HERMANUS

 Fashionable seaside resort Hermanus dubbed 'the Riviera of South Africa'. Stretching along the shore of Walker Bay, a much favoured resort, renowned among fishermen and watersport enthusiasts. A collection of old fishing boats, some more than 100 years old, have been restored and may be seen at the Old Harbour Museum, a national monument, constructed on the slipway. Semi-precious stones, jewellery and ornaments are sold at a manufacturing outlet in Arum street. Beaches are safe for swimming and surfing, especially at Voëlklip and Grotto beaches. A yacht club is situated on the Kleinrivier Lagoon. Fernkloof Nature Reserve offers a number of signposted walks, an abundance of wild flowers and a prolific bird life.

 

Voëlklip Beach, Grotto Beach, Kleinriviervlei, Hermanus Yacht Club [1994]

HENDRIK VERWOERD DAM

The Hendrik Verwoerd Dam forms part of the massive Orange River Development Scheme, the biggest water supply scheme in Africa. The dam was officially opened in 1972. It covers an area of 374 square kilometres. The height of the dam wall  is 90,5 metres. The water is used for extensive irrigation schemes and the production of hydro-electrical power. Situated in the Ruigte Valley gorge on the borders of the Free State and Cape Province - 6 km east of Norvalspont - this dam on the mighty Orange River is the largest in South Africa, and the fourth largest on the African continent.

 

HENDRIK VERWOERD DAM: Main regulator of the waters of the Orange River, with its double curvature main arch and gravity walls, whose structure has formed this vast 374 sq. km lake

 

Hendrik Verwoerd Dam Public Resort is located to the dam wall and boasts a wonderful view of the water, islands and distant hills. A shady lawn area offers caravan and camping facilities. Sports facilities include a pool, tennis courts, a golf course, a bowling green and horses. In terms of recreation the dam is a popular venue for water sports. The Hendrik Verwoerd Dam Nature Reserve on the northern banks accommodates the largest springbok population in the country as well as other game.

ROODEPOORT

Once a mining camp, the town is now a rapidly developing industrial centre and residential area close to central Johannesburg. Venue for the biennial international Roodepoort International Eisteddfod of South Africa. Florida Lake is a popular recreational area and includes the Hamerkoop Bird Sanctuary on the western shore. A number of trails lead through the Kloofendal Nature Reserve, 150 ha park with interesting walks and views from koppies over the surrounding area. 

 

 

A busy street in Roodepoort, Transvaal 1970

 

Roodepoort Museum First cultural and historical museum on the West Rand. Illustrates early pioneer life on the Witwatersrand, incorporating a Victorian house and a smithy. The emphasis is on gold discovery and the different types of gold bearing rock found in the area. The original mine workings at Wilgespruit may be visited by arrangement with the museum. 

Roodepoort Civic Theatre Excellent theatre facilities accommodating over 300 people. Presents opera, ballet, drama and musical recitals throughout the year.

MARGATE

It's always exciting. It's always different. It's always full of fun. That's Margate, the sun soaked centre of Natal's warmhearted holiday coastline ... South Coast. The palm-lined main beach is equipped with everything you need for fun in the sun, from safe surf and sunbathing lawns to paddling pools, a supertube, ice-cream parlours and entertainment centre. In peak season beauty competitions and variety shows are held on the beach. And some of SA's top beauties started out put by winning beach queen titles at Margate! This popular resort with its many restaurants, discos and live cabaret is particularly favoured by the young. Holiday makers flock to Margate to sunbathe, ride the waves, eat, drink and generally jollify.

MARGATE,  "Hibiscus Coast",  NATAL

One of the Republic's most renowned seaside resorts with amenities and attractions for holidays - and "Fun in the Sun" for all the family.

TULBAGH

Overlooked by the Witsenberg, Winterhoek and Saronsberg mountains, the area has an excellent climate for fruit growing. In 1969, an earthquake destroyed large parts of the town, and 32 buildings in Church Street have been restored, to form the largest concentration of national monuments in the country.

OUDE KERK VOLKSMUSEUM A complex of four buildings featuring items from Tulbagh's past. 

