The food of South Africa is bold, colorful and tasty. From its early influences of the Bushmen and the Hottentots through to the contemporary chefs of today, South Africa offers its own unique brand of cuisine. You only have to take a look at a map of South Africa to imagine the diversity.

German, Dutch, French and British settlers through the centuries have left their mark as to have former slaves from Java and Malaysia. The Hindus and Moslems of the Indian continent both introduced their spices and curries while the various African tribes, Sotho, Zulu and Xhosa, are particularly noted for such delicacies such as mopane worms, samp and beans as well as sheep’s heads. (not for the faint-hearted.)

Amidst this wealth of unique and glorious eating experiences can be found bobotie. Mince meat is slowly cooked with a heady mixture of spices and fruit (becoming shepherd’s pie with attitude). This is commonly served with geelrys (rice cooked with turmeric, raisins and cloves) and accompanied by blatjang (fruit chutney.)

Another favorite stew is the bredie. Mutton slowly cooked with tomato, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, chili and cloves. This ever popular dish is also prepared with an edible water lily called waterblommetjies and waterblommetjie (sorrel.)

The barbeque of South Africa is the braaivleis both in the means of cooking and the social gathering. Foods traditionally cooked over an open fire this way are boerewors, sosaties (kebabs), lamb chops, porkies (pork sausages) and mielies (corn cobs). While the wine flows, the foil-wrapped potatoes and onions bake in the braai’s coals waiting to join the colorful salads on the table.

Other offering from the braai, along with the beer and good will, are the boerewors or ‘boerie’ (farmer’s sausage). Introduced by early German settlers, this long circular sausage is traditionally made from beef, pork, coriander seeds, cloves, nutmeg and allspice.

Biltong, similar to the american jerky, is spiced dried meat which came from the Dutch settlers. Venison, beef or ostrich is rubbed with salt, pepper and coriander seeds, covered with vinegar then dried in the sun. This means of preserving meat served the Voortrekkers well during the Groot Trek (Great Trek) of the mid-1800′s.

The harsh conditions endured by The Voortrekkers gave rise to potjiekos. Simplicity being its main feature, this one-pot meal is prepared with meat and vegetables, seasoned with spices and then covered. Cooked gradually over hot coals the meat is tenderized and the combined juices form a heavy rich sauce.

Preserving has always been necessary in South Africa and konfyt is a fruit preserve of Malaysian origin. Tenderised in lime water overnight the fruit is gently steamed and then boiled in a syrup of water, sugar and lemon juice before bottling. Green fig preserve made with cinnamon, is a favorite to with cheese.

Rusks, equivalent to the American donut are descended from the French, Dutch and Germans. Various flavorings include muesli, raisins, buttermilk and aniseed. Similar is the plaited koeksister which is deep-fried before being dipped into a sweet ginger and lemon juice syrup. This crispy, sticky sweet is not recommended for those with a tooth ache or wanting to loose a few pounds.

When you next visit South Africa be sure to look out for these unique dishes, you won’t be disappointed.

The Western Cape is South Africa’s most desirable tourist place with several good reasons. The principle urban centre of Cape Town or the ‘Mother City’ is seen by 70% of holidaymakers who go to South Africa from Great Britain.

The popular metropolis of The Mother City can be found in the shadow of Table Mountain at the point where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans collide. Cape Town is many things to many people providing culture, wine, scenery, the seaside or a wide range of leisure things to do.

Table Mountain soars to in excess of 1,000m above the city and it is certainly one of the most recognised locations across the world. Adventurous travellers can take on the several walking paths to the summit or as an alternative, there is a cable car that takes merely three minutes to reach to top.

The Winelands are acknowledged throughout the entire world and the wineries of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl go back years. The many different wine routes are complimented by quite a number of dining establishments, cafes and guest houses with amazing menus and substantial wine lists.

The penitentiary at Robben Island had been where Nelson Mandela as well as other members from the ANC were held for many years. Positioned 8 miles off shore from Green Point, Robben Island is now a museum honouring the courageous individuals who were imprisoned here. It was selected a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

Roughly one hour to the east of Cape Town is the town of Hermanus and it’s acknowledged as without doubt one of the finest places globally to view whales from the shoreline. Between June and November every year, the Southern Right Whales swim past Hermanus as part of their migration path.

Back in the Mother City, the V&A Waterfront is the focus of the city with world class shops, restaurants, coffee shops, night clubs and nightspots. The marina offers some of the best hotels in Cape Town together with the 2 Oceans Aquarium.

