Chapter 2 Travel & Tourism
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KwaZulu-Natal Facts about the province Driving investment into the province.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa’s sunshine province on the country’s east coast, is renowned as a premier leisure and outdoor destination From the coastline lapped by the invitingly warm waters of the Indian Ocean, through its wilderness areas to the majestic and dramatic Drakensburg mountain range, KwaZulu-Natal is a province steeped in history and boasts a rich cultural heritage. This is definitely a must visit destination with something for everyone. KwaZulu-Natal covers 94351 square kilometers and comprises about 7.8% of the country’s land mass ,derives its name from the Zulu meaning from the ‘dwelling place of the Zulu’ and the name Port Natalia ,given to the port of Durban early Portuguese explorers. 66
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KwaZulu-Natal – A “MUST DO” Experience KwaZulu-Natal is a year round holiday destination which seamlessly combines aweinspiring mountains, warm golden beaches, untamed bush-land and wildlife, the tranquility of green rolling hills, a rich history and a deep seated culture. One of its World Heritage Sites, the famed uKhahlambaDrakensberg Park in the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, boasts a treasure trove of San art, and the second, the ecologically sensitive iSimangaliso Wetland Park at St Lucia on KwaZulu-Natal’s north Coast, offers no fewer than 20 different eco-systems. From the sub- tropical paradise of its pristine coastline, to its towering mountains, snowcapped in winter, to the natural wilderness of its hot, dry plains where cacti and aloes abound, there really is something for everyone in the Zulu Kingdom, KwaZulu-Natal. KwaZulu-Natal’s tourist and business hub is the port city of Durban. Home to three million people, this is a truly cosmopolitan city, a veritable melting pot of cultures and experiences. The city is built around a bustling port – the busiest in Africa – and fronts on to its well known beachfront – the Golden Mile. This modern city
has well established and highly advanced infrastructure, it is South Africa’s leading domestic tourist destination. With its mix of top- class accommodation, a world of shopping experiences to suit every pocket, world class sporting facilities, leading marine theme park, pumping nightlife, top-flight restaurants offering cuisine to wet any appetite and its gloriously golden beaches, this sun and surf paradise has everything for which the most discerning visitor could wish. For those seeking a spot of retail therapy, Durban and its surrounds offer some of the best including the Pavilion, the Gateway Theatre of Shopping, one of the biggest malls in the southern hemisphere, and the Midlands Mall in nearby Pietermaritzburg – capital city of KwaZulu-Natal. The latest addition is the Westwood Mall at 45th cutting, minutes from the centre of Durban. Durban is noted for its unbelievably varied cuisine. This is a place where the exotic tastes of the East mix easily with both the European palate and traditional African cooking. Indeed, nothing beats a Durban curry and so-called ‘bunny chow’, and visitors eager to try local offerings should not leave the city without having tasted such fare. KwaZulu-Natal is widely renowned for its climate, which
makes the region an idyllic, year round holiday destination of choice. Durban and its adjacent north and south coast resorts are particularly famed for hot, sultry summers and mild sunny winters, making their beaches a major draw-card for visitors. With an average of 320 sunny days a year and temperatures ranging between 16C and 25C during the winter months of June, July and August, and soaring to a toasty 32C in summer, coupled with warm waters of the Indian Ocean, KwaZulu-Natal beaches attract sun-worshippers, surfers, scuba divers and water sport enthusiasts from far and wide. Durban’s beaches stretch along its Golden Mile and if you want a break from the ‘fun shine’ you can enjoy a range of waterbased activities, fine dining, walks in lush gardens or splash out on curios by which to remember your visit. Located at the end of the Golden Mile is Vetch’s Pier, a stunning snorkeling and dive site, and the adjacent uShaka Marine World theme park comprising an ultra modern aquarium and restaurant built into a shipwreck, loads of water slides including the highest slide in Africa for the young and young at heart and a shopping arcade with dozens of specialty shops.
www.zulu.org.za Best of South Africa
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The Gateway to the Cradle of Humankind
TOURISM
From the majestic Magalies Mountain Range in the north, to the Vaal River in the south, and along the meandering Crocodile River, a tapestry of resorts and activities await, where tranquillity restores the soul and the adventurer can stretch the limits.
