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chapter 21 Tourism

Tourism is ’s fastest growing December 2002 recorded the highest industry and contributes about 7,1% of the monthly foreign tourist arrivals. More than Gross Domestic Product. 650 683 foreign tourists visited the country South Africa is the fastest-growing tourism in comparison with the 575 831 recorded in destination in the world, with 6,4 million December 2001, recording a 15,8% growth – tourists having travelled to the country the highest since 1998. during 2002. Arrivals from Africa increased by 7,8% to Overseas arrivals increased by 20,1% (just almost 4,4 million, despite the significant over 1,8 million) during 2002. decrease from Lesotho, though this was off- All of South Africa’s key markets posted set by significant increases from Zimbabwe double-digit growth for the year, with Europe (22,1%) and Botswana (21,6%). up 24,2% and North America up 9,2%. There Tourist arrivals from Europe increased by was also an increase of 20,7% in travel from 10,9% over January to March 2002, North Asia, and 14,5% from Australasia. America increased by 8,9%, while those from Africa, contributing the bulk of foreign Australia were up 13,5%. Asia enjoyed 19,4% arrivals into South Africa (1,06 million) grew growth, boosted in no small part by 14 339 by 2,1% with close to 35 000 additional Indian visitors cheering on their cricket arrivals from Kenya, identified as one team during the 8th International Cricket of South Africa’s key emerging markets. Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup. The United Kingdom (UK) and Germany The 2003 first quarterly tourist-arrival led the influx of European tourists with statistics showed an increase of 11,3% 442 910 and 248 990 arrivals respectively. compared with the same period in 2002 The majority of travellers from Asia were (January to March). from China (some 36 957), representing an South Africa maintained its 2002 perform- increase of 24,5% from 2001. Travel from ance in the first quarter of 2003, despite Australia increased by 15,1%. adverse global conditions which included Arrivals from the United States of America the war on Iraq, recession in three of the (USA) increased by 7% – an increase that was world’s major economies and the outbreak very welcome given the tough conditions of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. This affecting travel from that market. compared favourably with many of South Africa’s competitors, who recorded sharp decreases across the board during the same Tourism employs about 3% of South Africa’s workforce and is regarded as potentially the period. largest provider of jobs and earner of foreign Tourism employs an estimated 3% of exchange. South Africa's workforce, and is regarded as

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potentially the largest provider of jobs and • positive global perceptions of peaceful earner of foreign exchange. It is projected that political transition in South Africa. in 2010, the South African tourism economy The fastest-growing segment of tourism in will employ more than 1,2 million people South Africa is ecological tourism (eco- (directly and indirectly). tourism), which includes nature photography, Tourism is the fourth-largest industry in bird-watching, botanical studies, snorkelling, South Africa, supporting some 6 500 accom- hiking and mountaineering. modation establishments. National and provincial parks in South Certain factors in South Africa’s favour, Africa, as well as private game reserves, involve which are expected to further tourism growth, local communities in the conservation and include: management of natural resources. These • national tourism assets of incomparable communities are not only benefiting financial- quality in certain segments ly from ecotourism, but are also becoming • a diversity of tourism products, especially aware of their responsibility to the environ- adventure, ecotourism and cultural attrac- ment. tions The high foreign-exchange value of eco- • exceptional value for money relative to tourism enables significant economic value to key competitors, partly owing to foreign- be assigned to ecological resources, in this exchange rates way helping to promote their conservation. Community tourism is becoming increas- ingly popular, with tourists wanting to experi- ence South Africa in the many rural villages South Africa received several international and townships across the country. (See tourism accolades in 2002. In September 2002, South Africa was rated as Chapter 5: Arts and culture.) a preferred tourist destination by the French travel industry, with over 21 000 tour operators and retail agents giving the country the thumbs- Tourism policy up at TOP RESA, the annual travel and tourism trade show held in Deauville, France. At national level, the Tourism Branch in the The United Kingdom (UK) travel publication Conde Nast Traveller awarded South Africa top Department of Environmental Affairs and place as the overall value-for-money long-haul Tourism leads and directs tourism-policy destination. formulation and implementation towards The Conde Nast Awards are voted for by the readers of the influential magazine that focuses national tourism growth. It works in partner- on well-travelled high-income earners in the UK. ship with South African Tourism, the provincial This is how South Africa fared in the following tourism authorities, the tourism industry and categories: • Best Overall Global Destination Country other relevant stakeholders. It aims to ensure (short-and-long haul): South Africa was rated and accelerate the practical delivery of 10th in the world, taking top global honours for value for money tourism benefits to the broad spectrum of • Best Overseas City: was voted South Africans, while maintaining sustainabili- number 14, taking top honours for hospitality ty and quality of life. and value for money • Best Overseas Leisure Hotels (Africa and The White Paper on Tourism provides a Middle East): South Africa had four hotels in policy framework for tourism development the top 10: Singita (10th), Londolozi (8th), Cape and entails the following programmes: Grace (3rd) and the Mount Nelson (2nd) • Best Overall Tour Operators: South African • a special empowerment programme for Tourism has relationships with seven of the capacity-building top 10: British Airways Holidays, Carrier, Trailfinders, Kuoni, ITC Classics, Abercrombie & • establishing a tourism-infrastructure investi- Kent and Elegant Resorts. gations programme that will culminate in

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identified public-infrastructure-investment The Tourism Transformation Strategy was programmes approved by Cabinet in November 2001. More • mobilising funds to aggressively market emphasis is being placed on developing South Africa as a tourism destination in black-owned businesses within the tourism international markets, through a focused industry, by raising the proportion of govern- marketing strategy ment expenditure going to these businesses • launching a domestic tourism and travel from 30% in 2001/02 to 50% in 2004/05. campaign. A database of black-owned tourism enter- A collaborative tourism action (cluster) prises was compiled to assist government process, which will provide the framework for departments with meeting affirmative- taking tourism into the next millennium, has procurement targets. been launched. The process aims to achieve A public-private tourism transformation collective action among key stakeholders, to forum to promote Black Economic Empower- enhance tourism marketing, investment, skills ment (BEE) was established, with representa- and infrastructure development. tives from the Departments of Environmental The Tourism Forum was established in Affairs and Tourism, of Trade and Industry and December 1998 as an advisory body to the of Labour, the Tourism Business Council, the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. Development Bank of Southern Africa and the It comprises leadership drawn from govern- Industrial Development Corporation. ment, business, public institutions and labour, Other initiatives launched by the Depart- with the common purpose of ensuring growth ment in 2002 to promote tourism included and development of the tourism sector. The the formulation of an information booklet Forum agreed to support the following key outlining the funding opportunities and assist- strategic areas: ance programmes available to small, medium • sustainable funding mechanisms and micro enterprises (SMMEs) within the • information systems tourism industry, the launch of a handbook on • human resource development (HRD) pro- tourism-support programmes for SMMEs, and grammes brochures and posters to create awareness • international marketing about illegal tour guiding. • the Welcome Campaign. The Department has embarked on a legis- Poverty-relief funding lative reform process to reflect the guidelines By early 2003, some R232 million had been set out in the White Paper. committed and spent on tourism-development projects aimed at creating jobs and alleviating poverty in South Africa. Almost R69 million had been invested in The Tourist Guides Awards, which aim to recognise the contribution made by South poverty-relief funding in respect of tourism, with Africa’s tourist guides in promoting the country over R10 million invested in the alone. as a must-see destination, were launched at the By mid-2003, poverty-relief investment stood Tourism Indaba in in May 2003. The initiator of the Awards, the Department of at a total of R290,6 million, of which R27,3 mil- Environmental Affairs and Tourism, will consult was expected to be invested in the Free with relevant stakeholders to develop criteria for the competition. State. These poverty-relief projects promote the The Department and the various provincial development of community-owned tourism tourism authorities will be responsible for the co-ordination and launching of the Awards in products, such as lodges and the development their respective provinces. of tourism infrastructure, including roads, The winners will be announced on World Tourist-Guide Day, 21 February 2004. information centres and tourism signage.

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These poverty-relief projects are categorised Key events in which the Campaign has into product development, infrastructure featured include the World Summit on development, capacity-building and training, Sustainable Development (WSSD) and the ICC the establishment of SMMEs, and business- Cricket World Cup. development projects. Underpinning the Campaign is the message Some 76 tourism craft projects, set up in all that tourism is the fastest-growing contributor nine provinces in 2000/01, were expected to to South Africa's future economic prosperity create 8 600 job opportunities. and plays a key role in job creation and socio- economic upliftment. Marketing Another facet of the Campaign is Tourism Month. This annual promotion, held in Welcome Campaign September, is designed to promote a culture Launched in December 1999 by the Minister of tourism among all South Africans. of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Mr Mohammed Valli Moosa, the Welcome SA Host Campaign encourages all South Africans to SA Host, a basic customer-service training pro- embrace tourism and share South Africa's rich gramme, was introduced in December 2001. natural and cultural heritage. The Campaign The programme was originally developed in is run as a national general-awareness cam- Canada and has been successfully run in 14 paign, through roadshows and community- countries. It educates trainers to run the pro- outreach programmes. gramme for learners who, if successful, are awarded a certificate and a lapel badge. SA Host’s target was to train 5 000 learners by December 2003. The following has also been South Africa’s Tourism Month culminated in achieved: World Tourism Day celebrations in Upington in • the Customer-Service Training Course and the Northern Cape on 26 September 2003. The theme of World Tourism Day was Tourism the Leader-Development Programme were as a Driving Force for Poverty Alleviation, Job aligned with the National Qualifications Creation and Social Harmony. Framework The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Mr Mohammed Valli Moosa, encouraged • a national trainer and three regional South Africans to travel and discover the beauty trainers were trained and are operating in and diversity of the country, which is a preferred Gauteng and the tourism destination. • some 30 trainers were trained to run the One of the significant activities during Tourism Month 2003 was South African Tourism’s ground- programme (63% previously disadvantaged, breaking partnership with South African Airways 70% female, and 70% in SMMEs). and the South African Broadcasting Corporation The Department of Environmental Affairs and to bring focus to the nationwide Licence to Tourism has provided funds to set up a further Discover South Africa TV competition. Other Tourism Month activities included local seven regional trainers throughout South media tours, festivals, exhibitions, a schools’ Africa. competition and the launching of several empowerment projects. The success of South Africa’s gravity-defying International and local marketing tourism growth bodes well for the industry’s The launch of the Tourism Growth Strategy by efforts in contributing to sustainable job creation South African Tourism in May 2002 gave and Gross Domestic Product growth. proper direction and content to the industry. Central to this commitment is the strategy of co-operation that has seen a total of 172 tourism It also positioned Team South Africa and projects funded by the Department since 2001. South Africa as a world-class destination. The

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Strategy seeks to increase tourist volumes, critical economic-growth driver and source of spend, and length of stay, and improve sea- employment opportunities. sonality and geographic spread. South African Tourism has overseen the The Tourism Growth Strategy, which has launch of four integrated global marketing been endorsed by the Cabinet, is based on campaigns featuring value-for-money pack- detailed market research, and identifies priori- ages during South Africa’s traditional low ty markets for tourism and the target-market season – the My South Africa Story Campaign segments within these priority markets. in the USA, Live the Moment in India, The Great Priority markets have been identified in Urban Getaway Campaign in Kenya and Europe (Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Spain Tanzania, and the Sunsation Campaign in the and the Netherlands), Asia (India, China UK. Plans are in the pipeline to extend and and Japan) and Africa (Southern African expand these Campaigns into other core mar- Development Community, Nigeria and Kenya). kets such as Germany and France. The Strategy is not only about increasing South Africa has also made its mark as a arrivals, but is also underpinned by other core world Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and principles, such as: Exhibitions (MICE) destination. • increasing the length of time tourists spend South African Tourism has leveraged the in South Africa opportunities afforded by a number of high- • increasing the spending of tourists within profile events, including the 2002 WSSD – the South Africa largest gathering of its kind in the history of • ensuring that tourists travel throughout the the United Nations (UN). country, and not just in a few provinces This event demonstrated to the world that • facilitating transformation and BEE in the as a stable democracy, South Africa has the tourism industry. capacity to provide secure, state-of-the-art The Cabinet approved the International meeting places and support services for world Tourism Growth Strategy in June 2003. The leaders to hold high-level talks. Strategy includes an analysis of core markets The success of the WSSD and a series of and their segments, as well as broad propos- very successful major international confer- als on matters like air travel. The Strategy also ences, hosted in different venues in South focuses on a marketing strategy, visa arrange- Africa, culminated in the hosting of the longest ments, security and local transport infrastruc- and largest Cricket World Cup in the history of ture. the tournament. The implementation of the Strategy will Another highlight was the signing of the further raise the importance of tourism as a official Memorandum of Understanding between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China, paving the way for increased tourism activity with what is forecast to be the The 2003 Tourism Indaba was held in Durban, world’s largest tourist market by 2010. KwaZulu-Natal, during May 2003. The Indaba, Africa’s largest annual travel and South African Tourism’s e-business platform tourism exhibition, showcases products from was also successfully launched in 2002, with international and national tour operators, hotel groups, travel agents and tourism boards. the number of website hits increasing from The 2003 Indaba recorded a 8,8% increase in 12 000 at first, to more than two million per the number of delegates attending (more than 1 700), 263 of which were small, medium and day. The programme has been expanded to micro enterprises. include the development of a national data- When Durban first hosted the event in 1990, base of over 30 000 products, indicative of the some 200 companies and 527 international delegates and media attended. growth of this industry.

