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The Kwazulu-NatalProvince is a holidaymaker’s sub-tropical, beach and mountain paradise, the Kingdom of the Zulu has something for everyone set in magnificent natural beauty. Coast-to-coast the beaches and quaint villages attract sun worshippers who are drawn to the warm Indian ocean and all the pleasures it affords. Outdoor enthusiasts love to explore the two World Heritage sites, the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park and the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, as well as the game parks and famous battlefields. Diverse cultures, from the San bushmen with their rock art, Zulu villagers with their fearsome warriors and colourful dancing maidens, Griqua trekkers with their pioneering spirit and Indian restaurateurs with their hot, sought-after curries, enrich the province with a wide variety of experiences to be had. With all this on its doorstep, it is no wonder that Durban has become the top convention destination in Africa - a veritable antithesis of the all work, no play philosophy.
CLIMATE:
Coastal areas enjoy a sub-tropical climate with sunshine year round, although rain storms can occur in summer. The humidity is lower in June and July, making it ideal times to visit. Weather is also warm and sunny for most of the year in the Drakensberg, but in winter night time temperatures can drop below freezing and snowfalls are not uncommon. At Sodwana Bay, a world-class diving destination, conditions are good throughout the year, but best from April through to September. Water temperatures here are usually above 20 degrees Celsius and in summer can reach 29 degrees Celsius. The Midlands is a summer rain fall area with warm, sunny summers and cold winters, with night time temperatures dropping below zero in parts.
SHOPPING:
Shopping is an elevated activity in KZN with entire routes dedicated to this pleasure. The Midlands Meander offers a wide variety of arts and crafts including pottery, sculptures and leather-work, ideally interspersed with stops at cosy inns for a taste of country fare and home-made brews with names like ‘Pickled Pig’ or ‘Pie Eyed Possum’. Ethnic Zulu pieces on the beaches, cultural villages and curio centres e.g. the Workshop include intricate beadwork, wood carvings, baskets and pottery. In Durban, the choices vary from luxury shopping mall merchandise to downtown Indian markets where you’ll find the best curry spices in the country and quality African craft items at the African Art Centre at Tourist Junction. Also visit the Heritage Market in Hillcrest for more local goods. Other places to shop include: Point Waterfront Fleamarket, The Pavillion, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, La Lucia Mall.
TOP ATTRACTIONS DESCRIPTION:
uKhahlamba-Drakensberg:
Park A gigantic mountain range filled with eco treasures, this World Heritage Site also has outstanding cultural properties in the approx. 6000 San rock art sites showing the earliest specimens of rock art where colour and dimension were introduced. Many endemic and threatened species can be found here e.g. the Bearded Vulture and unique alpine vegetation occurs. Well-marked trails make the area a hiker’s paradise, other ideal outdoor activities include fly-fishing, rock-climbing, mountain biking, ice climbing, abseiling, paragliding, horseriding and 4×4 trails. Don’t miss the famous Amphitheatre, Cathedral Peak, Giant’s Castle, the second highest waterfall in the world - the Thukela Falls and the majestic Mnweni Valley in the north to central area. In the south, find 26 peaks that are higher than 10,000 feet (3050m).
Greater St Lucia Wetland:
Park A World Heritage Site that is one of the last remaining sub-tropical areas containing its original diverse components of wild plants and animals. Five interlinked ecosystems can be found including a marine system, coastal dune system, lake systems, swamps and an inland system of ancient shoreline terraces and dry savannah. Don’t miss whale watching and also visit Sodwana Bay, a world-class diving destination also popular with fishermen. Here the rare ‘fossil’ fish, the ceolacanth, thought to be extinct, was recently captured on video.
Durban & surrounds:
South Africa’s third-largest city, Durban is Africa’s most successful convention destination and its ‘Golden Mile’ beachfront offer magnificent swimming beaches and sports facilities. Apart from this, the city’s cultural mix offers excellent entertainment and shopping, from energetic Zulu dances to the famous hot Indian curries. Try a traditional rickshaw ride while exploring.
