NELSPRUIT

Nelspruit lies in the fertile valley of the Crocodile River about 330 kilometres east of Johannesburg. Known as the capital of the great outdoors. The town was essentially created on 28 August 1884, when the Republican Volksraad approved plans to build a railway from the newly discovered Lowveld goldfields to Johannesburg. Kruger National Park is only 50 kms from this adventurer's paradise. Colourful commercial core of the lowveld. The area is noted for fruit production (citrus, mango, banana, avocado, macadamia and pecan nuts), wayside stalls and curio shops. With its sub-tropical climate, abundant sunshine and lush covered hills and valleys. The lowveld botanical gardens just outside of the town boasts a rare collection of plant species and the first man-made rain forests. Today the city's economy benefits from its proximity to Mozambique and Swaziland.

Postcrossing Postcard ZA-31777

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Location North-eastern corner of the Transvaal, stretches from the Mozambique border in the north to Malelane in the south. The only National Park in the Transvaal. About 400 km north-east of Johannesburg.
Size Just under 2 000 000 ha - roughly the size of Wales.

This internationally renowned game and nature reserve supports the greatest variety of wildlife species found on the African continent.

Giraffes at a watering hole.

The park supports more species of wildlife than any other African game sanctuary: 137 mammal species, 49 fish species, 112 reptile species, 493 bird species. The park has the highest density of birds of prey in the world, including 15 eagle species. Mammals include lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, impala and zebra.

Guided wilderness trails are offered, facilitating closer contact with the untamed beauty of the bush. More than half a million wildlife enthusiasts visit the Kruger National Park each year throughout the year.

BLOUBERGSTRAND

Holiday resort with a spectacular view of Table Mountain and Cape Town. Wild flowers abound in spring. A clear day affords a view of Robben Island. 'Ons Huisie', a restored fisherman's cottage, and a national monument, now a restaurant. Safe swimming opposite lifesaver's club where a lifesaver is on duty. Fishing is good, as is surfing and swimming, despite the cold surf. A small beach (Little Bay) for swimming, sunbathers and families; a large one (Big Bay)for angling, surfing and paddle-skiing competitions. Braaing permitted on grassy verge behind car park. International windsurfing competitions are held here annually.

The beach from across the waters of Table Bay - with magnificent panoramic vistas of Devil's Peak, Table Mountain and conical Lion's Head

Received from Lynne, Cape Town

MUIZENBERG

At the north-west end of False Bay, cradled between the sea and high mountains, this famous seaside resort boasts a magnificent 35-km stretch of beach and a relatively warm surf. This sea is shallow, and bathing safe. The beach is distinctive with its rows of Victorian bathing boxes. Popular amongst families and young surfers, the pavilion at the beach also offers great fun and entertainment.

Cape Peninsula. A scene of the pavilion at this popular holiday resort.

Places of interest include:

1. De Post Huys. The original garrison building, one of the oldest surviving structures from settlement days. Built as a lookout post and signal station in 1673.
2. Rhodes Cottage. The cottage in which Cecil Rhodes died in 1902, maintained as a memorial museum. Contains many of his possessions and photographs.
3. The Natale Labia Museum contains fine furniture and works of art. 

Received from Lynne, Cape Town

DRAKENSBERG

Natal's western border is a rugged chain of basalt peaks - the Drakensberg. It is the country's grandest mountain range. The slopes are alive with clear ountain streams, waterfalls, wild flowers, ferns and ancient yellowwood trees. In winter, the summits are capped with snow. The splendid panoramas of Drakensberg attract visitors throughout the year.

Giant's Castle, Drakensberge (Natal)

Giant's Castle Game Reserve. One of the major reserves in the southern Drakensberg dominated by a 3,000 m wall of basalt incorporating the peaks Giant's Castle (3,314 m) and Injasuti (3,459 m). The Bushman's and Little Tugela Rivers flow through the reserve. Vegetation encompasses grasslands, woodlands, scrub and forest. The reserve serves as a sanctuary for the eland, other antelope and a variety of birds. 
Giant's Castle has one of of southern Africa's richest stores of Bushman rock art and Main Caves boasts more than 500 paintings in a single, large shelter.

