SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 TOURISM TOURISM 22

South Africa has the world’s richest floral kingdom 5 946 (1,8%); West Africa 5 649 (1,7%); and North and a vast variety of endemic and migratory birds. Africa 951 (0,3%). It is also home to one-sixth of the world’s marine species and has more species of wild animals Business tourism than North and South America or Europe and Asia South Africa has always been popular with together. Its diversity, sunny skies and breathtak- international leisure travellers, but it is also fast ing scenery make it a popular holiday destination. becoming a preferred business tourism destina- The 2010 World Cup affords South Africa a once- tion. Large international companies are eager to in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase the best the host international events, conferences and trade country has as a tourist destination. expos in the country, and business travellers are In 2009, the Department of Environmental just as willing to attend. Affairs and Tourism became the Department of The Department of Trade and Industry has Tourism, emphasising the importance of this identified business tourism as a niche tourism sector. segment with growth potential. Tourism has been identified as one of the key For the past few years, South African Tourism economic sectors with excellent potential for (SAT) has focused on building the leisure market growth. with business tourism, previously known as the About 9,6 million foreign tourists visited South Mice (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhi- Africa in 2008, a 5,5% increase over the 9,1 mil- bitions) industry, playing a smaller role. In 2005, lion foreigners who visited the country in 2007. SAT started to broaden its strategy into business The contribution of tourism to South Africa’s tourism and in 2007, completed the Business gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to Tourism Growth Strategy that highlighted key have increased from R162,9 billion in 2007 to areas of focus and attractive segments to target. R194,5 billion in 2008. The estimated number of Business tourism is different from business jobs created directly and indirectly in the economy travel, which is undertaken for the purpose of through tourism increased by 10% from 946 300 conducting commercial or formal transactions or in 2007 to 1 041 700 in 2008. activities that are related to one’s job, for example Over two million travellers passed through visiting a client, signing deals or negotiating a South Africa’s ports of entry (arrivals and depar- contract (including import/export). Business tour- tures) in March 2009, Statistics South Africa (Stats ism, on the other hand, is a trip that is undertaken SA) announced in June 2009. These travellers with the purpose of attending a conference, meet- were made up of 632 581 South African residents ing, exhibition or event, or as part of an incentive and 1 498 571 foreign travellers. trip. In March 2009, there were 195 589 same-day While current business-tourism arrivals to visitors and 493 559 overnight visitors (tourists) South Africa do not fulfil all the objectives of SAT among the foreign arrivals. The volumes showed in the way the leisure market does, SAT believes an increase of 7,9% (same-day visitors) and 1,9% that business tourism has an important role to (tourists) between February 2009 and March play in three areas, namely contributing to foreign 2009. Road transport was the most common arri­vals, reducing seasonality and transforming mode of travel used by 1 429 920 (67,1%) out of the economy by engaging with new and different the 2 131 152 travellers. The number of travellers product offerings. who used air transport was 681 487 (32%). Business-tourism delegates typically stay for a In March 2009, overseas tourists came mainly shorter length of time than leisure travellers, but from Europe 109 457 (67,3%); followed by North they contribute to both a higher spend per day America 23 906 (14,7%); Asia 13 252 (8,2%); Aus- and greater distribution across the provinces of tralasia 7 926 (4,9%); Central and South America the country. 4 436 (2,7%); and the Middle East 3 585 (2,2%). South Africa as a business-tourism destination According to Stats SA, virtually all tourists from offers world-class facilities and infrastructure Africa came from the Southern African Develop- alongside accessible wildlife, luxury and style, ment Community SADC countries – 316 556 inspiring history and diverse cultures. It has a (96,2%). The distribution of the remaining tourists sophisticated business-tourism sector, providing­ from Africa was as follows: East and Central Africa top-class, yet affordable facilities and services,

SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 492 from state-of-the art convention centres located By the end of 2009, a national strategy for in major cities, to a wide variety of pre- and post- medical tourism was expected to be completed. conference leisure experiences, and all essential The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ms Thokozile support and communications services. Xasa, announced at the inaugural South African South Africa is fast gaining recognition as a Health Tourism Congress, held in Johannesburg global player in the international meetings market in July 2009, that the aim was to further entrench and is ranked 34th on the International Congress the medical tourism industry in South Africa. and Convention Association’s 2008 destination The event attracted around 300 delegates from rankings. This includes successful hosting of various divisions of the medical world, including some of the world’s largest and most important insurance, hospital and government representa- meetings. tives, dentists, doctors, health facilitators and Business tourism is well positioned for growth healthcare providers. after the 2010 FIFA World CupTM, which will leave upgraded infrastructure and new hotels and Adventure sports upgraded airports, further increasing the coun- When it comes to adventure sports, South Africa try’s capacity to host large meetings. has lots to offer. In the first nine months of 2008, business The 100-Mile, 50-Mile or 25-Mile Trail Run travellers spent R2,4 billion in South Africa, 32% through the vast Addo Elephant National Park in more than in the same period in 2007. Although the Eastern Cape is designed to test trail runners the actual number of business travellers declined both mentally and physically. The trail tracks the during this period, they spent more. The average mountains and valleys of the park. Runners are amount spent per business traveller rose from challenged to run primarily on tracks within the R760 per day in 2007 to R1 200 per day in 2008. park itself as well as some stretches of gravel Business tourism also has lucrative spin-offs roads. for the leisure tourism industry. Business travel- Port Elizabeth, tagged as the “Watersports lers often book tours to explore the region they Capital” of Africa, offers surf lifesaving, rubber are visiting, either before or after conferences. ducking, jet-skiing, canoeing, surfing, paragliding Many return to South Africa in subsequent years and power-boating. for holidays with friends and family. Jeffreys Bay, a neighbouring coastal town, is It appears that South Africa is also starting to renowned worldwide among surfers as the home give shopping destinations such as Dubai a run of the “perfect wave” and hosts the annual Bil- for its money. The 2006 Annual Tourism Report, labong Classic, which draws the world’s top compiled by the SAT Strategic Research Unit, surfers. indicated that shopping was the most popular Sandboarding has become a major activity in activity across all purposes of visit. some parts of South Africa. This sport is extremely Medical tourism Medical tourism, or the process of seeking out At a global level, the travel and tourism sector medical treatment in another country, is a fast- has emerged as one of the 21st century’s criti- i growing source of income. It covers both elective cal drivers of economic growth, job creation and procedures and specialised operations such as development of communities, regions and nations. joint replacement and spinal fusion. The “Tourism Economy”, a vital source of employment, About 50 developed and developing countries revenue, investment, trade and unity, has recently been claim medical tourism as a national industry. recognised as a powerful stimulus for recovery from the South Africa has offered these services for some global economic crisis. time, but only recently has begun to earn a higher The United Nations World Tourism Organisation and the profile for itself in this field. South African Government announced on 30 October 2009 Most people come to South Africa for cosmetic that the first international Tourism, Sport and Mega-Events surgery, but the country’s skilled surgeons can Summit would be held in Sandton, South Africa, in Febru- also provide organ transplants, cardiac, orthopae- ary 2010. dic and obesity surgery, and dentistry. The summit was expected to provide a forum for ac- Of the 9,6 million foreign visitors to South tive discussion, debate and direction around the leverage Africa in 2008, it is believed that about 410 000, of mega-events as a vital force for sector growth and ad- or 4,3%, were medical tourists. vancement in national development strategies.

493 SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 popular near Cape Town, in the Eastern Cape and tourism and create a safe and welcoming envi- on Gauteng’s old mine dumps. Every year, an ronment for visitors. annual sandboarding competition takes place in Betty’s Bay, in the Western Cape. Poverty-relief funding South Africa is a perfect playground for quad- The Department of Tourism’s poverty-relief biking enthusiasts. There are over 60 different projects promote the development of community- trails to experience, and a good selection of these owned tourism products and the establishment of also offer quad bikes for hire. tourism infrastructure, including roads, informa- In South Africa, one can cycle/go horseriding tion centres and tourism signage. in wildlife reserves, through the winelands, along These poverty-relief projects are categorised the coast, up mountains and past waterfalls – the into product and infrastructure development, possibilities are almost endless, with enticing capacity-building and training, the establishment trails in every province. of small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) South Africa is also one of the best shark-diving and business-development projects. destinations in the world. This country is home to the highest com- Welcome Campaign mercial bungee jump in the world. The 216-m SAT’s Welcome Campaign, launched in 2004 at Bloukrans Bridge attracts adventure-seekers from the Tourist Indaba, is about encouraging every all around the world. The bridge is situated South African to make every tourist feel at home, along the scenic Garden Route. A new addition so that all tourists take with them an experience to Bloukrans is the 200-m flying fox cable slide. that stands out and encourages them to return. There are a range of jumps on the much lower Gouritz River Bridge, which boasts South Africa’s Welcome Awards first bridge-swinging operation. The Welcome Awards recognise those businesses and individuals who raise the bar in the tourism Tourism policy and initiatives sector by offering very high standards of customer The newly formed Department of Tourism aims care and providing service excellence. to fulfil the national Government’s role towards The awards programme forms part of the creating the conditions for responsible tour- broader Welcome Campaign, which aims to ism growth and development by promo­ting and ensure that South Africa’s tourism industry is developing tourism, thereby increasing job and prepared to host many nations leading up to 2010 entrepreneurial opportunities and encouraging the and beyond. meaningful participation of previously disadvan- The awards were created to give credit to those taged individuals. The focus will be on facilita­ting providers who go the extra mile to deliver service the growth of the tourism industry by providing excellence in the tourism industry by: support to the public and private sectors, and the • offering travellers authentically African experi- broader community. ences With the 2010 FIFA Soccer World CupTM well on • enhancing visitors’ experiences, encouraging its way, there are exciting developments in this longer stays and repeat visits sector and many new opportunities for South • turning guests into ambassadors for South Africa Africa. The White Paper on Tourism provides a policy The Welcome Awards also promote the best busi- framework for tourism development, and entails, nesses within each category as examples to the among other things: industry, encouraging members of the industry • empowerment and capacity-building • focusing on tourism-infrastructure investment In 2008, Gauteng and the Western Cape were • aggressively marketing South Africa as a tour- the most popular provinces visited (enjoying i ism destination to international markets 32,3% and 26,9% of visitor nights respectively). • a domestic tourism and travel campaign. They also accounted for the bulk of expenditure on Raising general awareness about the opportuni- accommodation. ties for domestic travel remains a priority. The aim The third most popular province was KwaZulu-Natal is to encourage South Africans to travel within with 10,7% of visitor nights. The most undervisited prov- their country, make tourism products accessible ince in the country was the Northern Cape with 0,9% visitor to all, facilitate the development of a culture of nights.

SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 494 to share their ideas on how they can improve In September 2009, e.tv’s top youth soap opera customer experiences and make their stay more Rhythm City saw characters Fats and Mpumi tak- enjoyable. ing a Sho’t Left to Durban. As an increasingly important sector of South South Africa’s national radio station, Metro FM, Africa’s economy, tourism has the potential to fuel features Sho’t Left every Thursday morning when the economy by creating jobs, reducing unem- the feature gives weekly travel tips and updates ployment and improving the quality of life of all on what is happening in the local industry. South Africans. Awards are given in nine categories, namely: Domestic tourism growth tourist attractions, tour operators, accommoda- About a million more South Africans toured in tion establishments, tourist guides, restaurants, their own country in 2008 compared to the previ- Mice, online, travel agencies and parks. ous year, the Minister of Tourism, Mr Marthinus The fourth annual Welcome Awards ceremony was held at Durban’s Albert Luthuli Convention Twenty-nine South African beaches were award- Centre at the Tourism Indaba in May 2009. The ed Blue Flag status in 2009 – 10 more than in i Accommodation Category was won by Karkloof 2008. With the exception of Morocco, South Africa Spa; the Tour Operator Category by Specialised is the only African country implementing the Blue Flag African Tour Services; the Tourist Attraction Cat- Programme, and has done so with increasing success since egory by South African Breweries’ World of Beer; 2001. Blue Flag is an international award scheme that acts the Tourist Guides Category by Linda Leung; the as a guarantee to tourists that a beach they are visiting is Restaurants Category by Nyoni’s Kraal; the Mice one of the best in the world. Category by Van Ryn’s Distillery; the Online Cat- It is awarded to those that have achieved the highest egory by City Lodge Group; the Travel Agencies quality in water, facilities, safety, environmental education Category by South African Travel Centre, Benoni; and management. Beaches that have received Blue Flag and the Parks Category by Mokala National Park. accreditation include: Sho’t Left Campaign • MacDougall’s Bay, Port Nolloth (new) • Yzerfontein main beach, Yzerfontein (new) In its ongoing quest to grow and sustain a robust • Big Bay beach, Bloubergstrand, Cape Town (new) domestic travel market in South Africa, SAT • Clifton fifth beach, Cape Town unveiled its renewed Sho’t Left Campaign in • Camps Bay, Cape Town August 2008. The domestic market is an excep- • Muizenberg, Cape Town tionally important one for the tourism industry. • Strandfontein beach, Cape Town Because it targets young people, the campaign • Mnandi beach, Cape Town strongly features adventure, entertainment and • Bikini beach, Gordon’s Bay nightlife travel experiences. It showcases South • Kleinmond beach, near Hermanus (back in programme) Africa as an affordable and easy-to-do destination • Hawston beach, near Hermanus for all. This campaign aims to show young South • Grotto beach, Hermanus Africans the emotional, educational and social • Lappiesbaai, Stilbaai, Southern Cape benefits of travel. • Santos beach, Mossel Bay (new) The campaign features a series of media • Hartenbos beach, Mossel Bay (new) advertising targeting young South Africans and • Robberg fifth beach, Plettenberg Bay (new) encouraging them to take more holidays in South • Dolphin beach, Jeffrey’s Bay Africa. • Humewood beach, Port Elizabeth Since the launch of the Sho’t Left website in • Hobie beach, Port Elizabeth April 2009, there had been an influx of traffic to • Wells Estate, north of Port Elizabeth the site. • Kelly’s beach, Port Alfred The Promotions and Deals page of www. • Kariega main beach, Kenton-on-Sea (new) southafrica.net/shotleft had become especially • Boknes beach, Kenton-on-Sea (new) popular, enjoying 4 700 page views a month, with • Gonubie beach, East London (back in programme) users specifically searching for travel packages. • Trafalgar beach, South Coast, KwaZulu-Natal (new) Social networking spaces Twitter, @ShotLeft, • Marina beach, South Coast, KwaZulu-Natal Facebook and YouTube are in place so that the • Ramsgate beach, near Margate market can start talking about how they see travel • Margate beach and what they feel about it. • Alkantstrand, Richard’s Bay (new).

495 SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 van Schalkwyk, said in July 2009 at the release The New Partnership for Africa’s Development of SAT’s domestic travel statistics for 2008. (Nepad) identified tourism as an important sector Domestic tourism is particularly valuable to the for addressing the development challenges facing country because, unlike foreign tourism, it is not Africa. The Nepad Tourism Action Plan has been seasonal. developed, providing a more detailed framework To continuously support the growth of the for action at national and subregional levels. The domestic industry, South Africa is: action plan proposes concrete interventions in the • promoting the domestic-tourism brand following focus areas: • promoting a set of experiences that relate to • creating an enabling policy and regulatory South African consumers environment • distributing appropriate information in specific • institution-building aimed at promoting tour- places ism • facilitating the development of cooperative • tourism marketing product packages • research and development • developing marketing and distribution chan- • investment in tourism infrastructure and prod- nels ucts • promoting repeat visitation. • human-resource development (HRD) and qual- About 46% of the adult South African population ity assurance. travelled in 2008, representing a figure of about Some of the tourism initiatives South Africa is 14 million domestic tourists. actively participating in include: This was compared to about 13 million domes- • various tourism spatial development initiatives tic tourists in 2007. in the SADC Domestic tourism returned revenue of • developing the SADC univisa, a single visa to R25,8 billion in 2008, a 17% increase over the cover travel within the region. previous year. Although the Regional Tourism Organisation of The average spend per trip increased from Southern Africa (Retosa) agreement on the need R550 in 2007 to R780 in 2008 in nominal terms. for the univisa exists, the differing levels of devel- However, a fewer number of trips were opment in SADC countries is a challenge that undertaken in 2008 compared to the previous must be overcome first. year. Domestic trips decreased by 8%, with 32,9 million trips being undertaken compared to South African Tourism 35,9 million in 2007. SAT markets South Africa’s scenic beauty, diverse Of the country’s provinces, KwaZulu-Natal and wildlife, kaleidoscope of cultures and heritages, the Eastern Cape saw the most domestic tourists the great outdoors, sport and adventure opportu- in 2008, followed closely by Gauteng and the nities, ecotourism and conference facilities. The Western Cape. website, www.satour.co.za, offers an online guide to travel in South Africa. International tourism Cabinet approved the International Tourism 2010 FIFA World CupTM Growth Strategy in June 2003, which includes Some R250 million has been committed to an analysis of core markets and their segments. marketing South Africa internationally. The 2010 Priority markets have been identified in Europe, Tourism Forum has been set up to advise govern- Asia and Africa. ment on tourism-related issues. The tournament The strategy not only aims to increase arrivals, is an opportunity to market the country as a tour- but also to: ist destination to countries whose citizens would • increase the duration of tourists’ visits to South not normally see South Africa as such, especially Africa South America and Eastern Europe. • increase spending by tourists The Tourism Branch has engaged with coun- • ensure that tourists travel throughout the tries that have successfully hosted similar events, country and not just in a few provinces to learn from their experiences. • facilitate transformation and Black Economic In addition, South Africa together with various Empowerment (BEE) in the local tourism indus- other African countries, the United Nations (UN) try. World Tourism Organisation and FIFA agreed to a South Africa has made its mark as a global desti- programme of work pertaining to hosting a world nation for the Mice industry. cup that is African in scope.

SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 496 The announcement that the 2010 World Cup Africa, the provincial capital of the Free State and will, for the first time, feature non-hotel accom- the largest urban centre in the Mangaung Local modation has tremendous implications for SMME Municipality. Bloemfontein is popularly known as entrepreneurs who run lodges, bed-and-breakfast “The City of Roses”, owing to the abundance of establishments (B&Bs) and other smaller estab- these flowers and the annual rose festival held lishments. there. The Department of Tourism is working with Match, the official accommodation partner of the Cape Town 2010 World Cup, and the Tourism Grading Council Cape Town is known for its beaches, sports, of South Africa (TGCSA) to assist SMME accom- mountain walks, day-trips, wine-tasting, sunsets modation establishments and more specifically and fine dining. Cape Town is the provincial capi- establishments from previously disadvantaged tal of the Western Cape and the legislative capital communities to be graded and registered as offi- of South Africa. Cape Town is the economic hub of cial accommodation suppliers for the event. This the Western Cape. will provide a vital springboard to these SMMEs. The number of graded establishments in South Durban Africa almost doubled from 4 604 in 2005 to Durban, South Africa’s third-largest city in area, 8 544 in 2009 and there were nearly 100 000 is an exciting hub around a busy harbour on the graded rooms in the country. SAT, in partner- edge of the warm Indian Ocean. The city is well ship with the International Marketing Council known for its pleasant climate and welcoming (IMC), FIFA Organising Committee (OC) and other beaches. It also boasts top sporting facilities, government departments, have been promo­ting world-class resorts and nature reserves. To South Africa’s readiness to host the World Cup at accommodate the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, most major international events. of Durban’s iconic high-tourist season events These events included the Euro 2008 Champi- have confirmed changed dates or venues, for onships in Vienna, and World Travel Market in Lon- example the Comrades Marathon will repeat the don and in Berlin. A global marketing campaign to 2009 down run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban leverage awareness of South Africa as destination on 30 May 2010. through the World Cup was launched at Indaba 2009 and was expected to reach close to a billion Johannesburg viewers globally through global media platforms Johannesburg lies in Gauteng, the wealthiest such as Cable News Network, British Broadcast- province in South Africa. Locals have nicknamed ing Corporation World, Eurosport, Sky Sport and the most populous city in South Africa “Joburg”, Entertainment Sports Programming Network. Tool “Jozi” and “eGoli”. The City of Johannesburg kits, which contain all 2010 promotional material is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the for rolling this campaign out globally, have been world with a population of just over three million distributed to all SAT country offices and foreign people. missions of the Department of International Rela- tions and Cooperation. Nelspruit/Mombela Nelspruit, the capital city of Mpumalanga, is 2010 host cities nestled on the Crocodile River, about 60 km west Bloemfontein of Mozambique. Mpumalanga (which means “The Bloemfontein is the judicial capital of South Place of the Rising Sun”) is the primary gateway to the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which stretches over three countries and encompasses South Africa is to host a G20 tourism ministers’ global wilderness icons such as the more than meeting early in 2010 in response to the global i 100-year-old Kruger National Park. With its downturn in. Though not immune to the global subtropical climate, abundant sunshine and lush economic downturn, tourism resisted the financial covered hills and valleys, Nelspruit forms the ideal crisis better than many other sectors, such as construc- base from which to explore Mpumalanga. tion, real estate and car manufacturing. South Africa was also elected to the executive council of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation in Polokwane Polokwane is the capital city of Limpopo. It is the Kazakhstan in October 2009, and will use the position to largest city in the north and a major economic advance Africa’s development agenda. centre. Wide streets, jacaranda trees, colourful

497 SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 parks and sparkling fountains characterise the The Sector Code provides, in the first five years city. of reporting, for a greater focus on human-factor Polokwane, which means “A Place of Safety”, elements, namely skills development, strategic is situated 60 km south of the Tropic of Capricorn representation, employment equity and enterprise and is home to just over 500 000 people. It encom- development. passes the vibrant communities of Seshego, The exempt micro-enterprise threshold for the Mankweng and other surrounding townships. tourism sector has, after a review of inputs from the comment period in 2008, been set at R2,5 Port Elizabeth million in turnover per year. This step is expected Port Elizabeth is one of South Africa’s important to ensure that all significant stakeholders partici- sea ports. The city, the largest in the Eastern pate actively in the transformation process. Cape, lies on the south-eastern coastline of South Two industry-specific indicators have been Africa. It is known for its sunshine, temperate added, which relate to the ability of the industry climate, exhilarating sea breezes and magnificent to create jobs and to market South Africa as a golden beaches. The city forms part of the Nelson preferred tourism destination, namely: Mandela Bay Municipality, which unites Uitenhage • the recruitment of employees with no prior and Despatch, and is named after South Africa’s experience former president, humanitarian and world icon, • the status of the tourism enterprise as a tourism Nelson Mandela, who was born and spent his marketing levy for South Africa’s levy collector. formative years in the Eastern Cape. The Tourism Empowerment Council of South Africa, formerly the Tourism BEE Charter Council, Pretoria is in a position to drive transformation in tourism Pretoria’s charm lies in its harmonious blend from a solid foundation and give accurate infor- of African roots and European traditions. It is a mation that will not be subject to change. city where history meets 21st century style and The Sector Code provides for transformation development, where vibrant township scenes in seven areas of business, namely ownership, complement modern shopping centres. Pretoria is strategic representation, employment equity, an important industrial centre, with heavy indus- skills development, preferential procurement, tries, including iron and steel casting as well as enterprise development and social development. automobile, railroad and machinery manufacture. Each of these indicators will be measured pro- The city has the second-largest number of portionally to a company’s compliance with that embassies in the world after Washington DC. area. Rustenburg Infrastructure Development Rustenburg is a large town situated at the foot Programme of the Magalies mountain range in North West. In May 2008, the former Department of Environ- Just outside the town are the largest platinum mental Affairs and Tourism and the South African mines in the world and the largest platinum refin- National Parks completed the second year of ery, which processes about 70% of the world’s implementation of the Infrastructure Development platinum. The town is surrounded by fertile farm- Programme, for which R541 million was made ing land. available over a four-year period. The programme had employed 1 357 people by May 2008. Some 50 Industry transformation SMMEs were empowered and transformation in the The gazetting of the Tourism Sector Code is a mile- construction industry is actively supported. Some stone in the process of achieving Black Economic highlights include: Empowerment (BEE) in the tourism industry. The • 145 tourism accommodation units were code, which was gazetted on 22 May 2009, was upgraded and many new accommodation units expected to help clarify any uncertainty around constructed in the various national parks BEE targets in tourism and pave the way for real, • 89 upgraded and new staff accommodation measurable transformation in the sector. units were put in place in various national The gazetting follows a year-long process of parks. alignment between the Tourism BEE Charter and government’s codes of good practice, which left Tourism Enterprise Partnership the industry with a number of questions related (TEP) to transformation targets and reporting mecha- On 1 April 2008, the newly founded and inde- nisms. pendent TEP officially took over the management

SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 498 of a seven-year-old economic development with an authentic taste of South Africa’s rich and programme (previously known as the Tourism varied history and culture, such as: Enterprise Programme), facilitating the growth • Andrew Clarke is serving African “gastropub” and development of small and medium-sized food in his B Lounge in a once derelict biscuit tourism businesses in South Africa. factory in Salt River that is more than a century TEP’s mission is to facilitate the growth, deve­ old lopment and sustainability of tourism enterprises, • 13 people are working in and around Themba to enable them to become internationally com- Masala’s ramshackle home-cum-studio-cum- petitive workshop in Raaswater, Upington, preparing Each year, TEP invests millions in the develop- papier-mâché and wooden items for the inter- ment of small and medium tourism businesses national market across South Africa. This is achieved through • a small museum in Cape Town’s Buitenkant various projects aimed at product development Street features telling and touching exhibits on (skills development, access to finance, operational District Six before its destruction. efficiency, quality and service improvement, etc.) Hidden Treasures™ creates a unique and memo- and increased provision of market access. rable encounter that is world-class, yet unmistak- The TEP launched its Hidden TreasuresTM con- ably South African. cept at Meetings Africa, in February 2009. Hidden Crafts, as examples of Hidden Treasures™, are TreasuresTM is a premier collection of quality craft unique, personal, of a quality standard and can be offerings and experiences that provide visitors tailor-made to the visitor’s needs. They are also innovative and support local crafting businesses around the country. On the other hand, Hidden The 2010 Visitor Information Centre (VIC) was Treasures™ experiences include artists, perform- launched in Polokwane in August 2009. The i ers, tour guides, cuisine offerings, cultural and newly constructed, world-class centre was de- heritage products that add a unique and authentic veloped at a cost of R8,2 million and will form part of flavour to any tourism itinerary. the legacy project for the 2010 FIFA World CupTM. Situated Once the Hidden Treasure™ clusters are fully on the Great North Road to Zimbabwe, Polokwane is the developed, South African cities will have their own heart of Limpopo. The city is also the gateway to the other unique texture and depth. TEP will then “patch” Southern African Development Community countries that them together into extraordinarily packaged trips. lie on its border, offering easy access to Botswana, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Tourism Indaba The model for this centre is based on best international Indaba 2009, one of the biggest tourism market- practice and is expected to assist tourism authorities in ing events on the African calendar, took place in providing outstanding service to tourists as well as other May 2009 at the Albert Luthuli Convention Centre stakeholders. The centre is aimed at improving the South in Durban. The event showcased a huge variety of African tourism offering to enhance service excellence, southern Africa’s best tourism products, attracting grow tourism and create opportunities for local economic exhibitors and journalists from across the world. development. Indaba 2009 drew more than 13 200 del- As part of the national VIC Project, centres are being rolled egates, confirming its status as Africa’s top travel out in five host cities, namely Port Elizabeth, Polokwane, show and one of the top three in the world. There Nelspruit, Rustenburg and Bloemfontein. These less visited were 621 journalists in attendance, including 175 provinces were earmarked for the VICs in preparation for from abroad. the World Cup, but also to grow their tourism arrivals from The event received the prestigious World Travel both local and international visitors. Award as Africa’s best travel show, while SAT col- The primary objective of the VIC Project is to effectively lected a World Travel Award as best destination- address the tourism and information needs of the visitors marketing organisation on the continent. expected to converge on the host cities in 2010 and be- Indaba’s visitor profile includes adventure, yond. sport, business, incentive group and ecotourism Using international best practice, the Visitor Information tour operators and agencies, conference organ- Centres Enterprise Network Systems (VICENCYS) was de- isers, consulting companies, ground handlers, veloped to be used at all the information centres. VICENSYS marketing services, online travel outfits and the allows users to plan and finalise a travel itinerary by means media. of touch screens or Web-based technology. The Indaba is business-focused and gives opportunities to network with others in the indus-

499 SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 try, combine product offerings and create new lars of the development of a responsible tourism itineraries for a market that grows bigger each culture in South Africa. In September 2009, the year. Department of Tourism held the National Tourism Careers Expo. Meetings Africa The Global Travel and Tourism Programme Meetings Africa has established itself as a cred- South Africa was established as a stand-alone ible business-tourism marketing platform with programme outside of the National Business the primary objective to showcase South Africa as Initiative (NBI) with effect from 1 October 2009. business-tourism destination internationally and The NBI managed the programme since 1999 has grown its profile and attendance year on year. with much success. It is well regarded in the industry nationally and is Tourism education is an integral part of the building its profile on the international meetings South African national curriculum, and learners calendar. have an opportunity to become educated about This is the only event of its kind in Africa with a career opportunities in an industry that is vital to specific focus on showcasing products, destina- the economy. tions and support services that fulfil the needs of In 2009, about 2 000 schools delivered the corporate meeting planners and agents, profes- Tourism subject to some 300 000 learners from sional conference organisers, destination-man- grades 10 to 12. The NBI had also trained over agement companies, association-management 1 000 tourism teachers as well as all Tourism companies, government and non-governmental subject advisers in the country by 2009. organisations. It takes place at the Sandton Con- vention Centre at the end of February each year. Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Edu- cation and Training Authority (Theta) Human-resource development Theta is the Sector Education and Training Author- (HRD) ity (Seta) established under the Skills Develop- The Tourism HRD Strategy, which aims to encour- ment Act, 1998 (Act 97 of 1998), for the Tourism, age industry players to compete on the basis of Hospitality and Sport Economic Sector. Theta excellence in human resources (HR), was launched comprises the following chambers: in 2008. Tourism HRD is considered one of the pil- • Hospitality • Conservation and Tourist Guiding At the Local Government Tourism Indaba in Cape • Sport, Recreation and Fitness Town in March 2009, coastal municipalities de- i • Tourism and Travel Services liberated on a new, integrated approach to tap into • Gaming and Lotteries. the multibillion dollar cruise tourism industry. Cruise tour- Every chamber has its own committee that helps ism has immense potential in South Africa, with its pristine Theta to identify industry needs. coastline, major tourist attractions and the 2010 FIFA World A Seta’s main function is to contribute to the Cup™. raising of skills, or to bring skills to the employed According to research undertaken by Service-Delivery or those wanting to be employed in their sector. Magazine, the global cruise industry doubles every decade They do this by ensuring that people learn skills but a few organisations control 95% of the industry, with that are needed by employers and communities. $22,3 billion being invested in new vessels. In the African region, there were only about 83 cruises aboard 10 vessels Tourism Learnership Project (TLP) with an estimated 31 000 passengers, accounting for only a The TLP is a multimillion rand partnership between tiny fraction of the global industry. the Business Trust, Theta and the Department of To grow the industry, more resources are needed along Labour. with a focused and integrated approach by cities. It was de- The TLP aims to raise the standards of South cided that a committee, comprising provincial and munici- Africa’s tourism industry by ensuring the develop- pal officials from the four coastal provinces of the Northern ment of useful, transferable and accredited skills. Cape, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal and The TLP’s three core objectives are to: driven by the Department of Tourism, will engage with the • accelerate the development of national qualifi- National Ports Authority to develop a long-term plan. cations for all primary subsectors of the tour- Three large cruise ships with thousands of fans aboard ism sector will be docked at the Cape Town harbour for the duration of • ensure the availability of national qualifica- the 2010 World Cup. tions, which will trigger increased investment in training by employers

SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 500 • develop systems and support the training of The TSA is a UN World Travel Organisation- unemployed people through learnerships that approved methodology used for measuring and provide them with the necessary skills to find tracking the overall value and contribution of tour- jobs. ism to all sectors of the economy. Findings are the result of extensive and collaborative research Tourist guiding by partners and give an accurate account of this It is estimated that 2010 will require 30 662 growing sector of the economy. Besides tracking guides, at least half of whom should be black. By the number of tourism jobs created and the con- mid-2007, South Africa had about 10 000 guides, tribution to the country’s GDP, tourism bodies are with only 30% black representation. Updating the also able to tell which activities are most benefi- database of tourist guides and ensuring that it cial to the tourist and in effect, to the economy, interfaces with provincial structures, is a priority too. for the Department of Tourism. The National Pilot Project to curb illegal guid- Hints for tourists ing in South Africa was launched in September Every traveller to South Africa must have a valid 2008. The project intends to curb illegal tourist passport and, where necessary, a visa. guiding by unregistered guides and will focus on The Immigration Act, 2002 (Act 13 of 2002), Gauteng in the pilot phase. The project focuses stipulates that all visitors to South Africa on increasing registration through positive means are required to have at least one blank page such as education and site inspections. With the (both back and front) in their passport to enable growth of the industry, it has become apparent the entry visa to be issued. If there is insufficient that some tour guides are practising illegally, as space in the passport, entry will be denied. they are not registered with the Gauteng Tourism Enquiries may be directed to South African Authority (GTA). Through positive means such diplomatic representatives abroad or to the as education, consultative workshops and site Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria. Visas inspections, the GTA aims to increase compliance are issued free of charge. Visitors who intend of tourist guides with the relevant legislation that travelling between South Africa and neighbouring governs the industry. countries are advised to apply for multiple-entry In South Africa, tourist-guiding activities are visas. Passport-holders of certain countries are regulated by the Tourism Second Amendment exempt from visa requirements. Act, 2000 (Act 70 of 2000). According to the Act, Tourists must satisfy immigration officers that any person who wishes to be involved in tourist they have the means to support themselves dur- guiding must be registered with the Provincial ing their stay and that they have return or onward Registrar for Tourist Guides. tickets. They must also have valid international The department has embarked on training of health certificates. guides in foreign languages. By September 2008, Visitors from the yellow-fever belt in Africa and guides had been trained in Mandarin, French, the United States of America (USA), and those who Spanish and German. Training of guides in Por- travel through or disembark in these areas, have tuguese and Chinese was expected to take place to be inoculated against the disease. soon. Malaria is endemic to parts of KwaZulu- In addition, 108 guides from across the country Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo. It is essential to were expected to embark on training in advanced take anti-malaria precautions when visiting these customer care, communication in English and the areas. Remote areas in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpuma- Ambassador Programme for host cities. langa and Limpopo are low-risk malaria areas and standard precautions should be taken. Research Foreign tourists visiting South Africa can have In May 2009, the Department of Tourism, SAT their value-added tax (VAT) refunded, provided the and a number of partners launched the Tourism value of the items purchased exceeds R20. Satellite Account (TSA). It makes measurement VAT is refunded on departure at the point of and tracking a reality and gives the nation and exit. its leaders in both the private and public sector South Africa’s transport infrastructure – airlines, a means by which to accurately determine tour- railroads, roads, luxury touring buses (coaches) ism’s contribution to the national economy, and and motor cars – is such that tourists can travel to scenario plan around imperatives such as eco- comfortably and quickly from their port of entry to nomic growth and job creation. any part of the country.

