22
SOUTH AFRICA: NEW EXPLORATIONS
where the sea rushes into the lagoon
through a narrow gap in the cliffs.
If there was ever a place in which
there are too many things to do, the area
around Plett and Knysna is it: bungee
jumping, elephant riding, canopy
tours on a high wire, hiking, boat trips,
walking through the Monkeyland forest
and having the knob on the top of your
peak cap removed by curious parrots in
the world’s largest free-fl ight aviary at
Birds of Eden. I did them all! Oh all right,
I lie. I didn’t have the guts for the world’s
highest bungee jump at Bloukrans.
Slowing the pace a little through
the indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest, I
cruised the gentle road to Port Elizabeth
– the offi cial end to the Garden Route.
Pondering on the staggering variety of
experiences I’d had made me wonder CLOCKWISE FROM THE
what my last impression would TOP: You’re spoilt for
be. This took care choice when it comes
of itself in Addo to scenic beaches in
Elephant Cape Town – here the
National Park 12 Apostles provide
just outside Port shelter for Camps Bay.
Elizabeth. Elephants there The winelands are only
were aplenty, but it was an a short drive east of the
old buffalo bull that caught my Mother City, and further
eye when he looked directly at me up the Garden Route,
with a look of great distain. I had you’ll enjoy marine
a feeling he was about to call in excursions like this
that loan, and decided that dolphin-watching trip
this was my cue to leave. ■
CARRIE HAMPTON (2)
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN SOUTH AFRICA
1
GO ON SAFARI Wildlife fi lms can’t compare with the real thing. One 6
GO SLACK PACKING Hiking is a national
sport in South Africa. The Drakensberg
is one of those special places with big
of the most exciting options is to spend a night on a romantic sleepout skies, towering mountain peaks, a green sea
platform in the bush. Think champagne and a four-poster bed with of rolling foothills and a sense of freedom that
billowing mosquito netting, high above the animals that come to drink at the is good for the soul. One of the best fully-
waterhole. Many safari lodges now offer this. portered and catered slack packing hikes is the
2
TABLE MOUNTAIN Climb it or take the cable car up to the top of this luxury Table Mountain Hoerikwaggo Trail.
mighty symbol of Cape Town. The mountain is made of sandstone and
granite, both containing large amounts of quartz, which means Table
Mountain is in effect a giant crystal, emitting enormous concentrations 7
HEAD FOR THE WINELANDS The
mountainous winelands of the Cape are
not just about wine. They are about scenic beauty and superb food,
of natural energy. Tap into this and realise your latent psychic abilities or genteel living and tranquillity. This captivating combination of pleasures has
healing powers. tempted more than a few Europeans into buying properties here.
3
TALK THE TALK With eleven offi cial languages in South Africa, it is
not always easy to communicate, but English is widely understood. Get r. In oral
chatting to friendly locals by learning some basic words. “Hello, how are 8
HEAR THE BATTLE CRY KwaZulu Natal’s battlefi elds were the scenes of
terrible clashes during the Anglo-Zulu wars and Anglo-Boer wa
storytelling tradition, listen as a guide recreates the sights and sounds of
you” is the way in which all conversations are started in whatever language. war, and explains military strategy on the very spot where the battle took place.
4
GET AN ADRENALINE SHOT Try galloping on horseback along a beach
or even in a game reserve. Adrenalin junkies have a whole range of
edgy adventures, like shark cage diving, bungee jumping or bridge 9
VISIT THE WATERFALLS OF THE PANORAMA ROUTE There are dozens
of waterfalls around the small town of Sabie, like the diaphanous
cascade of Bridal Veil Falls. Many are perfect for a refreshing swim; hike
swinging, abseiling or paragliding. A more sedate way to fl y could be in a hot down to the bottom of Lisbon Falls and look for treasure in the pool at the
air balloon. end of the rainbow created by the spray.
5
WATCH WHALES July through to October is the best time to see
southern right whales from land or boat along the entire southern Cape
coast. Reaching up to 18 metres long, they loll around in small groups 1 0
TOWNSHIP TOUR Experience the other side of life in a township.
Locals are eager to show you around and you need not fear feeling
like a voyeur. Your visit creates jobs and encourages the spirit of
and usually do a trick the moment you look away. Winter in the Cape is ubuntu (a philosophy of solidarity, morality, humaneness and communal
unpredictable and can be beautiful or very stormy. responsibility).
CALL US TODAY! ■ UK 0800 092 9595 ■ IRE 1800 946 843 ■ USA/CAN 1800 517 0867
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