HOUT BAY

An unspoilt, picturesque village, with a large fishing harbour. The centre of the snoek industry, and headquarters of the crayfishing fleet. The beach is noted for 'trek' (drag-net) fishing. Wood was one obtained here for many of the buildings in Cape Town. Beach is attractive, but cold for swimming.

SPRING FLOWERS ALONG CHAPMANS PEAK

DRIVE - HOUT BAY IN THE BACKGROUND

FISHING BOATS IN HOUT BAY HARBOUR

HOUT BAY FROM FLORA BAY

• Hout Bay Museum Depicts the story of the bay and its environs, as well as the development of the fishing industry.
• Hout Bay Harbour A unique seafood 'emporium', encompassing a fresh fish and Cape rock lobster market.
• Chapman's Peak One of the world's most spectacular scenic drives, the road is an engineering feat. Cut into the cliffs around the peak, the 10 km drive begins at Hout Bay, and traverses Chapman's Peak Mountain, its cliffs falling sheer to the sea.

DURBAN

The slogan 'Durban - Where the Fun Never Sets' is particularly apt when applied to the Golden Mile. Sumptuous  hotels command superlative views of the sea; restaurants represent every facet of the city's cosmopolitan nature; discos, night clubs and coffee bars scintillate until late. Durban offers a subtropical carnival atmosphere, endless summer, an effervescent ocean lined with golden beaches, and thousands of pleasure options.

The "Golden Mile" begins to glitter as night approaches and the many entertainment venues come alive.

The city is an intriguing blend of East, West and Africa.
On the palm-fringed beachfront where the chic rich stroll, Zulu women sell baubles and baskets, and colourful ricksha pullers pose for photographers. And within a stone's throw of the office blocks, the theatres and shops of the business centre, you will discover a world of mosques, temples, oriental festivals and bazaars, fragrant with spice and incense. The cosmopolitan vibe is further enhanced by a constant floating tourist population. It's a centre of commerce and industry. It runs the busiest harbour in Africa. 

Dolphin and trainer often play together.

Durban's got the lot. From world championship surfing, a military tattoo and the country's most glamorous horse race to Indian temples, street entertainers, nature trails and the fastest growing time-share developments in the country.

Received from Lynne, Cape Town

CAPE TOWN

In 1652 Jan van Riebeeck sailed into Table Bay and laid the foundations of South Africa's oldest city. With its  majestic Table Mountain backdrop, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. 

 

Cape Town, an aerial view showing the harbour with the new extensions left  foreground

  An eclectic mix of architectural styles reflects the tastes and dictates of the past - and the more functional demands of  the 20th century. The city's Edwardian and Victorian buildings have been meticulously preserved, and many outstanding examples of Cape Dutch architecture are found in the city and its environs. Cobblestoned streets, mosques and the flat-roofed pastel homes of the Malay Quarter enhance a cosmopolitan ambience.

The  Republic's oldest city nestling beneath Table Mountain (1086-m) - is noted for its fine monuments and historical buildings

Take a trip to the top of Table Mountain and you will be rewarded with the most breathtaking panoramas imaginable - The thrill of a lifetime and an experience you will remember long after your holiday is over! This familiar landmark may be explored either on foot along one of the many pathways or by cable car from the Lower Cable Station in Table Mountain Road, Kloofnek.

 

 

A journey by cable car to the summit... dassies (rock rabbits) and wild flowers... a restaurant, and magnificent views all make for a memorable trip up the mountain

 

Cape Town's shopping options invite you to endlessly browse - and buy. Elegant shopping malls, department stores, antique shops and art galleries abound. Specialist boutiques in Long Street and the narrow little alleys intersecting it offer an enticing array of unusual articles not obtainable elsewhere.

"ROOM WITH A VIEW" Victoria & Alfred Hotel - Waterfront, Cape Town.

Received from Odette, Lynne and Chantal, 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.