For all those travelling to the Western Cape, the Garden Route is really a place that simply should be visited. This wonderful piece of coast between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth is among the most popular destinations in South Africa. Matted woodlands, cliffs, striking cliffs and sandy shores are part and parcel of the landscapes. There are lots of small towns on the Garden Route offering up various accommodations and eating experiences.

South Africa is synonymous with Nelson Mandela, fine wines, sporting heroes, game viewing, huge seas and sunshine. As the adventure capital of the world SA welcome visitors from across the globe with open arms and huge smiles. For those considering a trip here, this is the “Lightening Tour” of the climate, major cities and a little of what to look forward to.

South Africa enjoys diverse climates: From desert in the north west on the Atlantic side to lush vegetation in the north east bordering the Indian Ocean Boasting a 2,798 km long coastline which curves to the southern tip of the icy Cape Agulhas with the hottest recorded spot being in the Northern Cape, Kalahari near Upington. The coldest spot is Sutherland in the western Roggeveld Mountains Overall, the temperature is generally good all year round.

Equally, the cities of South Africa are as warm as its people and its climate. They are so different in character that there is something for everyone to enjoy. South Africa’s most popular cities are Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town, the Mother City. It was founded in 1652 by the Dutch settlers led by Jan van Riebeeck.

Table Mountain is the backdrop of Cape Town while this most beautiful city displays the mighty Atlantic Ocean as its foreground.

Top attractions include: the cable-car up Table Mountain, the ferry to historic Robben Island, the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and a tour through Stellenbosch; (wine lovers take note)

Magnificent beaches to choose from include Clifton, Camps Bay and Llandudno and Muizenberg, Fish Hoek and Strand. Shopping is enjoyed at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cavendish Square and Canal Walk and for fleamarkets go to Greenmarket Square, Green Point and Hout Bay. Nightlife is for dining and dancing. It is at its absolute best in Long Street.

Johannesburg, also known as Jo’burg, Joeys, Jozi, JHB, iGoli or Joni by South Africans, was founded in 1886 when gold was discovered on the Witwatersrand. It is South Africa’s most modern city. The 3.2 million population includes the residents of Soweto.

Top attractions include: the Soweto tour taking in the birthplace of Nelson Mandela. Newtown and Constitution Hill (the birthplace of democratic South Africa) are high on visitor itineraries. Sterkfontein Caves at The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site is a 40 minute drive with the Rhino and Lion Park en route.

Shopping is found in Sandton City, Hyde Park, Rosebank or Northgate, Eastgate, Southgate or Westgate. Popular weekend markets are the Rosebank Rooftop Market and Michael Mount Organic Market. Nightlife in Newtown, world-class theatre productions and sophisticated restaurants. Alternatively there are the shebeens of Soweto and Alexandra. Want more laid-back? Head for the villages of Melville, Parkhurst and Norwood. In the day the Apartheid museum, the Planetarium, and Jo’burg Zoo are all popular destinations.

Durban, with its origins in trade is a busy port as well as a year round holiday resort. Recently it has made claim as one of the world’s top conference venues with its International Conference Centre (ICC).

Attention hedonists: this is the playground paradise on the Indian Ocean. Top attractions include: UShaka, the fantastic 16 hectare marine theme park. Whale, shark and dolphin-watching tours are run by The Natal Sharks Board (in nearby Umhlanga) as well as deep-sea fishing for game fish and superb surfing and swimming beaches.

Shopping is best at The Gateway Theatre of Shopping Victorian-style The Pavilion and The Workshop. For authentic African and Indian goods head for the Victoria Street Market, The Warwick Avenue Triangle and Grey Street. On The Golden Mile: take a rickshaw ride, buy curios or enjoy glorious seafood by the sea. Cosmopolitan eateries thrive throughout the city with an emphasis on Indian cuisine: try the “bunny chow”

Port Elizabeth is the Friendly City on the Coast founded in 1820, its many monuments pay tribute to its British heritage. Port Elizabeth (PE) is overlooked by the Sir Rufane Donkin lighthouse and bears the name of his wife, Lady Elizabeth.

Top attractions include: Walking the city to enjoy some wonderful Victorian and Edwardian architecture, with their rich 1820 Settler history. No 7 Castle Hill is the most famous old Settlers cottage. Visit Campanile, the monumental 52m bell tower and the intact Fort Frederick.