Old Church Museum, Church Street. One of the oldest church buildings in South Africa, beautifully restored.
De Oude Drostdy (national monument), Van der Stel Street. A beautiful example of Louis Thibault's work, housing a fine collection of early Cape furniture and utensils.
Monbijou (national monument), Church Street. Another example of Thibault's work, designed in 1815.
Victorian House, Van der Stel Street. Dates back to 1892, decorated with furniture of that period.

Church Street * Kerkstraat

 

SASOLBURG

Sasolburg owes its existence to the first plant established by the South African Coal, Oil and Gas Corporation (Sasol) for the manufacture of fuel from coal. This modern industrial town has, however, not succumbed to the beat of its sombre, grey, industrial heart. At the time of the town's establishment in 1954 town planners decided to create a green oasis by replacing the traditional  square design with curves and circles linked by parks and green belts. One of the most beautiful parks is the Highveld Garden, a lovely, tranquil garden with a wonderful variety of plants, shrubs and trees indigenous to the Highveld. A holiday resort on the banks of the Vaal River offers a variety of recreational facilities. The adjacent skating rink is reputedly the biggest in the southern hemisphere.

This industrial complex was established in 1954 in conjunction with the founding of the S.A. Coal, Oil & Gas Corporation.

 

VEREENIGING

A well endowed industrial town, rich in coal, forming part of the largest industrial complex in Africa. 58 km from Johannesburg, Vereeniging is also a popular resort situated on the northern banks of the Vaal River, with three smaller rivers within its municipal boundaries. The area is of significance to palaeontologists as it is a known abode of prehistoric man. A number of stone age rock engravings may be seen at Redan on the outskirts of the town.

 

VEREENIGING, Southern Transvaal  Situated on the northern bank of the Vaal River, this town associated with the peace treaty and link up of the railway line between south and north - lives up to its motto "Per pacem ad industriam - Through Peace to Industry".

 

VAAL RIVER AND DAM A popular recreational area for the Witwatersrand. The dam is deep and wide, and free of bilharzia. The willow-lined river banks provide many picnic and camping sites. Excellent water sports, especially water-skiing and motor boating, with good fishing opportunities. Numerous recreational resorts in the area.

 

WELKOM

Welkom, the dynamic, pulsing heart of the goldfields, is one of the few completely preplanned cities in the world. It not only features beautiful parks, green suburbs and spacious, modern business centres, but is also one of the safest cities for motorists in the world. There are no traffic lights and very few stop streets. Welkom is a fast-growing and wealthy industrial city and its inhabitants boast  the highest per capita income in the country. Welkom's citizens have an abundance of entertainment - cinemas, drive-in theatres, discos, a variety of restaurants and a library. It was transformed from barren veld into an attractive city in less than 20 years. The various mine evaporation dams and pans on the outskirts of the city attract a prolific bird life.

The Impressive City Hall Welkom Orange Free State

PIETERMARITZBURG

Natal's capital city, Pietermaritzburg is a thriving modern city of charm and dignity, at her loveliest in spring when masses of azaleas burst into bloom. The slogan of 'Heritage City' for the capital of Natal is most appreciate. The heart of the city retains a distinct character and charm, due largely to its well-preserved Victorian and Edwardian red-brick buildings, dignified schools and civic buildings and 31 national monuments. It has a small but busy airport, and residential townships have swept over the surroundings hills. Today, the city enjoys modern lifestyle, boasting top quality shops, hotels and restaurants. 

City Hall. The ornate red brick building which has aptly been called a tribute to Victorian design, features a 47-m high clock tower, a 12-bell carillon, domed rooftops, stone carvings and beautiful stained glass windows. Declared a national monument in 1969. Recognised as the largest all-brick buildings in the southern hemisphere, the hall was built in 1900.

Old Supreme Court. A fine example of colonial architecture which formed the centre of the capital's defensive system during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. A major attraction today is the Tatham Art Gallery which houses a collection of late 19th- and early 20th-century paintings as well as exhibits of china, glassware and clocks. It housed the SA Supreme Court until 1983.

BLOEMFONTEIN

THE CITY OF ROSES

This judicial capital of RSA and capital of the Orange Free State, sixth largest city in South Africa, lies on the main road, rail and air links between north, south, east and west. Bloemfontein is indeed a city of many moods - the glamorous and glitzy ambience of high tech shopping centres, restaurants and theatres as well as Victorian serenity that dates back to those elegant years when the city's ladies accompanied the Prince of Wales on a stroll through the rose garden. Renowned for its excellence of educational facilities, Bloemfontein boasts academic and sporting achievements ranking among the best in the country. The city is noted for its beautiful parks and gardens. The panorama which can be seen from Naval Hill is that of a typically prosperous modern city.

