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South
Africa Attractions and Activities
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Much to Do, So Little Time - South Africa Tourist Attractions. |
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SOUTH AFRICAN BEACHES The perfect place to relax during your South African holiday. White soft sand beaches. Tidal pools. Crashing waves. Warm or cold seawater. Depending on whether you are on the west coast or the south coast, you will have a different beach experience. Water temperature can vary 10'c depending on which side you visit. This is due to the cold water current coming up the west coast from the Antarctic and the warm Mozambique current coming down the east coast. You will discover beaches that go on for miles, where only your footprints disturb the sand, or popular spots where it seems all of Cape Town are having fun. The Atlantic & Indian Oceans meet at Cape Agulhas, the Southern most tip of the Africa. |
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SEGWAY
TOURS A whole new and unique method of travel experiences awaits you. The two wheel gyroscopically controlled and balanced SEGWAY awaits to transport you along intriguing paths through the scenic forests. 1 or 2 hour guided Off-Road tours through the Tsitsikamma forest are full of fun experiences. Ask Selftours to include this GARDEN ROUTE ADVENTURE tour into your self drive package |
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WHALE WATCHING & WHALE
TOURS A must see on your South African seaside holiday. The Southern Right Whale, so named because it was "the right whale to catch". usually arrive in June and stay until late November. The peak season when whale sightings are virtually guaranteed, is July to October. Calving season is between August and September and the whale population peaks in October. Due to the close proximity to the shore where the whales swim, the Cape coast is considered to have one of the best land based whale viewing sites in the world. Reproduced with permission of the Centre for Dolphin Studies |
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TABLE MOUNTAIN TOURS Probably the most popular sight in South Africa, overlooking the city of Cape Town. 1051meters above sea level. Famous for the Cableway. Take a trip to the top and view the entire peninsula. See the city of Cape Town in front of you, Robben Island in Table Bay, Lions Head and Devils Peak on either side, with the Twelve Apostles sitting majestically behind you. This range of mountains overlooks the famous beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, with a view extending down to Cape Point. At night Table Mountain is floodlit. This attraction is a must-see on your Cape Town Holiday. |
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TABLE MOUNTAIN CABLEWAY Recently updated, the cableway operates every day. During the summer, times are extended. The interior of the Table Mountain Cableway car makes one full revolution on each trip, allowing everyone an opportunity to marvel at the breathtaking view. Add this to your things to do in Cape Town Why not use the Topless Bus which stops at the cable way station - see below |
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TOPLESS BUS TOURS IN AND AROUND
CAPE TOWN What better way to see Cape Town than relaxing aboard a topless bus touring the city and surrounds? Two routes are available, th  e
short city Red Route and the longer Blue Route going
as far as Kirstenbosch Gardens and Hout Bay. Buy a day pass
and hop-on and hop-off as many times as you want.An excellent day excursion, see Cape Town and the Cape Peninsular. Red Route departs every 15minutes, Blue Route every 30 minutes. Main depot at the Aquarium in the V&A Waterfront, though you can jump on at any of the many stops the buses make - speak to SELFTOURS and have one of these excursions built into your tour package - save on a days car hire! .......... Highly recommended. |
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CAPE AGULHAS -
southern most tip of Africa Take a drive down to the lighthouse and stroll around the southern most tip of Africa. The place where the warm Indian Ocean meets with the colder Atlantic Ocean, the area once named by ancient marinas as, The Cape of Storms. A point where many overland adventures start when crossing across Africa and many south bound adventures end. On the Agulhas east side it boasts of the longest uninterrupted sandy beach in South Africa. A 'must see' if you are travelling along the Cape Garden Route eastwards from Cape Town. |
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MALGAS PONTOON FERRY Travel the scenic route via Malgas on a gravel road, where you will cross the Breede River on the country's last hand-pulled pontoon ferry and get the feel of timeless Africa. The Malgas pontoon ferry crosses the Breede river and has been in existence for more than 172 years. The current ferry has been operating since 1952. |
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THE BLUE TRAIN Voted "The World's Leading Luxury Train" at the World Travel Awards, for four consecutive years. Travel between Johannesburg and Cape Town by Blue Train and various other destinations. The Blue Train is unique - it is not merely a train but combines the luxury of the world's leading hotels with the charm of South African Rail Travel. Think of it as an inclusive holiday with the opportunity to view South Africa's spectacular landscape and visit interesting attractions along the way. The Blue Train cuisine puts sheer good taste on a plate while butler personal attention puts you on a pedestal. It's a journey of a lifetime for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Pretoria to Cape Town or vice versa (1 600 kilometres or 994 miles), with guests spending one night on the train. |
