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EZULWINI GAME LODGES Ezulwini, the Zulu
word for “Place of Paradise” where Africa remains
unspoiled. We have two luxury safari lodges and
one log cabin camp in Balule Nature Reserve, park
of the Greater Kruger National Park. We offer two
game drives and a bush walk per day to view the
Big 5 and other plains game in their natural
habitat. MORE INFO
Finca Fantastica Travel for the independent traveller
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South Africa - A Lightening Tour of the Cities
By Edward Kirwan
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 and Port Elizabeth.
Cape Town, the Mother City, 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!


Johannesburg Airport:
Johannesburg International Airport
Airport code: JNB
Johannesburg Airport has one building
split into six 'terminals'
Terminal 1/2 is the international
arrivals area.
Terminal 3 is for South African Airways
and SA Express domestic arrivals.
Terminal 4 handles non-SAA domestic
arrivals.
Terminal 5 is the domestic departures
area for all airlines.
Terminal 6 is the international
departures area.
Booking with Holiday Autos is fast, easy and secure. Delivering award-winning, great value car hire for over 20 years.
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International country code: 27
Government: Parliamentary republic
Population: 47.9 million
Religion:
Christians 79.7% (This includes Zion Christian 11.1%,
Pentecostal (Charismatic) 8.2%, Catholic 7.1%, Methodist 6.8%,
Dutch Reformed 6.7%, Anglican 3.8%, and other Christian 36%.)
Islam 1.5%
Hinduism 1.3%
No religion: 15.1%
Other: 2.3%
Unspecified: 1.4%
2010 FIFA World Cup
Johannesburg - Soccer City
(opening & the final match?
Cape Town
(African Renaissance Stadium)
Durban
(King Senzangakhona Stadium
- Semifinals)
Port Elizabeth
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
- First & second round of 2010
World Cup matches