Magical Cape Town Beaches

Cape Town offers some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet, with sunny white beaches stretching east to west. It’s no surprise that many of South Africa’s beaches have been awarded the blue flag status, given only to the most perfect beaches of the world. Part of the allure of this area is that this is where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet. The Atlantic lies on the west side and is about 4 degrees cooler. Many of the most popular beaches lie on this side of the coast, with many referring to it as South Africa’s “Riviera”. These beaches are lucky to have longer days and protection for the Cape winds, making them a very pleasant experience indeed.

One of the most notable is Clifton which is comprised of 4 beaches all together, it is no doubt one of the most fashionable beaches. The wealthy all aspire to own homes fronting its snow white sands and people fly from all over to see and be seen against the backdrop of the bright blue water, decorated with gleaming white yachts.

The East coast however has the warmer water with many hidden and secluded gems, which tourists travel from far and wide to experience. These are also preferred by local families wanting to steer clear of the crowds along the west coast. Each beach has its own particular charm however, so it’s always best to go to a few and decide which is most suited to your tastes.

If you are thinking about visiting this side of the world you are sure to be left with more than just a glowing tan, but fond memories of this captivating region and the hospitable people which reside in it. There is a wide array of accommodation options you can take advantage of such as Self Catering Accommodation & Holiday Rentals or hotels. There is plenty to choose from and they line the coast, offering a wonderful way to experience the sun and surf offered by Cape Town, South Africa.

Shark Cage Diving in Cape Town

There are some very good reasons as to why sharks are feared by millions around the world. Just viewing them at a comfortable distance from behind the thick protective glass at the aquarium can send chills down ones spine. But why not take it one step further? Venture out of your comfort zone and dive into the chilly waters to see them face to face (being protected by a cage of course). If you are planning a trip to the Cape any time soon, take a look at this article on Shark Cage Diving in Cape Town and find out more about this extreme tourist activity.

IsiZulu Phrases

If you're travelling around South Africa, take the time to speak to people you meet.
Don't be afraid to try a new language and, although they might correct your pronunciation, most people will respect the effort you're making in their language.

isiZulu is the first language of about a quarter of all South Africans, and is understood by many more.

Pronunciation is very simple in isiZulu, and there are fewer click sounds than in isiXhosa. Generally the emphasis falls on the first syllable, for example: "Unjani?" The last syllable of each word, except in a question, is often dropped, so sawubona may be spoken as sawubon'.

isiZulu words are compound words, which at first glance can be intimidating. The first syllables include pronouns, tense and usage case. The suffix may change for the negative.

Additionally, isiZulu nouns have classes, analogous to the genders found in many European languages, except that there are many more classes.

If all of that sounds complicated, don't worry. As a spoken language, isiZulu is very easy to pick up, and intuitive to use. The best way to learn is to get out there and practise!

GREETING (SINGULAR)

Sawubona - Hello.
This greeting is an acknowledgement of having seen the other person. If you are greeted in this way, you could reply:

Yebo, sawubona - Yes, I see you.

Unjani? - How are you?

Ngiyaphila, wena usaphila? - I am well, how are you?

Kulungile - Good.

GREETING (PLURAL)

Sanibonani - I see you.

Yebo, sanibonani - Yes, I see you.

Ninjani - How are you?

Siyaphila - We are well.

USEFUL PHRASES

Yebo - Yes.

Cha - No.

Ngicela - Please. (The c is pronounced with a click, similar to a ch sound.)

Ngiyabonga - Thank you.

Uxolo - Excuse me. (The x is pronounced with a click in the back of the mouth, making a sound like kho.)

Kulungile - That's all right.

Ukhuluma isingisi? - Do you speak English?

Nibizani lokho? - What do you call that?

Lokho kusho ukuthini? - What does that mean?

Angizwa - I don't understand.

Angikhulumi isiZulu - I don't speak isiZulu.

Ngiphuma e... - I am from …

Kuphi? - Where?

Nini? - When?

Yini? - What?

Kanjani? - How?

Kungaki? - How much?

Kungaki? - How many?

Ubani? - Who?

