GENRAL INFORMATION SOUTH AFRICATOURS & DEPARTURS DATESCONTACT INFORMATION & E-MAILMAP OF SOUTH AFRICAINFORMATION ABOUT NOTHERN CAPE
LOCATION AND BOUNDARIES
At the southernmost tip of the African continent, the Republic of South Africa (RSA) is flanked in the west by the Atlantic Ocean, in the south and east by the Indian Ocean, in the north by Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, and in the north-east by Mozambique and Swaziland.
SIZE
The RSA covers an area of 1,127,200 sq. km - about one eighth the size of the USA, and nearly five times the size of the United Kingdom.
CLIMATE
Western Cape
Mediterranean climate (warm dry summers, cool wet winters). Occasional winter snowfalls cover the surrounding mountains. Average maximum summer temperature is 24 C; winter 18 C.
Eastern Cape (Garden Route)
Enjoys elements of the Mediterranean climate of Cape Town as well as that of the summer rainfall regions to the east.
Kwazulu/Natal
Enjoys summer rainfall (typically after thunderstorms) and cool dry winters. Snowfalls on the Drakensberg cause brief cold snaps. Average maximum summer temperature in Durban is 25,5 C; winter 22,6 C.
Gauteng, North/West Northern Province and Mpumalanga
Enjoys summer rainfall, typically afternoon thunderstorms of short duration. Mild dry winters are the norm with occasional early morning frost on the Highveld. Average maximum summer temperature in Johannesburg is 24,7 C; winter 18 C. Pretoria summer 27,5 C; winter 21 C. Midsummer temperatures in the Kruger National Park can exceed 35 C.
SEASONS
SUMMER - December to March.
AUTUMN - April to June.
WINTER - July to September.
SPRING - September to November.
WHAT CLOTHES TO PACK
Pack what you would normally wear in a warm, temperate climate. In the game parks, at holiday resorts and on tour, casual clothing is advisable. In city hotels and restaurants dress is more formal in the evenings. Men usually wear ties and jackets for evening meals and also in the lounges after 18h00.
On tour, wear comfortable clothing for travelling and comfortable shoes for walking. Warm clothing must be packed for the late afternoon and early morning game viewing in the game parks.
PHYSICAL FEATURES
Sun, wind, rain, rivers and the opposing influences of two currents, one cold, the other warm, have given rise to a phenomenal spectrum of awe-inspiring landscapes: mountains, plains, plateaux and coast lands, lakes and lagoons, deserts and sun-scorched 'moonscapes'.
MAJOR CITIES
There are three capital cities: Cape Town (legislative), Pretoria (administrative) and Bloemfontein (judicial).
Johannesburg is the largest industrial, financial and cultural centre in South Africa.
Cape Town and Durban are two of the most popular holiday playgrounds.
Notable cities and towns from a historical and cultural point of view include: Pietermaritzburg, Grahamstown, Graaff-Reinet, Port Elizabeth, Kimberley and Stellenbosch.
POPULATION
The population is currently estimated at approximately 42,000,000.
Most Whites are descended from Dutch, French, British and German immigrants who settled in the country between the 17th and 19th centuries. In more recent times, the country has attracted additional immigrants from these countries, as well as other parts of Europe, China and Africa north of the Limpopo. Unofficial estimates put the number of people of Portuguese extraction (the largest group of recent immigrants) at half a million. It's said that apart from New York, there is no city outside Israel which is quite as Jewish as Johannesburg, where some 60% of the country's 120,000 Jews live.
The Black population is made up of several major ethic groups. The majority are Zulu's, followed by Xhosas, North Sothos, South Sothos, Tswanas, Shangaan-Tsongas and Swazis. All are descendants of tribes who migrated south from central Africa. About 50% of South Africa's Blacks are urbanised.
