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Discovering
the diversity of South Africa
By
Helen C. Broadus
 Discover
the immense diversity of South Africa, a land full
of rich cultural heritage, friendly people,
spectacular wildlife and stunning landscapes. South
Africa is truly famous for its mixture of cultures,
heritages and traditions that are blended together
through its festivals, music and foods. You will
also find that there is much more than a
traditional safari experience to see the "Big Five"
in South Africa. You can also enjoy first-class
hotel accommodations, pristine beaches, luxurious
train rides, or even a walking safari in South
Africa. Coming back to South Africa brings back
fond memories and a yearning to see even more of
South Africa's tourism treasures! South Africa is a
land of breathtaking scenery - from the amazing
mixture of bustling cities to the rural village
life, to the cascading waterfalls to the colorful
fields of wildflowers, to the majestic mountains to
the awesome coastline, it is simply awesome. South
Africa has perhaps the African continent's most
sophisticated tourism infrastructure which,
combined with first world technology, creates
tremendous comfort and convenience for American
tourists. The following is a sample of what you can
expect to discover as you attempt to experience the
many venues of South Africa:
 Culture.
South Africa's greatest treasure is the cultural
diversity of its people. The contrasting influences
of the African, European and Asian heritages create
a mosaic of influences throughout the arts, crafts,
dance, music, food and sports of South Africa.
There are many indigenous people who have lived in
South Africa for thousands of years. Three quarters
of South Africa's 49 million people are Blacks
whose ancestors ñ many of them farmers and
herders ñ began arriving from Central Africa
some 1,500 years ago.
Most
fall into two major ethnic groups: the Nguni, which
consist of Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele and Swazi peoples,
and the Sotho, which includes the Northern Sotho,
Southern Sotho or Basotho and Venda peoples. Blacks
often speak several languages, including that of
their own ethnic group and English. Many Blacks
reside in cities and townships living a more modern
western lifestyle, while rural dwellers often wear
unique costumes and maintain their ancestors
traditions and customs. In addition ceremonies play
a very important part in the lives of Black South
Africans.
The
European influence of South Africa is primarily
rooted in the Afrikaners, who were descendants of
Dutch settlers. They developed their own language
'Afrikaans' which is based on Dutch, but also has
Malay, French, German and Black influences. About 6
million people, or roughly 15% of South Africa's
population are of European descent. The British and
Germans also played an important part in the
country's development. The Coloureds, a mixed-race
people, are descendants of Europeans, Blacks and
former slaves from Dutch colonies in Africa and
Indonesia. Indians came to South Africa initially
as indentured servants and today make up the
largest community of Indians outside of India.
South
Africa's cuisine influenced by many different
cultures, combines tasty African traditions with
spices and cooking techniques from around the
world. All of South Africa's cuisine is built
around the country's abundant supply of fresh
seafood, meats, vegetables and fruits. It also
harvests its own internationally celebrated wines.
Festivals are one of the best ways to experience
the local cultures of South Africa. It is at these
events where locals are most dazzling, open,
artistic and musical. In addition, the tribal art
of South Africans displays great fashion objects of
beauty made from simple materials using age-old
techniques. You can purchase in both the cities and
villages a wide variety of colorful beadwork,
brightly painted pottery, intricately woven
baskets, fashionable jewelry made of metals and
beads, striking batik dresses and fabulous carved
wooden animals and bowls.
Important
Links for Information on Booking Travel
to South Africa
South
African National Department of
Environmental Affairs and Tourism -
www.deat.gov.za
South
African Tourism -
www.southafrica.net
South
African National Parks -
www.sanparks.org
International
Marketing Council - www.sanparks.org.za
Edwin
Sipho Rihlamvu
Tourism International
Liaison
DEPARTMENT
OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM
SOUTH AFRICA
Tel: 27
(12) 310 3940, Fax: 27 (12) 322
5754
Mobile: 073 902 4504
E-mail:
erihlamvu@deat.gov.za
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Major
Cities and Sightseeing Interests.
