Drive in Africa

Robben Island
A short cruise from Cape Town ’s V&A Waterfront by ferry, this legendary island is a must-see on any newcomer’s itinerary. This is where Nelson Mandela and his comrades were imprisoned for decades during the Apartheid era. Former inmates will take you on an insightful tour of the prison grounds. This historical island is now a World Heritage Site and a proclaimed nature conservation area.

Shark Diving
South Africa was one of the first Countries Worldwide to make the Great White a protected species. We can offer you the chance to get extremely close to these awesome animals. You can go on a Shark dive or alternatively just view them from the safety of the boat.
Soweto
Just South of Johannesburg lies Soweto - the largest of South Africa ’s “townships”. This vibrant city is home to some 2 million people and a number of historical sights. A typical visit to Soweto includes a stop at a traditional shebeen (drinking hall), where you can savor local beer, food and hospitality, as well as a visit to the homes where Nobel laureates Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu once lived
Table Mountain
Over the centuries it has become one of South Africa’s most famous landmarks. The steep cliffs and rocky outcrops of the mountain play home to a number of plants and animals. The mountain is home to approximately 1470 species of plants. Take a guided walk on one of the many routes or simply ride the cable car to the top - it will be one of your lasting memories of SA.
The Addo Elephant National Park
Deep within the shadows of the dense valley of the Sundays River Region, lies the Addo Elephant Park. It is a sanctuary for over 200 elephants who belong to an isolated gene pool, and are therefore smaller than other African elephant, with a reddish hue. The area is home to the unique flightless dung beatle found almost exclusively in Addo, and given right of way on the roads in the park.

The Baxter Theatre
The Baxter is a World Class South African theatre situated in Rondebosch at the foot of Devil’s Peak. The exciting and diverse artistic programme ranges from celebrated South African works to international productions. Every year more than 350,000 people watch more than 1000 performances at this popular theatre.

Two Oceans Aquarium
What makes the Two Oceans Aquarium so diverse is the location. It is here that the cold water of the Atlantic meets the warmer Indian Ocean. Few places in the world are in a more favourable position to feature the flora and fauna of oceans so different in temperature and the life they support. The construction and outstanding success of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront was the catalyst in reawakening this dream of an Aquarium.
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
The Waterfront Company was formed in 1988 with a mandate to develop the historic harbour as a mixed use area, focusing on tourism and commerce with the continuing operation of the working harbour. Besides banks, shops, restaurants & cinemas the waterfront provides a variety of entertainment for the whole family. Visit the Two Oceans aquarium, Cyber world & the S.A. Maritime Museum, Scratch Patch & craft markets. If that is not enough you can stroll & enjoy the spectacle of buskers, street entertainers & musicians or enjoy the lively music & acts at the Amphitheatre. Helicopter trips, leisure boat trips as well as trips to Robben Island run from here.

White Water Rafting
The Breede River (Western Cape) offers a weekend breakaway that is as good as a holiday. Surrounded by its tranquil beauty, this river is an exciting, yet safe rafting adventure. The trip requires no experience and the whole family is welcome to participate.
Zulu Battlefields
Relive the horror of some of the most bloody battles fought between the British and Zulu warriors. Isandlwana, where British troops were massacred by the Zulu army and Rorke’s Drift where a handful of British soldiers held a mighty Zulu regiment at bay. The battles are brought vividly to life by historians and expert guides. Close to the town of Dundee and about 175 miles from Durban.

AND IN CLOSING...
Each province has its own attractions and varies from each other. From weather conditions, to its own individual beauty and scenery. Gauteng area and regions offer most of the luxury game reserves and an abundance of world-class casinos, including Montecasino, Gold Reef City, Emperors Palace, Carnival City and the Lost City at Sun City. Kwazulu Natal offers incredible history on the Zulu wars, enjoy a journey through the battlefields and Oceanside golf courses. All our provinces have world class golf courses, some designed by world famous golf pro’s. Beauty, health and wellness spa’s are found in all our provinces. South Africa is acknowledged as an international conference destination. We offer a variety of types of accommodation from the back packers lodges to the 5* hotels. Our infrastructure and technology makes it possible for any businessman or leisure traveler to have all the amenities on hand for an unforgettable holiday or business trip. Come and enjoy our country with us!

