SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa is well endowed with a wide variety of experiences to explore. From watching the big five in one of the world’s biggest national parks to enjoying a relaxing time at the blue flag beaches to surfing at some of the world’s best super tubes. One can choose to sift through the unmatched cultural and wine routes or one can opt to learn a lot through our world heritage sites. You can watch whales doing acrobatics at the world’s whale watching capital or come up close and personal with the great whites or simply take part in any of the endless adrenalin pumping adventure sports that are offered in the air, sea or on land

VISA : The visa is to be obtained prior to arrival in the country

HOW TO GET THERE:

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS: Johannesburg International Airport (JNB), Cape Town International Airport (CPT), Durban International Airport (DUR)

AIRLINES:

Emirates (EK) flies into JNB via Dubai ex Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bangalore

CURRENCY:

The local currency is the Rand (ZAR) and it is divided in to 100 cents. Coins come in denominations of 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 and R5, and notes in denominations of R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200.

Most banks change traveler’s cheques in major currencies, usually at a commission of around 1%. Although the First National Bank has a higher minimum charge, it takes a lower commission so it can work out cheaper for changing a few cheques. Keep a few exchange receipts as one needs them to reconvert Rands at the time of departure.

Credit cards, especially Visa and MasterCard, are widely accepted. More and more ATMs will give cash advances; if the card belongs to the worldwide Cirrus network there should have no problem using it across the country.

South Africa has introduced new coins and notes, but old coins are still common so it's hard to become familiar with what you're jangling. The R200 note looks a lot like the R20 note, so it’s better to take care.

GETTING AROUND:

By Air: South Africa has three major international airports and six national airports. Smaller and private airports handle regional, unscheduled and domestic flights. Domestic flights are numerous and connect most of the major towns and cities. It is the most recommended and convenient way to get around.

By Train: The Blue Train is the ultimate in luxury train travel, the kind of experience which includes five forks and five knives in the place settings at breakfast. One has to book well in advance since this train ride is truly a legendary experience; the train has one basic route, from Pretoria to Cape Town and return.  En route to Cape Town there is a stopover and excursion in Kimberley, where one can take a step back in time to the days of the diamond rush.

By Bus: There are a lot of bus companies offering various options but the distances between cities quite a lot so flying is a better option.

By Taxis: South Africa does not generally have metered taxis cruising the streets. The metered taxis generally need to be ‘ordered’ by telephone. Often the hotel you are staying at will organise a taxi through a reputable company. These taxis are dependable, but can be rather costly especially if large distances are to be covered.

South Africa is geared towards travel by private car, with some very good highways but limited and expensive public transport. If you want to cover a lot of the country in a limited time, hiring a car might be necessary

CLIMATE:

Known to some as Sunny South Africa, the country has a warm to hot climate, making it one of the best year-round destinations in the world. Most provinces enjoy a summer rainfall with occasional afternoon thunderstorms, which are spectacular to see. Snow sometimes occurs, especially on the mountain peaks. Some areas have mild winters.

Spring is September - October

Summer is November - March

Autumn is April - May

Winter is June - August

ELECTRICITY:

The electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ, with the exception of Pretoria (230 V) and Port Elizabeth (200/250 V). Most plugs have 3-pin or 2-pin.

TIME:

South Africa is 3 hrs 30 mins behind us.

DRIVING LAWS:

South Africans drive on the left side of the road. i.e. the cars are all Right Hand Drive like in India. Strict drinking laws apply. Seat belts must be worn by the driver and passengers at all times. Non-residents are permitted to drive with a driving license issued and valid in their own country, provided it bears the photograph and signature of the holder and is in English. Indian driving license (in English) is also valid.

DAILING CODE: 00 27

LANGUAGE:

There are 11 official languages, including English. Most South Africans are multi-lingual and English is fairly widely spoken, notably in urban centres.  

TIPS:

Tipping is pretty well mandatory because of the very low wages, around 10-15% is usual.

HEALTH:

Malaria is found only in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga (incl. the Kruger National Park) and Limpopo (north-eastern areas and near the Zimbabwean and Mozambican borders) and on the Maputaland coast of KwaZulu-Natal (north-east as far south as the Tugela River). Malaria risk is highest October-May. Although the incidence of malaria is rare, it would be best to take adequate precautions if you choose to visit these areas. In addition to malaria prophylaxis, insect repellants and mosquito nets can be effective. Medical facilities equal the best in the world and in many medical disciplines; South Africa is a global leader. A large network of hospitals offer excellent service, but make sure you have adequate health insurance.

