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Posts Tagged ‘Cape Town’

Have A Blast With Some Luxury Train Travel Via Rovos Rail

January 31st, 2010 No comments

If you think of luxury train travel one thing should come to mind that is Rovos Rail. It’s called the pride of Africa this wonderful collection of high class locomotives that can take you on a wonderful journey. Whether it is to have a romantic getaway or just go site seeing, this should be the place you look too.

Though it has taken some time to get many of the fleet in their selection. It is something that has been accomplished very well. Through years of searching and refurbishing you now have a chance to ride a classic train with modern pluses.

The oldest of the locomotives they have is the 1893, it is the 439 Tiffany. Built back in that year by the Company of Dubs and Co. Located in Scotland. During that time it was something that was built for the Cape Government to use. At that time the trip it would take would be the one that lead from Johannesburg into Cape Town.

Taking the time to refurbish and rebuilt the engine to a much more efficient model. The original firebox boiler would be replaced by that of the Belpair firebox. It was due to Rohan seeing this beautiful engine during travels that it would be purchased in the year of 1987.

Another three beautiful engines would be added during later times to the stock, they would be those 19D class engine. Overall only a total of 235 of this type of model would be built from the years of 1937 up to 1948.

They have also be modified from the original built into something that will give it more area to cover. Replacing the tenders that were originally in them with ones of Vanderbilt that are able to hold much more coal and water.

The first of these models that would be acquired would be the 2702 Bianca that was built during 1938. It would be acquired by the family during 1986 when it was found in a scrap metal yard. Again it would be given the right touch to get it back into working condition.

Again hitting another scrap metal yard the next purchase would be of the 2701 Brenda. Once again with a loving touch it would be fixed up and made possible to run once again.

The last of the 19D class that would be added was something that Rohan would come across while checking the yard where the other trains were fixed up. It was the 3360 Shaun, and it would of course be done up just perfect again.

This is really a once in a lifetime chance that many should think of taking. A chance of riding in a classic train that has all the modern needs that you seek. The inside of these trains is completely wonderful.

A true chance for the train lover too out there to enjoy something that would offer a fantastic journey. Not only can you enjoy the scenery of Africa when you travel this way. But you will also have the chance to be on some of the most beautiful locomotives that are out there currently.

If you think of luxury train travel one thing should come to mind that is Rovos Victoria Falls . It’s referred to as the pride of Africa this wonderful collection of top quality locomotives that can take you on an exciting journey.

Traveling Through South Africa

September 3rd, 2009 No comments

A vibrant and diverse land, South Africa is home to dreamy beaches, exciting wild grasslands, awe-inspiring deserts, and even some rather impressive vineyards. The tragedy of Europe’s invasion and exploitation of the land has evolved since the fall of apartheid into a rich melting pot of both European and African culture. On a simple drive you may find yourself torn between the contrasting sights of white and black architecture and culture, from Paris to Delhi and back again. For those who are unaware, Indians are a significant portion of the communities of South Africa that have a great impact.

Best time to visit South Africa: Normally, anybody can visit South Africa year round, as the climate is pleasant and warm. The climate is exactly the opposite of the climate in North America or Europe. South Africa enjoys winter during the month of July.

In South Africa, June to September is the best time for safaris and wildlife observation. Because of dry season or dryness, animals come out near to the watering places. It is the best time to watch and observe them. Krger national park and in the protected game areas of KwaZulu Natal, are the noted parks of South Africa. Temp is around 25deg C. during day. As compare to the day, nights are cool. South African summer is warm on the east coast. Its Indian Ocean plays very important role in maintaining pleasant role for whole year. Some times summer is very bad and tough. Temperature goes up and very difficult to live. This could make bearable by extreme dryness. The autumn has usually pleasant temperatures. Some time its rains in autumn. Occasionally Cape Town goes thru unpleasant southeast winds. This usually abates from March to April.

Autumn normally has good temperatures with a little rain, and during this season the unpleasant winds in Cape Town begin to come to an end. In spring there are cooler temperatures with a medium amount of rain. This season is a treat for flower lovers. During August and September, visitors to Namaqualand in North Cape and the western areas of West Cape can enjoy the highly praised and anticipated “Miracle of Flowers.”

Following care is a must while traveling in Johannesburg and in the capital Pretoria: 1) Preferable travel in group. 2) Don’t carry much cash while site seeing. Keep cash in your room only. 3) Get full information in detail about tour / program and follow strictly. 4) Never drive with unlocked windows and doors. 5) It is advisable to go for rent a car. 6) If feels danger of attack, drive off immediately.

