Day 1 to Day 3:  Giants Castle
We will meet you at the Durban Airport and depart from the Airport to the spectacular Drakensberg area.  Approximate 3 hours drive.  The Drakensberg area is known for its unspoilt wilderness of grass-covered hills, ravines forests, spectacular mountains and waterfalls.  We will stop along the way and you will experience the area for its dramatic scenery and beauty.    WE will make our way to Giant’s Castle KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife.  The first 3 days of our tour will be spent in this area.  You will be able to explore, visit and enjoy the superb surroundings the Drakensberg area has to offer.

Giant’s Castle Game Reserve takes its name from the silhouette of the peaks and escarpment that resembles the profile of a sleeping giant. Historic Giant’s Castle Game Reserve, home of the eland and the majestic bearded vulture, lies in the Central Berg region of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a World Heritage Site.

Giant’s Castle camp is situated on a grassy plateau among the deep valleys running down from the face of the High Drakensberg, offering glorious views for hikers and mountain climbers. Superb rock art is high among its special attractions. The renowned vulture restaurant is open in winter for visitors to watch bearded vultures and other endangered species feeding. Visit the Main Caves Museum for a fascinating insight into the past lifestyle of the San people.
Day 4 to 5:  Battlefields Area
After a delicious breakfast we will checkout and depart the Battlefields of Natal.  The drive will be approximately 2 hours and we will be stopping at various historical landmarks en route.

FIRST STOP - Ladysmith: The Museum shows relics of the towns’ siege for 115 days during the Anglo-Boer War. Historical Areas: Wagon Hill, Caesars Camp, Lombards Kop and Umbulwana Hill.

SECOND STOP - Dundee: Natal’s Coal Capital with Anglo Boer War relics; battlefield of Rorkes Drift, Isandhlwana, Fugitives Drift, crossing over the Buffalo River.  Blood River: a reconstructed site.  On January 22 1879, it was the site where approximately 22 000 Zulu warriors defeated a contingent of approximately 1350 British and Native troops. The force was largely wiped out by the Zulus under Cetshwayo and the battle remains the single greatest defeat for the British Army at the hands of a native army.

We will also visit Blood River, the Ncome and Talana Museum during the day. Blood River Monument is a tribute to the battle of Blood River in 1838. The granite Jaw-bone Monument and bronze wagon laager was built on the original site of the 1838 wagon laager. It consists of 64 replica Voortrekker wagons cast in bronze situated on the site of the famous battle between the Afrikaners and the Zulu. The Ncome Museum is built in the shape of a Zulu war horn formation. The museum offers a re-interpretation of the 1838 battle and the Zulu culture in general. The last stop of the day will be at the Talana Museum, named after the hill at the base of which the museum is situated meaning “the shelf where precious items are stored”. The museum was opened in 1979 to commemorate the Anglo Zulu war.

Overnight accommodation will be in the Dundee area.  Here you will be able to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a peaceful, quiet and homely atmosphere.

Day 6 to 7:  Hluhluwe Game Reserve
An early morning breakfast will be enjoyed before we depart on our wildlife safari.  We will check in at our Hluhluwe accommodation venue before we begin to explore the wildlife at the Hluhluwe Game Reserve (which is renowned for the variety of bird and animal life). Besides the Big Five (elephant, leopard, lion, buffalo and rhino), elusive cheetah, wild dogs and many other well-known species inhabit the park, offering visitors a rich game viewing.  Lunch a dinner will be enjoyed at the Hluhluwe Game Reserve.  You will be able to spend your evening enjoying the star filled sky while listening to the sounds of the wildlife surrounding you.

Description of Hluhluwe KZN Wildlife:
Set in the heart of Zululand, the oldest game reserve in Africa where Zulu kings such as Dingiswayo and Shaka hunted and put in place the first conservation laws, where today the “Big Five” of African legend stalk the verdant savannah. Established in 1895, game viewing is the prime attraction. Viewing hides overlook pans and waterholes enabling visitors to see animals at close range. As the home of Operation Rhino in the 1950s and ’60s, the Park became world renowned for its White Rhino conservation.

The park covers some 96 000 ha and contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora. Hluhluwe is characterized by hilly topography, and this northern section of the park is noted for its wide variety of both bird and animal life.
Day 8: Depart to Durban via Sodwana
Sodwana Bay is about 2 hour’s drive from Hluhluwe and is flanked by majestic sand dunes on one side, and an intricate ecosystem of wetlands and unspoilt beauty. A Leisurely drive while stopping a various scenic places before we return to Durban Airport. 

On arrival at Durban, further arrangements on request. 
Tour price, availability and what our tour includes/excludes available on request.

PHOTOS:

GIANTS CASTLE	BATTLEFIELDS
GAME TO SEE AT HLULHUWE	GAME TO SEE AT HLULHUWE

An 8 day tour, which starts in the vibrant city of Cape Town and ends the in Port Elizabeth. You will be introduced to the most popular sites and activities like the penguins in Simonstown and the Cape of Good Hope, Table Mountain and V&A Waterfront. Continuing you visit the wine lands, where you can taste the wines which are exported all over the world. Further the tour goes along the R62 towards Oudtshoorn with its exciting attractions. Your last days will be an extensive visit of the Garden Route visiting Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Wilderness and Jeffrey’s Bay.

DAY 1: CAPE TOWN

No Rush Tours will show you the beautiful city of Cape Town. We will visit Table Mountain (if weather permits); show you the, V&A Waterfront we will spend the late afternoon on a harbor cruise enjoying the beautiful sunset. Overnight in Cape Town.

DAY 2: CAPE POINT

We depart after a hearty breakfast to explore the Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope. On our way we visit Houtbay and the penguins in Simonstown. At Cape of Good Hope we will visit the most south westerly point of South Africa. Overnight in Cape Town.

DAY 3: STELLENBOSCH

We will enjoy a breakfast in our Cape Town hotel and then depart to Stellenbosch, which is well known for its wine industry. In this area we visit a wine farm and the beautiful attractions this cozy town offers. Overnight in Stellenbosch.

DAY 4: OUDTSHOORN

We leave early in the morning and travel along the R62, which is also known as the wine route. During our trip towards Oudtshoorn we make several interesting stops. Overnight in Oudtshoorn.

DAY 5: OUDTSHOORN

Oudtshoorn is famous for the Ostrich industry and history. We will visit one of the interesting Ostrich Farms and the world famous Cango Caves. After visiting the Caves and enjoying a late lunch we will continue our drive to the town of Knysna.

DAY 6: KNYSNA

We start with the Featherbed Nature Reserve Tour which includes a boat cruise, tractor ride, scenic hike and lunch. After this tour you have a free afternoon in Knysna. The evening can be enjoyed at your own leisure and we will be spending the night in Knysna.

DAY 7: TSITSIKAMMA

In the morning we leave to Tsitsikamma visiting the coastal town Plettenberg Bay. After Visiting interesting places in and around Plettenberg Bay we will visit the Tsitsikamma National Park, which is renowned for its dramatic coast line. In the park we take a relaxing hike to the hangbridge. Overnight is in Tsitsikamma.

DAY 8: JEFFREYS BAY

Today we take a scenic route to the coastal town of Jeffreys Bay, where we arrive towards the afternoon. In the afternoon you can enjoy some optional activities like surf lessons, sand boarding, horse riding; games drives, or just enjoy a relaxing time at the beach. Overnight in Jeffreys Bay.

DAY 9: TRANSFER TO AIRPORT

After breakfast the tour guide will transfer you to the PE Airport for the flight back to Cape Town. Tour Ends in Cape Town. depending on what time the flight is.

Guide, transport, activities mentioned, entrance fees, 8 nights’ accommodation with breakfast.

PHOTOS OF CAPE TOWN TO PORT ELIZABETH

Knysna	Jefferey’s Bay
Oudshoorn	Cango Caves

Namibia lies in Southwest Africa and borders the South Atlantic Ocean to the west, Angola to the north, Zambia in the northeast, Botswana in Southeast and South Africa to the South.

The country encompasses broad geographical variations and can be divided into four regions. The Namib it’s dunes and desert coastal plains, the Skeleton Coast, the Kalahari Basin and the scenic bushveld of Kavango and Caprivi.

Namibia is a Technicolor dreamscape; a land of swirling apricot dunes and shimmering white flats, mirages and dust devils, and also has a wide variety of wild animals & birds to see. Its major game park, which centres on the Great Etosha Pan, offers an exceptional range and abundance of wildlife and a landscape that could not provide a more striking backdrop for it. The coastal region is one of the worlds most captivating desert regions, and in the south lays a canyon second in magnificence only to the Grand Canyon itself.

What you can expect from this 7 day Namibia South tour.

This safari leads to the highlights of the southern part of Namibia. You’ll see the Kalahari Desert as well as the Namib Desert, the oldest desert on earth. Explore the Fish River Canyon and Lüderitz, the centre of the lobster industry. The star-shaped dunes at Sossusvlei are definitely a highlight during your Namibian tour.

Day 1: Windhoek, Namibia

Upon arrival in Namibia our first day will be spent at leisure in Windhoek. Our first night will be spent in one of Windhoek’s beautiful Hotels. After breakfast we will drive via Rehoboth into the Kalahari Dessert. A scenic drive will be undertaken towards sunset and the night will be spent in luxury accommodation in the Kalahari.

Day 2: Fish River Region, Namibia

After you have enjoyed the sunrise over the Kalahari a scrumptious breakfast will be served. We will depart and drive through the Kalahari to visit the Quiver tree forest near Keetmanshoop. Lunch will be enjoyed in Keetmanshoop and our journey will continue via the Naute Dam. The Fish River Canyon’s spectacular northern fringes will be the last stop on our second day. Evening will be spent in the Fish River region. The evening will be open to enjoy at your own leisure.

Day 3: Luderitz Region, Namibia

We will continue towards the coast via Aus and hopefully see the desert adapted horses on entering the Namib Desert. Spectacular scenery can be enjoyed on our way to Lüderitz. We will arrive around midday and lunch will be enjoyed in Ludritz. A scenic drive around the southern peninsula will be enjoyed during the late afternoon and overnight accommodation will be arranged in the Ludriz region.