Ngani? - Why?

Iphi? - Which?

Ungisize! - Help

Ngiyabonga - Thank you.

Source: isiZulu Phrases | Car Hire South Africa

Car Hire South Africa

Car Hire offers you the chance to discover a range of fantastic destinations all across South Africa. Whether you’re planning to soak up the stunning scenery of the Western Cape, visit the townships of The Republic or go cheetah chasing in Kruger National Park, you’re guaranteed to find the best South Africa travel experience when you rent a car. South Africa is a beautiful country where it’s possible to take part in a range of fantastic activities all over the country. Whether you’re looking for an active break or just want to kick back and enjoy the sunshine on a relaxing holiday, you’ll find car hire gives you the freedom to discover a holiday in South Africa that’s unique to you.

South Africa is situated in the southern tip of the African continent. The country boasts a vast and contrasting landscape, which offers plenty of scope for car hire touring. South Africa comprises nine provinces-Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Northern Cape and the Western Cape. Generally speaking, the country has a temperate climate, with warm summers and cold winters. However, temperature extremes do exist. The Western Cape benefits from a Mediterranean Climate, with the cooling Benguela Current on the Atlantic, while the east coast swelters in sub tropical temperatures and high humidity, refreshed only by the warm Indian Ocean lapping its shores.

Some of Africa’s most lively and culturally diverse cities are to be found in South Africa. Cape Town is renowned for its rich multi-cultural heritage and dazzling scenery, which includes the impressive Table Mountain and attractive Cape Winelands routes, while the sprawling metropolis of Johannesburg, where skyscrapers and shantytowns sit side-by-side exemplifies the harsh class distinctions of modern materialism. The melting pot that is Durban is definitely worth a visit, if only to experience the fascinating mix of Zulu and Indian cultures. Meanwhile, sunny Port Elizabeth boasts a pretty beachfront that plays host to a range of exciting festivals and international water sports events.

With a landscape like South Africa’s, action and adventure is never far away. A rental car makes it easy to take advantage of everything this country has to offer in terms of exciting outdoor pursuits. Shark diving off Gansbaai, whale watching off Walker Bay and bungee jumping off the famous Bloukrans River Bridge are all activities that are guaranteed to impress outdoors types and daredevils alike. Just driving through the South African wilderness you’re sure to be struck by its stark beauty. A journey through the stunning ‘Garden Route’ is recommended. The route runs from the southern coastline between Mossel Bay and Tstsikamma National Park and takes in a number of natural and historical attractions such as the world-famous Cango Caves, picturesque Outeniqua Mountains as well as the vibrant city of George.

Wherever your car hire journey through South Africa takes you, you’re guaranteed low cost rental rates with Argus Car Hire. Our cheap rates and extensive choice of locations gives you the freedom to tour South Africa at your leisure. Search the site now for a great deal!

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Cape Town International Airport

Cape Town International is South Africa's second-largest airport, and a prime tourism gateway serving millions of visitors descending on the Mother City every year.
Traffic through the airport reflects this: over 60 000 aircraft ferrying over 6.7-million passengers in 2005. By 2015, 14-million passengers are expected to pass through Cape Town International.

The airport is world-class, winning the Skytrax Best Airport in Africa award in 2005, and being named the World Travel Awards' leading airport in Africa from 2001 through 2004 (coming second to Johannesburg International in 2005).

Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) has committed R1-billion to upgrading and developing the airport, including extensions to existing terminal buildings, the construction of parkades, two new satellite terminals and an expanded runway system.

The new international arrivals terminal, opened in 2001, has the capacity to process 950 arriving passengers per hour. It is light and spacious, providing convenient, efficient service to international passengers.

The new R120-million international departures terminal, opened in 2003, is capable of processing up to 1 300 passengers in peak hours, or a million passengers a year - three times the capacity of the old terminal. It boasts a total area of 21 000 square metres, including 2 360m² of retail space.

The airport offers convenient, international-standard banking, forex and car rental services.

Over 2 000 parking bays stretch along the length of the airport, with roving shuttle cabs available to transport passengers directly from their car to their terminal.

