Highlights of KwaZulu-Natal

If you are visiting Durban in June/July, don’t let the elegant lines of Moses Mabhida Stadium steal your attention for too long. Beyond this 2010 FIFA World Cup™ host city, in every direction, there are wild adventures to be had and unique destinations to be explored.

Northern safari region
From Durban, South Africa’s N2 highway stretches north all the way to the Swaziland border before cutting inland. While the massive Kruger National Park, one of the African continents most renowned wildlife reserves, may steal much of South Africa’s safari attention, the much smaller reserves of north KwaZulu-Natal offer equally incredible safaris.

Located some 280km north of Durban, The Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve is renowned for being a Big Five destination and is also a haven for white and black rhino. As one of Africa’s oldest proclaimed parks, Hluluwe-Imfolozi is rich in both wildlife and history; the park is considered to have been the royal hunting grounds of the great Zulu King Shaka.

Wedged between the Lebombo Mountains to the west and the Indian Ocean to the east, The Phinda Private Game Reserve comprises several distinct ecosystems in which a massive amount of wildlife thrives. From the four fantastic lodges on the reserve to the incredible game drives on offer, Phinda offers a safari adventure as grand as any other.

Further north, the Pongola and AmaZulu reserves round off the top wildlife destinations in this region and each reserve brings its own special quality to the safari table.

Travel tip: For a shorter self-drive, it’s easiest to fly into Richards Bay. From here parks and reserves like Hluluwe-Imfolozi, Phinda, Mkuzi, AmaZulu and Pongola are all a comfortable few hours driving distance away.

Natal Coast

The northern region isn’t all bushveld and Big Five spotting. A 600km-long coastline unravels alongside the warm thrashing waves of the Indian Ocean. The St. Lucia Marine Reserve is a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination and forms part of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park (previously known as the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park) - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the extreme north of KwaZulu Natal, the untamed traditions and terrains of the untouched Elephant Coast spill forth. Much of this region is still only accessible by 4WD vehicles. If you do venture here, Rocktail Bay is the place to stay.

The Battlefields
The Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal have seen some of South Africa’s most brutal and important battles. Places like Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana have become more than just hills and grasslands; they are the historical dirt and dust upon which the Zulu, British and Boer forces collided at various points in history.

Today the Battlefields has become as much a spiritual region as a historical one. Armed with little more than one of the incredible local storytellers, a visit into the Battlefields quickly becomes a time-traveling adventure into South Africa’s past as you retrace warriors' steps and explore stories of valor, courage, victory and defeat.

The Drakensberg
To the west of Durban, The Drakensberg Mountain Range rises from the earth, towering over the landlocked nation of Lesotho and also much of KwaZulu-Natal. This dramatic area includes the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. Within the park places like the Amphitheatre, Giant's Castle and Cathedral Peak are so mesmerizing that they consistently attract visitors from all over the world.

The Drakensberg was home to the hunter-gatherer San people for thousands of years and their rock paintings adorn many of the caves and cliff faces in this area. The legacy of paintings on the rock walls is so extensive and impressive in fact that this has helped the region become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Natal Midlands
If you are traveling between Durban and the Drakensberg, the best way in which to enjoy this scenic part of South Africa is to embark on the Midlands Meander (The Midlands Meander route is situated between the city of Pietermaritzburg in the East and the Drakensberg mountain range in the west). The Natal Midlands is a place of quiet country roads, fine cuisine, antique stores, spas, serene fields and quiet gentle lakes. Country inns, luxury guesthouses and lavish farmhouses are the lodgings of choice in this quaint and restful part of South Africa.

Whether you travel by land, sea or sky in your exploration of this wild and mysterious region of South Africa, rest assured the experience will be one you will never forget.

African Traveling : Cape Town’s rocky charm

Mountain governs health, water governs wealth.

That popular Feng Shui saying is warmly embraced by inhabitants of Cape Town, a city lapped by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and pressed up against strangely shaped mountains. It's a city in which locals carry themselves with a distinct confidence, the kind that stems from a strong shared belief: that they live in one of the most blessed cities on earth.

