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 South Africa is known around the world for its nature preserves teeming with lions, leopards, elephants and other animals.The country also draws millions of tourists a year to its beaches and to fish in the waters of two oceans.
When?
The best time to visit South Africa is during the dry winter months between June and October. This period is excellent for game viewing, as well as hiking and other outdoor activities. This is also the Whale Watching season in South Africa.
How to Reach
?
By Air
Cape Town International Airport serves both domestic and international flights. It is the second-largest airport in South Africa and serves as a major gateway for travelers to the Cape region. Cape Town has direct flights to most cities in South Africa as well as a number of international destinations.
Visa
Citizens of India must get a visa prior to entering into South Africa.
Currency
One South African Rand (ZAR) = 100 cents. Most international credit cards are accepted, as are travellers cheques. Foreign currency may be exchanged at any commercial bank, American Express, Thomas Cook. Rennies Forex or Diners Club International office. Foreign visitors may reclaim VAT (Value-Added Tax) on purchases taken out of South Africa with a total value exceeding ZAR250, retain all invoices. VAT is levied at 14%.
Things To Do in
South Africa
Cape Town
The Western Cape is a province of extraordinary diversity and, with its numerous attractions and famous landmarks, offers various day tour and sightseeing. Cape Town, the "Mother City", offers beautiful white sandy beaches, Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront and just a few kilometers offshore, Robben Island. Further afield, view Bushman paintings by the original inhabitants of the Cape in the Cedarberg, enjoy the untarnished beauty of the wild West Coast, visit world-famous vineyards in the Cape Winelands , or enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Garden Route.
Beaches
Wherever you happen to be in Cape Town you're never more than a short drive from a stunning beach. And you're spoilt for choice so it really depends on what you want to do or where you want to be. The Atlantic Seaboard beaches are more stylish and this is where the beautiful people can to be seen working on their tans before heading to a trendy beachside bar for sundowners. In the Southern Peninsula you have more local beaches, which are good for walks, horse riding and water sports. And then on the False Bay side you have the warmer waters of the Indian Ocean, which make them ideal for families and those wanting a more leisurely experience.
Boulders Penguin Colony
Boulders Penguin Colony is home to a growing colony of the vulnerable African Penguin. Wooden walkways allow visitors to view the penguins in their natural habitat and there is also a new information centre. Children will love the penguins and their antics and Boulders Beach is also worth a stop for safe and enjoyable swimming.
Shopping
Cape Town shops have something for everyone and it’s relatively well priced for international travelers. If, however, you’re looking for International brands (particularly clothing brands) to be cheaper here then think again. From experience they seem to be either the same price or more expensive in Cape Town and things that are considered? High street? Overseas are positioned in the exclusive boutique stores here.
District Six Museum
District Six was named the Sixth Municipal District of Cape Town in 1867. Originally established as a mixed community of freed slaves, merchants, artisans, labourers and immigrants, District Six was a vibrant centre with close links to the city and the port. By the beginning of the twentieth century, however, the history of removals and marginalisation had begun.
Robben Island
For nearly 400 years, Robben Island, 12 kilometres from Cape Town, was a place of banishment, exile, isolation and imprisonment. It was here at Robben Island that rulers sent those regarded as political troublemakers, social outcasts and the unwanted of society
Two-ocean aquarium
Located in the V&A Waterfront, the Two Oceans Aquarium makes for a fascinating and exciting visit for the whole family. Offering a variety of display tanks, interactive experiences, a touch pool and the highly popular predators tank.
Kirstenbosch botanical garden
Established in 1913, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is one of the Seven Magnificent Botanical Gardens of the World. The 36 hectare landscaped gardens section merges seamlessly with the 492 hectares of shrub land cloaking the mountain slopes. About 9,000 of Southern Africa´s 22,000 flora species grow here and are best visited during early spring (Aug-Sept). Themed gardens include a Brail Trail, Fragrance Garden, a Useful Plants Garden, a Restio Garden (textured reeds) and a Waterwise Garden. You can reach the back of Table Mountain via the hiking trail that leads up through Skeleton Gorge.