The Midlands:
Often compared with the Midlands in England, this area comprises wide open areas of green hills, lush pastures and extensive forests. Follow the Midlands Meander, a world-class arts & crafts cottage industry along a well-organised route and don’t miss Howick Falls. Ideal for outdoor activities including whitewater rafting, also features top sports events e.g. the Midmar Mile - the world’s biggest inland swimming race.
South Coast:
A string of small holiday towns cater for fun-lovers all year round. Excellent conditions for bathing, surfing, fishing, scuba diving and dolphin and whale watching. Also known for its golf holidays with over 12 golf courses.
North Coast:
Sea-side resorts set in King Shaka territory, famous for its bottle-nose dolphins. Ideal for bathing, surfing, skin and scuba diving, rock and skiboat fishing or exploring the rock pools.
Zululand’s Game Parks:
The biggest concentration of game parks in the province, with the big bushveld game reserves of Mkuze and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi main attractions. Apart from Big 5 game viewing (lion, buffalo, rhino, leopard and elephant), the reserves are also renowned for its birds, especially Mkhuze, hippo, crocodiles and giraffe. While in the area, don’t miss one of the traditional Zulu villages; in some you can even sleep over in beehive huts. In September, the annual Royal Reed Dance at the Royal Residency of King Goodwill Zwelithini in Nongoma must not be missed.
The Battlefields:
Rich in history, this province features the largest concentration of Boer, British and Zulu battlefields in southern Africa. Numerous sites and routes can be explored with Isandlwana, Rorke’s Drift, Majuba, Spioenkop, Thalana and Blood River main battle sites that will be brought alive by the stories of a specialist tour guide.
Valley of 1000 Hills:
Starting approx. half an hour’s drive from Durban, a tourist route of craft shops, restaurants and magnificent scenery can be explored. Highlights include the PheZulu Safari Park for its Zulu warrior dancing, ethnic curios, bush drives, sangomas, crocodile and snake park; the 3-hour Choo Choo Train trip through the valley on the last Sunday of every month and the On Air raptor display, where you can watch raptors fly over the valley demonstrating their hunting techniques.
Gerald Crawford was born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: southafricantravelarticles@12234455.co.za Website Address: http://www.12234455.co.za
Tags: Gerald Crawford, Kwazulu Natal, South African, Travel TipsGerald Crawford, Kwazulu Natal, South African, Travel TipsShare This
The Free State Province of South Africa is dry, but far from dull, the Free State with its vast open spaces and cloudless blue skies offers those who like to explore, literally and figuratively, the ideal canvas.
Here outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy birding, game viewing, trophy hunting, hiking, horse riding, biking, 4×4 off-road driving, river rafting, fly-fishing, camping, climbing, spelunking or just relaxing in its more than 80 parks and reserves, such as the scenic Golden Gate Highlands National Park.
History buffs have many significant sites to delve into and those with geological interests will marvel at the meteorite-impact site at Vredefort, the world’s oldest crater.
CLIMATE:
The Free State is hot in summer (Dec-Feb) when most of the rain falls, but can be very cold in winter (Apr-Jul) with heavy frost over most of the province. Snow is often recorded on the eastern mountains and occasionally over the rest of the region.
SHOPPING:
Traditional dress; woven baskets; silk painting; bead work; ‘mampoer’ (alcohol distilled from fruit); red meat, game and ‘biltong’ (dried meat); cherry or asparagus products; original art; beautiful handcrafted items from Phuthaditjhaba; mohair rugs and sandstone products.
TOP TEN ATTRACTIONS DESCRIPTION:
Golden Gate:
Highlands National Park In the Maluti Mountains, named after the golden sandstone cliffs; the scenery is magnificent incl. the imposing Brandwag rock and the climate invigorating; staying over is a popular option for humans and animals alike in this highlands habitat
Bloemfontein:
The ‘City of Roses’, Bloemfontein boasts cultural and political significance, featuring sandstone architecture, important museums and monuments and a busy events calendar; don’t miss the Franklin Game Reserve, only one in the world completely surrounded by a city; the Macufe Festival in Sep; the Loch Logan Waterfront; the historical township jazz performances and the War Museum.