A crucial part of this proud local feeling is Table Mountain - the flat-topped giant that swells up from inside the city and towers above everything from the sprawling Atlantic to the surrounding mountains. At 1,086 metres above sea level, with a level summit that is three kilometres in length, Table Mountain dominates the landscape and is flanked by the smooth mountain shapes of Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head. The mountain remains a secluded piece of wilderness despite its proximity to the city – a contrast that is as striking as it is convenient. Adored by everyone, from daydreamers to rugged outdoorsman, it embodies the heart of Cape Town – a city exuding health, vitality and a deep love of nature.

Mountain myths
Staring up at Table Mountain on a hot summer’s day, as a thick cloth of fog rolls over the summit and speeds down the face, propelled by the infamous Cape south-eastern wind, it’s easy to understand why the mountain is swathed in myths. One African legend speaks of Table Mountain as Umlindi Wemingizimu (the watcher of the south) - the strongest and biggest of the four giants created by the Earth Goddess Djobela to protect the four corners of the world from the Great Dragon of the Sea.

Alternatively, there is the tale of Adamastor - the titan banished by Zeus to the southern end of the world and imprisoned in Table Mountain. (Thousands of years later, apparently, Adamastor would throw up storm after storm as he tried to stop Vasco da Gama from rounding the Cape.) Whatever story you immerse yourself in, the impression is always the same: Cape Town is a charmed city with Table Mountain as its guardian.

Exploring the mountain
The easiest way to enjoy Table Mountain is to take a five-minute ride in the Cable Car that runs between the Upper Cable Station and Tafelberg Road. Since it's opening in 1929, over 18 million people have ridden the cable car. The new cable cars, which were introduced in 1997, have a revolving floor that allows passengers to enjoy a 360-degree view of the city, coastline and mountains as they travel to the top. On Table Mountain, walking paths, incredible views, a self-serve restaurant and a gift store keep visitors entertained. An hour-long walk from the cable station to Maclear’s Beacon – the highest point on Table Mountain - is also a good way to pass the time.

The cable car is fast and easy but if you have the time and energy, what you really want to do is hike up the mountain. There are a handful of main routes up Table Mountain, any of which you can self-explore. However, be sure to read up on safety tips and pack appropriately. Don’t be misled by the mountain’s proximity to the city: the weather is unpredictable and hiking can be very dangerous if you don’t take the right precautions. The fastest, most popular and most direct hiking route is Platteklip Gorge – a two-hour trek that takes you up the mountain face. Other popular hiking routes are Skeleton Gorge, The Pipe Track Walk from Kloof Nek, Constantia Nek towards Maclear’s Beacon, and Kasteel Poort from the Camps Bay side.

More than a mountain
Table Mountain forms part of The Table Mountain National Park (TMNP). The park, which is in fact three separate areas, stretches from Signal Hill in the north to Cape Point in the south. To give you an idea of how unique and rich the plant life in this area is, there are more plant species within the park’s 220 square kilometres than could be found in the whole of the British Isles.

The TMNP is, in turn, part of the greater Cape Floral Kingdom – a 90,000 square kilometre stretch of land and sea that runs from South Africa’s Cape Peninsula to the Eastern Cape. The Cape Floral Kingdom, the richest and smallest of the world’s six floral kingdoms, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Over 70 per cent of the 9,600 plant species found in the Cape Floral Kingdom are unique to the region and cannot be found anywhere else on the planet.

Sun City shines in Rustenburg

The Sun City Resort in Rustenburg is famous for style and grandeur, and it prides itself in being one of the most sought after destinations in Africa.

Rustenburg is one of the nine South African cities that will host football matches during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in June and July. Amongst the games to be played at Rustenburg's Royal Bafokeng Stadium will be the highly anticipated England and USA match, as well as Ghana v. Australia and Mexico v. Uruguay to name just a few. And when you visit Rustenburg, one of the places you will have to see is the Sun City Resort.