SAFETY:

Most parts of the country can be safely visited by tourists, provided they take basic common-sense precautions e.g. not walking alone in deserted areas at night, not flashing photographic equipment or jewellery and, in traffic, maintaining a safe following distance. Most major cities run organized crime prevention programmes and basic safety guidelines are available at hotels and tourism information offices. If you are in doubt as to the safety of a particular area or attraction, contact the National Tourism Information and Safety Line on 083 123 2345. This number may also be used for assistance in replacing lost documents or reporting incidents.

CITIES:

CAPE TOWN

The Western Cape is one of South Africa’s premier tourist attractions, and for good reason. It is home to the famous Table Mountain, vast winelands, magnificent beaches, world-class restaurants and cosmopolitan entertainment haunts.

This is tipped to be one of the Top 5 cities in the world - truly picturesque and modern. One has to spend a min of at least 4 nights here to be able to do complete justice. However 3 nights is the minimum and nothing less.

Situated on the south-western tip of Africa, the Western Cape is the meeting point of the cold Atlantic and the warm Indian Oceans               

MUST SEES:

Table Mountain:

This is the high flat-topped Table Mountain. There is a cable car that takes you up to the summit and the ride takes around 1 min. on reaching the top one can get a spectacular view of the whole city. The whole tour would take approx 2hrs. The top of Table Mountain offers spectacular views in all directions and gives a bird’s eye view of the city. There is a small café there that is equipped to serve coffee and cake. Pls note that this excursion is completely weather dependent and hence the cable car ticket cannot be purchased in advance. Regardless of the weather, take a windbreaker as it can often be cool on the mountain top

Cape Point Tour:

The tour starts in the morning with a drive past the Table Mountain. You then stop at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. This is a great garden and huge. One can find the most varied kinds of flora here. The national flower called the “Mandela’s Gold” is found here. The air is pure and one must be prepared to walk around the place. At the end of the tour they will stop at the little café and gift shop where one can buy some really sweet souvenirs.

Following the garden its time to make way to Hout Bay – here you are taken on board a small boat and you sail all the way to the middle of the lagoon where there is a rock on which there are hundreds of seals. The boat sails around the island and brings you back. The sea at times could get choppy and the winds could get you cold. Hence remember to bring some warm wear whilst on the boat. For those who would not like to do the boat ride, you have the option of waiting at the shore, where you can find some souvenir shops and a café as well.

The next stop is Penguin Island – this is at Boulder’s Beach. One can see the famous African Penguins here. This is where they nest. The walk down to the beach is a short one and it is important for the clients visiting to maintain silence and also not feed the penguins       

Cape Point:

At the tip of the Cape Peninsula you will find Cape Point within the Table Mountain National Park. The expansive Table Mountain National Park stretches from Signal Hill and Table Mountain in the north to Cape Point in the south and encompasses the seas and coastline of the peninsula- where you can see the 2 oceans meet- the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. The actual point at which they meet is demarcated by a blurred line since the Indian Ocean is normally grey in color and a lot placid while the Atlantic is a deep azur blue and a lot rougher (depending on the season) the Cape of Good Hope can be seen from here too and that is the farthest point into the ocean.

Inside the reserve you will find a variety of animals including buck, baboons and Cape Mountain Zebra as well as over 250 species of birds and indigenous flora that is found nowhere else in the world. Take a scenic drive, stop at one of the many picnic spots and tidal pools and travel to the Lighthouse lookout by funicular or on foot for spectacular views

Robben Island:

The famous Robben Island, whose prison was once home to former South African president Nelson Mandela as well as many other black political freedom fighters, is now a World Heritage Site and provides stunning views across the bay with Table Mountain as its backdrop. A trip to the island is an unforgettable experience and offers a glimpse into the life and times of the apartheid era.

Daily tours to the island include the ferry trip there and back, an island tour and a tour of the prison with a fomer political prisoner as your guide. Allow three and a half hours for the trip (this includes the 1/2 hour ferry trip each way). Ferries leave at regular intervals throughout the day from the Clock Tower precint at the V&A Waterfront.

