Travel Guides: All Countries / Africa / South Africa
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| | | Dramatic scenery |  | Why go on holiday to South Africa?
South Africa is still not without problems but this is a beautiful country, rich in history and culture, as well as mineral wealth.
Visitors are lured by the dramatic scenery, superb weather, a chance to come face to face with Africa's biggest animals and a glorious coastline with surf to make the Cornish cry.
How much does it cost?
Flights from the UK to Cape Town, Johannesburg or Durban vary in price so ring around various travel agents before booking.
At the time of writing, a mid-range hotel room cost from £30-£60. A comprehensive 11-night tour stopping in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, and including a stay in a game lodge at Kruger National Park, and visits to Swaziland and Zululand, cost from £1,200.
When should I go?
The seasons in South Africa are the opposite of those in England. Holidaymakers stream out of the cities from mid-December to late January, when resorts and national parks are heavily booked and prices on the coast can more than double.
This is the hottest time of the year, with temperatures up to 80F (26C) in Cape Town and topping 90F (34C) in Durban and the interior. It's better to visit in February or September-October, when it's less humid and temperatures hover pleasingly in the 70Fs.
A visit during the South African spring would also coincide with the September-October Arts Alive festival in Johannesburg, and Pretoria's Jacaranda festival, held in October when the petals are peaking.
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| | | Tour the wine region |  | What should I do when I'm there?
A highlight of any trip to South Africa is a wildlife safari in Kruger National Park. From there head south into Swaziland, a very friendly monarchy with a traditional way of life.
There are more game reserves, good hiking and the thrills of white-water rafting. The Zulu heartland offers glimpses into a fascinating African culture, and is littered with historic battlefields from the Anglo-Boer War.
What are the cities like?
Cape Town is incredibly lush and beautiful, with Table Mountain popping up right in the centre of the city. The atmosphere is laid- back, the beaches superb and it offers the best food and nightlife in South Africa.
Durban is a lively beach-resort town, a holiday Mecca and a magnet for surfers with its subtropical climate and good breaks.
Johannesburg is arguably the most important city in South Africa, home to Soweto and the winds of change. The capital, Pretoria, is just up the road and a sleepy suburban place to relax.
Where can I get away from it all?
Along the south coast, the Garden Route is lined with warm-water beaches, beautiful lagoons, friendly resort towns and forests; it's obviously popular, but at places like Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park it's easy to escape the crowds.
Further north, the Transkei region remains largely undeveloped and a hiking trail runs the length of its long subtropical coastline.
Inland, the Drakensburg (Dragon Mountains) have some superb walks, ranging from gentle day hikes to strenuous long-distance treks.
Visit the wine-producing region around Stellenbosch, where vineyards and delightful small towns nestle in beautiful sleepy valleys.
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| | | Visit a muti shop | | Where's good for nightlife?
Nightlife also suffered under apartheid, and outside the major cities it's fairly scarce. Most bars are based in hotels and close at 11pm.
Fortunately Cape Town has a lot to offer, with plenty of bars and clubs, a few good music venues and theatre, ballet and opera based in the large Nico Malan Complex.
Durban is lively too, and has an excellent jazz scene. Beach resorts have the usual bar/discos.
What's the food like?
South Africans like their meat and potatoes. Boerewors is the traditional farmer's sausage and is sold everywhere. Steaks are usually excellent and ostrich is a taste worth trying. Traditional Cape cuisine is an intriguing blend of Malay and Dutch.
There is a growing number of restaurants serving African dishes, though most don't originate from South Africa; try mielie, or maize meal, with stew as an example of what local Africans eat.
What should I buy?
Cape wines are of an extremely high standard, at refreshingly low prices. Crafts from the townships include boxes, toys and flowers made from recycled tin; in Cape Town, look for them in the market held on Sundays at the Waterfront.
Johannesburg prides itself on giant malls like the one at Rosebank, but for a more traditional African experience go to a muti shop, where problems from headaches to broken hearts are treated with pungent potions.
Look for beautiful and functional woven baskets when in Zululand.
What is there for children to do?
Not much can beat the wildlife safari for kids, but for tamer thrills try the cable car up to the top of Table Mountain in Cape Town or take in an ostrich race at one of the country's many ostrich farms.
The beachfront in Durban has a good selection of amusing diversions for children: a snake farm with venom-milking demonstrations; Waterworld, a waterslide complex; a small amusement park on the promenade; and the sharks, seals and dolphins at Seaworld.
Tourist office
South Africa Tourism, 6 Alt Grove, Wimbledon, London, SW19 4DZ. Tel. 08701 550044 (national rate) for brochures and enquiries.
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| | Available rental properties in South Africa |
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| |  | | Squirrel & Vine Self-catering
Fully-equipped self-catering apartment in the historic core of Stellenbosch. Walk to shops, restaurants and numerous historic sites.
|  | | APARTMENT ON CANAL WATERFRONT
NEW LUXURY AIR CONDITIONED ONE BEDROOM 4 SLEEPER APARTMENT ON POINT WATERFRONT CANAL., WITH SWIMING POOL AND SECURE PARKING IN THE BUILDING. INCLUDES
|  | | Bougain Villa– Century City
Part of the luxurious community of Century City located in a secure gated complex of detached villas offering easy access to a multitude of attraction
|  | | Grace Cottage
This exquisitely renovated Victorian cottage has an upmarket, eclectic, high quality interior.
|  | | Blue Waters 402
Luxurious 2 bedroom apartment in Blaauwberg.
Stunning views of the whole of Table Mountain, Robben Island and Blouberg beaches.
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