Day 4: Maltahohe Region, Namibia

Visit Kolmanskop, a deserted diamond town and today a museum. Duwisib Castle will be visited during the afternoon. Onwards towards Maltahöhe – evening can be spent at own leisure.

Day 5: Namib Naukluft Park region, Namibia

An early morning start will be made in order to visit Sossusvlei, where you will undertake a scenic drive into the heart of the Namib Desert. Sesriem Canyon will be visited later in the afternoon and the village Solitaire on our way past the Namib Naukluft Mountains. Dinner, Bed and Breakfast - Namib Naukluft Park region.

Day 6: Swakopmund region, Namibia

Drive through Kuiseb Canyon and continue towards the coast. A packed lunch will be enjoyed along the road. See ‘Welwitschia mirabilis’, a plant that is said to grow older than 1000 years. Visit Moon landscape before arriving in Swakopmund. Dinner, Bed and Breakfast - Swakopmund region.

Day 7: Windhoek, Namibia

Visit Walvis Bay Lagoon to view seabirds. Continue inland towards the towns of Usakos and Karibib, where you visit Henckert’s Centre. Visit Herero graves and handicraft market in Okahandja. Tour ends on arrival in Windhoek during the afternoon.

PHOTOS OF NAMIBIA

CHURCH IN WINDHOEK SKELETON COAST LUDERITZ	FISH RIVER CANYON SOSSUSVLEI WALVISBAY KUISEB CANYON

No Rush Tours would like to make your visit to Southern Africa not only a memorable but also a life changing experience. We will, in consultation with you and your guests, design a South African holiday or safari to suit your dreams, expectations, & most importantly, your budget. So come along, visit our beautiful country and see the glorious wonder of what it has to offer.

Although we plan all our tours to suit your style & requirements, we have an example of a typical tour of the Kruger National Park and the Victoria Falls (7days – minimum of 8 people). You haven’t experienced anything until you have been to the Heart of Africa. All our tours can be tailor made to suite your upon enquiries or bookings.
Example:

Day 1

Greater Kruger National Park

Guests are met upon arrival at Johannesburg International Airport and are assisted in transferring to their charter flight bound for a Game Reserve of their choice. After guests have been booked into the Safari Lodge and have had time to relax, the late afternoon is devoted to our first game drive in search of Africa’s legendary Big Five in an area where many other mammal and bird species grace the African Savannah as it gives meaning to the words “Spirit of Africa”.

Day 2

Greater Kruger National Park

After guests have witnessed a magical sunrise, a scrumptious breakfast will be served and then our guests will be accompanied by an experienced ranger, tracker and tour guide on a game drive. Your day will be spent by watching, hearing and experiencing the true “Heart of Africa” as your senses will be filled with the wonders & beauty of Africa as the rhythms of the wilderness and the laws that govern life in this remote ecosystem become more apparent. A sighting of the legendary Big Five, regarded to be the most majestic and awe inspiring mammals to be found anywhere in the world, would most certainly be a highlight of the safari. In addition to the lion, elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo and leopard, the reserve is blessed with a rich diversity of antelope and other mammal species. The day will be completed with a night drive accompanied by one of the Kruger Park’s professional Game Rangers. Night drives become the highlight of the bush experience offering glimpses of animals often not seen during the day.

Day 3

Greater Kruger National Park

The ever-changing moods of this land will slowly caress your soul as you once again devote your morning and afternoon exploring the wilderness & looking at the mammals, birds & fauna of the breathtakingly beautiful country. Great delight can often be found from witnessing these creatures as they go about their daily routines. All life and the delicate balance that exists between them are protected in this area which is a treasure over which we should be wise custodians. The evening will be spent relaxing at camp and enjoying a superb dinner under the star filled sky while listening to the sounds of the night.

Day 4

Return to Johannesburg

A last morning game drive in this wilderness area is followed by a SCENIC DRIVE THROUGH THE BEAUTIFUL PROVINCE OF MPUMALANG back to Johannesburg. Guests will be taken to their hotel in the Johannesburg area. After some time allowed for freshening up at the hotel, guests are invited to spend the evening in the company of their hosts for a traditional South African BBQ before starting the next leg of their Southern African Safari.

Day 5

Livingstone - Victoria Falls Safari

Guests are transferred to Johannesburg International (O.R. Tambo) for a flight to Livingstone which is set on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River in which the mighty Victoria Falls occur. After some time for relaxation the Victoria Falls Safari starts with guests enjoying a late afternoon sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Experience the tranquillity but also majestic sight of an African Sunset, while watching game come down to the water’s edge for a late afternoon drink. This sight and experience will linger in your heart & memory long after the safari has been forgotten. After the sunset cruise guests are transferred back to their hotel.

Day 6

Livingstone - Victoria Falls Safari

The morning is devoted to visiting the falls section of the “Mosi oa Tunya” National Park”. The name translates to “the smoke that thunders” which is the name that the locals have given the Victoria Falls. The sanctuary affords incredible views of the falls and during the dry season we walk across to Livingstone Island for a heart stopping peak across the edge of the falls. The park is home to the last Rhino in Zambia and you might also see Zebras and Giraffes. The afternoon is spent at leisure relaxing in these tranquil surroundings and watching the sunset over the magnificent landscape.

Day 7

Departure

After experiencing an early morning sunrise and also the last glimpse of the thundering Victoria Falls our guests are treated to a hearty breakfast. Guests are then transferred to Livingstone Airport for a flight to Johannesburg where the Victoria Falls Safari ends. Guests are met upon arrival at Johannesburg International (O.R. Tambo) and are assisted with checking in to a connecting flight or transferred to any Johannesburg Hotel of their choice.

Details of what a typical tour includes & excludes will be discussed when making an enquiry or booking. Tour prices available on request .

We at No Rush Tours would like to make your visit to sunny South Africa a life changing experience that will leave you wanting more. We will show you unique parts of this beautiful country & scenes that will be remembered for a long time to come. We will in consultation with you and your guests design a South African (a short stop or longer) holiday to suit your dreams & most importantly, your budget. So come along and see South Africa. Your tour with us will be filled with wonderful days of scenic sights, wild animals, historic towns and cultural experiences.

Although we plan all our tours to suit your style & requirements, we have an example of a typical tour of Cape Town and the Garden Route. All our tours can be tailor made to suite our visitors/guests requirements upon enquiries or bookings.

Example of an Eight day tour itinerary of Cape Town & the Garden Route (6 - 8 people):

Day 1: Cape Town

Guests are met at their hotel in Cape Town for the start of their tour. The day is spent exploring one of the world’s most beautiful and exciting cities. A cable car up Table Mountain is first on the agenda (permitting the weather is favourable). The views from Table Mountain are a breathtaking experience as the entire Cape Peninsula can be seen. A visit to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is also on the agenda. The garden is home to 4000 species of Flora and the afternoon is spent were our guests can relax and enjoy the fresh air, tranquillity and views the garden has to offer. The tour then makes its way back to the hotel were our guest can enjoy dinner and an evening exploring the city on their own.

Day 2: Cape Town

An early morning breakfast can be enjoyed before the tour heads out to Franchhoek. This beautiful town owes its existence to the first French settlers who worked the Drakenstein Valley. Time is devoted to exploring the town and its history before we visit the fine wine estates in the valley. All the cultivars and classic styles are on show here. Late afternoon we will make our way back to the hotel in Cape Town.

Day 3: Cape Town

The Chapman’s Peak drive leads the tour through the town of Noordhoek to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. The reserve is home to several antelope species as well as a diversity of Flora and bird species. The highlight of today’s expedition is sure to be the walk to the summit of Cape Point, were the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean. The tour traces the Indian Ocean Seaboard on the way back to Cape Town with a visit to Boulders Beach – a haven for the mainland African penguins. Some time will also be spent at Simons Town, Kalk Bay and Muizenburg before we return to the hotel in Cape Town.

Day 4: Overberg

An early morning breakfast is enjoyed before our tour traces the coast of Gordon’s Bay, travelling through towns like Rooi Els and Betties Bay on our way to Hermanus. Several stops are made at vantage points from where the Southern Right Whale can be spotted. Lunch will be enjoyed in Hermanus after which the tour continues to the fishing village of Arniston. We will also visit the marine erosions at the Waenhuiskrans before we retire to the overnight destination.

Day 5: Garden Route

After a hearty breakfast the group travels to the beautiful coastal city of Mossel Bay, where we begin our tour of the Garden Route. It is here where the explorer Bartholomew Dias set foot on shore in 1488 and time is dedicated by visiting the museum which bears his name. After a short distance we reach George Station were we board the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe. This is the very last scheduled SA steam railway service and it is a daily service between George and Knysna. We journey from George through to Victoria Bay, over the Kaaiman’s River Bridge, through Wilderness and over the Goukamma Valley before reaching Knysna. Wonderful scenic sites and beauty surrounds us throughout this railway journey and the tour is met at Knysna Station where they are transferred to the overnight destination.

Day 6: Garden Route

The tour ventures its way to Oudtshoorn crossing via the Outeniqua Pass. Oudtshoorn is also the Ostrich Capital of the world. Oudtshoorn is situated in the great valley which is known as the Little Karoo. Our first stop is the Cango Caves at the foothills of the Swartberge. The Cango caves’ system is amongst the worlds largest and is blessed with elaborate drip stone formations. After the visit to the caves the tour visits an Ostrich Farm, lunch will be enjoyed at this farm. If any of the group feels brave they can go for an Ostrich ride. After a fulfilling day of scenic views, ventures and sightseeing we make our way back to the Knysna overnight destination. Guest can enjoy dinner at the hotel and have a relaxing evening or enjoy an evening out and about town.

Day 7: Garden Route

Today the group will visit the Featherbed Nature Reseve by ferry. The morning will be spent at the Nature Reserve and we will then make our way to Plettenberg Bay in the afternoon. Here the guest can relax and have fun on one of the beautiful and finest beaches the Garden Route has to offer. The tour makes its way back to the Knysna overnight accomadation in the late afternoon. Guest can now relax and enjoy dinner on their final evening in Knysna.

Day 8: Garden Route

After breakfast the guests are transferred to George Airport for a flight to Cape Town. From Cape Town Airport Guests are assisted in transferring to an international flight back to their county or any other destination of choice.

