Wednesday 30th November 2011
By Stephen Puddle
South Africa!
A land that conjures up everything from thoughts of apartheid to stunning sunsets to lions and elephants! It is a country that is constantly changing and updating itself. It is the home of Nelson Mandela and a country that is rich in experiences for the eager traveller.
The African Safari is surely what lures many down to this sun scorched land. The chance to see lions, giraffes, hippos or elephants in their natural habitat is something not to be missed. These animals can only truly be appreciated to their fullest when in their own land and the trip to South Africa is worth every penny just to engage with these amazing animals.
South Africa is modern with fast trains, frequent air services and excellent accommodation, especially safari lodges. There are a range of prices and standards too, so even those on lower budgets are still catered for. You can take day trips to game reserves, overnight journeys or have a full-on safari experience by embarking on a 5 day (or longer) tour where ample opportunity is given to experience the stunning landscape that surrounds you and the animals and people who call it home. There is also shopping galore from local African markets to shopping malls with excellent prices, right on to designer stores with the latest fashions and accessories.
Most people fly into either Johannesburg or Cape Town, two very different cities. I suggest you visit both of them. Cape Town is a picturesque harbour city situated on the south western tip of the country with surrounding hills. Johannesburg is north east of Cape Town and situated in a much flatter setting a number of miles from the coast. For Canadians travelling to South Africa connections can be made via the USA (which has non-stop flights from Atlanta and New York), Europe or London. In fact you can often include a stopover along the way, thereby having the opportunity to explore other lands. Airlines often have sale fares there and due to the travel distance, a good number of frequent flyer miles can be accrued!
Don't exclude South Africa from your list of dream destinations. It might be somewhat further than the Caribbean or Europe but this land of contrasts is worth it.