While special inoculations aren’t necessary, if you’re visiting during the rainier season, you should acquire a malaria shot. Don’t underestimate the mosquitoes; pack long-sleeved shirts and mosquito nets. The hospitals are quite competent and the pharmacies have a wide variety of medicines, but you must pay for these things locally, so you’ll want to get health insurance before you travel.

Customs Allowances: Each person may bring a liter of liquor, two liters of wine, 2 packs of cigarettes and 250 grams of tobacco as well as 50ml of perfume. The unit of currency is the South African Rand. As exchange rates vary, you will need to check the rate when you are booking hotels or making travel arrangements. The major, international credit cards are accepted in all states. With your own credit card and pin number you can get cash at many cash machines problem-free. The FIFA Football World Cup takes place in South Africa in 2010.

Graham McKenzie is the webmaster for a leading South African Flight Comparison portal, to book a flight, simply visit our website at: http://www.saflights.co.za

Amazing South Africa

April 21st, 2009 No comments

South Africa is one of the most splendid places on earth. Stuffed with astonishing beauty, South Africa holds awesome sunsets and sun rises. People from all over the world love to have a holiday at this remarkable destination. You can enjoy luxurious picnics together with the savor of local wines. For the brilliance this country holds, it is renowned as a dreamland filled with natural beauty, history and all you can imagine.

One astonishing place you ought to see in luxurious South Africa is the Kruger National Park. This park offers wilds at their best as well as ultimate and comfortable African safari. It also offers a variety of wonderful private lodges which allow you to treat in astounding food, and an assortment of South African wines. Not only this, this part also has great massage service to calm its visitors.

Though luxury Kruger safari is not very cheap, yet this magnificent experience is certainly worth the cost. You will also be able to see the astonishing African flora and fauna including the herds of Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Rhinos, and Buffalo. You will also get a prospect to watch cheetahs and other astonishing wildlife at this park. These great parks also offer a variety of some of the most astonishing birds as well.

After you see and experience all the wonders of wildlife, Cape Town is just the thing destinations for you to return. This town has some of the best things you can dream to see. Best restaurants, splendid museums and galleries Cape Town is amazing in all aspects.

One of the land marks of this great city is the Table Mountain. You can enjoy a great cable car ride to the top which offers great fun and excitement. Here you will be able to behold some of the most amazing sites of Cape Town. You must not miss this brilliant experience. Cape Town is also offers you some great sight seeing. You will also find some amazing galleries here, and dwell in winery lodges.

Garden Route is one more lavish spot which will give you an astonishing experience. During the months of July to December, you can take pleasure here and have a wonderful time beholding the beach, and the whales. You can also spot some wonderful spectacles at Walker Bay. The Cango Caves are yet another marvel of South Africa. It is packed with wonderful beaches and great forests.

South Africa is wonderfully diverse and offers endless entertainment, fun and thrill for its visitors. It is surely one of the most amazing places where the tourists love to delight in. Owing to its diversity and amazing experiences, this country has been titled as the Rainbow Nation.

Be it beautiful beaches, mouth watering food, finest hotels, rare and awe-inspiring wildlife, wine or night life, south Africa can make all your dreams come true with its comprehensive and perfect spectrum of perfect and luxurious holiday package. So wait no more and head to the luxurious South Africa and make some ever lasting memories with your loved ones.

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Robben Island Tour: An African Cultural Safari with a Difference

January 11th, 2009 No comments

In the recent past, Robben Island has undergone a great change from a place for banishment and imprisonment, to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated 12 km from Cape Town in the West Cape Province, the island was for more than three centuries used by rulers as an incarceration center for political prisoners. Many political and human rights activists were brought here in an attempt to thwart their quest for freedom.

Robben Island was also previously used as a military base during the second world war (1939-1945), and as a hospital center for people with diseases that require isolation e.g. lepers, the chronically ill and other outcasts (1846-1931).

Though Robben Island has existed for long, it gained international fame in the late 20th century, during the apartheid era. The apartheid years saw the imprisonment of such South Africa freedom fighters as Nelson Mandela, and Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe (a founding leader of Pan Africanist Congress). Mandela was in this 6 sq km island for 27 years while serving a life imprisonment sentence passed on him in 1963.

