Destination: South Africa
by Jim Langford

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Today, its wide variety of plants and abundant wildlife, soaring mountains, beautiful and environmentally safe beaches, as well as its compelling history makes the country one of the world's most enchanting travel destinations. South Africa is the land that your clients will remember and talk about forever, fondly and with wistful smiles.

Johannesburg in the north of the country, Cape Town in the southwest, Port Elizabeth in the South and Durban on the Indian Ocean are South Africa's four major cities. Not forgetting of course, Pretoria, the capital, whose population consists largely of government officials and provides a slower pace of life than the other cities.

However, the first four each contain attractions that are unique to their region and reflect the culture, heritage, music, food and entertainment of the country. Johannesburg, the gateway to South Africa, was established in 1886 when gold was discovered in the area. Johannesburg Airport is the major airport for the country and is the hub for some 45 airlines from all five continents. However, it is possible to get direct flights into Cape Town from overseas.

Joburg is one of the youngest major cities in the world, certainly one of the most cosmopolitan, and combines the glass and concrete skyscrapers of a modern city with a vast mixture of African cultures.

Attractions not to be missed are Gold Reef City, providing a history of the 19th century gold rush and the deepest underground mines in the world. The Cradle of Humankind, which is just west of Joburg, where the skull of Mrs. Ples, a three-million year old hominid was discovered in 1936.

And, travelers should not miss out on a guided tour of Soweto, a designated residential area for blacks during the Apartheid years. A typical tour will take your clients to a shebeen (drinking hall) where they can sample the local beer, food and hospitality. Tours also include visits to the former homes of Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

No visit to South Africa would be complete without a visit to Cape Town, the oldest city in the country, and a trip to the top of Table Mountain. A world-class city by any standard, Cape Town offers travelers all the
amenities they could desire. Major attractions include taking the ferry to historic Robben Island, a world heritage site and a major nature preserve, as well as the site where Nelson Mandela and his comrades were imprisoned. Plus, a visit to the Cape of Good Hope provides a spectacular view of two major oceans at the same time.

Traveling west along the coast will provide your clients with access to some of the most pristine beaches in the world, and eventually bring them to Port Elizabeth, which is fast becoming one of the most popular watersport centers in the world, with its warm seas and calm waters.

Here they can also visit Addo Elephant National Park, one of the most biologically-diverse parks in the world. The park features elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards and rhinos, as well as the opportunity to see
whales and great white sharks.

Plus, at night, entertainment can be found at The Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World, a varied complex featuring shopping, dining and gambling set amidst a beautiful array of gardens and man-made lakes.

Durban, the busiest port in Africa and South Africa's most popular playground is a year-round holiday destination, featuring a pleasant climate and excellent surfing and swimming.

Durban is where your clients will discover UShaka, an outstanding marine theme park. And, if your clients really want to see more marine life up close and personal, the Natal Sharks Board runs weekday boat tours to watch shark nets being cleared. They also offer weekend dolphin- and whale-watching trips.

Truly a mecca for pleasure-seekers, Durban also features the Golden Mile, a stretch of beachfront where they can have a rickshaw ride, shop for the unusual curio or gift, and enjoy a vast range of palate-teasing flavors at a variety of seafood and Indian restaurants while enjoying an enchanting view of the sea.

South Africa truly offers something for everybody. I've focused on the four main cities because it would take more than two weeks to do them all and English is spoken in most urban centers. Plus, these four cities help tell the story of South Africa's history, its development and its role in today's world.

However, South Africa's roads and accommodations can easily meet your clients' most demanding needs. If your clients are looking for adventure, all they have to do is settle on a route or destination, hire a car, make sure they have a good map and hit the road. For historians and naturalists, the same is true. Guided tours are available and ensure an enjoyable, trouble-free experience. And the diversity that abounds in South Africa would keep them occupied for at least a decade.

For those who are used to luxury and a dramatic vacation experience, they also are available. The finest resorts dot the coast while personal safaris offer comfort in accommodations, outstanding service, guided game viewing and some of the tastiest food they will ever enjoy.

South Africa is an experience of a lifetime that your clients will never forget, no matter what activities they participate in. The diversity of terrain, cultures, plant life, wildlife, and the charm of the country's varied population certainly make South Africa a treasured travel destination.

Jim Langford is the president of the Pharmer Group, a communications consulting firm based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.