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South Africa signed a Declaration of Intent • hotels on tourism co-operation with Spain in • provision of short-stay accommodation February 2003. • restaurants, bars, canteens and other cater- The signing is a confirmation of the import- ing services ance that both countries bestow on tourism in • travel agencies and related activities terms of economic development, exploration • destination management of historical and cultural heritage, and co- • motor-car rental services operative relations. • conservation, game parks and zoological establishments Tourism Enterprise Programme (TEP) • gaming and gambling. The Department of Environmental Affairs The South African Tourism Institute (SATI) was and Tourism, the Business Trust, and Ebony established with the assistance of the Spanish Consulting International launched the Government, which provided some R13 million R129-million TEP to promote growth in the for the project. tourism industry. SATI initiated a number of projects that will By September 2003, the TEP had assisted create a supportive learning environment for 1 200 SMMEs and created 10 000 jobs. The teachers, high-school learners and employees primary objective of the Programme is to in the tourism industry. develop skills capacity and the participation of SATI focuses on teacher-development 75% of historically disadvantaged enterprises programmes with the intention of enhancing within the tourism economy. the delivery quality of the travel and tourism and hospitality subjects. Human resource development The project began with 14 schools and 800 Tourism HRD is considered one of the pillars of learners in 1996, growing to 368 schools and the development of a new responsible tourism 40 000 learners in 2002. culture in South Africa. SATI trained over 600 educators on tourism, The Department has supported the full provided 200 learners from disadvantaged introduction of travel and tourism and hospi- backgrounds with tourism internships, and tality studies as a subject in schools. Travel and created tourism awareness in over 540 tourism was introduced in 2000 in all schools schools. wanting to offer the subject from Grades 10 There is also emphasis on capacity-building to 12. of Department of Education officials as well as The Tourism and Hospitality Education and educators. Training Authority (THETA) comprises the A loan and bursary scheme established for following sectors: higher education had benefited 45 students by mid-2002, with almost 90% of awards going to the previously disadvantaged. This scheme is operated by the National Student Financial The South Africa Fundi Tourism Expert Course, launched at the Tourism Indaba 2003, is aimed Aid Scheme. at making international travel agents and tour A SATI resource centre has been estab- operators experts on what the country has to lished, containing electronic and physical offer, thereby increasing South Africa’s market share. resources on many aspects of tourism and its The material of the eight-week course covers a related industries. The centre is open to the wide spectrum of subjects, which include basic facts about South Africa, a comprehensive public. (See www.sati.web.za.) overview of South Africa’s products, general Other developmental projects are also infrastructure and detailed coverage of provinces, towns and cities. under way that include working with tourism

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departments and industry to develop levels of A learnership consists of structured work- customer service and staff training. place learning and structured off-the-job SATI, in conjunction with the Sunday Times learning. On successful completion, a national and with the endorsement of the Minister of qualification is awarded. Environmental Affairs and Tourism, launched The Department of Environmental Affairs an eight-week educational initiative, which and Tourism has commissioned tourism allowed readers to set up and successfully hospitality, education and sports training operate their own bed-and-breakfast estab- authorities to train tour guides, with the lishment or guest-house. specific aim of empowering the unemployed A partnership between the South African and previously disadvantaged individuals. business community, via the Business Trust By May 2003, there were 5 645 registered and the Department of Labour, is aiming to tour guides in South Africa, 1 058 of whom train 17 000 people, most of them unem- were black. ployed, between 2000 and 2004. The Tourism Learnership Project aims to elevate skills, Hints for the tourist service and productivity levels in the tourism, conservation and hospitality subsectors. By Every person wishing to enter South Africa must August 2002, some 21 learnerships had been be in possession of a valid passport for travel to registered. The project is supported by almost South Africa and, where necessary, a visa. 150 companies in developing the 1 500 The Immigration Act, 2002 (Act 13 of 2002), employed and 2 000 unemployed learners. stipulates that all visitors to South Africa are required to have a minimum of one blank page (both back and front) in their passport to enable the entry visa to be issued.

Southern Africa has become one of the most If there is insufficient space in the passport, popular big-game hunting regions in the world. It entry will be denied. offers a great variety to trophy hunters, including Enquiries can be directed to South African the Big Five, namely elephant, white rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo, as well as 26 species of diplomatic representatives abroad or the antelope. Department of Home Affairs in . Visas Hunting proclamations of the various are issued free of charge. Visitors who intend provinces differ and are promulgated annually. The hunting season is normally during the winter travelling to South Africa's neighbouring months, from May to the end of July. countries and back into South Africa are Most species may be hunted legally by non- advised to apply for multiple-entry visas. land-owners during the hunting season, provided they have the written consent of the landowner Passport-holders of certain countries are and a valid hunting permit issued by the exempt from visa requirements. Tourists must appropriate conservation authority. satisfy immigration officers that they have the Trophy hunting by overseas clients is subject to uniform legislation throughout South Africa, means to support themselves during their stay and all hunters are required to be accompanied and that they are in possession of return or by registered professional hunters and have their onward tickets. They must also have valid hunts arranged by approved hunting outfitters. All nine provinces provide schedules of international health certificates. ordinary, protected and specially protected game. Visitors from the yellow-fever belt in Africa Ordinary game may be hunted under licence during an open season. Protected game may be and the USA, as well as those who travel hunted only under permit and licence, the fee through or disembark in these areas, have to depending on the species. Specially protected be inoculated against the disease. game, which includes grysbok, klipspringer, red hartebeest, giraffe, black rhinoceros, pangolin Malaria is endemic to parts of KwaZulu- and antbear, may not be hunted at all. Natal, and Limpopo. It is essential

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to take precautions when visiting these areas. the star system for marketing and advertising Foreign tourists visiting South Africa can purposes. have their value-added tax (VAT) refunded, pro- Since its inception in 2001, the TGCSA has vided the value of the items purchased been directly responsible for an additional exceeds R20. VAT is refunded on departure at R76,5 million being invested in hotels, lodges, the point of exit. guest-houses, bed-and-breakfast and self- South Africa's transport infrastructure – catering establishments. airlines, railroads, roads, luxury touring buses Management at 34 hospitality establish- (coaches) and motor cars – is such that ments that have adopted TGCSA’s National tourists can travel comfortably and quickly Star-Grading Scheme decided to invest the from their port of entry to any other part of the R76,5 million in refurbishing and other infra- country. A number of international airlines, structure spending. including South African Airways, operate regu- Grading assessors undergo training to lar scheduled flights to and from South Africa. receive the National Certificate in tourism Several domestic airlines operate in the coun- grading. The awarding of such a qualification is try. There are also mainline trains to all parts of a world-first. Assessors are then accredited the country. (See Chapter 22: Transport.) with THETA and registered with the TGCSA A brochure entitled Helpful Hints to Make before being recommended to the industry. Your Stay Enjoyable and Safe is distributed to Larger group hotels with their own internal tourists at international airports. assessors will also be accredited with THETA. Independent auditors conduct random audits. Accommodation These auditors also assist in ensuring that the The tourist accommodation industry in South assessors adhere to a Code of Conduct. Africa provides a wide spectrum of accommo- By March 2003, more than 1 200 accom- dation, from formal hotels to informal holiday modation establishments had been graded as flats and cottages, game lodges and reserves, part of the Star-Grading System. Forty-eight guest-houses, youth hostels and bed-and- independent assessors, including 15 from breakfast establishments. historically disadvantaged backgrounds, have A variety of promotional material on South been trained and accredited to undertake Africa is available. Comprehensive guides and grading on behalf of the TGCSA. The star grad- maps cover all the regions and aspects of ing is the only system recognised by govern- interest to tourists, including accommodation. ment and the Tourism Business Council. Various useful tourism websites can be found By March 2003, the Council was working on the Internet. (See also Suggested reading, with representatives from the Meetings p.616.) Incentive, Conference and Exhibitions Industry The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (MICE) industry to develop customer-orientat- (TGCSA) was appointed in September 2000 to ed, practical and relevant star-grading criteria inspect the standards in the hospitality and for the sector. accommodation industry. South Africa will be one of the first countries The voluntary grading system, which was in the world to have national grading criteria launched in 2001, uses internationally recog- for the MICE venues sector. nised star insignia to rate accommodation Implementation of the star-grading criteria establishments initially, and will be extended for caravan and camping facilities was expect- to include relevant businesses in classified ed to commence during the middle of 2003. sectors of the tourism industry. Once graded, The TGCSA is also in the process of develop- establishments will be encouraged to utilise ing star-grading criteria for backpacker and

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hostel establishments, conference venues, The Western Cape Government established restaurants, tour operators and tourist trans- the Western Cape Tourism Safety Forum, a port service-providers. task team joining tourism bureaux, the SAPS By April 2003, the TGCSA was engaging and community-safety authorities. representatives from the food and beverage Together they ensure that tourists who are industry (coffee shops, restaurants, bars, etc.) in involved in incidents of crime receive human- developing star-grading criteria for the sector. itarian support. On 15 and 16 October 2003, the provincial Tourist safety Government hosted the Tourism Safety South African Tourism has launched several Conference in Cape Town to discuss issues initiatives aimed at ensuring the safety of around tourism safety. travellers to the country. The Conference harnessed the collective These include a partnership initiative with thinking of tourism and safety stakeholders to the oil company Engen and the Tourism come up with consistent and co-ordinated Information and Safety Call Line, which pro- actions. vides tourists with information on what to do in an emergency and where to locate services. Tourism in the provinces The line, 083 123 2345 is operational 24 hours per day. Western Cape The Department of Environmental Affairs The Western Cape continues to be one of the and Tourism has established a National most favoured destinations for foreigners. It is Tourism Safety Network, which is a multi- estimated that tourism accounts for about stakeholder structure comprising provincial 9,1% of the Western Cape's regional product representatives, the South African Police and employs a similar proportion of the Service (SAPS), metro police, organised local formal workforce. government, community policing structures, The Western Cape Tourism Board serves South African Tourism and other key stake- eight different regions. holders. The forum has so far developed a Tourism Cape Metropolitan Area Safety Communications Strategy that is The Cape Metropolitan Area is divided into six presently being implemented by provinces. It different local areas, namely Cape Town, the has also redrafted the National Tourism Safety South Peninsula, Blaauwberg, Helderberg, Tips for visitors and established agreement in and Oostenberg. Tourist life in the the industry to distribute only the new docu- city of Cape Town centres around the Victoria ments to tourists. & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront, a working harbour The Mpumalanga Provincial Government offering everything from upmarket shopping announced in April 2003 that it would be malls, arts and craft markets, theatres and live spending R1,4 million to establish permanent music, to museums. tourism-safety monitors. Major attractions in the city include the Bo- The Tourism-Safety Monitors Project was Kaap Museum, the Castle of Good Hope, the launched in December 2002 as a pilot project Company's Garden, the District Six Museum, aimed at preventing and curbing criminal flea markets, the Grand Parade, the Houses of attacks against both domestic and foreign Parliament, the South African Cultural History visitors. Some 85 youth were trained and Museum and the South African National Gallery. placed at more than 10 tourist points in the Also worth a visit are historical buildings in province. the Bo-Kaap and District Six.

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The Gold of Africa Museum was opened in buildings designed by Sir Herbert Baker. February 2002. Established by Anglo Gold, it is At Cape Point, part of the Cape Peninsula home to a celebrated collection of more than National Park, there are many drives, walks, 350 gold artefacts. picnic spots and a licensed restaurant. Care Air flips and trips are available, as well as has been taken to protect the environmental many boat and yacht trips from Table Bay integrity of this 22 100-hectare (ha) reserve of Harbour, including trips to Robben Island indigenous flora and fauna. (proclaimed a World Heritage Site and also the Simon's Town's naval atmosphere and place where former President Nelson Mandela Historic Mile are major attractions in the area. was imprisoned for a number of years), which A statue of the famous dog and sailor's friend, is fast becoming one of South Africa's premier Able Seaman Just Nuisance, stands at Jubilee tourist attractions. Square. The Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Other attractions include the South African Island is situated in the Clock Tower Precinct at Naval Museum and the Warrior Toy Museum. the V&A Waterfront. The Gateway houses inter- One of only two mainland jackass-penguin active multimedia exhibitions, an auditorium, breeding colonies in the world can be found at boardrooms, a new Robben Island Museum Boulders Beach. shop and a restaurant. Hout Bay is well-known for its colourful Table Mountain is a popular site for visitors working harbour. Seafood outlets, round-the- and provides the majestic backdrop to the bay trips to the nearby seal colony, shell and vibrant and friendly Mother City. It can be gift shops, and a famous harbourfront em- reached by an ultra-modern cableway. The porium attract many visitors. Duiker Island, Mountain forms part of the Cape Peninsula opposite The Sentinel, is a seal and sea-bird National Park. sanctuary. The World of Birds Wildlife Newlands is home to the Kirstenbosch Sanctuary is one of the largest bird parks in National Botanical Garden. In summer, various the world and provides a home for some open-air concerts are held and visitors can 3 000 birds. Visitors can walk through the large bring their own picnic baskets. landscaped aviaries. At the South African Rugby Museum, visitors Against the backdrop of the magnificent can view the history of the sport back to 1891. Hottentots Holland and Helderberg Mountains, The Rhodes Memorial is situated at the Helderberg region is a paradise for tourists. Rondebosch on the slopes of Table Mountain. Hiking and bird-watching in the Helderberg It was built of granite from the Mountain as a Nature Reserve, the historic Vergelegen Wine tribute to the memory of Cecil John Rhodes, Farm and the Helderberg Wine Route offer Prime Minister of the Cape from 1890 to 1896. something for everyone. Golfers can play a The University of Cape Town is worth a visit round at the popular Erinvale Golf Course, for its historic Middle Campus and many while a scenic viewpoint on Sir Lowry's Pass offers uninterrupted views across False Bay. In Oostenberg, visitors can enjoy some fine The Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre at Cape Point, wine and flower farms, such as Zevenwacht officially known as the Cape of Good Hope section of the Cape Peninsula National Park, was Wine Estate with its graceful Cape Dutch officially opened in January 2003. homestead. At , visitors can see The Centre houses a full complement of a collection of exotic animals. Endless artefact displays, state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and information material covering all stretches of quiet beaches provide popular aspects of the area’s natural and cultural wealth. surfing and windsurfing spots. Big Bay in

