Discovering Africa - South Africa's Ten Top Tourist Attractions
Last Updated: 10/13/2006 12:36:29 PM
The 'Rainbow Nation' has a lot to offer tourists and we bring the top ten attractions in South Africa. ....
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South Africa is known around the world as the 'Rainbow Nation' on account of its vibrant multicultural population, but this tag could aptly apply to the diverse attractions on offer to visitors to this wonderful country, from the wonderful vistas of the Table Mountain to the natural paradise that is the Kruger National Park. The staggering amount of attractions on offer makes a visit to South Africa suitable to visitors of all taste and persuasions. To help you decide on what to see if you intend to visit South Africa, we present a list of Ten Tourist attractions that are well worth a visit while in South Africa.
Cape Town Waterfront:
Cape town has a deserved reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Nestling on the southern tip of mainland Africa, Cape Town owes it beauty to the unique blend of British, Dutch, French, German, Indonesian, and local African influences. Nestling between the impressive natural beauty of the Table Mountain and a superb beachfront bordering the Southern Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town has so much to offer. One of its most treasured attractions is the Cape Town Waterfront also known as the Victoria and Albert Waterfront. The Old docks of Cape Town have been transformed into the cultural heart of the city and bristles with Museums, Pubs, Sea Food Restaurants, Arts and Craft shops. A visit to Waterfront is a must for all visitors to Cape Town.
Cape Point:
Cape Point was mistakenly considered by early Mariners to be the most southerly tip of Africa, this actually lies at Cape Agulhas where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic. However both Cape Point and the neighbouring Cape of Good Hope have enjoyed immense popularity amongst visitors, who come in their thousands to visit the last stretch of land in Africa north of Antarctica. With incredible ocean views, the powerful roaring oceans and wonderful beaches it is a sight to behold. It that is not enough, Cape Point also boasts a penguin nesting site as well as a natural game reserve. As attractions go, Cape point is one to astound the senses.
The Wine Route:
Once more the Cape Provinces offer a sumptuous Attraction for visitors. If you love wine then this is the trip for you, and if you don't it is still well worth the visit. With Hundreds of vineyards flourishing in the temperate climes of the Cape Region, the tours of the Wine route offer an insight into the traditions and cultures that surround the Cape wine industry. The wine country offers sumptuous Farm House accommodation, the best of South African home cooked cuisine and the hospitality that is second nature to all Africans.
The Garden Route:
Garden route stretches along the coastline of the Eastern Cape, and typical of South Africa it offers superb beaches, fantastic mountain views, and some of the most varied vegetation in the region. It also offers superb vantage points for Whale Watching, and for the more courageous some Great White Shark Diving. As would you expect from a coastal region there is excellent seafood to be had, and at Kynsa some of the world's tastiest oysters are caught fresh from the Lagoon, cooked with distinct Cape flavours and served to the discerning visitor. Another South African wonder.
Kruger National Park:
This can best be described as 20, 000 Sq Kilometres of nature at its most natural. If you have come to South Africa for the Big 5 (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhinoceros), then Kruger National Park is the place to be. Regarded as one of the world's finest examples of wildlife management, the park draws over 500,000 visitors each year. With ample accommodation, guided tours and superb facilities. This is African safari at its finest.
Table Mountain:
If you think of Cape Town, invariably your thoughts drift to the spectacular Table Mountain that dominates the city's horizon. The flat top of the mountain can be reached by foot (for the experienced) or by cable car. Once there, the views from over a thousand metres above Cape Town are simply breathtaking. It boasts flora found nowhere else in the world. The Table Mountain has been declared a national monument, and as one of the world's most famous natural assets, rightly so. Cape Town has so much to offer the visitor, but to visit Cape Town without going to the Table Mountain is simple heresy.
Durban Beachfront:
Should you come to South Africa seeking fun, excitement, nightlife and maybe a bit of hedonism, then the Durban Beachfront (or the Golden Mile) is where it's at. Blessed with warm weather all year round, the Durban Beachfront offers hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, casinos and beautiful golden beaches. A melting point of African Asian and European populations, Durban offers all that such a major cosmopolitan centre should. If you need to chill out after Durban, then it is the ideal starting point for venturing further in to KwaZulu-Natal.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens:
Located on the slopes of the Table Mountain and boasting the greatest flora collection in Africa, and certainly rivals any such collection anywhere else in the world. Run by the South African National Botanical Institute, the Gardens are primarily a research centre but offer guided tours to visitors where they enjoy the unique sights and smells the garden has to offer. Spread across 528 hectares it contains flora from all South Africa's eco-zones.
Ostrich Farms of Oudtshoorn:
Once the capital of world Ostrich farming, this picturesque town was one of the most prosperous in South Africa. Today the 'Ostrich Palaces', testament to the enormous wealth generated, still litter the landscape. Ostrich farming is still pursued as a commercial activity and visits are available to the show farms where you can witness Ostrich rearing first hand.
The Blyde River Canyon:
Mpumalanga's Blyde River Canyon provides visitors with breathtaking views of this gorge, the third largest in the world. With views rivalling those of America's Grand Canyon. It is also blessed with natural reserves surrounding the area, that are a testament to South Africa's commitment to ensuring a balance between its' natural habitats and its human population.
There is much more to enjoy in South Africa including visits to Robben Island and Sun City as well as visits to Galleries, Museums, Sports Events and much more from this wonderful country.