Source: South Africa Places of Interest

Does South Africa cater for tourists with disabilities? South Africa is definitely a bit of a curate’s egg in this respect – good in parts. Government has introduced legislation on this, so progress is being made. And many game reserves and places of interest have specially adapted accommodation and wheelchair-friendly facilities and walks. Many short trails also have Braille interpretation plaques.

Flamingo Tours specialises in tours for people with disabilities.

You would be amazed what some wheelchair-dependent people have done in South Africa – abseiled off Table Mountain; dared the highest bungy jump in the world at Bloukrans Bridge; tubed the awesome Storms River Gorge; hiked most of the Outeniqua Trail (this was a hard one); flown a microlight; and learned to scuba dive. The sky’s the limit. Oh yes, and skydived. (This was not all done by the same person!)

Accessible opportunities in the natural environment

South African National Parks, as national assets, should be accessible destinations to everyone regardless of their mental, sensory or physical capabilities.

The Delta Environmental Centre (Gauteng Province)has the 180metre long Sasol Sensory Trail which was initially conceptualised as a short environmental education trail for disabled people. Through consultation with Eco-Access, it was finally designed as an accessible interactive environmental education experience for the hundreds of learners who pass through the Centre on a weekly basis, including learners who happen to be disabled.

The trail is simple, paved, has wide pathways and many interesting stopping points. It blends in with the surrounding environment and is based on the fact that the Centre offers personal interpretation to all groups that visit it.

The de Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre (North West Province) has a programme called ‘Reach for the Wild’. An accessible trail, named the ‘Rob and Julie Filmer Sensory Trail’, allows all people, including disabled people, the opportunity to experience the African bush. It was also initially conceptualised as a trail for disabled people but now forms the basis of all de Wildt’s environmental education programmes. The environmental education centre is accessible and available for all those who participate in these programmes. Again, this Centre benefits from personal interpretation of the environment being offered to all groups.

SANParks Boulders Beach Boardwalk (Western Cape) is another example where everyone has the opportunity to visit the penguins on the beach using the boardwalk.

Owing to negative pressure from the surrounding community, parking and access to the boardwalk is extremely difficult without prior arrangements being made. However, once on the boardwalk, anyone can use it.

For many other trails and programmes in various parts of South Africa see Eco-Access, including, apart from those mentioned above, the Rob Filmer Lichen Trail at the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve in the Mpumalanga province, the Rhino Trail at the Berg-en-Dal camp at the Kruger National Park in the Mpumalanga province, the Fossil Trail at the Karroo National Park in the Northern Cape province, the PPC Discovery trail at the Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape province, the Dragonfly walkway and Jacana Bridge and the Kingfisher Birdhide at the Nylsvley Nature Reserve in the Limpopo province, The Palmiet Hiking Trail at the Hottentots Holland Nature reserve in the Western Cape Province and the bird hide and walkway at the Blesbokspruit Nature reserve in the Gauteng Province.

Source: African Welcome

Comparing Car Rental rates? What to look for…

Comparing car rental rates is not as easy as comparing two products in a store. There are a few factors that you should look out for:

1. Type of vehicle

Different categories of vehicles are charged at different prices. The factors that differentiate the vehicle groups are:
• Radio (the lowest groups of vehicles will not have a radio, but generally most vehicles will)
• Power-steering (if you drive a car with power-steering, then you should hire a vehicle with that feature)
• Air-conditioning (in South Africa, an air-con in Summer is definitely recommended)
• Automatic / Manual (If you are not able to drive a manual vehicle, specify this when getting a quote, or you will be stuck with a car that you are not able to drive!)

2. Mileage requirements

Plan your route! When you know how much mileage you require, compare the amounts of mileage that each company gives you. Some companies quote very low, and do not tell you that you will have to pay per kilometer. Make sure that the quote includes mileage, and if you feel safer, ask for an unlimited mileage quote.

3. Insurance

Some companies forget to tell you about your responsibility for the vehicle. This is called an excess or deductible. The lower the excess, the less risk you have in the event of any accident or theft. Also, make sure that the company is open about any exclusions.

4. Extra’s

Ask about any extra’s that you may need, such as:

• Baby seats
• Delivery & collection
• Extra drivers

Source: Article Base
Car Rental South Africa