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BEACHES
The perfect place
to relax during your South African adventure. White
soft sand. Tidal pools. Crashing waves. Warm or
cold seawater. Depending on whether you are on the
west coast or the south coast you will have a different
beach experience. Water temperature can vary 10'c
depending on which side you visit. This is due to
the cold water current coming up the west coast
from the Antarctic and the warm Mozambique current
coming down the east coast. You will find beaches
that go on for miles where only your footprints
disturb the sand, or popular spots where it seems
all of Cape Town is there. The Atlantic & Indian
Oceans meet at Cape Agulhas, the Southern most tip
of the Africa. |
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WHALE
WATCHING & WHALE TOURS on THE WHALE ROUTE
A must see on your
South African seaside holiday. The Southern Right
Whale, so named because it was "the right whale
to catch". usually arrive in June and staying
until late November. The peak season when whale
sightings are virtually guaranteed is July to October.
Calving season is between August and September and
the whale population peaks in October. Due to the
close proximity to the shore where the whales swim
the Cape coast is considered to have one of the
best land based whale viewing sites in the world.
Reproduced with permission of the Centre for Dolphin
Studies.
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WHITE
SHARK DIVING
Dive within the safety
of a cage and visit the ultimate predators of the
sea. So close you can touch them - the banks of
awesome razor edged teeth are but centimetres away.
The huge gaping jaws revealing the true danger of
this exciting adrenaline encounter - all from the
safety of your cage. An experience during your South
African adrenaline holiday tour. |
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TABLE
MOUNTAIN
Probably the most
popular sight in South Africa. 1051meters above
sea level. Famous for the Cableway. Take a trip
to the top and view the entire peninsula. Robben
Island in Table Bay, Lions Head and Devils Peak
either side, the Twelve Apostles - the range of
mountains overlooking the famous beaches of Clifton
and Camps Bay, with your view extending down to
Cape Point. At night the mountain is floodlit. This
is a must-see on your Cape Town Holiday. |
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TABLE
MOUNTAIN CABLEWAY
Recently updated,
the cableway operates every day. During the summer,
times are extended. The interior of the car makes
one full revolution on each trip, allowing everyone
an opportunity to marvel at the breathtaking view.
A must-do on your selfdrive holiday Cape Town. Add
this to your things to do in Cape Town. |
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AFRICAN
STEAM TRAINS
Take a trip into a
bygone era on one of the last scheduled steam train
trips left in South Africa, pulled by engines dating
back to the 1940's. You will be taken on a breathtaking
scenic trip through forests, across lakes, rivers
and sea inlets, finally crossing the long bridge
over the lagoon. A real relaxing adventure on your
Garden Route Holiday. |
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THE
BLUE TRAIN
Voted "The World's
Leading Luxury Train" at the World Travel Awards,
for four consecutive years.
Travel between Johannesburg and Cape Town by Blue
Train and various other destinations. The Blue Train
is unique - it is not merely a train but combines
the luxury of the world's leading hotels with the
charm of South African Rail Travel. Think of it
as an inclusive holiday with the opportunity to
view South Africa's spectacular landscape and visit
interesting attractions along the way. The Blue
Train cuisine puts sheer good taste on a plate while
butler personal attention puts you on a pedestal.
It's a journey of a lifetime for those who appreciate
the finer things in life. Pretoria to Cape Town
or vice versa (1 600 kilometres or 994 miles), with
guests spending one night on the train. |
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VISIT
AN OSTRICH PALACE & RIDE AN OSTRICH
Visit an Ostrich Palace
from a bygone era, when the famous ostrich feathers
were the height of fashion amongst the noble ladies
of the major capitals of the world. The palaces
are reminders of the riches once associated with
the "feather boom". Visit the curio shops
and purchase fine ostrich leather goods as a memento
of your South African visit. You will also have
the opportunity to ride an ostrich and learning
about the strange birds. Try an ostrich steak and
some dried ostrich meat called "biltong". |
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CANGO
CAVES
The caves are one
of South Africa's 10 most visited tourist attractions.
The two largest chambers spread over an easy kilometre
of spell-binding beauty. Marvel at the stalagmites
and stalactites. Regular conducted tours are operated
daily. We can include this into your Garden Route
holiday. |
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TREE
TOP TOURS
An experience
you may never experience anywhere else.
Enjoy the unequalled experience of travelling 30
meters above the forest floor through the tree top
forest canopy gliding along on a steel cable. A
view once only seen by the many exotic birds of
the indigenous forest. At each platform spend a
few minutes relaxing as your guide enthusiastically
explains the ecology of the forest around you. Pointing
out magnificent giant ferns and the many different
exotic trees. About three hours later you emerge
from the forest having undertaken a rare journey
of a life time. An unusual experience which you
are likely to remember forever. Pre booking is essential
during busy periods. Recommended age groups 7 to
70 years. One of the many popular family activities
you can enjoy on your selfdrive garden route holiday.
