Explore The Wonder And Beauty Of South Africa
Explore The Wonder And Beauty Of South Africa
The Cape Peninsula is considered one of the most beautiful travel destinations in the world. The peninsula is defined by its magnificent mountainous range and is located in the dazzlingly isolated southern Atlantic.
The 11 Languages of South Africa’s Strong Identity – South Africa has a unique colonial history that carries over to the present day, and sets it apart from the rest of Africa. Travelers to South Africa are often drawn to the interesting multicultural nature of a modern country that still confronts racial issues from its past head on. Dutch sailors and settlers occupied the country for a large part of the 17th and 18th centuries. They imported slaves from India, Madagascar, and Indonesia to make up for a shortage of skilled labor.
The descendants of the interracial marriages that occurred subsequently now make up a large population of the present day Western Cape, and are known as “Cape Malays.” These Cape Malays displaced many of the indigenous Xhosa and Bantu peoples. Ultimately, the British colonized South Africa when the Dutch were no longer able to continue fighting battles against resistance from the natives.
The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is the center of life for the City Bowl. The vibrant waterfront Mecca is not only a historic site, but is a shopping haven with offerings that include markets, craftworks, theaters, and live entertainment. Included in the area are the Telkom Exploratorium and the impressive Two Oceans Aquariums.
Robben Island, which is just a short boat trip from the waterfront, is one South Africa’s foremost historic sites. Originally the Dutch East Indian Company (VOC), used it victual ling station. Later it was used a leper colony and asylum. Next it was used by South Africa’s military. In 1960, the Department of Corrections began to use it to house prisoners. It is famous for being the prison home for over twenty years to the former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela.
In the city’s center is South Africa’s oldest building the Castle of Good Hope, but surrounding it are museums and art galleries. The city of Bo-Kaap is known for both its cobbled streets and for housing the first mosque in South Africa, while the oldest homestead and wine farm, Groot Contantia offers a cultural contrast. Through the Constantia wine route, Groot Constantia is tied to estates in both Helderberg and Durbanville by history and the vine.
The hills of Table Mountain or Lion’s Head, located only a short trip from the entertainment of Century City offer multiple areas to walk and climb. Those full of energy and who want something different can examine the animal and plant life of Cape Floral Kingdom. The trails lead to many areas such as; the Silvermine or Tygerberg Nature Reserves, Newlands Forest, the Cape of Good Hope or Helderberg Nature Reserves, as well as other wildlife areas within the city.