 

View of Bloemfontein showing Naval Hill

EAST LONDON

Situated on one of the most attractive stretches of coastline on the eastern seaboard, East London's broad beaches extend for miles - unpolluted, uncrowded, unspoilt. Swimming, sailing, water-skiing, boardsailing and boating are enjoyed all year round, while the river mouths, lagoons and gullies provide a paradise for fishermen. East Londoners are extremely conservation-conscious, and several well-preserved examples of the 19th century architecture enhance the charm of the city. East London Yacht Club hosts many regattas held off the coast and is the finish of the annual Vasco da Gama Yacht Race between Durban and East London. And when the sun goes down the city, there are theatres, cinemas, and a selection of restaurants to pamper the discerning palate.

PRETORIA

Basking amidst fertile valleys and ridges, Pretoria, named after the enterprising Voortrekker leader Andries Pretorius, is the administrative capital of the Republic. The original farming centre has gradually evolved into a serene  and spacious city. A green city of parks and gardens, Pretoria hosts an astonishing display of both exotic and indigenous flora, flowering trees and shrubs. It has substance, charm and atmosphere; the city has a dignity and character all of its own.

Scenes of Melrose House, gardens of the Union Buildings, Jacarandas by the City Hall, and Kruger Statue in South Africa's capital

Melrose House The site of the signing of the Peace Treaty of Vereeniging in 1902, ending the Anglo-Boer War. A beautiful example of Victorian architecture, built in 1886 by George Heys. An impressive collection of period furniture is displayed.
Union Buildings The magnificent sandstone buildings designed by  Sir Herbert Baker house the administrative seat of government and the national archives. Beautifully landscaped gardens and terraces in front of the buildings feature various memorials and statues. The indigenous bush area behind the Union Buildings, offers pleasant walks and prolific bird life.
City Hall A tympanum, in front of the building, symbolises the growth of the city. A colonnade of fountains and murals may also be seen. The huge clock tower houses a carillon of 32 bells.

PAARL

The Pearl of South Africa

PAARL lies less than an hour's drive from Cape Town and the golden beaches of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. It is renowned for its illustrious past, unrivalled natural beauty, its flourishing wine industry and gracious architecture. The rich heritage of its buildings, interspersed with tablegrape vineyards and rose gardens along its 11 km long Main Street, excellent restaurants and attractive accommodation in lush green surroundings, create a unique tourist mecca.

Paarl's scenic splendour is enhanced by five mountain passes and the majestic Berg River flowing through the heart of the town. The Mediterranean climate yields warm summers, heavenly spring days and mild autumn and winter months - a perfect vacation destination all year round! 

 

SIGNAL HILL

Signal Hill in Cape Town is a renowned tourist attraction. The large flat-topped hill located beside Lion's Head and looking out at nearby Table Mountain is a spectacular look-out point standing proudly between Green Point and the City Bowl. The name Signal Hill dates back to when it was an important semaphore post used for communication with distant ships at sea. Signal Hill's main attraction is the battery with the Noon Gun positioned just below the mountain top. Here a cannon-shot is fired every day (except Sun) at 12 o'clock noon on the dot, to uphold an old Capetonian tradition. The hill has been an observation post for shipping since the first European settlement.

Postcrossing Postcard received from Lu-Gerda

STELLENBOSCH

Stellenbosch is only 41 km from Cape Town and 18 km from False Bay coast. The second oldest town in South Africa was founded by Commander Simon van der Stel in 1679 and is situated on the banks of the Eerste River. It is also known as the "town of oaks" and many oak trees were planted by the first settlers. The town is renowned for its university, which was established in 1918. Many beautiful buildings have been restored to their original charm and the town has fine examples of Cape Dutch architecture.

STELLENBOSCH, well-known educational centre of Western Cape

Stellenbosch has a mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and cool, wet winters. A walk along its leafy lanes and avenues begins to tell of its proud heritage.
Lying in a fertile valley, it is surrounded by vineyards, orchards and mountains. Stellenbosch is synonymous with high quality table wines.