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VISIT AN OSTRICH PALACE & RIDE
AN OSTRICH Visit an Ostrich Palace from a bygone era, when the famous ostrich feathers were the height of fashion amongst the noble ladies of the major capitals of the world. The palaces are reminders of the riches once associated with the "feather boom". Visit the curio shops and purchase fine ostrich leather goods as a memento of your South African visit. You will also have the opportunity to ride an ostrich and learn about these strange birds. Try an ostrich steak and some dried ostrich meat called "biltong". Another winner on your Garden Route Tour. |
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CANGO CAVES The caves are one of South Africa's 10 most visited tourist attractions. The two largest chambers spread over an easy kilometre of spell-binding beauty. Marvel at the stalagmites and stalactites. Regular conducted tours are operated daily at the Cango Caves. We can include this into your Garden Route holiday |
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SWARTBERG & MEERINGSPOORT MOUNTAIN
PASSES The 27 km Swartberg Pass is considered one of the finest mountain passes in the world: an untarred earthen road that winds to the summit 1583 metres above sea level in the steep zigzags and sudden switchbacks with breathtaking views at every turn. Built in the 1880s with 240 local prisoners. A very interesting piece of civil engineering for its time with embankments built much like the Romans did years ago with NO cement. The road is supported in places by hand-packed stone walls, a trademark of brilliant road engineer Thomas Charles Bain. Along the way there are relics of an old prison, toll hut and other interesting historical sites. Often covered with snow in winter. Have lunch in the little Karoo town of Prince Albert and return through the shear red granite cliffs of the Meiringspoort Pass to Oudtshoorn for the evening. An excellent days activity while on holiday in South Africa. |
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BARTHOLOMEW DIAZ MUSEUM Bartholomew Diaz was the first European navigator whose discovery in 1488 of the Cape of Good Hope showed Europeans there was a feasible route to India around the storm-driven southern tip of Africa. Visit the museum and be amazed at the true life-size replica of his original Caravel boat that sailed from Portugal to the Cape. Discover the mystery of the Post Office tree still growing outside the museum all these years later. Next door watch craftsmen hand crafting model sailing ships of yesteryear. Take in some history in Mossel Bay, en-route from Cape Town to Knysna. |
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ROBBEN ISLAND Take the luxury half hour cruise to the island and learn of the mysteries dating back to when the Dutch first start using the island as a prison colony over 400 years ago. Unwilling inhabitants included slaves from various parts of Africa and Asia, political and religious Muslim leaders who opposed Dutch colonialism in East Asia. Lepers, the sick, the mentally disturbed and during World War ll, French Vichy prisoners. The most famous prisoner was undoubtedly, our first President of the New South Africa, Mr. Nelson Mandela, who was interned here. Find out about Plaatjies, a mental patient - every time he built a boat to escape, the hospital attendants destroyed it. Add this to your list on exploring Cape Town. |
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ZULU KRAAL Imagine being transported in an ox drawn cart up to a Zulu Kraal, being entertained by the Zulu Warriors and Zulu maidens, savouring their meals and home brewed beer, all to the rhythm of the Zulu drums - and then join in with the dancers around the open fire under the stars of the African sky. This is truly experiencing the real Africa. As sleep takes over you slump into you own hut for the night under the protection of the warriors of the Royal House. In the morning you enjoy breakfast and a short talk on Zulu culture. Get to know a 'Sangoma' (witch doctor) let them throw the bones for you and tell you your fortune. Experience real African culture on your self-drive tour of South Africa. |
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BUNGY JUMPING
For those who wish to really pump up their adrenalin, the southern Cape coastline offers some exhilarating bridge jumps. Bloukranz Bridge is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the highest bungee jump in the world at 216 meters. (Note the size of the lorry crossing the bridge). Even if it is not for you, it is well worth holding your breath and watching others. On your selfdrive tour of South Africa you can stop off for as long as you want and watch these adrenalin seeking daredevils Some stats - the free fall takes 5 seconds, the stretching of the Bungy rope takes another 2 seconds. The first rebound is higher than the Victoria Falls Bridge jump and the second rebound is higher then the Gouritz Bridge, which is 65 meters. Your body accelerates to around 120mph before decelerating - Awesome stuff!! - Another highlight on the Garden Route. An adventure holiday highlight. |