The calm waters and fair breezes on this coast lend themselves perfectly to swimming and water sports of all kinds including fishing, scuba-diving and game-fishing. Head for Kings Beach or Hobie Beach. The Bayworld complex houses dolphins and seals, the Snake Park and a museum, depicting cultural and natural history.

Shopping hotspots include Greenacres, The Bridge and Walmer Park. For lively nightlife The Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World, on the beachfront is the place to be. Addo Elephant National Park is home to the Big Seven. The Big Five are the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo so add whales and great white sharks. Enjoy the marvelous view from Shark Pier.

If you haven’t made the trip yet, we will wait for you. When you do you’ll wonder why you didn’t come sooner. With so much to do and involve yourself in you may come away from South Africa feeling exhausted. But one thing is for sure, you won’t forget us!

It is said that the written history of South Africa begins with the arrival of the Portuguese. Because of the early immigration from Europe, South Africa has experienced a different history and there is no one culture existing in the country. In other words, it has ethnic diversity. South Africa is located at the southernmost region of Africa and owns a long coastline. Great natural wealth and breathtaking landscapes, kinds of activities and various opportunities call people all around the world for a different experience.

All over the South Africa, there are travel attractions and destinations for travelers to visit. Pretoria is the capital city of the country which is also an important industrial center. The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa is the national zoo of South Africa situated in the city of Pretoria. Among other major travel cities, there are Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein.

Cape Town’s beaches are very popular. Cape Town’s Table Mountain is among the best places to see in South Africa. It provides breathtaking views over the city and its beaches. Forests, lakes, lagoons, waterways and rivers of Garden Route is like a natural theme park and an uniquely scenic place. The Cape Winelands with cheese and wine tasting tours will make the trips more delicious. In this place, some of the best wines in the world are produced.

Johannesburg is known to be the most popular city in South Africa. The city is a transit point for connecting flights. Historical and art museums of the city attract visitors. Durban is a major holiday resort which also has a number of attractions and reserves to visit such as Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve, Burman Bush Nature Reserve. Its seaside attracts people who can also enjoy kinds of sport facilities. Port Elizabeth known for its sunshine, sandy beaches, and thriving nightlife is also visited for its parks and reserves around.Sowete owns a number of historical sights.

Sun City as one of the South African Travel Attractions offers its guests entertainment, relaxation. multitude of attractions and activities. At Sun City, visitors enjoy a day trip at the Pilanesberg National Park. Here balloon safaris are traditional. Moreover, one can experience elephant back riding and quad biking.

South Africa’s most popular nature reserve is the Kruger National Park. Due to its numerous habitats and diversity of animal species, the park is an enormous wildlife reserve. It is regarded as one of Africa’s top three safari destinations. It offers African travelers a taste of safari experience. It is also South Africa’s best bird-watching location. Here you have the chance to meet the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo)

Hermanus is famous for its being the world’s top land-based whale watching destination. It hosts a very popular Whale Festival. The Drakensberg (Dragon Mountains) is a perfect place for nature photography.

There are numerous natural and game reserves, national parks, historical places, charming landscapes in South Africa. And such a variety results in many opportunities to get involved in. Moreover, luxurious hotels make one’s holiday as comfortable as possible.

In other words, South Africa offers excellent safaris, beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, different cultures, and for sure world class wines.

Since the first adventurers lay eyes on Table Mountain, this mountain has kept everybody mesmerized who comes near it, looks at it, climbs it or has done the trip by cable way.

Local politicians like Jan Smuts contemplated the future whilst watching the hustle and bustle of city life far below (others continue that tradition up to the present day), lovers still find quiet space up there that augments their sense of something special, tourists stand around breathless in reaction to the immense ocean that weave away over the horizon, and locals laze away stolen private time. There are various telescopes on the mountain to view Cape Town, Table Bay, False Bay and Robben Island.

The mountain is alive at all times. People are doing their own thing but so do the abundant wild life shying away from human beings invading their space. There is a great variety of wild flowers and “fynbos” (about 1470 different species of plants and some of them only to be found on Table Mountain). Visitors in a hurry will miss the quiet beauty that doesn’t shout, that whispers it’s way.

