Famous Places in South Africa For Your Holiday

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Famous Places in South Africa For Your Holiday
Travel tips for your trip to South Africa Hotel Maps Famous Places in South Africa helps you to make your trip to South Africa in the holiday a Splendid One

It certainly is South Africa, if you want to see "world in one country". South Africa is really a vast country with widely varying landscapes, and ethnically diverse communities speaking different languages. Located at the southern tip of Africa, South Africa is the country full of breathtaking beauties and exciting activities.

South Africa is one of most unique and exciting tourist destinations. It is known for its envious climate, natural wonders, beautiful coastline, numerous unspoiled beaches and incredibly diverse marine life. You can surely find numerous reasons to visit South Africa, but here are top 10 reasons for you.

Kruger National Park: one of the top 10 attractions of SA, is the largest game reserve in South Africa. Kruger Park, covering 18,989 square km (7,332 sq mi) and extending 350 km (217 mi) from north to south and 60 km (37 mi) from east to west, shelters over 517 species of birds, and 147 species of mammals. You can find Big Five game animals here. You can self-drive, or enjoy guided tours to explore Kruger.

Cape Town: is the most popular tourist destination in South African. Cape Town is often regarded as one of the world's most beautiful cities because of its geographical exquisiteness. It is famous for its harbor and its natural setting in the Cape floral kingdom, including some of the well-known attractions, such as Cape Point, Table Mountain, Table Mountain National Park, Boulders Beach, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens showcasing South Africa's fabulous floral heritage. You can also enjoy whale watching in Cape Town.

Durban: is a popular tourist centre famous for warm subtropical climate and beaches. You can really have great time at Florida Road, which is definitely the most vibrant street full of restaurants, bars, cafes, boutiques, and shopping centers. Other attractions of Durban include City Hall, Berea, Umhlanga Rocks, Victoria Street Market, Essenwood Craft Market, Durban Botanical Gardens, and The Golden Mile beach.

Garden Route: is a popular and scenic stretch of the southern coast of South Africa. Featuring dramatic river cut gorges, beautiful beaches, rocky headlands and deep tangled forests, the Garden Route stretches from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to the Storms River that is crossed along the N2 coastal highway over the Paul Sauer Bridge in the extreme eastern reach of the Western Cape. It includes towns such as Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay and Nature's Valley.

Drakensberg: or Dragons Mountain (Afrikaans) is a mesmerizing mountain range that is cloaked in emerald green in summer and donned with golden and snow cap in winter. Located in the eastern part of South Africa, the dramatic mountain range of Drakensberg is an awesome scenic destination with beautiful rock art, some great places for staying, fly fishing, golfing, etc.

Namaqualand: an arid region of South Africa, extending along the west coast over 600 miles and covering a total area of 170,000 square miles/440,000 km², is one of the major attractions of South Africa. It is very popular with both local and international tourists during early springtime flowering season, when for a short period a normally arid area turns valley of bright colored, dainty flowers, such as daisies.

Port Elizabeth: is a popular city in the Eastern Cape on the Indian Ocean coast half-way between Cape Town and Durban. Located at the end of the picturesque Garden Route, Port Elizabeth is one of South Africa's major tourist destinations. The city is the destination known for wonderful beaches, and excellent diving, surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing sites. Some of the attractions of Port Elizabeth are - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum, Wezandla African Arts and Crafts Gallery, No 7 Castle Hill Museum, Alexandria Dune Fields, and Bayworld, Donkin Reserve.

Cape Winelands: the region of the Western Cape Province, offers you one of the most fantastic sites in South Africa. Constantia, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, Robertson and Wellington are the most popular wine regions. You are guaranteed to taste some of the finest foods and wines, here.

African Culture: is one of the major tourist attractions of South Africa. South Africa offers you wonderful visual feast of tribal costumes, bare-breasted dancing girls and animal-skin-clad warriors brandishing stabbing spears and singing rousing war songs. It lets you know the living ways of several tribal or aboriginal people of the land.