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SEAL ISLAND BOAT TOURS Seal Island boat tours have been operating since 1989 and are based in the famous fishing village of Hout Bay offering daily scenic cruises to one of Cape Town's main attractions. Join the boat cruise to Duiker Island to see thousands of Cape Fur Seals in their natural environment and some of the most spectacular scenery the Cape Peninsula has to offer. While aboard you are surrounded with breath-taking scenery of the famous Chapmans Peak Drive and the Sentinel Mountain. Join us on a longer cruise to view the seals and the Shipwreck in Maori Bay. Why not use the Topless Bus which stops at Marinas Wharf, Hout Bay - see above |
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WINE FARMS Treat yourself to a wine tasting experience. Savour the fruits of some of South Africa's world renowned wines. You can purchase wines and have them shipped directly back to your home. Either explore the farms at your own pace in your self-drive car, or we will organise a guided wine tour of the winelands for you. |
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NATURE TRAILS & HIKING Knysna abounds with various nature / hiking trails. One of the most popular of these trails is the guided Featherbed Nature Trail with spectacular views over looking the Knysna lagoon. The excursion
starts with a ferry crossing to Featherbed Nature Reserve. You
are then transported to the top of the Western Head. After a
comfortable downhill walk through unspoilt indigenous bush with magnificent
views, a buffet lunch is served before the ferry boat returns you
across the lagoon. Suitable for all mobile age groups. |
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FISHING Trout fishing in the country's rivers, surf fishing from the beaches, or from harbour walls - we have it all. Deep sea fishing is popular for the keen big game fisherman. Our fish are some of the finest in the world and the varieties are vast, due to the warm ocean current on one coast and the cold current on the other. |
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PLANNING A SELF DRIVE SAFARI Africa is the continent associated with a wide variety of wildlife and South Africa boasts some of the finest wild game parks in Africa. These vary from state owned to privately owned parks, and range from the Kruger Park in the north, to the Addo Elephant Park and Shamwari Game Park in the south. View the Big Five. You have a wide choice and you will find something for everyone. Self drive Kruger tours or guided 4x4 game drive safaris to guided bush walks - we cater for all your needs. During your travels in the country areas you are still likely to spot a variety of buck, eagles and other birds of prey near the roadside. |
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PADDLE CRUISER Enjoy a romantic evening dinning aboard the Knysna Paddle Cruiser while paddling across the Knysna Lagoon . There are a few cruises available on the Knysna lagoon including sailing, ferries to the Featherbed nature reserve an to floating mobile restaurants catering for all occasions. Enjoy relaxing day while on holiday in South Africa |
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MONKEYLAND See a wide variety of primate species in their natural habitat. Monkeyland offers you a gentle gui ded
one hour walking safari through the forest conducted by experienced
game rangers where you can expect to see many species of monkeys and
forest dwelling birds. You will not only find the tour very
interesting and informative, but educational as well. A day
very well spent. Afterwards enjoy refreshments and light meals
on the sun deck of the lodge while the monkeys swing between the trees
around you. A living forest experience for every age group that will
stay with you forever. If you are enjoying a South African
children's holiday then this is a must the little ones will be as
fascinated as will the parents. Monkeys for Africa! |
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BIRDS OF EDEN Considered the worlds largest free flying aviary in the world covering an area of over 2 hectares (5 acres) with 80 tons of wire mesh suspended 35 meters above the forest floor. The aviary houses approximately 3000 birds of 220 different species of some of the most beautiful birds in the world. Idea day excursion for the entire family of all age groups. The sanctuary has its own mysterious ruin, which incorporates a walk-behind waterfall. Another feature is its amphitheatre, which has the ability to seat over 200 visitors. Truly a bird lovers paradise and certainly something not to be missed while touring South Africa. |
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WALK
WITH THE CHEETAHS AND OTHER WILD CATS Wildlife Awareness Centre offers a close encounter with South Africa’s smaller indigenous cats, cheetah, leopard and other endangered wildlife, whilst supporting our wildlife rehabilitation programme. Guests are taken on a guided tour to meet captive-bred furry felines, living in a semi-natural environment. So close, you can hear them purr ........ Another great activity to enjoy in the Garden Route while enjoying your South African Holiday |
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HORSE RIDING Organised horse trails can be arranged in most areas with trails along the beaches and through the forests being the most popular. You do not have to be an expert, novices are catered for too. You can incorporate seeing some of South Africa from the saddle during your South African holiday tour. Horse trails in Knysna are a very popular family activity. |
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SCUBA DIVING The "Cape of Storms" is well known for its many shipwrecks and coral reefs. Ships have floundered on the coast, from the earliest explorers to modern times. The north east of South Africa has many beautiful reefs for Scuba Diving. Day trips can be arranged for Scuba adventure enthusiasts. |