Ferries depart daily from the V&A Waterfront on the hour between 09h00-15h00, depending on weather conditions. Tours take 3.5 hours

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront:                

It is the pulse of Cape town and is located to the North of the city center. Many of the hotels in CPT offer free shuttle services to the waterfront.

For shopping, dining and entertainment the V&A Waterfront is a hotspot for tourists and locals alike.

The Waterfront offers over 250 shops from designer boutiques to craft stalls, a host of restaurants and coffee shops and plenty of other activities, including fun activities for children. Children will love the Two Oceans Aquarium and the Telkom Exploratorium. The SA Maritum Museum has interactive displays, the history of local shipwrecks and more and the new Nelson Mandela Gateway in the Clock Tower precint exhibits historical and educational material relating to Robben Island.

Enjoy a drink at one of the many waterside pubs and restaurants, shop till you drop, or relax and enjoy the variety of live entertainment that is always on offer. There are also a number of harbour cruises and sundowner cruises that depart from the Waterfront.
PLACES TO SEE AND VISIT FROM CAPETOWN

Spier:

An excellent place to suggest for a 2 nights stay. This is essentially the wine area of the Cape and a mere 30 mins drive from CPT Airport or the city center. Highly recommended for the honeymooners as well. One can indulge in a wine tasting tour on walk / car / horseback.

The village is quaint and quiet- A perfect getaway.                

Cape Winelands:

Staying in the Cape Winelands regions of Stellenbosch or Franschhoek will give you easy access to the numerous wine estates in the area - which means plenty of time for leisurely wine tasting and cellar tours. With towering mountains as their backdrop, the winelands towns offer history, spectacular scenery, outdoor activities and award winning restaurants for elegant or casual dining. Still within a 45-minute drive of Cape Town city centre, the winelands are well-worth staying a night or two. Things one can do at the winelands apart from wine tasting are enjoying a picnic at Boschendal or Spier or visit the chocolaterie in Franschhoek's main street, go hiking or horse riding in the vineyards. Again a good recommendation for the Honeymooners and couples who would like something different. 

Garden Route:

The route refers to the drive from CPT to PLZ (Port Elizabeth) or vice versa, however due to the time constraint the route from CPT – GRJ (George) or vice versa is quite commonly referred to as the Garden Route. The route is named thus as one can see changing landscapes during the drive. You can see the city – the barren land – the blue ocean – the lush greenery – the forests. It is a sight as beautiful as a garden, hence the name.

The Garden Route has a Mediterranean, maritime climate with warm summers and mild winters. But it can get chilly, so be prepared. Rain falls mainly in winter, but this region is a good all year round destination with the weather generally being mild and temperate.

Oudtshoorn:

This is the first stop. One normally spends a night here. This is also the Ostrich capital of the world. As one drives from CPT through the mountain range there are several spectacular photo stops along the way. One that is worth a mention is the Outeniqua Pass.  Upon arrival into Oudtshoorn the must do activity here is to visit an Ostrich Farm-  one can see how ostriches are bred, how they behave and can actually sit on one of them (the only criterion is that you must weigh less than 90 kilos). Later you witness an ostrich race and the tour terminates with you standing on an ostrich egg! Rest assured that the egg will not break.

One ostrich egg = 24 chicken eggs and the egg is 0% fat and 0% cholesterol.

Another excursion that one does here is the one to the Cango Caves and the Cheetah Ranch. The Cango Caves are spectacular and one can see magnificent stalactite and stalagmite formations dating back to many hundreds of years. From here you proceed to the Cheetah Ranch. Here you walk over a board that is atop the animal cages – this is the difference, this is the only place where you can see the animals from the top and gives a very open feel to the experience of animal viewing. There is a lovely tiger couple here called Raja – Rani from Bengal. Apart from them there are several other wild animals housed too. The highlight is the Cheetah enclosure where by paying a small sum you can get to go inside the enclosure and actually pet the cheetahs. The only criterion here is that they need to be over 4 feet tall.  The Ranch also has an enclosure for reptiles and the highlight here is the crocodile enclosure. An excellent Restaurant can serve you vegetarian and non veg delicacies.

Knysna:

This is the next stop along the Garden Route. A place that was once upon a time very famous for its yellow wood. Gone are all the trees – what is famous here now are the pearls.