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Bloubergstrand is a surfer's paradise and is Garden Route region host to an international windsurfing event. The Garden Route has a well-developed tourist Rietvlei Nature Reserve is a unique wetland infrastructure, making the region popular all area, boasting over 110 bird species, including year round. pelicans and flamingos. The pont at Malgas is the only remaining Century City with the massive Canal Walk pont in the country, ferrying vehicles and live- shopping mall (over 350 stores) is a tourist stock across the Breede River. Whale-watching haven. attracts tourists at and Canal Walk Century City is the largest shop- from June to November. The area also has a ping centre in Africa, with close to 400 shops few free-range ostrich farms. and home to the largest movie complex in The Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve out- South Africa. side Heidelberg comprises the popular A state-of-the-art olympic-size ice-rink, Bushbuck Trail, a wilderness trail and two an amusement park and an upmarket casino mountain-bike trails. are on offer at GrandWest Casino and Riversdale is one of South Africa's most Entertainment World. important fynbos export areas. Other attrac- Ratanga Junction, Africa's first full-scale tions include the Julius Gordon Africana theme park, is situated next to Century City. Museum. It offers adrenaline-pumping thrill rides, roller At the historical Strandveld Architectural coasters, kiddie rides, and snake and bird Heritage Site at Still Bay, visitors can watch shows. tame eels being fed. Ancient fish-traps can be Tygerberg is a vibrant and fast-growing seen at Morris Point and the harbour. area with a well-developed business centre, At the aloe factories at Albertinia, aloe numerous sports fields, an international juices are extracted for medicine and high- indoor cycle track, well-kept golf courses, a quality skin-care products. racecourse and a casino. Nearby, bungee-jumping on the Gourits River Gorge, hiking, mountain-biking and angling are popular pastimes. At , the Point, a well-liked area South Africa's Blue Train is one of the world's for surfers, also features a natural pool formed most luxurious railway services. The Train runs between Cape Town and Pretoria, to Hoedspruit by rock – a popular swimming place at low in Mpumalanga and along a section of the tide. The St Blaize trail starts here and it is the Garden Route between Cape Town and Port ideal spot to watch the whales and dolphins at Elizabeth. A trip to the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is also offered. play in season. There is plenty to do in Mossel Each Blue Train compartment has a bathroom Bay, such as suntanning on the 24-km beach, en suite, featuring either a bath or shower, a shark diving and hiking. telephone, television and individually controlled air-conditioning. A video channel allows guests The harbour at Mossel Bay is one of the to access short documentaries about the area most modern commercial and recreational through which the Train is travelling, while a large harbours on the southern Cape coastline. screen in the club car provides an eye-view of the track ahead, courtesy of a camera mounted The Information Centre at PetroSA (formerly onto the front of the locomotive. Mossgas) informs visitors about the project Features include CD players and video and the production of synthetic fuels from machines in the luxury compartments. Professionally trained personnel are on call for Mossel Bay's offshore gas fields. Other attrac- guests 24 hours a day. tions include the Attequas Kloof Pass, Anglo- The 380-m long Train has 18 carriages, accom- modates 84 passengers and 27 staff members, Boer/South African War blockhouses and the and travels at a maximum speed of 110 km/h. Bartholomew Dias complex.

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Great Brak River offers a historic village an estuary, guarded by The Heads (two huge with many opportunities for whale and dolphin sandstone cliffs) surrounded by indigenous watching along the extensive coast. Game forests, tranquil lakes and golden beaches. farms hosting four of the Big Five enrich the This natural wonderland is home to the wild and bird life. largest and smallest of creatures, from the George is at the heart of the Garden Route seahorse to the Knysna elephants, rare and the mecca of golf in the southern Cape, as delicate butterflies and the endemic Knysna it is home to the renowned Fancourt Country loerie, a colourful forest bird. Over 200 species Club and Golf Estate and various other can be found in the abundant fynbos and acclaimed golf courses. Board the Outeniqua forest settings. Choo-Tjoe on its daily trip along the coastline Knysna is also famous for its delectable between George and Knysna (except Sundays) home-grown oysters, enjoyed with locally at the Outeniqua Transport Museum, where brewed beer in quaint pubs and restaurants. one can enjoy a variety of enterprises. Visitors An eclectic mix of art galleries showcases the can also board the Power Van here, and enjoy diversity of talent in the area. The area also a glimpse of the Garden Route Botanical offers lagoon cruises, forest hikes, golf and Garden. adventure sports. A visit to the Knysna Quays The George Museum with its timber history is a must. as theme offers ongoing exhibitions. The is adventure country, offer- Montagu and Voortrekker Passes are national ing boat-based whale watching, black water monuments, providing spectacular views of tubing, hiking, and forest and cycling trails. the Outeniqua Nature Reserve, which offers Look-Out Beach is one of the Blue Flag beach- several hiking trails. es in South Africa. The George Airport, the Outeniqua Pass, the The Keurbooms River Nature Reserve at railway line and the N2 offer excellent access Plettenberg Bay offers a canoeing trail, and the and make George the ideal hub from which to Robberg Nature Reserve is a treasure trove of explore the Garden Route and Little Karoo. land, marine, geological and archaelogical and Wilderness are popular for wealth. their safe bathing and unspoilt nature. The Tsitsikamma National Park offers many Wilderness is the western gateway to the scenic walks and trails, including the world- southern Cape lakes area. It’s a nature lover’s famous Otter Trail. It also boasts the only paradise, best known for its beaches, lakes, underwater trail in Africa. The Park is South placid lagoon and lush indigenous forests. Bird Africa's first proclaimed marine reserve. watchers flock to the Langvlei and Rondevlei There are several bungee-jumping spots Bird Sanctuaries in the Wilderness National in the area, including the highest bungee Park, which host over 230 different bird jump in the world at the Bloukrans River species. Other activities include biking, abseil- Bridge. Other popular activities include boat ing, horse-riding, paragliding, scenic drives, cruises, trout-fishing, whale watching, diving, canoeing, scuba diving and fishing. sea-kayaking, gliding, golfing, abseiling and Sedgefield borders Swartvlei Lagoon, the canoeing. largest natural inland saltwater lake in South Africa. Activities include beach horse-riding, Klein hiking, angling and bird-watching. The Klein is a semi-desert area broken by Knysna has officially become South Africa’s unexpected lush river valleys. Excellent wines favourite destination. What makes it unique is and port are produced in the and the fact that the town nestles on the banks of areas.

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Oudtshoorn, the world's ostrich-feather Central Karoo region capital, is the region's main town. The The Central Karoo forms part of one of the Swartberg Nature Reserve and Pass are also world’s most interesting and unique arid worth a visit. The Klein Karoo Nasionale zones. This ancient, fossil-rich land with the Kunstefees is held in the town annually. Some richest desert flora in the world, also has the 29 km from lie the remarkable largest variety of succulents found anywhere Cango Caves, a series of spectacular subter- on earth. There are over 9 000 plant species in ranean limestone caverns. Bearing evidence of the Karoo, and the Beaufort West area alone is early San habitation, the 30-cave wonderland home to more species than the whole of Great boasts magnificent dripstone formations. Britain. Between 200 000 and 250 000 people visit Beaufort West, the oldest town in the Central the Caves annually. Karoo, is often referred to as the ‘Oasis of the Amalienstein and Zoar are historic mission Karoo’. The local museum features a display of stations midway between and awards presented to pioneer heart transplant Calitzdorp. Visitors can go on donkey-cart and surgeon, the late Prof. Chris Barnard, a son of hiking trails through orchards and vineyards, this town. Close by is the Karoo National Park, while the Seweweekspoort is ideal for moun- which is home to a huge range of game as well tain-biking, hiking, and protea and fynbos as the highly endangered riverine rabbit. admirers. The village of Matjiesfontein, a national Calitzdorp boasts four wine estates, three of monument, offers tourists a peek into the which are open to the public. The spring water splendour of Victorian England. The village of the Calitzdorp Spa is rich in minerals and is houses a small railway museum, a private reputed to have medicinal properties. The motor museum and the largest privately Gamka Mountain Reserve is home to the rare owned museum in South Africa. and endangered Cape mountain zebra. The vastness of the Great Karoo can best be De Rust lies at the southern entrance experienced at Murraysburg, an ecotourist to Meiringspoort. The Meiringspoort Gorge and hunter’s paradise, while the geology of the extends 20 km through the Swartberg Moun- region can be studied at Laingsburg, a tiny tain Range. Halfway through, a beautiful 69 m- village once almost completely wiped out by high waterfall can be seen. Wine farms in the floods. area are open to the public. Prince Albert is a well-preserved town Ladysmith is home to the Towerkop Cheese which nestles at the foot of the Swartberg Factory. There are various hiking trails, moun- Mountains. The Fransie Pienaar Museum offers tain-biking trails and 4x4 trails in the area. The interesting cultural-history displays, a fossil Anysberg, Klein Karoo and Towerkop Nature room and an exhibit of the old gold-mining Reserves can also be visited. activities of the 19th century. The Museum has Uniondale, on the main route between a license to distil and sell witblits (white light- George and Graaff-Reinet, features the largest ening). Prince Albert is the closest town by water-wheel in the country, the Old Watermill. road to Gamkaskloof. Uniondale Poort is a scenic drive linking The Hell, a little valley in the heart of the Uniondale with in the Langkloof Swartberg Mountains, was the home of one of Valley. the world’s most isolated communities for At Vanwyksdorp, visitors can see how fyn- almost 150 years. Today, it is a nature reserve bos is dried and packed for the export market. and national monument managed by Cape Donkey-cart rides take visitors to Anglo- Nature Conservation. It is accessed from the Boer/South African War grave sites. peak of the Swartberg Pass.

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Winelands region Stellenbosch through the Helshoogte Pass, so Whether it is its magnificent natural beauty, its named because of its dangerous curves. rich cultural heritage or its world-renowned Enter the Banhoek Valley, to which unruly wines, the Winelands region is synonymous slaves were banished from the castle in the with the best that the Cape has to offer. late 1700s. These slaves found freedom in the Splendid mountains, gabled Cape Dutch secluded mountain areas. They interacted with homesteads and lush vineyards provide a other slaves on the already established farms splendid backdrop to the towns of and started their own settlements. Today Stellenbosch, Paarl, Wellington, Franschhoek Kylemore is one of these small dorpies. Further and the Dwarsrivier Valley. down the road is the little town of Pniel. When Franschhoek, originally known as slaves were emancipated in 1834, those who Oliphantshoek, was named after the arrival of were not tradesmen or entrepreneurs were Huguenots who were predominantly French. quite adept at fruit farming, but had no land to The Huguenot Monument was built in 1944 to tend. A concerned philanthrophic organisation commemorate the 250th anniversary of their bought land on which a mission station was arrival in 1688. The Huguenot Museum depicts established in 1843. Places of interest include the genealogical history of these families. the Freedom Monument, which was erected Visitors can also enjoy various hiking trails and in 1992 – a symbol to commemorate the historical walks, as well as the Vignerons de freed slaves who were the first settlers at the Franschhoek wine route. mission station. Paarl lies between the second-largest Stellenbosch is the second-oldest town in granite rock in the world and the Du Toit's South Africa, and is also known as the Kloof Mountains and is famous for its architec- Eikestad (city of oaks). Various historical walks tural treasures found along a 1-km stretch of will delight visitors. Dorp Street consists of the Main Street featuring, among others, Cape one of the longest rows of old buildings in the Dutch and Victorian architecture. country. The Stellenbosch Village Museum The Afrikaanse Taalmonument is situated consists of four homesteads and gardens on the slopes of the Paarl Mountain while the ranging from the late 17th to the middle 19th Afrikaanse Taalmuseum is in the centre of the centuries. town. A number of nature reserves provide excel- Visitors can also visit various animal attrac- lent hikes. The town hosts various festivals, tions like the Drakenstein Lion Park, Animal including the Simon van der Stel Festival, Zone or Le Bonheur Crocodile Farm. The Paarl which takes place in October each year to Mountain and Nature Reserve, rich in its commemorate the birthday of the founder of natural beauty, is known for its enormous Stellenbosch, and the Stellenbosch Food and 500 million-year-old granite rocks. The Wine Festival. Dwarsrivier Valley boasts a leisurely drive from At the Oude Libertas Amphitheatre, visitors can enjoy concerts, and ballet between December and March. The Spier Summer Arts Festival also livens up sultry summer nights The Western Cape walked away with all the from November to March at the Spier Wine awards at the 2002 Engen Town of the Year Competition. Estate near Stellenbosch. The Stellenbosch Cape Town was named the City of the Year, Wine Route comprises over 100 wine estates. while the prize for the town category went to Wellington, which is steeped in history and Knysna. Montagu, situated midway between Cape Town and Knysna, took the trophy for the tradition, has a magical atmosphere that will village category. captivate you once you discover the town, its

