South Africa has plenty unique fauna and flora. Since the vegetation varies vastly from one region to the next, each region has it’s own specialties.
On the east coast moving down from Mozambique through Swaziland along to Natal, it is lush, humid, warm and tropical. Moving inland from Natal toward Lesotho is a mountainous area and the breathtaking Drakensberg or Dragons mountains.
Further inland is the lowveld or low ground and the highveld or high ground. A mix of savanna and grasslands.
The Garden Route is about 200 kilometres of dense vegetation, lakes and lagoons along the south eastern coast. The west coast of South Africa is much more rugged. As it heads up toward Namibia it becomes bleaker and dryer. Names like Skeleton Coast give a clue. Inland from the west is the Karoo which is desert land.
There is a huge amount to see and do in South Africa. This link South African animals is great for plenty info on wildlife, nature reserves and a whole lot more. Since we run a guest house, we often find visitors have not anticipated the scope of all that encompasses South Africa. People often allow themselves only one day in Cape Town and end up disappointed at how much they have to miss out. Obviously it would be great to have infinite time to travel. That is not possible. But I would say for Cape Town, allow a minimum of three days to take in the best bits.
Since I am always on about full moons, sunsets and stars, I thought you might like this link to a 360′ panoramic view taken from Lions Head on a full moon night. Click 360′ panoramic view from Lion’s Head and then scroll up, down, left or right. How cool is that view?
Photo courtesy Bing free photos
Go to – My Holidays and Trips – at the top of this page to read about other places we have visited. Or just click on – this link.
A friend suggested I talk about day excursions in Cape Town. The key tourist attractions in Cape Town include Robben Island, Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Cape Point, The V and A Waterfront and Constantia Vineyards. See here for more on them Cape Town Tourism
A walking tour of either the city and Gardens area or the seafront and Waterfront area is a great way to explore the city. You can make use of a guide. Book at one of the tourism offices Tourism information offices. But how about a do-it-yourself walking tour? Blow the money you save on a fabulous meal instead.
For a city centre tour and map, visit the National Geographic website for their walking tour. See here walking tour 1. For the Waterfront area tour try this link walking tour 2 to get some ideas as to what you can see.
Just a word on beggars. Each time money is given to a beggar, they learn that begging is a viable way to make money. There can be no dignity in having to beg. Giving money might momentarily appease the giver but it keeps beggars trapped in a miserable life. If you really want to make a difference, rather give money to an organisation like The Homestead. They provide safe homes, try to rehabilitate and educate street children. Another great organisation that helps volunteers to make a difference is Aviva.
Photo courtesy of Andrew Cross
Table Mountain was on fire again this weekend. There are fires every year on at least one of our many mountains. And we have many mountains. Because Table Mountain is right bang slap in the middle of our city, the city of Cape Town is built around the mountain, the fires can come really close to our homes. Evacuations are not unheard of. Similarly winter rains bring mudslides to houses on the slopes.
There are more photos taken at night from homes on Seth Rotherham’s blog Table Mountain on fire What causes these fires? Arson, careless smokers and bottles or the magnifying of glass in the sun may set the mountain alight. Our summer months are hot and dry and the vegetation becomes highly flammable. The casualties can be human life, certainly rodents, insects, juvenile mammals and bird eggs perish in these fires.
Yet our famous mountain fynbos requires fire to survive. Germination in some species is dependent on smoke from fires. Other plants need fire to split seed pods allowing seeds to disperse. So while on the one hand, fires are a necessary evil, do be aware that prosecution will ensure if anyone is found to actually cause a fire. A British tourist was extradited to face charges in South Africa some years back. See here for more 2006 Table Mountain fire
Shopping is a default activity when visiting a new place. You have to eat and you may find unusual things to take home. You could have family and friends expecting a souvenir? And tour guides take you to places where they get a kickback and leave you for what seems like hours to shop. Don’t you hate that?
V and A Waterfront and Gardens Centre are the main shopping malls in the city. A bit further south is Cavendish Square and heading north is Canal Walk. Canal Walk is reputed to be the largest shopping mall in the southern hemisphere. If you’ve bought stuff before, which I’m sure you have, you know how to shop. One shop looks like another if you ask me.
I prefer markets. So here are a few of my favorite places to go. First up, Long Street. Just go and see why it’s such a great place to lurk. Look forward to loads of sunny cafes, fun fashions, vintage items and cute interior design shops. Make sure you follow Long Street all the way up Kloof Street and take in an organic meal at Wellness Warehouse. Wellness are great for things like soy candles and crystals. Next up is Neighbourgoods Market in Salt River on a Saturday morning. Get there early. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Lots of eco designs and fresh wholesome food.
I like Milnerton market on a Sunday. They sell bric-a-brac and just about everything from second hand spanners to vintage crockery. This is a scratch and find place. Green Point flea market is also on a Sunday. A great place to scour for gifts to take back home. Then there is a fabulous market in Observatory the first Sunday of every month called the Holistic Lifestyle Fair. Great for trying out alternative treatments such as Reiki or Thai Massage at bargain prices. You can also taste exquisite raw foods and juices.
What to buy? The same old tat you find all over the world. But unique things are Rooibos tea, biltong, rusks and local wines and liquors. You can also look for beaded or wire art ornaments, jewelry and key rings. Maybe a hand-made picnic basket or shopping basket? The Waterfront Craft Market has over 100 stalls with local craftware on sale.
The sun is shining and the parties are happening all around us. Last weekend was the annual MCQP party at Green Point Stadium. The Mother City Queer Project as it is known by it’s full name. Friends who went said there were over 100 000 revellers. You can find photos or spot your mates if you go to the the wall at Gaydar
I was scratching around in a vintage clothing shop in Long Street the day before MCQP, when and a prim and proper Nordic looking bloke came in asking for a floral shirt. The shop assistant said that all his “friends” had bought up the floral shirts and there was not much to choose from. I could see him visibly taken aback by the lady’s most un PC comment. He took offence at her assuming she knew who his “friends” were. She checked to make sure he was going to the MCQP party? Yes he was. “Ag, don’t worry”, said the shop assistant feeling sorry for him, “If they are not your friends now, they will be after the party.” It was such a sincere gesture on her part and no malice intended. That is South Africa for you. Warm, well meaning and sometimes a little too in your face for comfort.
Next up on the festival calendar is the march of the minstrels. Every year since I can remember there are fights between the minstrels and just about everyone. The carnival goes back to the days when slaves on the American ships used to dress up and march with big brass bands to entertain the sailors. Why all the fighting? We all want the minstrels to march, don’t get me wrong. We just don’t want them marching near us. Why so? The minstrels are an enthusiastic lot. The enthusiasm can get a little out of hand. Need I say more?
For more festivals and events try this link – events Western Cape
Photo courtesy SA Tourism
