There are so many different fantastic ways of touring South
Africa that it can be very difficult to choose just one for your
holiday.
Explore the Major Cities
Jet-setters of all ages and from all countries love to
back-pack from city to city, staying in each for a week or more.
It can prove to be a truly fantastic way of exploring South
Africa. This is especially true if you are fond of
“retail-therapy” since there are beautiful, safe shopping
centres in every city. Some of the large shopping centres in
South Africa have gained international acclaim, for example:
The V&A Waterfront in Cape Town was the very first five star
shopping centre to be built in a fully functional harbour. The
Randburg Waterfront is also famed for being the only inland
waterfront shopping centre in the world.
•Cape Town is called the “Mother City” for many reasons. This
was the first ‘modern’ city to be founded on the South of the
African continent. The city also has a tremendous nurturing
power when it comes to creative talent. Many of South Africa’s
most famous creative names are from Cape Town. Among the most
well known are Pieter Dirk Uys (actor and political satirist)
and Beezy Bailey (artist)
•Johannesburg - a city with many names - is an urban hub of
activity, nightlife and dynamic business. If you want something
done in South Africa, go to “Jozie”. The City was founded in the
gold rush that gave South Africa’s economy one of its initial
sparks. The atmosphere of commerce still gives the “City of
Gold” its unique vibe and energetic spirit.
•Durban is famed for its beaches and eastern cuisine. If you
want a taste of the east, try taking a traditional Indian
rickshaw along the beachfront and stopping along the way for
some of the finest curry, bobotie and bredie in the world!
•Pretoria is not really a major tourist destination unless you
have a fascination with South Africa’s political history. This
was the high seat of the apartheid bureaucracy. Many famous
buildings and statues are found throughout the city and there is
a copious volume of information available on the transformation
of this country.
Roughing It
The exact opposite of the South African shopping spree would
have to be backpacking. This is the most popular form of travel
for students since it brings you into contact with all the
ordinary people of South Africa, making it a valuable learning
experience as well as a great opportunity for some pretty wild
parties!
Backpacking is also ideal for nature lovers since you can get
up close and personal with Mother Nature if you opt to travel
with a tent!
Every major city in South Africa is chock-full of back-packers’
lodges and simple bed & breakfast accommodation. There are
strict laws regarding safety and hygiene so it is rare to have
an unpleasant experience at any established lodge. Clean rooms,
simple fare and interesting people are the things you should
expect from a backpackers’ lodge. Never the less it is always a
good idea to let word-of-mouth guide your decision on where to
stay. What better recommendation could you have than the good
experiences of a fellow traveller?
Packaged Tours
These are a hassle free way of discovering the beautiful and
diverse country of South Africa. It’s also great if you have
only a small amount of time to devote to travelling. Everything
you could possibly want is laid out for you and you get to
devote every waking moment to experiencing the magnificent
scenery and fantastic wildlife. There are also township tours in
all major cities. These guided tours allow you to experience
life in the townships safely as a group. You even get to visit a
genuine shebeen.
Packaged tours can be simple and easy or quite adventurous,
depending on what your interests are. For those in need of an
escape from city life, there are many straight-forward safari
tours with great food and accommodation provided. For the
adventurous, activities could range from white-water rafting to
diving with sharks (from the safety of a big, metal cage of
course)! Overland 4x4 drives are a great way to let out some
city-born frustration and get close to nature at the same time.
4x4 adventures are run by ecologically sensitive companies and
wildlife is strictly respected at all times. Ecologically
sensitive areas are out of bounds for any self-respecting 4x4
tour!
One at a time
There are many other options available and the best way to find
out more is to explore websites of companies that offer
different options. Perhaps the best idea is not to choose at all
but rather to enjoy each style of travel, one at a time! South
Africa is a friendly place and you will be welcomed year after
year after year.
About the Author: Excape Tours and Travel http://www.excape.co.za is a fully
fledged inbound tour
operator specializing in personalised African safaris and travel
itineraries of South Africa to suit your specific needs and
preferences.
