Spectacular long white beaches, glitzy cities teeming with elegant malls, variety of shopping outlets and streets adorned with historical architecture, and nature reserves packed. The hypnotic spell of South Africa is such that die-hard travellers dare the dangerous yet glamorous Johannesburg.
Johannesburg (also known as Jozi), the economic powerhouse of Africa is a giddy mix of money and poverty. A city of extremes that remain logically irreconcilable yet Jozi is booming and that’s the paradox. Only the die-hard tourists are hell bent on exploring its six million trees which make it one of the world’s largest man made forest cities, visiting malls of Sandton, satiating gastronomical demands at restaurants at upbeat suburbs of Parktown and Norwood. In spite of the gorgeous appeal of the city, the fear of being robbed and mobbed in this crime-ridden city requires one to be alert.
Friendly eco-city, Port Elizabeth, offers all kinds of attraction and is an excellent value-for-money holiday destination. Home to historical art and architecture, long golden beaches, and nature reserves make this city a most sought after destination for holiday seekers. History buffs bookflights to South Africa particularly for the historic Donkin Heritage trail, which takes the tourist on a journey in imitation of the 1820 settlers. On the long trail the tourists are led to discover 47 historical sites and architectural specimens in the Old Hill area of central Port Elizabeth (PE).
In Cape Town it is hard not to be smitten by Table Mountain which seduces one to bear the hardship of climbing for pure thrill. The blend of Victorian architecture, Dutch style buildings, Malay Muslim influence on the quintessential Bo-kaap and practical modern high rises create a cosmopolitan cityscape apart from Cape Town’s natural beauty. Cape Town is chock-full with chic malls, antique shops, craft markets, flea markets and art galleries catering to both habitual and fashion-conscious shoppers.
Durban is all about sun, sports and stadia and accompanied by pleasant weather it attracts holiday seekers and sports-fanatics in droves. Apart from its world-class stadiums holding popular sports like cricket, soccer and rugby, its proximity to the Indian Ocean endows this sporting paradise with an ambience befitting all major kind of water sports.
Snarling traffic is almost an uncommon affair in East London. What makes this city very charming is a blend of traditional values and nonchalant air. Its long white beaches attract surfers and swimmers to indulge in a plethora of water sports. Nahoon Reef, a surfer’s paradise and host to international surfing competitions is located right there. If the weather is fine go and have a look at the only existing dodo egg at the natural history museum. Enjoy sand boarding on the gargantuan sand dunes at Bonza Bay and sneak a quick look at the lion cubs at Lion Park before you wrap up your trip.
