South Africa took the spotlight last year because of the football. We might not hear the loud vuvuzuelas anymore but there are still a lot of reasons to come to South Africa. Here are the best activities you can do this month:
Visit the Basotho Cultural Village
Immerse yourself into the ways of the Basotho people who were the early settlers of the land. The cultural village is within the boundaries of the Golden Gate National Park. Travel back in time as you visit the courtyard exhibiting the different huts of the Basotho’s evolving from the sixteenth century to the modern times. You wil be able to interact with locals dressed in the tradtional clothes of the Basothos. Those who are really interested to know about their culture will be able to witness an accurate depiction of this group’s architecture and lifestyle.
Africa, dubbed as the Cradle of Civilization, is a continent teeming with different realities and opportunities as there are landscapes. The best way to experience this is through a slow communion with the land and its people. Bumming a ride from passersby is a sure way to let Africa wind its way into the heart.
Asides from the various sights you’ll see there are also various individuals you’ll meet along the way. There are many volunteers who make their way through Africa by way of hitchhiking and various convoys traverse the rugged highways of the continent. You’ll have a lot of interesting conversations along the way.
Riding through different vehicles and different kinds of people will put you in situations that maybe partly uncomfortable but will nonetheless open you to the strangeness of life.
Here are some tips to help you survive and have a great time while negotiating with everyday life on the road in Southern Africa.
South Africa may have gained much in terms of prestige when it hosted the 2010 World Cup but there may be a price to pay for its admission into the membership of host countries.
According to the Africa Travel’s managing director, Frances Geoghegan, reservations and bookings for the month of August fell as much as 20 to 30 percent compared to figures around the same time in 2009. Ms. Geohegan believes that this particular drop in tourist traffic from Britain is caused by the surge in plane fare and an overall impression by Britons that a holiday in South Africa costs a lot more than the regular travel destinations like Mallorca.
Do you have an illogical fear of wild cats? Most of us would say, “But that’s not illogical. That’s very smart.” However, for most risk takers, facing that natural, prey-to-a-predator fear is the point of traveling. Otherwise, travel would be very dull. If you’re one of those fearless globe trotters, and you’re willing to come face-to-face with the fiercest beasts in the planet, then these trips are for you.
Paddling in South America
Night paddles through the Pilchicocha’s Lake which is at the heart of the Amazon Rainforest can be one of the most nerve-wracking experiences of your life. While it’s pretty calm at night, you’d wonder if the calmness is because you’re being watched by these wild animals like a very hungry human would watch his food as it cooks.
Shortly after the Mandela Stadium World Cup event, South Africa is at it again—this time with a more glamorous sport. Johannesburg is preparing to host a series of polo tournaments. The city will house several African polo teams including Ghana, Nigeria, and ten others. The Polo Africa Development Side will also use Joburg as their homebase.
According to the CEO of the Johannesburg Tourism Company, Lindiwe Kwele, they’re very honored to play host to this prestigious sporting event. It’s certainly a first in the history of South Africa. Kwele said that it’s more than just playing host to polo tournaments. Because the sport is known, first and foremost, for its stylishness, they’re also looking to see improvements in their culinary styles, and even the country’s fashion trends.
A new brand of “Afro-fusion Chic” is anticipated by the people. It this becomes a signature event in Johannesburg, it will certainly make its mark in history.
Dampening the spirit of the 2010 World Cup, a bus accident in Nelspruit, a city in South Africa, was reported by authorities. According to witnesses, the driver of the coach wasn’t able to control the wheel as the bus went by the winding road. The passengers were English fans who were on their way to the Mandela Stadium to witness the biggest soccer game in the world.
Road accidents aren’t the only dangers that tourists traveling to South Africa should be made aware of. If you’re one of them, these are the things you shouldn’t shrug your shoulders on. Make sure that you have your eyes peeled for them while you’re traveling to this destination.
Crimes
Tags: australia, Baja California Sur, best driving routes, best motorways, Coastal Roads, France, Great Ocean Road, Japan, Kumamoto, M8, Mexico, Millau Viaduct, Northern Tunisia, Portugal, roadtrip, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, top driving routes, Western Cape
By Randy Colt For most travelers, it’s not really about the destination. It’s about the journey. This is never truer for anyone else than for those who love to drive. Some people find that driving actually relaxes them. If you’re planning to fly out of the U.S. and rent a car to explore the landscape, these are the best driving routes to take.
Baja California Sur, Mexico
While this driving route is not ideal for those who are only used to casual driving, people who love challenges will find this interesting. Filled with narrow, two-lane highways, adventurous drivers will be kept on the edge of their seats while traversing this path. The best road to take is Highway 1. However, word has it that it has plenty of potholes. You’ll need a pretty sturdy vehicle for this drive.
Tags: Agra India, Borneo, Canada, Great Barrier Reef, Kilimanjaro, Kruger national park, Northern Manitoba Coast, queensland Australia, Rimba Lodge, South Africa, Taj Mahal, Tanjung Putting Biosphere Reserve, Tanzania
By Randy Colt As we travel more and more, so do places suffer. Unthinking and irresponsible tourists, development and the environmental crisis are some of the major causes of the destruction of the world’s marvels. As everyone rushes to see these beautiful places and wonders, they become even more endangered. So when you visit these places, make sure that while enjoying the beautiful view, you are responsible enough not to contribute to their endangerment.
Kruger National Park in South Africa
During 2006, there were only less than 50, 000 lions remaining—a far cry from the 200, 000 three decades ago. Ranchers kill them because they eat the livestock, while poachers hunt them for profit. Unfortunately, even those that are staying in national parks are also suffering due to illnesses. When there is not enough funding the animals naturally become the first victims, and corruption among officials does not help the matter.