This is only an example of an eight day tour for the Garden Rout and Cape Town Area. Upon further enquiries, we at No Rush Tours will give you detailed information on what is included an excluded on such a tour. All tours can be adjusted to meet your own requirements and budget.

Please contact our office if you require assistance when planning your next to visit our Warm, Wild, Sunny South Africa.

The Western Cape is made up of about 9 to 10 distinct regions, about 3 popular tourist routes and offers many and great ‘must-see’ attractions.

Regions of the Western Cape

1.Cape Town & Peninsula - 1ST REGION

With its awesome and majestic Table Mountain backdrop, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The harmonious blend of architectural styles reflects the taste and balance between the past and today’s more functional requirements.

Destinations in the Cape Town & Peninsula Region:

Atlantic Seaboard:

The Atlantic Seaboard, also known as Cape Town’s “Riviera”, and stretches from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront on the north shore of Table Mountain all the way down the west side of the cape peninsula to Hout Bay. This incredibly beautiful stretch of coast is connected by the most picturesque & scenic drive along Victoria Road. Towns to visit in the Atlantic Seaboard area

Bakoven, Bantry Bay, Camps Bay, Clifton, Hout Bay

Blaauwberg:

The Blaauwberg region stretches from Milnerton in the south to Mamre in the north and offers vast stretches of sandy white beaches on the northern side of the Atlantic Coast. The Blaauwberg Coast is best known for its spectacular views of Table Mountain across Table Bay. Places to visit when in the Blaawberg area:

Bloubergrant, Bloubergstrand, Melkbosstrand, Milnerton

Cape Flats:

A large area of wind-blown, flat land, covered predominantly by sand, lies to the north of Cape Town, known merely as the Cape Flats. Described fairly accurately as the ‘dumping ground of apartheid’ it was here that thousands of ‘non-white’ households were forced to move, and today it is home to over a million people. Yet a visit through the townships of Langa, Gugulethu, Khayelitsha, Cross Roads, Mitchell’s Plain and Manenberg is one of the most revealing and enriching things you can do whilst in Cape Town. Places of interest in the Cape Flats area are:

Kuils River, Langa

Cape Helderberg:

Cape Helderberg, or Helderberg basin, is one of the most visually dramatic areas in the Cape, with the Hottentots Holland and Helderberg Mountain ranges creating a powerful backdrop against which the valley descends into vineyards and finally on to a coastline swept with warm waters and effortlessly white, sandy beaches. This is the land of the Helderberg and Stellenbosch wine routes and home to the towns of Gordon’s Bay, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Somerset West, Strand, Lwandle and Macassar. 45 minutes’ drive from Cape Town, the land that originally belonged to the Strandlopers has become a playground for visitors and locals. Scenic places to visit when touring this area:

Gordons Bay, Somerset West, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Strand

Cape Town City Bowl:

The heart of Cape Town is enfolded neatly between the harbour and the mountain, virtually in the shape of a bowl. With nowhere else to move and stretch its boundaries, the city bowl is a self-contained entity, almost like a martini before it’s poured, all shook up and tingling with taste. The city bowl holds some of the most interesting and historically significant neighbourhoods and the likes of the Bo Kaap, Oranjezicht, Tamboerskloof and Gardens provide hours of easy meanderings, restaurants and historical sites. A must see when in this area:

Bo-Kaap Cape Town, District 6, Oranjezich,t Tamboerskloof, Woodstock

Cape Town North:

The northern suburbs are officially part of the City of Tygerberg, formed from the union of the municipalities of Bellville, Durbanville, Goodwood and Parow. These suburbs have experienced an enormous property growth in recent years, not least because of their access to Cape Town International Airport, Grand West Casino and a number of wine routes, including the Durbanville Wine Valley. Place of interest are:

Bellville, Goodwood, Parow , Loevensteyn

Constantia Valley:

Constantia Valley, is an abundant array of forests, hills, stately historical homes and vineyards - a heady mix of old and new that lies nestled in the shadow of the Constantia Mountain, just outside of the city centre. The valley of the vines as it is known due to the splendour of one of the Cape’s original wine routes, which today is one of the only wine appellation areas less than 20 minutes from a city centre, is an effortless green lung of the southern suburbs. Its northern boundaries lie against Kirstenbosch and Wynberg Park, whilst the Tokai Forest lies to the south of the valley imbuing it with a rich lushness even in summer. You can visit the following places:

Wynberg, Plumstead, Bishopscourt, Constantia

False Bay:

False Bay coast is a continuous collection of seaside villages and hamlets, their narrow avenues lined with quirky and quaint shops, hotels, restaurants and pubs. Implicit in the diversity is the promise of myriad picnic spots and lookout spots, particularly during the whale season when whales enter the bay to calve. Some of the most popular of these in and around Cape Town include Muizenberg, Kalk Bay – a little character fishing village, with a vibrant day and night life, and Simon’s Town – the historical naval village. The following scenic places are a must see in this area:

Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek, Muizenberg, Simon’s Town

Southern Suburbs:

The group of suburbs lying south east of the City Bowl and Table Mountain in Cape Town are collectively known as the ‘southern suburbs’. It is also the home of the University of Cape Town, which lies on the mountain above Rosebank, Rondebosh, Mowbray and Obs. As a result these parts are often a good place in which to party when the budget is tight, and there are many student digs and a lively street atmosphere. Places to see:

Rondebosch, Rosebank, Observatory, Newlands

2.Cape Overberg - 2ND REGION

Some destinations & attractions in the Cape Overberg region:

Baardskeerdersbos

The unusual name is taken directly from small spider-like creatures called “Baardscheerders”, or beard shavers, that cut human hair to use in their nests.

This particular valley has remained largely obscure until recently, and it boasts the type of seclusion found in very few places in South Africa. The rural, typically Afrikaans village is but a smattering of homes, a church, pub and a local shop of sorts, but worth a visit for its quirky atmosphere and beauty. Original mud-stone cottages still stand in Baardskeerdersbos, and the church was built in 1921. The Baardskeerdersbos Valley lies in the midst of a fynbos biome, the farms typically traditional cattle farms, vineyards and flower farms. A must see when in this area:

Harold Porter National Botanical, De Hoop Nature Reserve, Agulhas National Park

Bettys Bay

Only an hour’s drive from Cape Town, Betty’s Bay is a picturesque seaside village situated along the scenic Clarence Drive Route (R44) between Pringle Bay and Kleinmond. The pretty town is positioned in a narrow strip of land sandwiched between the Kogelberg Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, and bordered by fresh water lakes and the Palmiet River. Place to visit when in Betty’s Bay:

Harold Porter National Botanical Garden, Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve

Caledon:

Set against the backdrop of the Swartberg, surrounded by fields of barley and wheat, is the little town of Caledon, just 110 km east of Cape Town. Caledon is famous for its hot springs, discovered by the early Khoi-Khoi people. Caledon’s wild flower garden is world-renowned and forms part of a reserve at the entrance to Venster Kloof, so called because of an interesting rock, which looks like a window. The garden has an annual show during September at the time of year that best displays the abundant array of indigenous wild flowers that bloom in this season. What to see & do when in the Caledon area:

Cape Whale Coast, Walker Bay Wine Route

Cape Agulhas:

Cape Agulhas, or the place where two oceans meet, lies at the furthest tip of Africa, a region that includes the towns of Arniston, Bredasdrop, L’Agulhas, Napier, Elim and Struisbaai. Historically, the cape has been known to sailors as particularly hazardous, notorious for winter storms and huge rogue waves that can reach a spectacular height of 30 metres, that is why the large red and white striped lighthouse was built as early as 1848 in an attempt to warn ships of the conflicting currents, the west winds and the extremely perilous waves that combine to make it the ‘Cape of Storms’. Cape Agulhas is the official point at which the cold Benguela current of the Atlantic Ocean and the strong Aghulhas current of the Indian Ocean meet. Places to visit when in the Cape Agulhas area:

Arniston, Elim, Infanta, Bredasdorp

Gansbaai:

The village of Gansbaai - named after a flock of wild Egyptian geese that are alleged to have congregated at the freshwater fountain next to the harbour - has a large reputation. Both Southern Right Whales and Great White Sharks frequent the Atlantic waters of the Danger Point Peninsula and are a major draw card for the town. Situated between the towns of Hermanus and Pearly Beach, Gansbaai lies in Walker Bay at the foot of the Dynefontein Mountains with a magnificent coastline rich in fynbos vegetation. Places to see & what to do when in the Gansbaai area:

Shark Cave Diving, The Festival of the Geese

Swellendam:

Swellendam lies at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains and has become popular in recent times as a place to retire and as a retreat for artists seeking a lifestyle outside of the city rat race. One of the oldest settlements of colonial times, Swellendam is rich in history and buildings such as the Drostdy date back to the time when Swellendam was declared a magisterial district in 1743 and named after Governor Hendrik Swellendgrebel and his wife, Helena Ten Damme. Places of interest in the Swellendam area:

Bonebok National Park, Marloth Nature Resurve

3.Cape West Coast - 3rd REGION:

What is still an almost undiscovered treasure of unspoilt beaches, incredible mountain ranges, rich geographical diversity, and the most astounding carpet of wild flowers in spring, has evolved into a major holiday route out of Cape Town along Route 27. The Cape West Coast stretches from Cape Town as far as the border with the Northern Cape at Touws River, including within its parameters the indescribably beautiful Cederberg Mountains, famous for centuries-old rock art. All along this stretch of coastline is a series of quaint historic towns and fishing villages with names like Lambert’s Bay, Paternoster, Saldanha and Langebaan that today roll with ease off the tongue, but until fairly recently were left to languor in relative obscurity.

Some destinations & attractions in the Cape Overberg region:

Lamberts Bay:

This part of the coast is quite simply beautiful, with wide expanses of white sand under blazing blue skies and endless opportunity to experience seafood in the heart of crayfish country. The seabird breeding colonies at Bird Island attract tourists from all over the country and offer ‘up close and personal’ experiences with Cape gannets, cormorants and African penguins, only 100 metres offshore of Lambert’s Bay, and accessible by ferry or across the breakwater. Interesting place to see when in this area:

Bird Island Nature Reserve, Crayfish Festival

Lamberts Bay:

Langebaan is well known as it is the ornithological capital of South Africa, has recorded the largest oyster shell deposits in the world and enjoys a moderate climate with cool air and long sunlit days. In winter it is never very cold and the long summer days are never unbearably hot. For the holiday-maker Langebaan boasts upmarket accommodation, a choice of restaurants, two caravan parks, a golf course, tennis courts, a bowling green, a yacht club and the standard retail outlets. Places to see are:

West Coast National Park, Rocherpan Nature Reserve

Saldanha:

Saldanha is a seaside village that lies in the northern most corner of Saldanha bay - the largest and deepest natural bay in the country. Saldanha bay and Langebaan lagoon, on the south side of the bay, are very popular amongst the yachting fraternity and game fishing devotees - yellowtail and tuna are easy catches and snoek is available in winter.

