South Africa: City Guide

Johannesburg – A lively, bustling metropolis that is South Africa’s biggest city with Greater Johannesburg housing over 7 million inhabitants. While most tourists only see the airport before hightailing it out of here, the city has plenty to offer the more intrepid traveller. Don’t be put off by the scare stories, and take a township tour of Soweto, scene of the famous uprising of 1976 where black residents protested the apartheid regime. Most of these well organised tours include a visit to the Apartheid Museum which is a must see for anyone interested in the country’s troubled past.

Joburg, as locals call it, also houses many great art galleries, museums, huge shopping malls and has its own brand of music in Kwaito. If you are here for a few days a visit to the ‘Cradle of Mankind’ is also recommended, a fossil site where some of the earliest and best preserved specimens of prehistoric man have been found.

Cape Town – Possibly one of the most photographed cities in Africa, if not the world, Cape Town is set against the backdrop of the iconic Table Mountain. If you add in some stunning white-sand beaches, some of the best restaurants in the southern hemisphere, and the famous Cape winelands, you’ve got a winning combination (and a major tourist destination).

There are so many possibilities in and around Cape Town, the prospective visitor is advised to spend at least three nights here, more if it you can spare it. The top ten activities for tourists include:

1. Taking the Cable Car up Table Mountain (save this for a clear day). The more adventurous traveller can also climb it; there are a number of trails or varying difficulty, taking from 2 hours and upwards. 2. Visit Robben Island - the infamous apartheid prison that held Nelson Mandela for 18 years. 3. Strolling the V&A waterfront. A squeaky clean shopping mall by the sea, it’s a picturesque place for lunch in the shadow of the mountain. 4. Camps Bay – a beautiful section of beach and popular point for sundowners, don’t be surprised to see a film crew shooting the latest beach paradise ad here. While the water may look inviting, prepare yourself for a shock when you realise just how cold it is. 5. Boulders Beach – Swim and sunbathe with the penguins amongst enormous granite boulders. 6. Cape Point Nature Reserve – It may not be the most southerly point in Africa (that accolade goes to Cape Agulhas), but if you squint hard enough from the lighthouse here some say you can just make out Antarctica. 7. Cruise the bars and clubs on Long Street, a favourite traveller/backpacker haunt. 8. Kirstenbosch – some of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world set on the slopes of Table Mountain. In summer, a series of outdoor concerts are held in the gardens on Sunday evenings. 9. Winelands – South Africa is well known for producing some top quality wines that are shipped all over the world, and this is where they come from. 10. Township Tour – A tour of the Cape Town townships is a real eye opener, completely safe and highly recommended.

http://www.southafricatravelplan.co.uk/cape-town-holidays.htm

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