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people and its myriad attractions. Apart from is famous for its abundance of seafood and fine cuisine and pleasant accommodation, cultural-historical heritage sites. visitors can explore its rich inheritance of The town of Darling draws visitors to its historic buildings, experience fynbos hikes, country museum and art gallery, annual wild horse riding and mountain biking. Bain’s Kloof flower and orchid shows, basket factory and Pass is regarded as the proud legacy of all wine cellars. The entertainment venue Evita se inhabitants of the Drakenstein Valley and is of Perron is situated at the old Darling Railway great importance for tourism. Station and offers top entertainment from Flower lovers will certainly enjoy the local entertainers. chrysanthemum show in May, the longest The Hartbeeshuisie at Hopefield is a replica running such show in South Africa. More than of the original reed-built houses of the area. 90% of South Africa’s vine-cutting nurseries Langrietvlei, a national monument, boasts a are found in Wellington. The town is also the Guernsey and Hereford stud, a honey farm and home of South Africa’s dried-fruit industry. hiking trails. is a popular holiday destination. Tourism-related projects The West Coast National Park, an internation- The Ikhwezi Community Centre, situated ally renowned wetland which houses about between Paarl and Wellington, empowers 60 000 waterbirds and waders, attracts disadvantaged women and children through thousands of visitors each year. craft projects. Handmade articles such as The Park is also the site where the oldest beautifully coloured woven rugs and tapes- anatomically modern fossilised human foot- tries, patchwork quilts, hand-embroidered prints, were discovered. The site at the farm linen and children’s clothing are sold at the Elandsfontein near Hopefield where the Centre. Cultural dancing, a marimba band and human skull cap referred to as the ‘Saldanha traditional Xhosa and Malay food are available. Man’ was discovered, and the Park, form part Homestays have been developed in the of the West Coast Fossil Route. Winelands region, where guests can become The West Coast Fossil Park is situated part of the host’s family and experience com- 110 km north of Cape Town. Visitors to the Park munity life. can learn about the animal life and climate Kayamandi, Cloetesville, Idas Valley and changes that occurred in the Western Cape Jamestown in the greater Stellenbosch area, five million years ago. The Park is also used for offer cultural experiences, with the vibrant research programmes. townships offering genuine African hospitality. The Langebaan Lagoon forms part of the With a local resident of the township as the Park and is zoned for specific activities. The guide, enjoy a drive around the township, take Postberg section of the Park, across the a tour of the hostels, experience African con- Lagoon, is famous for its wild flowers, bloom- temporary music, or simply sip a homemade ing mainly during August and September. beer. Bird watching, fishing, hiking, horse-riding and whale watching (in spring) are some of the West Coast activities on offer. The West Coast comprises the Olifants River Cape Columbine at Paternoster is the last Valley, the Swartland and the coastal areas manned lighthouse built on the South African bordering the Atlantic. coast. The Columbine Nature Reserve is home Within the first two months of the first good to many seabird species. winter rains, wild flowers on the West Coast Saldanha is a water-sport enthusiast's explode in a brilliant array of colour. The area paradise. Other attractions include Doc's Cave,

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a landmark on the scenic breakwater drive, South Africa. The wine route from to and the Hoedjieskoppie Nature Reserve. There boasts a selection of internationally are various hiking trails in the SAS Saldanha acclaimed wines. The world-renowned rooibos Nature Reserve. tea is also produced here. The annual Harvest Festival of the Sea at Citrusdal is famous for its citrus products Saldanha commemorates those people who and wines. The Citrusdal Museum depicts the lost their lives at sea. pioneering days of the early colonists. is best known for the Vasco The Goede Hoop Citrus Co-op is the largest Da Gama Monument and Museum. Fishing single packing facility in South Africa. (snoek in season), hiking, bird and whale- The annual Citrusdal Outdoor Calabash fea- watching opportunities also draw many visitors. tures, among others, 4x4 outings, lectures and , the business centre of the visits to rock-art sites, and an arts and crafts area, offers shopping opportunities, cinemas market. and other essential services. The golf course The Sandveldhuisie is a recently built exam- just outside the town is very popular and ple of a typical Sandveld dwelling. There are boasts a bird hide where various species can several recognised mountain-biking routes, be viewed. walking, hiking and canoeing trails, and a sky- Lambert’s Bay is a traditional fishing village diving club. The Cederberg Wilderness Area with Bird Island as a tourist attraction. It is a features the elephant’s foot plant, the rare breeding ground for jackass penguins, Cape snow protea, and the best examples of San cormorants and other sea birds. Visitors can rock art in the Western Cape. also watch southern right whales from June to Visitors to Clanwilliam can visit the rooibos November. and velskoen factories, the grave of the The picturesque town of with its well-known South African poet Louis Leipoldt, attractive lighthouse is popular for its seafood. and the Englishman’s Grave. Various historical The crayfish factory in town can be visited by buildings can also be viewed. The Clanwilliam appointment. and Bulshoek Dams are popular among water- Strandfontein, situated about 8 km north sport enthusiasts. of Doring Bay, is essentially a holiday and At , the oldest Rhenish Mission retirement resort. The interesting location of Station, at the foot of the Cederberg the town and its breathtaking view of the Mountains, a self-help footwear-development ocean present a priceless panorama. project is under way. Workers sell the At /Laaiplek, visitors can indulge velskoens to retailers, primarily in Gauteng and in some bokkom (a West Coast salted-fish the Western Cape. Proceeds from 4x4 trails in delicacy) at factories along the Berg River. the area go to community coffers for new Tourists can also visit the salt-processing hiking trails and building more overnight huts factory or the West Coast Art Gallery in town. and guest-houses. is famous for its unspoilt is situated in an area well beaches, fynbos, beautiful views and whale- known for its potato produce. Tourists can visit watching. Another major attraction is the the Heerenlogement, an overhang used as an historical lime furnaces. overnighting site by early settlers. was named after the wild clover Olifants River Valley/West Coast growing in the area. During the flower season, During winter, the Olifants River Valley is filled the area is a kaleidoscope of colour. Visitors with the heady scent of orange blossoms. The can go on a hiking trail along the Doring River, citrus area in the Valley is the third-largest in as well as on a river-rafting trail.

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Lutzville and are synonymous and are major with wine and flowers in season. wheat-distributing towns. Visitors can visit the Visitors can also view the Sishen-Saldanha Wheat Industry Museum, one of only three in Railway Bridge. Where the railway line spans the world. Bird watching, hiking, 4x4 routes, the Olifants River, it is divided into 23 sections, clay-pigeon shooting, mountain-bike trails, each 45 m long. The 14 100-ton deck was canoeing and waterskiing at Misverstand are pushed into position over teflon sheets with popular activities in and around the town. hydraulic jacks from the bridgehead. It is the offers arts and craft, fauna and longest bridge in the world built using this flora, wine culture and recreation. method. The and Wittewater Moravian houses the largest succulent Mission Stations are situated close to Piketberg. nursery in South Africa. The Latsky Radio Porterville is famous for its Disa Route Museum houses a collection of old valve (best in January and February). The Groot radios, some dating back to 1924. Bird watch- Winterhoek Mountain Peak in the Groot ing, mountain biking, day walks, hiking and 4x4 Winterhoek Wilderness Area is the second- trails abound. The Troe-Troe and highest in the Western Cape. There are Mission Stations are a must-see for historians. several walking trails. The Dasklip Pass is pop- is the centre of the Lower Olifants ular with hang-gliders. River Valley. Major attractions include marble- processing and manufacturing, industrial Overberg region mines (dolomite and limestone), the KWV The Hangklip-Kleinmond area comprises Grape Juice Concentrate Plant and Distillery, Kleinmond, Betty's Bay, Pringle Bay and and the South African Dried Fruit Co-op. The Rooiels. It is a popular holiday region, ideal for town is also home to the Vredendal Wine whale watching, and includes the Kleinmond Cellar, the largest co-operative wine cellar Coastal Nature Reserve and the Harold Porter under one roof in the southern hemisphere. Botanical Garden. The Penguin Reserve at Stoney Point is Swartland region one of two breeding colonies of the jackass The Swartland is best known for its wheat penguin on the African continent. production. South Africa's first international biosphere Malmesbury is the biggest town in the reserve, the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, was Swartland. Major attractions include Bokomo proclaimed by the UN Educational, Scientific Mills, the Malmesbury Museum, the Sugarbird and Cultural Organisation in 1999. The glazed fruit factory and the historical walk- 90 000-ha Reserve includes 23 000 ha of about. marine environment. It runs along the coast The Riebeek Valley is known for its scenic from Gordon's Bay to the Bot River Vlei, beauty. The area has become a popular haven stretching 2 km out to sea, and inland to the for well-known artists of various disciplines. Groenlandberg, the mountains near Grabouw. Wines at various cellars and olives can be Hermanus is a popular holiday resort, tasted. Steeped in South African history, it is famous for the best land-based whale watch- the birthplace of both Genl Jan Smuts and ing in the world. The coastline offers miles Dr DF Malan. Smuts House is open to the of white sandy beaches, restaurants, sports public. facilities and a unique 12-km cliff path. is a popular holiday resort and Stanford is one of the few villages in South surfer's paradise. Khoi and San rock art can be Africa where the market square has been viewed at Elands Bay Caves. retained. The central core of the village has

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been proclaimed a national conservation area. The lighthouse at L’Agulhas, which forms A total of 124 bird species has been recorded part of the Agulhas National Park, is the to date. country's second-oldest working lighthouse. It Gansbaai is known for its excellent rock celebrated its 150th anniversary in 1999. It and boat angling, diving, shark-cage diving houses a restaurant and a museum. About and whale watching. The Danger Point 1 km from the lighthouse is the southernmost Lighthouse, named as such because of the point of Africa, Cape Agulhas. This is also the ships that have been wrecked and lives that meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic have been lost on this dangerous coast is Oceans. open to the public. The Agulhas National Park is home to a rich De Kelders is the only freshwater cave on and diverse plant population, which includes the African coast. Spectacular views of south- some 2 000 indigenous species comprising ern right whales can be enjoyed from the cliffs more than 110 Red Data Book species. at De Kelders and along the coast to Pearly The Agulhas Plain is home to a variety of Beach. Also popular are white shark tours, wetlands, as well as the endangered Cape diving safaris and fishing trips. platanna and microfrog, and rare coastal Elim was founded by German missionaries birds such as the African oystercatcher. in 1824, with its only inhabitants being The Darmara fern finds the area ideal for members of the Moravian Church. Visitors are breeding. welcome to attend services. The Old Watermill Visitors can also view the ancient tidal fish (1833) has been restored and declared a traps constructed by the Khoi-Khoi people. national monument. Struisbaai has the longest white coast- Popular sites in Napier include the Militaria line in the southern hemisphere. Hiking Museum and Rose Boats and Toy Museum. trails are on offer and boat-based whale At the latter, unique handmade tin-plate watching can be enjoyed from the Struisbaai steamboats can be seen driven by copper and Harbour. brass rose boats. Old toys and trains are also Arniston was named Waenhuiskrans by the on display. local fishers in honour of the huge sea cave Kleinsanddrif farm, situated half-way capable of housing several ox-wagons. For between Bredasdorp and Napier, offers guided outsiders it was named after the Arniston, a tours by tractor and trailer up the picturesque ship wrecked here in 1815. The Waenhuiskrans mountain range. Fynbos and many species of Cave can be explored at low tide. birds, including the engandered blue crane, The De Hoop Nature Reserve on the way to South Africa’s national bird, can be seen. Swellendam includes an internationally At Bredasdorp, the historical farm Nacht renowned wetland and bird sanctuary. The Wacht can be visited for a real Overberg farm marine reserve is a winter retreat for the experience. southern right whale and the Western Cape’s De Mond Nature Reserve boasts rare bird only Cape griffen vulture colony. There is a species including the Damara tern and giant mountain-bike trail and an environmental tern. education centre. The red Bredasdorp lily and Geelkop Nature Reserve, which is about many species of protea and erica are found in 450 ha in size, derives its name from the mass the Heuningberg Nature Reserve. of yellow flowering plants, particularly leuca- Swellendam is well-known for its young- dendrons, which cover the hill during spring. berries and eclectic architecture. The Drostdy The Reserve offers a half-day hiking trail and Museum consists of a group of buildings scenic circular drives. containing a huge selection of period furniture.