Along with being a major destination for foreign visitors, Sun City has since become a prime tourist spot for South Africans seeking piece of mind and a perfect weekend. In two weeks time, Sun City will once again be the centre of attention when some of the top coaches in the world descend on Rustenburg for the FIFA Team Workshop (22-24 February) ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

So, if you find yourself in Rustenburg’s Sun City before or during the FIFA World Cup, the question will be, what do you do there? We came up with some recommendations after a recent visit.

Improve your golf swing
Renowned for being one of the most spectacular courses in Southern Africa, the Gary Player Golf Course has been a happy hunting ground to some of the top players in the world. Named after one of the finest golfers to emerge out of South Africa, the golf course has hosted many international events including an annual tournament that attracts top players and many spectators. For the novice golfer, the Titleist Golf Academy provides private or group instruction and golf clinics. The design and multiple tees make it equally enjoyable for both beginners and professional golfers.

Play in the waves
When in Sun City, the Valley of Waves is regarded as one of the most advanced water parks in the world and is a must-see place before you depart. The Valley of Waves is open daily from 9am to 6pm. Facilities at the Valley of Waves include well-equipped changing rooms, a locker service and a clinic for treating minor medical emergencies.

Mingle with royalty
One of the most awe-inspiring places in Sun City has to be the Palace of the Lost City. Built as the royal residence of an ancient civilisation in South Africa, the Palace of the Lost City was destroyed by an earthquake in the past. It has now been restored to its former glory and offers splendid accommodation in the most sumptuous surroundings in South Africa.

Go on a Safari
Close to the Sun City Resorts is the Pilanesburg National Park and Game reserve. Pilanesburg is the fourth largest reserve in Southern Africa and it supports such rare and endangered species such as black rhino, roan, tsessebe, foot-and-mouth free buffalo and wild dogs. As well as the 'Big Five' you will find the nocturnal brown hyena, cheetah, hippo, crocodile and sable.

Explore the mines
South Africa is known as being amongst the biggest producers of platinum and Rustenburg is home to some of the richest and finest platinum mines in South Africa. From Sun City it is a drive of less than 20 minutes to reach some of the nearest mines.

Africa Safari : Cape Flats ready for its close-up

In the outskirts of Cape Town lies the area known as the Cape Flats, a place that had been associated with poverty, unemployment and other social problems in the past.

However, it is also here that some of the country’s most decorated football stars were born and crafted their way to the top. One of the most notable of these players is Benni McCarthy, who started his football career in the area before joining the professional ranks. He went on to become one of South Africa's most famous football stars internationall as well as the first South African to win a UEFA Champions League medal (with Porto).

Now, Cape Flats is scripting a new story for itself as it prepares to welcome throngs of visitors who will flock to the tip of the African continent for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. The Blue Flag Backpackers was opened last month in the heart of the Cape Flats - the first of its kind in this community - and it's expected that football fans who visit the Mother City during the world's football showpiece will make a pit stop in this area. The Cape Flats consists of areas such as Bishop Lavis, Steenberg, Hanover Park, Bonteheuwel, Manenberg and other surrounding areas.

Owner of Blue Flag, Jerome Hofmeester believes that his place will change a lot of perceptions about the Cape Flats. “We always say that this World Cup is an opportunity to change mindsets. We need to create an awareness that the townships and places like the Cape Flats are not as bad as many claim they are. I hope this backpackers will contribute towards that,” Hofmeester said.

“Being here is different from your normal backpackers, because you are in the heart of a very busy community. What is important is that when people come to South Africa, they get the South African feel and experience something different,” he added.

While being amongst Capetonians in the Cape Flats might be a new kind of experience for visitors, there are a number of things one can do in and around the area while in Cape Town.

Visit the famous Langa township
Close to the Cape Flats is the Langa township, which rose to international awareness during the apartheid era as one of the most vibrant areas during the struggle against apartheid. In 1985 a shooting took place in Langa township that became known as the Langa Massacre. The incident was one of the moments that brought to the world’s attention the situation in South Africa, sparking an international outcry.