501 SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 A number of international airlines, including Cape Town has earned a stamp of approval from South African Airways, operate regular scheduled the well-known travel company, Lonely Planet, i flights to and from South Africa. Several domestic as one of the world’s top 10 party cities. This list airlines operate in the country. There are also is part of Lonely Planet’s new guide, the 1 000 Ulti- mainline trains to all parts of the country. (See mate Experiences. Chapter 23: Transport.) According to Lonely Planet, with the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ bringing a global audience to South Africa, the party- Accommodation ing will only get harder as travellers converge on a city that The tourist-accommodation industry in South is already well known for its nightlife. Africa provides a wide spectrum of accommoda- The guide advises visitors to try South African wine at a tion, from formal hotels to informal holiday flats Cape Town bar or one of the wineries in the area. Mossel and cottages, game lodges and reserves, guest Bay is also recommended as a party destination. houses, youth hostels and B&B establishments. Other cities included in the top 10 are Belgrade in Ser- Some hotels cater for businesspeople and the bia, Montreal in Canada, Buenos Aires in Argentina, Dubai in high-end luxury market, but there are diverse the United Arab Emirates and Thessaloniki in Greece. hotels available across the country, ranging from family-centred establishments to international chains, and a growing selection of conference This voluntary grading system, which was hotels, casino resorts and golf hotels. launched in 2001, uses internationally recognised There are also spa resorts, numerous options star insignia to rate accommodation establish- for the budget traveller, and a charming array of ments and will be extended to include relevant B&B accommodation and guest houses. Facilities businesses in classified sectors of the tourism range from the ultra-luxury to the rustic, but most industry. Once graded, establishments are are noted for their high-quality, personalised ser- encouraged to use the star system for marketing vice and warm hospitality. Many have restaurants and advertising purposes. on site. Establishments are assessed according to the A variety of promotional material on South type of accommodation they provide. There are Africa is available. Comprehensive guides and currently nine types of establishments: maps cover all the regions and aspects of inter- • B&Bs est to tourists, including accommodation. Various • guest houses useful tourism websites can be found on the • hotels Internet. • self-catering • backpacker and hostelling Quality assurance • caravans and camping The TGCSA inspects standards in the hospitality • country houses and accommodation industry. • meetings, exhibitions and special events • restaurants. Grading assessors undergo training to receive the South Africa is home to the world’s: National Certificate in Tourism Grading, a world- • largest land mammal – African elephant i first qualification. Assessors are accredited with • smallest mammal – a shrew the size of a Theta and registered with the TGCSA before being human fingertip recommended to the industry. • tallest mammal – the giraffe Larger hotel groups with their own internal • fastest mammal – cheetah assessors are also accredited with Theta. Inde- • heaviest reptile – leatherback turtle pendent auditors conduct random audits. These • largest antelope – eland auditors also assist in ensuring that the assessors • heaviest flying bird – kori bustard. adhere to a code of conduct. It is also home to: Star grading is the only system recognised by • 900 bird species – 10% of the world’s variety on 1% of government and the TGCSA. its land area Star gradings are displayed on most advertising • 6 000 different spiders, 175 varieties of scorpion and 100 material and at hotel entrances. Participation by different snakes hotels is voluntary and indicates a commitment • 23 200 different fynbos plants, making it the richest zone to providing good service and regularly upgrading on Earth in terms of species to area. facilities. Star-graded establishments undergo

SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 502 annual quality checks to ensure that standards become victims. The idea is to be proactive and are maintained. to perform a risk analysis to include vulnerable The grading categories are as follows: areas such as airports, convention centres, big • one star – fair to good; modest, clean, comfort- events, key tourist sites, routes and activities. able and functional Crime has had a negative impact on the • two stars – good; quality furnishings, service country’s growing reputation as a desirable travel and guest care destination. However, the Department of Tourism • three stars – very good; better furnishings, is lobbying and working together with safety and service and guest care security agencies such as the South African Police • four stars – superior; excellent comfort and Service (SAPS), the National Intelligence Agency very high standard of furnishings, service and and the Department of Police. guest care During 2006, the Tourism Branch established • five stars – exceptional; top-of-the-line qual- a task team to assist in developing the National ity and luxurious accommodation in line with Tourism Safety and Awareness Strategy. All nine the best international standards and stringent provinces are represented on the task team. attention to service. Agencies such as the IMC have also been iden- The TGCSA annually publishes The Accommoda- tified to help counter international perceptions tion Guide. about crime. AA Travel Guide offers another quality check for As part of its efforts to combat crime, the SAPS visitors to South Africa. The AA stamp of approval holds joint operations committee meetings with on promotional material indicates that a venue is stakeholders at provincial level. A range of stake- highly recommended. Since 1994, the organisa- holders attend these planning meetings, which tion has also been running an annual awards pro- previously did not include tourism stakeholders. gramme based on consumer feedback on some The Tourism Safety and Awareness Strategy 1 200 AA quality-assured establishments. Quali- involves proactive and support measures. A fied assessors visit high-scoring establishments booklet containing safety tips for tourists has to verify their scores. been revised and was distributed at the Tourism The TGCSA was incorporated under SAT as one Indaba. of its business units in November 2009. The department, together with the SAPS, is working on the Tourism Safety and Awareness Tourist safety Handbook for Practitioners. High-powered plans have been drawn up to reduce violent crimes against tourists, and to Tourism in the provinces support and respect those holidaymakers who do Western Cape The Western Cape lies at the southern tip of Africa. The Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern The province is considered one of the most beau- Africa (Retosa) approved a strategic plan in Oc- i tiful regions in Africa; it is also the place where tober 2009, which is aimed at addressing chal- two oceans meet and the home of the famous lenges faced by the region in developing and growing fynbos vegetation. tourism. Retosa is responsible for the promotion and mar- The paternal presence of Table Mountain, the keting of tourism in 14 southern African countries and its pristine coastline with its white sandy beaches, mandate is to leverage tourism as a major economic driver the magnificent countryside with its bountiful for the region. rivers, vleis and dams, fauna and flora, together The participating Southern African Development Com- with the warm summer climate and friendly munity countries are Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Re- community make the Western Cape the perfect public of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, holiday destination. Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, The Western Cape is South Africa’s most devel- Zambia and Zimbabwe. oped tourism region. The tourism industry in the Some of the initiatives highlighted in the strategic plan province has grown faster and created more jobs to address challenges in tourism development include, than any other industry. One in 10 employees in among other things, the opportunity provided by the 2010 the Western Cape earns a living in the tourism World Cup in South Africa, the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations industry and it contributes more than R25 billion in Angola, the 2011 All Africa Games in Mozambique and to the provincial economy. relaunching the King’s Golf Cup in Swaziland in 2010. The province received 1,63 million international arrivals in 2008. The amount spent by foreign tour-

503 SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 ists showed an increase of 16,2% from R17,9 bil- is worth a visit for its historic Middle Campus and lion in 2007 to R20,8 billion in 2008. Visitors from many buildings designed by Sir Herbert Baker. abroad are staying longer and spending more. Cape Point, part of the TMNP, offers many drives, walks, picnic spots and a licensed restaurant. Cape Metropole Care has been taken to protect the environmental Tourism in the city of Cape Town centres around integrity of this 22 100-ha reserve of indigenous the Victoria and Alfred (V&A) Waterfront, a working flora and fauna. harbour offering everything from upmarket shop- Simon’s Town’s naval atmosphere and Historic ping malls, arts and craft markets, theatres and Mile are major attractions in the area. A statue of live music to museums. the famous dog and sailor’s friend, Able Seaman Other major attractions in the city include the Just Nuisance, stands at Jubilee Square. Bo-Kaap Museum, the Castle of Good Hope, the Other attractions include the South African Company’s Garden, the District Six Museum, flea Naval Museum and the Warrior Toy Museum. markets, the Grand Parade, the houses of Parlia- One of only two of the mainland African penguin- ment, the South African Cultural History Museum breeding colonies in the world can be found at and the South African National Gallery. Also worth Boulders Beach, also part of the TMNP. a visit are historical buildings in the Bo-Kaap and Hout Bay is well known for its colourful working District Six. harbour. Seafood outlets, round-the-bay trips to The Gold of Africa Museum, established by the nearby seal colony, shell and gift shops, and Anglo Gold, houses a celebrated collection of a famous harbour-front emporium attract many more than 350 gold artefacts. visitors. Duiker Island is a seal and sea-bird sanc- Air flips and trips are available, as are many tuary. The World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary is one boat and yacht trips from Table Bay Harbour, of the largest bird parks in the world and houses including trips to Robben Island (proclaimed a some 3 000 birds. world heritage site and also the place where In Oostenberg, visitors can enjoy some fine former President Nelson Mandela was imprisoned wine and flower farms, such as Zevenwacht Wine for 18 of his 27 years in prison). Estate with its graceful Cape Dutch homestead. The Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Tygerberg Zoo boasts a collection of exotic ani- Island is in the Clock Tower Precinct at the V&A mals. Waterfront. The gateway houses interactive multi- Endless stretches of quiet beaches provide media exhibitions, an auditorium, boardrooms, popular surfing and windsurfing spots. Big Bay in the Robben Island Museum and a restaurant. Bloubergstrand is a surfer’s paradise and host to Jazz is big in Cape Town. From traditional blues an international windsurfing event. Rietvlei Nature through progressive jazz to African-influenced jazz, every taste is catered for at a number of restaurants, jazz cafés, cigar bars, pubs and wine The New7Wonders Foundation in Zurich, Swit- farms. The top jazz event in the Western Cape is zerland, announced the top 28 wonders from i the annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival. around the world in July 2009. The finalists in- Table Mountain, which forms part of the Table clude legendary sites such as the Great Barrier Reef in Mountain National Park (TMNP), is a popular Australia, the Grand Canyon in the United States of America attraction for visitors and provides a majestic and the Amazon in South America. backdrop to the vibrant and friendly Mother City. Table Mountain made it into the final round of the New7- An ultra-modern cableway takes visitors to the Wonders of Nature contest and is competing for a place top of the mountain, providing spectacular views. among the top seven wonders to be announced in 2011. Newlands is home to the renowned Kirsten- Table Mountain is one of only two African sites to have bosch National Botanical Garden. In summer, made the prestigious list, along with Mount Kilimanjaro in various open-air concerts are held here. Tanzania. The South African Rugby Museum in Newlands Candidates in the Official New7Wonders of Nature Cam- reflects the history of the sport as far back as paign are clearly defined natural sites that have neither 1891. been created by nor significantly altered by humans for The Rhodes Memorial in Rondebosch is on the aesthetic reasons. slopes of Table Mountain. It was built of granite The New7Wonders of Nature Campaign aims to raise from the mountain as a tribute to the memory of awareness of the incredible variety and beauty of nature Cecil John Rhodes, prime minister of the Cape around us. from 1890 to 1896. The University of Cape Town

SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 504 Reserve is a unique wetland area, with over 110 being fed. Ancient fish-traps can be seen at Mor- bird species, including pelicans and flamingos. ris Point and the harbour. Canal Walk Century City is one of the largest At the aloe factories at Albertinia, aloe juice is shopping centres in Africa, with close to 400 extracted for medicine and high-quality skin-care shops, and is home to the largest cinema complex products. in South Africa. Nearby, bungee-jumping at the Gouritz River Tygerberg is a vibrant and fast-growing area Gorge, hiking, mountain-biking and angling are with a well-developed business centre, numerous popular pastimes. sports fields, an international indoor-cycle track, The Point in Mossel Bay is not only popular well-kept golf courses and a racecourse. among surfers, but its natural pool formed by rock New Year in Cape Town is a festive affair, when is also a favourite swimming spot at low tide. The the Cape minstrels take to the streets with their St Blaize trail starts here and is the ideal place upbeat music and fancy costumes. from which to watch the whales and dolphins at play in season. Garden Route The harbour at Mossel Bay is one of the most A new multimillion-rand development on South modern commercial and recreational harbours on Africa’s Garden Route, which is expected to turn the southern Cape coastline. PetroSA’s Informa- the region into a major global tourism and busi- tion Centre informs visitors about the production ness hub, was unveiled in November 2009. of synthetic fuels from Mossel Bay’s offshore gas Known as the Destiny Africa Ecosphere Project, fields. Other attractions include the Attequas Kloof the R28-billion initiative will stand on 437 ha just Pass, Anglo-Boer/South African War blockhouses outside the town of George, located at the eastern and the Bartolomeu Dias complex. end of the Western Cape and in the centre of the Great Brak River offers a historic village with Garden Route. The popular Garden Route spans many opportunities for whale- and dolphin- roughly 200 km of South Africa’s southern coast. watching along the extensive coast. The Destiny Africa Project will combine busi- George is a historically significant location, ness, learning and leisure into a so-called smart with features such as the 198-year-old Old Slave city. Components include a top-class conference Tree, which is a national monument. This huge centre, a business park with an incubator, a uni- oak tree is so named because of the chain and versity cluster and research centre, about 7 000 lock embedded near the bottom of its trunk. It is residential units, ecotourism and medical tourism not certain if the chain is linked to slavery, or was facilities, retail opportunities and a waterfront. used merely to prevent things from being stolen. These interconnected facilities are known as an George is at the heart of the Garden Route. It ecosphere. is the mecca of golf in the southern Cape, as it is Construction could take up to 17 years and will home to the renowned Fancourt Country Club and result in at least 50 000 new jobs, both directly Golf Estate, as well as various other acclaimed and indirectly. The project centres on the Mice golf courses. Board the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe on concept, which forms the core of sustainable its daily trip along the coastline between George business tourism. and Knysna (except Sundays) at the Outeniqua For its small area, the Garden Route is the most Transport Museum. biodiverse region in the world. Visitors can also board the Power Van here, and The Garden Route features the pont at Malgas, enjoy a glimpse of the Garden Route Botanical which is the only remaining pont in the country, Garden from this rail bus. ferrying vehicles and livestock across the Breede The George Museum, with its theme of timber River. history, offers ongoing exhibitions. The Montagu Whale-watching attracts tourists at Witsand and Voortrekker passes are national monuments, and Port Beaufort from June to November. providing spectacular views of the Outeniqua The Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve outside Nature Reserve, which offers several hiking Heidelberg comprises the popular Bushbuck Trail, trails. a wilderness trail and two mountain-bike trails. The George Airport, the Outeniqua Pass, the Riversdale is one of South Africa’s most impor- railway line and the N2 offer convenient access tant fynbos export areas. Other attractions include to this region, making George the ideal hub from the Julius Gordon Africana Museum. which to explore the Garden Route and Little At the historical Strandveld Architectural Herit- Karoo. Victoria Bay and Wilderness are popular for age Site at Still Bay, visitors can watch tame eels their unspoilt beaches. Wilderness is the western

