RSA Sights

South Africa - one of the most unique countries in Africa. Lotta blend of ancient African cultures and the rationalism of the freedom of European settlers, the rich mineral wealth, and majestic nature, in which the penguins live in the neighborhood of antelope and crocodiles, "meeting zone" of the two oceans and multiculturalism, the country is truly one of the most attractive on the African continent. Unique Drakensberg and Veld, and are natural monuments, and mountain resorts are among the most picturesque mountain systems of the planet. And the legendary Cape of Good Hope and the beautiful parks of the country known, perhaps, the vast majority of the inhabitants of the planet.

North-west of the country, province, district Gotang (Hauteng) and arid plateau of the Transvaal, is the historical center of South Africa - hence, the area of the Witwatersrand gold-bearing veins, and started a real colonization of these lands. Here are located and the most important cities in the country - Johannesburg and Pretoria. In fact, it is one giant metropolis, which has all the financial, industrial and commercial power in South Africa.

Johannesburg, or, as it is called local - Yoburg (Yozi), was founded in 1886, when an Australian prospector, George Harrison discovered in this area gold-mine. Since then, the city is developing rapidly, today turned into one of the richest cities in the world. Cityscape initially produces a depressing effect - hundreds of heaps surrounding the city from all sides, giving it an industrial look. But in the heart of Johannesburg's quite unusual combination of ultra-modern buildings of glass and concrete buildings and the old colonial buildings.

The most interesting building, "Old Mail" (1897, considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the city) and Oppenheimer in her garden, Central Library (1935, here now houses the Museum's history and the Geological Museum), a set of "Market-Fieche" (three theaters, an art gallery, restaurants and pubs), the largest multi-storey shopping mall in Africa - Sandton, "Market-skvea" - one of the largest markets of the mainland, the Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of History, "the area of 300 stores, Oriental Plaza open to visitors Exchange (JSE), the most beautiful building in the city - a skyscraper "Diamond", the neo-classical architectural complex Benksiti ", Adler Museum of Medicine, Paleontological Museum, Planetarium at the entrance to campus, the Museum of rock art in the zoological park, etc. d.

No less interesting surrounding the historic core of the former city suburbs, which is to view the Museum Africa in Newtown, House-Museum, Nelson Mandela, an amusement park, Gold Reef City "and the best on the African continent zoo in Soweto, and fashionable areas Parktaun Uestkliff, Museum Melrose Pharmacy, etc. Also a lot of tourists attracted to the Lesedi Cultural Village Svartkops Hills north of Johannesburg, the historic village of Sibaya Zulu-Zulu-Bohm effect, the present Zulu kraal Fumangena-Zulu, the National Botanic Garden of Witwatersrand, as well as the Sterkfontein caves and mountain range Magalisberg. Nearby lie Vadderbil Park - this bird sanctuary, nature reserves, Krugersdorp and Klufendal "gold mine" in a good Rendfonteyne National Railway Museum, Center for Breeding of Wild Animals de Vildta, Private Reserve Mountain Sektyuari etc.

One of the capital and administrative center of the province of Transvaal - Tshwane (Pretoria), lies 60 km. north of Johannesburg. This interesting town center - the area Kerkplats the old Town Hall (1899), Cathedral Square with the buildings of the Old Raadsaalya and the Palace of Justice (1898g.) Brayntirion park, which houses the official residence of the President of South Africa, the State Theater, Museum Kruger (dedicated to the first President Paulus Kruger of the Transvaal and the history of Anglo-Boer War), Melrose House, one of the world's largest office buildings - the Union Buildings, "(1910), Monument Pervoposelentsy (1949), Fort Klapperkop (now here is the Military Museum ), the building of the South African Reserve Bank (the tallest building of the city), the National Zoo of South Africa, Observatory Radcliffe, Institute of Africa, the South African Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Municipal Art Gallery, Museum of Science and Industry, National Museum of the History of Culture Museum, Police Museum, Papakostas Stenberg, the Transvaal Museum of Natural History, open-air museum Pernif, Sammy Mark Museum near the Tswana and Ndebele Cultural Village Mapocho, around which are, moreover, beautiful vineyards.

