South Africa
A MINI TRAVEL E-GUIDE
+44 (0) 20 3598 2243 [email protected] www.hotelrez.co.uk About
Presenting South Africa's Western Cape
With a history that goes back millions of years, when the first people walked the Earth, to the more recent events of conflict and Apartheid, South Africa is a truly fascinating place.
The Western Cape Province, the 4th largest in the country, extends north and east from the Cape of Good Hope, the south western corner of South Africa, and encompasses the metropolitan area of Cape Town, and other major cities such as Stellenbosch, Worcester, Paarl, and George. HotelREZ Hotels & Resorts breaks down the best of the region in this mini travel e-guide.
South Africa - a Mini Travel E-Guide p.2 of 21 Facts
Capital: Cape Town
Population: 6,016,900
Area: 129,462 sq. km / 49,986 sq. mi (4th largest in South Africa)
Trademarks: Cape Winelands, Garden Route, Cape Overberg (AKA the Whale Coast), Table Mountain, Cape Point, Townships, Robben Island
Currency: South African rand (ZAR) For other nationalities Timezone: SAST (UTC+2) check the Visa requirements Language: Afrikaans, Xhosa, English here
About Average temperature: January Max. 26°C/79°F – Min. 16°C/61°F
Best months to visit: March and April, are the most idyllic months to visit the Western Cape area.
Visa: Citizens from countries such as EU member states, USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, Brazil, Canada do NOT require a visa, provided their stay does not exceed 90 days.
Communications: Country Code +27. The majority of large urban nodes have access to ADSL and other high-speed internet services. Mobile networks are world-class, with reception extending from cities to many remote rural areas.
Drives on the: Left
South Africa - a Mini Travel E-Guide p.3 of 21 COOK Soaking Up The Culture Read: The Long Walk to Freedom (non-fiction) is the autobiography of South Africa’s former President Nelson Mandela, and a vivid account of his early life, coming of age and 27 years in prison under the Apartheid Regime. Disgrace (fiction), by South African Nobel laureate JM Coetzee, is a bleakbut READ compelling story of the new South Africa struggling to come to terms with itself, addressing issues of guilt, responsibility, meaning and survival, written in prose of crystalline sharpness, which sparkled much debate within the country.
Listen: Mannenberg is a seminal Cape Jazz song, a genre of jazz that is performed in this very southern part of Africa and written by leading exponent of this style in the 70s, pianist Abdullah Ibrahim (AKA Dollar Brand). Similar to the popular music style known as Marabi, Cape Jazz is a reference to the city of Cape Town and its townships. LISTEN Watch: Tsotsi (2005) is an Oscar winning film portraying the dark underbelly of the golden city, Johannesburg, as revealed in the life of a teenage township tsotsi (menaing ‘thug’) in the Soweto slums. Sea Point Days (2008) is an award winning documentary about the Cape Town suburb of Sea Point. Once a bastion of Apartheid exclusivity, it is nowadays unique in its apparently easy mix of age, race, gender, religion, wealth status and sexual orientation. Yet, in a country that will not fully deal with past or present, is all as it WATCH appears? Speak: This unique language "just grew' from the soil of South Africa in the human melting pot of the Cape. Learn some useful sentences with this online Afrikaans crash course.
Cook: From biltong to Malay curry, get your head around South African cuisine with these recipes.
South Africa - a Mini Travel E-Guide p.4 of 21 History
South Africa's historical roots can be traced all the way back to pre-historic times. In fact, the country has been considered one of the most important centres of early hominid evolution, alongside Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia.
South Africa - a Mini Travel E-Guide p.5 of 21 History
The history of the Cape has been largely dominated by the conflict of several diverse ethnic groups. The aboriginal Khoikhoi people have lived in the region for millennia. Most of the population, however, trace their history to immigration and colonisation since.