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ABSEILING
Experience the highest
abseil in the world at 122m as well as many others.
This is a heart stopping 122m high abseil with stunning
views and shear cliff face descent onto a beach.
Enjoy the awesome foursome involving Canoeing, hiking,
abseiling the highest in the world and finishing
off with quad biking along a thrilling bush trail.
An average degree of fitness is required.
A must do when holidaying in South Africa. |
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BARTHOLOMEW
DIAZ MUSEUM
Bartholomew Diaz was
the first European navigator from Portugal to round
the Cape of Storms in his caravel in 1488. Visit
his museum and be thrilled by a true life size replica
of his original Caravel boat. Discover the mystery
of the Post Office tree still growing outside the
museum all these years later. Next door watch craftsmen
hand crafting model sailing ships of yesteryear. |
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ROBBEN
ISLAND
Take the luxury half
hour cruise to the island and learn of the mysteries
dating back to when the Dutch first started using
the island as a prison colony over 400 years ago.
Unwilling inhabitants included slaves from various
parts of Africa and Asia, political and religious
Muslim leaders who opposed Dutch colonialism in
East Asia. Lepers, the sick, the mentally disturbed
and during World War ll, French Vichy prisoners.
More recently, our first President of the New South
Africa, Mr. Nelson Mandela, was interned here. Find
out about Plaatjies, a mental patient - every time
he built a boat to escape, the hospital attendants
destroyed it. Add this to your list on exploring
Cape Town. |
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ZULU
CULTURE KRAAL
Imagine being transported
in an ox drawn cart up to a Zulu Kraal, being entertained
by the Zulu Warriors and Zulu maidens, savouring their
meals and home brewed beer, all to the rhythm of the
Zulu drums - you can join in with the dancers around
the open fire under the stars of the African sky.
This is exploring Africa. As sleep takes over you
slump into you own hut for the night under the protection
of the warriors of the Royal House. In the morning
you enjoy breakfast and a short talk on Zulu culture.
Get to know a 'Sangoma' (witch doctor) let them throw
the bones for you and tell you your fortune. Experience
real African culture on your self-drive tour. |
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BUNGIE
JUMPING
For those who wish to
pump up their adrenalin, the southern Cape coastline
offers some exhilarating bridge jumps. Bloukranz Bridge
is in the Guinness Book of Records as the highest
bungee jump in the world at 216 meters. (Note the
size of the lorry crossing the bridge). Even if it
is not for you, it is well worth holding your breath
and watching others. On your adrenalin holiday of
South Africa you can stop off for as long as you want
and watch these adrenalin seeking daredevils
Some stats - the free fall takes 5 seconds, the stretching
of the Bungy rope takes another 2 seconds. The first
rebound is higher than the Victoria Falls Bridge jump
and the second rebound is higher then the Gouritz
Bridge, which is 65 meters. Your body accelerates
to around 120mph before decelerating - Awesome stuff!! |
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HOT
AIR BALLOONING
Imagine floating over
the forest and winelands in the crisp morning air
in total tranquillity, sipping chilled champagne,
watching the world gently passing you by. Hot air
balloon flights is near Stellenbosch and is seasonal
between November and April and is very subject to
weather conditions. |
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WINE
FARMS
Treat yourself to a
winelands tasting experience. Savour the fruits of
some of South Africa's world renowned wines. You can
purchase wines and have them shipped directly back
to your home. Either explore the farms at your own
pace in your self-drive car or we will organise a
guided wine tour of the winelands. |
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HOUSE
BOATING
The perfect way to relax
in peace and tranquillity. We do not have many navigable
rivers or suitable waterways, however, there are a
few opportunities and we would recommend a few nights
on an unspoilt river to really get the feel of being
in Africa. The large tidal Knysna lagoon is a popular
house boating area. The sea water is warm and clean
and a bit of fishing could produce an excellent meal
on the BBQ for the evening. See also accommodation
pages. A pleasurable way to enjoy a relaxing selfdrive
holiday. |
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NATURE
TRAILS
From a gentle 1 hr stroll
to a strenuous 3 day hike through unspoilt territory
with magnificent views, there is something for everyone
in every age group. How much closer can you get to
nature? Enjoy real splendour on your south african
holiday. |
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FISHING
Trout fishing in the
country's rivers, surf fishing from the beaches, or
from harbour walls. Deep sea fishing is popular for
the keen big game fisherman. Our fish is the finest
in the world and the varieties are vast due to the
warm ocean current on one coast and the cold current
on the other. |
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PLANNING
A SELF DRIVE SAFARI
Africa is the continent
associated with a wide variety of wildlife and South
Africa boasts some of the finest wild game parks in
Africa. South Africa has many game parks from state
owned to privately owned parks, from the world famous
game parks such as the Kruger Park in the north to
the Addo Elephant Park and Shamwari game park in the
south. Game parks where you can view the Big 5. Your
choice is vast where you will find something for everyone.