Durban - one of the largest ports in Africa and the center of the province of KwaZulu-Natal, the most popular among tourists from all over the world. Rich trading city and luxurious resort, famous for its bazaars, golden beaches and the nearby seaside Indian Ocean, Durban is one of the most picturesque cities of the continent. It is worth to see St. Paul's Church (1853), a beautiful park on the ruins of the old fort, City Hall City Hall (1910) with the memorial on the contrary, the old station (now the Tourist Office is located), the temple of Sri Ambalavaanar Alai - the first and the largest Hindu temple in Africa, as well as the largest in the Southern Hemisphere Juma mosque in the Indian district (area of 975 sq. m). Large popular National Museum of Natural History, Museum of Natural Science, Museum of old buildings, the Center for African Art, Park reptiles Fitzsimmons, Dolphinarium Sea World and the Durban Botanic Gardens. And, of course, thousands of guests visit luxury shopping district. In Ulundi was the residence of the King of the Zulus Goodwin Zvelithini in Newcastle - Historical Museum Fort Amel, in Dundee - Talal, the richest museum in Ladysmith - beautiful mosque (1898) and the old cannon in front of City Hall and in Pietermaritzburg - Natal Museum, Park Queen Elizabeth Vortrekker Museum and the National Botanic Garden of Natal.

Forms the border with East Lesotho Drakensberg (highest point - Mount Tkabana-Ntlenyana, 3482 m.) - a colossal wall of basalt, which is some 250 km. That is a wonderful area for recreation and just stunningly beautiful place, and colorful areas of Zululand and the North Bank grant excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the culture of the Zulu nation. Most of the mountain is occupied by national parks, of which the most exciting is the National Park Royale-Natal. The southern boundary of the park formed the so-called "amphitheater" - stretching for 8 km. rock, which is absolutely fantastic. Nearby is the famous Tugela Falls (948 meters) of the five stages. Lake Sainte-Lucie and surrounding areas (275 hectares) on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Lake Sibaya is the largest natural freshwater lake in South Africa (the area of 77 sq. Km.). At the same time around there are many nature reserves - Loteni, Haymvil, Svamp, Dzhaynt Castle, Itala, Valley, Ndumo, Mkuza, Vaylderness, Royal National Park, etc. In the east, near the borders of Swaziland, many miles stretched excellent Umfolozi reserves (more than 50 thousand hectares) and Hluhluwe.

Durban Golden Mile "(" Please go to Marin "), the one where Vasco da Gama landed in our day is the best place for recreation, spearfishing, surfing and other active forms of recreation in all Africa. Long string of fine sandy beaches, modern hotels, cafes, bars, restaurants, entertainment centers, swimming pools, promenades and all kinds of entertainment here extends for tens of kilometers. In Amlanga Rocks (one of the most luxurious resorts in South Africa) is the Institute for the Study of sharks, Gallery of African Art and the forest reserve Hawa and Umgeni River Bird Park is one of the best in the world. In Tongate interested in Hindu temples Dzhaggernaf Puri Vishvarup, as well as a beautiful fruit market. The ancient capital of the Kingdom of the Zulu Standzher (Dukuzov) interesting museums in the North Coast and a huge oriental bazaar.

One of the most remote and wild areas of South Africa - Maputalend, land Tsonga people. This area is known for the world's highest sand dunes and large areas of completely unspoilt nature. Here are facing the tropical and subtropical climatic zones, so you can find and moist savanna and tropical forest, and wetlands, swarming life, river deltas. In Maputalende inhabit almost all kinds of wild animals in South Africa, more than four hundred species of birds and excellent opportunities for active recreation. Coral reefs in Sodwana Bay National Park attracts hundreds of fans of diving and marine fishing (there is also a first-class beaches), and unique Kosi Bay area is known for its salt lakes ecosystem.

North-Western Province is famous for its beautiful natural environment for recreation and rich wildlife, as well as numerous caves (most of which are of great interest for the study of human origins), clean lakes and streams. Pilanesberg National Parks, Preserves Medikve, Botsalano, Tanach-Meyntzhies, Center for the reproduction of wild animals in Lichtenburg, Reptile and Animal Park in Hartbeespoort, the theme park Gold Reef, Vaal River, and numerous places associated with the Anglo-Boer war - all this attracts many visitors. And the presence of the city entertainment Sun City, in an "Las Vegas in yuarovski", allows the district to provide guests everything for pleasure.