South African Beaches: are one of the top rated beaches in the world. You can find beaches for every season and every reason, including beautiful beaches, long beaches, lonely beaches, crowded beaches, sexy beaches, etc. Some of the top rated South African beaches include Cape Vidal, Durban beaches, Umhlanga, Willard Beach (Ballito), Marina Beach, Margate Beach, Ramsgate Beach, Humewood Beach (Port Elizabeth), Mdumbe Beach, Lookout Beach (Plettenberg Bay), Strand Beach (False Bay), Grotto Beach, Sandy Bay, Camps Bay, Clifton Beaches, and Elands Bay.

Free Guide Johannesburg City

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Free Guide Johannesburg City
Travel tips for your trip to South Africa Hotel Maps Famous Places in South Africa helps you to make your trip to South Africa in the holiday a Splendid One

While in the past considered to be quite a dangerous city, Johannesburg is seeing a bit of a renaissance as a travel destination, particularly following on from the 2010 World Cup. A vibrant and interesting city with plenty to do and lots of sunshine, Johannesburg can make a great holiday destination with a difference.

Best Time to Travel
May to August are the driest months in Johannesburg, although the temperatures are lower then than the rest of the year. The average summer temperature is 18-20°C maximum, whilst during September to April you will see highs of 26-27°C. The Motor GP is hosted during February each year, so worth traveling then if you're interested in motor racing.

Amazing Attractions to See

Attractions are cheap and plentiful in Johannesburg (understandable since it's South Africa's largest city) so there is always something to do or see, no matter what time of year you decide to visit.

If you're not afraid of heights then head to Top of Africa where you'll get a fantastic panoramic view of the city for 7.50 Rand (about 65p). If you're interested in science and space then the Planetarium is well worth a visit, and reasonably priced at 16-25 Rand (£1.35 - £2.10).

There are a score of museums and galleries in Johannesburg, ranging from Nelson Mandela's first home, now the Mandela Family Museum, and the Apartheid Museum, detailing South Africa's past, to the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre and the Origins Centre - The South African Museum of Rock Art. Entrance prices will vary but most are reasonable.

The Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens are worth a visit if you've got a green thumb, although they are not well signposted so if you're planning to visit make sure you look up the route ahead of time. If you're looking for something a bit more hands on then a ticket to The Lion Park will allow you face time with the lion cubs. You can also pay a little extra to feed the giraffes, or drive around the safari park to visit the other animals. It can get very busy over the weekends so try and visit during the week to get more time with the cubs.

Exquisite and Delicious Restaurants
Johannesburg has a wide variety of food establishments to suit all pockets, from South African Chain restaurants located within the shopping malls to more local cuisines found in the suburbs of Melville and Greenside. Most people visit the Melville area when in search of food so prepare for it to be busy if you're visiting at prime time or head to Greenside if you're looking for something a little less hectic. Melville also houses the student district so is teeming with bars and clubs if you're after a place to drink or dance.

Going Places in Johannesburg
Whilst there are buses and trains available in Johannesburg, they are mostly used by locals, so it's recommended that you hire a car if you plan to do a lot of traveling whilst you're there. A week's car hire in Johannesburg will cost you £120-180 on average.

O.R. Tambo International Airport (previously known as Johannesburg International) Is the main airport and is located about 15 miles from the city centre. There are shuttles and licensed taxis readily available to take you to your destination.

Money Exchange for South Africa -Services - Money

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Money Exchange for South Africa -Services - Money
Travel tips for your trip to South Africa Hotel Maps Famous Places in South Africa helps you to make your trip to South Africa in the holiday a Splendid One

Currency information:

Rand (ZAR; symbol R) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of R200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of R5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.
Credit cards:

MasterCard and Visa are preferred. American Express and Diners Club are also widely accepted. ATMs are available in all towns, cities and shopping malls and most petrol stations, and accept international cards. Almost all hotels, shops and restaurants, and even national parks and game reserves, accept credit cards. They are rarely accepted at petrol stations, however.
ATM:

ATMs are available in all towns, cities and shopping malls and most petrol stations, and accept international cards.
Travellers cheques:

Valid at banks, hotels, restaurants and some tourist-orientated shops. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.
Banking hours:

Mon-Fri 0900-1530, Sat 0830-1100.
Currency restriction:

The import and export of local currency is limited to R5000 in cash. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited provided it is declared upon arrival.
Currency exchange:

Money can be changed at banks, bureaux de change and some hotels. Proof of identity may be requested; therefore, it is advisable to carry a passport. Visitors are restricted to bringing in and taking out a maximum of R5,000 in cash.