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The Bontebok National Park, about 7 km from produce. Sir Lowry’s Pass offers spectacular Swellendam, provides sanctuary to, among views of False Bay from Gordon's Bay to Cape others, the threatened bontebuck. Point. Suurbraak is a mission village situated in the folds of the Langeberg Mountains, along- Breede River Valley region side the Buffelsjachts River about 5 km from At the foot of the majestic Langeberg the majestic Tradouw Pass. Mountains lies Ashton, an important wine- Barrydale can be approached from three producing and food-processing centre. directions: the Overberg and Garden Route via Besides being home to four wineries and two the magnificent Tradouw Pass, Montagu and large canneries, Ashton also offers cruises the fertile Tradouw Valley, or Oudtshoorn down the Breede River, amazing rock forma- through the starkly beautiful Klein Karoo. tions at the spectacular Cogmans Kloof, and Known for its world-class wine, Barrydale beautiful day walks in the surrounding foot- offers the visitor fruit and fresh air in abun- hills, allowing the visitor to take a closer look dance. at the region's fynbos. Situated on the N2, about 160 km from Known as ‘beautiful valley’, Bonnievale lies Cape Town, Riviersonderend offers beautiful in a fertile valley along the Breede River. Lush mountain and river scenery, a nine-hole golf vineyards and peach and apricot orchards course and sightings of the blue crane. meander through the town against the back- Caledon is famous for its natural mineral drop of imposing mountains. The tranquil waters, hot springs and wild-flower shows. The atmosphere, moderate climate, scenic beauty, Southern Associated Maltsters is the only excellent wines and well-known Bonnievale malt producer for the South African lager sausage all make for an enchanting visit. Other beer industry and the largest in the southern attractions include the Myrtle Rigg Church, the hemisphere. Parmalat Cheese Factory, and cruises on the Genadendal is the oldest Moravian village in Breede River. Africa, with church buildings and a school The vast fertile basin in which Ceres lies is dating back to 1738. The Genadendal Mission one of the richest agricultural areas in the and Museum Complex documents the first Western Cape. Surrounded by mountains that mission station in South Africa. are heavily capped with snow in winter, Ceres Greyton is a peaceful town in a beautiful is encircled by streams from the Breede River. mountain setting where various outdoor Hiking trails, 4x4 routes, mountain biking and activities can be enjoyed. nature reserves are on offer. The Theewaterskloof Dam outside Villiers- De Doorns is situated in the heart of the dorp is the seventh-largest dam in the Hex River Valley, the largest producer of table country. The Villiersdorp Wild Flower Garden grapes in southern Africa. The many historical and Nature Reserve boasts an indigenous buildings and homesteads, San rock paintings, herb garden and a reference library. the kaleidoscope of autumn colours and The Grabouw/Elgin district produces the Hex River 4x4 Route are all ingredients about 60% of South Africa's total apple that make a visit to the Valley a truly unforget- exports. The Valley is also renowned for table experience. The legend of the heks cultivating fresh chrysanthemums, roses and or witch of the Hex River Valley adds to the proteas. The Elgin Apple Museum is one of mystery surrounding this breathtaking area. only two in the world. Houwhoek Pass is a The picturesque village of Gouda is beautiful mountain pass and the Elgin Valley renowned for the Parrotts Den Pub, a living road-side farm stalls are known for their fresh museum, in the Gouda Hotel.

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McGregor has a wealth of fascinating white- British expedition that studied the transit of washed, thatched cottages and well-preserved Venus in 1882. The nature reserve is a hiker's Victorian houses, making it one of the best- paradise and home to abundant wildlife. San preserved examples of mid-19th century paintings can be seen in this area, also known architecture in the Western Cape. Besides the for its Karoo hospitality. Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail, there are other The picturesque village of Tulbagh is known walks and hikes, bird watching and fabulous for its heritage and historical homesteads. star-filled night skies. Church Street, home to 32 national monu- Montagu, gateway to the Klein Karoo, lies in ments, constitutes the largest concentration of a fertile valley and is blessed with typical Klein national monuments in one street in South Karoo landscapes as well as the spectacular Africa. Other attractions include wineries, Cogman’s Kloof with its unique rock forma- hiking trails, mountain biking, horse riding, tions. Renowned for its muscadel wines, fishing or a train ride through the scenic Nuwe mineral springs and unique tractor-trailer rides Kloof Pass. that take the visitor to the summit of the Wolseley is situated on an extraordinary Langeberg Mountains for a breathtaking view watershed. This phenomenon, one of only a of the Robertson and Koo Valleys, Montagu few in the world, together with the various also offers hiking trails, 4x4 routes, mountain hiking trails, mountain biking, trout-fishing, biking and some of the best rock climbing in farm visits, wine-tasting and waterfalls, make a the world. visit to the town an unforgettable experience. Prince Alfred Hamlet is the gateway to the An added attraction is the blockhouses dating Gydo Pass, known for its scenic views. This back to the Anglo-Boer/South African War. quaint village lies in an important deciduous- In the heart of the Breede River Valley lies fruit-farming area. Worcester, encircled by majestic mountains. Hidden amidst vineyards and wine estates Museums, art galleries and the town's archi- lies the picturesque town of Rawsonville, tectural heritage make it well worth a visit. renowned for its array of award-winning wines. Visitors can experience life as the pioneers Tourists can enjoy an afternoon drive along the lived, in years gone by, at the Kleinplasie Living awe-inspiring Slanghoek Valley, with its lush Open-Air Museum. Brandies and world- vineyards and breathtaking views, or relax in renowned wines can be enjoyed. The indige- the warm-water mineral springs at Goudini nous semi-desert vegetation as well as the Spa. landscaped gardens of the Karoo National Known as ‘the valley of wine and roses’, Botanical Gardens will enthral the visitor with Robertson is one of the most beautiful areas their beauty. Hiking trails, fishing opportunities in South Africa. Surrounded by vineyards, and 4x4 routes abound. orchards, delectable fruit and radiant roses, Robertson produces connoisseur-quality Northern Cape wines and is also known for its thoroughbred The Augrabies Falls National Park remains one horses. of the main attractions of the Northern Cape. Known for its hiking trail and Vermeulens The province also boasts four of the Velskoen Factory, Saron, meaning ‘the plains’, country’s major parks, namely the Kgalagadi has a charm of its own. Transfrontier Park, and Richtersveld, Namaqua When the railway to the north was built, and TankwaKaroo National Parks. Game- Touwsriver became the first major locomotive viewing drives reveal a variety of bird life, and depot after Cape Town. The Astronomical animals such as klipspringers, steenbuck, Survey Monument serves as a reminder of the various wildcats and otters. The popular

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three-day Klipspringer Trail encompasses all in the region, the Park conserves part of a the major landmarks in the southern section transitional vegetation zone where typical of the Park, including some amazing rock Karoo and Kalahari thornveld and grassveld formations. meet. The Big Hole in Kimberley is the largest The Park is not only home to large raptors, hand-dug excavation in the world. The but is also a breeding centre for endangered Kimberley Tram Service dates from the begin- African herbivores such as rhino, roan, sable ning of the century and still transports passen- and disease-free buffalo. gers from the City Hall to the Mine Museum. The Orange River Wine Cellars Co-op in Underground mine tours are a big attrac- Upington offers wine-tasting and cellar tours. tion, as are the famous ghost tours, during The South African Dried Fruit Co-operative is which many historical buildings are seen from the second-largest and one of the most a different perspective. modern of its kind in the world. Tours of the Hand and mechanical diamond-digging plant are offered. by private diggers can be viewed by appoint- Moffat's Mission in Kuruman is a tranquil ment. place featuring the house of missionary Robert The McGregor Museum houses invaluable Moffat, the church he built, and several collections of the archaeological finds in the other buildings. Moffat translated the Bible area, as well as San art works. A San settle- into Setswana – the first African language in ment can be visited. which the Bible was made accessible. The house where Sol Plaatje (African The printing press on which he printed the National Congress founding member and first 2 000 copies can still be viewed. The human-rights activist) lived in Kimberley, church can seat 800 people and is still in use. houses a library of Plaatje’s and other black David Livingstone married Moffat's daughter South African writers’ works and several and started many famous travels from this displays, including a portrayal of black involve- mission station. ment in the Anglo-Boer/South African War. The Wonderwerk Cave at Kuruman features A life-sized statue of Plaatje was erected in extensive San paintings that may be viewed by the Garden of Remembrance at the new appointment. Northern Cape Legislature during 2003. The Kalahari Raptor Centre cares for injured A township tour to Galeshewe provides birds and many of these majestic birds can be a fresh perspective on South Africa's socio- seen at close quarters. historical realities. Pan African Congress Hand-built irrigation canals at Kakamas are founder, Robert Sobukwe’s house in Galeshewe still in use today. The Orange River Wine Cellar is also worth a visit. Co-op Rockery Route runs between Keimoes A cultural centre at Wildebeestkuil outside and Kakamas. Kimberley features !Xun and Khwe artwork for Kanoneiland is a settlement on the biggest sale and a tour of rock engravings by this island in the Orange River, in the Green indigenous people. Kalahari region. A short distance from Kimberley is the At Keimoes, the Orange River flows at its mining town Barkley West, which, due to its widest. The Tierberg Nature Garden offers proximity to the Vaal River, is a favourite spot spectacular views of the Keimoes Valley and for many a water-sport enthusiast and angler. the many islands in the Orange River. The Tucked along the Vaal River near Barkley original irrigation canal system is still in use. West lies the Vaalbos National Park. Named The Orange River Wine Cellar Co-op’s largest after the camphor bush which is dominant cellar is situated here.

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Kenhardt is the oldest town in the Lower 1930s at the Florisbad spring, about 50 km Orange River area. The Quiver Tree Forest and north of . Kokerboom Hiking Trail consist of between The National Women's Memorial is a sand- 4 000 and 5 000 quiver trees. The Verneukpan stone obelisk, 36,5 m high, which commemo- Tourist Route leads visitors to the rare rates the women and children who died in phenomenon of the remains of a permanent concentration camps during the Anglo- San settlement and the track on which Sir Boer/South African War from 1899 to 1902. Malcolm Campbell once attempted to shatter The War Museum not only gives insight into the land-speed record. the War through its unique art collection, Namaqualand, the land of the Nama and dioramas and exhibits, but also brings the , annually puts on a spectacular visitor closer to understanding the background show in spring. A floral splendour covers vast against which the War took place. Visitors tracts of desert. The flowers sprout and are also afforded a glimpse into life in the survive for a brief period before they wilt and concentration and prisoner-of-war camps. disappear just as suddenly, in the face of The research library contains an extensive blistering heat and dry conditions. collection of Africana. Another marvel is the Witsand Nature The Old Presidency dates back to 1885 and Reserve about 70 km west of Postmasburg. A was the official residence of three Presidents of 100-m high dune of brilliant white sand can be the former Republic of the . seen. It stretches for about 9 km and is about The Presidency houses a museum depicting 2 km wide. The dunes are in vivid contrast to their respective terms of office, and a cultural the red Kalahari sand, olive-green thorns and centre for art exhibitions, theatrical produc- hazy blue Langberg Mountains. tions and musical events. The province offers several hiking trails, King's Park Rose Garden contains over horse trails, mountain biking, canoeing, white- 4 000 rose bushes. Bloemfontein hosts an river rafting and combination trails. annual rose festival. The Observatory Theatre in Bloemfontein's Free State game reserve is a unique attraction. The Sand du Plessis Theatre and art gallery Bloemfontein at Oliewenhuis are also worth visiting. The Eerste Raadsaal (First Parliament Building) was built in 1849 as a school. It is Bloem- Transgariep region fontein's oldest surviving building still existing Bethulie used to be a London Missionary in its original condition and is still in use as the Society station. The original mission buildings seat of the Provincial Legislature. still stand. The National Literary Museum and The Pellissier House Museum depicts the Research Centre houses a repository of works history of events in the area. by prominent Afrikaans authors. Exhibits in the The , more than 100 km long Afrikaans Music Museum and the Theatre and 15 km wide, is part of the Orange River Museum (part of the Centre) include old Water Scheme. Situated between the Dam and musical instruments, sheet music, costumes, Bethulie lies the Gariep Dam Nature Reserve. photographs and furniture. On the southern side of the Dam lies the The National Museum is notable for its wide Nature Reserve. collection of fossils, cultural-historical exhibits was founded as a London and archaeological displays, including the Missionary Society station in 1824 and was the Florisbad skull, which was discovered in the first mission station in the province.

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The Tussen-die-Riviere Nature Reserve the Jordaan River form part of the Pretorius- reputedly supports more game than any other kloof Nature Reserve – a sanctuary for birds sanctuary in the Free State. It is reserved for and small game. hunters in autumn and winter. Van Reenen's Pass winds through the Trails in the region include horse trails, Drakensberg, and was originally used by hikes, mountain-bike trails and day walks. migrating herds of zebra, hartebeest, blesbuck and wildebeest. The Llandaff Oratory in the Eastern Highlands region nearby village of Van Reenen is believed to be The Basotho Cultural Village in the QwaQwa the smallest Roman Catholic church in the National Park is a living museum where world. visitors can witness the Sotho traditions and At Harrismith there are various memorials lifestyles in the chief's kraal. in honour of those who fought in the Anglo- Clocolan is known for its cherry trees, with Boer/South African War and World War I. Of its blossoms providing a spectacular sight in particular interest is a memorial for the Scots spring. San rock paintings and engravings are Guards and Grenadier Guards. Platberg, the found in the area. 2 394-m ‘flat mountain’, is the town's Clarens is often described as 'the jewel of landmark. A well-known race, claimed by the Free State', owing to the spectacular some to be the toughest in the country, is run scenery. San paintings are found on farms in annually up, along and back down the moun- the area. Close by, the Highlands Route mean- tain. Sterkfontein Dam is ideal for water sports ders along the foothills of the Maluti and fishing. Other attractions include the Mountains. One can also explore the magnifi- Kerkenberg Monument, Harrismith Wildflower cent mountain scenery by bike. Gardens, and the blockhouse which was used Ficksburg is known for its cherry and to guard water supplies during the Anglo- asparagus farms. A cherry festival is held Boer/South African War. annually in November. The town is a gateway The Riemland Museum in Heilbron depicts to the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. the heritage and the agricultural activities of The Golden Gate Highlands National Park the region. is known for its beautiful scenery and is a very The QwaQwa district is a traditional home to popular holiday destination. A vulture restaurant the Southern Sotho people. Karakul carpets, enables visitors to observe these scavengers mohair, wall hangings, copper, glassware and closely. San paintings can also be viewed. brass are made and sold at Phuthaditjhaba. The Highlands Route follows the Lesotho The Metsi Matsho and Fika Patso Dams are border via Ladybrand and ends at in renowned for trout fishing. the south. San caves and rock art are some of Welkom is known for its gold mines. It is the main features of the Route. also the only city in the country that makes The Seekoeivlei Nature Reserve is listed as a use of traffic circles instead of traffic lights. Wetland of International Importance and is Winburg is the oldest town and first capital home to endangered bird species such as the of the former Republic of the Orange Free blue and wattled cranes. State. The Voortrekker Museum, using life-size models, depicts the daily routine of the Riemland region trekkers. A concentration camp cemetery is Bethlehem lies on the banks of the Jordaan situated close by. River and was founded by the Voortrekkers Sasolburg originated in 1954 with the during the 1840s. The museum in Miller Street establishment of Sasol, the synthetic fuel pro- depicts the history of the area. The banks of ducer.

