Vista Point CAPE TOWN South Africa

Vista Point CAPE TOWN South Africa

Located on the southern edge of Africa and lying at the foot of Table Mountain, the metropolis of Cape Town is certainly one of the world's most beautiful cities, an exciting combination of Africa, Europe and the Caribbean.

In the park-lined Government Avenue and Queen Victoria Street there's a wonderful collection of well-restored Victorian houses and the Anglican St.Georges Cathedral is where Archbishop Desmond Tutu protested against Apartheid.

Part of the historic harbour is the Victoria And Alfred Waterfront. In 1860, Prince Alfred ordered construction of a new harbour basin, followed by the Victoria Basin that contained two watchtowers. Today, the whole of the old port is an internationally-styled entertainment and shopping complex. The two large water tanks in the harbour's Two Ocean Aquarium contain around 3,000 examples of sea life from the Indian and Atlantic oceans. In the adjoining South African Maritime Museum there are examples of the city's historic ships, its fishing industry and details on the construction of its outstanding harbour.

Robben Island is situated 11 km. off the coast and in the 16th century the Dutch used it as a prison. During apartheid, political prisoners were incarcerated there, the prison's most famous inmate having been Nelson Mandela who spent 18 years of his 28 year sentence on the island. After the closure of the prison, in 1997 the South African government opened both the island and its former prison to the public. Thus the face of Robben Island changed from being a place of terror and suppression to one of pilgrimage, a symbol of resistance and also a major tourist attraction!

The Cape Of Good Hope is the southernmost tip of Africa and since1936 this section of the Cape Peninsula has been a nature reserve.

Cape Town and its environs are completely different to the normal expectations of Africa. No desolate bush land reaching to the horizon and no life-threatening wild animals. But it's certainly another remarkable and beautiful dimension to South Africa's magnificent Garden Of Eden!

Vista Point JOHANNESBURG South Africa

Vista Point JOHANNESBURG South Africa

Johannesburg is the commercial centre of South Africa. Since gold was first discovered, everything has revolved around money and from the 50th floor of Africa's tallest building, The Carlton Towers, there is an all-engulfing view of the city's narrow streets and jungle of concrete and glass.

The African Museum is a contemporary building and one of South Africa's most exquisite landmarks, it contains a large variety of geological exhibits and detailed accounts of the city's past surface mining that gave rise to the country's massive gold rush. The resistance to apartheid is also illustrated, as well as that of the history of Africa's native inhabitants who journeyed from present day Botswana to the south of the country.

Gold Reef City is a large historical theme park that features the Johannesburg of pioneering times and focuses on the clothing, houses and entertainments of the country's golden years. On display are some of the old mining wagons that the workers used to transport the precious rock from the unforgiving mines and there's also a chance to see the liquid gold as it is turned into bullion and processed as gold coins.

In contrast to Johannesburg, Pretoria grew at a calmer pace and has developed from a Boer farming municipality into South Africa's administrative capital. Located on a hill is the Vortrekker Monument that is a reminder of the Boers' Great Trek and, in 1830, the crucial battle in which they defeated the Zulus.

Sun City is a magnificent fantasy world full of African ambience and the Sun City Hotel is the casino that made Sol Kerzner the richest man in South Africa, whereas the futuristic Cascades Hotel derived its name from its wonderful setting of waterfalls, pools and lush plant life.

Johannesburg and this whole region of South Africa is THE sunshiny place to be!

Nature Parks KRUGER NATIONAL PARK South Africa

Nature Parks KRUGER NATIONAL PARK South Africa

In 1898, a small area between Sabie and Crocodile River was designated as a National Wild Animal Reserve, thus making the Kruger National Park Africa's oldest animal sanctuary. It is 450 kilometres long and about 55 kilometres wide and is one of the largest animal parks in the world, with 147 animal species, over 500 bird varieties, and 114 different reptiles.

The Kruger Park is divided into three areas. Whilst bush land and mopane trees form the northern half, the wide grass plains of the central region are home to a large number of wild animals. In the lush vegetation of the southern half, that consists mainly of acacia trees and bush land, is the preferred habitat of rhinos, hippos and many other wild animals.

The elephant, rhino, African buffalo, lion and leopard make up the so-called 'Big Five' of the Kruger National Park and in spite of its dry climate there is an immense variety of plant life with a rich assortment of trees, bushes, grasses, ferns, climbers and herbaceous plants.

