|
|
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
| |
South Africa is a land
of miracles, mesmerizing natural beauty, exotic wildlife and
an amalgamation of various cultures, roped in to form one
nation. It is an incredible destination in so many ways...
There are nine spectacular provinces for you to explore -
nine incredibly diverse parts of the country, that will open
up your sense of possibility in ways you never thought possible.
Visitors usually take a flight to Johannesburg and hire a
car to complete the rest of their travel within South Africa.
The capital of South Africa, Johannesburg is an important
center for large-scale gold and diamond trade, as it is located
on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand range of hills. Gold was
discovered there in the 1880s, after which the gold rush was
triggered.
|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
South
Africa is a paradise for anyone interested in natural history.
A wide range of species may be encountered in parks, farms,
private reserves and even on the roads. The government takes
a keen interest in the wildlife, as there is a long list of
endangered species that can be found in South Africa. The
African safari is world renowned and a treat for nature lovers.
South Africa is mercurial in nature, one moment you will be
exploring the origins of ancient man, the next you are cage-diving
with Great White Sharks.
South Africa will be hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup this
summer and in support of that starting September 30th, Etihad
Airways, in addition to Johannesburg, has also started flights
to Cape Town. The new Cape Town flights will operate via Etihad’s
current daily, Airbus A330, service to South Africa’s
commercial capital, Johannesburg. |
|
| |
 |
|
| |
With
a host of activities on offer, you are spoilt for choice when
visiting Cape Town. From nature reserves, scenic drives and
hiking trails, to adrenaline rushes, in the form of the highest
commercial bungee jump in the world at Bloukrans Bridge, or
world-class shark cage diving, Cape Town is a haven for adventure
lovers. The town offers its residents and guests a wide variety
of activities all year round, making the destination suitable
for travel anytime of the year. However, the winters are very
cold, but travelers enjoy the freezing chills, accompanied
by excellent facilities to keep warm as well.
Elephant walks are the easiest and most personal way for you
to meet these most magnificent of creatures. Getting closer
to water life is another experience altogether! Try the unique
crocodile cage-diving in Oudtshoorn, for the ultimate up close
and personal encounter with an ancient predator. With ‘croc’
cage-diving, you are lowered into a clear water pool inside
a bite-proof cage and into the company of 4-metre long, Nile
crocodiles, each with a bite pressure of over 2 tonnes per
square inch. The crocs will surround the cage to see if this
latest visitor is a snack of some kind. To add to the experience,
an underwater photograph is taken of you while you are surrounded
by crocs.
For a more relaxing vacation activity, stargazing is a fantastic
pastime and South Africa’s skies are renowned for their
splendid stargazing opportunities; being out in a game reserve
is the best place in the country to do a bit of celestial
wandering. Many of the northern constellations can be seen
low on the northern horizon here in South Africa, but it is
the southern hemisphere constellations that attract the most
interest. Many game lodges and reserves, now offer stargazing
activities as part or their safari packages, with knowledgeable
guides to show your eye the way through the crowded heavens
and point out some remarkable sights. With virtually zero
light-pollution around you, the heavens, as seen from somewhere
like Kruger Park, take on an entirely new splendour.
|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
With
a host of activities to choose from, and the option of lazing
about, enjoying the abundance of beauty bestowed unto South
Africa – it is a must visit in 2010. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
