[aerosmith]

Hey bike21


ok - here's some info -

Jo'burg - I think of it as a big city (very relative since I now live in NYC) that most people have to travel through. Areas to avoid, the city center to start with, most areas just drive with windows up, locked doors. and be more observant of whats going on around you (usual deal whenever you travel but you must be far more vigilant in Jo'burg). There is truly not too much to do in Jo'burg - go down a mine, see gold being poured, go to Soweto (they have organized tours now and know the areas to travel so not too much of an issue). Other than this, shopping and thats about it although nothing like here in NYC or any other big US city.

Not sure on your budget, there are 2 ways to see animals in SA, cheaper way is to go to Kruger and you will see a wide variety but you may not see the big 5 - leopards are elusive but you may get lucky however you will most likely see elephant, giraffe, water buffalo, crocs, various antelope etc etc all in there natural environment. Kruger is a 5/6 hour drive from Jo'burg, roads are pretty good since there is a lot more tourists going there, ameneties have been beefed up as well. You can also fly to Skukuza (SAA flies there) its the main camp in Kruger down in the south-west corner - about 1 hour flight there.

The other way is more $$ but you are basically guaranteed to see animals and CLOSE up - real close (lions 10 feet away etc etc). These places are more exclusive so people usually stay 1/2 nights but you also get a real "bush" experience with a lot of luxury included (some of the best small hotels in the world are these exclusive camps in the bush north-east of Jo'burg). It all depends on the time you have and of course the money.

I would plan to spend more time in Cape Town. Cape Town is definitely one of the best, most picturesque cities in the world. There is soo much to do that a few days is never enough (but you can always go back). The wineries are great with amazing geographical settings, if you are into this also look into the wineries around Paarl and Franschoek, they are a little further (extra 1.5 hour drive) than Stellenbosch (1 hour outside Cape Town) but even more spectacular. If you can get a tour try Thelema (won international awards for its reds and very difficult to get the wines outside the winery - small exclusive harvest but can stand against most reds in the world - in my opinion). Spier is another good winery also the Constantia wineries are well known but you shouldn't go wrong with any of them.

Must do's in Cape Town - Table Mountain - can take the cable-car up and down or if you are so inclined you can walk up (about 4.5 hours but can be strenuous) climbing/abseiling off it, paragliding off it. Sundowners on Camps Bay, Clifton beaches - sun sets over the sea - bring some wine - can be an spectacular setting (romantic for the ladies!). Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for many years - also has spectacular views back to Cape Town. Also District Six, an area of resistance during the terrible time of apartheid. Cape Point and the drive through Hout Bay and over Chapmans Peak - another spectaular drive, incredibly scenic. Also, the V&A waterfront is amazing with top class dining and shopping set right in the harbour area, also has a great aquarium. There is a lot more to do and see in Cape Town, let me know how much time you have since this will dictate if further discussion is needed; there are too many things to get into although if you have some decent time (a week or more) then we can talk, I have only touched on the basics for Cape Town. Cape Town city center is more safe than Jo'burgs and has some neat craft markets (Green Market Square being oone of them).

Driving in SA is a lot different from here in the States. Firstly, once you get on the national roads most people do close to 100mph (not saying you need to). Its on the other side of the road (drive on the left and the driver sits on the right). Also, stick (manual) is what you will get unless you specify specifically at the rental agency (about 5% of cars in SA are automatic), if you can fly a plane then it will take you about 1 day to get a good idea of the traffic flow and where to look but just be careful the first couple of days !. Be careful of the taxi buses in the cities, there is a lot of them on the road and they work the system - kinda like NYC cab drives, you hesitate you are pushed around but if you stand your ground you get the respect.


Hope that helps, always willing to speak of SA, it is the "rainbow" nation and has some things in it soo unique that you will never forget your time there.

later
aero