Golf Courses South Africa
If you are a golfing enthusiast, South Africa has a beautiful climate, bright sunny days and some spectacular golf courses. You can enjoy the challenges of a variety of course designs and surfaces, some of which have been designed by award winning golfers and golf-course designers.
You may have noticed that some of these spectacular golf courses have been featured on the European PGA Tour - a testament to the high caliber of the courses available in this country. South Africa has produced many golfing greats over the years and the variety and quality of the fairways have only improved in recent times. As the country is quite large, you can be sure that you can choose courses to suit your preferences. You can choose to stick to just one province or you may prefer to make sure you get in many of the country's vivid and appealing sights while you make your way around South Africa.
Whatever the case, check the drop-down list of some of the more popular golf courses in South Africa
which may make your choice easier. It is wise to remember that the courses mentioned here are only
a select few and that there are hundreds of other golf courses waiting to be enjoyed. Your travel agent
might also be able to help you locate some of the other golfing estates. You may find that a golfing
tour of South Africa is one of the most enjoyable ways to see the country.
Source: http://www.southafrica.com
Constantia Self Catering Accommodation
The "Big Five" of South Africa
No visit to Africa is complete without seeing the Big Five out
there in the wild. South Africa is the perfect venue for an
adventure safari to view the Big Five. But what are the Big
Five. Traditionally the Big Five are the African Elephant, the
Rhinoceros, the African Buffalo, the Lion and the Leopard.
The African Elephant is found in a wide variety of
habitats, but specifically in areas where there is a plentiful
supply of food and water. Its diet, totally vegetarian, includes
grasses, leaves and other plants. Under normal circumstances the
elephant will consume some 300kgs of food each day, and to
supplement this will drink up to 200 litres of water a day. It
is estimated that there are some 600000 elephants in Africa.
The African Buffalo is normally found in large herds
roaming open woodland savannah. Like the elephant, the buffalo
needs a good supply of grass and water. The buffalo has a
reputation of being the most dangerous animal to be found in the
bush, and this beast has been known to kill several people each
year. It can weigh as much as one metric tonne and stand 1.7
metres tall at the shoulder.
The Rhinoceros is the third of the Big Five. There are
two species to be found in southern Africa, the White Rhinoceros
and the Black. The White Rhino is the larger of the two and can
weigh as much as 2000kgs as opposed to the Black, which weighs
up to 1000kgs. The rhinoceros’ diet consists of grass and small
shrubs – it is generally a solitary animal but can be seen in
small family groups of two or three animals.
The Lion is the largest of the cat family and is entirely
carnivorous. The adult male lion will weigh up to 220kgs with
the female about 100kgs lighter. Lions can be found in most
habitats with the exception of forests. They are normally found
in family groups consisting of an alpha male with several
females and younger lions of both sexes. Adult males can
frequently be found as solitary animals. The lion’s normal diet
consists of large mammals, which it hunts and kills as a group.
The Leopard is much smaller than the lion and is the smallest of the Big Five, weighing only about 50 to 80kgs. Leopards can be found in most habitats in southern Africa. There are several sub-species throughout Africa and Asia. The leopard will often leave its kill in a tree and return to feed over a period of several days. A leopard will feed on anything from insects to large mammals.
Source: South Africa Tourism
Bergvliet Accommodation
Art Galleries in Cape Town
Cape Town is not only one of the most picturesque cities in South Africa, but it boasts a vibrant and cosmopolitan culture as well as a long and interesting history. Over the years many South African artists have seen fit to express this dynamic mixture through art.
Cape Town may have a strong sense of history but it is also very much a trendy hot spot on the South African coastline. It is here that the warm Indian Ocean and cold Atlantic meet in a tumultuous blend and it is also here that art bubbles and explodes in the form of paintings, sculptures and much, much more. One of the city’s top galleries is the South African National Gallery which features, not only old and new artworks, but international painting and sculpture. The gallery's collection is largely permanent, but is varied from time to time. There is also a touch gallery for the blind to explore, and films and lectures which provide visitors with additional information. Of course, this is certainly not the only great art gallery in Cape Town so why not spend some time viewing the fresh and bold ideas expressed in various mediums by leading South African artists at the various galleries around the city? We’ve listed a few below to help get you started.
Source: SouthAfrica.com
Bergvliet Self Catering Accommodation
Taking the slow road gets Jane-Anne Lee to the heart of South Africa.
A mongoose darts in front of our car. Minutes later, a donkey cart takes advantage of a break in the traffic. Baboons, young and old, are also risking their lives on this stretch of South African highway.
The best thing about a self-drive holiday in South Africa is the diversity - and not just from the different types of animals taking their chances.
In less than a day, you can venture from cosmopolitan Cape Town to the southernmost tip of the continent, where the Atlantic and Indian oceans clash in a swirling sea of foam, then sip fine wine surrounded by snow-capped mountains in the acclaimed Winelands region.
And that's just for starters. During our three-week sojourn in South Africa, driving from Cape Town to Kruger National Park, we covered more than 3000 kilometres. There were long days at the wheel but the scenery was always rich, taking in dramatic mountain passes, rustic villages, bustling market towns, lush forests and white sand beaches. And, of course, the wildlife. Our days were crowded with so much to absorb.
The country has almost 600 national parks and reserves, with several showcasing the big five - buffalo, rhino, elephant, lion and leopard - but there is plenty to see along the mostly fenceless highways, with a procession of animals crossing by day and night.
Initially, we planned to collect our car, booked via the internet in Australia, at Cape Town airport. Instead, we opt to explore the country's legislative capital by foot and taxi for five days and have the car delivered to our guesthouse on the day of our departure.
It proves to be a sound decision. We not only save money - albeit a small amount, as car hire is cheap, with deals from as low as $35 a day - but Cape Town is an easy city to walk around. Cheap taxis and popular City Sightseeing tourist buses take you to the lively Waterfront; the cable car to Table Mountain, where there are stunning views and walking trails; Camps Bay, one of the city's most popular local beaches, with the Twelve Apostles of Table Mountain as its backdrop; the Sea Point promenade; museums, galleries and restaurants; and the 528-hectare Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens.
When our rental car arrives, it is not what we ordered. The requested Golf has been replaced by a Toyota Yaris, which just fits our luggage. It is also sans air-conditioning, something we regret as the mercury mounts the further north we head. After warnings from friends about inadequate insurance cover, we read the fine print, take out the most comprehensive policy and hit the road to the Cape of Good Hope. We can't wait to be at the southernmost tip of this vast continent. And within 45 minutes, we are marvelling at the sight of the meeting of the oceans.
On the way back to Cape Town, we stop at
Boulders to view a colony of endangered African penguins braying on the
beach and around their burrows, then continue on to the fishing village
of Kalk Bay for lunch.
Read Further: WA Today