Johannsberg
Johannesburg's City Centre is a vibrant juxtaposition of the first world and the third world. The central part of Jo'burg (as it is known among locals), whose tall skyscrapers are today a reminder of a previous era of commerce, has been returned to Africa. Most businesses have migrated to the northern suburbs, transforming downtown into a cacophony of African hawkers and traders who line the grids of streets in a colorful profusion.
Adventure of Africa
Johannesburg is a haven for adventure lovers. Once here you can go on an African adventure package that includes mountain biking, fly-fishing, hiking, bird watching, game viewing, micro light flying, river rafting and canoeing. These apart, game walks, game drives, country rides, bird parks, animal farms, flora farms, nature trails, and jewel gardens are some of the other options to choose from.
Strekfontein Caves
Lying west of Johannesburg, these caves are one of the world heritage sites. This apart, they are one of the richest and most productive paleo anthropological sites in the world.
Johannesburg Zoo
A perfect jungle- the Johannesburg zoo is a living classroom. Open very day of the year, from 0830 to 1730 hours it is a perfect place for people of all ages to relax and learn. For those interested in nocturnal wildlife, the park authorities offer a three hour tour which includes a short talk and slide show on the adaptations of night animals, a fun moonlight ride on the Zoo Ferry and short walks to visit the animals.
Lesedi Cultural Village
If you want to get a taste of rural Africa and its people, this is the best place to go. Set between Johannesburg and Pretoria, it is a collection of traditional family units housing elders, wives and children from various southern African tribes.
Randburg Waterfront
Randburg Waterfront offers a relaxed harbour like setting fringing a man-made lake fed by the Jukskei River. Restaurants, pubs, metro cinemas, entertainment areas, and a golf course line the waterfront making it one of the best sites to visit in Johannesburg. Over 40 retail stores cater to every need ranging from casual to chic. Besides, you can also indulge in water sports like scuba diving and water skiing; or let your adrenalin flow by going bungee jumping or go-carting.
Pretoria
It's here where colorful people from all around gather... where busting trade and scintillating nightlife is offset by the tranquility of nature's reserves. It’s Africa with a touch Europe and a pinch of oriental spice. Hooting taxis, cars old and new, buses and trains drive past hawkers selling an array of fresh fruit from surrounding farms
Church Square
Pretoria expanded around Church Square, at the intersection of Church Street and Paul Kruger Streets. The square is dominated by Anton van Wouw's fabulous bronze statue of Oom Paul, patriarch, president of the South African Republic (from 1883 until his flight into exile in 1900) and who is regarded as the "Father of Afrikanerdom".
African Window Museum
It is a centre for living culture and one of Pretoria's favourite tourist haunts. Apart from permanent exhibitions new exhibitions are on display regularly. One of the most dynamic museums in Pretoria.
Wonderboom Nature Reserve
About 90ha to protect a tree? Indeed, at this truly unique reserve establishment to protect a 23m tall 'wonder tree' which, after a millenium of survival, has a 50m diameter. Enjoy a lazy lunch in one of the many picnic spots.
Fountains Valley Nature Reserve
A 60ha recreational area at the source of the Apies River. A further 500ha have been set aside as a game and bird sanctuary. Hiking, swimming, camping, picnic, a restaurant, playpark and a small miniature locomotive are added attractions.
National Zoological Gardens
One of the finest zoological gardens in the world, covering 600ha of parklan in central Pretoria and home to about 3 500 southern African and exotic animals, including the world's largest antelope collection. Other attractions include the four great apes, mammals, the rare South American Maned Wolf, Indian Gaurs and Polish Prztwalski horses. An arial cableway runs across the gardens offering visitor a bird’s eye view of the attraction.
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