The hotel that is recommended is the Protea Knysna Quays as it is on the waterfront and is shaped like a ship. A must do here is the evening cruise on the John Ben. The same is very relaxing and one needs to walk down to the jetty to board the same. The same is a 5 - 8 min walk from the above hotel. The cruise is a very relaxing one where you get a great view of the lagoon, of Featherdale National Park on the right and some stunning estates and houses on the left. One can enjoy the sailing with drinks and some great soft music in the backdrop. The view of the stunning sunset is worth a million rupees. At the far end of the lagoon is the Heads area- this is where the lagoon and the ocean meet. It is also the most dangerous part since over the years this is one place which has seen maximum number of ship wrecks. Hence it has been documented that any ship that sinks here cannot claim any insurance!!  Later in the evenings you can walk around the waterfront area and enjoy food at any of the numerous restaurants there.

A must buy here are small curios made from yellow wood.

A novel way of bridging the 2 places i.e. Knysna and George is to opt for a 30 mins ride on the steam train called the Choo – Tjoe train.

George: It’s not recommended to spend a night here. This is where one would drive to catch the flight back to Joberg or onwards.

Port Elizabeth: Not many opt to stay here. This place is famous as a beach destination and one can indulge in some great surfing here. This marks the end of the Garden Route or the beginning as the case may be. There is an airport here from where one can catch onward flights.

If you are doing the Garden Route fully then when driving from Knysna to PLZ or vice versa you will pass the spectacular Tsitsikamma Forests- Africa's oldest and largest marine reserve. You can opt for a canopy tour which is a slide on a steel table which takes you from tree to tree. This is followed by a Monkey Land Tour where you will have the opportunity to discover many different types of monkeys.

DURBAN

Durban is a big subtropical city of contrasts. It is also the city where there are maximum no of Indians. It’s a beach city and not highly recommended on the itinerary unless one needs to visit the place.

One needs to be careful on the streets here as it is not one of the safest places.

One can experience the Shakaland – Zulu Experience here. There is also the Marine World that one can visit.

Another attraction here is the visit to Mahatma Gandhi’s house which is now a small museum.

There are loads of Indian Restaurants here.

JOHANNESBERG

Jo'burg, Jozi, EGoli or 'the city of gold' (never Johannesburg) is by far the largest city in South Africa. It is the city which is the main gateway into South Africa. One normally uses this city as the base for discovering the country further. Ideally a 2 night stay is fine here.

There are 2 main areas here – the Sandton/Rosenbank area and the airport area. These are the areas where one should normally stay at as it is safer here.

For one who is using Joberg as a transit base it’s prudent to stay near the International Airport. There is a hotel complex here that is akin to the one at Suncity and is called the Caesars Complex. There are 2 hotels within – a 5* option called the D’Oreale Grande Hotel (called the Emperor before) and the 3* option called the Metcourt Laurel Hotel (formerly the Senator). The complex offers a complimentary shuttle service to the airport and for the clients flying on South African Airways, there is a counter within the premise that allows you to check your baggage through to your final destination and even hand you your boarding pass! The place has loads of food courts and entertainment available and of course shopping options too.

Gold Reef City Tour:

The tour can be done as a half or a full day tour, as there are loads that one can do there. In the old days the area was famous for the gold mining. Here one can see the evolution of the gold over the years and also get a chance to visit a gold mine! Apart from this there is a store where commemorative gold coins are sold and there are quite a few jewellery shops too. Adjacent to this area is the theme park which is on the same lines as the Disney Park and is good fun.

PRETORIA

This is the twin city and can be covered as a half day tour from Joberg. The place is famous for the Jacaranda trees laden with its purple flowers and also houses the Parliament house and such other monuments. It is the political seat as well. Enroute you will see the mansion that belongs to the owner of the famous De Beers Diamonds.

SUNCITY

Sun City, one of the biggest resorts of its kind, and is iconic to SA. One needs to drive down and this takes around 2 ½ hrs. One can drive here from the airport straight or from the hotel in JNB. The place is like a fortress and is very well protected. It is a huge place and has everything one needs inside. It’s like a city on its own. There are loads of eating options available within the complex.

For one who does not want to stay here, you have the option of doing this as a full day trip from JNB. However for those who are planning to stay over, it is recommended that you spend a min of 2 nights at least.

There are 4 categories of resorts available within.

The Cabanas:

This is the 3* category and is a standard hotel. However it is the best when you have kids with you as it is extremely child friendly, loads of activities and water sports for the children.