Over 16 million people have already visited Table Mountain and the cable cars in flight up and down are adding to that figure endlessly. More than 600 000 thousand visitors are carried up and down per year since the start in 1929. The summit is about 1080 square metres and quite flat at the top. From side to side it is about 3 kilometres. The more energetic visiters will find about 350 different walking trails, all of them providing breathtaking views – but some should not be explored without an informed guide. A glass of wine at the restaurant on top during a summer sunset will not be easily forgotten. Few visitors come away without the feeling that the soul of this mountain has bestowed something lasting to their consciousness.

On the other side of the mountain, one will find the Table Mountain National Park that stretches from Signal Hill to Cape Point in the south. Views of beautiful valleys, False Bay, soaring cliffs with the huge variety in fauna and flaura will entice the visitor for a long time.

At the end of every visit, most men and women turn away from this spectacular beauty with one last glance towards Robben Island where Nelson Mandela, one of the world’s most beloved leaders, spent decades in jail and left the island as a sage.

Italy won the world cup in Germany in the year of 2006 when they, in Berlin, defeated France on penalties to not only claim the title but the fourth one in their history. All of which making Italy the reigning world champion yet in all this it would be unfair to say that Italy is still the best team as four years have passed since then and many of the players who won are older by the same number of years. This being a long time in the life of an athlete, specially in a sport such as football.

I for my part and being of Italian descent am always hopeful of Italy wining whatever tournament they might enter yet I am also well aware that repeating as champion is very difficult even more so than becoming it. This given the fact that other teams tend to be more motivated to defeat the team that is the champ as they can later take more pride in saying they did so. Another factor that makes life harder for those who are champions is that other teams have more time to study their tactics. This being how world cup winners more than likely will be repeating what they demonstrated four years prior specially if they keep the same trainer and most of the same players.

Naturally one must not forget that if a team was good enough to win a world cup they by all right ought to be a great team which more than likely they are yet this does not make them invincible. This being more so the case since the teams they played four years earlier did have time to improve their game and even get new coaches with diverse tactics which like the game itself never stops advancing in its progressive ways.

Italy undoubtedly however is a great football nation which can always like Brazil, Germany and Argentina produce a team capable of going all the way in any tournament however I ask is this always wise to do so? For is it not sometimes more beneficial in the long run to use a tournament to prepare for another tournament by putting together a team of younger hopefuls in the hope that they might become better as a team for the future even if it be at the expense of more experienced players who are past their prime. With this in mind it is often that great teams will do such for the already mentioned reasons. All of which leading one to ask what exactly does Italian trainer Lippi plan to follow as a strategy?

Lippi of course having many great players at his disposal yet perhaps will opt to like Bearzot (in 86 after having won the world cup 82) to leave out many of the aging stars. This being perhaps the reason why Paolo Rossi, who played brilliantly in 82 was left out of the 86 squad in favor of the younger Altobelli. In fact one could even say that perhaps it was this what Bearzot did in Argentina 78 when his team that combined new players and veterans was the one that became the basis for the one that would go on to win the championship in 82.

Regarding previous champions only Italy (in 34 and 38) and Brazil (in 58 and 62) have repeated as champions with Argentina in 90 and Brazil 98 being able to at least get back in to the final; only to both end up losing. Italy for its part after having won the world cup in 1938 was not able to defend its title four years later given that a war put a pause to the world cups till 1950. This being 12 years after, making it that most of their players from 38 would be too old to return to the squad; specially since most had already been on the team in 34. Italy however despite the war managed to build up a great team that would have probably been a factor in Brazil 50 had it not been for the fact that most of these players died in a plane crash.

Of course in recalling previous champs we can look at Uruguay who in 34 did not even bother to attend the world cup in protest to Italy; who did not partake in the world cup they organized and won in 1930. Uruguay however would win in 50 and defend their title in 54 where the might Hungarians defeated them after a grand match that extended in to overtime and a score of 4-2. In remembering previous champions perhaps it was France who gave the poorest performance when in 2002 they even failed to score as much as a goal in a performance that saw them obtain only one draw and two defeats. This even in a relatively easy group that contained teams such as Uruguay, Senegal and Denmark. If France however was the worst defending champion then arguably one could say that Argentina was second in this category as they would in 82 loose three out of five matches though in all fairness they did have to play against two great teams like Brazil and Italy.

As for the 1950 world cup, Italy would be eliminated by Sweden in the first round; who would go on to the semifinal. As in that particular world cup all one needed to do was qualify to the second round to be amongst the top four. Sweden taking third place in front of Spain and behind the champions Uruguay and runners up Brazil.