Located on the southern bank of the Sabie Rive, the Skukuza Camp is the park's organisational centre and can accommodate over 1000 visitors. In 1902, this location was the base camp for the co-founder of the Kruger National Park, Colonel Stevenson-Hamilton. The camp is situated on the 'Lion Safari Road', one of the five most favoured routes for observing animals in the entire park, and a well maintained road network connects the park's 24 camps with the most interesting sights.

On the edge of the park's winding sandy tracks there is often a chance encounter with a prowling hyena and the road itself is popular with rhinos and many other creatures that appear to be determined to be photographed by anxious tourists!

The Kruger National Park that was once the Mecca of the Big Game Hunter is now an idyllic paradise of Nature and a veritable Noah's Ark for much of Africa's wildlife.

Nature Wonders KNYSNA -Garden Of Eden South Africa

Nature Wonders KNYSNA -Garden Of Eden South Africa

Two impressive sandstone cliffs known as The Heads flank the magnificent lagoon of Knysna on the South African coast close to the Indian Ocean. The Knysna Lagoon is not only popular with tourists as the combination of both salt and freshwater from the Outeniqua Mountains also attracts many endangered species of fish. The lagoon is home to the rare Knysna Seahorse that is otherwise known as the Hipocampus Capensis.

Moving inland from the estuary and the two Heads the water becomes increasingly calm. Indeed it is difficult to believe that only a few kilometres away lies one of the most treacherous and feared coastlines in the world. But beyond the lagoon's rocks and boulders all is peaceful and idyllic, a place where ornithologists can observe a large variety of birdlife.

7 Days SOUTH AFRICA

7 Days SOUTH AFRICA

Johannesburg is the commercial centre of South Africa. Since gold was first discovered there, everything has revolved around money and from the 50th floor of Africa's tallest building, The Carlton Towers, there is an all-engulfing view of the city's narrow streets and jungle of concrete and glass. The African Museum is a contemporary building and one of South Africa's most exquisite landmarks, it contains a large variety of geological exhibits and detailed accounts of the city's past surface mining that gave rise to the country's massive gold rush. The resistance to apartheid is also illustrated, as well as the history of Africa's native inhabitants who journeyed from present day Botswana to the south of the country. In contrast to Johannesburg, Pretoria grew at a calmer pace and has developed from a Boer farming municipality into South Africa's administrative capital. Located on a hill is the Vortrekker Monument that is a reminder of the Boers' Great Trek and, in 1830, the crucial battle in which they defeated the Zulus. Sun City is a magnificent fantasy world full of African ambience and the Sun City Hotel is the casino that made Sol Kerzner the richest man in South Africa, whereas the futuristic Cascades Hotel derived its name from its wonderful setting of waterfalls, pools and lush plant life. The route travels northeast over the misty and one time heavily defended Drankens Mountains in the direction of the Kruger Park that extends along the border with Mosambique. From Kruger, the journey continues across Swaziland and Kwazulu Natal to Port Elizabeth on the Indian Ocean's south coast. Along the rocky coastline a road leads to the southernmost tip of Africa, the Cape Of Good Hope. For those lucky enough to experience it, the drive on the spectacular mountain road around the Cape is an amazing adventure. One of the many natural wonders of this unique land that unites European influence with African pride.

Nature Wonders KRUGER PARK South Africa

Nature Wonders KRUGER PARK South Africa

South Africa is famous for its exceptional natural beauty and amazing variety of flora and fauna and in this respect the Kruger National Park is somewhat akin to a modern day
Noah's Ark.

The park's Black Rhinos were once an endangered species due to ruthless poaching but now the park is a welcome sanctuary for these wonderful creatures and it also protects the Hyena as well as the African continent's most endangered predator, the Wild Dog.

In the dry season most of the park's wildlife gathers around a few remaining waterholes and
it is then the perfect time to observe the animals at close quarters.

The fascinating fauna that is to be found in South Africa along with its incredible range of wildlife, scenery and unique ambience, deserves far more than just a flying visit.

Let's Shop Johannesburg South Africa

Let's Shop Johannesburg South Africa

Join Cheryll in Johannesburg, South Africa, a modern and diverse city with a unique energy. While in this vibrant city, Cheryll discovers local crafts, learns more about the antiapartheid movement, and shops for exquisite tanzanite jewelry.

Episode highlights include:

- Find contemporary ethnic home accessories at Hilmond Weavers & Interiors.

- Wind your way through the stalls at Rosebank Rooftop Market, an African craft market likened to a living museum where art from different African tribes is represented.

