartheid.

           

—                  Malay Culture

The Cape Malay people of the Western Cape are the direct descendants of political exiles imported from the East Indies as slaves by Dutch settlers who colonized the Western Cape over 300 years ago.

On 2 January known to Cape Town as the "Tweede Second Jaar", is known as The Coon Carnival in the Cape Town CBD. This is a community where this traditional festival is very strong.

—                       Cape Chic

The Cape has top designer label stores, trendy bars and world class restaurants. The Cape has become the fashion capital of South Africa with the countries leading designers getting their inspiration from the natural beauty and people of the Cape.

 

—              The Fisher Folk of the Cape

The Cape has, what may sometimes seem like, endless miles of coastline. With the Indian Ocean (with the warm Mozambique current) on the east and the Atlantic Ocean (with the colder Beguela current) on the west, fishing is an integral part of life in the Cape.

 

—       A healthy lifestyle

The Cape has sunshine, clear open skies and a people with a genuine zest for life. The Cape is known as the sport and health capital of South Africa. With a calendar of world class sport events, gyms, wellness centres, never far from mountains or the beach - few can argue.