The extreme south of the country, the famous Cape Peninsula, is currently the focus of historical and cultural attractions. Cape Town (founded in 1652, another name Kapstadt) - the location of the country's parliament, the capital of the Western Cape Province and one of the most interesting cities in Africa. Situated on a peninsula separating the two oceans and the "crowning" the famous Cape of Good Hope, the city lies at the foot of Table Mountain (elevation 1,086 meters) - the ancient landmark for sailors and the character of this modern city. By the attractions include the oldest building in Cape Town South Africa - Castle (1666-1679 gg. Now here collection of antiques and paintings), Parliament House and the Cathedral of St. George in the old park Kompaniz Garden, the residence of the President of South Africa, mosques Pink Palm and Three Nurel-Nameyda, Turkish bath (1906), the continent's longest shopping street - Furtrekker Road, one of luchschih in the world of botanical gardens - Kirstenbosh on the eastern side of Table Mountain, the commercial center of the City Bowl, filled with artists and artisans Avenue George, rope road to the summit of Table Mountain, the mansions of old-Dutch architecture and magnificent Victorian-era buildings in old neighborhoods.

Interesting South African Cultural History Museum in one of the oldest buildings in the city - Slave Lodge, the Jewish Museum in the old synagogue in South Africa, Cape Town Art Gallery, the Museum Quarter, Bo-KAAP, numerous monuments, the National park at the top of Table Mountain, Reservations Karr-Khama, a prison, Robben Island, the area fashionable shops and restaurants Waterfront and numerous entertainment venues scattered throughout the city.

From Cape Town begins the famous "Garden Route" - one of the most beautiful excursion route in the world, as well as routes to the Eye of the cape, the resort of Hermanus, with its "whale festival, the reserves of Cape of Good Hope and Fernkluf. Deserve special attention endless beaches Kleynmond, Kemps Bay, Clifton, Lianduno, Sandy Bay, Vitsends, Scarborough, Falls Bay, Mulzenberg, Fish Hoek, Boulderz, Smitsvinkelbaal, island seals Dyulker, a huge colony of birds in Hout Bay, and also the area of vineyards Bolend with its famous wine-making centers of Stellenbosch, Parla, Franshhuk and constants. Mossel Bay and Richards Bay - the major ports and resort towns, among which the coast stretches a chain of first-class hotels and beaches.

In Port Elizabeth Oceanarium are beautiful, Park elephants and museum complex of Port Elizabeth, as well as the Victorian neighborhoods of the old part of town. These pearls of the area - the "most English" city of South Africa - Grehemstaun, Ecological Reserve and the Cape Recife Nature Reserve Shamvari with only one in South Africa, this traditional village of Kaya Lendaba, as well as a national park Eddo-Elephant (Addo) - one of the major attractions throughout the country.

Northern Cape - the largest province in area of the country. The Great Desert, unique wildlife, beautiful landscapes and the infinite riches of bowels, Northern Cape attracts a huge number of guests from around the world.

Kimberly, the diamond capital of South Africa, grew up around the diamond mines. Until now, the center of the city-museum is the Big Hole ( "Great Hole") - the world's largest mine, quarry, and which marked the beginning of "diamond rush" beginning of the century (for a small fee, and now we can try to find a diamond on your own) . Today the Kimberley - a modern city with wide streets, beautiful parks and gardens, comfortable hotels, its own travel by tram, beautiful Museum of Fine Arts, William Humphreys, of course, luxurious Mining Museum, located on the edge of the Big Hole. 5 km. from Kimberly is still in force diamond Bultfonteyn, which offers tours. Interesting thresholds Thunder Alley and Egerton Rapids on the Orange River, farm-reserve Lindbergh Lodge, hence the same (as of Sun City) begins, and most routes in the great Kalahari Desert.