Paternoster:

Paternoster, meaning “Our Father” derives its name from the prayers of ship-wrecked Portuguese sailors. Paternoster is a small, quaint and picturesque fishing village about 145km (90 minutes drive) from Cape Town and 15km north west of Vredenburg. A favourite weekend getaway destination for Capetonians, Paternoster is one of the oldest towns along the West Coast and is famous for its abundance of crayfish. Place to visit when in this town:

Art of Pottery Studio

4. Olifants River Valley - 4th REGION:

The Olifant’s River meanders through the valley bringing life to this scenic area. This beautiful green region, and the heavy fragrance of the citrus groves greet you as you drive along, the proud farming community with the renowned Groen Vallei wines. There are many beautiful villages hidden away, that offer warm hospitality to visitors and tourists. You can travel around this region for days and days and never get bored.

Some destinations & attractions in the Cape Overberg region:

Cedarberg:

The Cederberg, named after the endangered Clanwilliam Cedar - a tree endemic to the area - is virtually synonymous with a series of impressive rock formations that emerged as a result of a combination of factors, including the chemical composition of rocks in the area, climatic conditions and the general flat-lying nature of the geology in the Cederberg. Place to see when in this area:

Cape Flower Route, Clanwilliam, Citrusdal, Cedarberg Wilderness area

Vanrhynsdorp:

Vanrhynsdorp is situated in the folds of the towering Matzikamma and Gifberg Mountains on the N7, 300 km north of Cape Town, en route to Namibia. Vanrhynsdorp is in administrative terms part of the Western Cape, but geographically, Vanrhynsdorp is part of the Namaqualand and is the hub of the flower routes. Places to see & what to do in this beautiful area:

Cape Flower Route

Vanrhynsdorp:

Strandfontein is a small sea side village situated at the mouth of the Olifants River. Strandfontein has become a popular holiday destination because of the excellent opportunities for the observation of Southern Right whales which come close into the protective bay during their calving season. Places of interest are:

Bird Island Nature Reserve, West Coast National Park

5. Cape Winelands - 5th REGION:

The fertile green valleys of the Cape Winelands are surrounded by proud mountain ranges. Towns and villages have many historic homesteads and monuments, and every so often fruit orchards are to be seen, whose produce may be found in all corners of the world. It is the Mediterranean climate and winter rainfall of the south-western Cape that produces some of the best wines in the country.

Some destinations & attractions in the Cape Overberg region:

Franschhoek:

Originally known as the Valley of the Huguenots, a community of French Huguenots were granted land in this valley by the Dutch government of the Cape, after fleeing their homeland when Protestantism was outlawed in France in 1685. Today, many of the wine farms still bear their original French names and most of these farms have beautiful examples of Cape Dutch architecture. The French corner of the Cape, Franshoek lies in one of the most beautiful wine valleys in the world, just 45 minutes’ from Cape Town and within half an hour of the Stellenbosch, Paarl, Wellington and Somerset West wine routes. Interesting places to see in this scenic part of the country:

Franschhoek Wine Route, Hugenot Memorial, Winelands sunset drive

Paarl:

The town of Paarl has a unique character, not least because vineyards still grow in between residential neighbourhoods maintaining a country feel to a town virtually the size of a small city, but also because it is here that the struggle to gain recognition for Afrikaans as a written language was achieved. Today the Afrikaans Language Museum bears testament to this accomplishment and there is a monument to this unique language on the slopes of Paarl Mountain. Place to see are:

Wijnland Auto Museum, Afrikaans Language Museum, Paarl Vinters

Stellenbosch:

The second oldest town in South Africa has fondly been called ‘Eikestad’ or city of oaks and its streets are lined with some of the most beautiful surviving examples of Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian architecture in the Cape. Dorp Street is a national monument and taking the time to walk around this cosy old part of Stellenbosch, with its secluded lanes, water furrows, restaurants and coffee shops, with superb views of mountain, vineyards and orchards, is an idyllic morning venture. What to see:

Stellenbosch Wine Route, University of Stellenbosch

Wellington:

Wellington lies on the banks of the River Kromme at the foot of the Groenberg Mountain in a glorious valley just 45 minutes’ drive from Cape Town. Wellington once served as the last outpost of civilisation in the Cape before entering unfamiliar territory and was known as Limiet Vallei (frontier valley) and Val du Charron or Wagenmakersvallei (valley of the wagon maker) as it was here that wagons could receive attention before the start of a long and difficult journey. Interesting place to see and visit are:

Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, Wellington Wine Route

Tulbach:

The village nestles in amongst the Winterhoek, Witzenberg and Obiqua Mountains, which surround it on three sides and provide one of the most beautiful settings in the Western Cape. Proteas and herbs grow wild here and peaches, pears and 70 percent of the country’s plums are farmed in the shadow of the mountains. The valley is perhaps best known for its production of some of the country’s finest wines. You can visit the following places in this beautiful area:

Breedekloof Wine Route, De Oude Drostdy, Route 62,

6. Breede River Valley - 6th REGION:

The valley stretches from McGregor in the south and Gouda in the west, to Montagu in the east and the Karoo in the north with the N1 passing virtually through its centre in a north easterly direction. It derives its name from the Breede River that rises in the mountains near Ceres and flows through the valley en route to the Indian Ocean and serves as the main water source for the Breede River Valley.

Some destinations & attractions in the Cape Overberg region:

Ceres:

This beautiful part of the world, named after the Goddess of Fertility for good reason, lies tucked away in a valley surrounded by the mountains of the Boland, accessed only via mountain passes that take your breath away. In winter snow can fall on the higher mountains, which brings a great many visitors to the Ceres Valley, also known as ‘the Switzerland of South Africa’. For the nature lover this part of the world offers a beauty all of its own and there are several hikes and walks along rivers and streams and in the surrounding mountains. Places to visit are:

Groot Winterhoek Wilderness area, Tulbach Wine Route

Montagu:

Known as the ‘mountain mecca’ of the Cape, Montagu lies surrounded by the Langeberg mountain range nestled between the Keisie and Kingna Rivers in the western corner of Kannaland, and is famous for her orchards, vineyards, local herbs, rock formations and healing hot mineral springs. Montagu is one of the best examples of a late Victorian agricultural village in the Western Cape. Places to visit are:

Anysberg Nature Reserve, Little Karoo Wine Route, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Worcester:

Worcester is a town with a particularly impressive cultural heritage. In 1819 Worcester was proclaim a sub-drostdy of Tulbagh. Two farms were bought for the purpose of laying out a town. In 1822 Worcester was proclaimed a full drostdy. The town was named after the Marquis of Worcester brother of Lord Charles Somerset. Surrounded by Majestic Mountain and verdant valleys, the town is seated in the biggest wine-producing district in the country. There is a lot to see and do in Worcester.

Kleinplasie Living Open-air Museum, Worcester Wine Route, Karoo Desert National Botanical Gardens

7. The Swartland - 7th REGION:

The Swartland, otherwise known as the wheat and rooibos-producing part of the Western Cape, lies between Malmesbury in the south, across the Riebeek Valley to Piketberg in the north, Darling in the west, to the Oliphants Mountain at Porterville in the east. This incredibly beautiful, yet often overlooked, area is named for its wide fertile plains that, after the rains in winter, turn black (swart land means black land in Afrikaans).

Some destinations & attractions in the Cape Overberg region:

Malmesbury:

Malmesbury rests in a simply gorgeous setting surrounded by mountains, wheat fields, and in winter, yellow blazes of canola and indigenous wild flowers. The largest town in the Swartland, Malmesbury is only 40 minutes’ drive from Cape Town and makes getting away for a weekend a simple matter that includes wine tasting and some superb hikes.

Malmesbury might have a rural setting, but the town has a vibrant community that plays host to the annual Swartland Food and Wine Festival during winter, where wine tasting and good food are the measure of the day. Places to see and visit:

Darling Wine Route, Swartland Wine Route

Malmesbury:

Not only is Morreesburg the heart of a strong farming community but it also has one of only three wheat museum’s in the world. This one in particular attracts tourists and it’s a bonus that the local high school has now opened an art gallery, displaying over seventy local and recognised artists who form part of the local art route - fast becoming popular. Places to visit are:

Piketberg:

Piketberg lies at the foot of the Piketberg Mountain range, surrounded by fields of wheat that change colour with the seasons - from reddish brown to golden yellow in summer, and green in winter; vineyards, fruit farms and beautiful examples of indigenous fynbos. The uniqueness of Piketberg lies in its relationship to its mountain range, which stands alone, an island bordered by only three towns - Aurora to the west, Redelinghuys to the north and Piketberg on its eastern slopes - contributing to a peaceful atmosphere for those hankering after a complete de-stress. Places to see when visiting this area are:

Swartland Wine Route

8. Klein & Central Karoo - 8th REGION:

The Little or Klein Karoo, which is a long valley bordered by the Swartberg and the Langeberg Mountains in the Western Cape, forms the southern sibling of the larger Karoo - the Great or Groot Karoo occupies the northern part thereof. This is the land of succulents - their thick, fleshy diversity unparalleled anywhere else in the world - peppered only by the odd bush and tree that gives the Karoo, at first glance, the appearance of arid, dry and very flat land devoid of living matter and given over to hot days and cold nights. Herds of buffalo, elephant and kudu once dominated these plains only to be hunted or driven out by modern development

Some destinations & attractions in the Cape Overberg region:

Beaufort West:

Beaufort West lies between the Gamka and Kuils Rivers, just south of a ridge of hills and north of the Nuweveld Mountains in the Central Karoo, where rocks date back some 230 million years. This quirky town - the oldest in the Central Karoo - is rich in history that holds intrigue for the scientist, the historian and the eco-tourist. Places to visit are:

Bontebok National Park, Karro National Park,

Calitzdorp:

The typical little Karoo town of Calitzdorp lies on Route 62, about four hours drive from Cape Town and roughly half way to Port Elizabeth. Calitzdorp’s beauty is also largely attributable to the fact that it is bounded on three sides by mountain ranges - the Swartberg, the Rooiberge and the mountains of the Huisrivier Pass - that shelter the town and add to its character. Tourists can visit :

Little Karoo Wine Route Bontebok Nature Reserve, Surrounding towns

Ladysmith:

Ladismith takes her name from a woman with great fortitude. Young Juana Maria de los Dolores de Leon became the 14-year old bride of Sir Henry George Wakelyn Smith in the early 1800s - thereafter known simply as ‘Mrs Henry Smith’ or Lady Smith. A childless couple, their devotion to one another is legendary. Juana often set up camp close to battle scenes in a bid to remain close to her husband - they so hated being apart. Ladismith is essentially a prosperous farming community producing fruit (grapes, a third of South Africa’s apricots, and plums), milk, wine, flowers and mutton. Where to visit when in this area:

Route 62, Anysberg Nature Reserve

Laingsburg:

Laingsburg lies at the confluence of two rivers in one of the driest parts of the country, 280 km from Cape Town just off the N1 highway that travels through the Great Karoo.

