Tsakane Nxumalo is a sergeant in the Black Mambas, South Africa's first all-women anti-poaching team.
21.07.2023 - 08:04 / roughguides.com
The variety to be found in South Africa is nowhere more apparent than in its two biggest cities. Cape Town has a scenic coastal beauty that brings the Mediterranean to the mind of many first time visitors. By contrast, Johannesburg is landlocked amid the vast plain of the Highveld, but its charms, while hidden deeper, as just as rich – like the mines that made it the “City of Gold”.
Cape Town and Johannesburg lie 1,400km or two hours’ flying time apart, and their differences reflect that distance as well as their geographic settings. Johannesburg is South Africa’s business hub, with a reputation for confronting issues head-on, while Cape Town has a more laid-back attitude, encouraged by its outdoor lifestyle.
This cobbled square at the centre of Cape Town, dating to 1696 and lined with historic buildings, is an essential first stop on any visit. As well as soaking up the sights and sounds from market traders, buskers and street entertainers, it’s also a great place to grab a bite to eat.
You’ll find local, South and Southern African art – including bright batiks, oil paintings of such Cape landmarks as Table Mountain and intricate, hand-crafted, Afrocentric jewellery. Bargaining is all part of the fun, so haggle away if anything catches your eye.
Once you’ve bought your souvenirs, take some time to soak up the vibe from one of the many cafés and restaurants.
You might notice that few of the vendors are actually from Cape Town, or even South Africa. However, their stories are as fascinating and as worthy of attention as the artworks they sell. Many are economic migrants from other nearby countries and their presence in Greenmarket Square is a taste of the huge influx that South Africa has faced (admittedly not without problems) since the end of apartheid in 1994.
MUST-DO: The Iziko Social History Centre in Church Square has some fascinating artefacts from South Africa’s history, including beadwork and basketry, prints of early Cape Town and South Africa, and colonial furniture.
Green Market Square building © Shutterstock
Just outside the city centre, the fast gentrification of the suburbs of Woodstock and Salt River has made them the focus of several street art and graffiti walking tours. Learning about the city’s history through the changes in this neighbourhood, now full of hipster coffee shops and artists’ studios, is fascinating.
The murals, many with positive messages (often dealing with social change), are by both local and international artists. The quirky and highly informative tours catapult this energetic art form to centre stage, showing how the city is changing while also recognizing the importance of street art for the local community.
MUST-DO: Clark’s Bookshop on Long Street has an astonishing new
Tsakane Nxumalo is a sergeant in the Black Mambas, South Africa's first all-women anti-poaching team.
Thanks to tour deals and budget airlines, you don’t necessarily have to spend a small fortune to go on a South African safari anymore—but what if you could experience a bucket-list game drive from the comfort of your computer?
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Kalmoesfontein Farm
For visitors to South Africa, wildlife encounters are often top of the list. Thornybush Game Lodge, located in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, is a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Situated on a 34,000-acre private game reserve adjoining Kruger National Park, the luxury safari lodge offers its guests a chance to immerse themselves in the surrounding wilderness and get up close with the wildlife.
In southern South Africa, right along the coast, you’ll find an adult-only oasis called Nima Lodge. This hotel is a perfect destination for travelers looking to reconnect with nature and explore all the natural beauty of South Africa, whether it’s the nearby parks or enjoying the view from an on-site spa.
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‘Safari’ traditionally means journey in Swahili, but the word now describes the ultimate bucket-list trip to discover Africa’s wondrous wildlife. Yet today, that wildlife seems increasingly vulnerable, so how do you ensure your safari will be both safe and ethically sound?
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We recently invited community projects and travel businesses to tell us their stories. We especially wanted to hear from initiatives that do things differently to make a difference — projects like the inspirational Creseldah Education Foundation (CEF), based in the Mpumalanga province of eastern South Africa.