Drop by at Mzoli's braai place
This is one of the most popular braai (barbeque) places in Cape Town. Here, you will find the mixture of both township dwellers and suburban folks who all assemble at this popular joint for the traditional meat and cuisine.

Learn the local lingo
In the Cape Flats and the surrounding townships, the most spoken languages besides English are Afrikaans and Xhosa. Afrikaans is spoken in the Cape Flats while Xhosa is predominantly used in the townships in Cape Town. Both languages are amongst the 11 official languages in South Africa.

Africa Safari : Northern Cape is not forgotten

As football mania gains momentum in the nine 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ host cities, the province of the Northern Cape quietly goes about its business as it prepares to leverage the one-month long event despite being the only region not to host any matches.

While there won’t be any FIFA World Cup football on their doorstep, the large region has been busy getting up to speed in order not to miss out on the football euphoria in the country, and officials from the province are determined not to be left in the lurch as they look to welcome fans who will be travelling between some of the host cities.

Part of that plan is to lure visiting fans into making a pit stop in the province during their travels as they follow their teams in South Africa. For example, a journey from Johannesburg to Cape Town can easily take one via some of Northern Cape’s towns that serve as travel hubs, including De Aar, Colesberg and Upington.

And located less than two hours away from Mangaung/Bloemfontein, the capital of Kimberly is positioning itself as an accommodation alternative for the thousands of football fans who will descend on "Bloem" to watch matches at Free State Stadium.

Cape Town prides itself on being the "Mother City," Port Elizabeth enthuses on being the "Friendly City," Johannesburg raves about being the "City of Gold," and so the list goes. But while all three of the above-mentioned cities enjoy international pedigree, not much is known about the Northern Cape Province nor the towns located there. However, Northern Cape is now crafting a new image for itself. A small glance at their colourful brochure provides an insight with the bold promise of "unique prime destinations" in the country.

Say hello to Kimberly
Kimberly is the most well-known city in the province. It is one of the oldest cities in the Northern Cape and boasts a rich history and a number of adventurous activities that include quad biking, taking long walks in the desert, visiting museums and a host of other things.

No matter that they will not host any matches, Northern Cape Premier Hazel Jenkins sees the long-term benefit for the area, which will host the Uruguayan delegation. “The hosting of a World Cup team brings a number of benefits to the people of the Northern Cape. The tourist potential to the Province is enormous in that we will be provided with an opportunity to profile the Northern Cape as a desired destination to the followers of the team. As a result the ailing bulk infrastructure network will receive attention,” she said.

“For the football loving people of the Northern Cape that will not be in a position to experience the thrill of watching their favourite teams compete in person, the Northern Cape Government will make available six Public Viewing Areas (PVAs) throughout the Province with another nine in smaller centres. The public viewing areas will emulate the atmosphere at the stadiums, and it will allow football lovers the chance to converge at a central point to watch all games live,” Jenkins added.

Renowned for its semi-desert landscapes and diamond production, the Northern Cape Province is one of the lesser-known yet still tourist-friendly places in South Africa. One of the must-do things when in the Northern Cape is to take 4x4 rides through the desert. You can also enjoy the experience with hired quad bikes as you peer through the Namaqualand and Bushmanland.

Running through the town of Upington, the Orange River is one of the famous waterways in South Africa since it is the longest river in the country. A four-hour canoeing experience from Upington will enable you to feel a part of the other side of wildlife, and one of the most sought after things to do there is to have breakfast on the banks of this historic river

Going on safari in South Africa

An African safari conjures up images of elephants crossing scorched landscapes, dazzles of zebra cutting across sunlit savannah plains and slender-limbed lions prowling through the bushveld. Thankfully, South Africa’s various parks and reserves live up to even the most fantastical of these safari expectations. To get the most out of a safari during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, you should familiarise yourself with South Africa’s various wilderness areas.