The Cascades:

It’s a 4* hotel and the theme of the cascades is that of the tropical rainforest. Hence the atrium has a huge waterfall welcoming you. Cascades also has one of the best sea food restaurants.

The Sun City Main Hotel:

This is a 5* hotel and is themed on the lines of Vegas casinos. It’s very strategically located and is bang opposite the Main Entertainment Hall. In fact there is an over bridge connecting the two.

The Palace of the Lost City:

The 5* deluxe hotel and is truly the most special. No one but the guests staying here have access to the hotel. It’s the most recommended for the Honeymooners.

Being a huge complex complete with more than one swimming pool and golf courses in order to travel inside there are complimentary shuttle buses that run round the clock 24 hrs. You are free to board any one of them. There are 2 colors of the buses, one for the guests staying at any of the first 3 hotels and one for the guests staying only at the Palace Hotel.

This is an incredible place for the pleasure seekers of the world. The place is a fantasy land comprising a hotel and leisure complex, urbane and sense-tickling. The Lost City was opened in 1992, with the theme of legendary lost African culture. The central feature is the Palace, a luxury hotel with 338 rooms in a mingling of various architectural styles which nevertheless achieves a harmonious effect. There are these colossal 70m/230ft high tower and a massive 25m/80ft high lobby that belies all the conviction of being in a hotel. It gives you an impression of rather being in a cathedral.

Valley of the Waves:

The Valley of the Waves with its latest art-of-the-technology artificial waves is the most advanced Water Park in South Africa. It allures the non-gamblers to the Sun City.
Overnight visitors to any of the hotels at the Suncity Resort have free access to the Valley of the Waves.

Water World:

On the shores of a large artificial lake, have facilities for parasailing, water skiing and wind surfing. . Alternatively you can play bowls indoors and outdoor, go horse riding, work out in a gym, and play tennis or squash

Golf:

For every golf fan, there are innumerable escapades lying all over the Sun City. You have to pay just R125 at the superb Gary Player Country club, for 18 holes.

After Hours

Sun City seethes with a vivacious night life. The most interesting thing of course is a Night Safari, taking you to the nearby Pilanesberg National Park. For this you have to consult the reception about details.

PLACES TO SEE AND VISIT FROM SUN CITY:

Pilanesberg National Park:

A mere 20 mins drive from Sun City. Normally done as a day trip out into the Bush. However one also has the option of staying here for a night or two. (at the Kwa Maritane or the Bakubang lodges) This is opted for by clients who do not have the time to visit the game parks of Kruger or any of the other ones that South Africa has to offer.

This is not a true game experience however since the drive is in a coach and there are certain paths on which the coaches need to traverse on. They cannot digress from the same. But it’s good for those who are indeed rushed for time.

Madikwe National Park:

A fabulous option to do from Sun City or from Joberg. It is a 2 ½ drive from the former and a 3 hr drive from or to the latter. The best thing bout this park is that it is in the Malaria Free area and also on the border of Botswana. The wildlife viewing is very good and the experience is unparalleled. One is recommended a min of 2 nights stay here.

Difference in the Safari Experience between South Africa and Kenya:

It is important to note that there is a difference in the style of safaris in SA vs. those in Kenya. To start with the vegetation itself is very different. In Kenya one can see large expanses of grasslands and the animals are all around u and very easy to spot, exactly the way one can see it on the National Geographic etc, while in SA the vegetation is thick and is called the bushveld. One needs knack to track the animals down and one has to really search for them. This makes the whole experience quite thrilling. Second is the type of vehicle used. In Kenya one travels in combi vans that are akin to our Maruti Vans whose roof can be lifted up so that u can stand and look around. In SA you travel in a 4WD that is completely open from all sides, the animals are a lot closer to you.

Kruger National Park:

As well as being one of the most famous wildlife parks in the world, Kruger National Park is among the biggest and the oldest - it turned 100 in 1998. You are guaranteed of seeing the 'big five' here (lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos) as well as cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, all sorts of antelope species and smaller animals. Although most people will have seen African animals in zoos, it is impossible to exaggerate how extraordinary and completely different it is to see these animals in their natural environment. That said, Kruger is not quite a wilderness experience: it's highly developed, organized, accessible and popular.

The lodges are well equipped and offer all facilities. A must for every client traveling to SA.