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SURFING Any surfer knows that South Africa offers some of the world's top surfing beaches. The entire coastline offers the ultimate in waves. J Bay, Victory Bay, and Durban, thunder with the sound of Surf. At some locations surf board hire is available. Learn to Kite Surf in Cape Town, or ride the perfect wave in J-Bay (Jefferys Bay). |
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SAILING Yachts and powerboats can be hired at certain locations. Charters and short daily cruises, down to excursions and hourly cruises are offered at most harbours with public waterfront activities. Popular venues are Cape Town Waterfront and Knysna Waterfront for various cruises. Add a romantic cruise to your honeymoon tour of South Africa. |
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MEET THE PEOPLE
- people at peace with their existence Meet the people of South Africa in places few have visited before. This off the beaten track tour is fully guided and gives you a unique opportunity to meeting some of our communities and see how they have built a life for themselves doing a wide variety of crafts and little businesses. In the Outeniqua foothills you will travel with your guide down back roads and byways of this beautiful and historical area. Meet the real people in their homes and in their villages. See demonstrations of their craft handed down over generations. From a carpenter, a brick maker, a paraplegic making leather goods, artwork, coffee roasting , ladies with their hand embroidery, traditional Spaza shop..... All very interesting and fascinating. |
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GOLF COURSES Golf is a very popular pastime in SA. There are many beautiful golf courses and golfing estates where several famous golfers live and enjoy year- round golfing. Many golf courses have magnificent views of the sea and mountains. Some world renowned courses are - The Gary Player at Sun City, Pezula in Knysna (so large an electric golf cart is a must), Fancourt at George (venue for the Presidents Cup in 2003), the Royal Cape in Cape Town to name but a few. Self drive golf holiday tours and safaris are popular - book yours now. |
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CASINOS Gambling at casinos was illegal in South Africa before 1994. There are now many spectacular casinos across South Africa. Sun City being the biggest casino complex in Africa, based around a Las Vegas theme in the middle of darkest Africa. High rollers or families - our casinos cater for everyone. |
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RESTAURANTS Restaurants are of a high standard and cater for every possible taste from fast food to sumptuous five star dining. European, Italian and Oriental restaurants can be found in all cities. Whether you like Steakhouses or popular fast-food outlets like Wimpy, McDonalds or KFC, they are abundant. A Big Mac will cost you R35.00 (Less than US$5.00) and a 3 course restaurant meal can cost around R100.00 (Less than US$15.00) including an excellent bottle of local wine. Try the local fish dishes, or something more exotic, like venison or ostrich - whatever your tastes are, delicious meals and great dining experiences are a taste away. |
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VICTORIA FALLS Mosi-oa-Tunya - 'The Smoke that Thunders' on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Here the river is
more than 1.6 km wide (1 mile) and plunges about 108m (354 feet) into
the gorge below. The first European to discover them was
the Scottish missionary, David Livingston in 1855 who was so inspired
by what he saw that he called them after his Queen; Queen Victoria.
His gigantic statue still stands above Devils cataract today.
We recommend a Victoria Falls fly in package from Johannesburg.
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MADAGASCAR Round off your South African holiday with a visit to the mystical island of Madagascar and enjoy a tropical island beach holiday. A couple of popular islands include Nosy Be Island & Sainte Marie Island Since most of the plants and animals are found nowhere else in the world Madagascar can make for a fascinating & exciting Island holiday. Show me more |
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SPICE
ISLAND OF ZANZIBAR A Zanzibar Holiday packages, are better suited to those who want to do more than just spend an entire holiday on the beach. So much more to do, explore the history of Stone Town, the Sultans of Zanzibar, the Sultans palace, the House of Wonders and the Slave Trade market. Enjoy a fascinating guided spice island tour while bargaining for some interesting tropical island mementos. Enjoy swimming with Dolphins, visit and snorkel Prison Island see the giant Tortoises and fearsome looking Coconut Crabs. Needless to say the list of water sports are comprehensive, Snorkel or Scuba Diving Zanzibar many coral reefs, deep sea fish in the Pemba channel Finally relax on your tropical paradise island beach, soak up the sun, making your perfect island holiday. Show me more |
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MOUNTAIN GORILLAS OF RWANDA AND UGANDA An hour spent with a Mountain Gorilla family is a very tranquil & relaxing form of therapy, allowing you to realise how simple life really can be. Silverback Mountain Gorillas are the largest of the primates. They are ground-dwelling and predominantly herbivorous. They inhabit the forests of central Africa and are divided into two species and either four or five subspecies. A great add on to your South African holiday Show me more |
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