- Take in the bold colors, cool cuts, and trendy, bold designs at Big Blue.

- Enjoy warm hospitality and traditional African foods at Wandie's Place, the first restaurant in the Johannesburg area to serve native Africans.

- Visit Amara, where native women learn skills as modern artists and jewelry designers. They add novel touches to ancient crafts and provide for their families at the same time.

Nature Wonders BLYDE RIVER CANYON South Africa

Nature Wonders BLYDE RIVER CANYON South Africa

Blyde River Canyon is 26 kilometres long and over 800 metres deep and is one of the most beautiful regions of the Transvaal Drakens Mountains in South Africa.

The first glimpse of its circular rock formations and it is evident why Blyde River Canyon is considered to be one of the greatest natural wonders in Africa. The red sandstone cliffs are almost vertical and in some sections measure several hundred metres down to the canyon and river below. Indeed, after the Grand Canyon in the United States and Namibia's Fish River Canyon, Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world.

South African Safari

South African Safari

Go wild and explore the world in one country! From deserts to jungles and everything in between, South Africa 's biodiversity is truly amazing for a nation its size. Not surprisingly, nine out of ten tourists come to experience the country's incredible wildlife and spectacular scenery. So come with us on a Safari from Kruger to the Kalahari and the Cape to Karoo. Visit Namaqualand - "Garden of the Gods." Tour the verdant valleys of the Cape Winelands. Soar the heights of the Drakensburg - "Mountains of the Dragon." Chug along the "Garden Route" on the Outeniqua Choo-Choo. Stay at some of the loveliest and most unique resorts in the country. Encounter the "King of Beasts" in the "King of Parks" -- Kruger National Park. Ride an Ostrich in Outdshoorn - "Feather Capital of the World." Feel the rhythm and spirit of Swazi dancers. Explore the red sands of the Kalahari. Experience Cape Town from the clouds to the coast - and so much more!

Nature Parks CAPE PENINSULA Cape Of Good Hope, South Africa

Nature Parks CAPE PENINSULA Cape Of Good Hope, South Africa

The incomparable Cape Peninsula National Park is located in the southernmost region of South Africa. A day's car journey around the peninsula through its unique and richly contrasting landscape is a most beautiful and spectacular experience that is without equal.

On the huge Peninsula's temperate yet windy eastern coastline innumerable round boulders appear as strange stone monuments adding even more drama to this incredible part of the world.

The eight thousand hectares of the Cape Of Good Hope Nature Reserve cover the southern section of the peninsula. Since 1998 it has been part of the Cape Peninsula National Park through which there are many scenic roads that lead to a variety of fascinating locations.

Twenty five different species of protea thrive in the region's pastureland along with a hundred and thirty nine plant species and fifty two varieties of orchid. The abundant array of floral splendour is indescribable and makes the Cape a veritable Garden Of Eden.

Nature has no limits on the coastline of the Cape and each rock and cliff contains a myriad of colour, form and dimension. The rocks stand out like noble and protective guards, staring out into the endless horizons of the universe.

Such beauty can be found nowhere else. Cape Peninsula is an untouched natural landscape - a paradise at the end of the world!

Kruger National Park South Africa Safari

Kruger National Park South Africa Safari

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Nature Wonders TSITSIKAMMA South Africa

Nature Wonders TSITSIKAMMA South Africa

Originally, today´s Tsitsikamma National Park consisted of two individual nature reserves, one inland and the other located along South Africa's coastline and in 1989 the two parks were united thus a unique and successful combination of land, forest and water came into being.

Dense forest covers vast sections of the nature reserve. Mighty fifty metre high yellowwood trees surround the park's various walking trails including the most famous, spectacular and oldest hiking route in South Africa, the Otter Trail, that extends for more than forty kilometres.

While walking through the park the sound of the roaring surf of the frequently stormy Indian Ocean is always within earshot. The nature reserve does not end at the coastline as it stretches five kilometres into the sea where it is possible to spot the occasional whale.

Nature Parks TSITSIKAMMA South Africa

Nature Parks TSITSIKAMMA South Africa

One half of the Tsitsikamma Park is located in South Africa's Western Cape and the other in the Eastern Cape. During Europe's winter months many of the world's 830 bird species migrate to South Africa and it's not unusual to come across a meadow that contains hundreds of eye-catching storks and anything from a pygmy shrew that weighs only a few ounces to the elephant that weighs several tons.