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Eastern Cape National Park, which provides sanctuary to The Eastern Cape is situated along the south- some 350 elephants, as well as buffalo, black eastern coast of South Africa and is the only rhino, plenty of birds and several species of province in South Africa, and one of the few antelope. places on earth, where all eight biomes (major Grahamstown is sometimes referred to as vegetation types) converge. the City of Saints, because of the more than 40 With approximately 820 km of unspoilt churches found in the town. The National Arts coastline, the beaches of the Eastern Cape are Festival is held annually. Every year during this among the most impressive anywhere, stretch- time, Grahamstown is transformed into a ing from the Tsitsikamma National Park along dedicated arts venue where performers, visual the south coast, through St Francis Bay, artists, audiences, writers and craftspeople Jeffreys Bay and Algoa Bay, up to the pristine fuse in a celebration of creative energy. In Wild Coast and south-eastern coast to Port 2002, the Festival was attended by 102 000 Edward. Added to the diverse coastal experi- people, representing an increase of 5,2% ences are a number of national parks and compared with 2001. private game reserves, which collectively cover Other attractions include various museums an area greater than the Kruger National Park. and historical buildings, the oldest post-box in East London, South Africa’s only river port, South Africa, botanical gardens, the Cathedrals was originally established as a supply port to of St Michael and St George, nature reserves serve the military headquarters at King and hiking trails. William’s Town. The city’s own waterfront devel- The Wild Coast draws many anglers. opment, Latimer’s Landing, is situated on the Catches include musselcracker and sardines. banks of the Buffalo River. The East London Southern right whales and their calves are Aquarium houses approximately 400 different regularly spotted from May to November. species of marine and freshwater animals. Common and bottlenose dolphins are often The East London Museum depicts the seen close to shore. Coffee Bay is popular natural environment and rich heritage of the among surfers, anglers and shell collectors. region. Best known for the prehistoric coela- The new alignment of the N2 national route canth, the Museum also displays reconstruc- along the Wild Coast and the establishment tions of the extinct dodo of Mauritius, along of the Pondoland National Park will open up with the only extant dodo egg in the world. investment opportunities. Port Elizabeth is a superb holiday destina- To the south, the Hole in the Wall is a tion, offering a diverse mix of eco-attractions. prominent landmark. Waves continuously The Algoa Bay National Sailing Week is held crash through the huge hole in the cliff. The annually in May. There are various scuba- coast on both sides of the cliff is notorious for diving sites. Other attractions include national the number of ships that have been wrecked parks and game reserves; the traditional there. In addition to fishing, the giant sand healing village, Kaya Lendaba; bird watching; dunes and rich oyster beds, the Wild Coast is air tours; canoeing; various mountain-bike renowned for its beautiful beaches. and horse-riding trails; and organised outdoor Visitors to the rural village of Qunu are excursions. Tourists can visit various shown the plot where former President museums and memorials, go on the Donkin Mandela’s childhood home once stood, as well Heritage Trail, take a ride on the famous as his parents’ graves. Apple Express and visit the Oceanarium. Inland, the Owl House in Nieu-Bethesda Tucked away in the dense valley-bushveld of displays the creative talent of the late Helen the Eastern Cape is the Addo Elephant Martins. Statues of mermaids, wise men,

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camels and churches create a wonderland in Bela-Bela is known for its hot springs. There the garden. Everything was built with broken are a number of game reserves and leisure bottles, bits of mirror and cement. resorts in the area. Over 200 houses in Graaff-Reinet have The springs at Tshipise attract more than a been restored to their original Victorian look, million visitors every year. and have been proclaimed national monu- The Waterberg Range is rich in indigenous ments. The Old Library Museum houses the trees, streams, springs, wetlands and bird life. Lex Bremner Fossil Collection of Karoo reptile Cliffs known as ‘the palace of the vultures’ fossils and a collection of Khoi and San art harbour a large breeding colony of Cape reproductions. Urquhart House has a popular vultures. Modimolle is the main town in this genealogical research centre. region. The first evidence of the presence of dinosaurs in South African can be viewed at Capricorn district Maclear. The Bakone Malapa Open-Air Museum The Eastern Cape has a variety of official outside Polokwane is a traditional Northern conservation areas such as the Mkambati Sotho kraal. Men and women practise tradi- Nature Reserve, Mountain Zebra National Park tional skills such as making baskets, clay pots, and Addo Elephant National Park. furniture and utensils, and preparing hides. Zion City at Moria near Polokwane is the Limpopo headquarters of the Zion Christian Church, Limpopo is well endowed with cultural diversi- which attracts more than a million pilgrims ty, historic sites and tourist attractions. every Easter. Polokwane itself hosts a great variety of Waterberg museums and art galleries. The Nylsvley Nature Reserve has one of the greatest concentrations of waterfowl and Soutpansberg region bushveld birds in South Africa. More than 400 The Mapungubwe Archaeological Site, situ- species frequent the area. ated 80 km west of Musina, lies within the The Mokopane vicinity has several nature boundaries of the Vhembe/Dongola National reserves. The Arend Dieperink Museum has a Park. It is one of the richest of its kind in Africa. fine cultural-historical collection and the Excavations in the 1930s uncovered a royal Makapan Caves are notable for their fossils. The graveyard, which included a number of golden Caves are being developed into an archaeolog- artefacts. ical site. The Schoemansdal Voortrekker Town and The Makapansgat Caves and limeworks Museum, west of Louis Trichardt, is built on near Mokopane represent an archeological the site of an original Voortrekker village and site of global importance. depicts their lifestyle between 1848 and 1852. The Thabazimbi district has a large concen- Also worth visiting is the Big Tree (the largest tration of private game reserves and is one of known baobab in southern Africa), Tshatshingo the fastest-growing ecotourism areas in the potholes, the mystical lake of Dzivhafundudzi country. The Marakele National Park is home and the holy forest at Phiphidi. to some rare yellowwood and cedar trees and the world’s largest colony of Cape vultures. It is Mopani district a leader in the conservation of the black rhino The Modjadji Nature Reserve, north of Tzaneen, outside of the Kruger National Park and the is named after the legendary Rain Queen, KwaZulu-Natal parks. Modjadji, who is believed to have settled in the

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area early in the 16th century. The Reserve battle during the Anglo-Boer/South African encompasses the world's largest concentration War, the Kaditshwene Iron Age Village Ruins of the cycad species Encephalartos transveno- and various hiking trails. sus, also known as the Modjadji palm. The Hans Merensky Nature Reserve and Eastern district Mineral Spa on the southern banks of the The Hartbeespoort Dam is a popular spot for Great Letaba River supports a large variety of weekend outings, breakfast runs and yachting. game. More than 200 bird species have been The Hartbeespoort Cableway offers a breath- recorded there. taking view of the Dam and surrounding areas. At the Tsonga Kraal Open-Air Museum, arts, The Hartbeespoort Reptile and Animal Park crafts and traditional huts reflect the Tsonga is situated on the banks of the Dam. lifestyle of 100 years ago. Cultural experiences in the area include the The Kruger National Park (northern section) popular and Gaabo Motho Cultural is one of South Africa's biggest tourist attrac- Villages as well as the Ring Wagon Inn. tions. The Park is home to a huge number and The De Wildt Cheetah Breeding and wide variety of amphibians, reptiles and birds, Research Centre specialises in the breeding of and 147 mammal species, including the Big cheetah and other endangered wildlife species. Five. Other places of interests include the Borakalalo Thulamela, in the northern part of the Game Reserve, the Margaret Roberts Herb Kruger National Park, was opened to guided Farm and the Phaladingwe Nature Trail. groups in June 1997. This followed seven The Vredefort Dome is a crater 40 km years of archaeological excavations, which across, caused by the collision of a meteorite brought to light the skeletons of two ancient with the earth many years ago. It features royals and a multitude of artefacts, including unique fauna and flora. A variety of hiking and gold bangles, beads and a double gong. mountain-bike trails are offered.

North West Bophirima district North West has five geographically distinct The Taung Skull Site and the Blue Pools are areas, namely the Central, Eastern, Bophirima, renowned for the Taung skull found in the Rustenburg and Southern districts. Buxton quarries. This region is popular with adventure-seekers – especially the 4x4 routes Central district and hunting farms. The Historic Route of Mafikeng includes an Anglo-Boer/South African War siege site, the Rustenburg district Molema House where Sol Plaatje lived while The Pilanesberg National Park supports over writing his Mafikeng Diary, and the Mafikeng 7 000 head of game, including the Big Five and Museum. 350 bird species. Guided day and night game The Lichtenburg Game Breeding Centre and drives are available. the Botsalano Game Reserve are well worth a The Madikwe Game Reserve is home to the visit. biggest game-relocation programme ever. The Groot Marico region is known as mampo- Over 10 000 animals of 27 major species have er country and visitors can embark on a mam- been reintroduced under Operation Phoenix. A poer and tobacco route. The Kortkloof Cultural hot-air balloon ride, day and night game Village is dedicated to the Tswana people. drives and bushwalks are available. Sun City Other attractions include the Wondergat, the and the Palace of the Lost City are very Bosbult Monument which commemorates a popular tourist attractions offering gambling,

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golf, extravaganza shows, water sport and an The cultural heritage of the province is artificial sea. varied and exciting. The Ndebele beadwork There are various hiking trails in the region. and house-painting in the north-west, the arts The Heritage Route starts at the Sterkfon- and crafts of the Lowveld and the different tein Caves World Heritage Site and ends at traditional villages all over the province offer a Pilanesberg. unique insight into the history of the people. The Maputo Development Corridor links Southern district Gauteng with the Maputo Harbour in The OPM Prozesky Bird Sanctuary in Potchef- Mozambique, opening new tourism oppor- stroom has over 200 bird species and is tunities for Mpumalanga. situated adjacent to the Mooi River. The Its serenity and natural ambience, Oudorp Hiking Trail takes visitors through the enthralling landscapes, majestic waterfalls, old part of Klerksdorp where 12 Voortrekker kaleidoscope of cultures, imposing mountains, families settled. unequalled scenic beauty, and enchanting flora Other attractions in the region include the and fauna make Mpumalanga a favourite Potchefstroom Lakeside Resort, the Faan tourist destination. Meintjies Nature Reserve in Klerksdorp, mine Mpumalanga offers attractions and activities tours at Orkney, the Diggers Route at ranging from game viewing, bird watching, Wolmaransstad, and the Bloemhof Dam trout fishing, white-water river rafting, hiking, Nature Reserve. paragliding, abseiling, 4X4 trails, hot-air ballooning and riveting cultural villages to Mpumalanga historical sites and monuments testimony to Mpumalanga – ‘the place where the sun rises’ events of yesteryears. – epitomises every traveller's dream of the The province has recently been demarcated true African experience. Located in the into tourism regions, each with its own unique north-eastern part of South Africa, the features and an array of attractions to ensure province is bordered by Mozambique to the a rewarding holiday to visitors. east and the Kingdom of Swaziland to the south and east. Nelspruit The climate and topography vary from cool Nelspruit is the capital of Mpumalanga and the highland grasslands at 1 600 m above sea commercial and administrative hub of level, through the middleveld and Escarpment, the Lowveld. The Nelspruit Historical Trail is to the subtropical Lowveld towards the Kruger an hour-long route stretching from the National Park and many private game Promenade Centre to the Civic Centre. reserves. Scenic beauty, climate and wildlife, The Blue Train runs between Pretoria and voted the most attractive features of South Nelspruit from May to September on a trip Africa, are found in abundance in the province. called the Lowveld Experience. Rovos Rail's Attractions range from game viewing and trains also visit Nelspruit. bird watching to scenic drives across the The Green Heritage Hiking Trail in the valleys and peaks of the vast Drakensberg Nelspruit Nature Reserve is one of several Escarpment, and include agritourism and walks in the Reserve and one of many in the industrial tourism, adventure tourism and region. cultural experiences. Historical sites and Not to be missed is the Lowveld Botanical villages, old wagon routes and monuments Garden, as well as the Reptile Park, both situ- mark events and characters who passed ated near the Emnotweni Casino. The Lowveld this way in search of adventure and wealth. National Botanical Garden features many rare

