Sunny South Africa – The Cape
Picture watching a sunset with crashing waves on white sands whilst standing on a mountain. Then visualise standing on a rock scoping an open, endless landscape with wild animals running freely. Rich in gold and diamonds yet weak from a political disarray. The world watches their development and change through eyes of the media. Take a step closer and listen to the heartbeat of a country which has a distinct rhythm, welcome to sunny South Africa!
Now despite the crime rate and scary stories the news are so famous for publicising, there is an upside to South Africa that certainly needs more exposure. The Football World Cup 2010 added much fuel to support this, as millions of fans flew in from every part of the world to fill the stadiums of Cape Town, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Pretoria and Durban, just to watch their favourite team hopefully win. For the first time since Nelson Mandela’s release and election to President this country was displayed in bright, positively shining lights. The entertainment programme even incorporated a global perspective of acceptance by mixing international artists with South Africa’s Superstars. So let’s discover each province to unfold the treasures of this land.
In the south-eastern part of South Africa is where the Western Cape is found; it’s made of desert, seaside, forest, vineyards and a mountainous terrain. The best way to travel through the Cape (and all of South Africa) is to drive. It’s a scenic venture of ever-changing wide massive open spaces. When in Cape Town tourists just expect a city with a seaside. Don’t be mistaken, each suburb classed within the Cape Town area is unique. Simon’s Bay has penguins, Devil’s Peak is a mountain with an ocean view, Clifton is where the rich and famous hang out, Kirstenbosch’s incredible botanical garden is perfect for a picnic, Llandudno is a stunning hideaway beach off the beaten track, Robben Island (aka history museum of Nelson Mandela’s prison) is a short boat trip from the harbour and not forgetting the incredible hike across Table Mountain which overlooks the entire city and beyond. Culturally overflowing with music; from the annual Cape Town Minstrel by the Cape Malay’s (Cape Coloureds) to underground raves to theatre and South African jazz. Male and female singers, guitarists, drummers and dancers all head to this city to hit the big time.
Driving out of the city, great stopovers are in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. In these regions, some of South Africa’s best-selling wines are created. Spier vineyard is great fun; their restaurant tables are in tree-houses and they have these beautifully designer waterfalls streaming down them, plus the constant African music is just an added touch to the ambience. A sophisticated, Boschendale sits in a classic Cape styled home with stunning gardens to sit back relax and enjoy the sensational wine-tasting. Whilst La Petite Ferme has beautiful views over the whole of Franschhoek and most B&Bs organise either bicycle or mopehead hire for fun rides in and around town.
A couple of hours drive later wind your way around the Garden Route to Oudtshoorn for Ostrich riding over a more dessert plain or visit the Cango Caves and cheetah farm. Alternatively head east towards tranquil whale and dolphin watching in Hermanus. Further down the motorway is Wilderness for hiking and canoeing, as well as Tsitsikamma for the thrilling bung jumping off the world famous Blouberg Bridge or more hiking in Tsitsikamma’s National Park. Other hotspots are Jeffrey’s Bay for top surfing, Grahamstown National Arts Festival in June, and a safari at Lalibela, Addo Elephant Park or the private 5* Shamwari Game Reserve.
The Cape is scenic, safe and serene. There is a calm which lies across this part of South Africa’s land where many retire to for a slower pace of life. A typical saying for South Africans to laugh about Capetonian drivers, because they drive so slowly! To discover more about South African adventures, read Sunny South Africa – Jo’burg, Durbs & the Free State.
Author Bio:-The author is a music band owner which offers its services to a variety of class especially five star hotels in Asia. There are several music bands which performs live shows six days a week. The band offers Band Job and Music Jobs jobs across the world.
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