20,000 varieties of plants, about 10% of all the plants in the world, grow in South Africa and of these, 8000 are to be found in the Cape region.

Tsitsikamma is the country's first National Marine Park, its 65,000 hectares including an 80-kilometre coastline.

With 24,000 varieties of flowering plants, South Africa breaks all records. Many kinds of Cape flora have found their way to Europe, such as the geranium, lily and gladioli. The park contains an abundance of cacti of all shapes and sizes and an amazing 600 varieties of heather.

Following the coastline is the narrow footpath of the Waterfall Trail, an impressive route that leaves an indelible impression. This section of the Cape region is considered to be one of the world's most beautiful coastlines.

For some time, Tolkien lived in Knysna and while visiting this region was inspired to write his world famous novel, The Lord of the Rings. The ancient forests captivate far less poetically ambitious people than Tolkien as each visitor becomes totally immersed in this green fairytale world and soon nurtures a special respect for it. And, who knows, if one looks very closely, perhaps a goblin or a fairy will appear from behind a fern!

Well laid-out, easy to cover, and yet unique. The Tsitsikamma National Park provides its visitors with a remarkable blend of tranquillity and adventure.

EXTRAVAGANZA SUN CITY South African Paradise

EXTRAVAGANZA SUN CITY South African Paradise

EXT-DVD-14 - SUN CITY Sun City is the Las Vegas of South Africa and is located just 140 kilometres west of Johannesburg. It's a feast of lavish hotels, entertainment and fantasy amid an abundance of African ambience. Water World is the perfect paradise for water sport enthusiasts. Kept at a constant temperature, a 750 metre long artificial lake offers many exciting features, including water skiing, parasailing and windsurfing. The Sun City Hotel and its spacious, luxuriant gardens and playful water fountains is an ideal place to relax or to gamble the hours away - whether Black Jack, American Roulette or Stud Poker, the hotel's casino will satisfy the needs of all those who want to take a chance. It's the largest casino outside America! The Cascades Hotel has 243 luxurious rooms and suites that provide a magnificent view of the hotel's tropical gardens and golf course. To maximise the leisurely atmosphere, water is put to good use as gigantic fountains and subtle water displays calm the African heat. The hotel's fascinating garden is best visited with an expert guide as due to its large wealth of flora and fauna it has all the variety of a formal botanical garden. The hotel's amusement park is like something from another world, with deep gorges, mighty rocks and amazing waterfalls. The Valley of Waves means turquoise-coloured water and a white sandy beach scattered with palm trees as well as an extraordinary 6500 m² swimming pool with computer-controlled, often dramatic, artificial waves. The Palace of the Lost City is a unique fantasy creation. The atrium contains a fresco with motifs of African animals and the 30 metre high cupola is a reminder of Rome's Sistine Chapel, African style. The richly decorated building with its cupolas and 70 metre tall towers is like a fantastic jungle palace. Sun City -- the perfect name for perfect entertainment!

South Africa Adventures

South Africa Adventures

We explored Cape Town before heading to our one week photo safari at the Zulu Nyala Game Lodge. City tours included the major tourist attractions including the Castle of Good Hope, the District 6 Museum, and the Langa Township. There we drank beer at a sheeban, were offered cures from a medicine man and sang at a daycare with preschoolers.

We flew to Durban and rented a car for the journey to the Zulu Nyala Game lodge where the movie "I Dream of Africa" was filmed.

Global Treasures - Robben Island - Cape Town - South Africa

Global Treasures - Robben Island - Cape Town - South Africa

A boat leaves the South African city of Capetown and heads for Robben Island which lies just 11 km. off the coast. In the 16th century, the Dutch used the island as a prison but only the remains of later buildings survived.

During apartheid, political prisoners were incarcerated there, the prisons most famous inmate having been Nelson Mandela who spent 18 years of his 28 year sentence on the island. He secretly wrote the first part of his memoirs there as well as numerous love letters to his former wife.

The islands museum is full of fascinating information about the prison, its former conditions and the everyday life of its inmates. Up until the 1970s the prison didnt possess a dining hall or any modern sanitation. In the course of time, conditions slowly improved even though contact with the outside world was prohibited. Visitors, and even radio news broadcasts, were prohibited.

After the closure of the prison, in 1997 the South African government opened both the island and its former prison to the public. Thus the face of Robben Island changed from being a place of terror and suppression to one of pilgrimage, a symbol of resistance and also a major tourist attraction!