Social policy of NC Leader Britain combines Apartheid Nelson Mandela is San (Bushmen) British occupy Zululand and Natal (‘separateness’) elected President; and Khoikhoi the Cape colony Four based on racial Country re-joins Hosts the 2010 segregation Commonwealth Bartolomeu Dias, Boers found the self-governing Nelson Mandela is FIFA World Cup, the Portuguese explorer, republic of Natal colonies form the imprisoned on first time ever the sails round the Cape Union of South Robben Island tournament is held Africa in Africa
500-700 AD 1652 1806 1880-1 1899-1904 1931 1960-1 1990-1 1999
8000 BC 1488 1795 1809 1897 1910 1948 1964 1994 2010
Exit from Commonwealth South Afric a Bantu-speaking Cape is ceded to 2nd Anglo-Boer War following the holds its second peoples settle the British Sharpeville universal-suffrage elections Becomes a massacre Mandela released Dutch colonise 1st Anglo-Boer War sovereign state in the from Prison; Cape of Good Commonwealth Apartheid Laws Hope abolished
South Africa - a Mini Travel E-Guide p.6 of 21 More information on Cape Town here 2 1 3 Heritage and Culture The Western Cape is a province of diversities, offering visitors with a unique cultural heritage, including many National and World Heritage Sites.
1. Cape Town With its prize-winning good looks, wonderful climate, fascinating history and colourful 1. sights and sounds, Cape Town is an absolute must on anybody's travel bucket list. Also known as South Africa's Mother City and the most 'European' of African cities, Cape Town is the oldest city in the country and home to the iconic Table Mountain, stunning white sandy beaches, rich fauna and flora, world-class vineyards, and much more.
2. Robben Island A World Heritage Site since 1999, for nearly 400 years this small island was a place of banishment and isolation. Located about 12 kilometres from Cape Town, it was during the apartheid years that Robben Island gained world-status as the ‘home’ of Nelson Mandela (and other political prisoners). Daily tours lasting around 4 hours long, including the return half-hour ferry ride, are offered (weather permitting) from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V & A Waterfront in Cape Town.
2. DID YOU KNOW? Robben Island was once connected to the mainland by a strip of land. 3. Stellenbosch More information Of all the towns founded in the Cape during the rule of the Dutch, Stellenbosch, on Stellenbosch affectionately known as "Eikestad" (i.e. town of oaks), is the best preserved. Enjoy the here historical atmosphere by walking along Dorp Street, a national monument in itself, which has one of the longest rows of surviving old buildings in all of South Africa. Many of the historic buildings, a gracious blend of Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian architecture, currently house art galleries, restaurants, shops, guest houses and hotels.
South Africa - a Mini Travel E-Guide p.7 of 21 3. Flavours
As with its culture and heritage, South African foods have their origins in the indigenous, colonial, and immigrant societies that, over many centuries, have made this part of the world their home.
South Africa - a Mini Travel E-Guide p.8 of 21 Defining cuisine
Biltong Waterblommetjiebredie Boerewors Malay curry Bobotie
South African traditional snack, A stew of lamb and indigenous A coiled sausage usually made Cape Town’s technicolour Another fine display of Malay and a variety of cured meat flowers. The name comes from of beef and pork and spiced Bo-Kaap area is the best place cuisine, bobotie is arguably first made by the Boers. Strips the Afrikaans language and with coriander, is another to savour Cape Malay Cuisine, one of the most popular meat of meat are seasoned with salt, literally means 'small water iconic South African food with a fusion culinary type blending dishes in South Africa. A spiced coriander seeds, pepper and flower stew'. It is made of meat, as many regional and cultural Malaysian influences. A Malay mince dish topped with an egg vinegar then hung to dry in the typically lamb, stewed together variations as there are braai curry is spicier, and not as hot custard and baked. shade. with the waterblommetjies (barbecue) fires on which to as the traditional Indian curry. (Aponogeton distachyos flowers, sizzle it. In fact, cooking over More information commonly known as Cape the coals of an open fire is on food & DID YOU KNOW? wine here pondweed, Cape hawthorn or something that unites all National Braai Day (national barbecue day) takes place o n Cape asparagus) which are found cultural groups in this country. September 24 each year and celebrates the great South African in the dams and marshes of the tradition of ‘braaiing’ or cooking food over the coals. Western Cape of South Africa.