Health and Medical Information for South Africa

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Health and Medical Information for South Africa
Travel tips for your trip to South Africa Hotel Maps Famous Places in South Africa helps you to make your trip to South Africa in the holiday a Splendid One

Medical facilities are good in urban areas but can be limited elsewhere. Doctors and hospitals often require immediate cash payment. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended to cover the fees of private facilities.
Food and drink:

Mains water is considered safe to drink. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption, as are local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables.
Other risks:

Avoid swimming and paddling in stagnant or slow-moving water as there is a low risk of contracting bilharzia; swimming pools that are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended.

Short History Of South Africa and Culture

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Short History Of South Africa and Culture
Travel tips for your trip to South Africa Hotel Maps Famous Places in South Africa helps you to make your trip to South Africa in the holiday a Splendid One

Colonialism was taken to extremes in South Africa, with a white minority enforcing the system of Apartheid to subjugate the black majority. Decades of internal activism re-enforced by external sanctions eventually broke the system. The dismantling of Apartheid officially began in 1990 after negotiations between President FW De Klerk and jailed African National Congress leader Nelson Mandela.

The first historic one-man-one-vote elections in 1994 swept the ANC to power and Mandela became the country's iconic president. Mandela earned enormous international respect for leading South Africa into democracy with relatively little bloodshed.

Since his retirement the political stage has lacked such leadership or charisma, with his successor Thabo Mbeki doing little to combat the twin ravages of violent crime and an AIDS pandemic.

ANC leader Jacob Zuma was elected in April 2009 in a presidency so far more noteworthy for Zuma's headline-hitting personal life than for effective governance.

The legacy of Apartheid still shapes much about the country, its economy, education system, its workforce and the massively unequal division of wealth, and racial tension still occasionally flares up more than 16 years after the official introduction of democracy.

South Africa Accommodation. Hotel Guide. Details

http://travel-t-o-south-africa.blogspot.com/2011/10/south-africa-accommodation-hotel-guide.html
South Africa Accommodation. Hotel Guide. Details
Travel tips for your trip to South Africa Hotel Maps Famous Places in South Africa helps you to make your trip to South Africa in the holiday a Splendid One

Drakensberg Hotels

Accommodation in Drakensberg is never a problem because of the presence of a large number of Drakensberg Hotels. What is even more important is that not only are there many Hotels in Drakensberg, there are also different categories of Hotels in Drakensberg to cater to the diverse needs and demands of travelers. Some Drakensberg Hotels are perfectly suitable for those who are keen on an indulgent stay whereas there are some others that are ideal for those who are traveling under budget constraints and are satisfied with a comfortable stay.

The star category Drakensberg Hotels offer plush accommodation and are home to more than one restaurant serving exotic food. The rooms are replete with a host of in room amenities ensuring optimum level of ease and comfort. They are very generously sized and are so well equipped that all your discerning needs will be taken care of.

The business facilities that are provided in these Drakensberg Hotels are also commendable. The business center has all state of the art business amenities, there are large conference as well as banquet halls which host corporate as well as personal get togethers effortlessly. Precisely, if you are willing to pay the price, you are sure to enjoy what can be best termed as a lavish stay. Umpteen facilities are there on offer and the rates that are charged are also commensurate with that. You can de stress at the spa or Jacuzzi or else rejuvenate with a dip in the swimming pool.

If it is beyond your means to afford such luxurious Drakensberg Hotel, you need not be bothered because there are several hotels that are meant for the moderate travelers. They promise a more than comfortable stay but are not very opulent or extravagant. Since they come without the frills, they are relatively economical.

Budget conscious travelers also have many budget hotels to choose from. The budget hotels provide comfortable accommodation, reasonably priced well prepared meals and several other standard facilities and services at pocket friendly prices. Extremely affordable, they are fairly comfortable to live in as well.