Sasol - www.mediaclubsouthafrica.com
Here, strangers become friends and visits result in lasting memories. From near and far, people are coming to learn of the golden spectacles of The West Rand. This region is gaining increasing popularity and, as ever more discoveries are made, prepares to welcome the world to the Gateway to Cradle of Humankind! As with the dramatic golden sunsets, the area simultaneously reflects the warmth of it natural wonders and the charm of its friendly and diverse cultures. This land, proud of its history and natural heritage, beckons the visitor to share the joy of discovering new experiences, to gather new tales and to linger longer. This kaleidoscope of experience will become golden memories. Western Gauteng is less than 68
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45 minutes drive along excellent highways from Sandton , (N1), Pretoria (R28), and Johannesburg, as well as international and local airports. Gauteng was created in 1994 under the new African National Congress (ANC) government and is divided into six regions all offering an amazing array of historical, cultural and natural attractions - Tshwane (Pretoria), Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni (the East Rand), the West Rand (Mogale City and Magaliesberg), Metsweding (Cullinan) and Sedibeng (Vaal). All these regions are linked by Gauteng’s vast and efficient road and rail networks and well-developed infrastructure. Africa’s most modern international airport is situated in Ekurhuleni - firmly establishing the region as the gateway to the continent. There are also a
Photo: Chris Kirchhoff, MediaClubSouthAfrica.com
number of smaller airports on the fringes of the urban centres. Meaning “Place of Gold” in Sesotho - one of South Africa’s 11 languages - Gauteng’s extensive wealth comes mostly from mining - although business, manufacturing and tourism are also present. Since the discoveries of gold in 1886 and of the world’s largest diamond in Cullinan in the Metsweding district in 1905, the province has developed into an economic powerhouse. Gauteng contributes more than 33 percent of South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP), and ten percent of the GDP of the entire African continent. While the Earth’s treasures have escalated the province’s present day economic status, Gauteng’s rich history predates the discovery of gold by many millennia. The discovery of hominid fossils in the Sterkfontein
area in the West Rand indicated that bi-pedal human ancestors populated this area for almost as long as in the eastern African regions. Evidence of their existence is located at the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. During the Stone and Iron Ages the Witwatersrand was populated with settlements of various sizes scattered among the hills and valleys. The scenic Vaal, Klip and Suikerbos rivers give life to the whole of Gauteng. Not only feeding the important industrial towns of the Sedibeng region, they also provide refreshingly quiet spaces for Gautengers to take a day or weekend break. Nature and wildlife trails, game parks, two exceptional zoos and the mysterious African bush are all just a stone’s throw away from some of Africa’s most modern cities.
Gauteng inherits its cosmopolitan vitality from an often violent and turbulent past. Township tours and the many battlefields and gravesites scattered throughout the province bear witness to the challenges faced by the province’s real gold the people of Gauteng. A vibrant, lively mix of energy and diversity, Gauteng is renowned for being South Africa’s and, indeed Africa’s, economic, financial, business and entertainment epi-centre. The smallest yet wealthiest province in South Africa - covering only 18 810 square kilometres - Gauteng is a unique fusion of democratic and traditional values. So take time to peel away perceptions of business suits and briefcases and discover there is more depth to Gauteng than meets the eye. Gauteng enjoys one of the best climates in the world.
Summers are sunny and hot with relief-bringing showers in the late afternoon. Summer rainfalls average 464 millimetres annually. The balmy evenings are a blessing and there is nothing to beat a Gauteng sunset. Winters are just five months long, although winter days are generally sunny despite the drop in night-time temperatures. Summers last for seven months - with temperatures hitting the early 30s (degrees Celsius) during November, December and January. Some well-known Gautengers are Nobel Peace Prize laureates Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nobel Literature Prize laureate Nadine Gordimer. The singer Miriam Makeba, Mahatma Gandhi, Oliver Tambo and Walter Sisulu have all left their mark in Gauteng.
www.gauteng.net
Photo: Chris Kirchhoff, MediaClubSouthAfrica.com
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Cullinan Diamond Mine - Home of the world’s most famous diamond The picturesque town of Cullinan, home to this most famous of mines, is a short breathtaking drive from South Africa’s capital, Pretoria, and only 90 minutes from the City of Gold, Johannesburg.
The Heritage The town’s proud history stretches as far back as 1903, making it the oldest diamond mine still in operation. Highlights include the discovery of such famous diamonds as “The Golden Jubilee”, owned by Thai Royalty; “The Centenary Diamond”; “The Niarchos”; “The Premier Rose” and “The Taylor Burton”, worn by the silver screen’s legendary heroine and diamond connoisseur. The mine’s greatest treasure though, is undoubtedly The Cullinan Diamond, the largest clean white diamond ever found. Discovered in 1905, the 3106 carat rough diamond was presented to King Edward VII on his 66th birthday. The 70
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original stone was cut into 105 gems. The two largest stones, “The Greater and Lesser Star of Africa” are set into the British Crown Jewels and are on display in the Tower of London. The Stars Today the mine is also the world’s main source for rare blue diamonds. The dazzling “Star of Josephine” took its place as the most expensive gem diamond sold on auction when the vivid fancy blue 7.03 carat was purchased for USD $10M in May 2009. A more recent star of Cullinan, the 507 carat “Cullinan Heritage”, named in honor of the significant day it was unearthed – 24
September 2009, Heritage day in South Africa – was sold for an incredible USD $35M in February 2010.
source of the most remarkable diamonds in history, the largest and most ‘larger than life’ gemstones ever unearthed.
The Offering Those who wish to learn more about the world’s most glamorous gem will enjoy educational tours focusing on the history of diamond mining and the cutting and polishing process. Treat yourself to a once in a lifetime underground tour and experience an active diamond mine, almost 1000 meters under the surface.