Kruger offers 2 main types of accommodation – Private and Government. The best way to get here is by flight from any of the points in SA to the KMIA Airport also called the Mpumalanga Airport (MQP). From here to the lodges it would take anything close to 1 hr – 2 hrs since the roads are “dust roads” and hence the vehicles travel slowly. However enroute you would see wildlife and hence your adventure begins already.

The private game parks like Mala Mala, Sabi Sands, Londolozi, Jock Safari Lodge etc  are recommended since they are escorted game drives and they have more luxuries to offer you.

The Govt run game parks are best suited for those who are on a self drive and also the accommodation there is based on dormitory style.

The drive from Joberg to Kruger is possible but not really recommended. It takes approx 7 hrs one way and the drive enroute is not really scenic.

Important note to bear in mind the fact that - Whether one is taking a flight or the road, it is important to spend a pre and a post night in Joberg.

VICTORIA FALLS

The widest curtain of falling water on earth is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The falls on the Zambezi River are on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia and the towns of Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone (Zambia)

South African Airways (SA) has daily flights from JNB into Victoria Falls Airport and Livingstone Airport.

Victoria Falls is spectacular throughout the year but from February to April, after the rainy season, you will experience the greatest flow of water. The spray can be seen for miles, and on a clear, bright, moonlit night it forms something called a “Moonbow "— reputedly one of the most beautiful natural phenomena on the planet

This makes for fantastic viewing, although it may be a little difficult to photograph the falls up close without getting your camera soaked.

We don't recommend you travel in October and November. This marks the end of the dry season, when the falls are at their least impressive, and is also the time of year when temperatures remain uncomfortably hot throughout the day and night.

Zambia -Just 11 km from the town of Livingstone by road. For the best base-level view, walk down the rain-forest footpath on the Zambia side.
Zimbabwe- A short walk from the centre of Victoria Falls town where you can view most of the falls. The spray from the falls between Jan and July will drench you and your valuables.

For the best rim-level view, visit the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls

The best time to see Victoria Falls, moonbow is during a full Moon and when the spray is high. ( Jan to July )                 

Victoria Falls has earned its reputation as the adrenalin capital of Africa, and is the base for an endless variety of adventure sports and activities.

Activities that can be done at the Falls

Bungee Jumping

White water rafting

River cruise

Scenic flights

Zambian side

Visa Information: If the visa is done through our local ground handling agent, the cost is wavered if staying at a Zambian property

Leisure Travelers Only

Min 1 Night Stay Max 14 Days

Passport details and travel information MUST be sent through to the relevant hotel/lodge at least 3 weeks prior to client’s arrival with the following details:

Full Name (exactly as per passport)

Sex

Permanent Residential Address

Nationality

Date & Country of Birth

Passport Number

Date and Place of Issue

Date of Expiry

Port of Entry into Zambia

Recommended Hotels

Both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides of the falls offer a full range of Victoria Falls Accommodation; from large family-friendly resorts to small luxury safari camps. Some have private footpaths to the falls, while others are located about a 20-minute drive from the falls.

Zimbabwe

Ilala Lodge, A’ Zambezi Hotel, Kingdom Hotel, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Accommodation on the Zambian side is spread out, with romantic river cottages and privately run safari lodges dotting the river banks. There is even a selection of island hideaways; luxurious, secluded accommodation surrounded by the waters of the Zambezi.

Hotels like Zambezi Sun, Royal Livingstone Hotel

Shopping:

Modern shopping malls, arts & crafts routes and markets, flea markets and informal vendors provide a wide variety of goods, curios, and shopping experiences. South Africa’s fashion, gold and diamond jewellery, and art are sought-after. As are the traditional handcrafted items such as Zulu beadwork; carved chessboards; painted ostrich eggs; colourful woven baskets, handbags and soft furnishings; mohair or sisal rugs; traditional wooden masks and carvings; pottery and leather items. And don’t forget the world-renowned Cape wines, exotic fruit liqueurs, brandy, rooibos tea, dried fruit, biltong (dried meat snacks) and chutney. Most major shopping centres and malls operate 7 days a week, but small town shops are often closed on Sunday.  

MUST BUYS:

Ostrich Eggs (painted or natural as is), Ostrich feathered dusters, beaded dolls, beaded jewellery, wooden / stone artifacts.

Green Market Square – for those who would like to shop for the traditional handicrafts, this is a must see place. One can get some great bargains here.

INFORMATIVE WEBSITE – www.southafrica.net