The Kruger National Park
The Kruger National Park is undoubtedly one of Africa’s biggest and most spectacular wildlife destinations. Roughly the size of Wales, this massive park is as rich and diverse in habitats as it is in wildlife. Nowhere else in Africa can you so easily explore a pure, unaffected wilderness. An excellent network of tarred and dirt roads run throughout the Kruger and many visitors chose to self-drive and stay in one of the many affordable rest-camps scattered throughout the park. For something truly memorable, you could splash out and book yourself into one of the private lodges in, or adjacent to, the Kruger. Ranging from standard to luxurious, these lodges offer unparalleled bush experiences, including private game drives and walking safaris, coupled with world-class accommodation.

The Pilanesberg
Perched in the crater of an extinct, ancient volcano in South Africa’s North West Province is the Pilanesberg. Scenic photos of the Pilanesberg are often easily mistaken for images of East Africa; the comparison is understandable given the park’s varied habitats, prolific wildlife and sprawling landscapes. A 200km road network zigzags through the park and you can chose to self-drive or embark on guided game drives. Some visitors choose to stay in neighbouring Sun City, an entertainment mega-complex with everything from 24-hour casinos to artificial beaches, and simply visit the park on day trips. To experience an authentic safari holiday you may prefer to stay in one of several luxury safari lodges located inside the park. If you find yourself in the Pilanesberg, do your best to book a balloon safari, which will see have you floating through the early morning, over the savannah plains and rocky outcrops as you track wildlife from up high.

Madikwe
Pushing up against the Botswana border and only three hours' drive from both Johannesburg and Pretoria, Madikwe is perhaps South Africa’s most underrated wildlife area. Along with boasting 'The Big Five' (lion, leopard, elephant, black rhino, buffalo) and a high concentration of predators, Madikwe is also renowned for sightings of two other elusive and seldom spotted animals: cheetah and wild dog. Like the Pilanesberg, Madikwe is a malaria-free area, making it an attractive option for families. Madikwe is, however, not open to self-drivers or day visitors and only lodge guests may enter the reserve.

The Eastern Cape
Dotted across South Africa’s East Coast, the parks and reserves of the Eastern Cape are much smaller than the likes of the Kruger or Madikwe. Nonetheless, many of them stand proudly as Big Five destinations and safaris in these smaller reserves are often overwhelming experiences. The fact that the region is completely malaria-free and so close to a number of coastal attractions, such as Port Elizabeth and the Garden Route, make the reserves of the Eastern Cape an excellent and convenient safari choice for anyone enjoying FIFA World Cup matches in this area. The best of the Eastern Cape parks and reserves are Addo Elephant National Park, Kwandwe and Shamwari. Lalibela and Amakhala are also good alternatives.

KwaZulu-Natal
What KwaZulu-Natal’s parks and reserves lack in size they make up for in wildlife sightings and coastal convenience. The single stretch of highway running north from Richards Bay and Durban, makes self-driving a good option in this wild and raw section of South Africa. The government-run Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, which boasts the largest white rhino population in the world, is a fantastic place to explore for a day or two. Meanwhile, Phinda is as good as it gets for a private and luxurious safari holiday. With several distinct ecosystems and all of the Big Five accounted for, the reserve offers excellent game viewing and exploration; it is also renowned for cheetah and rhino sightings. Mkuzi, Amazulu and Pongola are all, also, excellent choices.

East London: Eastern Cape's jewel

One of the most rewarding inter-city journeys in South Africa, bar the Garden Route, is a road trip between Durban and Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth – both host cities for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Apart from the beauty of the drive along the coast, there are many awe-inspiring towns ready to be visited on the way. One such place is East London, which is just under three hours from Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth.

The coastal town of East London might not be one of the nine 2010 FIFA World Cup™ host cities, but it is making strides to attract football fans who will be looking for places to travel in June and July. East London is home to acclaimed cricket sensation, Makhaya Ntini, who was also one of the draw assistants at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final Draw in Cape Town last year.