Please call us for a private viewing of our showroom and be collected free of charge in our luxurious courtesy car from all major hotels in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
The Service Cullinan Diamond Mine is and remains the
Diamond Hub Cullinan Diamond Mine, Cullinan Tel: +27 12 734 2626 Email: info@cullinandiamonds.co.za www.cullinandiamonds.co.za Best of South Africa
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Cape Town Routes Unlimited (CTRU) The exciting job of marketing what is arguably the most beautiful destination in the world, Cape Town and the Western Cape.
Our role is to provide strategic direction and marketing support to the Province’s tourism industry through partnerships with both the public and private sectors; successfully promoting the destination to as many leisure, business and events tourists as possible. We actively market Cape Town and the Western Cape as a brand and promote transformation as well as sustainable and responsible tourism. Cape Town and the Western Cape is where infrastructure excellence meets travel fantasy. Imagine relaxing in a lavish spa on the top floor of a foreshore hotel, staring out over Table Bay and Robben Island; or taking a motorbike ride at the end of your day to the famous Camps Bay beach strip to sip cocktails; or hiking up Lion’s Head one late afternoon to watch the sunset and celebrate a 72
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successful business deal with your new partners. The destination boasts a Mediterranean climate, an existing and rapidly developing world-class infrastructure, four world renowned universities as well as excellent conference, exhibition and event facilities. Cape Town and the Western Cape is continually positioning itself as a top-notch events destination and currently hosts 350 events annually. These include the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, Vodacom Funny Festival, Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour, Hermanus Whale Festival, Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon, ABSA Cape Epic Mountain Bike Race, Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival and the Riebeek Valley Olive Festival. These events and the successful hosting of the biggest sporting event in the world, the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, show that Cape Town and the Western Cape has the resources and skills to host any event. The Western Cape consists of six regions, each with their own unique allure: • Cape Town is a sophisticated African
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metropolis rich in history, culture and heritage. Cape Winelands is home to first-class wines and delicious food. Cape Garden Route & Klein Karoo is a region of contrasting landscapes – from pristine beaches to rugged mountains. Cape Overberg is a vast region situated at the southernmost tip of Africa and is one of the whale-watching capitals of the world. Cape West Coast stretches over 400km and is famed for its sumptuous seafood and spectacular wild flowers.
• Cape Karoo is a wonder of the scientific and natural world. Whichever region you choose to spend your time in, you will not to be disappointed. We are ready to welcome you to our shores and trust your visit will be a revitalising and enriching experience that will keep you returning to the shores of beautiful Cape Town and Western Cape. For more information on the Cape Town and Western Cape tourism offering, please visit www.tourismcapetown.co.za. Best of South Africa
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Get to the Heart of South Africa The Free State - A destination for everyone.
Photo: Graeme Williams, MediaClubSouthAfrica.com
The Free State, known as the “Heart of South Africa�, borders six of the eight other provinces as well as sharing a border with the Kingdom of Lesotho. It is characterized by wide open spaces, lush landscapes, mountainous areas and farmland that lift visitors spirits and remove them for the moment from the modern world and its attendant stresses. The Province, a fast growing tourism destination, boasts some well known attractions such as the Vaal Dam, the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Sterkfontein Dam and Gariep Dam as well as a number of large holiday resorts. Johannesburg and Durban are within easy driving distance of the province and there are daily flights from Bloemfontein to all major centres in the country. It is a wonderful region in which to drive, especially on the 250Km scenic Highlands Routes from Harrismsith, via Fickburg and Clocolan, through the Maluti Mountains. Picturesque mountain 74
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Photo: Rodger Bosch, MediaClubSouthAfrica.com
ranges provide the backdrop to numerous quaint towns, hideaways and trails meandering through valleys and gorges in the eastern Free State. This area is also the site of numerous SAN paintings. The towns of the eastern Free State, such as Clarens with its Swiss-like appearance and Bethlehem with its sandstone buildings, are a perennial attraction with their rustic charm. The Vaal Dam, considered to be the inland-water mecca of South Africa, is a popular venue for tourists, offering boundless opportunities for all types of water sports. Here one can also challenge the white water of the Vaal Dam in a raft or canoe, while powerboat junkies regularly ply the waterways of the Vaal, Wilge and Vals rivers. Also located in this northern region of the province is the Vredefort Dome, which at a diameter of 200km is the third-largest meteorite site in the world. Motheo is the historical and cultural cradle of the province.
Bloemfontein, the Free State’s capital, is known as the City of the Roses with places of interest including historical monuments and museums, art galleries and botanical gardens. The capital, has a well-established institutional, educational and administrative infrastructure and houses the Supreme Court of Appeal. The Xhariep region, in the south of the province, is home to vast spectacular plains housing quaint villages, the Orange River and the Gariep Dam. This dam is one of the largest dams in South Africa and this area has huge potential to become a major tourist attraction in the future. In order to capture an additional tourism market for the Free State, a water sport facility and tourism resort at Sterkfontein Dam outside Harrismith is in the planning stages as well as a Tourism, Entertainment and Amusement Complex in the Welkom area.
Tel: +27 51 400 0800 www.fdc.co.za Best of South Africa
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