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“Tavern of the Seas”
In 1652 Jan van Riebeeck sailed into Table Bay and laid the foundations of South Africa’s oldest city. His first undertaking was to establish a vegetable garden for the purpose of providing passing merchant ships with fresh food. Before long, weary sailors from around the world dropped anchor in the bay to replenish supplies.
The settlement soon earned the titled: ‘Tavern of the Seas’, and to this day, Cape Town has maintained a reputation for friendly hospitality. With its majestic Table Mountain backdrop, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. An eclectic mix of architectural styles reflects the tastes and dictates of the past - and the more functional demands of the 20th century.
The city’s Edwardian and Victorian buildings have been meticulously preserved, and many outstanding examples of Cape Dutch architecture are found in the city and its environs. Cobble stoned streets, mosque’s and the flat-roofed pastel homes of the Malay Quarter entrance a cosmopolitan ambience, and in a recent development, the restoration of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront evokes images of the seafaring activities of the 19th century.
For a closer look at life at the Cape in earlier times, interesting historical collections are on display in several museums. Cape Town’s shopping options invite you to endlessly browse - and buy. Elegant shopping malls, department stores, antique shops and at galleries abounds. Specialist boutiques in Long Street and the narrow little alleys intersecting it offer an enticing array of unusual articles not readily obtainable elsewhere.
At the end of the day, gourmets and lovers of sophisticated entertainment have a treat in store.
South Africa’s legislative capital is situated at the foot of Table Mountain, the famous flat-topped mountain with views out across the peninsula to the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. It is possible to walk up, but for the less intrepid, there is an excellent cable car.
The main hub of the city centre is the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the beautifully restored old Victorian harbor which offers free entertainment, a wide variety of shops, museums, including the excellent Aquarium, taverns and restaurants.
Boat trips leave from here for harbor tours or the notorious Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela and many other nationalist leaders were imprisoned. The relics of early colonial government are centered on Government Avenue, with many fine old buildings and museums, including the Parliament Buildings; Groote Kerk (mother church of the Dutch Reformed faith); the Cultural History Museum; National Museum; National Gallery; Bertram House and Company’s Garden, planted in 1652 to provide food for passing sailors.
Nearby sights of interest include Bo-Kaap (the home of the Islamic Cape Malay people, confusingly of mainly Indonesian origin); the Castle of Good Hope in Darling Street, built in 1666; the Old Townhouse on Greenmarket Square, housing a permanent collection of 17th-century Dutch and Flemish paintings; and the early 18th-century Koopmans de Wet House.
Those interested in learning more about black and ‘Cape coloured’ culture should visit the District Six Museum, Buitenkant Street, and take one of the many excellent guided tours of the outlying townships of Crossroads, Langa and Khayelitsha.
It is probably not safe for tourists to venture into these areas on their own. Cape Town also has excellent sporting and shopping facilities.
The Baxter Theatre and Artscape Theatre Complex offer a mix of local and international fare. Nightlife is concentrated in the V&A Waterfront, Sea Point, and parts of the central business district, notably around Long Street. Further out, the Cape-Dutch homestead of Spier and Ratanga Junction theme park both offer a variety of entertainment from classical to jazz concerts.
Excursions:
South of Cape Town a long peninsula stretches south, lined by fishing villages and holiday resorts, including Llandudno, Hout Bay, Kommetjie, Fish Hoek, Muizenberg and Simonstown, a delightful Victorian town with a couple of interesting museums and the only colony of penguins to live on the African mainland.
Inland, the magnificent Cape-Dutch farm, Groot Constantia, was one of the first wine farms in the Cape, while the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, created by Cecil Rhodes in 1895 on the lower slopes of Table Mountain, is one of the finest botanical gardens in the world.
In the summer there are open-air concerts. Nearby Chapman’s Peak has spectacular views, but the scenic drive from Hout Bay is currently closed due to landfalls, and you need to walk the last section to the summit. About an hour’s drive from Cape Town, the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve covers the southern tip of the Cape peninsula, with a profusion of flowers, birds and animals, culminating in Cape Point.
Don’t miss:
* Going by cable-car up Table Mountain.
* Robben Island.
* Sundowners on the Atlantic seaboard.
* Seafood at the three harbors and the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.
* Standing on the end of the peninsula at Cape Point.
* The photogenic historic Malay Quarter of the Bo-Kaap.
