Page 11 - Flipbook

Lost City at Sun City
Treasures unearthed here include a gold rhinoceros and gold bowl.
Park attractions include the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO
in 2003. For bird-lovers, the 28,000-hectare park has 400 species of birds nesting within some of the largest trees in the country, among them 24 acacia species.
Sun City
About three hours from Johannesburg, within a desert landscape, a wildly different experience awaits visitors. Set amidst the stark ruggedness of
mountains and bushveld, dazzling Sun City is the Las Vegas of southern Africa. Combining fact with fantasy, Sun City has pala- tial hotels, glitzy casinos, gourmet restaurants, spectacular golf courses, cascading water gardens and fun rides which together draw about 2,000 visitors a day.
Devotees of South Africa’s Sun City are thrilled by the sprawl- ing complex’s incredible ability to amuse and entertain. Imagi- native architecture, animal motifs, rock carvings, fountains and statuary come together in a swirling cocktail labelled Fun City. The gargantuan resort was inspired by a legendary Lost City that was said to have existed on the site of an ancient volcano that was ruined by eruptions, abandoned and “rediscovered” by the genius of tourism, Sol Kerzner who “restored” the city.
This is a city for all ages, one that never sleeps. Delightful es- capism is offered at the exhilarating Valley of Waves, Lazy River Ride, Bridge of Time, Hall of Treasures and Dream Machine. Sun City is a popular venue for international beauty contests, million-dollar golf challenges, and entertainment by famous stars and striptease artistes.
Water-skiing, parasailing and sunset cruises can be enjoyed at the Waterworld. Tennis, squash, swimming, golf, mountain biking, horse riding and jogging can be enjoyed year round be- cause of good weather. For golf addicts, there are two courses. The Gary Player Country Club is home to the prestigious Ned- bank Golf Challenge while the 18-hole Lost City Golf Course comes with spectacular bushveld views and 38 real crocodiles at the 13th hole. Not surprisingly golf carts are compulsory at this unique resort!
Africa remains unsurpassed in its ability to surprise visitors. Be it the fascinating diversity of people, the unlimited sightseeing options and the excellent infrastructure for tourism, the “rainbow nation” is not just a travel destination, it is a great adventure.
TRAVEL TIPS
Airports: South Africa has three international airports: Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Domestic hubs are Kimberley, Upington, Bloemfontein, East London, Port Elizabeth, George, Nelspruit and Richards Bay.
Visas: Visitors require a passport that is valid for at least six months. Visitors from Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Thailand do not require visas for 30-day visits. Japanese are among those exempt from visa requirements. Evidence of financial means and return or onward tickets are required for visas. Remember to get multiple entry visas if you are planning to travel to neighbouring countries.
Immunisation: No international immunisation is required. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are needed for visitors travelling from infected countries and should be obtained 4 to  weeks before travel. Malaria tablets, insect repellents and long-sleeved evening wear are advised as precautionary measures against malaria in the Kruger National Park, the Mpumalanga and Limpopo lowveld, and northern KwaZulu in summer.
Population: The population of “the rainbow nation” is diverse. Of approximately 4 million South Africans, 9.4 per cent are black, 9.3 per cent white (of Afrikaaner and British descent), 8.8 per cent coloured or mixed race, and 2. per cent of Indian or Asian descent. The six major ethnic groups are Afrikaner, Coloured/Cape Malay, Bantu, English, Chinese and Indian.
Languages: There are 11 official languages (Afrikaans, Xhosa, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda and Zulu). Most locals speak English and Afrikaans, which is derived from their Dutch heritage. Asians, mostly Indian and Chinese, are largely English speaking. In larger hotels, some staff can speak French, German and Italian.
Currency: Rand (Zar). One rand equals 100 cents. US$1 = approximately .1 Zar.
Electricity: 220/230 volts AC at 0 cycles per second. Three- pronged plugs are universal so keep an adapter. Hotel rooms may have 110 volts outlets for shavers.
Water: In major cities and in most game reserves, the tap water is purified. Being mineral rich, it may cause temporary gastric distress. Bottle mineral water is readily available. In the Cape area, water contains humic acid which tends to give it a reddish colour, which is harmless.
Standard Time: Standard time is two hours in advance of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT + 2).
Getting Around: South Africa has excellent roads for long-distance travel and a good domestic airline network. As public transportation in poor urban areas can be dangerous, it is advisable to rent a car with a driver.
Tipping: About 10 per cent for taxis and 10 to 1 per cent in restaurants.
Tax Refunds: Visitors can claim a VAT refund if they spend a minimum of R20 on goods intended for export. You can claim the amount before leaving the country.
Essential Items to Pack: Walking shoes, sunglasses, medication and insect repellant.
Safety: Crime exists so basic precautions are advised. Try not to stand out as a tourist in the way you dress. Conceal cameras, and avoid wearing jewellery and expensive watches. Leave passports in the hotel safe and carry small amounts of cash. Remain calm and cooperative if confronted. Avoid crowds, street vendors and develop a sense of awareness of what is going on around you.
The Blue Train: The famous train continues a tradition of deluxe travel between Pretoria, Cape Town and Victoria Falls. A great journey!
Useful Websites: www.southafrica.info, www.sanparks.org, www. cape-town.org, www.bluetrain.co.za.
© South African Tourism