Italy however would get over the Torino crash and build up another great team to win the world cup in 82 which made them defenders of the title in 86. This tournament being held in Mexico where they crashed out against France by the score of 2-0. This after having only won one of their three first round encounters against Korea (3-2) while drawing the other two against both Argentina and Bulgaria by the same score of 1-1. It would be safe to say that Italy in 86 was not at its best yet to its credit were the only team that managed to get a draw against the Maradona led Argentina (eventual champions) which they might have even defeated had a shot by Bruno Conti gone in instead of hitting the post.

To these arguments I would like to add that though I will always support Italy win, loose or draw, I in all honesty to do not expect them to win in 2010 but however I know they will give a good account of our calcio and at least give us; their tifossi something to cheer about. For hopefully they will not suffer the embarrassing fate of champions like France (in 2002) and Brazil (66) of being eliminated in the first round. I of course am always hopeful as are my friends at San Lorenzo where we suffered through the last world cup that saw us become champs yet this I would not count on. This naturally should not be interpreted that I believe Italy to have no chances. As in all truth I have not seen another team against which Italy would have no chances against, for as well as Spain played in Euro 2008 they barely beat us on penalties; this despite us being without some of our starting players. Brazil, Germany and Argentina are always a threat to go all the way but then again their teams were not all that impressive in qualifying as to make them heavier favorites than they usually are.

In conclusion I would like to say that though I do not have high expectations of Italy becoming world champions again (not that I would rule this out completely) I do hope they at least get to the round of 16 if not to the semifinal; where anything may happen yet just top four would make me have a great summer of football memories. This even if my friends at San Lorenzo and I do not get to see Italy raise the FIFA trophy one more time.

For people who like to spice up their vacations with a bit of adventure, South Africa is the ideal destination. Here, you will find a wide range of exciting outdoor pursuits to choose from, no matter what the time of year. Whether you want to go canoeing on the Orange River, hunting exotic plants in the forests of KwaZulu-Natal, bungee jumping on the Garden Route, or mountaineering in the Drakensberg, South Africa will have something for you.

Hiking South Africa

There are about 250 hiking clubs around South Africa. Any one of them can arrange hiking tours for a day, a weekend, or longer. There are trails for beginners, and more challenging trails for veteran hikers who really like to rough it. Hiking organizations provide maps and equipment. Many of the tours provide overnight accommodation in rustic huts that have firewood, mattresses, and cold water plumbing. There are privately operated trails, as well as trails in national parks. Kruger National Park has seven. Some of the most popular trails, such as the Otter Trail, the Tsitsikamma Trail, and the Bushman Trail, are booked up to a year in advance, so be sure to make your arrangements well in advance. If you’re a dedicated hiker, you will also enjoy a uniquely South African activity called kloofing. This involves following the course of a river by wading and hopping from boulder to boulder. You have to be in good shape for this one.

Horse Riding and Pony Trekking

Maybe you would prefer to see the countryside of South Africa from a saddle. The South African National Equestrian Foundation controls sport riding in the country, and offers some great guided tours. You can ride along the beaches or cross unfenced countryside. There is a wine-tasting tour, and another that takes you to see dinosaur tracks. One very popular horseback tour takes you to see Bushman rock art. You will spend a night in a Basotho hut, and be entertained by local people doing traditional dances.

Thrills On and Under The Water

South Africa has 2,500 km (1553 miles) of gorgeous coastline. The country also has many rivers with dams that create artificial lakes. There is no shortage of opportunities for water sports here. This is one of the best places in the world for surfing, and one of the best spots in the country is Jeffrey’s Bay. This is where you are bound to find your perfect wave. Windsurfing and sailing are also very popular here. For something really different, try sand boarding in the massive sand dunes. If you like fast water, you can go river rafting. Coastal Kayak Trails will take you around the Cape Peninsula and along the Garden Route. Scuba diving enthusiasts will find a water wonderland of coral reefs, shipwrecks, and kelp forests. The seas are full of tropical fish and sea turtles. For those who have nerves of steel, there is shark cage diving. You can actually have a close encounter with a great white shark. Whatever kind of adventure you have a taste for South Africa will not disappoint you.

In the fascinating city of Cape Town, South Africa, tourists will discover, in addition to a thriving world of arts and entertainment, a cultural heritage that is rich with historical importance. Because of its scenic beauty and history-imbued landmarks, travelers make Cape Town a principle destination. In fact, the city is one of the most popular places to go in all of Africa, drawing in about a million and a half tourists each year to stay in the more than 60,000 beds of its hotels, to see such sights as Table Mountain, and to take in the architecture of such buildings as the Castle of Good Hope, the oldest structure in all of South Africa.