The majority of Coloureds (people of mixed racial origins) inhabit the eastern Cape. Cape Malays, a subgroup, number about 200,000, and most inhabit the Cape Peninsula, with a heavy concentration in Cape Town's Malay Quarter. The first Asians arrived in 1860 to work on Natal's sugarcane fields, and today over 85% of South Africa's Indians live in Natal. After India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, South Africa's Indian community is the fourth largest in the world. Many are prosperous merchants, traders and professional people.
LANGUAGES
English and Afrikaans, only two of 11 official languages, are spoken throughout the country. Official notices and road signs appear in both languages. Each of the Black groups has its own language. Urbanised Blacks are usually competent in English and/or Afrikaans. A number of (mainly older generation) Indians still speak the languages of their forefathers, but the practice is gradually falling away in favour of English. Languages such as French, German ad Italian are spoken by staff members at many upmarket hotels and shops.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Efficiency is the keynote of the South African infrastructure: travel and accommodation reservations may be relied upon with confidence.
ACCESS
The national carrier, South African Airways, and several international air and shipping lines link the country with the rest of the world. South Africa's international airports are situated in the vicinity of Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.
DOMESTIC TRANSPORT
Road and transport systems are the finest on the continent. The road network links all centres, from the largest metropolis to the tiniest village.
In addition to domestic airlines, the following transport options are available: railways (the Blue Train offers a five-star ride), inter-city coaches and fly-drive safaris. 'Designer' tours, arranged to suit individual preferences, are offered by this operator.
Major international car hire companies are represented in South Africa.
ACCOMMODATION
Standards are generally high. All tourist accommodation establishments, belonging to the national grading and classification scheme are graded and classified. A one-star grading ranks as good; five stars indicate that the establishment is outstanding. Classification indicates those establishments that offer superior standards of service and hospitality.
In addition to hotels, tourist accommodation encompasses motels, holiday flats and chalets, beach cottages, game lodges, guest farms and youth hostels.
Caravan/camping parks occur throughout the country. Time-share units are a relatively new, but fast developing concept.
On a limited scale, accommodation in private homes provides an attractive option.
Farm holidays are catching on fast, and these are offered throughout the country - a boon for city people who yearn for wide open spaces and a simple life style.
COMMUNICATION
A direct dialling service connects all local centres except for tiny villages in remote country districts. Europe, North and South America, Australia, New Zealand and India, the Republic of China, Hong Kong, Japan and Israel are among a large number of places where subscribers may be dialled direct. Major hotels and businesses have telex and fax services.
ELECTRICITY
Most city and town power systems are 220/230 volts AC at 50 cycles per second. The Pretoria power system generates 250 volts and Port Elizabeth 220/250 volts. (Adapters for electric shavers and hair dryers are obtainable locally.)
WATER
Tap water is purified and 100% safe to drink.
MALARIA / BILLHARIA PRECAUTIONS
Visitors to the eastern Transvaal lowveld and northern Natal should take anti-malaria tablets before, during and after their stay. The tablets are obtainable without prescription from local pharmacies. It is inadvisable to swim in rivers; and lakes in the eastern and northern regions of the country, as the bilharzia parasite may be present in the water.
MONETARY SYSTEM
The South African currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R. R1 = 100 cent.
The Rand Exchange Rate is in Your Favour!
In addition to shopping bargains, an upmarket hotel will cost you a fraction of the tariff charged by equivalent establishments elsewhere. And the same applies to fine cuisine and wine, entertainment and transport.
VAT (VALUE ADDED TAX)
VAT, currently at 14%, is included in the marked/quoted price of most goods and services. Foreign tourists may claim refunds of VAT paid on goods which they take out of South Africa. Information leaflets on the procedure to follow to claim VAT refund, are available from Vat Refund Administration offices at the borders and airports.
3 DAY 2 NIGHT
CAPE TOWN RETURN CAPE TOWN
WE COLLECT AT YOUR DOORSTEP
Day 1:
Collection at your doorstep depart Cape Town and travel the West Coast road through the flower region of Darling. Visit Postberg Nature Reserve. Overnight at the Saldanha Bay Protea Hotel (FB) or similar.
