A Lightening Tour of South Africa's Cities   by Edward Kirwan

South Africa is synonymous with Nelson Mandela, fine wines, sporting heroes, game viewing, huge seas, sunshine and so much more. As the adventure capital of the world we welcome visitors from across the globe with open arms and huge smiles.

For those considering a trip here, we are providing you with the "Lightening Tour" of the climate, major cities and a little of what to look forward to. We look forward to your visit.

South Africa enjoys diverse climates:

 From desert in the north west on the Atlantic side to lush vegetation in the north east bordering the Indian Ocean  Boasts a 2,798 km long coastline which curves to the southern tip of the icy Cape Agulhas  Hottest recorded spot is Northern Cape Kalahari near Upington.  Coldest spot is Sutherland in the western Roggeveld Mountains  The temperature is generally great all year round

The cities of South Africa are as warm as its people and its climate. They are so different in character that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

South Africa's most popular cities:

 Cape Town  Johannesburg  Durban  Port Elizabeth

Cape Town, the Mother City, was founded in 1652 by the Dutch settlers led by Jan van Riebeeck. Table Mountain is the backdrop of this most beautiful city which enjoys the mighty Atlantic Ocean as its foreground.

Top attractions include:

 The cable-car up Table Mountain  The ferry to historic Robben Island  The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve  A tour through Stellenbosch; wine lovers take note.  Magnificent beaches to choose from including Clifton, Camps Bay and Llandudno and Muizenberg, Fish Hoek and Strand.  Shopping at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cavendish Square and Canal Walk  Fleamarkets at Greenmarket Square, Green Point and Hout Bay.  Nightlife for dining and dancing at its absolute best is found in Long Street.

Johannesburg, also known as Jo'burg, Joeys, Jozi, JHB, iGoli or Joni by South Africans, was founded in 1886 when gold was discovered on the Witwatersrand. It is South Africa's most modern city. The 3.2 million population includes the residents of Soweto.

Top attractions include:

 The Soweto tour taking in the birthplace of Nelson Mandela  Newtown and Constitution Hill (the birthplace of democratic South Africa) are high on visitor itineraries.  Sterkfontein Caves at The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site is a 40 minute drive with the Rhino and Lion Park en route.  Shopping is found in Sandton City, Hyde Park, Rosebank or Northgate, Eastgate, Southgate or Westgate  Popular weekend markets are the Rosebank Rooftop Market and Michael Mount Organic Market.  Newtown for night life, world-class theatre productions and sophisticated restaurants. Alternatively there are the shebeens of Soweto and Alexandra.  More laid-back? Head for the villages of Melville, Parkhurst and Norwood  The Apartheid museum, the Planetarium, Jo'burg Zoo are all popular

Durban, with its origins in trade is a busy port as well as a year round holiday resort. Recently it has made claim as one of the world's top conference venues with its International Conference Centre (ICC). But attention hedonists: this is a playground paradise on the Indian Ocean.

Top attractions include:

 UShaka, the fantastic 16 hectare marine theme park.  Whale, shark and dolphin-watching tours are run by The Natal Sharks Board (in nearby Umhlanga)  Deep-sea fishing for game fish as well as superb surfing and swimming beaches.  Cosmopolitan eateries throughout the city with an emphasis on Indian cuisine: try the "bunny chow"  Shopping at The Gateway Theatre of Shopping Victorian-style The Pavilion and The Workshop  For authentic African and Indian goods head for the Victoria Street Market, The Warwick Avenue Triangle and Grey Street.  The Golden Mile: take a rickshaw ride, buy curios or enjoy glorious seafood by the sea

Port Elizabeth is the Friendly City on the Coast founded in 1820, its many monuments pay tribute to its British heritage. Port Elizabeth (PE) is overlooked by the Sir Rufane Donkin lighthouse and bears the name of his wife, Lady Elizabeth.

Top attractions include:

 Walk the city to enjoy some wonderful Victorian and Edwardian architecture, with their rich 1820 Settler history.  No 7 Castle Hill, old Settlers cottages, Campanile, monumental 52m bell tower and the intact Fort Frederick.  The calm waters and fair breezes on this coast lend themselves perfectly to swimming and water sports of all kinds including fishing, scuba-diving and game-fishing. Head for Kings Beach or Hobie Beach  The Bayworld complex houses dolphins and seals, the Snake Park and a museum, depicting cultural and natural history.  Shopping hotspots include Greenacres, The Bridge and Walmer Park.  For lively nightlife The Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World, on the beachfront is the place to be.  Addo Elephant National Park is home to the Big Seven. The Big Five are the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo so add whales and great white sharks.  Enjoy the marvelous view from Shark Pier.

If you haven't made the trip yet, we'll wait for you. When you do you'll wonder why you didn't come sooner. With so much to do and involve yourself in you may come away from South Africa feeling exhausted. But one thing is for sure, you won't forget us.

About the Author

Edward Kirwan, resides in Andalusia, Southern Spain and with Danish writer, Dorte Holm Jensen, is co-founder of Finca Fantastica Travel. Visit them there anytime for more travel ideas.