Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/16726
SITE REVIEW# 1 YOUR’II NEVER FORGET SOUTH AFRICA BY DARLENE DONLOE It’s easy to sell South Africa as a world-class destination. The country’s wondrous and warm mystique effortlessly sells itself. It’s a welcoming and authentic nation with offerings that include experiencing true African culture. From its people, to its natural beauty, glowing sun, crystal waters, mouth-watering food, cemented traditions, solid infra- structure, fantastic safaris and more, South Africa is breathtaking, astonishing and unmatched. It’s located south of the Limpopo River on the tip of the African continent. To the west is the Atlantic Ocean, while the Indian Ocean lies off the east coast. It’s located in the southern hemisphere, which means the seasons are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere. Spring and summer are from September to February, and fall and winter make up the rest of the year. JOHANNESBURG Johannesburg is not only considered the economic source of power of the country, it is also a culturally-satiated, cosmopolitan and vibrant city with a rockin’ nightlife, great shopping, the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens (which hosts the endangered Black Eagle), Pretoria City, Gold Reef City, Soweto (a suburb of Johannesburg), The Hector Pieterson Museum in Soweto (the site where students held the June 1976 protest against apartheid) the Apartheid Museum (which contains emotional exhibits of that chaotic era in South Africa’s history), Lesedi Village, Lion Park, Culinnan Diamond Mine, Elephant Sanctuary, Lion and Rhino Park, the Johannesburg Zoo and more. The Johannesburg Zoo, which is home to more than 2,070 ani- mals, houses white lions and is the only zoo in South Africa to have successfully bred Siberian Tigers, the largest cats in the world. After a full, activity-filled day, for dinner, make your way to Moyos Restaurant where the cuisine is a gastronomic delight. SOWETO On your tour of the Soweto Township, visit the famous Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world to house two Noble Peace Prize winners – former South Africa President Nelson Mandela and Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu. While you’re in the area, eat lunch at Nambitha Restaurant, which boasts hosting a number of famous visitors. Another popular eatery is Wandies Place, which is located in the suburb of Dube, some 15km from the Jo’burg city centre. With its great food and celebrity sightings (Will Smith, Richard Branson, the CEO of Virgin Airlines, Evander Holyfield, Jesse 16 Black Meetings & Tourism July/August 2010: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com Jackson, Quincy Jones), the restaurant has become a mandato- ry stop on the route for Soweto tour operators. If you venture outside of the township make a stop at Nelson Mandela Square, a shopping cen- tre in Sandton. A 6-metre statue of Mandela stands in the middle of the square as a tribute to the South African leader. The com- plex has upscale stores, restaurants and boutiques. With so much activity within reach, one is never at a loss for something to do. Just look around the corner, there is always one more thing to explore. The country’s spirit is animate, vivid and palpable. Of course, everyone who visits South Africa must experience a safari. The KAPAMA LODGE AND PRIVATE GAME RESERVE has game viewing drives conducted by highly qualified game rangers with Shangaan trackers. If you’d rather walk than ride, there are also game walks. Once you’ve finished your adventure, take advantage of the 5-star lodge. Watch Nyala antelope walk by as you take in the beauty of the natural growth at the water’s edge. There are 20 suites at the Kapama Lodge. All of the bedrooms have fresh white bedding surrounded by four great swathes of mosquito netting. The rooms are spacious and reflect the rich textures and colors of Africa. If you’re not ready to go to sleep, take a dip in the pool, or sit out on the tea deck for a cold drink or cock- tails. But don’t be fooled. Be wise. Beyond the perime- ter are the wilds of Africa.