505 SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 gateway to the southern Cape lakes area. It is a ostrich-feather capital, is the region’s main town. nature lover’s paradise, best known for its beaches, The Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees is held in lakes, placid lagoon and lush indigenous forests. the town annually. Some 29 km from Oudtshoorn Birdwatchers flock to the Langvlei and Rondevlei lie the remarkable Cango caves, a series of spec- bird sanctuaries in the Wilderness National Park, tacular subterranean limestone caverns. Bearing which hosts over 230 different bird species. evidence of early San habitation, the 30-cave Sedgefield borders Swartvlei Lagoon, the larg- wonderland boasts magnificent dripstone forma- est natural inland saltwater lake in South Africa. tions. Amalienstein and Zoar are historic mission Activities include beach horse-riding, hiking, stations midway between Ladismith and Calitz- angling and birdwatching. dorp. Visitors can go on donkey-cart and hiking Knysna nestles on the banks of an estuary, trails through orchards and vineyards, while the guarded by The Heads (two huge sandstone cliffs) Seweweekspoort is ideal for mountain-biking, and surrounded by indigenous forests, tranquil hiking, and protea and fynbos admirers. lakes and golden beaches. Calitzdorp has four wine estates, three of which This natural wonderland is home to the larg- are open to the public. The spring water of the est and smallest of creatures, from the Knysna Calitzdorp Spa is rich in minerals and reputed to seahorse to the Knysna elephants, rare delicate have medicinal properties. The Gamka Mountain butterflies and the endemic Knysna loerie, a col- Reserve is home to the rare and endangered Cape ourful forest bird. Over 200 species can be found mountain zebra. in the abundant fynbos and forest settings. De Rust lies at the southern entrance to Mei- Knysna is also famous for its delectable home- ringspoort. The Meiringspoort Gorge extends grown oysters, enjoyed with locally brewed beer 20 km through the Swartberg Mountain Range. in quaint pubs and restaurants. The Knysna Oyster Halfway through is a beautiful 69 m-high waterfall. Festival, a celebration of the good life, has estab- Wine farms in the area are open to the public. lished itself as one of the most popular annual Ladismith is home to the Towerkop Cheese events in the Western Cape. An eclectic mix of art Factory. There are various hiking, mountain-biking galleries showcases the diversity of talent in the and 4x4 trails in the area, as well as the Anysberg, area. There are also lagoon cruises, forest hikes, Klein Karoo and Towerkop nature reserves. golf and adventure sports on offer. Uniondale, on the main route between George Plettenberg Bay is adventure country, offering and Graaff-Reinet, features the largest water- boat-based whale-watching, black-water tubing, wheel in the country, the Old Watermill. Uniondale hiking, and forest and cycling trails. Poort is a scenic drive linking Uniondale with The Keurbooms River Nature Reserve at Plet- Avontuur in the Langkloof Valley. tenberg Bay offers a canoeing trail, while the Rob- At Vanwyksdorp, visitors can see how fynbos is berg Nature Reserve is a treasure trove of land, dried and packed for the export market. Donkey- marine, geological and archaeological wealth. cart rides take visitors to Anglo-Boer/South African At 216-m high, the bungee jump from the War grave sites. Bloukrans River Bridge on the border between the Western and Eastern Cape is the highest com- Central Karoo mercial bungee jump in the world. The Central Karoo, a fascinating semi-desert area, lies in the heart of one of the world’s most unique Little Karoo and interesting arid zones. The Little Karoo’s spectacular landscape is This ancient, fossil-rich land, which is five fashioned almost entirely by water. Its vegeta- times the size of Great Britain, is also home to the tion ranges from lush greenery in the fertile river richest desert flora in the world. valleys to short, rugged Karoo plants in the veld. In the Central Karoo, visitors will find the largest Gorges feature rivers that cut through towering variety of succulents found anywhere on Earth. mountains, while breathtakingly steep passes Beaufort West, the oldest town in the Central cross imposing terrain. The region is also home Karoo, is often referred to as the “Oasis of the to the largest bird in the world – the ostrich. The Karoo”. The local museum displays awards pre- Little Karoo is rich in culture and history. sented to heart-transplant pioneer, the late Prof. Excellent wines and port are produced in the Chris Barnard, a son of this town. Calitzdorp and De Rust areas. The Swartberg A township route introduces visitors to the Nature Reserve and Pass with their gravel roads Xhosa culture in the area. At the Karoo National are also worth a visit. Oudtshoorn, the world’s Park on the town’s doorstep, visitors can expe-

SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 506 rience the flora and game of the Karoo. A chal- The Spier Summer Arts Festival livens up sultry lenging 4x4 route takes them to the escarpment summer nights from November to March at the and new areas of ecological discovery. The park Spier Wine Estate near Stellenbosch. The Stel- is also home to a variety of game, as well as the lenbosch Wine Route comprises over 100 wine highly endangered riverine rabbit. estates, most of which offer cellar tours. Matjiesfontein, a national monument, offers The Freedom Monument at Pniel, which was tourists a peek into yesteryear and the opportu- built in 1992, commemorates the freed slaves nity to overnight in Victorian splendour. The village who were the first settlers at the mission station, houses a transport museum and the Marie Raw- established in 1843. don Museum. Next to the transport museum is a Franschhoek has become known as the “Gour- large field on which the first international cricket met Capital” of the Cape. Originally known as match was played in South Africa. Oliphantshoek, it was renamed after the arrival of Experience the vastness of the Great Karoo in Huguenots who were predominantly French. The Murraysburg, an ecotourist and hunter’s para- Huguenot Monument was built in 1944 to com- dise. memorate their arrival in 1688. Laingsburg, a tiny village almost totally wiped Visitors can also enjoy various hiking trails out by floods a century after it was established, is and historical walks, as well as the Vignerons de the best place to study the geology of the region. Franschhoek Wine Route. Prince Albert is a well-preserved town at the foot Paarl lies between the second-largest gran- of the Swartberg mountains. It is the ideal place ite rock in the world and the Du Toit’s Kloof to sample a great variety of Karoo cuisine. See mountains. It is famous for its Cape Dutch and examples of local architecture dating back to the Victorian architectural treasures found along a early 1800s, and enjoy several scenic drives. 1-km stretch of the main street. The area’s fynbos The Fransie Pienaar Museum introduces vegetation supports a number of south-western visitors to the cultural history of the area. It has a Cape endemics, such as the Cape sugarbird and fossil room and an exhibit covering the gold rush the orange-breasted sunbird. in this area in the 19th century. The museum has The Afrikaanse Taalmonument is situated on the a licence to distil and sell “witblits” (white light- slopes of the Paarl Mountain, while the Afrikaanse ning). Prince Albert is the closest town by road to Taalmuseum is in the centre of the town. Gamkaskloof. The town of Wellington lies in a picturesque The Hell, a little valley in the heart of the valley, with the majestic Hawequa mountains on Swartberg mountains, was the home of one of its eastern border. Apart from three renowned the world’s most isolated communities for almost cooperative wineries, one can visit several pres- 150 years. Today, Gamkaskloof is a nature reserve tigious wine cellars situated on historic Huguenot and national monument managed by Cape Nature farms with Cape Dutch homesteads. More than Conservation. It has overnight facilities and can 90% of South Africa’s vine-cutting nurseries are be accessed by a 57-km long (but two-hour- found in Wellington. The town is also the home of drive) winding road which starts at the peak of South Africa’s dried-fruit industry. the Swartberg Pass. Experience life as the pioneers lived in years gone by at the Kleinplasie Living Open Air Cape winelands Museum. The KWV Brandy Cellar, the largest of its The Cape winelands, including the former Breede kind in the world, offers cellar tours and brandy River Valley, are close to Cape Town. The Cape tastings. winelands feature dramatic mountains, rolling Tulbagh is famous for its heritage, historical farmlands and peaceful vineyards. They are home homesteads and magnificent country living. to Route 62, the world’s longest wine route. Church Street, home to 32 national monuments, Stellenbosch, the oldest town in South Africa, is constitutes the largest concentration of national also known as the “Eikestad” (City of Oaks). Vari- monuments in one street in South Africa. ous historical walks delight visitors. The town is a Ceres, named after the Roman goddess of fruit- gracious blend of old Cape Dutch, Georgian and fulness, is the largest deciduous fruit-producing Victorian architecture. Dorp Street consists of one region in South Africa. Tours are offered at various of the longest rows of old buildings in the country. fruit farms. The area also offers several 4x4 trails, The Stellenbosch Village Museum consists of four horse-riding, mountain-biking and abseiling. homesteads and gardens ranging from the late- The Hex River Valley is the largest producer of 17th to the middle-19th centuries. table grapes in southern Africa. Visitors can pick

507 SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 their own grapes at harvest time and can sample a brilliant array of colour. The Swartland region is the variety of export-quality produce. known for its undulating wheat fields, vineyards, The well-known Hex River 4x4 trail and the wineries and outdoor activities. Further north, Ochre San rock art trails are a must for nature visitors encounter the fertile Olifants River Valley lovers. De Doorns is situated in the heart of the and the vast plains of the Knersvlakte with their Hex River Valley. Situated on the Breede River, wealth of indigenous succulent plants. Bonnievale features several cheese factories. The town of Darling draws visitors to its coun- For the adventurous outdoor enthusiast there are try museum and art gallery, annual wild flower canoe trips, birdwatching and riverboating. and orchid shows, basket factory and wine cel- Known as “The Valley of Wine and Roses”, lars. The entertainment venue Evita se Perron Robertson is one of the most beautiful areas in is situated at the old Darling Railway Station South Africa. Surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and offers top entertainment from South African delectable fruit and radiant roses, Robertson entertainers. produces connoisseur-quality wines and is also Malmesbury is the biggest town in the Swart- known for its thoroughbred horses. land. Major attractions include the Malmesbury Renowned for its muscadel wines, Montagu is Museum and the historical walk-about. the gateway to the Klein Karoo and set in a fertile The Riebeek Valley is known for its scenic valley. Relax in the healing waters of the Avalon beauty. The area has become a popular haven for springs or visit the Montagu Museum, which well-known artists of various disciplines. Wines houses, among other things, original cartoons and olives can be tasted at various cellars. and books by TO Honiball. Elands Bay is a popular holiday resort and The area also offers several hiking trails, surfer’s paradise. Khoi and San rock art can be game-viewing drives, guided cultural tours and viewed at the Elands Bay caves. excellent rock climbs. Moorreesburg and Koringberg are major The picturesque village of Gouda is renowned wheat-distributing towns. Tourists can visit the for the Parrotts Den Pub, a living museum in the Wheat Industry Museum, one of only three in the Gouda Hotel. world. Birdwatching, hiking, 4x4 routes, clay- McGregor has a wealth of fascinating white- pigeon shooting, mountain-bike trails, canoeing washed, thatched cottages and well-preserved and waterskiing at Misverstand are popular Victorian houses, making it one of the best- activities. preserved examples of mid-19th century archi- Yzerfontein is famous for its unspoilt beaches, tecture in the Western Cape. fynbos, beautiful views and whale-watching. Prince Alfred Hamlet is the gateway to the Gydo Another major attraction is the historical lime Pass, known for its scenic views. This quaint vil- furnaces. lage lies in an important deciduous-fruit farming Langebaan is a popular holiday destination. area. The West Coast National Park, an internationally Hidden amid vineyards and wine estates lies renowned wetland that houses about 60 000 the picturesque town of Rawsonville, renowned waterbirds and waders, attracts thousands of for its array of award-winning wines. Tourists can visitors each year. The park is also the site where enjoy an afternoon drive along the awe-inspiring the oldest anatomically modern fossilised human Slanghoek Valley, with its lush vineyards and footprints were discovered. breathtaking views, or relax in the warm-water The Langebaan Lagoon forms part of the park mineral springs at Goudini Spa. and is zoned for specific activities. The Postberg section of the park, across the lagoon, is famous West Coast for its wild flowers that bloom mainly during The West Coast is a region of extreme beauty August and September. and contrast. The solitary coast’s scenic beauty Cape Columbine at Paternoster is the last is challenged only by rich culinary experiences of manned lighthouse on the South African coast. mussels, oysters, calamari, crayfish and abalone The Columbine Nature Reserve is home to many in season, or linefish pulled from the Benguela seabird species. current’s cold waters. The area is a birdwatcher’s Saldanha is a watersports enthusiast’s paradise. In addition, every year migrating whales paradise. Its attractions include Doc’s Cave, a visit the coastal waters from July. landmark on the scenic breakwater drive, and the Within two months of the first good winter Hoedjieskoppie Nature Reserve. There are various rains, wild flowers on the West Coast explode in hiking trails in the SAS Saldanha Nature Reserve.

SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 508 The Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve, in the pioneering days of the early colonists. The Goede Western Cape’s Cederberg mountains, was rated i Hoop Citrus Co-op is the largest single packing the world’s best hotel in 2009 by Travel&Leisure facility in South Africa. The annual Citrusdal Out- magazine. Some rooms in the five-star Bushmans door Calabash features, among other things, 4x4 Kloof have private swimming pools, outdoor showers, flat- outings, lectures and visits to rock-art sites, and screen TVs, DVD and CD collections, iPod docking stations an arts and crafts market. and underfloor heating. The oldest orange tree in the country, calcu- It scored 98,7 points. Bushmans Kloof, set on a lated to be more than 250 years old, grows in the 7 500-ha reserve 270 km north of Cape Town, has received Citrusdal Valley. The Sandveldhuisie is a recently many accolades, including the 2007 Relais and Chateaux built example of a typical Sandveld dwelling. There Environment Trophy for its environmental and conservation are several recognised mountain-biking, walking, projects. hiking and canoeing trails and a sky-diving club. Magazine readers voted on criteria such as the quality Annually, scores of sky-diving enthusiasts of the rooms, facilities, location, service, restaurants, food visit Citrusdal for a skydiving “boogie” that lasts and value for money. several days. South Africa has three other hotels in the publication’s The Cederberg Wilderness Area features the top 15, namely Mpumalanga’s Sabi Sabi Private Game elephant’s foot plant, the rare snow protea and Reserve, which was placed third, Singita Sabi Sands, some of the best examples of San rock art in the which came sixth, and Cape Town’s Twelve Apostles, at Western Cape. number 15. Visitors to Clanwilliam can visit the rooibos and velskoen factories and the grave of the St Helena Bay is best known for the Vasco Da well-known South African poet Louis Leipoldt. Gama Monument and Museum. Fishing (snoek Various historical buildings can also be viewed. in season), hiking and whale and birdwatching The Clanwilliam and Bulshoek dams are popular opportunities also draw many visitors. among watersports enthusiasts. Vredenburg, the business centre of the area, Wuppertal, at the foot of the Cederberg moun- has a popular golf course with a bird hide where tains, features the oldest Rhenish Mission Station. various species can be viewed. Proceeds from 4x4 trails in the area fund the Lambert’s Bay is a traditional fishing village, creation of new hiking trails and the building of with Bird Island as a tourist attraction. It is a more overnight huts and guest houses. breeding ground for African penguins, the Cape Vredendal is the centre of the Lower Olifants cormorant and other sea birds. Visitors can also River Valley. Major attractions include marble- watch southern right whales here from July to processing and manufacturing, industrial mines November. (dolomite and limestone), the KWV Grape Juice Piketberg offers arts and crafts, fauna and flora, Concentrate Plant and Distillery and the South wine culture and recreation. The Goedverwacht African Dried Fruit Cooperative. The town is also and Wittewater Moravian mission stations are home to the Vredendal Wine Cellar, the largest close to the town. cooperative wine cellar under one roof in the Porterville is famous for its Disa Route (best southern hemisphere. in January and February). The Groot Winterhoek The picturesque town of Doringbaai with its Mountain Peak in the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness attractive lighthouse is well known for its sea- Area is the second-highest in the Western Cape. food. The Dasklip Pass is popular with hang-gliders. Strandfontein, about 8 km north of Doringbaai, At Velddrif/Laaiplek, visitors can indulge in is essentially a holiday and retirement resort with bokkems (a West Coast salted-fish delicacy) at a breathtaking view of the ocean. factories along the Berg River. Tourists can also Klawer was named after the wild clover grow- visit the salt-processing factory and the West ing in the area. During the flower season, the area Coast Art Gallery in town. is a kaleidoscope of colour. There are hiking trails The citrus area in the Olifants River Valley is the as well as river-rafting along the Doring River. third-largest in South Africa. The wine route from Lutzville and Koekenaap are synonymous with Citrusdal to Lutzville produces a selection of inter- wine and flowers in season. nationally acclaimed wines. The world-renowned Visitors can also view the Sishen-Saldanha rooibos tea is also produced here. Railway Bridge. Where the railway line spans the Citrusdal is famous for its citrus products Olifants River, it is divided into 23 sections, each and wines. The Citrusdal Museum depicts the 45 m long. The 14 100-ton deck was pushed into

509 SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 position over teflon sheets with hydraulic jacks attend services. The Old Watermill (1833) has from the bridgehead. It is the longest bridge in the been restored and declared a national monu- world built using this method. ment. Vanrhynsdorp houses the largest succulent Popular sites in Napier include the Militaria nursery in South Africa. The Latsky Radio Museum Museum and Rose Boats and Toy Museum. The houses a collection of old valve radios, some dat- Shipwreck Museum in Bredasdorp, founded in ing back to 1924. Birdwatching, mountain-biking, 1975, specialises in shipwrecks found along the day walks, and hiking and 4x4 trails abound. The South African coastline. The town also boasts the Troe-Troe and Rietpoort mission stations are a Audrey Blignault Museum. must-see for historians. De Mond Nature Reserve is home to some rare bird species, including the damara tern and giant Overberg tern. In the most southerly region of Africa, just over The Geelkop Nature Reserve derives its name an hour’s drive east of Cape Town, lies a fertile from the mass of yellow flowering plants that area surrounded by mountains and sea, called the cover the hill during spring. Overberg. The lighthouse at L’Agulhas, which forms part The Hangklip-Kleinmond area comprises of the Agulhas National Park, is the country’s Kleinmond, Betty’s Bay, Pringle Bay and Rooiels. second-oldest working lighthouse. It celebrated It is a popular holiday region, ideal for whale- its 150th anniversary in 1999. watching, and includes the Kleinmond Coastal The Agulhas National Park, home to a rich and Nature Reserve and the Harold Porter Botanical diverse plant population, boasts more than 110 Garden. Red Data Book species. Among these are the The Penguin Reserve at Stoney Point, Betty’s endangered Cape platanna and microfrog, and Bay, is one of two breeding colonies of the jackass rare coastal birds such as the African oyster- penguin on the African continent. catcher. The damara tern finds the area ideal for South Africa’s first international biosphere breeding. reserve, the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, was At Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of the proclaimed by the UN Educational, Scientific and continent, the waters are cleaved into the Indian Cultural Organisation in 1999. It runs along the and Atlantic oceans. The wrecks of some 130 coast from Gordon’s Bay to the Bot River Vlei, seafaring craft – yachts, Spanish galleons, Dutch stretching 2 km out to sea, and inland to the East Indiamen, the legendary Birkenhead, and Groenlandberg mountains near Grabouw. even modern-day fishing trawlers – have found Hermanus is a popular holiday resort, famous a watery grave around the notorious Cape of for the best land-based whale-watching in the Storms. world. Struisbaai has the longest white coastline in Stanford is one of the few villages in South Africa the southern hemisphere. where the market square has been retained. The Arniston was named Waenhuiskrans (coach- central core of the village has been proclaimed a house cliff) by the local fishers in honour of the national conservation area. Award-winning wines huge sea cave capable of housing several ox- are produced in the area. wagons. For outsiders, it was named after the Gansbaai is known for its excellent rock and Arniston, a ship wrecked there in 1815. The boat angling, diving, shark-cage diving and Waenhuiskrans Cave can be explored at low tide. whale-watching. The Danger Point Lighthouse, The De Hoop Nature Reserve on the way to named as such because of the ships that have Swellendam includes an internationally renowned been wrecked and lives that have been lost on wetland and bird sanctuary. It is a winter retreat this dangerous coast, is open to the public. for the southern right whale and the Western De Kelders is the only freshwater cave on the Cape’s only Cape griffen vulture colony. African coast. Spectacular views of southern The red Bredasdorp lily and many species of right whales can be enjoyed from the cliffs at De protea and erica are found in the Heuningberg Kelders and along the coast to Pearly Beach. Also Nature Reserve. popular are white-shark tours, diving safaris and Swellendam is well known for its youngberries fishing trips. and eclectic architecture. The Drostdy Museum Elim was founded by German missionaries in consists of a group of buildings containing a 1824, with its only inhabitants being members huge selection of period furniture. The Bontebok of the Moravian Church. Visitors are welcome to National Park, about 7 km from Swellendam,

SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 510 provides sanctuary to the threatened bontebok human-rights activist) lived in Kimberley, boasts a and other species. library of Plaatje’s and other black South African Known for its world-class wine, Barrydale offers writers’ works, and several displays, including a the visitor fruit and fresh air in abundance. portrayal of black involvement in the Anglo-Boer/ Situated on the N2, about 160 km from Cape South African War. Town, Riviersonderend offers beautiful mountain The Paterson Museum near the Kimberley Air- and river scenery, a nine-hole golf course and porthouses a replica of a Paterson biplane, which sightings of the blue crane. was used for pilot training by the flying school Caledon is famous for its natural mineral operated by the Paterson Aviation Syndicate at waters, hot springs and wild-flower shows. Alexandersfontein. A township tour of Galeshewe Southern Associated Maltsters is the only malt provides a fresh perspective on South Africa’s producer for the South African lager beer industry socio-historical realities. Pan African Congress and the largest in the southern hemisphere. founder Robert Sobukwe’s house is situated Genadendal is the oldest Moravian village in there. Africa, with church buildings and a school dat- The Magersfontein Battlefield outside Kimber- ing back to 1738. The Genadendal Mission and ley, with its original trenches and other defences Museum Complex documents the first mission intact, is the site of the Boers’ crushing defeat of station in South Africa. the British during the Siege of Kimberley. A cul- The Theewaterskloof Dam outside Villiersdorp tural centre at Wildebeestkuil outside Kimberley is the seventh-largest dam in the country. The Vil- features !Xun and Khwe artwork for sale and a liersdorp Wild Flower Garden and Nature Reserve tour of rock engravings by these indigenous has an indigenous herb garden and a reference people. library. A short distance from Kimberley is the mining The Grabouw/Elgin district produces about town of Barkley West, which, owing to its proxim- 60% of South Africa’s total apple exports and fine ity to the Vaal River, is a favourite spot for many wines. The valley is also renowned for cultivating water-sports enthusiasts and anglers. fresh chrysanthemums, roses and proteas. The Tucked along the Vaal River near Barkley West Elgin Apple Museum is one of only two in the lies the Vaalbos National Park. The park is not world. Sir Lowry’s Pass offers spectacular views only home to large raptors, but is also a breeding of False Bay from Gordon’s Bay to Cape Point. centre for endangered African herbivores such as rhino, roan and sable antelope and disease-free Northern Cape buffalo. Characterised by its vast expanses of space and silence, blazing summer sunshine and interest- Kalahari ing and friendly people, the Northern Cape is a At Black Rock, visitors have the opportunity to province rich with culture. view a worked-out manganese mine. Danielskuil lies at the foot of the Kuruman hills. Diamond fields The Tswana people occupied the area before it The Big Hole in Kimberley is the largest hand-dug became home to the Griquas. Boesmansgat, on excavation in the world. In 1871, diamonds were the farm Mount Carmel outside Danielskuil, is a discovered at the site and mined manually by unique natural sinkhole – the second-deepest prospectors. The Kimberley Tram Service dates and largest of its kind in the world. back to the beginning of the 20th century and still Known as the “Oasis of the Kalahari”, Kuruman transports passengers from the City Hall to the is blessed with a permanent and abundant source Mine Museum. of water that flows from Gasegonyana (Tswana Underground mine tours are a big attraction, as for “the little water calabash”) – commonly called are the famous ghost tours, during which many the “Eye of Kuruman”. historical buildings are seen from a different Moffat’s Mission in Kuruman is a tranquil place perspective. Hand and mechanical diamond- featuring the house of missionary Robert Moffat, digging by private diggers can be viewed by the church he built, and several other buildings. appointment. Moffat translated the Bible into Setswana – the The McGregor Museum houses invaluable col- first African language in which the Bible was lections of the archaeological finds in the area, as made accessible. well as San art works. The house where Sol Plaatje The printing press on which he printed the first (African National Congress founding member and 2 000 copies can still be viewed. The church he

511 SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 built seats 800 people and is still in use. David smaller game, including mongoose, porcupine Livingstone married Moffat’s daughter and started and the endangered honey badger. many famous travels from this mission station. The names of various landmarks within the The Wonderwerk Cave at Kuruman features park reflect its long history as a crossroads of extensive San paintings that may be viewed by many cultures, which have included the San, the appointment. Mier, the Huguenots and the Scottish at various The Kalahari Raptor Centre cares for injured times. birds. Many of these majestic creatures can be The park is an important element of the first seen at close quarters. Another marvel is the Wit- phase of the Transfrontier Conservation Area 2010 sand Nature Reserve, situated about 80 km south- Strategy, which is a priority of the SADC. west of Postmasburg, which features a 100-m high dune of brilliant white sand. It stretches for Namaqualand about 9 km and is about 2 km wide. The indigenous people of the Namaqualand region are the Namas. Their traditional Nama reed Green Kalahari huts still abound in Leliefontein, Nourivier and The roaring sands on the farm Doornaar near Steinkopf. Groblershoop are an interesting site. The white Namaqualand is famous for a spectacular dunes, surrounded by typically red Kalahari dunes, annual show in spring when an abundance of are said to “roar” when the wind blows. wild flowers covers vast tracts of desert. The Eleven waterwheels are still used today along flowers sprout and survive for a brief period the hand-built irrigation canals at Kakamas. before they wilt and disappear in the blistering Kanoneiland is a settlement on the biggest heat and dry conditions just as suddenly as they island in the Orange River. had appeared. At Keimoes, the Orange River flows at its The small town of Garies is the centre for those widest. The Tierberg Nature Reserve offers spec- setting out to enjoy spring’s show of exuberance tacular views of the Keimoes Valley and the many in the Kamiesberg. islands in the Orange River. The original irrigation After diamonds were discovered along the West canal system is still in use. The Orange River Wine Coast in 1925, Alexander Bay was known for its Cellars largest cellar is situated here. mining activities. The town is no longer a high- Kenhardt is the oldest town in the Lower Orange security area and no permits are needed to enter. River area. The Quiver Tree Forest and Kokerboom The Alexkor Museum paints a picture of the Hiking Trail, consisting of between 4 000 and history of the area. The town also features the 5 000 quiver trees, are within easy driving distance world’s largest desert lichenfield, which has some of the town. Upington is the commercial, educa- 26 species. tional and social centre of the Green Kalahari, At Hondeklip Bay, visitors can dive for crayfish owing its prosperity to agriculture and its irrigated and watch the local fisherfolk conduct their lands along the Orange River. A camel-and-rider trade. statue in front of the town’s police station pays Established as a small-vessel harbour and tribute to the “mounties”, who patrolled the harsh railway junction in 1954 for the copper-mining in- desert territory on camels. dustry, Port Nolloth is a centre for the small-scale The Orange River displays its impressive power diamond-recovery and crayfish industries. It is at the Augrabies Falls, also known as the “Place of the only holiday resort on the Diamond Coast. The Great Noise”, in the Augrabies Falls National Park. local factory sells fish and crayfish in season. Visitors can hire canoes to ensure closer contact Set in a narrow valley bisecting the granite with the natural heritage surrounding the world’s domes of the Klein Koperberge lies Springbok. sixth-largest waterfall. South of Springbok, near Kamieskroon, lies the The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park comprises Skilpad Wild Flower Reserve, part of the Namaqua 38 000 m2 of land, making it one of the largest National Park, which captures the full grandeur of conservation areas in the world. Straddling the the flower season. The 1 000-ha reserve operates Green Kalahari and Botswana, the park is a two- only during the flower season. million-ha sanctuary for various raptors, antelope, The Goegap Nature Reserve comprises gemsbok, springbok, blue wildebeest, red harte- 15 004 ha of typically granite, rocky hills and beest, eland, Kalahari lion, black-maned lion, sandy flats. The reserve also offers a 4x4, and brown and spotted hyena, leopard, cheetah, and several hiking and mountain-biking trails.

SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 512 Namaqualand is also home to the Ais-Ais/Rich- where Sir Malcolm Campbell unsuccessfully tersveld National Park. It is managed jointly by attempted to break the world land-speed record the local Nama people and South African National in 1929. Parks. Carnarvon is well known for its corbelled dome-roofed houses built of flat stones because Upper Karoo (Bo-Karoo) of a lack of wood. Flanked by the Towerberg, Colesberg is one of the The floors of these interesting houses were Northern Cape’s most beautiful towns. smeared and coloured with a rich red mixture of The town features one of the country’s last fat and oxblood and polished with smooth stone. working horsemills. An Anglo-Boer/South African A few kilometres outside Fraserburg lies the War tour is also on offer. A weekend tour includes Gansfontein Palaeosurface. a visit to the Norvalspont prisoner-of-war camp Discovered in 1968, it comprises several and cemetery. Colesberg has bred many of the trackways of large, four-footed and five-toed country’s top merino sheep. It is also renowned mammalian reptiles. The prints are estimated to for producing high-quality racehorses. be some 190 million years old. De Aar is the most important railway junction Sutherland, birthplace of well-known Afrikaans in South Africa. The author Olive Schreiner lived author and poet NP van Wyk Louw, is known for in the town for many years. Visitors can dine in its brilliant night skies and cold, biting winters. her former house, which has been converted into The sterboom (star tree), which blossoms in a restaurant. September, is found only in Sutherland. Hanover is known for its handmade shoes and The South African Astronomical Observatory’s articles made mostly from sheepskin and leather. (Saao) observation telescopes, including the The “Star of South Africa” diamond was dis- Southern African Large Telescope (Salt), are in covered at Hopetown. The town, which is steeped Sutherland. in history, also features an old toll house and a From Monday to Saturday, the Saao offers block house dating from the Anglo-Boer/South two guided tours a day and two night tours a African War. week. Day tours entail a guided walk through the At Wonderdraai near Prieska, visitors can see visitors’ centre adjacent to the telescope sites on the horseshoe-shaped island formed by the flow the mountainside and a guided tour of selected of the Orange River. It seems as if the river turns telescopes, including the Salt. to flow uphill. During night tours, visitors can view interesting Vanderkloof was built to house the people objects in the sky through two dedicated visitors’ building the Vanderkloof Dam. Today, it is a flour- telescopes. Booking is essential. ishing holiday resort. Visitors can enjoy waterski- ing, boardsailing, boating and swimming, or visit Free State the Eskom Hydroelectric Power Station situated The Free State lies in the heart of South Africa, within the dam’s wall. with the Kingdom of Lesotho nestling in the hol- Victoria West is home to the Apollo Theatre, low of its bean-like shape. South Africa’s last operational art deco movie Between the Vaal River in the north and the theatre from the 1950s. The theatre comes alive Orange River in the south, this immense rolling each September with the Apollo Film Festival. prairie stretches as far as the eye can see. The rare riverine rabbit is found in the Victoria This central region is characterised by endless West Nature Reserve. rolling fields of wheat, sunflower and maize, and forms the principal bread basket of South Africa. Hantam Karoo Near the small town of Brandvlei lies Verneukpan, Motheo With its King’s Park Rose Garden containing South Africa’s so-called Big Five will soon be- more than 4 000 rose bushes, the Free State’s come the Big Seven, when the whale and the i major city, Bloemfontein, has rightfully earned the shark are officially added to this tourist attraction. nickname “City of Roses”. The city also hosts an South Africa will be the only country in the world to annual rose festival. boast the Big Seven by adding the two ocean predators to The Eerste Raadsaal (First Parliament Building), the current Big Five, which are the lion, leopard, elephant, built in 1849 as a school, is Bloemfontein’s oldest rhinoceros and buffalo. surviving building. Still in its original condition,

513 SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 this historical building is used as the seat of the The Pellissier House Museum depicts the his- Provincial Legislature. tory of events in the area. The National Afrikaans Literary Museum and The Anglo-Boer/South African War concentra- Research Centre has a repository of works by tion camp cemetery in Bethulie worth a visit. prominent Afrikaans authors. Exhibits in the Afri- The Gariep Dam, more than 100 km long and kaans Music Museum and the Theatre Museum 15 km wide, is part of the Orange River Water (part of the centre) include old musical instru- Scheme, the largest inland expanse of water in ments, sheet music, costumes, photographs and South Africa. furniture. Between the dam and Bethulie is the Gariep The national museum is notable for its wide Dam Nature Reserve. On the southern side of the collection of fossils, cultural-historical exhibits dam lies the Oviston Nature Reserve. and archaeological displays, including the Flo- Philippolis, the oldest town in the Free State, risbad skull, which was discovered in the 1930s was founded as a London Missionary Society sta- at the Florisbad Spring, about 50 km north of tion in 1824. It was the first mission station in the Bloemfontein. province. The National Women’s Memorial is a sandstone Trompsburg is the hub of the Free State Merino obelisk, 36,5 m high, which commemorates the sheep-farming industry. women and children who died in concentration The Tussen-die-Riviere Nature Reserve reput- camps during the Anglo-Boer/South African War edly supports more game than any other sanc- from 1899 to 1902. Visitors get a glimpse of life tuary in the Free State and receives hunters in in the concentration and prisoner-of-war camps. autumn and winter. The research library contains an extensive collec- A fountain near Koffiefontein was a favourite tion of Africana. outspan for transport riders in the 19th century. The Old Presidency dates back to 1885 and In June 1870, one of these transport riders picked was the official residence of three presidents of up a diamond near the fountain. This prompted a the former Republic of the Orange Free State. It rush, and by 1882 Koffiefontein was a booming houses a museum depicting their respective terms town with four mining companies. of office, and a cultural centre for art exhibitions, theatrical productions and musical events. Thabo Mofutsanyana The Observatory Theatre in Bloemfontein’s With its beautiful snow-capped mountains provid- game reserve is a unique attraction. Watching ing a backdrop to numerous romantic hideaways, the sunrise from Naval Hill in the middle of the this untouched, pristine area with its breathtaking town, gives an idea of the size of the town. Naval scenery possesses grandeur of majestic propor- Hill is the biggest game reserve that is completely tion. surrounded by a city. The Basotho Cultural Village in the QwaQwa Bloemfontein has a busy cultural and social- Nature Reserve is a living museum where visitors events calendar. One of the annual events not to can witness the Sotho traditions and lifestyle in be missed is the Mangaung African Cultural Festi- the chief’s kraal. val, popularly known as the Macufe Arts Festival, Clocolan is known for its cherry trees, which in September. provide a spectacular sight when they blossom The Sand du Plessis Theatre and Art Gallery at in spring. San rock paintings and engravings are Oliewenhuis is also worth visiting. also found in the area. Botshabelo (Place of Refuge), 45 km from Clarens is often described as the “Jewel of the Bloemfontein on the N8 road to Lesotho, is Free State”, owing to its spectacular scenery. San believed to be the largest township settlement in paintings are found on farms in the area. the Free State – and the second-largest in South Close by, the Highlands Route meanders along Africa after Soweto. the foothills of the Maluti mountains. One can also Nearby, the town of Thaba Nchu features explore the magnificent mountain scenery by luxury hotels and a casino, with the Maria Moroka bike. The town is known for the many arts and Nature Reserve surrounding Thaba Nchu Sun and crafts shops, which offer the visitor a wide range the Setlogelo Dam. of curios and original artwork. Ficksburg is known for its cherry and aspara- Xhariep gus farms. Every November, a cherry festival is Bethulie used to be a London Missionary Society held there. The town is a gateway to the Mountain station. The original mission buildings still stand. Kingdom of Lesotho.

SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 514 The Golden Gate Highlands National Park, The world’s deepest wine cellar is at the known for its beautiful scenery, is a very popular St Helena Mine, which is 857 m below the Earth’s holiday destination. A vulture restaurant allows surface. visitors to observe these scavengers closely. San Bothaville is regarded as the centre of the Free paintings can also be viewed. State Maize Route. The Nampo Harvest Farm and The Highlands Route follows the Lesotho Festival attracts more than 20 000 visitors each border via Ladybrand and ends at Zastron in the year and is the second-largest private agricul- south. San caves and rock art are some of the tural show in the world. Bothaville also hosts the main features of the route. annual Food and Witblits Festival, drawing visitors The birdwatching mecca of Seekoeivlei Nature from all over South Africa. Reserve near Memel constitutes a wetland with The sandstone church in Kestrell is possibly the Ramsar status, and is surrounded by private most impressive of all the Eastern Free State’s game and holiday farms. sandstone buildings. Ramsar sites are wetlands of international Winburg is the oldest town and first capital importance designated under the Ramsar Con- of the former Republic of the Orange Free State. vention. The Voortrekker Museum, using life-size models, depicts the daily routine of the trekkers. A con- Lejweleputswa region centration camp cemetery is situated close by. Bethlehem lies on the banks of the Jordaan River Sasolburg originated in 1954 with the estab- and was founded by the Voortrekkers during the lishment of Sasol, the synthetic fuel producer. 1840s. Parys, which is situated on the banks of the The museum in Miller Street depicts the his- Vaal River, is a popular holiday destination. tory of the area. The banks of the Jordaan River The nearby Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site form part of the Pretoriuskloof Nature Reserve – a was caused by the collision of a meteorite with sanctuary for birds and small game. the Earth many years ago. The meteorite is vis- Van Reenen’s Pass winds through the Drakens- ible and looks like a small hill between Parys and berg, and was originally used by migrating herds Vredefort. It is the only world heritage site in the of zebra, hartebeest, blesbok and wildebeest. Free State. The Llandaff Oratory in the nearby village of Van It features unique fauna and flora, including Reenen is believed to be the smallest Roman 100 different plant species, more than 300 types Catholic Church in the world. of birds and a variety of small mammals. Various At Harrismith, there are various memorials in hiking and mountain-bike trails are also on offer. honour of those who fought in the Anglo-Boer/ Jukskei is the first indigenous game, which has South African War and World War I. Of particular developed to international participation. The Juk- interest is a memorial for the Scots Guards and skei Museum in Kroonstad has over 3 500 objects Grenadier Guards. that depict the development of the game. Platberg, the 2 394-m “flat mountain”, is the Jagersfontein has the deepest man-made hole town’s landmark. A well-known race, claimed in the world. The Excelsior diamond of 971 carats by some to be the toughest in the country, is run was found in this open-cast mine in 1893. Eagles annually up, along and back down the mountain. nest against the cliffs of the mine. Sterkfontein Dam is ideal for water sports and fishing. Eastern Cape The Riemland Museum in Heilbron depicts the The main feature of the Eastern Cape is its heritage and agricultural activities of the region. magnificent coastline. With its wide open sandy The QwaQwa district is a traditional home to beaches, secluded lagoons and towering cliffs, the Basotho people. Karakul carpets, mohair, wall the Indian Ocean coastline provides the province hangings, copper, glassware and brass are made with a rich natural tourist attraction, which is also and sold at Phuthaditjhaba. The nearby Metsi a paradise for watersports enthusiasts. Matsho and Fika Patso dams are renowned for Added to the diverse coastal experiences are trout-fishing. more than 60 state-owned game reserves and Welkom is known for its gold mines. It is also more than 30 private game farms, which col- the only city in the country where traffic circles lectively cover an area greater than the Kruger are used instead of traffic lights. National Park.

515 SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 Just 75 years after the proclamation of the Addo Tourists can also explore the Donkin Heritage Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape to i Trail, take a ride on the famous Apple Express, protect the 11 elephants that remained in the and hike along the site of ancient shipwrecks on area, Addo is now a world-renowned mega park. El- the Sacramento Trail. At King William’s Town, tour- ephant numbers have swelled to over 450 – making this ists can visit the Amathole Missionary Museum. one of the densest elephant populations on Earth. There are The grave of Black Consciousness activist, Steve buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino completing the Big Five. With Biko, is also in the town. great white sharks and southern right whales in the marine section of the park, it means that Addo now boasts the Big Wild Coast Seven of Africa. Since Portuguese mariners first pioneered the sea route around the Cape to India, this notorious coast has claimed countless ships. Amatola mountain region Southern right and humpback whales and their The Amatola mountains are famous for their calves are regularly spotted from the high dunes, scenery and history, and stretch from Adelaide usually between May and November, while com- in the east to Stutterheim in the west. With its mon and bottlenose dolphins are often seen close lush forests and ancient battlefields, it is an area to shore. steeped in Xhosa culture and early settler history. The entire region, once known as the “Transkei The dense forests of the Amatolas are a haven homeland”, is the home of a major section of the for the endangered Cape parrot, and were also Xhosa-speaking southern Nguni (or Pondo) tribes. home to the first dinosaur to be identified in South Brightly coloured examples of their beadwork, Africa, the Blinkwater Monster, a large fossilised together with traditional pottery and basketry, can reptile discovered near Fort Beaufort. be bought from roadside vendors and at some Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Cathcart, where trading posts. trout-fishing, hiking, riding and birdwatching are Visitors to the rural village of Qunu can view the among the attractions. The Amatole Hiking Trail is childhood home of former President Mandela. In a well-known scenic, but strenuous, trail. the city of Mthatha, the Nelson Mandela Museum The coastal city of Port Elizabeth, which has tells the story of this great figure. The museum earned the name “Friendly City”, is a superb is a collection of heritage sectors spread across holiday destination offering a diverse mix of eco- three locations: Qunu, Mveso and Mthatha. A attractions. The Isuzu National Sailing Week is display reflecting the life and times of Mandela held annually in April in the waters of Algoa Bay. can be found at the Bhunga Building section of The Red Location Museum of the People’s the Nelson Mandela Museum in Mhatha. Mandela Struggle in New Brighton – winner of three has received thousands of gifts from presidents, international awards – was designed to be both groups and ordinary people. Accepted on behalf a monument to South Africa’s struggle against of the people of South Africa, they are in safekeep- apartheid and an integral part of community life ing at the museum for the benefit and apprecia- in a township that acted as a crucible for the tion of the nation. Artefacts range from children’s struggle. letters to bejewelled camel covers. The city boasts various scuba-diving sites. Visi- The alignment of the N2 national route along tors can also visit Bay World with its oceanarium the Wild Coast will help open up investment and snake park, and many splendid museums. opportunities in this area. Other attractions include the Greater Addo Coffee Bay is popular among surfers, anglers Elephant National Park and game reserves; the and shell collectors. traditional healing village, Kaya Lendaba; bird- To the south is the prominent rock formation, watching; air tours; canoeing; various mountain- the Hole in the Wall. The local Xhosa call this bike and horse-riding trails; and organised place Izi Khaleni (Place of Thunder). During high outdoor excursions. tide, the waves move through the hole in such a Within the city there are some beautiful parks way that the concussion can be heard throughout with well-landscaped gardens, including the the valley. St George’s Park, which covers 73 ha and houses the famous Port Elizabeth Cricket Club, the old- Karoo est bowling green in South Africa; Prince Alfred’s The vast plains of the Karoo have an air of gran- Guard Memorial, the 1882 Victorian Pearson deur, and its many picturesque towns are steeped Conservatory; and the 54-ha Settlers’ Park. in history.

SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 516 The Owl House in Nieu Bethesda displays the 40 churches found in the town. It is also known for creative talent of the late Helen Martins. Stat- the National Arts Festival, which is held annually. ues of mermaids, wise men, camels, owls and During the festival, Grahamstown is transformed churches create a wonderland in the garden. All into a dedicated arts venue where performers, the artworks were created with broken bottles, visual artists, audiences, writers and craftspeople bits of mirror and cement. fuse in a celebration of creative energy. More than 200 houses in Graaff-Reinet have Other attractions include various museums been restored to their original Victorian appear- and historical buildings, the oldest postbox in ance, and proclaimed national monuments. The South Africa, botanical gardens, the cathedrals Old Library Museum houses the Lex Bremner of St Michael and St George, nature reserves and Fossil Collection of Karoo reptile fossils and a hiking trails. Situated north-east of Grahamstown, collection of Khoi and San art reproductions. the Great Fish River Reserve consists primarily Urquhart House has a popular genealogical of valley bushveld habitat and is surrounded by research centre. both tribal land and commercial game reserves Almost 50 km south-west of Graaff-Reinet is and farms. the Kalkkop Crater, a gigantic circular impact that The reserve boasts abundant wildlife such as is of major scientific importance. white rhino, giraffe, waterbuck, Cape buffalo, To the north-west of Graaff-Reinet lies the Val- hippo, kudu, springbok and eland. ley of Desolation. A steep and narrow road leads There are several historic forts and remains into the mountains that surround the valley. from the legendary frontier wars located in the The Valley of Desolation is a national monument area. within the Karoo Nature Reserve, and was formed East London, South Africa’s only river port city, millions of years ago by weathering erosion. was originally established as a supply port to The first evidence of the presence of dinosaurs serve the colonial British military headquarters in South Africa can be viewed at Maclear. at King William’s Town. The city’s own waterfront The Mountain Zebra National Park is a haven development, Latimer’s Landing, is situated on for the Cape mountain zebra species, which at the banks of the Buffalo River. The East London one time inhabited most of the Cape. The park Aquarium houses approximately 400 different saved these animals from extinction and today marine and freshwater species. their population stands at about 350. The East London Museum depicts the natural Other species found in the park include vari- environment and rich heritage of the region. Best ous antelope such as eland, the African wildcat, known for the prehistoric coelacanth, the museum bat-eared fox, and more than 200 bird species, also displays reconstructions of the extinct dodo including the pale-winged starling, the booted of Mauritius, along with the only extant dodo egg eagle and the blue crane. in the world. The Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area is the larg- N6 Route est of the inland protected areas and provides This route runs from Bloemfontein to East Lon- opportunities to visit spectacular fynbos-covered don. Popular attractions include the slopes of the mountains on foot or in off-road vehicles. Tiffindell Ski Resort and the trout-filled streams, There is a fascinating shell collection at the as well as the many caves adorned with ancient Shell Museum at Kei Mouth. rock art. Several historic towns can be found in the Tsitsikamma region, including Barkly East, Rhodes, Lady Grey, This region, stretching from Plettenberg Bay to Elliot, Aliwal North, Burgersdorp and Queens- Jeffreys Bay, is renowned for its dense forests, town. majestic mountains and deep river gorges. It forms the eastern end of the Garden Route. Sunshine Coast The word “tsitsikamma” is derived from the The Sunshine Coast comprises miles of unspoilt, Khoekhoen words “tse-tsesa” meaning clear, and sun-drenched beaches. “gami” meaning water. Port Alfred lies at the mouth of the Kowie River. South Africa’s first marine park, the Tsi- Coastal hills are home to the oribi – a small ter- tsikamma National Park, extends along a rocky ritorial buck that was recently near extinction. coastline of 50 km, and 3 km out to sea. Inland, Grahamstown is sometimes referred to Inland, adventure-seekers will find deep gorges as the “City of Saints”, because of the more than and temperate evergreen forests criss-crossed by

517 SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 six hiking trails, including the five-day Otter Trail. The Waterberg range is rich in indigenous trees, The varied wildlife includes dolphins and whales, streams, springs, wetlands and birdlife. Cliffs caracal, genet, chacma baboon, dassie and mon- known as the “Palace of the Vultures” harbour a goose. Another popular adventure is a black-water large breeding colony of Cape vultures. Modimolle tubing experience on the Storms River. is the region’s main town. Prominent bird species in the area are the African black oystercatcher, the orange-breasted Capricorn district sunbird, the Nerina trogan and the colourful The Bakone Malapa Open-Air Museum outside Knysna loerie. A lucky few may catch a glimpse of Polokwane is a traditional Northern Sotho kraal. the rare Cape clawless otter, which the Otter Trail Men and women practise traditional skills such as is named after. making baskets, clay pots, furniture and utensils, and preparing hides. Limpopo Polokwane is considered the premier game- Limpopo is a land of dramatic contrasts char- hunting destination in South Africa. It is ideally acterised by hot savanna plains and mist-clad located near the neighbouring countries of mountains, age-old indigenous forests and cycads Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swa- alongside modern plantations, and ancient moun- ziland. Zion City at Moria near Polokwane is tain fortresses and the luxury of contemporary the headquarters of the Zion Christian Church, infrastructure and modern-day facilities. which attracts more than a million pilgrims every Steeped in history, Limpopo celebrates a rich Easter. cultural heritage, and at many archaeological sites Polokwane hosts a great variety of museums the mysteries of the past and ancient peoples are and art galleries. still being unearthed. The present tranquillity of the province belies a turbulent past, to which many Vhembe district monuments and museums attest. Much of the The Mapungubwe Archaeological Site, situated land, particularly in the Kruger National Park and 80 km west of Musina, lies within the boundaries other game and nature reserves, is unspoilt, and of the Mapungubwe National Park. It is one of the provides sanctuary to large numbers of game. richest of its kind in Africa and a world heritage site. Excavations in the 1930s uncovered a royal Waterberg graveyard, which included a number of golden The Nylsvley Nature Reserve boasts one of the artefacts, including the famous gold-foil rhino- greatest concentrations of waterfowl and bush- ceros. veld birds in South Africa. More than 400 species The Schoemansdal Voortrekker Town and frequent the area. The Mokopane vicinity has Museum, west of Makhado, is built on the site of several nature reserves. The Arend Dieperink an original Voortrekker village and depicts their Museum features a fine cultural-historical col- lifestyle between 1848 and 1852. lection. The Makapan caves are notable for their Also worth visiting is the Big Tree in the Mutale fossils and the caves are being developed into an Municipality, the Tshatshingo potholes, the mysti- archaeological site. Makapan Valley is an exten- cal lake of Dzivhafundudzi and the holy forest and sion of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage waterfalls at Phiphidi. Site. The Makapansgat caves and limeworks near Mokopane represent an archaeological site of Mopani district global importance. The Modjadji Nature Reserve, north of Tzaneen, is The Thabazimbi district has a large concentra- named after the legendary Rain Queen, Modjadji, tion of private game reserves and is one of the who is believed to have settled in the area early fastest-growing ecotourism areas in the country. in the 16th century. The reserve encompasses the The Marakele National Park is home to some world’s largest concentration of the cycad species rare yellowwood and cedar trees and the world’s Encephalartos transvenosus, also known as the largest colony of Cape vultures. It is also a leader Modjadji cycad. in the conservation of the black rhino outside of The Hans Merensky Nature Reserve and the Kruger National Park and the KwaZulu-Natal Mineral Spa on the southern banks of the Great parks. Bela-Bela is known for its hot springs. Letaba River supports a large variety of game. There are also a number of game reserves and At the adjoining Tsonga Kraal Open-Air Museum, leisure resorts in the area. arts, crafts and traditional huts reflect the Tsonga lifestyle of 100 years ago.

SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 518 The sunland’s baobab is the world’s largest The Lichtenburg Biodiversity Conservation baobab tree, measuring about 47 m in circum- i Centre and the Botsalano Game Reserve are well ference and stretching 22 m high. worth a visit. At 6 000 years old, the tree is older than the pyramids The Groot Marico region is known as mampoer of Giza. The tree is a premier Limpopo tourist attraction and country and visitors can embark on a tour of the is found in Modjadjiskloof. In 1993, the farm owners cleared Mampoer Route. The Kortkloof Cultural Village is out the hollow centre of the tree and discovered evidence of dedicated to the Tswana people. both the bushmen and Voortrekkers. The natural floor inside Other attractions include the Wondergat; the the trunk, about a metre below ground level, has a railway Bosbult Monument, which commemorates a sleeper pub, which holds close on 60 people. The tree is battle fought during the Anglo-Boer/South African famous around the world and has even appeared on the War; the Kaditshwene Iron Age village ruins; and cover of the Wall Street Journal. various hiking trails. The largest baobab in the world blooms in spring and is Ottosdal is situated in the centre of the North home to a variety of bird life. West and was established as a Dutch Reformed Church parish on the farm Korannafontein in 1913 and named after its owner, GP Otto. Ottosdal is the The Kruger National Park (northern section) is only place in South Africa where the unique “won- one of South Africa’s major tourist attractions. The derstone”, or pyrophyllite, is found and mined. park is home to a large number and wide variety The annual agricultural show in Ottosdal is one of amphibians, reptiles and birds, as well as 147 of the oldest in the province. Trenches and cem- mammal species, including the Big Five. eteries dating from the Anglo-Boer/South African Thulamela, in the northern part of the Kruger War can be found on the farms Gestoptefontein National Park, was opened to guided groups in and Driekuil. San-rock engravings, Stone-Age June 1997. This followed seven years of archaeo- implements and structures are found on farms logical excavations, which brought to light the such as Witpoort, Gestoptefontein, Driekuil and skeletons of two ancient royals and a multitude Korannafontein. The Garden of Remembrance of artefacts, including gold bangles, beads and a contains graves of soldiers killed during the war. double gong. The Old Farmhouse was built in 1910 and houses a unique African collection. The Old Water Mill that Bohlabela district was built around 1860 is a national monument. On the way to the Kruger National Park, visitors The Ottosdal Night Race is organised in con- can enjoy wildlife experiences at Manyeleti, home junction with the Diamond Marathon Club. The to the Big Five. Adventurers can attempt moun- event consists of 42,2-km, 21,1-km,10-km and tain-climbing at the Mangwazi Nature Reserve 5-km fun runs. and enjoy the Mapulaneng Trail at Zoeknog. The Inyaka Dam at Bushbuckridge is also worth a Eastern district visit. The Hartbeespoort Dam is a popular spot for weekend outings, breakfast runs and yachting. North West The Hartbeespoort Reptile and Animal Park is North West is blessed with several cultural vil- situated on the banks of the dam. lages that entertain and enrich visitors. Cultural experiences in the area include the A number of excellent game reserves have been popular Mapoch and Gaabo Motho cultural vil- established, including the Pilanesberg National lages as well as the Ring Wagon Inn. Park, known as the “Jewel of the North West”. It is The De Wildt Cheetah-Breeding and Research set in a crater on an extinct volcano and is home Centre specialises in breeding cheetah and other to the Big Five as well as a wide variety of smaller endangered wildlife species. Other places of game and birds. interest include the Borakalalo Game Reserve, the Margaret Roberts Herb Farm and the Phaladingwe Central district Nature Trail. The historic route of Mafikeng includes an Anglo- There are several golf courses in the area. Boer/South African War siege site, the Molema House where Sol Plaatje lived while writing his Bophirima district Mafikeng Diary, and the Mafikeng Museum. The Taung Skull Fossil Site and Blue Pools are renowned for the Taung skull found in the Buxton