FISH HOEK

 One of the many popular seaside resorts along the peninsula with a fine safe bathing beach. Especially frequented by old and young windsurfers and catamaran sailors. On the other side of the beach is a popular Hobie Cat launching spot where regular regattas offer a colourful spectacle for visitors. A stipulation laid down in 1818 by Lord Charles Somerset (who also declared free fishing rights for all) in the original grant of the land that no public house be kept on the farm has been strictly adhered to. The sale of liquor is prohibited in Fish Hoek. The only teetotal town in the country. 

Peer's Cave. A rock shelter named after the man who discovered the so-called Fishhoek Man, estimated to be about 15 000 years old. 

A lovely spot for bathing. Cape Peninsula, South Africa.

MOSSEL BAY

Mossel Bay is situated exactly half way between Cape Town - the provincial capital of the Western Cape Province – and Port Elizabeth (both 400 km away). This popular holiday town is surrounded by a sunbathed peninsula and the refreshing waters of the Indian Ocean. It is a busy summer destination as well as an ideal winter retreat. It is blessed with a mild climate all year round but its most important feature is its status as the historical capital of the Garden Route.
Site of the first landfall made by the Portuguese explorer Bartholomeu Dias in 1488 and today a popular holiday resort with fine beaches and much else to offer the tourist. The Batholomeu Dias Museum Complex comprises historical, maritime and shell museums. Launch trips are offered to nearby Seal Island with its noisy population of some 2,000 seals as well as gannets and cormorants.

 

 

Mossel Bay has become the preferred holiday destination of local and international tourists alike and offers great fishing and safe swimming

Received from Lu-Gerda by The Post Office Tree.  For more information about Mossel Bay visit her blog Lu-Gerda's Travels.

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

TABLE MOUNTAIN

One of the greatest natural wonders of the world...

The summit of Cape Town's world-famous landmark is 1086m above sea level and is a national monument. The mountain is covered with a wide variety of wild flowers and is the natural home of the famous silver tree. Table Mountain is floodlit periodically throughout the year. The mountain also offers a number of hikes and walks of varying degrees of difficulty from an easy stroll to rock climbing. Maclears Beacon - the Highest point on Table Mountain is 1087 metres above sea level.

 The plateau of this massive that stands more than a thousand metres above Cape Town and suburbs provides excellent views of the picturesque Cape Peninsula.

This familiar landmark may be explored either on foot or by cable car. The Cableway was officially opened on the 4th of October 1929. The lower station is 366 metres above sea level and situated on Tafelberg Road. The distance separating the upper and lower stations is covered in one span of cable measuring 1244 metres. The upper stations is 1067 metres above sea level. The latest cabins carry 25 people and travel at 17km/h. The actual trip takes 5 minutes.

Received from Lynne, Cape Town

CAPE BEACHES

The choice of beaches in the Cape Peninsula is vast (more than 100 to choose from) but to make it easier each beach is unique, offering something to suit every beachgoer. There are family beaches, beaches for suntanning, snorkelling, boardsailing, surfing, fishing and for swimming! There is also an unofficial beach for nudists at Sandy Bay.

• Hout Bay >> http://theworldofpostcards.blogspot.com/2014/10/HOUTBAY.html

• Muizenberg  >>  http://theworldofpostcards.blogspot.com/2014/11/MUIZENBERG.html

• Bloubergstrand >> http://theworldofpostcards.blogspot.com/2014/11/BLOUBERGSTRAND.html

Cape Town's Beaches.  The fun of surf, sand and sun together with magnificent scenery on a picturesque shoreline

• Sandy Bay - Well-known unofficial nudist beach. The beach is backed by steep sand dunes and bushy mountain slopes. Poorly protected from the south-easter wind, Sandy Bay has no access roads, shops or facilities.

• St. James - Named after the first church built here, in 1874, this is a charming village, with beautiful holiday houses, residences and a small, sheltered beach and a large tidal pool ideal for toddlers. Characterised by its parade of brightly coloured bathing boxes. There is a cafe on the main road.

• Clifton - Four sheltered beaches seperated by enormous granite boulders. Cold for swimming, but noted for bikini-clad sun-bathers. Many houses are built on stilts or on overhanging cliffs. The area between the sea and Victoria Road is a scenic and botanic reserve. Cape Town's most glamorous beach packed in season with consequent parking problems.

Received from Lynne, Cape Town