Despite its aridness, Laingsburg is well known for the freak flood that devastated the town in late January 1989. In a matter of hours the entire town was under water with only the roofs of houses visible.

Oudtshoorn:

Oudtshoorn is situated on the edge of the Garden Route, between the Outeniqua and Swartberg Mountain Passes. Oudtshoorn is also a wonderful exciting halfway stopover when traveling between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, with the coastal town of George about 56 km’s away. Oudtshoorn is spread along both banks of the Grobbelaars River, a tributary of the Elephant’s River, and its fertile valleys are encompassed by the Swartberg Mountains to the north and the Outeniqua Mountains to the south. Place of interest to visit are:

Cango Caves, Ostrich farms

Uniondale:

Uniondale lies adjacent to the Langkloof, which winds its way through the foothills of the of the Tsitsikamma Mountain range in an area renowned for its scenic drives. Uniondale came into being when the two towns of Hopedale and Lyon became one in 1856. Places to visit are:

Little Karoo Wine Route, Swartberg Nature Reserve

9. Garden Route - 9th REGION:

The Garden Route stretches on the southern coast from Heidelberg to the Tsitsikamma Forest and Storms River. It’s a nook of the country that offers inspiration to writers and artists whose presence gives the Garden Route a trendy flavour. It is also a top priority of many a foreign visitor. The coastal drive links a series of charming towns interspersed with natural beauty. The delightful town of George, known as “The Gateway to the Garden Route”, graces a coastal plateau in a fertile area of lush greenery at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains. Oudtshoorn, “Capital of the Klein Karoo”, is set in a semi-arid valley, providing the ideal habitat for ostriches which are farmed here on a grand scale.

Some destinations & attractions in the Cape Overberg region:

Brenton on Sea:

Brenton on Sea lies virtually encircled by the Goukamma Nature Reserve, its slopes rich with fynbos, only 500 kilometres from Cape Town and 60 kilometres from the airport at George. The little community derives its name from the fragile free-flying butterfly, the Brenton blue, occurring only on the south-facing slopes of coastal fynbos at Brenton on Sea. Places of interest are:

Lake area National Park, Goukamma Nature Reserve

George:

Regarded as the administrative capital of the Southern Cape, George is a rather big town with a sophisticated infrastructure. It has redressed its former image of an industrial town to that of a major tourist mecca - not hard to do when you have two of the top ten golf courses in South Africa, theatres, a wide expanse of forest, rivers and the Indian Ocean on your doorstep.

Hartenbos:

Hartenbos lends itself to family holidays and during school vacation the tranquil town becomes a bustling seaside destination. The village of Hartenbos started life as a farm granted to Esaias Meyer, a local farmer, as a reward by the Dutch East India Company after he helped shipwrecked sailors. He called the farm Hart en Bosch (deer and bush). Most of the farm was later bought by the Afrikaanse Taal en Kultuurvereniging (Afrikaans language and culture organisation) and turned into a holiday resort for its members during the years of apartheid.

Knysna:

Knysna is a natural paradise of lush, indigenous forests, tranquil lakes and golden beaches. She nestles on the banks of a breathtakingly pretty lagoon, now a protected marine reserve that is home to the extraordinary sea horse and over 200 species of fish.

Beaches, lakes, mountains and rivers provide endless opportunity for leisure and outdoor adventure. Within the town, craft shops, flea-markets and cosy cafés beckon with small-town charm and hospitality. The area around Knysna is a veritable Garden of Eden.

Knysna Elephant Park, Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, Birds of Eden Bird Sanctuary, Featherbed Natures Reserve, Robberg Nature Reserve

Mossel Bay:

Mossel Bay lies halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, close to the towns of Swellendam, Outdshoorn, Plettenberg Bay and Knysna on the Garden Route and is synonymous with the Mossgas project, where offshore gas fields are mined for gas that is then converted into petroleum. Despite this obvious industrial leaning, Mossel Bay has a tradition of unhurried hospitality and there is sufficient natural beauty in the town and its surrounds to make a stopover essential. Places to see:

Garden Route Nature Reserve, Jukani Wildlife Ranch

Plettenberg Bay:

Plettenberg Bay lies almost on the border of the Western and Eastern Cape. Built on the hillside, most of the town is on a steep slope leading down to the sea, which means that regardless of where you find yourself accommodated, you will be treated to spectacular views of the bay and surrounding hills and mountains. Plettenberg Bay has a relatively long history for a South African town, having been regularly visited by Portuguese explorers during the 15th and 16th centuries.

Sedgefield:

Sedgefield is a beautiful seaside village surrounded entirely by lakes, sand dunes covered in fynbos, pine plantations, the Swartvlei Estuary and the Indian Ocean. Described by some as a sleepy little village, Sedgefield borders the Goukamma Nature Reserve and the Wilderness National Park, leaving the visitor spoilt for choice when it comes to bird watching and walks through indigenous fauna and flora.

Tsitsikamma:

Described as the ‘garden of the garden route’, the Tsitsikamma actually deserves a more vivid description to encapsulate the beauty of the place. Far from being a garden, the Tsitsikamma is a place where magic and the ancient have merged to create a fairytale. The Tsitsikamma forest is a huge protected conservation area that supports an incredibly diverse ecosystem. This isn’t any forest. It is eons old and trees tower above one as one walks in the immediate cool and shade their protective cover creates; the floor of the forest an intricate trail of ferns, moss and fragile fungi. But it is the waters contained in rivers that have carved their way through mountains to create spectacular gorges that have earned the area its unusual name.

Storms River, Natures Valley, Bloukrans River Bridge, Eersterivier

Wilderness:

Wilderness is an attractive holiday resort with beautiful beaches and numerous vantage points from which to watch the whales and dolphins. As far back as the late 1800’s the reputation of Wilderness with its natural bounty of rivers and lakes and intrinsic peace and tranquillity, ideal for seaside holidays, was established in a little stone farmhouse.

A seaside boarding house was established in the old homestead - and so began the tradition of hospitality which has made this small resort town famous all over the world.

Pictures of the Western Cape

FRANSCHOEK Plettenberg Bay Somerset West & Gordons Bay Aerial view of Knysna Hartenbos	Tulbach Farmlands Table Mountain Cango Caves Oudtshoorn

KwaZulu-Natal, also known as the Zulu Kingdom, and is truly a beautiful Kingdom to behold.   Washed by the warm Indian Ocean, it is home to Africa’s busiest port.  KwaZulu-Natal has many tourist routes and is divided into 8 regions. These 8 regions are:

• Durban (eThekwini)

• South Coast,

• North Coast,

• Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg,

• Pietermaritzburg-Midlands,

• Zululand,

• Elephant Coast and

• Battlefields.

REGIONS OF KWAZULU-NATAL

BATTLEFIELD S REGION

Steeped in history, the imposing Battlefields region of northern and central KwaZulu - Natal, encapsulates the magnitude of the historical battles which transpired amidst the stone - koppies, valleys and rolling plains of this timeless landscape. Spanning seventy years, the bloody conflicts proved pivotal in the shaping of both South African and British history as three proud nations, the British, the Zulus and the Boers, each unacquainted with the others’ military tactics, fought mercilessly in a myriad of clashes to preserve their historical significance and establish themselves in this unaffected land.  The region encompasses the largest cache of battlefields in South Africa and attracts visitors from all parts of the world. For some the journey symbolizes a cathartic pilgrimage, for others the intrigue is enough. Whatever the motive, the Battlefields never fail to impress those who visit the region and experience the sheer magnitude of its historical importance.

THE BATTLEFIELDS ATTRACTIONS:

TALANA MUSEUM – DUNDEE:  Set in a 20 acre heritage park - the first battle of the Anglo-Boer war - is a museum that is dedicated to memorabilia and the growth of the Dundee area.  Talana Museum is situated at the base of a hill of the same name, which is Zulu for ‘the shelf where precious items are stored.

SPIOENKOP NATURE RESERVE:  Lying virtually at the foot of the rugged Spioenkop Mountain, is the site of one of the bloodiest battles during the Anglo-Boer War.  Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve is 4 400 hectares of thorn savannah that contrast magnificently with the restful waters of the dam.  Lush green plains, the beckoning peaks of the Drakensberg, which extend from Giant’s Castle to the Sentinel in Royal Natal National Park, makes this attractions well worth your visit.

INTERESTING TOWNS OF THE BATTLEFIELDS REGION:

BABANANGO:   Like every town on the route, Babanango has its own story to tell. It was originally part of a land grant to European farmers in 1885 from King Dinizulu. It became the site of a number of offences by the Boers in an attempt to take Natal from the British and battles between Boer and Zulus.  Babanango is also on the Zululand Birding Route, with over 600 recorded species of bird.

GREYTOWN:   Often referred to as the ‘jewel of KwaZulu-Natal, Greytown lies in the forest-clad, rolling hills of the Natal Midlands, a picturesque little town originally settled during the 1850s and subsequently awash with buildings of note, scenic drives and Boer history.

