Budget Travel in the Eastern Cape South Africa – malaria-free

The capital is Bisho. It was formed in 1994 out of the “independent” homelands of Transkei and Ciskei, as well as the eastern portion of the Cape Province.

The best time to visit the Eastern Cape is April and May.

This is the home of the Xhosa, and the birthplace of many prominent South Africans, such as Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki.

The Eastern Cape is extremely diverse. The western interior is dry and arid, while the east is wet and green. This South African Province offers a wide array of attractions, including 800 km of coastline with the best beaches you have ever seen, and wild life viewing in a malaria-free environment.

The Eastern coastal regions enjoy hot summers and moderate winters and Port Elizabeth experiences a daily average of 7 hours sunshine. Northern regions are much cooler. Certain areas receive rain throughout the year albeit erratic.

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Addo Game Lodge

10 reasons to learn English in South Africa

There are lots of countries around the world where English is spoken, but South Africa is certainly one of the most exciting, varied and interesting places that you can choose to study the language.

Here are 10 reasons that make it a great destination to learn or improve your English.

1. English is one of the official languages of South Africa and is spoken by about 45% of the population. It is the main language of government, business and the media, and is used as the medium of instruction in most schools.

2. South Africa has a great variety of landscape and climate with mountains, forests and jungles, deserts, grassland, savannah, valleys filled with vineyards and fruit farms, some 3,000 km of coastline with great beaches, and much more.

3. South Africa is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna from whales, sharks and penguins to lions, leopards, rhinos, wildebeest and giraffes. It also has a huge range of flowering and other plants.

4. There are considerable variations in the climate in different parts of the country. Cape Town, for example, has a Medierranean climate with dry summers and wet winters; Durban has a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild, relatively dry winters, and Johannesburg is dry and sunny thoughout the year.

5. South Africa is a great place for outdoor sports and adventures, including safaris, mountain climbing, diving, fishing, surfing and bird watching.

6. As well as English, there are many other languages, cultures and cusines to discover in South Africa. There are restaurants offering food from all over the world, as well as indigenous dishes, and the braai (barbeque), which involves lots of meant, fish, potatoes and onions, is very popular. South Africa is also famous for it’s wines, which come mainly from the Western Cape region, are good quality and don’t cost too much. To find out more and to taste the wines you can go on tours of the wine-growing areas. Local and imported beers are also popular.

7. The people of South Africa are friendly and welcoming.

8. There’s a good choice of English schools in South Africa, especially in Cape Town. They offer general and intensive courses, preparation of English proficiency exams, business English courses, individual lessons, and also internship programmes, which give you a chance to gain work experience in a local company and are a great way to improve your English.

9. South Africa has a vibrant music scence with excellent singers, bands and choirs, as well as dance troupes.

10. South Africa is a relatively inexpensive destination, especially when compared to Europe and the USA, and it’s cheaper in outside the major cities.

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Cape Town School of English

Self-catering accommodation in Green Point

The Cascades in Cape Town offer holiday apartment rentals and is situated just off the main road, which means you get all the convenience of being near the central Green Point hub with none of the noise. This self- catering Green Point accommodation offers spectacular views of either the mountain or the Atlantic Ocean and the V&A Waterfront. The proximity of the V&A waterfront makes it an ideal location for the shopaholics. Green Point is famous for its night life and some of the city’s best restaurants and night clubs are within walking distance of the holiday apartments.

Clifton and Camps Bay, the internationally renowned beaches, are a short drive around the corner and can be reached by public bus or taxi. Misguided tourists often look in these areas first when trying to find holiday accommodation. There are two factors which make Green Point the more appealing option when choosing self-catering holiday apartment rental. Value for money; the beauty of Green Point is no less striking than that of Clifton or Camps Bay yet Green Point accommodation could cost you substantially less. The proximity to the city; during the day Green Point is a safe easy walk from the V&A waterfront and the City centre. It is recommended to use a taxi for the same route at night; this taxi ride though will also cost you less than a taxi from the city to Camps Bay.

The luxurious, fully serviced self-catering holiday apartments in Green Point offer all the facilities you need for a relaxing holiday yet still provide the privacy and functionality you would have in your own home. A fully equipped kitchen, television with satellite channels, secure parking and internet access that works on a pay as you go system. Despite this functionality it also offers all the useful services of a hotel, including tourist information, car hire and day tours, a catering service and a once weekly cleaning service, which includes the changing of linen and towels. The apartment is a stylish open plan fully furnished space and can sleep two couples.  

The airport is only22km away, the V&A Waterfront is a very pleasant 2km sea front walk, the city centre is only 2km away and for the business traveller the international convention centre is within 3km. The world famous cable car up Table Mountain is only 6kms away but it’s all uphill so unless you’re feeling energetic a car is recommended.

When it comes to Cape Town apartment rentals this little corner of Green Point is not to be overlooked. With all the luxury’s and services of a hotel and all the privacy and freedom of a private house self-catering Green Point accommodation does not get any better. It’s the proximity to the city and the beaches and tourist attraction that really sells this place.

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Accommodation Green Point

The Insider’s Guide to Cape Town, South Africa

One of the top things to do in Cape Town is definitely Table Mountain. If you have the time, try walking up from Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, which is one of Table Mountain’s most scenic routes. The gardens themselves are phenomenal, offering a huge array of South African flora and fauna, and the hike takes you up Table Mountain via Skeleton Gorge. You’ll see great views over False Bay towards Cape Point and the Hottentots Holland Mountains, and you should stop to admire the view from Castle Rock too. Once you’ve got to the top, take the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway back down to the city.

