A recent episode of JEOPARDY! featured a category with video clues filmed in South Africa. Knowledgeable about South African wildlife? Test your skills by watching the video below. Make sure to check out our South Africa itinerary designed exclusively for the show.
Archive for the ‘South Africa’ Category
South Africa Featured on JEOPARDY!
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Cape Town: Iconic and Eclectic
Written by Linda Bendt for Tonka Times Magazine
Whether you’re a foodie, cultural junkie, wine lover, shopper, or adventure traveler, there is one city in the world that must definitely be on your bucket list – Cape Town, South Africa. Known as one of the most multicultural cities in the world, Cape Town’s charm resides in the diversity of its activities, restaurants and environment.
Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and striking land formations on the southwestern point of the African continent, Cape Town lies in the shadow of Table Mountain, towering 3,563 feet above the city and harbor. The central part of the city faces north, toward Table Bay, and is cradled by the iconic Table Mountain (to the south), Lion’s Head and Signal Hill (to the west) and Devil’s Peak (to the east).
Visiting the stunning plateau of Table Mountain is essential for any traveler, but be sure to plan ahead. Clouds frequently roll in, and it’s off limits in cloudy weather. Take advantage of clear skies early in your trip so you don’t miss this amazing site. The easiest way to get to the top of the mountain is to ride the Table Mountain Cable Car. Once at the top, you’ll be able to soak up amazing vistas and hike some of the many trails that meander across the peak.
One of the most visible sites from high atop Table Mountain is Robben Island. This popular tourist attraction is where Nelson Mandela spent almost 20 years as a political prisoner. Now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island is open to group tours by boat.
On the slopes of Table Mountain is Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, home to 4,500 species of indigenous flora, including several types of protea and prehistoric cycads. In addition to the unique trees, plants and flowers, Kirstenbosch is a great spot for bird watching. Visit on a Sunday for seasonal sunset concerts and craft markets highlighting the local styles and cultures that make Cape Town distinct.
The Glorious Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
One of Cape Town’s most lively areas is located just north of City Centre, along the harbor – Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Named after Queen Victoria and her son Alfred, this shopping and entertainment district is similar to those found in many U.S. cities but with flair all Cape Town’s own. The renovated warehouses have a range of shopping options and several activities (Two Oceans Aquarium, the boats to Robben Island, the Telkom Exploratorium, an IMAX cinema and more). It’s also a great place to go for some nightlife fun – many glamorous bars, world-famous restaurants and luxurious hotels sprinkle the area.
Those who love to shop may want to take advantage of the treasures found at the waterfront and in other parts of Cape Town. The value of the South African Rand makes the area one of the more affordable places to pick up African souvenirs and artwork. Semiprecious stones, gold and diamonds are reasonably priced and beadwork, woodcarvings, baskets and woven runs are some of the most popular hand-made crafts available.
Exploring the Cape
After you’ve shopped, explored and eaten your way through the city, plan to spend some extended time in the surrounding areas. At the top of the “must see” list is a driving tour of the Cape itself.
The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve is a sprawling 17,300 acres, home to wild antelope, ostriches and baboons, easily viewable from your car. Once you reach Cape Point, be sure to take the funicular (cable railway) from the parking area up to the viewing platform. The vantage point from this majestic spot is breathtaking.
Many visitors to the Cape Town area are aware of one of the region’s most popular residents – the penguins. As you continue your drive around the Cape, plan a stop at Boulders Beach to photograph these birds wandering freely in a protected natural environment.
A City Worth Meeting
Table Mountain, The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and the famous penguins of Boulders Beach barely scratch the surface of Cape Town’s splendor. Alive with storied African history, prominent European influences and thriving modern development, Cape Town’s future is full of promise. Whether you’re a city lover who craves the shopping, dining and cultural experiences or a nature lover who longs for the flora, wildlife and awe-inspiring vistas, be sure Cape Town is on your travel wish list.
Excursions from Cape Town
If possible, allow time on your itinerary to soak up other amazing draws of this region of South Africa. Here are a couple of our favorites:
The Winelands
South Africa is home to some of the world’s best wines – many of which are produced within a 2-hour inland drive from Cape Town. One of the most popular driving tours follows the Stellenbosch Wine Route, a beautiful 45-minute drive from the city.
If time allows, continuing on to Franschhoek is well worth the trip. These quaint towns offer amazing dining options, a wide range of wine tasting opportunities and local shopping experiences – all set within the stunning hills and valleys of wine country.
The Garden Route
This stretch of beautiful coastline winds its way for 125 miles via George, Wilderness, Sedgefield and Knysna on to Plettenberg Bay. The journey culminates at the Tstisikamma Forest – a fairyland of giant trees, ferns and bird life.
