South Africa is a land finally moving ahead after a long
period of troubles. It offers a magical tourist experience with its natural
splendour, wildlife and pulsating cities.
Johannesburg
Johannesburg, a vast brassy, metropolis bursting with
contrasts are the place to visit if you want to understand the real South
Africa.
Transport: getting there and getting away
Johannesburg International Airport (JIA), is conveniently
reachable from both Pretoria and Jo'burg. It has flights all around the
country. The major destinations are served by a number of budget airlines.
International bus services connect Jo'burg with the nearby countries of
Mozambique, Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.
Climate
Both Johannesburg and Pretoria can be oppressively hot in
summer. Winters can get cold.
Accommodation: from cheap stays to luxury resorts
Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of
Johannesburg hotels
Events: what's on and what's hot
*The grand event of the year is the Arts Alive Festival
which runs throughout September and October. The event showcases the talents of
the country's rich cultures which were long suppressed.
*The Rand Easter Show at the National Exhibition Centre in
April
*Jo'burg Jazz Festival in late September
*The annual Gay Pride March held on the last Saturday of
September.
Cape Town
Table Mountain crowns this city but it also boasts
magnificent beaches and stark beautiful landscapes and a host of flora and fauna.
Transport: getting there and getting away
Many international flights connect with Cape Town. Trains
and buses are available both departing from the Cape Town train station.
Taxis and 'Rikki' transporters will get you around the city.
Minibus taxis and an efficient bus system are other choices.
Climate
Winter (June to August) can be miserably cold and wet with
temperatures ranging from 7 C to 18 C. Summer, (December to March) tends to be
very hot, maxing out at 26 C, and tempered by winds known as the Cape doctor.
Accommodation: from cheap stays to luxury resorts
Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of
Cape Town hotels
Events: what's on and what's hot
Cape Town is a happening place with something going on every
week
*January sees outdoor arts performances
*October features a Food and Wine Festival
*December features Carols by Candlelight in the Company's
Gardens.
*December is also the month for the Cape Town Queer Project.
Outrageous fancy dress is the order of the day.
Durban
Beaches on the Indian Ocean, sub-tropical jungles and a
proud Zulu culture define Durban. The modern city is sophisticated and at night
pulsates with taverns, lounges, theatres, discos, pubs and clubs.
Transport: getting there and getting around
Durban International Airport handles both domestic and
international flights, with regularly-scheduled service to Swaziland,
Mozambique, and Mauritius.
Durban is South Africa's largest port and the busiest
container port in the Southern Hemisphere. Trains from Durban Railway Station
connect with Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Taxis, minibus taxis and Zulu rickshaws offer transport
around the city
Climate
Mild in both summer and winter. Rain is more common between
October and May, and winters can get quite chilly in the evenings.
Accommodation: from cheap stays to luxury resorts
Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of
Durban hotels
Events: what's on and what's hot
*March features Time of the Writer, Durban's literature
festival, at the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
*Comrades Marathon in June is run through the valley of a
thousand hills in Natal, South Africa.
*Durban International Film Festival is held in June at the
Centre for Creative Arts.
Comments