Day 2:
Head north towards Clanwilliam. Visit the famous Ramskop Nature Reserve - a wild flower reserve and then on to Lambert's Bay. Overnight at the Marine Hotel (FB) or similar.
Day 3:
Visit the birds of Birds Island as well as the fields of Spring Flowers and then wonder back to Cape Town. Drop off at your doorstep.
Arrive back approximately 17:00
DEPART:
14 & 21 AUGUST 2000
4 & 11 SEPTEMBER 2000
PRICE:
R2 800-00 per person sharing
R402-00 single supplement
INCLUDES:
Transport in Micro bus, Professional Tourist Guide
Accommodation
Entrance fees & meals with picnic lunches
5 DAY 4 NIGHT
CAPE TOWN RETURN CAPE TOWN
WE WILL COLLECT YOU AT YOUR DOORSTEP
Day 1:
Collection at your doorstep depart Cape Town and travel up through the West Coast. Visit Postberg Nature Reserve, then continue through Piketberg en route to Clanwilliam. Overnight at Blommeberg / St Du Barry's Lodge (FB) or similar.
Day 2:
Visit Ramskop Nature Reserve, a flower reserve, and then travel over Botterkloof Pass to Niewoudtville Wild Flower Reserve. Continue through to Clavinia for overnight at Hantam Huis / Hotel (FB) or similar.
Day 3:
Continue northward through the fields of wild flowers to Springbok - the heart of the Namaqualand. Stop en route at the Skilpad Nature Reserve near Kamieskroon. Overnight at Old Mill Guest House (FB) or similar.
Day 4:
After breakfast visit the unspoilt beauty of the Goegap Nature Reserve. Travel south to Vredendal. Overnight at Voorsorg Guest House / Vredendal Hotel (FB) or similar.
Day 5:
Visit Bird Island in Lambert's Bay, a favourite haunt of penguins, cormorants, garnets and other bird species. One last look at the flowers before heading for Cape Town. Drop off at your doorstep.
Arrive back approximately 17:00
DEPART:
23 AUGUST 2000
6 & 13 SEPTEMBER 2000
PRICE:
R3 800-00 per person sharing
R 518-00 single supplement
INCLUDES:
Transport in Micro bus
Professional Tourist Guide
Accommodation
Entrance fees & meals with picnic lunch
PO BOX 12216 DIE BOORD 7613 STELLENBOSCH SOUTH AFRICA
DE WAAL CENTRE 10B ANDRINGA STREET STELLENBOSCH 7600
Telephone: +27-021-8879799 Fax: +27-021-8833038 Mobile: +27-0829573561
e-mail:
[email protected]
Northern Cape Tourism Region
The rugged Northern Cape offers those who prefer to unwind at an easygoing tempo the opportunity to do so in a region of striking contrasts, broad horizons, space and silence. Although this is South Africa's largest province, it has only one city, one major town and a scattering of villages. The mighty Orange River, fed by its most important tributary, the Vaal, surges across the landscape, at places in a sluggish tide, at others in powerful, majestic exuberance. The river brings life to what could otherwise have been a dry and unwelcoming land, and it provides the basis for a healthy agricultural industry. The most dramatic point on the river occurs at the Augrabies Falls National Park where the mighty Orange plunges 56 metres over a massive ravine in a deafening, breathtaking explosion of power.
The first discovery of diamonds in Griqualand West took place in 1869 and 1870 and gave rise to the world's greatest diamond rush which changed the course of history in South Africa. It also led to the establishment of Kimberley - an attractive city with broad tree-lined streets, comfortable accommodation and an efficient infrastructure. A far cry from the early mining town days! The main mine has closed, but the Northern Cape is still an important mining area. The "Big Hole", one of the deepest man-made holes in the world, is a major tourist attraction and Kimberley is also the site of two important museums and a fine art gallery. Around the city, a number of historical sites have been established and visitors will find dozens of attractions to explore and enjoy.