The Dutch East India Company constructed the castle in the 17th century, somewhere around 1666 to 1679, and it remains today one of Cape Town’s most recognizable landmarks. The castle was created in order to replace the clay and timber building that Jan van Riebeeck made when he first came to South Africa and founded the city in 1652. Both buildings were meant to act as a place for supplies to be restocked as the ships of the Dutch East India Company sailed up and down the coast.

The interior of the castle contained living quarters, different styles of workshops, a bakery, and even a church; it was practically a town all by itself. This fort-castle was painted yellow because this color somehow allows less heat to pass into rooms of the buildings. Another wall inside the castle acted as a barrier to protect its residents from any assaults. Several interesting architectural features are part of the castle, including the Kat Balcony. This balcony was the design work of Louis Michel Thibault; it holds sculptures by Anton Anreith, who was a sculptor and woodcarver from Frieburg, Germany, and he was a soldier serving the Dutch East India Company in 1777. He designed the Koopsmans-De Wet House in Cape Town and, on the Groot Constantia, the oldest wine estate in South Africa, he designed the wine cellar, too.

The Castle of Good Hope was later rebuilt to the form travelers may see today between 1786 and 1790; however, it’s still possible to see the bell tower that was added to the castle in 1684, and this remains the oldest bell tower in South Africa. Approximately 270 years after it was built, in 1936, the Castle of Good Hope was designated a national monument.

Nestled in a fertile valley and ringed by majestic mountains, Franschhoek may appear to be merely a picturesque rural village, yet this is the food and wine heartland of South Africa and one of the premier destinations in the world of wine.

The spectacular scenery of this beautiful valley, where vineyards stretch across the mountain slopes and mighty oaks tower over original Cape Dutch farmhouses, nurtures this peaceful settlement that tells a colorful history.

History
When the Edict of Nantes was revoked in France in 1685, hundreds of Huguenots fled their homeland as Protestantism was outlawed. Of these, 227 arrived at the Cape of Good Hope, seeking refuge. Simon van der Stel, the Dutch governor at the time, led them over what is today the Helshoogte Mountain into the valley beyond and granted many of them farm land there. The valley was first called Olifantshoek (Elephant Corner), reminiscent of the vast numbers of elephants that roamed here freely, but with the settlement of the French Huguenots the name was soon changed to Franschhoek (French Corner).

Their heritage is preserved in the Huguenot Monument, which was erected in 1938 and proudly stands at the top of the village. The engravings speak of their religious persecution, their flight to South Africa, the strength of their belief and the influence they had on the development of the area. Each original Huguenot farm has a unique story to tell and their histories are chronicled in the nearby museum.

Today Franschhoek is one of the top five tourist destinations in South Africa, and an excellent base from which to explore the rest of the astounding world of the Winelands. The Franschhoek Valley is especially known for its tranquil beauty and relaxed atmosphere, the perfect setting to thoroughly enjoy the top class wines produced in this area.

The World of Wines
More than 300 years ago, the French Huguenots saw the potential of this fertile ground and began a wine industry that lives on to this day. Today, members of the Vignerons de Franschhoek (Winegrower’s association) continue in this noble tradition and produce some of South Africa’s top wines.

From crisp, fruity whites to rich, warm reds, Franschhoek offers all the noble cultivars and classic styles. The valley is especially renowned for its exquisite Cap Classique sparkling wines and ports.

The Franschhoek Valley boasts approximately 20 wine estates, many of which have retained their original French names and lovely Cape Dutch farmsteads. Small boutique wineries appeal to those in search of something unique, while larger estates offer cellar tours and conduct tastings.

The Gourmet Capital
Franschhoek’s finer tastes don’t end with wine. Leading chefs create internationally acclaimed culinary delights, and eight of South Africa’s “Top 100 Restaurants” are in Franschhoek – little wonder that Franschhoek is referred to as the Gourmet Capital of the country. From light meals using the delicious fresh produce of the valley, to the reassuring familiarity of traditional Cape country fare, to the exciting indulgence of world-class French cuisine – Franschhoek offers a meal for every taste and a menu for every pocket. 28 excellent restaurants offer wonderful hospitality and great ambience – and, naturally, each meal is complemented by one of the fantastic local wines.

