South Africa. The most developed coutry in Africa. Travel guide and hotels .
16:23 South Africa. The most developed coutry in Africa. Travel guide and hotels . | |
 South Africa is also a good place to get used to traveling in the region (though some would argue that Namibia is better for that). Of course South Africa is not only a jumping off point, it is itself a superb destination rich in culture, fauna & flora and history.
Outsiders' views of South Africa are colored by the same stereotypes as the rest of Africa. Contrary to popular belief, South Africa is not devastatingly poor with an unstable government. South Africa is to a large extent two countries within one . On the one hand it is a first world state, especially the major cities such as Cape Town and Johannesburg, and and on the other hand it is under-developed and has large scale poverty. South Africa is one of the most unequal countries in the world where opulence and severe poverty can often be observed together. The rural part of South Africa remains among the poorest and the least developed parts of the world and poverty in the townships can be appalling, progress is being made. The process of recovering from apartheid, which lasted almost 46 years, is quite slow. In fact, South Africa's United Nations Human Development Index which was slowly improving in the final years of apartheid, has declined dramatically since 1996, largely due to the AIDS pandemic, and poverty levels appear to be on the increase. South Africa boasts a well-developed infrastructure and has all the modern amenities and technologies, much of it developed during the years of white minority rule. The government is stable, although corruption is common. The government and the primary political parties generally have a high level of respect for democratic institutions and human rights. How to get in ? The following nationalities do not need a visa for a stay of 90 days or less: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Portugal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania (90 days per 1 year), United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zimbabwe, and citizens of British Overseas Territories. The following nationalities do not need a visa for a stay of 30 days or less: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Cape Verde, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Gabon, Guyana, Hong Kong (BNO passports or SAR passports), Hungary, Jordan, Lesotho, Macau, Malaysia, Malawi, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Peru, Poland, Seychelles, Slovakia, South Korea, Swaziland, Thailand, Turkey,Zambiaand Zimbabwe. Citizens of India have to apply for tourist visas but this visa is issued gratis. The same applies to South Africans visiting India. This is because of the reciprocity that India shares with a lot of countries like Argentina, Uruguay and Mongolia. The Department of Home Affairs is notoriously inefficient, so make sure to apply for visas and visa extensions as early as possible. Make sure you have 2 blank pages back to back in your passport and that it is valid for at least 30 days after your intended date of departure, or you will be sent back! Make sure you have a return ticket available or they will send you back. If you need to pick up a ticket at the airport have the flight number and details handy and speak with the customs guy, they should check your story out and let you in (be firm). Be wary of arriving with a damaged passport as new security measures might trip up your entry. Road system: Speed limits are usually clearly indicated. Generally, speed limits on highways are 120km/h, those on major roads outside built-up areas are 100 km/h, those on major roads within built-up areas are 80km/h and those on normal city/town roads are 60 km/h. But beware - in some areas, the posted speed limits may change suddenly and unexpectedly. The roads within South Africa, connecting most major cities, and between its immediate neighbors are very good. There are many national and regional roads connecting the cities and larger centers, including the N1 running from Cape Town through Johannesburg and Pretoria up to Harare, Zimbabwe, the N2 running from Cape Town to Durban, which passes through the world-famous Garden Route near Knysna, and the N3 between Durban and Johannesburg. Some of the main roads have only one lane in each direction, especially where they are far from urban centers. When driving on such a road, after passing a truck or other slow-moving vehicle that has moved onto the hard shoulder (often marked by a yellow line) to let you pass, it is customary to flash your hazard lights once. This is considered a thank you and you will most likely receive a my pleasure response in the the form of the slow vehicle flashing its headlights once. Bear in mind that it is both illegal and dangerous to drive on the hard shoulder - although many people do. Climate: The climate in South Africa ranges from desert and semi-desert in the north west of the country to sub-tropical on the eastern coastline. The rainy season for most of the country is in the summer, except in the Western Cape where the rains come in the winter. Rainfall in the Eastern Cape is distributed evenly throughout the year. Winter temperatures hover around zero, summers can be very hot, in excess of 35°Celsius (95°F) in some places. We can speak about this land a lot, but know there's come a time to speak about hotels. You know that South Africa is the most developed country in Africa and one of the developed in the world. It's no difficult to understand that they have many places of interest where you can enjou you time. Look here ! 