Johannesburg, located in the Gauteng Province,
fondly referred to as Jo'burg or the "City of Gold"
from the 19th century gold rush era is South
Africa's commercial center. When taking an
educational tour of Jo'burg you can see the storied
past of a gold rush town at Gold Reef City as well
as visit the Johannesburg Art Gallery, Museum of
Africa and National Museum of Military History to
learn about the history and culture of the people
of South Africa. If you are interested in a great
shopping excursion don't miss the inexpensive
treasures at the flea markets of Bruma Lake and
Randburg Waterfront. And most importantly, make a
pilgrimage to Soweto (which is short for South
Western Township). It is one of the 33 townships
originally established as temporary dormitories for
workers. Soweto became famous during the Apartheid
struggle in South Africa.
Pretoria,
also located in the Gauteng Province, is just one
hour's drive north of Johannesburg and is the
administrative capital of South Africa. It was also
the capital of the former Boer Republic and has
many monuments in honor of the country's Afrikaner
past. In Pretoria you will find the Union
Buildings, the country's architectural masterpiece
and site of Mandela's inauguration. Also you can
visit the Kruger House Museum, which was the 19th
century home of former president Paul Kruger. You
can also visit Pretoria's Art Museum and see some
of South Africa's finest art. Pretoria is a city
known for its beautiful gardens and Jacaranda
Tree-lined streets. It is also famous for its
modern State Theatre complex which offers a host of
performing arts to include opera, ballet, drama,
choral and symphony performances.
Durban
is the colorful capital city of the KwaZula-Natal
Province located on the eastern coast of South
Africa. Indians, Zulus, British and Afrikaners have
all influenced this cosmopolitan port city. Almost
one million Indians live in Durban and you can
truly experience the thriving culture of India here
in South Africa. Following the beach for more than
three miles is Durban's "Golden Mile", with shops,
restaurants, parks, gardens and other attractions.
Another 'must stop' is to the bustling Victoria
Street Indian Market for craft curios, saris stalls
and fragrant spice counters. Lively shopping
arcades line the city's streets and lanes and local
flea markets are all over the town. After dark, the
city's many restaurants, discos, jazz venues and
pubs cater to every known taste.
Sun
City Resort, located in the Northwest Province, is
known as the glittering 'Las Vegas' of South
Africa. In the valley below Sun City is the 'Palace
at the Lost City', a man-made fantasy world
supposedly based on the myths and legends of South
Africa. Sun City has its own 'water world' and
'jungle' theme park experience that can be great
family fun. Adults will definitely enjoy the casino
and exciting night-life in Sun City. Also, for the
avid golfer there is the Lost City Golf Course,
designed by Gary Player. Just next door to Sun City
is Pilanesburg National Park, South Africa's fifth
largest park. It has an extensive wildlife
population and more than 300 species of
birds.
Cape
Town, known as the 'Mother City' of South Africa,
is perched on a lush peninsula that juts out into
the Atlantic Ocean, which reminds me of the
coastline of San Francisco in the United States. It
is located in the Western Cape Province and has
been rated as "one of the best places to live, and
one of the more culturally interesting and dynamic
places in the world to visit.". With its dramatic
Table Mountain backdrop and inspiring ocean views,
Cape Town is unquestionably one of the world's most
beautiful cities. It is also South Africa's oldest
city. One of the highpoints of a city tour of Cape
Town will be a visit to the renovated Victoria
& Alfred Waterfront. Packed with pubs,
restaurants, crafts markets, theaters, museums and
movie houses it is very popular with both the
locals and tourists.
The
Cape Peninsula is also packed with memorable sites,
starting with the spectacular Table Mountain. You
can take a cable ride or hike to the top for
fantastic views. High on its slopes you can visit
the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, with
some 6,000 species of plants. Near Cape Town are
excellent vineyards featuring world-class wines.
