Caribbean Travel Dreams Blog

Has South Africa been one of those places you've put on your "bucket list"?  This fascinating country, at the top of so many "must-see" lists, is more affordable than you realize, offering value for your money while enjoying an unforgettable place ... exotic, full of culture and one-of-a-kind experiences.  The exchange rate for the South African Rand (ZAR) to the US Dollar is a plus, too.

When you mention South Africa, most people immediately think of Cape Town or Johannesburg ... oh, there is so much more!  South Africa is located on the southern tip of the continent of Africa, consisting of 9 provinces and bordered by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.  With mountains, valleys, oceans, scenic coastlines, semi-deserts, bushveld, wide open spaces, bustling cities full of heritage and culture ... and even a little of of "Vegas in Africa" with the Sun City complex in the North West province ... South Africa is truly "diverse with everything for everyone".  Twelve official languages are spoken in South Africa.

All parts of South Africa offer natural and cultural attractions. In Gauteng province, the home of Johannesburg, there's the township of Soweto, the Apartheid Museum, and the ancient fossils at the Cradle of Humankind. The Western Cape boasts Cape Town, Table Mountain National Park, and the renowned wine routes of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. In KwaZulu-Natal, visitors experience diverse wildlife at Isimangaliso (St. Lucia) Wetlands and the distinctive Drakensberg Mountains. The Namaqualand flowers bloom in the Northern Cape, while visitors to the Eastern Cape can tour the birthplace of Nelson Mandela and the beautiful Garden Route. And, of course, for the quintessential safari experience, there's Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces, the largest game reserve in South Africa.  Other popular activities during a South Africa vacation include surfing and swimming, whale-watching and golfing on championship courses.

Outstanding accommodations are available throughout the country, from world-class hotels and luxurious game lodges to guest houses and B&Bs. South Africans, who speak English, are known for their warm hospitality. The country is also easily accessible, with direct and non-stop flights from the U.S. available on South African Airways and Delta Air Lines, and many connecting flights via Europe.

Don't let your travel dreams pass you by ...

Pattie Mitchell, ACC
South African Fundi Specialist
Travel Dreams
E-mail: traveldreams10@yahoo.com
www.traveldreams.us