Self drive Kruger tours, selfdrive safari, or guided
4x4 game drive safaris to guided bush walks. During
your travels in the country areas you are still likely
to spot a variety of buck, eagles and other birds
of prey near the roadside.
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QUAD
BIKE SAFARI + WILDLIFE
Track wild game riding
on a Quad Bike...!
Yes, view the South African wildlife while enjoying
the exhilaration of riding a Quad Bike through the
game reserve
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MONKEYLAND
See a wide variety of
primate species in their natural habitat. Monkeyland
offers you a gentle guided one hour walking safari
through the forest conducted by experienced game rangers
where you can expect to see many species of monkeys
and forest dwelling birds. You will not only find
the tour very interesting and informative, but educational
as well. A day very well spent. Afterwards enjoy refreshments
and light meals on the sun deck of the lodge while
the monkeys swing between the trees around you. A
living forest experience for every age group that
will stay with you forever. If you are enjoying a
South African children's holiday then this is a must
the little ones will be as fascinated as will the
parents. |
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HORSE
RIDING
Organised horse trails
can be arranged in most areas with trails along the
beaches and through the forests being the most popular.
You do not have to be an expert, novices are catered
for. You can incorporate seeing some of South Africa
from the saddle during your South African holiday
tour. Horse trails in the Knysna Forest are a popular
family activities. |
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VICTORIA
FALLS
Mosi-oa-Tunya - 'The
Smoke that Thunders' on the Zambezi River between
Zambia and Zimbabwe. Here the river is more than 1.6
km wide (1 mile) and plunges about 108m (354 feet)
into the gorge below. The first European to discover
them was the Scottish missionary, David Livingston
in 1855 who was so inspired by what he saw that he
called them after his Queen; Queen Victoria. His gigantic
statue still stands above Devils cataract today. We
recommend a Victoria Falls fly in package from Johannesburg.
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SCUBA
DIVING
The "Cape of Storms"
is well known for its many shipwrecks and coral reefs.
Ships have floundered from the earliest explorers
to modern times. The north east of South Africa has
many beautiful reefs for Scuba Diving. Day trips can
be arranged |
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SURFING
Any surfer would know
that South Africa offers top surfing beaches. The
entire coastline offers the ultimate in waves. J Bay,
Victory Bay, and Durban ring with the sound of Surf.
At some destinations surf boards hire is available.
Learn to Kite Surf in Cape Town, hire a surfboard
in J Bay. |
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SAILING
Yachts and powerboats
can be hired at certain locations. Charters and short
daily cruises, down to excursions and hourly cruises
are offered at most harbours with public waterfront
activities. Popular venues are Cape Town Waterfront
and Knysna Waterfront for various cruises. Think of
the romance this could add to your honeymoon in South
Africa. |
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MEET
THE PEOPLE - people at peace with their existence
Meet the people of South
Africa in places few have visited before. This off
the beaten track tour is fully guided and gives you
a unique opportunity to meeting some of our communities
and see how they have built a life for themselves
doing a wide variety of crafts and little businesses.
In the Outeniqua foothills you will travel with your
guide down back roads and byways of this beautiful
and historical area. Meet the real people in their
homes and in their villages. See demonstrations of
their craft handed down over generations. From a carpenter,
a brick maker, a paraplegic making leather goods,
artwork, coffee roasting , ladies with their hand
embroidery, traditional Spaza shop...... Very interesting
and fascinating. |
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GOLF
COURSES
Golf is a very popular
pastime in SA. There are many beautiful golf courses
and golfing estates where several famous golfers live
and enjoy year- round golfing. Many golf courses have
magnificent views of the sea and mountains. Some world
renowned courses are - The Gary Player at Sun City,
Puzula in Knysna (so large an electric golf cart is
a must), Fancourt at George (venue for the Presidents
Cup in 2003), the Royal Cape in Cape Town to name
but a few. Selfdrive golfing holiday tours and safaris
are popular in South Africa. |
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CASINOS
Gambling at casinos
was once illegal in South Africa before 1994. There
are now many casinos across South Africa. Sun City
being the biggest casino complex in Africa, based
around a Las Vegas theme in the middle of darkest
Africa. |
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RESTAURANTS
Restaurants are of a
high standard and cater for every possible taste from
fast food to sumptuous five star dining. European,
Italian, Oriental restaurants will be found in all
cities. Steakhouses as well the popular Wimpy, McDonalds,
KFC are in every city and town. A Big Mac will cost
you R25.00 (Less than US$4.00) and a 3 course restaurant
meal will be around R90.00 (Less than US$15.00) including
an excellent bottle of local wine. |
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