Kalahari Desert - one of the most unusual corners of the planet. The desert on the ocean shore, one of the driest places on the planet, the land of fantastic landscapes and unique wildlife, this area is becoming increasingly popular with tourists from all over the world. Besides the usual singles with the desert, you can visit the "home scouting movement" - the city with its museums Mmabatho Mafikeng, boundless prairie Stellalend National Park Augrabis the famous two-stage cascade, "the bulwark of Christianity" - Kuruman town, with its famous source of "Eye Kurumana and vineyards, view petroglyphs cave Vonderverk, Museum Kalahari Orange Avenue and Palm Dale (the monument is protected by the state) in Apingtone, and visit the beautiful National Park Kalahari Gemsbok area of 2 million hectares.

In the Eastern Cape of interest to many national parks and reserves (Tsitsikamma, Neyches Valley, Donkin, Mkambati, National Park Mountain Zebra National Park elephants "Addo" on the border with the Cape, a lovely beach area of the bay algorithm Bay (more than 40 km . superb beaches, including Khobi, Hyumvud and LR.) untouched "Wild Coast" with giant sand dunes and oyster bed and the picturesque valley of Happy Valley.

To the south of the Orange River is semi-desert Karoo plateau, known through the Karoo National Park and the largest river port of the country - East London. In urban Aquarium East London contains about four hundred different species of marine and freshwater fish, and Museum of East London is famous here represented rare exhibits. Also interesting museum Franci Pienar in Prince Albert, Grotto Church, Kirk (1886) and more than 200 historic monuments in the Graff-Reynet, Schreiner House museum and a hotel-museum Tuyshuze in Kredoke, "ostrich capital" Oudshurn and Reserves GABA Mountain, sand dunes and forest of Alexandria, as well as the famous Cathedral of St. Michael and George (1824-1952 gg.) in Grehemstaune, a picturesque plateau Small Karoo, a unique valley Kamkaslof etc.

Kruger National Park, located in the Eastern Transvaal - a visiting card of the country. Equal in size small state, this unique preserve endangered animals and plants of savannas and semi-deserts of southern Africa - more than 50 fish species, 114 reptile species, 507 bird species and 147 species of mammals. Around him are concentrated here at least original reserves - Sabie-Sand, Skukuza nursery, Manieleti-Game, etc.

Province Hauteng - the most populous and also the smallest of the territory. In fact it is - one giant metropolis, which includes financial, industrial and transportation heart of South Africa - Johannesburg, or, as it is called local, Yoburg. Here is one of the three capitals of the country - Pretoria.

North-West Province - the main supplier of diamonds, gold and platinum in the country. Here is one of the best resorts and entertainment complexes of the world - Sun City. This resort, located two hours drive from Johannesburg, where the middle of the desert plains of artificial cliffs and tropical forests, lakes and waterfalls. In Sun City is an artificially created 750-meter lake with water sports, golf courses, plenty of bars and restaurants, bowling, bingo, fitness club with gym, sauna, Turkish baths, jacuzzi, horseback riding, mini golf, eleven tennis courts, squash courts, entertainment center, casino, slot machines, cinemas, night club, concert hall, a children's club with a mini-zoo, "Valley of the Waves" with water slides, attractions and a swimming pool with artificial waves and the beach. For the convenience of the visitors in Sun City operates a monorail on which you can quickly reach any point of the complex.

In KwaZulu-Natal, endless sandy beaches eternally warm Indian Ocean side by side with green hills and majestic dragon Zululenda mountains. Here are the Zulu kingdom, the city of Durban and relict lake of Santa Lucia, made by the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Durban - a major port city, which is famous for its bazaars, golden beaches and the nearby seaside of the Indian Ocean with the perfect spot for beach holidays, diving and surfing.

Western Cape - the most interesting places of the province of Western Cape - Cape Town, Cape Peninsula with the legendary Cape of Good Hope, wine regions and the famous Garden Route. Pristine landscapes of unspoiled nature, two ocean washes the shores of the province, mild "Mediterranean" climate and excellent infrastructure have made the Western Cape the most important tourist region of southern Africa.

In overgrown with dense tropical forests Limpopo province are the main conservation and hunting grounds in southern Africa.

Mpumalanga - one of the jewels of South Africa. Massa magnificent mountains and hills covered with forests, mountain rivers and waterfalls, canyons and the famous Kruger Park have made this province a very popular holiday destination of active travelers.