519 SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 quarries. In July 2005, the World Heritage Com- Historical sites and villages, old wagon routes mittee declared the Taung Skull Fossil Site an and monuments mark events and characters extension of the Sterkfontein Fossil Hominid Site. who passed this way in search of adventure and This region is popular with adventure-seekers – wealth. especially those who enjoy the 4x4 routes and The cultural heritage of the province is varied hunting farms. and fascinating. The Ndebele beadwork and wall- painting in the north-west, the arts and crafts of Rustenburg district the Lowveld and the different traditional villages The Pilanesberg National Park supports more than throughout the province offer a unique insight into 7 000 head of game and 350 bird species. the people’s history. The 60 000-ha Madikwe Game Reserve is home to 66 large mammal species. Over 10 000 Nelspruit animals of 27 major species have been reintro- Nelspruit is the capital of Mpumalanga and duced under Operation Phoenix. A hot-air balloon the commercial and administrative hub of the ride, day and night game drives and bushwalks Lowveld. The Nelspruit Historical Trail is an hour- are available. Sun City and the Palace of the Lost long route stretching from the Promenade Centre City are very popular tourist attractions, offering to the Civic Centre. gambling, golf, extravaganza shows, watersports The Blue Train runs between Pretoria and and an artificial sea. There are various hiking Nelspruit from May to September on a trip called trails in the region. The Heritage Route starts at the “Lowveld Experience”. Rovos Rail’s trains also the Sterkfontein Caves World Heritage Site and travel to Nelspruit. ends at Pilanesberg. The Green Heritage Hiking Trail in the Nelspruit Nature Reserve is one of several walks in the Southern district reserve and one of many in the region. The OPM Prozesky Bird Sanctuary in Potchef- Not to be missed is the Lowveld Botanical stroom has over 200 bird species and is situated Garden, as well as the Reptile Park, the Sudwala adjacent to the Mooi River. The Oudorp Hiking Trail caves, PR Owen Dinosaur Park and the tranquil takes visitors through the old part of Klerksdorp town of White River. Well known as an artists’ where 12 Voortrekker families settled. haven and a gateway to the Kruger National Park, Other attractions in the region include the White River also boasts an orange winery. Potchefstroom Lakeside Resort, the Faan Meintjies Nature Reserve in Klerksdorp, mine tours at Ork- Panorama ney, the Diggers Route at Wolmaransstad and the Barberton features many reminders of the early Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve. gold-rush era. Museums include Belhaven, Fern- lea House and Stopforth House. The only known Mpumalanga verdite deposits in the world are found in the Mpumalanga – “the Place Where the Sun Rises” rocks of the Barberton district. The annual Dig- – epitomises every traveller’s dream of the true gers Festival is held in September. African experience. Located in the north-eastern The Blyderivierspoort Nature Reserve near part of South Africa, the province is bordered Graskop is characterised by striking rock forma- by Mozambique to the east and the Kingdom of tions and a rich diversity of plants. Within the Swaziland to the south and east. reserve, the Bourke’s Luck potholes were formed The climate and topography vary from cool by river erosion and the action of flood water. highland grasslands at 1 600 m above sea level, The spectacular Blyde River Canyon is a through the middleveld and escarpment, to the 26-km-long gorge carved out of the face of the subtropical Lowveld towards the Kruger National escarpment, and is one of the natural wonders of Park and many private game reserves. Scenic Africa. The canyon is the third-largest in the world, beauty, climate and wildlife, voted the most the only green canyon, and hosts three rivers that attractive features of South Africa, are found in feed the Blydepoort Dam at Swadini. abundance in this province. God’s Window provides a magnificent Attractions range from game viewing and panoramic view across miles of densely forested bird-watching to scenic drives across the valleys mountains, the green Lowveld and the canyon. and peaks of the vast Drakensberg escarpment, The Blyderivierspoort Hiking Trail is one of the and include agritourism, industrial and adventure most popular in the country. A number of other tourism and cultural experiences. hiking trails are also available.

SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 520 The southern section of the Kruger National A large number of hiking trails is available, Park, which is a major tourist attraction, falls such as the Elandskrans Trail, which includes a within this region. 30-minute train ride between Waterval-Boven Kaapsehoop is a quaint historical village known and Waterval-Onder. for the wild horses that frequent the district. Blue swallows are regular visitors from September Cultural Heartland to April. Visitors to the Cultural Heartland can immerse The Lydenburg Museum is situated in the themselves in the true cultural heritage of Mpu- Gustav Klingbiel Reserve, which is the site of malanga. Here, one can learn about the proud archaeological ruins from the Later Iron Age. The and welcoming Ndebele people, revered for the Lydenburg heads, human-like masks dated to striking and colourful geometric patterns on their 500 AD, were discovered in this area. houses, clothing and beadwork. Sabie is the centre of the largest man-made for- This region also has illuminating historical sites est in South Africa. The Cultural Historical Forestry such as the Botshabelo Historical Village, near Museum depicts various aspects of the country’s Middelburg. forestry industry. The Bridal Veil, Horseshoe and Lone Creek waterfalls, and Mac Mac pools and Cosmos Country falls just outside Sabie are well worth a visit. Cosmos Country covers parts of what is known The 69-km Prospector’s Trail starts at the Mac as the energy belt of Mpumalanga, which is home Mac Forest Station and leads to the Bourke’s Luck to a number of power stations. This region also potholes. has the world’s largest underground coal-mining At the Montrose Falls in Schoemanskloof, complex and the Sasol plant that is renowned for the Crocodile River cascades 12 m into a series its oil-from-coal technology. of rock pools. It is also the starting point of the The carpet of cosmos flowers that blossoms in annual Lowveld Crocodile Canoe Marathon, held late summer lures visitors to this region. in February. Pilgrim’s Rest is a living museum and a replica Wild Frontier of the early gold-mining town. The Alanglade Various archaeological discoveries dating back House Museum offers guided tours of the former almost three billion years were made in the mine-manager’s house, while the Diggings imposing mountains of this region. Visitors can Museum just outside the town arranges guided enjoy a rare glimpse of the inimitable San paint- tours of gold-panning activities. This area was ings embossed in some rocks. the setting for Jock of the Bushveld, the novel by The region also holds rich historical sentiments Sir Percy Fitzpatrick about the experiences of a centred on the monument of the late Mozambican man and his dog as they shared adventures in the President Samora Machel, constructed in the vil- world of African gold mining. The Dredzen Shop lage of Mbuzini. The year 2006 saw the 20th anni- Museum features a range of items in use nearly versary of Machel’s death in an aircraft crash. a century ago. The Pilgrim’s Rest Festival is held While they are in this region, visitors have the every December. opportunity to visit Swaziland and Mozambique, Mount Sheba Nature Reserve, south of Pilgrim’s which are nearby. Rest, is best known for its indigenous forest – one of few left in the region. Grass and Wetlands Grass and Wetlands is a paradise, with its variety Highlands Meander of bird species. This region stretches across the The Highlands Meander is a mecca for fly-fishers. deep valleys and mountains of the east where It is in the placid and pristine waters of this region thermal springs bubble to the surface. that one finds various stocks of fish, with trout There are 270 pans and lakes within a 20-km as the major drawcard. The meander also offers radius of Lake Chrissie. In this region, visitors can numerous other activities. take part in the unusual “frogging expedition” At the Verloren Vlei and Steenkampsberg or simply gaze at the stars during “star-gazing nature reserves at Dullstroom, one can get a weekends”. rare glimpse of the endangered blue, wattled and crowned cranes. Gauteng The Loskop Dam Nature Reserve offers game Gauteng, the “Place of Gold”, is the economic watching, boating and fishing. powerhouse of South Africa. It is characterised by

521 SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 a cosmopolitan, multicultural mix of people from Amphitheatre. The Walter Sisulu National Botani- all walks of life. The province’s unique cultural and cal Garden boasts a 70-m-high waterfall and social legacy is evident from the many excellent breeding pairs of black eagles. museums, theatres, cultural precincts and craft Forty kilometres north of Pretoria lies a ring markets. To strengthen Gauteng’s position as a of hills a kilometre in diameter and 100 m high. tourism destination of choice, the province must These are the walls of an impact crater left by continue to increase the appeal of special desti- an asteroid that hit the area some 200 000 years nations such as the Cradle of Humankind World ago. The Tswaing Meteorite Crater is similar in Heritage Site and the Dinokeng Game Reserve size to the well-known Barringer Meteor Crater in and improve tourism offerings in the areas of Arizona, in the United States of America. The cra- competitive sport and the creative industries. ter walls at Tswaing were originally about twice Tourism attractions in and around the Cradle of as high as they are today. Humankind have grown to more than 380, with There is a museum adjacent to the crater. A over half of these offering graded accommoda- path leads from the museum to the crater, along tion. Dinokeng attractions continue to grow. the rim, and down to the central lake. The crater is The Vaal Dam, which supplies water to most covered with indigenous trees and bushes, which of Gauteng’s residents, covers some 300 km2 attract a variety of bird life. and is a popular venue for watersports. Numer- The old mining town of Cullinan developed ous resorts line the shore. The dam also attracts around the Premier Diamond Mine. Many turn- diverse bird species. of-the-century houses still stand. The mine has Vanderbijlpark was built during the late 1940s produced some of the world’s most famous by the then Iron and Steel Corporation to accom- diamonds, including the Cullinan Diamond, the modate its employees. world’s largest at 3 106 carats. The Sterkfontein caves near Krugersdorp are the site of the discovery of the famous skull of Mrs Johannesburg Ples, an estimated 2,5-million-year-old hominid The Adler Museum of the History of Medicine fossil, and Little Foot, an almost complete hominid depicts the history of medicine, dentistry and skeleton some 3,3 million years old. pharmacy in South Africa. The Pharmacy Museum The broader Cradle of Humankind site consists in Melrose houses a large variety of medicines, of 47 000 ha, with numerous caves, the most including more than 670 traditional medicines famous of which are the Sterkfontein caves. that have been collected throughout southern In 1999, Sterkfontein and its environs were Africa. declared a world heritage site. There is also a display of old prescription books Forty percent of all the world’s human ancestor and dictionaries used by pharmacists. fossils have been found here, including several of Newtown is at the heart of initiatives to revital- the world’s most famous and important fossils. ise the inner city of Johannesburg and to give it A further 500 hominid fossils and more than soul. Here visitors will find the renowned Market 9 000 stone tools have been excavated in the Theatre, jazz bars, dance studios and artists’ area, and work is ongoing. communes among museums, libraries and a host The Krugersdorp Game Reserve provides sanc- of places of historic interest. tuary for several game species, including four The Nelson Mandela Bridge is a landmark of the Big Five. The African Fauna and Bird Park gateway into Newtown, the arts precinct of Johan- houses various species of wildlife and birds. nesburg. It is the largest cable-stayed bridge in The South African National Railway and Steam southern Africa. Museum at Randfontein Estates Gold Mine outside Museum Africa in Newtown tells the story of life Krugersdorp houses some of the country’s old in South Africa from the Stone Age to the Nuclear steam locomotives, a diesel-electric locomotive, Age and beyond. and more than 50 vintage passenger coaches. The Market Theatre Complex comprises three Train rides are offered once a month. theatres, an art gallery, restaurants and pubs. A team of Lippizaner stallions performs every A bronze statue of the champion of passive Sunday at the South African National Horseman- resistance, Mahatma Gandhi, can be seen in the ship Centre in Kyalami, near Johannesburg. city centre. Visitors to Roodepoort can go on walks and The Lesedi Cultural Village in the Swartkops trails through the Kloofendal Nature Reserve, or hills north of Johannesburg gives visitors the enjoy a picnic or a show at the popular Kloofendal opportunity to meet families of different cultural

SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 522 Number 8115 Vilakazi Street in Orlando West, The South African Museum of Military History Soweto, which used to be the home of former i houses an impressive collection of weaponry and President Nelson Mandela, has been transformed uniforms from the two world wars. into a museum. It is also the house the anti-apartheid The South African Transport Museum in Hei- hero returned to after being freed from 27 years in jail. delberg represents all aspects of South Africa’s Mandela did not spend much time in the house as he transport services. was often on the run from security forces before his 1962 Soweto is a popular tourist destination. It is arrest. The house was petrol-bombed a number of times. estimated that some 1 000 foreign tourists visit The refurbished house is decorated with photographs Soweto every day. Its tourism industry contributes and other memorabilia from Mandela’s life. about R143 million to Gauteng’s GDP. The two-bedroom house where former Presi- dent Nelson Mandela lived before his incarcera- groupings. It features four traditional homesteads tion has been declared a national monument and where visitors can spend the night with a family converted into a museum. of their choice. The Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown (Soweto) The Phumangena Zulu Kraal is home to tradi- is the place where the Freedom Charter was tional Zulu people living and working there. signed in 1955. The Melville koppies in Johannesburg was The Kliptown Project comprises a hotel, the once the site of a Stone Age African village and recently opened Kliptown Museum, retail outlets, iron-smelting works. Flora include 80% of the restaurants and offices. species recorded on the Witwatersrand. It is open No tour of Soweto would be complete without to the public from September to April. a visit to the Hector Petersen Museum, which Gold Reef City is a theme park based on Johan- commemorates the people who died during the nesburg during the gold-rush era. Student Uprising of 16 June 1976. The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg is The museum was named after the young boy a state-of-the-art tribute to the rise and fall of who was the first person to be shot dead by police apartheid, with 22 exhibition areas that take on that day. the visitor on an emotional journey through the Guest houses and B&B establishments are a state-sanctioned system of apartheid. A team of fast-growing phenomenon in Soweto. curators, film-makers, historians, designers and A tourism and information centre was opened architects assembled the exhibits on a seven- in Soweto in February 2006. The centre provides hectare site. comprehensive information to tourists. Visitors Constitution Hill features the impressive build- can book accommodation in Soweto, and plan ing housing South Africa’s Constitutional Court, and book tours and site guides. and offers visitors the chance to view the fort, the so-called native gaol, the women’s gaol and the Pretoria awaiting-trial block. People once imprisoned at A variety of historical buildings are found in the these facilities include Gandhi and Albert Luthuli, city, which is known as the “Jacaranda City” as well as the only woman to be executed in South because of the many jacaranda trees that line its Africa’s history, Daisy de Melker. streets. When these are in full bloom in October, At Santarama Miniland and Entertainment they cover the city in a lilac haze, providing spec- World, visitors can explore models of South Africa’s tacular views from the surrounding hills. most popular beacons, such as Robben Island, OR Church Square is built around a statue of Paul Tambo International Airport, East London Harbour, Kruger, president of the former Zuid-Afrikaansche and the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Republiek, and includes buildings such as the Old A large, well-established park surrounds Zoo Raadsaal and the Palace of Justice. Lake, which breeding bird colonies frequent. Ten minutes’ drive away from Church Square Other attractions include jazz concerts, rowing is Freedom Park, which commemorates the coun- boats for hire, a tea garden and a restaurant. try’s political history. Fordsburg, a suburb on the western side of Once fully completed in 2010, the 35-ha Johannesburg, often called the city’s “little India”, site will comprise a garden of remembrance, a has grown in recent times, its identity shifting and museum, and statues and sculptures to honour merging with the different customs and flavours South Africans who have contributed to the coun- that have made it a centrepiece in the cultural try’s freedom and development. design of the city.