The airport is 22 kilometres from the city centre, with a range of transport options to get you where you need to go, these include metered taxis and shuttle services.

Source: Car hire south africa

Car Hire - Driving in Southern Africa

With a wide range of national parks and open plains, the southern plateaus of Africa attract thousands of tourists eager to catch glimpses of rare and dangerous creatures on safari tours.

But there are also a variety of different routes for those looking to head off the beaten path and explore more of the continents’ picturesque and unpredictable landscape.

Fly-drive and self-drive packages to countries such as Namibia, Botswana and South Africa are widely available. Flights and car rental are usually included in the price, but it’s always best to double check. Such tours can take you through national parks to scenic coastal drives.

Such tours usually fly to cities such as Cape Town and Windhoek, with a set itinerary for the journey – such trips are usually spread around a timescale – usually a fortnight - so you can make best use of your car hire service.

For those wanting to embark on fly-drive holidays, the time you are on the road varies depending on the itinerary you select – although such timescales are usually provided as guides, giving you the freedom to choose what to see and do along the way to your stop for the night.

As well as the vast countryside and variety of wildlife on the open plains and plateaus, safari tours can be included along the route – usually involving stopovers in national parks or game reserves.

Accommodation can vary from tour to tour, there are a number of reserves along the way which include basic hotel facilities, as well as the opportunity to camp under the night sky, listening to the sounds of the night wildlife passing through camp.

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Attractive Places to Visit for Travelers in Namibia

Located in South Africa, Namibia is known for its contrasting landscapes.The terrain varies from coastal desert to mountains and plateau. Essentially, it is a desert country. Such a contrasting structure fascinates especially travelers who are interested in natural attractions. The Namibian landscape consists generally of four geographical areas and each area has its own characteristic conditions: Northern Namibia including Etosha Park, Kaokoland, Damaraland and the Waterberg Plateau; Southern Namibia including Sossusvlei, the Namib Desert, Fish River Canyon and Luderitz; Windhoek and Bushmanland located in Central Namibia and Coastal part in which the Skeleton Coast Swakopmund and Luderitz are.

Namibia is not highly populated and Namibians are of diverse ethnic origins. Germanic influence can still be found mainly in road infrastructure and most cities' architecture. May to October is the most pleasant time to visit. The cultural diversity of its people, an extensive choice of parks, resorts and accommodation establishments make Namibia highly preffered tourist destination Namibia generally attracts eco-tourists who would like to experience the different climates and natural geographical landscapes of the country.

Windhoek is the capital city of the country. It has a modern city architectural. Among the modern buildings, the old German buildings stand out in the city. Christus Kirch of Windhoek is a place to see in the city. There are elegant shops and restuarants, clothing stores, expensive jewelers. Other major cities are Walvis Bay, Gobabis, Grootfontein, Karasburg, Keetmanshoop, Luderitz, Mariental, Rundu, Swakopmund, Tsumeb, Ondangwa and Oshakat.

Namibia has remarkable natural attractions and important tourist spots such as The Namib Desert, The Fish River Canyon, The Etosha National Park and The Kalahari Desert, The dunes of Sossusvlei, Waterberg Plateau Park, Namib Naukluft Park, Kaudom Game Reserve and many more.

The Etosha National Park owes its unique landscape to The Etosha Pan. This Namibian tourist attraction is home to an array of exotic flora and fauna. It is a place to go for wildlife.The Great Fish River Kanyon is one of the world's largest canyons. It has a gorgeous view. A number of tracks lead to various viewpoints in which there is a sequence of plateaus. The Daan Viljoen Game Reserve is a great spot for bird watching. The park is a house for various animals such as blue wildebeest, kudu, zebras, gemsbok and springbok, red hartebeest, impala and more. Swakopmund is a small seaside town and a highlight of Namibia with excellent restaurants, pubs and discos, a few night clubs, a golf course in a desert setting.

In conclusion, Namibia has many wonderful places to visit. The country offers its visitors a number of tourist attractions and unforgettable moments. The wild life and contrasting landscapes are together and ready to be explored.

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