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Lowveld species, which include the country’s The Museum is situated in the best collection of indigenous ferns, 500 tree Gustav Klingbiel Reserve, which is the site of species and the famous rare cycads. archaeological ruins from the Later Iron Age. The Sudwala Caves, PR Owen Dinosaur Park, The Lydenburg Heads were discovered in this and the artists’ village of White River should area. also not be missed. The Mac Mac Pools and Falls outside are worth a visit. The 69-km Prospector's Trail Panorama starts at the Mac Mac Forest Station and leads Barberton features many reminders of the to the Bourke’s Luck Potholes. early gold-rush era. Museums include Bel- At the Montrose Falls in Schoemanskloof, haven, Fernlea House and Stopforth House. the Crocodile River cascades 12 m into a The only known verdite deposits in the world series of rock pools. It is also the starting point are found in the rocks of the Barberton district. of the annual Lowveld Crocodile Canoe Verdite has been used by sangomas for Marathon, held in February. promoting fertility. An annual Diggers Festival is Pilgrim's Rest is a living museum and a held in September. replica of the early gold-mining town. The The Blyderivierspoort Nature Reserve near Alanglade House Museum offers guided tours is characterised by striking rock of the former mine-manager’s house, while the formations and a rich diversity of plants. Within Diggings Museum just outside the town the Reserve, the Bourke’s Luck Potholes were arranges guided tours of gold-panning activi- formed by river erosion and the action of flood ties. This area was the setting for Jock of the water. Bushveld, the novel by Sir Percy Fitzpatrick The spectacular Blyde River Canyon is a about the experiences of a man and his dog as 26-km-long gorge carved out of the face of they share adventures in the world of African the Escarpment, and is one of the natural gold-mining. The Dredzen Shop Museum wonders of Africa. The Canyon is the third- consists of a store stocked with a range of largest in the world but the only green canyon, items in use nearly a century ago. The Pilgrim's and hosts three rivers which feed the Rest Festival is held annually in December. Blydepoort Dam at Swadini. God’s Window Mount Sheba Nature Reserve, south of provides a magnificent view of miles of thickly Pilgrim’s Rest, is best known for its indigenous forested mountains, the green Lowveld and the forest – one of few left in the region. Canyon. The Blyderivierspoort Hiking Trail is Sabie is the centre of the largest man-made one of the most popular in the country. A num- forest in South Africa. ber of other hiking trails are also available. The Cultural-Historical Forestry Museum The southern section of the Kruger National depicts various aspects of the country’s forestry Park falls within this region. The Park is a major industry. The Bridal Veil, Horseshoe and Lone tourist attraction, locally and internationally. Creek Falls just outside Sabie are worth a visit. The main camps have an excellent range of facilities. Game viewing is easier in winter, Cultural and guided wilderness trails as well as hiking The Highlands Meander is a mecca for fly- trails are available. Tourists are also taken on fishers. It is in the placid and pristine waters of open-vehicle game drives. this region that one can find various stocks of Kaapsehoop is a quaint historical village fish, with trout as the major drawcard. The known for the wild horses that frequent the Meander offers a myriad of activities like rock district. Blue swallows are regular visitors from climbing, bird watching, mountain biking and September to April. an abundance of historical sites.

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It is in this region at the Verloren Vlei Nature to the astonishing archaelogical discoveries Reserve () that one can have dating back to almost three billion years the rare glimpse of the three endangered crane ago in the imposing mountains of this region. species (the blue, wattled and crowned cranes). Visitors to this region can have a rare The Loskop Dam Nature Reserve is one glimpse of the inimitable San paintings of the country’s largest reserves and offers embossed in some rocks. game watching, boating and fishing. The region also holds rich historical The Highlands Meander is famous for its sentiments centered around the monument of trout-fishing opportunities. Bird-watching, Samora Machel constructed in the village of walking trails and horse trails are also popular. . Due to the location of this region, The Steenkampsberg Nature Reserve, outside visitors can have a rare opportunity to visit two Dullstroom, provides sanctuary for the rare other countries (Swaziland and Mozambique) wattled crane. The annual Trout Festival is held in a short space of time. in October. Horse-riding and trout-fishing are popular in Grass and wetlands the Highlands Meander area. A large number Grass and wetlands is indeed a paradise, with of hiking trails are available, such as the a variety of bird species to see. This region Elandskrans Trail, which includes a 30-minute stretches across the deep valleys and moun- train ride between Waterval-Boven and tains of the east where thermal springs bubble Waterval-Onder. to the surface. There are 270 pans and lakes within a Cultural heartland 20-km radius of Lake Chrissie. In this region It is in this region of cultural heartland that one visitors can take part in the unusual ‘frogging can immerse oneself in the true cultural expedition’ or simply gaze at the stars during heritage of Mpumalanga. Here, one can learn ‘star gazing weekends’. about the proud and welcoming amaNdebele people, revered for the striking geometric Lowveld Legogote patterns on their houses and clothing. This This region offers visitors plenty attractions, region also has illuminating historical sites like from the daring explorations of the Sudwala Botshabelo Historical Village. Caves, the natural ambience of the Lowveld Botanical Garden, and the nostalgic horse Cosmos country rides in the historical village of Kaapsehoop, to Cosmos country covers parts of what is known the craftsmen and artists’ haven of White River, as the energy belt of Mpumalanga, which is or the glimpse of a collection of reptiles at the home to a number of power stations that Crocriver Enviro Park, which is Africa’s largest supply most of the energy to other African reptile park. countries. This region also boasts the world’s The region also features the Kruger National largest underground coal-mining complex and Park, which stretches across Mpumalanga into the Sasol plant renowned for its technology of Limpopo. extracting oil from coal, a unique process in Adventurers can take part in the four the world. night/five-day Lebombo 4X4 Overland Trail, The carpet of cosmos flowers that blossoms which stretches from the Crocodile River in the in late summer also lures visitors to this region. south to the mighty Limpopo.

Wild frontier Gauteng Wild frontier is deemed the cradle of life, owing The Gauteng Provincial Government is to

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contribute more than R300 million over the Visitors to Roodepoort can go on walks and next few years towards developing tourism trails through the Kloofendal Nature Reserve, sites in the province. These include a Big Five or enjoy a picnic or show at the popular nature reserve east of Pretoria, developing Kloofendal Amphitheatre. The infrastructure in the Leeufontein Nature National Botanical Garden boasts a 70-m high Reserve and Roodeplaat Dam Reserve, and waterfall. improving the Cradle of Humankind Heritage Forty kilometres north of Pretoria lies a ring Site near Krugersdorp. of hills a kilometre in diameter and 100 m Gauteng offers a vibrant business environ- high. These hills are the walls of an impact ment and many tourist attractions, including a crater left by an asteroid that hit there some rainbow of ecological and cultural diversity. 200 000 years ago. The Tswaing Meteorite The Vaal Dam covers some 300 km2 and is Crater is similar in size to the well-known a popular venue for water sport. Numerous Barringer meteor crater in Arizona, USA. The resorts line the shore. The Dam also attracts a Crater walls at Tswaing were originally about great diversity of birds. twice as high as they are today. Vanderbijlpark was built during the late There is a museum adjacent to the 1940s by the Iron and Steel Corporation to Crater. A path leads from the museum to the accommodate its employees. Crater, along the rim, and down to the central The Sterkfontein Caves near Krugersdorp lake. The Crater is covered with indigenous trees are the site of the discovery of the skull of the and bushes and attracts a variety of bird life. famous Mrs Ples (now believed to be Mr Ples), The old mining town of Cullinan developed an estimated 2,5-million-year-old hominid around the Premier Diamond Mine and fossil, and Little Foot, an almost complete many turn-of-the-century houses still stand. hominid skeleton some 3,3-million years old. The Mine has produced some of the world's The Caves comprise a series of caverns with most famous diamonds, including the many stalactites and stalagmites and a huge Cullinan, the world's largest at 3 106 carats. underground lake. Guided tours are available. The Willem Prinsloo Agricultural Museum The Wonder Cave, about two billion years old, is outside Cullinan centres around a farmstead one of South Africa's most impressive natural dating from 1880. Traditional farming activities assets. In 1999, Sterkfontein and its environs are demonstrated, and annual events include were declared a World Heritage Site. a prickly-pear festival, a mampoer festival and The Krugersdorp Game Reserve provides the Agricultural Museum Show. sanctuary for several game species, including four of the Big Five. The African Fauna and Bird Park houses various species of wildlife and birds. The Adler Museum of the History of Medicine The South African National Railway and depicts the history of medicine, dentistry Steam Museum at Randfontein Estates Gold and pharmacy in South Africa. The Pharmacy Mine outside Krugersdorp houses some of Museum in Melrose houses a large variety the country's old steam locomotives, a diesel- of medicines, including more than 670 tradi- electric locomotive, and more than 50 vintage tional medicines that have been collected passenger coaches. Train rides are offered throughout southern Africa. once a month. There is also a display of old prescription A team of Lippizaner stallions performs books and dictionaries used by pharmacists in every Sunday at the South African National 1755. Horsemanship Centre, Kyalami, near Johan- Museum Africa in Newtown tells the story of nesburg. life in South Africa from the Stone Age to the

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Nuclear Age and beyond. The museum is colonies. Other attractions include jazz con- located in the old fruit-and-vegetable building certs, rowing boats for hire, a tea garden and a next to the Market Theatre. restaurant. The Market Theatre Complex comprises Soweto (an acronym for South Western three theatres, an art gallery, restaurants and Townships) is a popular tourist destination. It is pubs. Kippies Jazz Bar is a popular venue for estimated that some 1 000 foreign tourists live jazz. visit Soweto every day. Lesedi Cultural Village in the Swartkops Hills The two-bedroom house where former north of Johannesburg gives visitors the President Mandela lived before his incarcera- opportunity to meet families of different tribes. tion has been declared a national monument Visitors can spend the night with a family of and converted into a museum. their choice. Another venue worth visiting is the Hector The Phumanegna Zulu Kraal is an authentic Petersen Museum, which commemorates the Zulu kraal with traditional Zulu people living people who died following the student uprising and working there. of 16 June 1976. The museum was named The Melville Koppies in Johannesburg was after the young boy, who was the first person once the site of a Stone Age African village and to be shot dead by police on that day. iron-smelting works. The flora includes 80% of the species recorded on the Witwatersrand. It Pretoria is open to the public from September to April. Many historical buildings can be seen in the Gold Reef City is a reconstruction of city, which is known for its jacaranda trees. Johannesburg during the gold-rush era. Church Square is centred around a statue of Attractions include a Victorian funfair, pubs, , President of the former Zuid- miners' houses, a brewery, restaurants, a hotel Afrikaansche Republiek, and includes build- and a stock exchange. Visitors can take a trip ings such as the Old Raadsaal and the Palace down an old mine shaft and watch molten of Justice. gold being poured. The Kruger House Museum contains the The Apartheid Museum near Gold Reef City personal belongings of President Kruger. tells the story of the legacy of apartheid Melrose House is a beautiful example of through exhibitions consisting of film footage, Victorian architecture. The Peace Treaty of photographs, text panels and artifacts. Vereeniging, which ended the Anglo-Boer/ At Santarama Miniland and Entertainment South African War, was signed here in 1902. World visitors can explore models of South Demonstrations at the Pioneer Open-Air Africa's most popular beacons, such as Museum include milking cows, making butter Robben Island, Johannesburg International and candles, baking bread and grinding coffee Airport, East London Harbour, the Castle of beans. Good Hope in Cape Town, and the Union Other museums include the Police Buildings in Pretoria. Museum, the Science and Technology The South African Museum of Military Museum, the Coert Steynberg Museum and History houses an impressive collection of the Transvaal Museum of Natural History. weaponry and uniforms from the two World The Voortrekker Monument also houses a Wars. The South African Transport Museum museum and commemorates the Great Trek. (Heidelberg) relates to all aspects of South Some 260 steps lead to the dome, where Africa's transport services. spectacular views of the city can be enjoyed. A large, well-established park surrounds Zoo Fort Schanskop has been refurbished and Lake, which is frequented by breeding bird boasts a 375-seat amphitheatre.