“Our accommodation, tourism and hospitality establishments have lined themselves up to receive those that will be staying and passing by East London during this period. On the outskirts of our city, our communities are ready to showcase to tourists the unique cultures and ‘ubuntu’ that South Africans are renowned of,” the spokesperson for what is also known as Buffalo City, Samkelo Ngwenya, told FIFA.com.

“One of our biggest advantages to travelers is our centrality in South Africa," Ngwenya said. "We are less than two-hours away by air from all major Cities (Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban), and a three-hour road trip from Nelson Mandela Bay where eight games will be taking place."

Football has always competed with rugby and cricket in this part of the country. Probably the most famous footballer to emerge from East London is former Bafana Bafana player, Brendon Augustine, who was part of the team that went to South Africa's first FIFA World Cup in 1998. Less than 20km from East London is the Mdantsane township, the second biggest township in South Africa. The township has produced most of the country’s boxing former world champions with the likes of Welcome Ncita, Vuyani Bungu, Masibulele Makhepula and others all being from there. The most spoken languages are isiXhosa, English and Afrikaans.

We takes a look at some key attractions in the area.

Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve
Situated 30km outside East London, Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve is one of the prime tourists attractions in this city. The Game Reserve includes game drives and luxury accommodation. You can also enjoy mountain biking, hiking and other activities. Since it’s only five kilometres from the beaches and a river, it also offers canoeing,

Chill at Chintsa
One of the most impressive places in East London is Chintsa – the vast area that lies along the shores of the Indian Ocean. It is a perfect holiday destination with lots of places to go to. One such place is the Buccaneers backpackers – which is seated between Chintsa East and Chintsa West. Regarded as one of the best backpackers in South Africa, this is one of the prime-tourist destinations in the country. You will also find a number of retuarants and other holiday destinations that include Dwa-dwa Park, Crawfords Beach Lodge and Mangaliso Guest House.

Enjoy the many beaches
Amognst the favourite activities for the locals is to take a walk along the beach at some of the city’s many beaches. When in East London, you have plenty of choices. Your first stop might be the Orient and the Eastern Beach that are situated next to the majority of the city’s hotels at the beach front. However, you can also explore on a number of options including Nahoon Beach, Gonubie, Beacon Bay and other surrounding areas.

One of the places that is popular with tourists is the Kaiser’s Beach and the Cove Rock – few kilometres from the city (en route to Port Elizabeth). You can enjoy a nice swimming and surfing experience at these beaches.

Visit the Steve Biko Garden of Remembrance
In South Africa, Steve Biko is regarded as a legend – the man who fought against white-domination and is credited for being the brains behind the Black Consciousness Movement in South Africa. Biko was killed in police custody in 1978, and his story was told in the classic movie, Cry Freedom, which brought his name to international status. It is one of the movies that awakened the world to the suffering and injustice of the apartheid regime in South Africa. Biko was born in King William’s Town – about 25 minutes drive from East London, and his statue now stands tall next to East London’s City Hall.

Africa Travel Overview : South Africa

Why South Africa?
South Africa is truly a land of contrasts. It blends traditional “African ways” with those that are more modern and European. Kruger Park, South Africa’s most famous wildlife area, offers accommodations that range from lodges and tented camps to historic homesteads. Malaria-free game viewing is also available in the areas of Madikwe and the Western Cape.

Accommodations:
Large hotels and lodges, boutique hotels, modest B&B’s, smaller lodges and a limited number
of tented camps.

Gameviewing:
Open safari vehicles (most private camps provide a spotter/ tracker and a game ranger on each
safari drive), some game walks.

Getting Around:
Good roads –minicoach, chauffered car or self-drive.
Extensive scheduled air and charter options.

Other Attractions:
There is an abundance of action activities such as hiking, biking, fishing and shark diving.
Allow time for shopping, fine dining, wine tasting, spa treatments, cultural excursions and city sightseeing.
The diversity of activities and lodging styles makes South Africa a good choice for independent, self-drive or family travel.