Parys and the Vredefort Dome:
Named after Paris, Parys is situated on the Vaal River in the Vredefort Dome - a crater caused by a massive meteorite which hit earth about 250 million years ago; in Parys, don’t miss the Golf Island in the middle of the Vaal and other water activities and at Vredefort, adventure junkies can go on hiking routes, see untouched San paintings and ruins of iron age settlements, rock climb and abseil; the 200km Dome is best seen from the air.
The Battlefields:
Many historic sites related to the Anglo-Boer War are to be found in the Free State. Explore 13 battlefield sites, 8 military monuments, 2 war museums and 3 war and concentration camp cemeteries. Some of the main battles of war in 1900 are: Paardeberg, Poplar Grove, Driefontein, Sannaspos, Mostertshoek, Jammerbergdrift, Sand River, Biddulphsberg, Yeomanry Hill, Roodewal, Surrender Hill and Doornkraal.
Xhariep / Gariep:
Meaning ‘Great River’; a vast open grassland fed by the 2000km Gariep Dam offering travellers endless vistas of open blue skies, starry nights and unpolluted air; land of farms, parks and reserves ideal for hunters and eco-tourists alike.
Towns of Thabo Mofutsanyana:
Clarens is a picturesque town described as the “Jewel of the Free State”, here artists and art galleries abound and photographers find the scenery a magnet in autumn and spring; Memel is fast becoming a birding mecca with over 350 species including many ’specials’ and 15 Red Data listed species, other attractions are the scenery and the spectacular Seekoeivlei Wetlands floodplain; Ficksburg is filled with adventure options from the usual hiking, fishing and game activities to the unusual such as altitude scuba diving (2650m above sea level) and ox-wagon adventures!
Eastern Highlands:
Breathtaking scenery in pristine area with snow-capped mountains, densely vegetated valleys and wild gorges; ideal for romantic hide-aways, trout-fishing, bird watching and hiking; don’t miss the Bushmen paintings.
Vaal River:
The inland water mecca of South Africa offering boundless water sport opportunities such as white water rafting, relaxed sailing, powerboating and water skiing; game farms, accommodation facilities, camping sites and a casino also feature; Deneysville and Jim Fouche Resort near Oranjeville are major venues.
Lejweleputswa (Free State Gold Fields):
Go on underground mine tours of some of the deepest mines in the world on the Goldfields Route; visit Welkom, one of the few cities in the world planned to completion before building where you can go on a trip to the world’s deepest wine cellar at 857m below the earth’s surface at St Helena Mine and see the Gold Museum in the city as well as Phakisa Freeway, one of the top 5 motor racing circuits in the world; Virginia was home to the richest gold reefs in 1946 and is a nature lover’s paradise.
Basotho Cultural Village, Qwa Qwa National Park:
Scenic Qwa Qwa National Park offers an authentic traditional African experience in the form of its Basotho Cultural Village; see the reed-and-stick structures and mud huts, drink sorghum beer, watch the weaving and have your fortune predicted by a local healer.
Gerald Crawford was born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: southafricantravelarticles@12234455.co.za Website Address: www.12234455.co.za
Tags: Free State, Gerald Crawford, South African, Travel TipsFree State, Gerald Crawford, South African, Travel TipsShare This
The North West Province is a diverse mix of wildlife reserves, cultural and heritage sites, archaeological treasures and entertainment resorts, such as the world-renowed pleasure spots of Sun City, its Lost City and Valley of the Waves, make this province attractive to the local and international tourist.
However, even though the combination of five-star casino resorts and the bush experience, as provided by the Pilanesberg National Park, is a winner, the province’s other attractions are culturally rich and of great importance. Sites and routes such as the Taung Archaeological site, where it was believed Darwin’s missing link was found, and the Crocodile River Ramble, exploring local arts and crafts along the way, are noteworthy.
Sport and outdoor enthusiasts will feel at home in these natural surroundings that cater for activities ranging from water-skiing to mountain-climbing, with the town of Mafikeng well-known for providing some of the best gliding conditions in the world.