1. The Michelangelo Hotel - Johannesburg A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, The Michelangelo Hotel guarantees visitors a five-star stay whether spending the day to attend a conference, staying overnight or merely visiting for a breakfast, lunch or dinner meeting. The splendour of the hotel's Renaissance architecture in the heart of Sandton's business and leisure district, as well as the service excellence and world-class facilities on offer, sets The Michelangelo apart from its competitors. Built around a central atrium, guests enjoy the decadent use of space which gives the feeling of grandeur in an area where space is at a premium. The Michelangelo offers a host of leisure options on offer within the hotel, but for those wanting to venture outside our doors, we offer direct access to some of the best shopping facilities in the world. Prices $120-$500. 2. Tha Palace of the Lost City - Sun City All around Southern Africa they are to be found: the scattered sandstone remnants of ancient African cities, once the hearts of the great trading empires built on gold and ivory. Inspired by these lost empires, The Palace of the Lost City at Sun City has been created in a hidden valley in the mysterious Pilanesberg Mountains. Here, life moves with the rhythms of the ancient continent, while new African nobility take their ease amid sumptuous luxury. At the Palace, you will encounter the Africa of today, and hear the echoes of an Africa long past. The Palace lavishes its guests with 5-star service, and is luxurious in every detail. All four suites are breathtakingly opulent. From the distinctive grandeur of the African Suite to the unforgettable King Suite, resplendent in its maple paneling, delicately frescoed ceilings and stunning panoramas over the Lost City. Each exquisite suite revels in the magic of this remarkable place. Here and there, artistic flourishes burst with life. Each room and suite offers royal hospitality with wonderful views over water or jungle. All benefit from a personal touch. The Palace has 338 rooms inclusive of four deluxe suites. Prices $110-450. 3. Mount Nelson Hotel - Cape Town The Mount Nelson Hotel by Orient-Express is the most iconic luxury hotel in Cape Town situated within a sprawling lush garden estate in the heart of the city’s vibrant cultural centre and close to the bustling V&A Waterfront and some of Cape Town’s best beaches. The hotel is an urban sanctuary with a romantic heritage, a unique sense of style, and a commitment to unparalleled service excellence. Whether travelling for business or leisure in Cape Town, a family holiday, a honeymoon or a solo adventure, the Mount Nelson Hotel is an elegant oasis in a world where privacy is the new luxury and pleasure is all about peace and serenity. Prices $150-$400.  4. Thanda Private Game Reserve Thanda, meaning "love" in Zulu, is an expression of the magical union of the power of Zulu culture, wildlife, romance and exclusivity. Thanda Private Game Reserve is South Africa’s top award winning safari destination and is situated in northern Zululand, in close proximity to the Indian Ocean. The inimitable integration of South Africa’s best climate and rehabilitated and rich bush land has made Thanda home to amazing wildlife and over four hundred bird species. Ignite your imagination and open your mind to an extraordinary experience for your soul, mind and body. It’s the unique and sought after balance between energizing and exclusive relaxation that we want to share with you and your dear ones. Thanda offers a choice of five-star accommodation to suit every taste and budget: the exclusive opulence of the main lodge or the rugged refinement of the tented camp, which would you prefer? Savour the very best of African-inspired and European treatments at Thanda's award-winning wellness centre during your stay. The safari-spa offers world-class body and facial treatments, as well as full-day packages to pamper, rejuvenate and uplift the body while the mind goes on safari. Would you like to know what's in store for the kids, or how you can make your stay at Africa's most romantic safari destination even more unforgettable? Our head chef specialises in catering sumptuous cuisine in the most intimate venues and the Thanda staff will keep the kids busy while you relax. Prices $170-$390. 5. Fancourt - George Today Fancourt is a world renowned business and leisure destination. The Fancourt Hotel is a fine blend of modern luxury and classic elegance which offers accommodation that caters to every taste. 115 luxurious bedrooms and suites are all fully equipped with everything you need to make your stay as comfortable and unforgettable as possible. "Blanco House", the 150 year-old original Manor House and National Monument set on the 613 hectare Fancourt Estate was meticulously remodeled to create a boutique hotel that offers old-world, new-world and out of this world beauty and elegance. The Manor House offers a unique combination of classic opulence and the indulgent sophistication of a 21st century boutique hotel. As Africa's leading golf resort, the property boasts three Gary Player-designed championship courses, including the world renowned Fancourt Links. The estate recently converted its national monument, the Manor House, into a luxurious boutique hotel. Fancourt has a holistic spa, three restaurants and many indoor and outdoor leisure facilities on-site. Retail options include a gourmet deli & cafe, exclusive women’s boutique, jewelry store, real estate office and two pro shops. Prices $140-$350. | |
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