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SPOTLIGHT ON SOUTH AFRICA
We all know where South Africa is, but how many of us know what it has to offer someone wanting to visit this southern tip of Africa. What do you think of when you hear the words South Africa? Nelson Mandela, Cape Town, Johannesburg and may be Kruger National Park. But how about the Whale Trail, Stellenbosh or the Garden Route in Plettenberg Bay. Okay, so we all don’t know everything, so allow us to share with you some of the many places you can visit in South Africa.
The Whale Trail - For hiking enthusiast, The Whale Trail ranks amongst the top hiking trails in South Africa. This five-day whale hiking trail is truly a unique experience. Other than the incredible scenery, the hike increases the chance of sighting whales. This trail spans over 55 kilometres from Potberg to Koppie Alleen with five overnight stops. It combines both mountain and coastal walking, predominantly through the De Hoop Nature Reserve. De Hoop lies on a portion of the coast strongly associated with the Southern Right Whale.
The hike is designed for those with a fair degree of fitness because the days very when it comes to intensity. Overnights are in a series of cottages and take groups of 6 or 12 so you have to plan well in advance.
Stellenbosch - Only 28 km from Cape Town International Airport, is the ideal base from which to explore the entire region. Stellenbosch is home to one of the most prestigious old Wine Regions in the world. Stellenbosch Wine Route is the oldest wine route in South Africa. It has been divided into five sub-routes to make the experience of travelling around easier. These routes include Bottelary Hills, Greater Simonsberg, Helderberg, Stellenbosch Berg and Stellenbosch Hills. Visitors will be mesmerized by breathtaking scenery and warm South African hospitality. Here one can enjoy the juice of the vine in an awe inspiring historic setting. Walking through the streets of Stellenbosch, one can almost feel the history, as if strolling in days of old. The town is packed with many historic buildings dating back to the early 1700's.
The Stellenbosch University is internationally known and it provides world class education combined with stunning surroundings and rich heritage and tradition for around 25 000 students every year. More and more international students flock to Stellenbosch each year.
Golfers have a choice of 3 top class golf courses in Town with a further 8 within 25 minutes drive.
The Garden Route
The name Garden Route stems from the abundant greenery, forestry, coastal coves, unique stopovers and mountainous regions which many years ago was the only connecting route between the towns and was widely travelled by settlers and traders alike. Over time, roads, mountain passes and bridges setup to link these popular villages soon became known as the “Garden Route”.
It’s all about an abundance of blue skies, white sand beaches, rolling oceans, dramatic mountain scenery, to name a few together with it’s local hospitality. A place where you can travel along routes where you are often alone on the open road or make for the malls and beaches on packaged tour comforts. Golden vineyards, sun-drenched orchards, beaches, forests, sweeping lakes and birds eye view passes add to the mix.
Along the route one can enjoy beaches, game viewing, bungee jumping and even golf.