CLIMATE:
The North West Province experiences warm to hot summers and cold to very cold winters. This province offers almost year-round sunshine meaning visitors will spend very few days indoors. The province enjoys a summer rainfall, which normally sees thunderstorms occurring in the late afternoon. Rain falls mainly between December and March, however the more west one travels the drier it becomes.
SHOPPING:
Shopping malls, antique shops, craft markets, art galleries as well as roadside vendors and stalls are plentiful throughout the province. Not-to-be-missed is the enjoyable Crocodile River Ramble shopping route. Good buys include fruit, biltong, home-made jams and preserves, mampoer (locally distilled liquor), local arts and crafts, ethnic clothing and fabrics.
TOP TEN ATTRACTIONS:
Sun City:
The complex boasts two world-famous golf courses, which annually host the Nedbank 2-million golf challenge, one of the richest invitational tournaments in the world. There is a full casino at the resort, revue theatres and restaurants for every taste. The Valley of the Waves is an inland sea enjoyed by all water and beach enthusiasts. Different tours can be taken including visits to the new cultural village and the botanical gardens.
Pilanesberg National Park:
Known as “Jewel of the North West” This unusual reserve, the fourth largest in South Africa, is set high in the Pilanesberg range and traverses the floor of a long-extinct volcano. The reserve is home to all the main African game species including The Big Five. For the more adventurous, hot-air balloon safaris can be arranged.
Mafikeng:
“The place of boulders”, Mafikeng offers numerous sporting facilities including two golf courses. There is a major conference centre, complemented by two excellent hotels and a casino. The town hosted the 2001 International Gliding Championships from its modern airport. Gliding conditions around Mafikeng are regarded as among the best in the world. A short distance from the town is the Mafikeng Game Reserve, well known as a breeding centre for rhino and other plains species.
Taung Archaeological Site:
“The place of the lion”, this is the location of the world-famous Taung archaeological site at the Buxton limestone quarry where, in 1924 the lime-encrusted skull of a child was discovered and later named Australopithecus africanus by the scientist, Dr Raymond Dart. The prehistoric skull - half man, half ape, is said to have provided the missing link in Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve:
Ideal stopover to enjoy a drive through Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve which has a variety of small and large antelope species and 256 bird species, with the option of staying over to take in some angling for carp and barbel on either the Bloemhof Dam or the Vaal River. Bloemhof Dam caters for water sports enthusiasts and is one of the prime angling destinations in South Africa hosting a number of major local and international angling competitions.
Potchefstroom:
The oldest town in South Africa, Potchefstroom was also the republic’s first capital. Attractions include the Potchefstroom Museum (in the house of the first president), The Old Fort and Museum, Totius House Museum, Andrew Carnegie Library and City Hall, Goetz Fleischack Museum, North West Command and Oak Avenue.
Rustenburg:
Platinum mining town of Rustenburg where huge deposits of this valuable mineral are mined. Rustenburg has its own Nature Reserve, which protects a large herd of the rare sable antelope. Visitors are allowed to hike in the park.
Hartbeesport Dam:
The Hartbeesport Dam nestles in the shadow of the Magaliesberg and is popular for fishing, boating, water-skiing and yachting. There is a mine, zoo and a couple of small holiday villages, including the attractive kosmos flowers around the dam.
Magaliesberg:
For local arts and crafts, a driving route which begins in Johannesburg and extends to the Magaliesberg area takes in the homes or shops of a host of artists, potters and craftspeople, known as the Crocodile River Ramble. There are a number of pleasant accommodation options and camping spots in the Magaliesberg area.
Mampoer Route:
Well known for the quality of its mampoer, a powerful home-brew made from fruit such as peaches and apricots. The Mampoer Route is about 60km long and introduces visitors to the secrets of the distilling process and also includes a visit to a trout breeding farm and a game farm.
Gerald Crawford was born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: southafricantravelarticles@12234455.co.za Website Address: http://www.12234455.co.za
Tags: Gerald Crawford, North West Province, South African, Travel TipsGerald Crawford, North West Province, South African, Travel TipsShare This