LADYSMITH:   Set on the banks of the Klip River, and named after Sir Harry Smith’s Spanish wife, Ladysmith was established in 1850 and served as a staging-post for fortune hunters on their way to the gold fields in the then Transvaal, and the diamond diggings at Kimberley. Today it serves as a gateway to the central and northern Drakensberg.

NEWCASTLE:   There are a number of monuments and memorials in Newcastle, including Hilldrop House, once the dwelling place of author Rider Haggard whose books included King Solomon’s Mines.  Deeply involved in the Anglo-Boer War, Newcastle today is the largest town in northern KwaZulu Natal and shares its name with a further 27 sister Newcastles worldwide.

ELEPHANT COAST REGION:

The Elephant Coast of South Africa is one of the most beautiful and remote regions of the country.  This incredible area includes 21 different eco-systems and remains almost totally intact and preserved.  The Elephant Coast is home to the renowned Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park (World Heritage site), Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park, Ndumo Game Reserve and Tembe Elephant Park. The Elephant Coast is truly the untamed spirit of the Zulu Kingdom.

ELEPHANT COAST DESTINATIONS:

HLUHLUWE – ZULULAND:  The main attraction of the area is without doubt the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve. This low-risk malaria park is famous for rescuing the white rhino from the brink of extinction and its ongoing protection of both the white and black rhinoceros. The park covers about 96 000 ha and game aside, contains an incredible diversity of fauna and flora.

KOSI BAY:  Kosi Bay is a rich network of lakes that stretches from Lake Zilonde, on the Mozambique border in the north, to Lake Amanzimnyama, in the south.  Essentially it is a complex system of six large lakes, two smaller lakes and one of the best preserved estuaries on the Indian Ocean coastline.  Much of the area is protected within the Kosi Bay Nature Reserve.   Add to this already impressive picture the annual sighting of Humpback whales, just off the beaches, on their northerly migration to Mozambique, and the visit of loggerhead and leatherback turtles to lay their eggs on the beaches every year and you can understand why Kosi Bay is such an attractive place to visit.

MTUBATUBA:  Initially established as a railway siding in 1903 in a swampland of reeds and papyrus.  This is the land of sugar cane and forests and, further north, a mountainous ridge along the coast that culminates in a series of giant forested dunes. The highest of their kind in the world, they provide the backdrop to the medley of rivers, lakes, freshwater pans and swamp forest that is Lake St Lucia.

ST LUCIA:  When one speaks of St Lucia, really one is referring to the Great St Lucia Wetland Park, South Africa’s third largest park. On the north-eastern coast of KwaZulu Natal, this wilderness reserve covers some 280 km of coastline, stretching from Kozi Bay in the north to Cape St Lucia in the south and was the first park in South Africa to be declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999.  The Great St Lucia Wetland Park supports the country’s largest population of hippos and crocodiles. It is also home to leatherback turtles, black rhino, leopards, over 530 species of birds, including greater and lesser flamingos, and some 36 species of amphibians.

ETHEKWINI – DURBAN REGION

The EThekwini-Durban Region is a fusion of East, West and African traditions and cultures. This lively and fascinating district is home to Africa´s largest port, the City of Durban, the popular resort towns of Amanzimtoti and Umhlanga and the sugar plantations of Tongaat. The EThekwini-Durban region offers sun, relaxation, beautiful sandy beaches and a vast selection of exhilarating day and night activities.

ETHEKWINI DURBAN REGION - DESTINATIONS & TOWNS

Durban:  The vibrant City of Durban is the 3rd largest city in South Africa, the largest in KwaZulu-Natal and the busiest principal port in Africa. Known as Thekwini (Lagoon) by the Zulu population, it serves as a gateway to Southern Africa and is home to an eclectic mix of energetic cultures. Durban offers a unique playground of stunning beaches, charismatic venues, historic relics, sophisticated nightlife, delectable banquets, authentic artworks and a wealth of other exciting activities to its visitors.

DURBAN ATTRACTIONS:

USHAKA MARINE WORLD:  uShaka Marine World in Durban is a world-class entertainment and tourism destination. At the end of Durban’s Golden Mile is the beginning of uShaka Marine World - spanning over 15 hectares of prime beach front, uShaka Marine World is Africa’s largest Marine Theme park.

Some of the Highlights at uShaka Marine World include:

• Rocky Touch Pool - Have you ever touched a starfish? Have you ever felt the skin of a sea cucumber?  Then this is the place to do it, gently of course, with the help of a specially trained guide.

• The Open Ocean - Gazing through an enormous window 8m long by 3m    high you’ll feel as though you are actually standing underwater with the many fish associated with the open ocean such as tuna, Dorado and rays.

• Dangers of the Deep - Get ready to meet some of the most feared creatures of the deep? Sharks, sea snakes, devil fire fish and stone fish occupy this area where from the surface you might even be able to touch a shark as it swims past a purpose-built balcony at feeding time.

• Coral Gardens - Bright yellows and reds, oranges and blues - nature manages to put so much beauty into a coral reef, and of the richest and most diverse ecosystems on earth that has been recreated for you within Sea World.

• The Deep Zone - Is a window into the lives of some of the weirdest and most spectacular animals inhabiting a world hundreds of metres below the surface of the ocean, often in total darkness.

• Penguins - The African penguin is an endangered species. However, our breeding colony will provide you with a special opportunity to see these rare birds as they ‘fly’ through the water and waddle on land.

DURBAN BOTANICAL GARDENS:  The Durban Botanical Gardens are famous for the original specimen of a Cycad (Encephalartos woodii) that is still widely acknowledged as probably the rarest plant in the world, as well as for its extensive collection of South African Cycad species.   A highlight of the Gardens is the Orchid House which is named after Ernest Thorp, who was responsible for building it up to its position of world renown as the first “naturalistic” Orchid display house.

UMGENI RIVER BIRD PARK:  Designed and built in an old quarry site on the banks of the Umgeni River, just 10 minutes outside Durban, the Umgeni River Bird Park is one of the greatest attractions of the city. Walk-through aviaries, birds out on perches, wonderful green vegetation, some amazing waterfalls and rock faces all combine to make this a very special place to visit. The Umgeni River Bird Park’s main feature is a free-flight show that has as its focus a conservation theme to inspire visitors, as birds glide past them in full and unrestricted flight. To appreciate the beauty of the natural world around them. Macaws, a Cape Vulture, the critically endangered Watteled Crane and others take part in the first show of its kind in Africa.

Ferula – Town:  The town of Verulam is situated along the slopes of the Umdloti River Valley, north of the City of Durban.  Verulam is the third oldest settlement in the Zulu Kingdom and is well-known for its elegant homesteads and old-fashioned ambience. The nearby Hazelmere Dam and Reserve offer great recreational attractions to outdoor enthusiasts

Umhlanga:   Named after the uMlanga River (the place of reeds), Umhlanga became a fashionable resort site for the sugar farmers of this area. The adjoining coastal reserve of Hawaan was used for the annual hunts and vacation cottages were erected. Umhlanga was declared a village in 1931 and additional cottages and stores were added.

NORTH COAST REGION

KwaZulu Natal’s north coast has become known as the Dolphin Coast, due to frequent sightings of bottlenose dolphins who ride the waves of the Indian Ocean in large frolicking schools. It is an enviable strip of coastline that stretches from the Tongaat River at Zimbali to Zinkwazi Beach and the Tugela River mouth in the north, including the inland areas of Umhlali and Shakaskraal.

TOWNS & DESTINATIONS IN THE NORTH COAST REGION:

BALLITO:  Ballito’s origins date back to 1953, when a group of entrepreneurs began investigating land to develop a township in the Compensation beach area.  Proclaimed a township in 1954, Ballito, whose name was gleaned from a magazine advertisement meaning Little Ball became a town board in 1966.   Ballito which reached borough status in 1986, is well known for its superb, safe beaches.   Ballito lies nestled between the fields of KwaZulu Natal’s famous Green Gold and is flanked to the east by golden beaches and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

KWADUKUZA-STANGER:  KwaDukuza-Stanger lies inland from Blythedale in the midst of sugarcane fields, its streets lined with Jacarandas, home to King Shaka’s memorial monument and part, not only of the Zulu Heritage Route, but the proposed Sugar Route as well.

TINLEY MANOR:   Tinley Manor, Sheffield beach and Salt Rock have all got beautiful offshore reef formations that offer scuba divers and snorkel specialists a wonderful sea underworld, and the many nooks and crannies provide a haven for crayfish. You’ll need a licence to fish for these exotic creatures.

ZIMBALI:  The design philosophy behind the Zimbali venture is to create a balance with nature, and the 50 hectare reserve within the estate, as well as the primary dune areas that have been demarcated as conservation areas, are testament to this effort. There are a number of spring water lakes, some 85 species of birds, indigenous forest, and the eastern front of the estate is 3 kilometres of unspoilt beach.

SOUTH COAST REGION

The sandy shores of the popular South Coast Region stretch from Umkomaas to Port Edward and the southern boundary of the KwaZulu-Natal Province. The South Coast, also known as the Hibiscus Coast, is a fashionable holiday destination with a variety of attractions for all ages. This coastline is renowned for the Aliwal Shoal, a world-class scuba dive site, as well as the annual sardine migration otherwise known as The Greatest Shoal on Earth.

SOUTH COAST REGION – TOWNS & DESTINATIONS:

HIBBERDERDENE:  Hibberdene is the gateway to the Hibiscus Coast of Kwazulu Natal. It is a cosy seaside town situated 97 km south of Durban, halfway between Scottburgh and Port Shepstone. Hibberdene was named after C.Maxwell-Hibberd who was former Postmaster- General of Natal. Today, it has become one of South Africa’s popular holiday destinations.  The Hibberdene lagoon is well worth a visit.

IFAFA:  is a Zulu expression meaning “place of sparkling waters” or “sparkling one”.  The legend goes that King Shaka arrived at a place with beautiful views over a lagoon where the river meets the Indian Ocean and he named this place Ifafa. When you visit this beautiful place, you too will discover what delighted King Shaka.  Ifafa lives up to its name by being home to incredible beaches with miles of sparkling coastline.  The Ifafa lagoon and estuary is a tranquil and shimmering water mass that is nestled between low cliffs and dense coastal forests abundant in vibrant bird life. Take a slow, leisurely paddle up the lagoon or estuary and marvel at the exquisite beauty of this area.