A Visitor’s paradise
Franschhoek not only offers some of the world’s finest wining and dining, but also a choice of superb accommodation. Luxurious small hotels, charming guesthouses, stylish self-catering cottages and beautiful B&B’s will tempt you to stay in this quaint village. The character of Franschhoek is reflected in the hospitality of the friendly people who live here, and the scenic vineyards, spectacular views and awe-inspiring mountain landscape have long since enchanted the hearts of tourists and locals alike.

A walk down the main street may well take you a day. Coffee shops and restaurants offer taste bud temptations, shops and galleries provide a wonderful choice of antiques and a world-class collection of artworks, and crafts and curio shops sell souvenirs, inviting you to take just a small part of this unforgettable village home with you. There are also specialty shops such as cheese shops and a chocolate factory.

The spectacular mountains surrounding Franschhoek provide the perfect setting for numerous walking trails for the more energetic visitors. The La Motte Forestry Station offers hiking, horse riding, fly-fishing and cycling. Trout fishing is possible in various streams and dams surrounding the village. Experience a wine tour with a difference – on horseback or in a carriage. Local tour guides are available to advise and help you to explore all that the region has to offer.

If you happen to visit Franschhoek during our winter, remember the 14th of July. This is Bastille Day, when the village celebrates its French heritage with a wine and gourmet fair that attracts visitors from near and far.

All in all, the Franschhoek Valley is a truly special destination. With the breathtaking scenery, rich cultural heritage, warm and friendly people and an unrivaled wining and dining experience, what better place to spend some time than in Franschhoek?

Springtime in Southern Africa is an especially wonderful time of year to enjoy Africa, and making the most of your trip has never been easier or more pleasurable. Cape Town boasts an extremely wide array of things to do and see, from downtown fine dining and enjoyable night life, to adventures in the surrounding countryside. This is the place where the metropolitan tourist experience meets the exciting world of wild world travel.

Historic and beautiful Table Mountain is certainly one of the sights to consider, and the Table Mountain Cableway is the best way to see this breathtaking location. A part of Table Mountain National Park, the Aerial Cableway is a leisurely and exciting trip and will allow you to take in Table Mountain and the surrounding views. Once at the top, enjoy a free guided plateau walk and see some of the sites more interesting features in detail. Off the tram, enjoy a hike through one of Table Mountains many hiking trails and experience first hand the incredible flora and fauna of this amazing location. This is luxury African travel at its best.

Another place to enjoy the majesty of the African landscape is to visit one of South Africa’s botanical gardens, such as the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. These living museums are a monument to the blessings of the natural world, and boast some of the most exotic and amazing species of plants and animals anywhere on the planet. The South African National Biodiversity Institute maintains nine different botanical gardens, with Kirstenbosch being the largest of all. Kirstenbosch was established in 1913 to conserve and promote indigenous flora of the southern African continent. Known internationally as one of the greatest botanical gardens anywhere in the world, and is situated on the eastern slope of magnificent Table Mountain.

If you are more interested in a cosmopolitan experience, then perhaps a tour of the wine country is in order. Cape Route 62 is a well known tourist route that runs through the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Winding its way from Cape Town through Langkloof, Port Elizabeth and Oudtshoorn, it is often known as the shorter alternative to the N2 Highway. The areas along this route also include Klein Karoo, The Breede River Valley, Paarl and Wellington. This is perhaps the longest wine route in the world.

Rustic accommodations, hot springs or luxury hotels are all options when traveling along Cape Route 62. This safe and scenic route passes through many of South Africa’s most quaint and appealing towns, and offers a relaxing and leisurely experience for travelers of every background and taste. From private game reserves which offer traditional African safaris such as the luxurious Lalibela Game Reserve, Kwantu Game Reserve and Sibuya Game Reserve to Camdeboo National Park, Addo Elephant National Park and Mountain Zebra National Park you will find the traditional African safari experience along this route. Yearly spring events such as the Splash Festival, Wild Trout Festival, Algoa Bay Week, Middleberg Karoo Cycle, East London Agricultural Show, Queenstown Mountain Race and the Science Festival are all seasonal attractions in this region.

No matter what you choose to do, an adventure in Africa is among the most exciting things you can do in your lifetime. Form animal watching to sea kayaking to safaris, Africa is an exotic and magical place to spend a vacation. A luxury African vacation will leave you with memories and experiences that are sure to leave a lasting impression.