Political prisoners in Robben Island were often jailed together with common-law prisoners, and the only contact they had with the outside world was limited to two letters a year. After the release of Nelson Mandela in 1990, the remaining political detainees were set free in 1991. In 1996, the common law prisoners were also transferred to the South Africa mainland.

In 1997, the island was changed into a museum, the Robben Island Museum, which is today a cornerstone of South Africa’s heritage. By running educational programs for schools and other visitors, and facilitating more research about the island, the museum promotes tourism development and archives South Africa historical information. In 1999, UNESCO declared Robben Island as a World Heritage Site.

According to UNESCO, the declaration of Robben Island as a world heritage site symbolizes the triumph of the human spirit, freedom, and democracy over oppression. South Africa has seven other world heritage sites including the Swartkrans, Sterkfontein, and Kromdraai environs, often known as “the cradle of humanity” due to the discovery of the famous Taung Skull fossil here in 1924.

Apart from the Museum, other attractions in Robben Island are the breeding colonies of bank cormorants, crowned cormorants and Hartlaub’s gulls. The island also hosts approximately 5 percent of the global population of African black oystercatchers.

Getting to Robben Island is easy by the ferries that operate from V&A waterfront in Cape Town. The ferries depart daily from the Nelson Mandela Gateway with schedules for 9am, 10am, 12pm, 1pm, and 3pm. On the island itself, visitors get to tour the former prison to get an overview of the former life of the political detainees imprisoned there from the 1960′s to the 90′s. Some of the tour guides in the Island are themselves former Robben Island prisoners. A standard Robben Island tour will take three and a half hours, including the two 30-minute rides to and from the island.

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The Western Cape’s Stunning Beaches

October 7th, 2008 No comments
by Glenda Capman

The Western Cape of South Africa Cape Town Beaches are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. There are beaches that are great for couples, individuals, and some that are best for families. The Western Cape of South Africa beaches are popular destinations for residents and tourists alike. The False Bay beaches along the coast of the Western Cape of South Africa are family friendly and warmer than the beaches along the Atlantic Coast. The Atlantic Coast beaches have a multitude of shops and restaurants while the False Bay beaches are more sparsely populated.

Atlantic Ocean Beaches

The Western Cape of South Africa has beaches that are known as the Cape Town Riviera. These can be found on the western side of Cape Peninsula along the Atlantic Coast. While these beaches are a bit colder than those on the Indian Ocean side they are more protected from the strong winds and enjoy more time in the sun.

The Table Bay beaches of the Western Cape of South Africa can be found north of the Atlantic Seaboard near Table Mountain and Robben Island. These beaches are great for surfing, swimming, windsurfing, and paddle skiing. Some of the beaches in this area are Table View, Dolphin, Milnerton, and Blouberg’s Big Bay and Little Bay.

The Western Cape of South Africa beaches of the Atlantic Seaboard are where people go to be seen. They are also a great place to swim, sun bathe, and play volleyball.

False Bay Beaches

The beaches of False Bay are located off the coast of the Indian Ocean on the Western Cape of South Africa. Visitors are drawn to these beaches every year in because of the low key and relaxed atmosphere. These beaches are more family friendly than those on the Atlantic side, yet they can get almost as busy.

The Western Cape of South Africa beaches of False Bay are located between the Helderberg beaches in the east and Cape Point on the western end of the bay. Some of the Helderber Beaches are Bikini Beach, Gordon’s Bay, Strand, and Kogel Bay. They are all approximately forty-five minutes from the center of Cape Town and are ideal for families that want to enjoy swimming, surfing, beach walks, sun bathing, and fishing.

The False Bay Beaches of the Western Cape of South Africa can be found along a curve that runs from the Helderberg beaches on the eastern portion of the bay to Cape Point which can be found at the western end. The Helderberg Beaches include Gordon’s Bay, Bikini Beach, Kogel Bay and Strand. These beaches are approximately forty-five minutes from Cape Town and are perfect for families and individuals who want to swim surf, beach walk, sun bathe, or fish. The False Bay Beaches include the Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, St. James, Glencairn, Boulders, Diaz Beach, and Smitswinkelbaai. These are best for individuals who want to swim, sun bathe, walk along the beach, surf or body board.

All of the beaches along the coastline of the Western Cape of South Africa have something unique to offer visitors. The variety of activities ensures that all beach goers will have a fantastic time. If the beach you visit doesn’t have exactly what you are looking for or is too crowded for you, dozens of other beaches are only minutes away. The beaches along the coast of the Western Cape of South Africa are great for all ages.

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