guest post by Amy Baker
Located on the very tip of the African continent, at the point where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans collide, is the beautiful city of Cape Town. Tourists and locals are treated to breathtaking views of land and sea at every turn and beaches so perfect they will spoil other countries offerings in a heartbeat. Expect to dine upon the freshest seafood served as standard at the best Cape Town restaurants washed down with a bottle of the regions finest. Here is a list of the Top Five activities during your time in town.
1. Table Mountain
No matter where you are staying, there is no doubt that you will be able to see this imposing mountain from your Cape Town hotels. Table Mountain is part of the beautiful Table Mountain National Park and if you are into hiking, caving or rock climbing – there are an abundance of great sites to visit. The unusual flat plateau stretches for 3km from side to side with Devil’s Peak to the east and Lion’s Head to the west. Expect to be rewarded with views that you will never forget. If the idea of hiking brings you out in a cold sweat before the walking has even begun we suggest hopping in a cable car that will have you at the top in only 6 minutes.
2. Diving with Great White Sharks
It may sound like something from your worst nightmares but cage diving with Great White Sharks is fast becoming Cape Town’s most popular tourist activity. Once aboard your boat of choice you will be whisked off to nearby Dyer Island which, due to various geographical reasons and the 40,000 strong seal colony, is a popular spot for these beasts of the sea. Once you have braved the cold to hop in to the cage, it will only be minutes before coming face to face with this terrifying ocean predator.
3. Tour the beaches
Whether you prefer secluded coves or long, sandy beaches, Cape Town has it all. Top up your tan, enjoy a lazy afternoon picnic or rub shoulders with the who’s who of Cape Town at trendy hangout, Clifton Beach. Some of the best accommodation in Cape Town offers spectacular ocean views and means you will only be a hop, skip and a jump from the water. If you don’t fancy tackling the surf then you can always swing by False Bay where you can take a dip in the tidal pool.
4. Robben Island
For nearly 400 years, Robben Island was where political opponents, social outcasts and undesirables were exiled. Nelson Mandela spent over two decades incarcerated on Robben Island as the island's most famous prisoner (photo of his cell). You can take a fascinating tour, conducted by ex-political prisoners and learn all about the prison’s history. This spot is a chilling reminder of the price that newly democratic South Africa has paid for their freedom.
5. Take a wine tour
Just a 45-minute drive out of Cape Town is the Stellenbosch wine region, home of much loved tipples Saxenburg and Delheim. This historical university town is home to the countries first wine route which was founded in 1971. You can easily spend a lazy day navigating between wineries and purchasing souvenirs along the way.
With the incomparable Table Mountain at the heart of the city, wonderful surrounding vistas, relaxing beaches, fascinating wildlife and scenic drives, Cape Town deserves its billing as one of the world's premier cities to visit.
Photo Credits: shark, vineyard, cell
Monday, November 21, 2011
Top Five Sights in Cape Town (South Africa)
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Exploring Johannesburg (South Africa)
guest post by Amy Baker
Mention Johannesburg and often people will dismiss it as being a place famous for the danger you are sure to face should you choose to go there. The reality is very different. Johannesburg is a city rich in fascinating history and culture and as the major gateway to Kruger National Park, not to mention the rest of South Africa, Johannesburg is well worthy of some exploration.
A population of 3.2 million citizens makes Johannesburg the largest city in the country. Interestingly it is the largest city in the world not to be situated on a lake, river or coastline and is a result of the gold mining industry which earned it the nickname ‘Egoli’ or ‘Place of Gold’. Gold mining is still the major trade in the city and you will see reminders of this dotted all around.
Due to such a mix of cultures, a wander around the city can reward you with sights of brand-new skyscrapers nestled next to impressive 19th century buildings. One minute you might be exploring an Indian bazaar and the next you could find yourself haggling over produce in an African multi-shop. In addition to this Johannesburg hotels and restaurants are some of the best you will experience in South Africa.
As a tourist, it is important to gain an understanding of the culture and history of a country and to get a true grasp on Apartheid, a visit to the Soweto Township comes highly recommended. You can tour around the area on foot, by car or by bike. Soweto is the all-black area most famous for the Soweto Uprising of 1976 which saw close to 200 people killed as they protested against Afrikaans becoming the major language spoken in black schools. There is an insightful and thought-provoking museum, along with a moving memorial (photo) named after one of the child casualties, Hector Pieterson. 
Nelson Mandela was a resident of Soweto and visitors have the opportunity to visit his modest, old house (photo) which has since been made into a museum. Another museum worth a visit is the Apartheid museum which offers another way to learn more about the country that you are holidaying in before you venture further afield. The Old Fort Prison was once home to Mahatma Gandhi and Mandela and you can walk in their shoes on one of the tours held daily.
To gain a sense of Johannesburg’s sprawling CBD and the suburbs and shanty towns beyond, take a ride to the top of the Carlton Centre, the tallest building in Africa. The observation deck sits at 731ft high and provides an excellent perspective of the city.
The drive from Johannesburg to Kruger is an adventure in itself and during the three hour journey you will pass through the dense city, through the urban sprawl and out into the well tended farmland and vast landscape that will accompany you all the way to the National Park and, hopefully, your unforgettable encounters with The Big Five and their friends. For more information, head to My Destination Johannesburg.
Photo Credits: city view, elephant, gold mine, Pieterson memorial, Mandela house, Carlton Center view