DON’T FORGET Besides the hearty food, the Western Cape is famous for the production of fine wine. Head over to one of many wine farms around Stellenbosch, Constantia or other parts of the Wine Capelands for wine tasting.
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Said to be the place where mountains meet the sea, the scenic splendour of the Western Cape has long been a drawcard in South Africa.
South Africa - a Mini Travel E-Guide p.10 of 21 1. Garden Route 2. The Cape Winelands 3. Table Mountain A magnificent stretch of coastline extending from Mossel The Cape has 18 official wine routes, and two brandy High up on anybody's list visiting the Cape, is Table Bay in the Western Cape to the Storms River in the routes. Featuring many historic wine estates that date Mountain. Probably the most photographed landmark Eastern Cape, the Garden Route is a mix of modern golf back centuries, the Cape Winelands are among the in all of South Africa, it is now one of the New 7 Wonders courses, ancient forests, secluded artists' communities, most scenic in the world. Most Cape wine estates are of Nature. There are several tracks for hiking up. mountain hideaways and vibrant beach destinations. characterised by classic Cape Dutch-style buildings and Alternatively, there is also a revolving aerial cable car One of the highlights along the route is Pletenberg Bay. massive vineyards with picturesque mountains as a that can take you up. Soak up the sensational views of Nicknamed Plet, or Plett, the bay hosts one of the largest backdrop. Highlights include: the Stellenbosch Wine the city below, squeezed between Table Mountain and seagull breeding colonies along the South African coast. Route, South Africa's oldest, and the Franschhoek Wine Table Bay, and then the spine of the Twelve Apostles Southern Right whales, humpback whales, bottlenose and Valley, also famous for its food and acknowledged as range that stretches down the peninsula to Cape Point. Natural Wonders common dolphins, and even killer whales are also a the ‘gourmet capital of South Africa'. common sight in the bay, depending on the time of year.
More DID YOU KNOW? Oudtshoorn, a town along the route, information is home to the world’s largest ostrich population and on Cape Winelands there are several ostrich breeding farms you can visit. here
2 3 1
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Best for: 1. Spotting Marine Life From close encounters with great white sharks to snorkelling with fun lovable seals, the Western Cape has some of the best waters in the world to spot marine life.
If you are a hard-core adventure tourist, head on to the small village of Gansbaii where you can easily catch a boat ride taking you to ‘Shark Alley’, a hunting ground for great whites. Operators here are so confident they can show you these animals that they will usually offer a free trip in the unlikely event that you don’t see one!
If however, you prefer a safer experience, try a visit to the coastal town of Hermanus, 1. considered one of the best land-based whale watching destinations in the world. Southern right whales start arriving in Walker Bay from June and remain until December. These massive creatures can be viewed from the shore, or from boats or planes. DID YOU KNOW? South Africa was the first country in the world to declare Great white sharks a protected species. Find more about bungee jumping here 2. Bungee Jumping As far as adrenalin rushes go, you don’t get much better than this. The 216-metre Bloukrans Bridge along the scenic Garden Route is the highest commercial bungee jump from a bridge in the world, and attracts adventure seekers from all over the globe. While bungee jumping is the most popular adventure activity at the bridge, there are plenty of other rides, jumps and swings to try, including a 200m Flying Fox cable slide (known as a ‘foofie slide’ in South African), a thrilling ride that is over far too soon.
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2. Festivals & Events
From January to December, the Mother City and surrounding areas have a jam-packed social calendar of yearly happenings.