Again, your trip to South Africa would not be
complete without a pilgrimage to Robben Island, the
prison that housed President Nelson Mandela for 18
years. Interestingly, Robben Island is now a
historical museum and was recently named a World
Heritage Site by UNESCO. Also, along the southern
Cape Coast is the area known as the 'Garden Route',
which showcases breathtaking coastline views and
lush vegetation.
Adventure
and Wildlife. South Africa offers a tremendous
variety of recreational activities to please the
adventure seeker in each of us! In addition to
fantastic safaris, you can enjoy hiking,
snorkeling, horseback riding, canoeing, ballooning,
bicycling, sailing, wind surfing and so much more.
South Africa is a virtual paradise for viewing rare
and exotic animals in their natural habitat and is
one of the best places in Africa for viewing the
"Big Five" ñ elephants, lions, leopards,
rhinos and buffaloes. You will also see plenty of
cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, hippopotami,
wildebeests and antelopes in their natural
habitats. South Africa is also one of the best
bird-watching destinations in the world. South
Africa is a pioneer in wildlife conservation and an
innovator in Ecotourism. The mission of South
Africa's national parks is to conserve and manage
parks for the benefits of the country and its
people. Because of South Africa's commitment to
protecting its wildlife, endangered species
continue to flourish in their natural
environment.
Within
a few miles of South Africa's major cities are
incredible national parks and private reserves. A
national park will have a more developed
recreational infrastructure while a private reserve
is set up to protect and conduct research on
specific habitats. Generally, private reserves are
more suitable for international tourists because of
the dense concentration of wildlife, personalized
service and top-notch accommodations.
For many visitors
to South Africa, a 'must' see' is Kruger National
Park (KNP). It is the crown jewel of South Africa
and one of the top ten national parks in the world.
Situated in the eastern corner of the country above
Johannesburg, it is the oldest national park on the
African continent. South Africa has a total of
twenty-five national parks and private reserves and
its wildlife is amazingly accessible.
You can also enjoy
many outdoor recreational activities while hiking
and backpacking on more than 300 trails arranging
from easy to challenging including nature walks and
wilderness mountain camping. Horseback riding and
hot air ballooning are adventurous ways to either
experience a different type of safari or simply
enjoy the scenery. South Africa's beaches offer
fantastic surfing and water sport activities
including big game fishing. South Africa's many
fresh water streams also provide great fly-fishing
and leisurely canoeing treks. You can also scuba
dive off the coast of South Africa and explore the
abundant variety of tropical fish, sea turtles and
dolphins. Whale watching is also a very exciting
leisure sport and you can even take a shark safari
if you are brave enough!
In conclusion, you
are invited to join us in South Africa. This will
be a great opportunity for you to discover the
wonderful diversity of South Africa. To learn more
about the upcoming International Tourism Congress
in Cape Town, South Africa May 20-25, 2001 contact
the Africa Travel Association at (212)
447-1926.
Helen C.
Broadus is the President of Venue International
Professionals, Inc. which is a full-service
international travel and tourism company based in
the Washington Metropolitan Area. She has an
extensive background built over more than ten years
in the international travel and tourism industry,
with a special focus on Africa. She is the
International Sec retary of the Africa Travel
Association and prior to this position was the
President of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Africa
Travel Association. She has conducted various tours
for groups in the African countries of: Kenya,
Mali, Senegal, The Gambia, Cote D'Ivoire, South
Africa, Egypt, Ghana, Zambia, Namibia, Morocco,
Benin, Burkina Faso, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia,
Nigeria and Malawi.
In 1997, she
received the coveted Founder's Award from the
Africa Travel Association for her outstanding
contributions towards the promotion of travel and
tourism opportunities to the Continent of Africa.
In 1999, she received the prestigious
Intercontinental Hotel Group's Award for
significant contributions to the promotion of
travel and tourism opportunities to West Africa.
She can be contacted toll free at 1-877-TO VENUE or
by e-mail: vipinc@erols.com.
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