Gerald Crawford was born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: southafricantravelarticles@12234455.co.za Website Address: http://www.12234455.co.za
Tags: Cape Town, Gerald Crawford, information, South African, Stellenbosch, travelCape Town, Gerald Crawford, information, South African, Stellenbosch, travelShare This
The Seychelles is the only mid-ocean group of granitic islands in the world, the Seychelles was formed 600 million years ago when Gondwanaland broke up. A veritable Garden of Eden with its rare and unique flora and fauna, the islands protect more than 46 percent of its territory with conservation and natural reserves.
Its virgin beauty can be witnessed in the uncrowded white beaches, swaying palms, striking grey and pink boulders, untouched forests, bird sanctuaries, exotic hideaways and unspoilt underwater riches. Ecological treasures the Seychelles boast include the world’s smallest frog, the female Coco-de-Mer fruit, prehistoric beetles, the magpie robin, brush warbler, the white-throated rail, black parrot, giant tortoises, rare butterflies and flowers. If you are looking for a natural paradise, the Seychelles will more than satisfy you, it will astound you with its splendour.
CAPITAL:
Victoria
CLIMATE:
The Seychelles climate conditions in different areas can vary considerably, but in general the rainy season is Nov-Apr with high humidity and strong winds and the cool, dry season is May-Sep. Rainwear is required throughout the year.
CURRENCY:
1 Seychelles Rupee = 100 cents. Complete currency transactions at the airport for better rates than at banks. It’s illegal to exchange foreign currency with unauthorized money changers; penalties can be severe. All major credit cards are accepted. Pound Sterling traveller’s cheques are recommended. Only foreign currency is accepted in making payments in hotels, guesthouses and for other holiday-related expenses such as hiring of cars or boats, services of tour operators or travel agents, patronage of casinos and domestic transfers within the country. Incidental purchases or payments to restaurants outside hotels, for shopping (excluding duty-free shops) and taxi fares are payable in local currency. It’s illegal to enter or leave the country with more than 2000 Seychelles Rupees without authorisation.
ELECTRICITY:
240 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are 3-pin flat. Adaptors are provided by most larger hotels.
HEALTH:
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas or who have passed through partly or wholly endemic areas within the preceding 6 days. You are advised to take pre-arrival precautions against hepatitis A, polio and typhoid. Other health concerns are limited medical facilities, tetanus (recommended for rural areas), hookworm and other parasites (don’t walk barefoot) and influenza (risk extends throughout the year).
LANGUAGE:
The official languages are English and French. Seychellois is a mixture of Seselwa and French Creole.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:
New Years’ Day (1 Jan); Good Friday (9 Apr); Easter Monday (12 Apr); Labour Day (1 May); Liberation Day (5 Jun); National Day (18 Jun); Independance Day (29 Jun); Assumption (15 Aug); All Saint’s Day (1 Nov); Immaculate Conception (8 Dec); Christmas Day (25 Dec)
SHOPPING:
Commercialised souvenirs; unique natural artifacts and craftwork e.g baskets, tableware and hats; Mother of Pearl, coral and shell rings and pendants; red and black coral necklaces; local wood boxes and walking sticks; paintings; jewellery; exotic local spices; strong black island tea; orchids dipped in gold. Polite bargaining is acceptable. NB: You need an official permit to purchase a Coco-de-Mer.
SOCIAL CONVENTIONS:
Religion is mainly Roman Catholic. Hand-shaking is the customary form of greeting. The Seychellois are very hospitable and welcome guests into their homes. Clothing is casual at dinner - for men, slacks and shirts are fine for the evening. Swimwear is only for the beaches. A shirt with a tie are suitable for business, no jackets are required.
TIME DIFFERENCE:
GMT +4
TIPPING:
Tipping is not expected at hotels, restaurants and in taxis as bills include a service charge.
TOP TEN ATTRACTIONS DESCRIPTION:
Mah
Tags: African, Gerald Crawford, Seychelles, Travel TipsAfrican, Gerald Crawford, Seychelles, Travel TipsShare This
In Zambia a third of the country devoted to conservation, Zambia offers the visitor some of the best wilderness and wildlife areas in Africa. A wide range of action adventures, from the legendary walking safari to river rafting on the mighty Zambezi, allows the enjoyment of nature at its wildest and most exhilirating.
A birder and angler’s paradise, Zambia has recorded more than 740 bird species in areas of great scenic beauty and has some of the best fresh water fishing available including excellent Tiger fishing. Best of all though, Zambia is one of the most stable countries in Africa, with 73 tribes living in harmony.
People are very friendly and display a rich cultural heritage during their vivid traditional ceremonies, which is open to Westerners to witness their ancient and timeless mystique.
