Every country in the world displays some diversity, but South Africa, stretching from the hippos in the Limpopo River to the penguins waddling on the Cape, takes some beating. It befits its position at the southern end of the world’s most epic continent, with more types of terrain than photographers can shake their zoom lens at. There’s the deserted Kalahari, Namakwa’s springtime symphony of wildflowers, iconic Table Mountain and Cape Point, Kruger National Park’s wildlife-stalked savannah (scene of the famous lion-buffalo-crocodile battle watched more than 40 million times on YouTube) and, running through the east of the country and into Lesotho, the Drakensberg. KwaZulu-Natal’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park alone has five distinct ecosystems, attracting both zebras and dolphins.
If you’re interested in another kind of wildlife, hit the nightclubs on Cape Town’s jumping Long St or sample African homebrew in a township shebeen (unlicensed bar). When it’s time to reflect on it all, do it over seafood on the Garden Route, curry in Durban’s Indian Area, a sizzling Cape Malay dish, or a braai (barbecue) in the wilderness – accompanied by a bottle of pinotage produced by the oldest wine industry outside Europe.
Of course, it's impossible for travellers to South Africa to remain oblivious to the fact that, despite the rise of ‘black diamonds’ (middle-class black folk), racial inequality persists here. Black and coloured townships face problems such as a horrific HIV/AIDS rate and xenophobic tensions caused by economic refugees from nearby countries.
Nonetheless, South Africans are some of the most upbeat, welcoming and humorous folk you’ll encounter anywhere, from farmers in the rural north who tell you to drive safely on those dirt roads, to Khayelitsha kids who wish you molo (‘good morning’ in Xhosa). Another point of unity in the diverse country is that, in malls and minibus taxis, bush pubs and shebeens, two popular topics of conversation are the 2010 FIFA World Cup and recent political upheavals. Most people believe that hosting football's mightiest tournament will be as great a moment for South Africa as its Rugby World Cup triumphs in 1995 and 2007.
And there's still time for you to get over there and join the fun!
Cape Town - Table Mountain, Robben Island and much more in the Mother City
Referred to as the city bowl because of the way it is contained between mountain and sea, the heart of Cape Town incorporates neighborhoods of great historical significance such as the Bo Kaap, Tamboerskloof and Oranjezicht. Within the city limits, visitors can take a trip into the past by following the Footsteps to Freedom walk or visiting the Castle of Good Hope and the Slave Lodge. The beautifully landscaped Company Gardens with its views of Table Mountain and its tree-lined avenues has within its boundaries both the South African National Gallery and the South African Museum and is a must-see for visitors to Cape Town. The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden set on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain is often used for outdoor concerts and is another attraction that nature-lovers will appreciate.
Long Street and Greenmarket Square are well known for their relaxed arty atmosphere where visitors can enjoy exploring the antique shops, book shops, as well as the little shops containing a mish-mash of African curios and fascinating souvenirs, while the many coffee shops, restaurants and bistros invite visitors to take some time out to relax and watch the world go by. Night-life in the city is vibrant with theaters, clubs, live music venues and restaurants offering both local and international entertainment and cuisine. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is one of Cape Town’s biggest attractions, incorporating an abundance of speciality stores, offices, hotels, exciting entertainment options and the fascinating Two Oceans Aquarium which every member of the family is sure to enjoy.
There is so much to see and do in Cape Town that you could literally spend weeks exploring it, so if your time is limited it would be a good idea to make an itinerary of the places you would like to visit, and if you get side-tracked along the way, that will give you a good reason to return to the beautiful Mother City of South Africa – again and again.
Sitting snugly between the harbor and Table Mountain, and affectionately known as the Mother City, Cape Town is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Add to this the rich history of the city, the cultural diversity of its citizens and the well developed tourism industry which offers a host of activities, and it is easy to see why Cape Town is one of South Africa’s top tourist destinations attracting visitors from far and wide.
