SOUTH AFRICA

Greetings from South Africa! Groete van Suid-Afrika!

The wonderful diversity of South Africa - from the magnificent wildlife and scenic splendour to the sophisticated metropolises:

• Johannesburg 
• Durban
• Bloubergstrand

The beach featured in the main picture is Bloubergstrand

• Eastern Transvaal - The eastern Transvaal still has more than a hint if wildness in its glorious visual scope. Mountains, valleys, rivers, waterfalls, pockets of primal forest and a colourful profusion of flowers and birds decorate the countryside. The savannah lands of the lowveld teem with wildlife, including the 'Big Five': lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo, offering an unparalleled experience.

• Garden Route - Between Mossel Bay and the Storms River, the Garden Route runs parallel to a coastline which features lakes, mountains, golden beaches, cliffs and dense indigenous forests. From sources high in the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountains, ambercoloured rivers plunge into an ocean of mercurial moods. Surrounded by indigenous forests, the delightful town of George (principal town of the Garden Route) nestles on a coastal plateau at the foot of one of the highest peaks in the Outeniqua mountain range.

Received from Lynne, Cape Town

JOHANNESBURG

Gold was the catalyst which brought Johannesburg into being and the city's identity will always be closely linked with gold. Today, Johannesburg is a city contrasts. In the heart of the city, the mine dumps and headgear, ideally viewed from the top of the Carlton Centre, one of the highest buildings in the city, still serve as symbols of Johannesburg's boisterous past. The 202 m high observation deck on the 50th floor of the Carlton Centre provides breathtaking views.

Evening view of the 269 M Srtijdom Tower and of Hillbrow, the most cosmopolitan, bustling and populated square kilometre in South Africa. Hillbrow is famous for its multi-racial society where everyone enjoys themselves at the many restaurants, discos and night life goes on to the early hours of the morning.   

Johannesburg glass and concrete skyline symbolises the country's escalating industrial and urban thrust. Golf courses, botanic gardens and parks are dotted among the high-rise buildings. The modern, cosmopolitan metropolis of Johannesburg, packed with vitality and verve, offers an exciting pleasure repertoire, superb hotels, five star restaurants and excellent shopping centre. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the only one in the country, is filled with the tumult of financial negotiations.