CAPITAL:
Lusaka
CLIMATE:
There are three distinct seasons: Aug-Oct is warm to hot and dry offering the best time for game viewing as water is scarce; Nov-Mar is hot with thundershowers, but excellent bird watching season as migrants come from the north; and Apr-Jul when days are dry and warm and evenings and early mornings are cold - also good for game viewing.
CURRENCY:
1 Kwacha = 100 Ngwee. Foreign exchange is at authorized banks and bureaux de change. American Express is widely used, with more limited use of Access/MasterCard, Diners Club and Visa. US dollar traveller’s cheques are recommended.
ELECTRICITY:
220volts, 50Hz. Plugs are 3-pin square.
HEALTH:
You are advised to take pre-arrival precautions against hepatitis A, polio, typhoid, malaria (risk throughout the year in the whole country) and yellow fever. Other health concerns are dysentery, diarrhoeal diseases, cholera (avoid street vendors; filter and boil water), influenza (risk extends throughout year), limited medical facilities and AIDS. The climate aggravates chronic sinusitis. Dust in the dry season, molds in the rainy season and pollens much of the year can affect allergies.
LANGUAGE:
English is the official language and all media and business is conducted in it. There are over 73 tribal dialects of which the main languages are Bemba, Nyanja, Tonga, Luvale, Lozi, Mambwe and Tumbuka.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:
New Years’ Day (1 Jan); Youth Day (12 Mar); Good Friday (9Apr); Easter Monday (12 Apr); Labour Day (1 May); Africa Day (25 May); Heroes Day (5 Jul); Unity Day (6 Jul); Farmers’ Day (2 Aug); Defence Day (12 Aug); Independence Day (24 Oct); All Saint’s Day (1 Nov); Christmas Day (25 Dec)
SHOPPING:
ebony carvings; woven baskets; copper, brass and malachite objets d’art; printed cloth; masks; drums; thumb pianos; xylophones; conical fishtraps; clay pots. Souvenirs may be exported without restriction, but game trophies e.g. tooth, bone, skin, feather, etc. are subject to export permits.
SOCIAL CONVENTIONS:
The majority follow traditional animist beliefs and this is reflected in their social culture and customs. Hand shaking is the common form of greeting.
TIME DIFFERENCE:
GMT+2
TIPPING:
Tipping in hotels has been abolished by law, but a 10 percent tip may be expected or included in bills elsewhere.
TOP TEN ATTRACTIONS DESCRIPTION:
South Luangwa:
Zambia’s premier game park noted for its dense concentrations of game, with over 50 mammal and 400 bird species; the Luangwa river boasts more hippos and crocodiles than any other river in Africa.
Liuwa Plains:
Scene of dramatic blue wildebeest migrations with the attendant predators lion, leopard, cheetah and the endangered wild dog.
Kafue:
One of Africa’s biggest parks, with huge herds of antelope and superb lion sightings in the northern Busanga Plains; high concentrations of water birds occur on the flats.
Bangweulu Swamps:
The floodplains are renowned for high concentrations of water birds, of which millions feed in the nutrient rich shallows; it also attracts the endemic acquatic black lechwe antelope by the thousands.
Lochinvar National Park:
Regarded as holding the world record for the highest diversity of bird species (428 in only 410 square kilometres); over 30,000 Kafue lechwe antelope, found nowhere else in the world, roam here.
Lusaka:
In the capital, don’t miss the colourful markets, Munda Wanga Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Kalimba Reptile Park, Kabwata Cultural Village, Lusaka Museum, Zintu Community Museum of Arts and Crafts and the Copper Art Centre.
Livingstone:
In town, see the Mosi-oa-Tunya Zoo, the Livingstone Museum, the Railway Museum, Maramba Cultural Village, Mukuni tribal village, traditional ceremonies and markets. Nearby canoe or cruise on a boat along the upper Zambezi, go white water rafting, bungi jump off Vic Falls bridge, micro-light over the Falls and Batoka Gorge or go on horse riding, hiking or birding trails.
Lake Kariba:
Offers prime fishing, water sports, houseboating and lake camping.
Lake Tanganyika:
Africa’s deepest and longest lake offers great scuba diving and hiking to the top of Kalambo falls, the second highest in Africa at 220 m; other water sports, fishing and game viewing can be enjoyed at Sumbu park on the shore.
Lower Zambezi:
Excellent game viewing by boat or canoe; home to one of the largest remaining elephant herds in the world; also see buffalo and hippo at close range and birds in abundance.
Gerald Crawford was born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: southafricantravelarticles@12234455.co.za Website Address: http://www.12234455.co.za
Tags: African, Gerald Crawford, Travel Tips, ZambiaAfrican, Gerald Crawford, Travel Tips, ZambiaShare This