Upington, set in an intensively cultivated agricultural area between the river and the Kalahari Desert, is the principal town of the Lower Orange Region. It serves as the administrative, social, business and educational centre and is the home of a number of interesting historical and cultural assets. Upington, the centre of the Karakul sheep and dried fruit industries and the most northerly wine-making region in South Africa, has the largest wine cellars in the country and the second largest in the world.
From Upington to the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park, the road leads through undulating rust-red dune lands marked haphazardly by crags, scattered grasses and clumps of camel thorn trees. The Kalahari Gemsbok National Park, together with the Botswana National Park forms part of the largest nature conservation area in Southern Africa and one of the largest natural ecosystems in the world. This sun baked, semi-desert region provides unfenced access to a variety of game between South Africa and Botswana and has a ground area of more than two million hectares. (79 thousand square miles). In addition to the gemsbok, after which the park is named, springbok, red and blue hartebeest, steenbok, leopard, brown hyena, the distinctive Kalahari lion and a surprising number of bird species inhabit the reserve.
The inaccessible Upper Karoo doesn't divulge its secrets willingly, but those who look further than the dusty, hot and lonely roads will discover the heart of this vast region. Dolomite hills like mirages on the horizon, a silence that is absolute, and unforgettable sunsets. The town of Kuruman, between Upington and Vryburg, provides a pleasant overnight stop. The area is fresh and green, watered by the continual flow of the "eye" (the source of the Kuruman River) which rises from a dolomite cave. The source yields 18 million litres of fresh water a day.
Namaqualand is an enigma. Dry, sun-baked and windswept for most of the year, after the right amount of rain, the landscape in spring explodes in a wonderland of colour as far as the eye can see. The marvellous displays of wild flowers have made Namaqualand famous throughout the world. The Richtersveld section of Namaqualand displays scenes from nature that seem inexplicable: a rocky moonscape, dry and unforgiving flanks the cool and mighty Orange River with its banks of lush greenery. If you're fit, prepared to rough it, and keen to explore unknown territory, the Richtersveld was designed especially for you!
The Hantam, bound by the Bokkeveld and Namaqualand in the west, the Renoster River in the east, Bushmanland in the north and the Roggeveld mountains in the south, is fresh and unpolluted, with clear blue skies and stunning sunsets. This sheep farming territory remains for most people an unfamiliar destination. Calvinia, the principal town, nestles at the foot of the Hantam mountains, while Nieuwoudtville lies on the plateau of the Bokkeveld and provides its own annual flower show, even when Namaqualand has a poor year. The Hantam provides a challenge for those with an adventurous streak, full of possibilities for an unforgettable experience.
Kimberley
One of South Africa's most fascinating historical sagas began near Kimberley with the discovery of the 21-carat "Eureka" diamond in 1866 and the fabulous 83-carat "Star of South Africa" in 1869. News travelled fast and by the end of the 1850s, hordes of prospectors had converged on the region, scouring the river banks and sifting soil in a frenetic quest for wealth. Kimberley was catapulted into an era of high stakes and ruthless power struggles. Many ambitious men emerged from obscurity to achieve fame. Cecil John Rhodes, son of an English country vicar, became the wealthiest and most powerful man in the Africa of his day. Barney Barnato, who began life as a barrow boy in a London slum, became a mining magnate and multi millionaire. Before long, spacious homes began to rise from the dust; roads and bridges were built and, by the turn of the century, Kimberley had been transformed into a prosperous city.
Today Kimberley is a modern city with broad tree-lined streets, comfortable hotels and busy shopping centres - far removed from the chaos of the early days. But the extraordinary saga of its past seems ever present. If you close your eyes, it's easy to conjure up a picture of the diggers, loafers, gamblers and "ladies" of ill repute who once inhabited the dusty shanty town.
Monday, January 17, 2000