PENNINGTON:  Pennington is part of the Umdoni coast of KwaZulu Natal in South Africa.  Pennington is a quaint resort and includes the pleasant seaside villages of Kelso, Sezela and Bazley Beach.  Quiet beaches, magnificent bays and safe tidal pools make Pennington a truly idyllic destination perfect for unwinding and relaxing.  Pennington is home to the Botha House built by General Louis Botha for his wife, Annie, on land found for him by Sir Frank Reynolds. Sir Frank Reynolds was a sugar entrepreneur and a member of the Colony’s Legislative Council.

PORT EDWARD:  Situated in the Hibiscus Coast of KwaZulu Natal, Port Edward was named after the Prince of Wales who later became King Edward VII. In 1947 it became a village - in fact the last village in KwaZulu Natal. Today Port Edward is a popular holiday destination. Port Edward boasts flawless and peaceful beaches.  Overlooking Silver Beach is an interesting sightseeing spot known as Tragedy Hill. It was so named in 1831 after Zulu Warriors massacred the family and followers of pioneer Henry Flynn in a misunderstanding over stolen cattle.  One of the most popular attractions of Port Edward is the “Sardine Run”. Countless millions of tiny silver sardines head north from the Eastern Cape and reach the Zulu Kingdom waters at Port Edward.

PORT SHEPSTONE:  Port Shepstone is one of the largest towns of the KwaZulu Natal South Coast in South Africa. In the 1860’s marble was found on the north bank of the Mzimkulu River. Some decided to settle here and attempted to open the river mouth for shipping.  The Mzimkulu River means “Home of all rivers”. It is the largest of the South Coast Rivers and meets the sea at Port Shepstone. Enjoy leisure boat trips on these glistening waters and admire the rich wildlife and bird life along the banks.  To discover more of this town’s fascinating history, visit the Port Shepstone Museum. This charming museum details the town’s history with a series of exhibits carrying a maritime theme. The 27 000 candela lighthouse still stands at the mouth of the Mzimkulu River. The present cast iron lighthouse was erected during 1906 and today you can still explore this unique lighthouse.

SCOTTBURGH:  Scottburgh is home to thousands of bird species including the brilliantly coloured Knysna and Purple-crested Lourie and a wide variety of waterfowl, vervet monkeys, dolphins and whales. Interestingly, King Shaka and his entourage were amongst some of the early visitors to this area. When stopping to rest and drink from a nearby spring, he was distracted by the myriad of birds at the mouth of the river beside which the town was later to be built. He was amazed at how each bird would know to which nest it should return and named the river “Mpanbonyoni” which translates to “Confuser of Birds”.  The Green Point Lighthouse is another attraction. It is a national monument that was erected in 1905 and is situated on a hilltop opposite Blamey’s Bay. It beams out a powerful warning to passing ships of the dangers of the Aliwal Shoal.

Take a trip to Croc world and witness over 10 000 crocodiles as well as raptors, snakes, tortoises, water birds and flamingos in a beautiful, natural setting.

PIETRMARITZBURG - MIDLANDS REGION

The well watered and fertile land of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is a place of tremendous beauty and tranquillity. This region is situated in the foothills of the great Drakensberg Mountains where undulating knolls, grasslands, verdant forests and rushing waters are the order of the day. This area is noted for its arty creativity, varied European and South African influences and warm hospitality.

PIETERMARITZBURG:  Set in the heart of Zulu country, Pietermaritzburg is a city of charm and dignity, at its loveliest in spring when masses of azaleas burst into bloom. When the first Voortrekkers arrived in 1837, they found a tranquil countryside graced by forests, hills and valleys. They settled on a fertile tract of land beside the Umsindusi River and named it after two of their leaders, Gerrit Maritz and Piet Retief. Six years later, the British upgraded the village to a military garrison town. Today, numerous Victorian and Edwardian buildings, quaint pedestrian lanes and other landmarks reflect the substantial British contribution to the development of the town.

PIETERMARITZBURG ATTRACTIONS:

GARDEN OF REMEBRANCE:  Pietermaritzburg’s attractive Garden of Remembrance commemorates the servicemen who lost their lives in the two world wars.  Sap oozes from the famous Weeping Cross of Delville Wood on the anniversary of the battle in which many South African soldiers died. The Garden of Remembrance is situated across from City Hall.

HISTORICAL BUILDINGS:  There are several buildings, museums, galleries and monuments of interest in Pietermaritzburg. Historical buildings in Pietermaritzburg include The City Hall, Comrades Marathon House Museum, Macrorie House Museum, Natal Museum, Old Colonial Building, Old Government House and Voortrekker House.

RAILWAY STATION:  The attractive red brick Railway Station building in Railway Street in Pietermaritzburg dates from the Victorian era, and is notable for its contrasting stone facings and cast-iron lace work.  Mahatma Ghandi was evicted from a train here in 1893, a famous incident which launched him on his political career.

OTHER TOWNS IN THE MIDLANDS REGION:

CURRY’S POST:  is a beautifully scenic area in the heart of the Midlands Meander that lies between Mooi River and Howick. It has a quaint history that involves the Curry Family, after whom Curry’s Post is named, who settled here, establishing an overnight wagon and cart stop - in essence a staging post. And the beautiful The Coach House, still in existence today, is where George Curry and his rather large extended family lived - he went on to having as many as 20 grandchildren. Curry’s Post was to play an important role as a ‘watering hole’ during the gold and diamond rushes as the hustle of traffic - in the form of wagons, carts and weary travellers - made this their stop en route to the old ‘Transvaal’ reef.

HOWICK:  Known as the place of many waterfalls, owing to the many tributaries of the uMngeni River that tumble down gorges and over sharp inclines on their way to the Indian Ocean, Howick is possibly best known as the place where Nelson Mandela was arrested in August 1962, and most visited because of the Howick falls.  The little village of Howick - a great place to find antiques, arts and crafts, and part of the Midlands Meander - was named after Earl Grey, the British Colonial Secretary who started out in life as the Viscount Howick.

MOOI RIVER:  Mooi River took its name from the Voortrekker description of its river - “mooi” ‘(translates as pretty). In Zulu, however, the river is Mpofana, meaning “Place of the Eland”.  Some parts of the river offer excellent boating facilities. The upper reaches are ideal for fly-fishing. Further upstream, the Mooi River Falls are a marvellous site when the river is in flood.  Outside the town, the Craigieburn Dam has camping sites and picnic spots.  Popular outdoor activities include trout fishing, which can be done in the rivers in the district.

WARTBURG:  This little piece of Germany is surrounded by hamlets of definitive origin: Harburg, New Hanover, Kirchhoff, Lilienthal, Schroeder’s and Hermann burg. Wartburg itself is named after the castle in Eisenach where Dr Martin Luther translated the bible into German and the village crest also depicts the immigrants’ arrival by sailing ship, the Luther Rose and the call to ‘pray and work’. Wartburg is located right in the centre of the KwaZulu Natal Midlands. Settled in the 1850s by German families, today the local industry is mainly mealies (maize), sugar cane, timber and kiwi fruit although there is an increasing arts and crafts community.

IXOPO:  Ixopo is the main centre of the Southern Midlands and forms part of an important sugar farming, and forestry area. Although originally called ‘Stuartstown’, the original Zulu name ‘Ixopo’ has prevailed.  This charming town is not a major tourism ‘hub’ which makes it particularly attractive to those seeking to get away from it all.  The surrounding countryside is breath-taking and there are many hiking trails and a few beautiful waterfalls along the Mzimkulu and Mkhomazi rivers.

NOTTINGHAM ROAD:  Nottingham Road locals are a friendly bunch, and there is plenty to do in the area, starting with a visit to the Nottingham Road Brewing Co - a rustic brewery that produces beers with original names like a ‘whistling weasel pale ale’, a ‘pie-eyed possum pilsner’, a ‘pickled pig porter’ and a “tiddly toad lager” - you can understand why ‘Wind in the Willows’ would come to mind.

UKHAHLAMBA – DRAKENSBERG REGION

The Drakensberg is not only about its famous mountain peaks – Giants Castle, Cathedral Peak, Mont-Aux-Sources - it is also graced with a number of lower peaks known as the foothills of the Drakensberg. The entire Drakensberg is riddled with incredible waterfalls, rock pools, mountain streams, caves, crisp mountain air, and special spaces that draw both visitors to South Africa and locals alike.

DRAKENSBERG - REGION DESTINATIONS:

CATHEDRAL PEAK:  The spire-like Cathedral Peak is described by many as simply awesome and is one of the most instantly-recognisable summits in a line of free-standing peaks that have been separated from the main escarpment by erosion.  The area of Cathedral Peak, surrounded as it is by wilderness and some of the most spectacular mountain scenery imaginable - the peak is bordered by two wilderness areas the Mdedeleo and Mlambonja - is a retreat for hikers, nature lovers, mountain bikers and rock climbers.

ESTCOURT: Lower down in the valley from Van Reenan’s Pass and in the heart of the Anglo-Boer War territory, Estcourt is a fairly large town that serves as the gateway to the central Drakensberg.  Initially known as Bushman’s River, due largely to its location near water, Estcourt was renamed in honour of Thomas Estcourt, an English parliamentarian who sponsored the immigration of settlers to the area. Aside from its obvious Anglo-Boer War connections, Estcourt is also popular because it is close to the Weenen Game Reserve, a KwaZulu Natal conservation park, and the Thukela Biosphere.

HIMEVILLE:  The hamlet of Himeville lies nestled at the foot of the Southern Drakensberg, its high altitude, heavy snowfalls and climatic extremes possibly the initial reason for its relative neglect, but the breathtaking scenery, abundance of water and the Himeville and Underberg district’s reputation as a fly fishing mecca, now make it an attractive alternative to the busier parts of the berg.  Formerly the terrain of San hunter-gatherers, who spent their summers in and around Himeville, the Himeville Museum, located in some of the original stone buildings erected in 1900, has a valued collection of San artefacts and is worth a visit.