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The Union Buildings were designed by Durban and surroundings Sir Herbert Baker and completed in 1913. They The Tourist Junction in Durban’s historical were the setting for the presidential inaugura- station building provides access to tourist in- tion of Nelson Mandela in 1994, and of Thabo formation, accommodation bookings for Mbeki on 16 June 1999. Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife (formerly The Sammy Marks Museum just outside KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Service) Pretoria dates from 1885. Rooms in the house and South African National Parks, and theatre are filled with Victorian paintings, furniture, sil- bookings. ver and porcelain. There is a tea garden and The Golden Mile skirts the main beaches of restaurant on the premises. the Indian Ocean. Attractions include an The General Smuts House Museum in Irene, amusement centre, paddling pools, paved south-east of Pretoria, contains the original walkways and fountains. furnishings of the Smuts family. A popular The Durban area has more than 50 reserves, arts and craft market is held here on certain developed parks and specialised gardens, the Saturdays. most renowned being the Municipal Botanical The Rietvlei Nature Reserve is notable for its Garden. 73 grass types, 147 different herbs, a large Seaworld on Durban’s beach front is home number of game and over 140 bird species. In to a wide variety of sea life, including sharks, July 2000, five hippos were released into the dolphins and seals. Fish and sharks are Reserve, the first hippos to roam the area in hand-fed, and dolphin and seal shows are held more than 100 years. daily. The Mapoch Ndebele Village, north of The Fitzsimons Snake Park offers lectures Pretoria, is being restored by its residents and venom-milking demonstrations. and the National Cultural History Museum. MiniTown is a model city depicting Durban's To develop the project into a viable, living best-known buildings. tourist village, the 50 families staying there Museums include the Natural History have undergone tourist-guide and business Museum, the Natural Science Museum, the training. It is the first living cultural village Old House Museum and the Old Fort. in South Africa owned and managed by its The Shree Ambalavaanar Alayam Temple residents. (The Second River Temple) in Cato Manor Mamelodi is a dynamic black community was the first Hindu temple on the African set against the majestic backdrop of the continent. It is a national monument. Magalies-berg mountain range. The township The Juma is the largest mosque was established on the farm in in the southern hemisphere. Daily tours are 1945, whose name was changed to Mamelodi available. in 1962. The Department of Environmental Annual events in and around the city Affairs and Tourism, together with the include the popular Comrades Marathon Mamelodi Heritage Forum, launched the between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, an Mamelodi Heritage Route at the Solomon international surfing competition, and the July Mahlangu Freedom Square in Mamelodi, in Handicap horse-race. September 2000. Umhlanga Rocks, just north of Durban, is notable for its ski-boating facilities. The KwaZulu-Natal annual Ski Boat Festival takes place in April. KwaZulu-Natal continues to attract the largest The Natal Sharks Board offers shark dissec- number of local tourists, catering for 44% of tions and interesting displays. Guided tours the domestic-tourist market in 2000. of the are on offer. Hawaan is

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the last relic of coastal forest in the region and Ulundi lies at the hub of the old Zulu contains rare indigenous trees. Kingdom. The KwaZulu Cultural Museum The Bird Park overlooks the houses interesting displays relating to Zulu Umgeni River and ranks among the world's history and archaeology. The beehive huts and best. Many varieties of birds, indigenous and the layout of the original Zulu village have exotic, inhabit walk-in aviaries. been reproduced. Umgungundlovu used to be the royal capi- Dolphin Coast tal of King Dingaan and is being reconstructed. The coastline between the Umdloti and the A tour provides the opportunity to observe Tugela Rivers is aptly called the Dolphin Coast, Zulu building techniques and experience the as Indian Ocean bottlenose dolphins can be social life of the Zulu people. seen here all year round. The larger humpback Authentic Zulu villages such as Shakaland, dolphins are also found here, but are rarely seen. Kwabhekithunga Kraal and Stewart's Farm Many of the first Indian immigrants settled offer accommodation and the opportunity to here, and the area’s markets, and experience traditional Zulu culture. temples bring an authentic eastern flavour to The Lubombo Corridor is one of the Spatial the region. Development Initiatives spearheaded by gov- Tongaat is an area where sugar was first ernment to unlock economic potential in pre- planted in 1854. The town's Indian ambience viously neglected areas. The Corridor will is accentuated by two prominent Hindu stretch from the St Lucia Wetland Park in temples – the Juggernath Puri and Vish- KwaZulu-Natal, along the Indian Ocean coast- waroop temples. line, to Ponta do Ouro in Mozambique, and Other coastal towns on the Dolphin Coast will embrace the Jozini Dam and game include Shaka's Rock, Salt Rock, Ballito, reserves in Swaziland. The area supports 3 048 Verulam, Stanger, Darnall and Umdloti. different plant and animal species and six ecosystems. In addition to 25 major tourist Zululand and the North Coast attractions, there are 11 game reserves and The Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park is one of the the World Heritage Site, the Greater St Lucia largest game parks in South Africa and hosts Wetland Park, as well as Border Cave, which is the Big Five as well as the elusive cheetah and in a cliff-face in the Lubombo mountains, wild dogs. near the Swaziland border. The Cave has long The eMakhosini Valley, birthplace of King been one of the most important sites for Shaka, is the venue for a new tourism- and archaeologists seeking the beginnings of economic-development project. Known as modern human beings. Makhosini, ‘the Valley of Zulu Kings’, the joint The Greater St Lucia Wetlands have some of public-private sector project aims to preserve the highest forested dunes in the world. The St the culture and history of the Zulu people. The Lucia Lake and its surroundings comprise a project was launched in October 1998. wetland of global importance. It is a fishing Construction of the first lodge in the Valley, and bird-watcher's paradise. called Nexele’s House, started at the end The Kosi Bay Nature Reserve is part of the of March 2000. Tourism KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Forest Reserve between Mozambique has injected a sum of R1,36 million as seed and Sodwana Bay. The adjacent Indian Ocean capital for the development of the lodge. provides exciting snorkelling and fishing The eMakhosini Memorial Site, where opportunities. On offer is a four-day guided seven Zulu Kings are buried, was unveiled in walking trail around the estuarine system. Lake May 2003. Sibaya is South Africa’s largest natural fresh-

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water lake, covering some 77 km2. Bird-watch- Other popular coastal towns include Port ing and walks through the coastal forest are Shepstone, Ramsgate, St Michael’s-on-Sea, major attractions. Uvongo and Scottburgh. Sibaya Lake Lodge, the first South African Sardine fever strikes the South Coast around ecotourism development jointly owned by the end of June every year, with people flock- private enterprise and the local community, ing to the beaches to scoop the sardines up, was officially launched in September 1999. while anglers wait for the game fish to arrive. The development is administered by the Kwa-Chithumuzi Tourism and Development Midlands Trust. Pietermaritzburg boasts various museums, Maputuland is a region of coral, unspoilt including the Voortrekker Museum, the Natal beaches, freshwater lakes, sand forests, wet- Museum and the Natal Steam Railway land systems and bushveld. Activities include Museum, which offers steam-train rides on the game-viewing, snorkelling, diving, boat cruises, second Sunday of every month. canoeing and walking safaris. The Albert Falls Public Resort Nature The coral reef in the Sodwana Bay National Reserve and the Albert Falls Dam provide Park attracts hundreds of scuba-divers opportunities for sailing, canoeing and fishing. throughout the year, and in summer power- Bird watching, horse riding and hiking are boaters arrive for some of the best marlin- also popular pastimes. fishing in the world. The Howick Falls are situated in the Valley Nature Reserve, where the river tumbles down South Coast and interior 100 m in a single fall. The Midlands Meander is The Banana Express is a narrow-gauge steam a scenic drive between Hilton and Mooi River train running between Port Shepstone and with about 70 ports of call en route, ranging Paddock and back (39km) twice a week. A from art studios, potters and painters, to herb shorter route is also available. gardens and cheese-makers. Amanzimtoti is popular for its safe swim- Midmar Dam is zoned for yachting and ming beaches and various other activities and powerboating. The 1000-ha Midmar Game attractions. Park is inhabitated by rhino, zebra, a wide The Hibiscus Coast stretches between variety of antelope species, and waterfowl. Umkomaas and the Wild Coast. Margate is the largest resort town along this Coast, and is very Drakensberg popular during the holidays. The Hibiscus Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife’s trout hatch- Festival is held in July. eries are located in the Kamberg Reserve. The Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve encom- The Lotheni Nature Reserve is notable for passes forest, rivers, rapids and ravines. its trout-fishing facilities (angling permits are Prolific bird life, including five kingfisher required). Relics of the area’s history have been species and seven eagle species, inhabits the preserved in the Settler Museum. Reserve, along with a variety of mammals. The Himeville Nature Reserve has two Port Edward is known for its safe swimming lakes stocked with trout. The Swamp Nature and good fishing opportunities. Nearby, the Reserve close by attracts a variety of waterfowl, Umthamvuna Nature Reserve is noted for its including the rare wattled crane. beautiful scenery, bird life and many rare plant The Ndedema Gorge is located in the species. Mdedelelo Wilderness Area near Cathedral The Shell Museum at Shelly Beach is well Peak, and contains examples of Khoi and San worth a visit to see its large display of shells. art.

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Sani Pass is the only road between Northern Natal and battlefields KwaZulu-Natal and the Kingdom of Lesotho. White and black rhino, elephant, crocodile, The Giant’s Cup Hiking Trail, starting at the foot giraffe, cheetah and leopard, among others, of the Pass, is described as one of South can be seen at the Itala Game Reserve. Africa’s finest. Giant’s Castle Game Reserve The KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields Route has the is especially known for its more than 5 000 highest concentration of battlefields and related San paintings on the walls of the caves. The military sites in South Africa. The Battlefields Bushman Site Museum is well worth a visit. Route starts at Estcourt and winds north The Reserve is a bird-watcher’s paradise, through Colenso and Ladysmith to Newcastle and a bird hide facilitates the viewing of cliff- and Volksrust, and eastwards to Utrecht, dwelling species. Glencoe, Dundee, Nqutu, Paulpietersburg, The Royal Natal National Park offers many Vryheid, Babanango and Ulundi. scenic highlights, including the Amphitheatre, All the towns along the Route have their Mont-aux-Sources and the Tugela Falls. unique charm and range of attractions: arts The Kamberg Rock Art Centre, situated in and craft, scenic hiking trails, farm resorts, the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, offers Zulu culture and roadside stalls. Game visitors a glimpse of more than 40 000 San viewing, natural hot springs, horse trails and Bushman images. water sport can also be enjoyed. The Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park is one The Chelmsford Nature Reserve near of 23 World Heritage Sites worldwide. Newcastle is a bird-watcher’s paradise. The 230 000 ha of protected area contains Power boating and carp fishing are added 500 known sites of San rock art. The Kamberg attractions. Game includes springbuck, zebra, San Rock Art Trail and Interpretive Centre offer rhino and blesbuck. Other interesting places to visitors information about the world of the San, visit are Majuba Hill and O’Neill’s Cottage. and the opportunity to walk to the game pass The Ladysmith Siege Museum provides shelter to view outstanding examples of their insight into the Battles of Colenso, Spioenkop, art in the company of a trained guide. Vaalkrans and Tugela Heights. Guided tours to The Drakensberg mountain range forms the nearby battlefields such as Wagon Hill are north-western border of KwaZulu-Natal. arranged by museum staff. Other attractions A variety of wildlife including antelope, pred- in Ladysmith include the Statue of Fandhi, the ators, small mammals and reptiles can be All Saints Church, the Soofi Mosque and the seen here. Spioenkop Dam and Nature Reserve. The whole area is a bird sanctuary, and Near Dundee, tourists can visit various the endangered lammergeier (or bearded battlefields, including Blood River, Isandlwana, vulture) can be spotted. The highest concen- Rorke’s Drift and Talana. The Talana Museum tration of walks and trails in South Africa is depicts various facets of the coal industry, as found here. well as local Zulu, Boer and British history. Many of these trails lead to sites once Rorke’s Drift was the setting for one of the inhabited by the San, whose legacy of rock art most famous battles of the War. The main can be viewed. attrraction is the Rorke’s Drift Battle Museum.

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Acknowledgements

Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism Eastern Cape Provincial Government Free State Provincial Government Gauteng Provincial Government KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government Limpopo Provincial Government Mpumalanga Provincial Government Northern Cape Provincial Government North West Provincial Government South African National Parks South African Tourism Western Cape Provincial Government www.gov.za Suggested reading

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Loubser, J. ed. Western Cape Tourist and Leisure Road Atlas. Cape Town: Lapa Publishers, 2000. Magubane, P. Soweto; text by C. Smith. Cape Town: Struik, 2001. Maylam, P.and Edwards, I. eds. The People’s City: African Life in the Twentieth Century. Pietermaritzburg: Press, 1996. National Parks of South Africa. Photography by A. Bannister.Text by B. Ryan. Cape Town: Struik, 1993. New South African Book of the Road. 2nd ed. Cape Town: AA Motorist Publications, 1995. O’Hagan,T. Wild Places of Southern Africa. 3rd edition. Cape Town: Struik, 2001. Olivier,W. Guide to Backpacking and Wilderness Trails. Halfway House: Southern Book Publishers, 1991. Olivier,W. and Olivier, S. Overland Through Southern Africa. Cape Town: Struik, 1998. Paynter, D. and Nussey,W. Kruger: Portrait of a National Park. Halfway House: Southern Book Publishers, 1992. Places to Visit in Southern Africa. Cape Town: AA Motorist Publications, 1995. Reader’s Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southern Africa. 3rd ed. Cape Town: Reader’s Digest Association, 1997. Saayman, M. Tourism Marketing in South Africa. Potchefstroom: Leisure Consultants and Publications, 1997. South Africa:The Rough Guide. 2nd ed. London: Rough Guides, 1999. South Africa Focus: South African Tourism Directory. Johannesburg: Africa Focus, 1997. Southern African Travel Guide. 31st edition. Rosebank, Cape: Promeo, 2001. Stern, J. Engen Guide to Adventure Travel in Southern Africa. Halfway House: Southern Book Publishers, 1997. Stuart, C. and Stuart,T. Guide to Southern African Game and Nature Reserves. 4th ed. Cape Town: Struik, 1997. Sycholt, A. A Guide to the Drakensberg. Cape Town: Struik, 2002. Van der Merwe, P.and Saayman, M. Managing Game Farms from a Tourism Perspective. Potchefstroom: Leisure Consultants and Publications, 2002. Van der Walt, B. The Enchanting World of the Drakensberg Mountains. Potchefstroom: Institute for Contemporary Christianity in Africa, 2003. Weinberg, P. Once We Were Hunters: A Journey with Africa’s Indigenous People. Cape Town: David Philip, 2000.

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