523 SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 The Kruger House Museum contains the per- The Willem Prinsloo Agricultural Museum sonal belongings of President Kruger. outside Pretoria features a farmstead dating from Melrose House is a beautiful example of Victo- 1880. Traditional farming activities are demon- rian architecture. The Peace Treaty of Vereeniging, strated, and annual events include a prickly-pear which ended the Anglo-Boer/South African War, festival, a mampoer festival and the Agricultural was signed there in 1902. Museum Show. Demonstrations at the Pioneer Open-Air The Pretoria National Botanical Garden houses Museum include cow milking, butter and candle the National Herbarium of South Africa, the largest making, bread baking and coffee-bean grinding. in the southern hemisphere. Other museums include the Police Museum, the Coert Steynberg Museum and the Transvaal KwaZulu-Natal Museum of Natural History. Tourism constitutes about 8% of the provincial The Voortrekker Monument also has a museum GDP and the economic impact of tourism in and commemorates the Great Trek. Some 260 2008 was in the order of R22 billion, employing steps lead to the dome, where spectacular views 144 000 people in KwaZulu-Natal. of the city can be enjoyed. The monument receives Also known as the “Zulu Kingdom”, KwaZulu- about 200 000 visitors a year. Natal is enticing, spectacular and a fascinating Fort Schanskop has been refurbished and has a multicultural showpiece destination flanked by 375-seat amphitheatre. the warm Indian Ocean and soaring peaks. The Union Buildings were designed by Sir Herbert Baker and completed in 1913. They Durban and surroundings were the setting for the presidential inauguration The gateway city of Durban is a pulsating and of Dr Mandela in 1994, those of Thabo Mbeki on inviting fusion of East, West and Zulu motifs over- 16 June 1999 and 27 April 2004, and of Jacob looking Africa’s busiest seaport. It is South Africa’s Zuma on 9 May 2009. domestic tourism leader, highly popular among The Sammy Marks Museum near Pretoria dates visitors from throughout Africa and increasingly from 1885. Rooms in the house are filled with on the “must-see, must-do” lists of discerning Victorian paintings, furniture, silver and porcelain. travellers. Visitors can relax at the tea garden and restaurant These travellers from all points of the globe on the premises. seek and find a unique blend of sophistication, The General Smuts House Museum in Irene, cultural diversity and excitement – in the most south-east of Pretoria, contains the original fur- breathtaking setting imaginable. nishings of the Smuts family. A popular arts and The Golden Mile skirts the main beaches of the crafts market is held here on certain Saturdays. Indian Ocean. Attractions include an amusement The Rietvlei Nature Reserve is notable for its centre, paddling pools, paved walkways and grass types, herbs, a large number of game and fountains. many bird species. The uShaka Marine World has a theme park, The Mapoch Ndebele Village, north of Pretoria, oceanarium, dolphinarium and oceanographic is being restored by its residents and the National research institute. It is home to a wide variety of Cultural History Museum. To develop the project sea life, including sharks, dolphins and seals. One into a viable, living tourist village, the 50 families of its main attractions is the long lane of shops staying there have undergone tourist-guide and and the multitude of restaurants, especially those business training. It is the first living cultural vil- in the old wreck (a replica of a ship wreck in the lage in South Africa owned and managed by its centre of the park), and a tourism information residents. office at its entrance. Mamelodi is about 20 km from the city centre There is a snorkelling trail and a tubing river and features the Solomon Mahlangu Square, around the park. which is dedicated to this freedom fighter. Durban’s most popular fishing spot is at Blue Lagoon beach at the wide Umgeni River mouth. Beyond the river, the La Lucia and Beachwood The Kievits Kroon Country Estate and Spa in Mangroves nature reserves offer long, tranquil walks along empty sands. Pretoria and the Maski Bed and Breakfast in i Hammanskraal were chosen as winners in their The Durban area has more than 50 reserves, respective categories at the 2009 Tourism Indaba. developed parks and specialised gardens, the most renowned being the Municipal Botanical

SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 524 Garden. Besides the botanical gardens, Mitchell is home to several antelope species and a huge Park is one of the most popular green spaces and variety of birds. includes an outdoor restaurant and a zoo, plus a East Griqualand is home to the southernmost sizeable playground for children. portion of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg World MiniTown is a model city depicting Durban’s Heritage Site, plus the impressive Swartberg, best-known buildings. Bokkiesberg, Cedarberg and Ngele mountain Museums include the Natural History Museum, ranges. the Natural Science Museum, the Old House Between Kokstad and Matatiele, the hamlet of Museum and the Old Fort. One of the most intrigu- Cedarville provides tranquil canoe-borne excur- ing museums is the Maritime Museum, complete sions into its surrounding, water-filled hollows. with two floating ships in the harbor. Also nearby, the carp-abundant Umzimvubu River The Shree Ambalavaanar Alayam Temple (the is an ever-popular recreation ground for locals Second River Temple) in Cato Manor was the first and visitors alike. Steam-train journeys can be Hindu temple in Africa. It is a national monument. undertaken between Swartberg and Creighton. The Juma Musjid Mosque is the largest mosque in the southern hemisphere. Daily tours North Coast are available. Year-round frolicking dolphins and majestic Annual events in and around the city include the seasonal whale migrations make the coastline popular Comrades Marathon between Durban and between the Umdloti and the Thukela rivers Pietermaritzburg, an international surfing compe- aptly called the “Dolphin Coast”. The larger tition, the Duzi canoe marathon, the Midmar Mile humpback dolphins are also found here, but swimming event, the July Handicap horse-race rarely seen. and the Amashovashova cycle tour, as well as the Many of the first Indian immigrants settled here, largest road race in the country, the Spar Mercury and the area’s markets, mosques and temples Ladies 10-km Challenge. give the region an authentic Eastern flavour. Umhlanga Rocks, just north of Durban, is Tongaat is an area where sugar was first notable for its ski-boating facilities and the Ski- planted in 1854. The town’s Indian ambience is Boat Festival held every April. The Natal Sharks accentuated by two prominent Hindu temples – Board offers shark dissections and interesting the Juggernath Puri and Vishwaroop temples. displays. Guided tours of the Hawaan Forest are Other towns along the Dolphin Coast include also on offer. Hawaan is the last relic of coastal Shaka’s Rock, Salt Rock, Ballito, Verulam, Stanger, forest in the region and contains rare indigenous Darnall and Umdloti. trees. The Umgeni River Bird Park overlooks the Zululand and the Elephant Coast Umgeni River and ranks among the world’s best Big Five nature reserves of international repute bird sanctuaries. Many varieties of birds, indig- amid Zulu customs in KwaZulu-Natal Zululand are enous and exotic, inhabit walk-in aviaries. found unbroken from antiquity. Cultural tourism The Millennium Town at the end of the Bluff is inextricably linked to economic upliftment in houses the maritime offices, which control the Zululand, and historically disadvantaged commu- entry of ships into and out of the busiest port in nities are applying their traditional skills to meet Africa. visitors’ interests. Zululand’s north-east quadrant – between East Griqualand Mozambique, Swaziland and the warm Indian East Griqualand is an area of great beauty, Ocean – has its own unique tale to tell. This is the featuring colourful, living history. Kokstad lies in Elephant Coast or Maputaland, named after the the Umzimhlava River basin between Mount Cur- mid-17th century king who established dominion rie and the Ngele mountains. here some 200 years before Shaka consolidated The original town hall – built in 1910 – is a his Zulu empire to the south. The Tembe Elephant national monument, now serving as the local Park in the far north is home to herds of the mas- library. The former library – built in 1907 – is also sive African elephant. a national monument and houses the Kokstad The Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is one of the larg- Museum. est game parks in South Africa and hosts the Big The Weza State Forest runs through indigenous Five as well as the elusive cheetah and wild dog. forests and commercial plantations. The forest

525 SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 The eMakhosini Valley, birthplace of King Shaka, tains before serving as a boundary for Zululand’s is the venue for a new tourism- and economic- popular Mkuzi Game Reserve. development project. Known as “eMakhosini, The Border Cave, a site of immense archaeo- the Valley of Zulu Kings”, the joint public-private logical interest on the border of Swaziland, now sector project aims to preserve the culture and also has an interpretation centre. history of the Zulu people. A sculptured hilltop A monument has been erected for the first Zulu monument named Spirit of eMakhosini draws martyr, Maqhamusela Khanyli, in Mondi. many tourists. This heritage park is near a nature Lake Sibaya is South Africa’s largest natural reserve that will eventually support the Big Five of freshwater lake, covering some 77 km2. the animal kingdom. Birdwatching and walks through the coastal At the eMakhosini Memorial Site, seven Zulu forest are popular pastimes. kings are buried. Sibaya Lake Lodge is the first South African Ulundi lies at the hub of the old Zulu nation. ecotourism development jointly owned by private The KwaZulu Cultural Museum houses interesting enterprise and the local community. displays relating to Zulu history and archaeology. The coral reef in the Sodwana Bay National Park The beehive huts and the layout of the original attracts hundreds of scuba-divers throughout the Zulu village have been reproduced. year, and, in summer, power-boaters arrive for Umgungundlovu was once the royal capital of some of the best marlin-fishing in the world. King Dingaan and is now being reconstructed. A tour provides the opportunity to observe Zulu South Coast building techniques and to experience the social Amanzimtoti is popular for its safe swimming life of the Zulu people. Work will begin on a R20- beaches and various other activities and attrac- million multimedia centre, which will include first- tions. rate audiovisual representations of Zulu history The Hibiscus Coast stretches between and culture. Umkomaas and the Wild Coast. Margate is the Authentic Zulu villages such as Shakaland, largest resort town along this coast, and is very Kwabhekithunga Kraal, Damazulu and Stewart’s popular during the holidays. The Hibiscus Festival Farm offer accommodation and the opportunity to is held there in July. experience traditional Zulu culture. The Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve encompasses The coastal iSimangaliso Wetland Park forest, rivers, rapids and ravines. Prolific bird life, World Heritage Site – due east of pivotal land- including five kingfisher species and seven eagle marks in Zulu history – has some of the highest species, inhabits the reserve, along with a variety forested dunes in the world. The park also has of mammals. There is also a 140-m abseil and the greatest marine and terrestrial mammals, gorge swing for adrenalin junkies. namely whales and elephants. St Lucia and Port Edward is known for its safe swimming its surroundings comprise a globally important and good fishing opportunities. Nearby, the wetland and has five separate ecosystems. It is a Umthamvuna Nature Reserve is noted for its fishing and birdwatching paradise, and boat trips beautiful scenery, bird life and many rare plant on the lake offer opportunities for crocodile and species. hippo sightings. The Shell Museum at Shelly Beach is well Ophansi entrance bridge in the iSimangaliso worth a visit. Other popular coastal towns include Wetland Park enables visitors to enjoy a unique Port Shepstone, Ramsgate, St Michael’s-on-Sea, beach and bush experience, with only an hour’s Uvongo and Scottburgh. Nature’s annual extrava- drive separating uMkhuze’s unique wildlife expe- ganza – the unforgettable Sardine Run – strikes rience from Sodwana Bay’s world-class beaches the South Coast around the end of June every year, and diving. when people flock to the beaches and anglers The Kosi Bay Nature Reserve is part of the wait for the game fish, following the sardines, Coastal Forest Reserve between Mozambique and to arrive. Sodwana Bay. The adjacent Indian Ocean provides exciting snorkelling and fishing opportunities. On Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands offer is a four-day guided walking trail around the History-filled towns lead to adventure sports estuarine system. and game viewing, along with outlets for unique uMkhuze is a small trade and transport centre. arts and crafts. Pietermaritzburg boasts various The Mkuze River cuts through the Ubombo moun- museums, including the Voortrekker Museum,

SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 526 the Natal Museum and the Natal Steam Railway The Ndedema Gorge is located in the Mdedelelo Museum, which offers steam-train rides on the Wilderness Area near Cathedral Peak and contains second Sunday of every month. The Tatham Art examples of Khoi and San art. Gallery is also extremely popular. Sani Pass is the only road across the high The Albert Falls Public Resort Nature Reserve escarpment between KwaZulu-Natal and the and the Albert Falls Dam provide opportunities Kingdom of Lesotho. Sani Pass may be a road, but for sailing, canoeing and fishing. Birdwatching, the top section is only passable in 4x4 vehicles. horse-riding and hiking are also popular activi- The Giant’s Cup hiking trail, starting at the foot ties. of the pass, is described as one of South Africa’s The Howick Falls are situated in the Nature Val- finest. Giant’s Castle Game Reserve is especially ley Reserve, where the river tumbles down 100 m known for its more than 5 000 San paintings. The in a single fall. There are several climbing routes. Bushman Site Museum is well worth a visit. The Midlands Meander is a scenic drive The Royal Natal National Park offers many between Hilton and Mooi River, with some 430 scenic highlights, including the Amphitheatre, ports of call en route, ranging from art studios, Mont-aux-Sources and the Thukela falls. potters and painters, to herb gardens and cheese- makers. Battlefields Midmar Dam is zoned for yachting and pow- The KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields Route has the erboating. The 1 000-ha Midmar Game Park highest concentration of battlefields and related is inhabitated by rhino, zebra, a wide variety of military sites in South Africa. The Battlefields antelope species and waterfowl. The popular Route starts at Estcourt, winding north through yearly Midmar Mile event attracts thousands of Colenso and Ladysmith to Newcastle and Volks- swimmers. rust, and eastwards to Utrecht, Glencoe, Dundee, Nqutu, Paul­pietersburg, Vryheid, Babanango and Drakensberg Ulundi. The mountainous “Barrier of Spears” uKhahlamba- All the towns along the route have their own Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site, adorned unique charm and range of attractions: arts and with Stone Age cave paintings, forms the north- crafts, scenic hiking trails, farm resorts, Zulu western border of KwaZulu-Natal. The entire culture and roadside stalls. Game viewing, natural area is a bird sanctuary, featuring, among other hot springs, horse trails and watersports can also species, the endangered lammergeier (bearded be enjoyed. vulture). The highest concentration of walks and The Chelmsford Nature Reserve near Newcas- trails in South Africa is found here. tle is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Powerboating and The Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park was carp-fishing are added attractions. Game includes declared a world heritage site in 2001 and con- springbok, zebra, rhino and blesbok. Other inter- sists of almost the entire Drakensberg mountain esting places to visit are Majuba Hill and O’Neill’s range from Bushman’s Neck in the south to the Cottage. Royal Natal National Park in the north. The Ladysmith Siege Museum provides insight Peaks soar to over 3 000 m and are often into the battles of Colenso, Spioenkop, Vaalkrans snow-covered in winter. The park is administered and Tugela Heights. Museum staff arrange guided by Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife. Their trout tours to nearby battlefields such as Wagon Hill. hatcheries are located in the Kamberg Reserve Other attractions in Ladysmith include the statue area. There are also trout hatcheries at Cathedral of Gandhi, the All Saints Church, the Soofi Mosque Peak. and the Spioenkop Dam and Nature Reserve. The Lotheni Nature Reserve is notable for Near Dundee, tourists can visit various battle- its trout-fishing facilities (angling permits are fields, including Ncome-Blood River, Isandlwana, required). Relics of the area’s history have been Rorke’s Drift and Talana. The Talana Museum preserved in the Settler Museum. depicts various facets of the coal industry, as well The Himeville Nature Reserve has two lakes as local Zulu, Boer and British history. stocked with trout. The Swamp Nature Reserve Rorke’s Drift was the setting for one of the most close by attracts a variety of waterfowl, including famous battles of the war. The main attraction is the rare wattled crane. the Rorke’s Drift Battle Museum.

527 SA YEARBOOK 2009/10 Acknowledgements BuaNews www.mpumalanga.com Business Day www.nbi.org.za Business Report www.news24.co.za Department of Tourism www.northerncape.org.za www.askzn.co.za www.sa2010.gov.za www.bizcommunity.com www.saao.ac.za www.capetourism.org www.sagoodnews.co.za www.cape-town.net www.sapfa.org.za www.centralkaroo.co.za www.sasdi.co.za www.clarens.co.za www.sati-web.za www.doorway.co.za www.southafrica.info www.ectourism.co.za www.southafrica.net www.ewn.co.za www.soweto.co.za www.freestateprovince.co.za www.tep.co.za www.gauteng.net www.travel.iafrica.com www.gov.za www.travelwires.com www.indaba-southafrica.co.za www.tourismboard.org.za www.iol.co.za www.tourismgrading.co.za www.joburg.org.za www.tourismnorthwest.co.za www.kzn.org.za www.wheretostay.co.za www.mediaclubsouthafrica.com www.zulu.org.za

Suggested reading Branch, B et al. 2007. Travellers’ Wildlife Guides: Southern Africa. Cape Town: Double Storey Books. Cillie, B. 2007. Pocket Photoguide to Mammals of Southern Africa. Johannesburg: Jonathan Ball. Copeland, M. 2007. Getaway Guide to South Africa. Johannesburg: Jonathan Ball. George, R (ed). 2007. Managing Tourism in South Africa. Cape Town: Oxford University Press Southern Africa. George, R. 2008. Marketing Tourism in South Africa. Cape Town: Oxford University Press Southern Africa. Erasmus, BPJ. 2007. On Route in South Africa: A Region by Region Guide. Cape Town: Sunbird (Jonathan Ball). Greenwood Guide to South Africa: Hand-Picked Accommodation. 4th ed. London: Greenwood Guides. Hottola, P (ed). 2009. Tourism Strategies and Local Responses in Southern Africa. Wallingford, UK: Cambridge: CABI. Ivanovic, M. 2008. Cultural Tourism. Cape Town: Juta. Keyser, H. 2009. Developing Tourism in South Africa; Towards Competitive Destinations. 2nd ed. Cape Town: Oxford University Press. Loubser, J (ed). 2007. Southern and East Africa Road Atlas. Johannesburg: Map Studio. Loubser, J (ed). 2007. Ultimate Africa Atlas. Johannesburg: Map Studio, 2007. Rogerson, CM and Visser, G (eds). 2007. Urban Tourism in the Developing World: The South African Ex- perience. New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers. Ross, G. 2007. South Africa’s Top Sites: Arts and Culture. Cape Town: New Africa Books. Ross, G. 2007. South Africa’s Top Sites: Ecotravel. Cape Town: New Africa Books. Tassiopoulos, D (ed). 2008. New Tourism Ventures: An Entrepreneurial and Managerial Approach. Cape Town: Juta. Viljoen, J and Tlabela, K. 2007. Rural Tourism Development in South Africa: Trends and Challenges. Cape Town: Human Sciences Resource Council Press.

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