There are many side trips and activities you can take advantage of along the route. Scuba diving, bungy jumping, golfing, whale watching, fishing and hiking are just a few activities that are easily available. If a little side adventure is what you’re looking for, try the Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, surfing at Jeffries Bay or a safari in Shamwari Reserve.
For more information on Cape Town or other international destinations, contact us.
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Bloukrans Bungy Jump: A Leap of Faith
Written by: Lisa J. Boden Felchle about her bungy jumping (also spelled bungee jumping) experience in South Africa
When we checked in to the Fernery Lodge, I grabbed several pamphlets in the front entrance of maps and activities in the area. One of the pamphlets was a Face Adrenalin advertisement for “BUNGY, the worlds highest bungy bridge – 216m”. Not only is it the highest bungy bridge but also the highest and largest bridge in Africa; the third highest in the world and the largest single span concrete arch bridge in the world. I read about this prior to traveling to South Africa, but I did not know that the highest bungy bridge in the world was along our path. Once before, in Thailand, two Japanese girls asked me to join them and bungy jump. I passed the opportunity up because I thought people bungy jump in Australia or New Zealand, not Thailand. But this is the world’s HIGHEST bungy jump; I cannot pass this opportunity up. I persuaded my husband to join me the next day.
The next morning, I psyched myself up throughout breakfast, at times questioning if I really wanted to leap off the bridge. My husband was right when he reassured me and told me that I already had my mind made up and there was no reason in questioning my decision. We arrived at the Face Adrenaline office and I skimmed some paperwork before signing my life away. I was thankful that I just missed a group of jumpers heading out to the bridge so I had to wait about an hour. I wanted to see what I was getting myself into. Fifteen minutes prior to walking out to the bridge I gathered at a gazebo where Face Adrenaline employees dressed in red jump suits helped me step into a safety harness. When he asked me if it was too tight, I replied that it was not tight enough. He laughed and said I was fine. This did not reassure me as I walked with a group of strangers along a trail to the bridge.
Just prior to the bridge, our guide stopped us and gathered us close as he gave us a safety briefing. I was surprised when the safety brief only included staying within the yellow tape on the bridge. And then he advised us about making the big jump. We were instructed to jump off and out as if doing a belly flop into a pool. I was surprised that it was not more of a swan dive. Everyone I saw jump looked effortless and graceful jumping off the bridge. That was it; the only advise we were given. I was shocked and terrified at this point.
We continued our walk to the bridge and stepped up onto a wire mesh cage which hung along the bottom of the concrete bridge and led to the arch. As we walked the bridge shook as large semis drove along it and other vehicle honked their horn cheering on jumpers. I made the mistake of looking down past the wire frame of the bridge we were on. Oh WOW! It was a long way down with jagged rocks and a brown colored river. What did I get myself in to? I jumped out of planes previously but this was different. I had no one there to reassure me because my husband, who is afraid of heights, stayed at the viewing area to watch and take photographs. I repeatedly asked myself what I was doing there. We arrived to the center of the bridge and we were given our order. I was relieved that I was number three and not the first jumper. My heart started beating faster as loud upbeat music blasted around us. I was excited, nervous, and amazed by the beautiful view that surrounded me.
I was “on deck” and did not have much time to think about what was before me. The safety placed padding around my ankles to protect my legs from rope burn. I took my place on the next seating where the safety showed me the six foot, three inch wide strap that would hold me on the end of the bungee rope. “That was the only thing that was holding me, this was crazy!” I saw them attach another strap to my harness as a secondary safety, this made me feel slightly better. The safety directed me to stand up and helped me toward the edge. I whispered to him that I was really, really, really nervous. He smiled at me and said, “you should not be jumping if you were not nervous, don’t worry this will be great.” I took another deep breath as he and another safety helped me so my toes were just over the edge. I didn’t have time to look down and focused on the view and performing the perfect belly flop. The safeties let go of me and yelled, “FIVE, FOUR, THREE, TWO, ONE, BUNGY!”
On queue, I jumped as far out as I could with my arms raised over my head. I have no idea if I closed my eyes or what happened those first few seconds. I think I held my breath for the six-second free fall. I felt the rope stop me at then end of the fall and thanked God that the small but strong strap held on to my ankles and my shoes did not fall off. I did not feel my body snap up like others I saw, but rather I was peacefully pulled back up by the rope. I looked out over the canyon and river below. It was beautiful, absolutely beautiful and was thankful I had the opportunity to see this part of the world upside down hanging from the tallest bridge in Africa. I hung from the rope repeating to myself, “I did it; I can’t believe I did this”.
The jump was exhilarating and unbelievable. This was definitely a great experience and now when someone asks me if I would jump off a bridge, I can say, “why yes, yes I have”. If you are thinking about doing a bungy jump, my recommendations is just do it, trust the safeties and take a leap of faith.
More about Bloukrans Bungy Jumping
Read another client’s account of the big jump from Bloukrans Bridge.
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