World Travel Guide

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South Africa is an extraordinary and unique sub-Saharan African nation. Sailors who have rounded its cape know that it juts impressively into the Atlantic and Indian Oceans at Africa?s southernmost point. South Africa has a history as old as any in the world, with extensive documentation of the evolution of mankind in its archeological history. In the present day, the wildlife and biodiversity in the country?s semi-arid plateaus, bush, and coastline are among the most thrilling in all of Africa and possibly the world. Explore this vibrant country, with its juxtaposition of a multiethnic, forward looking democracy and the splendor and community of traditional Africa!

The 11 Languages of South Africa?s Strong Identity South Africa has a unique colonial history that carries over to the present day, and sets it apart from the rest of Africa. Travelers to South Africa are often drawn to the interesting multicultural nature of a modern country that still confronts racial issues from its past head on. Dutch sailors and settlers occupied the country for a large part of the 17th and 18th centuries. They imported slaves from India, Madagascar, and Indonesia to make up for a shortage of skilled labor.

In addition to visiting Cape Town, there are other awe-inspiring sights to see and parks to explore. One way to take in the beauty of the Cape Peninsula is to take a trip along one of the two coastal drives toward the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Each drive is dramatically different and offers different perspectives of the land and terrain. To the west is the Chapman’s Peak route. Taking the Chapman’s Peak route will expose the traveler to the Sea Point’s seaboard, the natural wonder of Clifton’s beaches, the rustic Hout Bay, down the cliff-hugging Chapman’s Peak Drive, to the white sands of Noordhoek’s Long Beach. The second path, the False Bay road, heads North through popular sites, but beginning with a mountain hugging drive. The False Bay road passes Fish Hoek, a well-known family beach, Kalk Bay, a fishing village with both character and color, and Muizenberg, loved for it’s safe swimming and excellent surfing.

After the country won its independence, the minority descended from the European settlers remained in political control. Apartheid was in place until 1994, when black Africans were finally able to gain full political rights and were fully enfranchised. Interestingly, South Africa is the only African nation to have a democratic system continues throughout its history, and is also the first and only nation in the world to build a nuclear weapons arsenal and then agree to voluntarily dismantle the weapons and program completely.

After leaving the Waterfront, a short boat ride will bring the traveler to Robben Island. Robben Island is considered to be one of the most significant historical sights in South Africa. Although ending up as an asylum and leper colony, it was originally used by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) as a victual ling station. After becoming the asylum and leper colony, it fell to the Army and Navy. In 1960, it became part of the Department of Correctional Services. Former President Nelson Mandela gave it notoriety for its use as prison housing for over two decades.

To the north, the Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park warrants a visit to see enormous hippos quietly rummaging in the marsh. Visitors can unwind from their travels in South Africa?s productive and prosperous wine region, to the northeast of Cape Town. A stay on an estate in Stellenbosch allows aficionados tours of some of the world?s best wine, originally introduced by European settlers in the 17th century.

Yet another local city, Century City, offers theme parks, malls, cineplexes, and entertainment centers. For a more colorful and relaxing contrast, one can choose from a myriad of walks and climbs to view both local fauna and flora. These walks include up Table Mountain, through the Silvermine or Tyberberg Nature Reserves, through the Newlands Forest, through the Cape of Good Hope or Helderberg Nature Reserves, or one of the smaller inner-city wildlife habitats.