South Africa - a Mini Travel E-Guide p.13 of 21 Main events
Kaapse Klopse Cape Town International Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Wine harvest festivals Jazz Festival Festival Looking for a colourful and unique start From grape stomping at the Robertson into the New Year? The Cape Minstrels A major highlight on any jazz lover’s An Annual festival taking place in July, Wine Valley Hands-on-Festival, to wine Carnival (also known as the ‘Kaapse agenda, the Cape Town International Jazz the Oyster Festival is a 10-day event tastings and dancing at the Solms- Klopse’) happens every year on the 2nd Festival is held every year on the last aimed at foodies and families. The town Delta Oesfees (harvest festival) near of January, and is a traditional occasion weekend of March. Known as ‘Africa’s of Knysna, where the festival is held, is Franschhoek, there are plenty of rooted in slave culture, and dating as biggest Gathering’, the festival offers an located on the famous Garden Route, 35 grape-related events on the Cape far back as the 19th century. Bands of eclectic mix of local and international km from Plettenberg Bay. Expect lots Winelands. Wine festivals usually take minstrel troupes dress up in colourful jazz, including some of the world’s best of oyster eating, oyster shucking, oyster place from February to April. gear - usually boldly coloured satin, bow musicians, among them Lauryn Hill, farm tours, oyster recipe challenges and More ties, umbrellas and hats – and perform Dan Brubeck, Earth, Wind & Fire, as well gourmet oyster-themed dinners, along information on what’s on, check songs while carrying out well rehearsed as other local greats. with wine and champagne tastings. South African dance routines. More Tourism’s website here information More More on the festival information information on website on the festival the carnival here website here here
South Africa - a Mini Travel E-Guide p.14 of 21 Where to stay
HotelREZ Hotels & Resorts has a good selection of hotels in both the Western and Eastern Cape provinces. From charming boutique hotels in the countryside to 5-star luxury town lodges on the coast, there is something for everyone.
South Africa - a Mini Travel E-Guide p.15 of 21 Cape Town
Why Visit
• Table Mountain, one of South Africa’s most iconic landmarks.
• The V&A Waterfront, with its wide range of shops, fine restaurants, local night spots, tourist attractions and museums.
• Bo-Kaap, a vibrant township and traditionally a multicultural area rich in history. Known for its brightly coloured homes and romantic cobble stoned streets.
• Celebrity Beaches, including the four beautiful beaches on the affluent suburb of Clifton, known as Cape Town’s St Tropez.
The Alphen Boutique Hotel
A trendy 5-star boutique hotel housed in a former wine estate in Constantia, a mere 15 km from the V&A Waterfront and 23km from Cape Town International Airport. The hotel’s bohemian chic décor and the spacious rooms Highlight featuring large bathrooms with double basins and stocked with luxury toiletries. South Africa - a Mini Travel E-Guide p.16 of 21 more ► Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel Stellenbosch Built in 1713, Coopmanhuijs was one of the first grand residences in the heart of Why Visit Stellenbosch. The hotel boasts beautifully appointed rooms, • The vineyards and wine estates. Part of the famous Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch featuring free Wi-Fi and large valley is a primary location for award winning wine production. Victorian bathrooms. The in-house restaurant Highlight serving Provençal cuisine and • The traditional Cape Dutch architecture giving the city an incredibly romantic vibe. the hotel Spa, which offers a special Africology repair facial. • The many art galleries and quirky souvenir shops around Church and Andringa Streets. more ►
Rivierbos Guest House The Stellenbosch Hotel
Ideally situated on the bank Enjoy old world charm with of the Eerste River in a quiet, air-conditioned modern leafy cul-de-sac off historic comforts and friendly attentive Dorp Street. A clean and staff at this 33 room boutique affordable Bed and Breakfast style hotel in the historic accommodation option in centre of Stellenbosch. Stellenbosch. The hotel was built on land granted by Gov. Simon van Wake up to beautiful views der Stel between 1692 and Highlight of the Eerste River. There 1701. The building was restored Highlight is free Wi-Fi and free in 1987 and has been de- on-site parking available. clared a national monument. p.17 of 21 more ► more ► Plettenberg Bay
Why Visit
• Plett, as it’s often called by the locals, is home to some of the country’s most magnificentbeaches including Robberg Beach, a popular Blue Flag beach that offers great swimming and is perfect for long walks or watching dolphins surf the waves.
• The Robberg Nature Reserve. One of the most beautiful small nature reserves in South Africa and a favourite with hikers, birders, fishermen, and general nature lovers.