You can therefore rest assure that whatever may be your needs, demands, likings, requirements and affordability, you will surely find a hotel of your choice from the large number of Drakensberg Hotels. In spite of everything, it is best to go in for Drakensberg Hotel bookings beforehand to avoid hassles.

Durban Hotels


There are many Durban Hotels from which the guests can choose as per their choice and requirements. The city of Durban is frequented by lots of travelers who come here for business and also for pleasure trips. The city has lot to offer to the people of all age groups including the young ones. There are plenty of tourist attractions in the city which are quite famous among the local people and the visitors coming here. The visitors will never face any problem related to accommodation since there are plenty of Durban Hotels where the travelers can check in during their visit to this beautiful city.

The Durban Hotels are established at convenient locations and they can be comfortably accessed from any corner of the city. The city has got variety of hotels that include luxury hotels as well as cheap and budget hotels. The travelers can check in any of the hotels in Durban as per their choice. Almost all the different accommodation in Durban is equipped with lots of facilities and services. The rooms of most of the hotels in the city are provided with lots in-room amenities that cater to the needs of the businessmen and the leisure travelers as well. The staffs of the hotels are very hospitable and they offer attentive service to all the guests.
Hotels in Durban

Many of the luxury hotels of the city have got on site restaurants which offer variety of cuisines of local and international types. The hotels even provide very good facilities for business and conference as well. The meeting and conference room of the hotels are equipped with latest technologies and facilities. Some of the Durban Hotels even provide professional staff for the assistance of the guests. The budget hotels of the city are established at happening locations and from there are malls and various restaurants of the city can be accessed very easily.

There are many fitness and recreational facilities as well in some of the Durban Hotels, which will keep the guests busy during their free time. Many activity sites are located very close to most of the hotels of the city. The travelers can visit these sites as well during their leisure time. Standard hotel facilities like reception desk, lobby area, room service are available in almost all the hotels of Durban.

Johannesburg Hotels

Johannesburg Hotels are the best of the accommodation options for all tourists who travel to this beautiful city every year. Johannesburg is considered to be the largest and the most popular city in South Africa. It is also the regional capital of Gauteng and the wealthiest province in South Africa. Johannesburg also boasts of attractive sightseeing places. Tourists come to explore the gorgeous places in and around the city. With the perfect balance between attractive places and inflow of the travelers, several hotels have come up to provide accommodation to the large number of tourists. Johannesburg Hotels are the best places to dwell in.
Hotels in Johannesburg

Other than hotels, you will also get plenty of apartments, lodges and guesthouses here. This city has a prosperous and splendid history and beautiful culture with a tradition of hundreds of years. This city is a magnificent place to enjoy your vacation with various sightseeing places. Johannesburg Hotels provide all types of options such as the luxury hotels, five star accommodations, four star accommodations and the budget hotels. You will have to select your preference from Johannesburg Hotels as par your needs and budget.

Five star hotels in Johannesburg are the best places for indulging yourself in sheer luxury and comfort. African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel, Inter Continental Palazzo Johannesburg Montecasino, Inter Continental Sandton Sun & Towers, Inter Continental Southern Sun Hotels And Resorts, Michelangelo, Protea Hotel Parktonian, Sandton Towers Intercontinental, The Emperor Hotel and The Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa are some of the luxury hotels.

Some four star hotels are Airport Sun Inter Continental, Benvenuto Conference Centre and Boutique Hotel, Courtyard Eastgate, Courtyard Suite Hotel of Rosebank and Courtyard Suite Hotels Eastgate.

Budget travelers can make their stay at any of the three star hotels providing good services without sky-high rate. Some recognized three star Johannesburg Hotels are Airport Game Lodge, City Lodge Bryanston, City Lodge Johannesburg International Airport, City Lodge Morningside, City Lodge Sandton Katherine Street, Don Suites Eastgate, Don Suites Johannesburg Airport, Don Suites Sandton I, Don Suites Sandton Iv, Holiday Inn Express Johannesburg Eastgate and Holiday Inn Garden Court Johannesburg Eastgate. There are some hostels that provide various services and facilities within lesser expense. These are Gemini Backpackers Lodge Hostel, Backpackers Ritz Hostel, Sleek Backpackers Hostel and Africa Center Airport Backpacker Hotel.