VAN REENEN:  Drakensberg Mountains connecting Jo-burg and Durban with Van Reenen, a little town perched on the high summit of the Pass, between Harrismith and Ladysmith on the N3. Van Reenen has a history steeped in the Anglo-Boer War, and a lookout point, called Windy Corner, about 3 kilometres out of town with views over the mountains and lower lying regions.

SANI PASS:  The tight zig-zagging curves of Sani Pass, one of the most magnificent mountain passes in South Africa, ascend through the sheer cliffs of the Drakensberg, linking KwaZulu Natal to the independent country of Lesotho

ZULULAND REGION

Lying beneath the baking heat of a subtropical sun, Zululand is how many regard KwaZulu Natal in their minds eye - peaceful, green hills, waving grasslands, abundant forests, unhurried lifestyle, and a soil imbued with the strength of the Zulu nation who fought for this land.  Zululand lies on the brink of both the Battlefields Route and the Drakensberg, yet this land that is home to tea plantations, cattle farms and pretty little inland towns is also rich in wild game. There are numerous parks, farms and nature reserves.

ZULULAND REGION – ATTRACTIONS & DESTINATIONS

EMPANGENI:  The town is a centre for sugar, cotton, cattle and timber and despite its development into a modern town, it has retained its small town charm and locals are hospitable in true Zululand style.  Empangeni was originally the site of a Norwegian Mission station established near the stream called eMpangeni. The mission was later moved to Eshowe but magistracy, called Empangeni, was established here in 1894. The name Empangeni, according to folklore, comes from the Zulu word ‘panged’, which means ‘grabbed’, and is thought to refer to the number of crocodile attacks on water bearers in the nearby eMpangeni stream.

ESHOWE:  Eshowe, the oldest town of European settlement in Zululand, lies just below a ridge of hills that are home to an indigenous forest known as Dlinza. The sound of wind blowing through the forest is thought to have inspired Eshowe’s name, although it is more likely named after the isiZulu word ‘ishongwe’, which refers to the prevalence of milk bush shrubs in the area.

MELMOTH:  Melmoth was a ‘gold rush’ town, founded in 1888 and named after Sir Melmoth Osborn, the resident commissioner of Zululand at the time. Melmoth is essentially regarded as a good base for travellers wanting to visit places of interest close to the town, all with an hour’s drive.  Throughout Zulu history it has been regarded as a place of mystery and the supernatural and the Chube, ironworkers associated with the Nkandla area, were never conquered by Shaka.

PAULPIETERSBURG:  Paulpietersburg is a small, pretty town nestling in the foothills of the Dumbe Mountain - a big, flat-topped, triangular mountain in the middle of flatlands territory, popular with par gliders and hikers and named after the wild dumbe fruit which grows on its slopes.  The town was named in 1888 in honour of then Boer president Paul Kruger and Voortrekker hero, Pieter Joubert and is on the Battlefields Route, which pays homage to a number of fierce Anglo-Boer and Anglo-Zulu battles that ensued during the late 1800s and early 1900s in this part of the world.

Richards Bay: The town of Richards Bay lies at the sea edge of an ancient floodplain, almost halfway between Durban and Kosi Bay and forms the tourist gateway to Zululand and Maputaland. Richards Bay began its life as a makeshift harbour, set up by Sir Fredererick Richards, after whom it is also named, during the Anglo-Boer War of 1879. For many years, the town was little more than a sleepy fishing town until a hydro graphic survey revealed that Richards Bay had even greater development potential than Durban. However, the transformation of Richards Bay into the country’s largest harbour and the world’s largest coal terminal only happened in 1976.

PHOTOS OF KZN

GREYTOWN USHAKA MARINE WORLD CATHEDRAL PEAK	PORT EDWARD KOSI BAY DURBAN UMHLANGA

2010 South Africa

LET NO RUSH TOURS TAKE THE HASSLE & FRUSTRATION OUT OF YOUR ARRANGEMENTS TO VISIT SOUTH AFRICA FOR THE 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP SOCCER TOURNAMENT.

WE AT NO RUSH TOUR APPRECIATE YOUR NEED TO BE FREE AND ENJOY THE WORLD SHOW PIECE OF SOCCER SO WHY NOT LET US TAKE THE STRAIN & YOU BE FREE FROM PAIN TO ENJOY THE REAL PURPOSE OF YOUR VISIT

NO RUSH TOURS HAS AN OPENING FOR FIFTY PEOPLE TO VISIT SOUTH AFRICA IN 2010 FOR THE WORLD SHOW PIECE OF SOCCER.

DO NOT DELAY & RESERVE YOUR ACCOMMODATION & TICKETS FOR THE GAMES EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.

LET US KNOW THE GAMES YOU WISH TO WATCH & WHERE YOU ARE COMING FROM & WE WILL DO THE REST.

NO RUSH TOURS WILL ARRANGE:

• YOUR AIR TRAVEL AND ASSOCIATED MATTERS (Visa application your responsibility)
• YOUR ACCOMMODATION FOR YOUR FULL STAY. THIS IS FOR ALL CENTRES WHERE MATCHES ARE BEING PLAYED. THE ACCOMMODATION WILL BE AT BED AND BREAKFAST FACILITIES & NOT AT OVERCROWDED HOTELS.
• TRANSPORT TO & FROM GAMES IN JOHANNESBURG & PRETORIA. ACCOMODATION AT OTHER CENTRES WILL BE ARRANGED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE SOCCER STADIUMS.
• BREAKFAST & DINNER IS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE. NO LUNCH ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE
• A FIVE DAY TOUR AT THE BEGINNING OF YOUR TRIP WILL BE MADE TO THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK OR ALTERNATIVELY CAPE TOWN  & THIS IS ALSO INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE.
• THERE WILL BE A TRIP TO CAPE TOWN & A TRIP TO THE GAME PARK BUT WE NEED YOU TO INDICATE AT THE TIME OF BOOKING WHAT YOU PREFERENCE IS. A TOUR GUIDE WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BOTH TRIPS.

WE WILL NEED TO HAVE YOUR PREFERENCE OF GAMES YOU WISH TO WATCH SO THAT TICKETS FOR THESE GAMES CAN BE ARRANGED WELL IN ADVANCE.

THE PACKAGE EXCLUDES ANY NIGHT LIFE ENTERTAINMENT & VISITORS ARE FREE TO ARRANGE THIS TO SUITE THEIR OWN PREFERENCE OF ENTERTAINMENT. THIS AND SO MUCH MORE CAN BE ARRANGED TO ENSURE YOU HAVE A TROUBLE FREE TRIP TO THE WORLDS’ GREATEST EVENT.

NO RUSH TOURS YOUR TOUR SPECIALIST WILL MAKE YOUR VISIT TO THE 2010 WORLD CUP AN EVENT TO REMEMBER.

JOIN US PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE TOURNAMENT AS WE TAKE YOU TO THE KRUGER PARK OR THE PARADISE OF CAPE TOWN.

DETAILS AVAILABLE FROM OUR OFFICE

WHY NOT JOIN US ON A TRIP OF A LIFE TIME INTO THE HEART OF SOUTH AFRICA & AFRICA

WE’LL FLY YOU ON A ROUND TRIP FROM ALBUQUERQUE NEW MEXICO (OR YOUR CITY OF DEPARTURE IN THE USA) TO JOHANNESBURG BEFORE SETTING OUT ON YOUR AFRICA EXPEDITION

YOU’LL VISIT SEVERAL CITIES IN SOUTH AFRICA. A TRAIN TRIP TO THE VICTORIA FALLS IN ZIMBABWE WILL BE THE START OF A TRIP YOU WILL REMEMBER FOR A LIFE TIME

(On your trip, you’ll enjoy the beautiful African landscapes as you cruise on a riverboat enjoying some of the most beautiful sun sets in the world. You’ll listen to the roaring lions in the Great Kruger National Park. Go on a wine tasting spree at our popular wine farms. A drive along the Natal coast onto the garden Route has to be a breath taking experience as you see plants & flowers only found in South Africa. Arriving in Cape Town & viewing the Cape in all its beauty from the top of Table Mountain is just a few of the many places of interest we have lined up for you.

We provide you with an experienced tour guide and hostess to accompany you on the entire trip – we’ll be there to assist your every need to ensure that your trip is a total success.

All this at a give away cost of $8,500 PER PERSON double occupancy

(Includes land and air fair, most meals, and most of the activities listed above…)

For more information, contact

www.thefamilytraveler.net
MARCELLA SIMMONS
106 FLECTHER DRIVE
LOGANSPORT LA 71049
E-mail: marcies04@bellsouth.net
318-697-5649

OR

Giselle Visser
Giselle@whisperpoetry.com
+27 13 19 23182
+27 82 801 3202

A TOUR HOSTED by NO RUSH TOURS (South Africa) IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE FAMILY TRAVELER (U S A))

AN EXPERIENCE NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN!!

21 day Air/Land Tour
JUNE 13, 2009 to July 4, 2009

WE’LL FLY YOU ROUND TRIP FROM JOHANNESBURG SOUTH AFRICA TO ALBUQUERQUE NEW MEXICO BEFORE VENTURING INTO THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS.

YOU’LL VISIT SEVERAL CITIES IN NEW MEXICO

• Albuquerque
• Santa Fe
• Farmington

COLORADO

• Durango
• Cortez
• Ouray
• Ridgeway
• Telluride
• Pagosa Springs
• South Fork

On your trip, you’ll enjoy relaxing in mineral baths and massages, horse back riding, white water rafting, jeep touring, fabulous train rides into the heart of the Rocky Mountains, tramway rides, fine dining, live cowboy entertainment and much more.

We provide you with an experienced tour guide and hostess to accompany you on the entire trip – we’ll be there to assist your every need to ensure that your trip is a total success.

$8,500 PER PERSON double occupancy
(Includes land and air fair, most meals, and most of the activities listed above…)
For more information, contact

www.thefamilytraveler.net
MARCELLA SIMMONS
106 FLECTHER DRIVE
LOGANSPORT LA 71049
E-mail: marcies04@bellsouth.net
318-697-5649

OR

Giselle Visser
Giselle@whisperpoetry.com
+27 13 19 23182
+27 82 801 3202

A TOUR HOSTED by THE FAMILY TRAVELER (U S A) IN ASSOCIATION WITH NO RUSH TOURS ( South Africa)

AN EXPERIENCE NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN!!