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By
the seaside
Winelands
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South Africa´s great cities
The immense contrasts that typify South
Africa's natural scenery are repeated in her cities
From
Cape Town’s all but European atmosphere to vast and dynamic
Johannesburg. The tranquil dignity of the capital Pretoria sharply
contrasts with the accelerated pace of Durban, on the Indian Ocean.
Port Elizabeth and East London are ports and industrial centres.
Bloemfontein, further inland, is the seat of South Africa’s Supreme
Court. And a medley of smaller towns each with its own distinctive
characteristics completes the picture.
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Johannesburg - City of
gold
Centrally
situated on the north-west plateau, 1,800 metres above sea level, lies
the heavyweight, Johannesburg. The city dates back one hundred years,
founded when rich gold deposits were discovered near Witwatersrand.
Jo’burg or Egoli
— the city of gold — is considered the economic locomotive of South
Africa and perhaps even of the entire continent, as far as banks,
finance and industry are concerned. Johannesburg is also the transport
hub for most of South Africa and neighbouring countries.
Jazz, gold mines and the Apartheid Museum
Downtown Johannesburg means business, skyscrapers and the rush of
traffic, while still preserving a rich cultural life in the form of
theatre, music, art, museums and jazz clubs of international standard.
To be on the safe side, however, visit places to which transport is guaranteed door-to-door.
Gold Reef City, a reconstructed prospector town where you can descend
two kilometres underground to view old mining shafts, is located close
to Downtown.
A little touristy in approach perhaps but the site does boast a music
hall and the recently opened Apartheid Museum, which provides an
awesome if sober picture of South Africa’s recent history.
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The northern suburbs
Johannesburg’s affluent green suburbs are situated to the north of the city, Sandton is a notable example.
A number of businesses have moved out here and restaurants, bars and
more exclusive shopping centres flourish in this far more friendly and
suave milieu.
And
if you feel the itch to swing the clubs you will not be disappointed at
exclusive Wanderers or the beautifully situated Glendower Golf Club.
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Soweto
On the edge of town a visit to South Africa’s most famous township,
Soweto, should not be missed. With a population of roughly two million
it is in fact a city within a city and a telling monument to the
Apartheid system. Guided tours of the area are a grave but optimistic
experience. Soweto must be seen to understand Johannesburg as a
complete city. And Johannesburg must be seen to understand South Africa! |
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Pretoria – Capital of South Africa
Pretoria
is perturbed neither by its official status nor the country’s turbulent
history. The city is peaceful, almost provincial in atmosphere, placid
with prim boulevards and hundreds of blue-flowered jacaranda trees also
known as Brazilian rosewoods.
The city boasts
many historical legacies such as the Voortrekker monument and President
Kruger’s home in Church Street; the seat of government, Union
Buildings, built by the British empire’s famous architect, Sir Herbert
Baker and The Old Museum, home to a unique collection of traditional
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Rovos Rail to Cape Town or Victoria Falls
Pretoria is home, too, to Rovos Rail’s exclusive old steam trains from
which you can watch the landscape pass by from viewing carriages or
spacious coupés en route to Cape Town, Kruger Park or indeed right up
to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Hemingway’s will take care of all
reservations.
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Durban – City and seaside resort
Again,
in Durban, situated on the Indian Ocean, contrasts abound. The modern
city of skyscrapers dwelling side by side with British colonial
architecture. Many of Durban’s one million or so inhabitants are of
British extraction, although a large Asian minority, brought to the
country originally as cheap labour for the sugarcane plantations early
in the last century, have left their mark on the city.
Visit the temples, The Indian Market, and don’t turn down a Zulu
rickshaw driver if he offers you a drive along the promenade. Remember
these people are the largest population group in the Kwazulu/Natal
province and South Africa’s single largest language group.
Golf, beaches and spices
But, ultimately, the beaches are the main attraction, among them the
famous Golden Mile Beach. Beaches north and south of the city are the
finest, attracting busy business people who enjoy swimming or sailing
after a hard day at the office, holidaying families and colourful
hawkers selling all sorts, from traditional handicrafts to fresh herbs
and spices.
Some of South Africa’s finest golf links are located in and around
Durban. The exclusive Durban Country Club, provocative Zimbali, or
perhaps Selborne Park — are among the finest golf courses in Southern
Africa.
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