The Robberg Beach Lodge
The Robberg Beach Lodge offers 29 rooms in four luxurious adjacent villas at Robberg Beach, Plettenberg Bay. Hotel facilities include 2 outdoor pools, 2 lounges & a rooftop viewing deck. A true beachside haven this 5 star beach lodge is ideally Highlight located only a few hundred metres away from the white sands of beautiful Robberg Beach. South Africa - a Mini Travel E-Guide p.18 of 21 more ► Elsewhere in South Africa Eastern Cape – Port Elizabeth
Why Visit
• One of the largest cities in South Africa, Port Elizabeth stretches for 16 km along Algoa Bay, and is one of the major seaports in the country.
• Commonly known as the water sports capital of South Africa, here you can go scuba diving, game fishing, surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding to name but a few.
• The Addo Elephant National Park, situated 73 km from Port Elizabeth, offers sanctuary to over 600 elephants plus lions, buffalos, black rhinos, spotted hyenas, leopards, as well as southern right wales, great white sharks and the unique Addo flightless dung beetle!
Singa Town Lodge Ibhayi Town Lodge
Offering distinctive 5 star A luxury guest lodge centrally accommodation with located in Port Elizabeth. individually decorated rooms, Features 2 outdoor swimming sumptuous bathrooms and a pools and spacious suites luxurious modern fusion of with large bathrooms and a Eastern and African architec- garden view. ture and décor. All suites have air An open-air lounge in the conditioning, free Wi-Fi gardens sitting beside a and feature a small patio. Highlight Highlight stunning swimming pool with hand-painted mosaic details.
p.19 of 21 more ► more ► Booking How to make a booking
GDS Bookings: Look for the HO chain code on the GDS, South Africa Hotels.
Online: Visit our online reservation website for South Africa Hotels.
Telephone: Contact our reservation agents by phone to assist with your booking.
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South Africa - a Mini Travel E-Guide p.20 of 21 Sources
South African Tourism Cape Town Tourism
Image Credits
Table Mountain at Sunset – image by Dietmar Temps via Flickr (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) Boerewors – image by Paul Watson via Flickr (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) Bo-Kaap District, Cape Town – image by Alexandra Roberts via Flickr (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) Cape Malay Curry – image by Pepper and Stew Stellenbosch Vineyard – image by Barbara Carneiro via Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0) Book Kapp Colourful Houses – image by Mickey Bo via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) Vineyard Cape Winelands – image by Dave Bezaire & Susie Havens via Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0) Bobotie – image via Yuppiechef.com Winelands – image by mrskyce via Flickr (CC BY-ND 2.0) Kaapse Klopse – image by Lehva via Flickr (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) Wine estate – image by slack12 via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) Kaapse Klopse – image by G. Bayliss via Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0) Garden Route sunset – image by bass_nroll via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) Cape Town International Jazz Festival – image by Wilfred Paulse via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) Garden Route Scenic Road – image by Christopher Griner via Flickr (CC BY-ND 2.0) Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival – image by Damien du Toir via Flickr (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) Robberg Nature Reserve Plettenberg Bay – image by Tobias Nawrath Photography Elephant Addo National Park – image by Brian Snelson via Flickr (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) Cape Town Table Mountain South Africa Africa Vision - image by cocoparisienne via Pixabay Southern Right Whale Jumping – image by Willem via Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0) Cape Town South Africa Architecture Building View - image by cocoparisienne via Pixabay Robben Island – image by Carolina Ödman via Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0) Cape Town South Africa Architecture Building - image by tpsdave via Pixabay Robben Island – image by Brian Snelson via Flickr (CC BY 2.0) Abdullah Ibrahim pianist - image via Abdullah Ibrahim Biltong – image by Jamsta via Wikimedia Creative Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) Promotional image for the film Sea Point Days - image by Nicework via Wikipedia Waterblommetjiebredie – image via myeasycooking Bloukrans Bungee Bridge – image by Glabb via Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0) Port Elizabeth – image by Brian Snelson via Flickr
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