If the Chapman’s Peak Drive is open when you visit you should definitely do that too, either by car or on a motorbike with a sidecar. It’s a spectacular drive along the Atlantic Coast between Noordhoek and Hout Bay. The 9km route winds along the south-western tip of South Africa, and has an amazing 114 curves (don’t go with a hangover!). You’ll be able to soak up panoramic views of the stunning Chapman’s Peak coastline, with its sandy bays and whale watching opportunities, so it’s well worth packing a picnic. End the day with a sundowner at one of the beachfront bars on the Atlantic Seaboard.

The Robben Island Museum also ranks in my top things to do in Cape Town list. Robben Island is a World Heritage Site, most famous for being where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated from 1964 to 1982, and it serves and a very real reminder about the price that democratic South Africa paid for its freedom. Tours of Robben Island are conducted by former political prisoners, so you can expect a very vivid account of what life was like for its inmates.

If you want to get to grips with Cape Town’s culture, and the social problems that many South Africans are facing, there is a superb non-profit organisation called Uthando South Africa that offers tourists incredible cultural experiences.

To get a taste of traditional Cape Town head to Cape Town Station and the Grand Parade and spend some time with the local flower sellers and hawkers, you will learn a new language in a morning. One of the strangest things I see in Cape Town is visitors shopping at the same big brand stores they find at home; try the Old Biscuit Mill Market in Woodstock on Saturday mornings for excellent organic produce and interactive traders.

Whilst you’re visiting Cape Town you should definitely try and learn to surf, as there’s some of the best surfing in the world here. The sea in Cape Town is freezing though, so if you fancy anything more than a quick dip head to a heated swimming pool.

Travellers to Cape Town have to give local delicacies like biltong (cured meat) and bokkoms (dried fish) a try. Also worth sampling are some of the Cape’s Malay-style curries, which have a fruity rather than a chilli flavour. If you want to eat like a local you should head to Salty Sea Dog in Simonstown. If you want to eat like a king (without breaking the bank) you should book a table at the alfresco Café Roux in Noordhoek. If you want a different African food experience try Addis in Cape, which serves Ethiopian food. Stardust restaurant is a brilliant place for a party – it serves up great entertainment and great food.

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Sunset Cruises Cape Town

Why Cape Town – Some of the Many Reason

Whenever you think of Natures beauty and uninterrupted culture and diversity you think of Africa. In Africa Cape Town is the most famous place amongst the tourists. The city is famous for its Harbor as well as Table Mountain. It is the most beautiful city in the world and capital of South Africa.

Even National Geographic has also listed Cape Town as one of the most iconic cities in the world. Cape Town is the second most populous city in South Africa. Another feature Of Cape Town is its industry that includes Fisheries, Textiles, Fashion and Film industry.

Cape Town is the city where you can enjoy Nature, Culture as well as Development, Business, Industry and a lot more. So if you want to have fun and enjoy some really great time take a Flight to Cape Town.

A holiday in Cape Town promises fun for all, with many of South Africa’s best attractions and activities on offer that’s why many airlines offer attractive packages including Cheap Flights to Cape Town and business deals.

So plan your holidays in Cape Town and enjoy water sports activities or explore the reefs, caves and natural scenes.

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Cape Town Tours

Holidaying in Cape Town

Cape Town is perhaps one of the most famous tourist destinations in Africa. Travellers from all over the world flock to the picturesque beaches, peaceful wine farms and abundant attractions each year. While this makes for a vibrant and exciting atmosphere come holiday time, it also means that the hiking trails are a little crowded and the prices that little bit more expensive.

These added crowds and costs often prevent locals from heading down to the Cape to relax during the holiday season. But there really is no need for South Africans to miss out on the beauty of a city that sits right on their doorstep. There are many amazing activities on offer in Cape Town that are as of yet undiscovered by the madding crowds as well as many clever ways to plan your accommodation that won’t break the bank.

Discover the Real Cape Town

Cape is well known for Table Mountain, Robben Island, the wine routes and a myriad of other tourist attractions. But this by far not all that the city has to offer. Many of its smaller attractions may be a little further off the beaten track, but they are well worth the trip.

Township Tours

Township tours are not exactly that unusual with many operators taking groups out into the informal settlements that surround Cape Town. But these can be uncomfortable for both you and the people of the township, as they are quite invasive. A different – and cheaper – way to discover the vibrancy and life of the townships is to volunteer your time with an organisation such as Habitat for Humanity. Give up your time for the day and help them build a house. Not only will you feel great about yourself, but you will also get to meet and get to know the real people of the area. Finish off your rewarding day of hard work with a drink and a meal in one of any townships’ many shebeens or informal pubs and discover what partying with the locals really feels like!

South Africa’s History

A boat trip out to Robben Island is a once in a lifetime experience, but unfortunately many other people think so too and it is usually booked up months in advance. There is an alternative that might not include passing a few seals on the way, but is still a truly moving and eye-opening day out. The District Six Museum chronicles the forced removals that took place in that area during the 1960s. This small space packs a massive punch, as exhibits like old street signs rescued from the bull-dozed suburb, highlight the pointlessness and devastation of the era. Museum guides are actual District Six residents with moving stories to tell and memories to share. This museum us the ideal way to learn about how Apartheid affected the people at a grass roots level and is a must on any visit to Cape Town.

A Quiet Beach

No Cape Town holiday is complete without at least a couple of days spent sunning yourself on the beach – if you find a spot that is! But there are many beaches that surround this city that may not be the “place to be seen” but do mean that you can at least see the ocean. Blouberg Strand beach is an incredibly long and beautiful stretch of sand that is guaranteed to have a space for everybody. Strong winds often blow here making it ideal for windsurfing and kiting enthusiasts. Situated near Milnerton, this beach is also roughly opposite the city across Table Bay, affording breathtaking views of Table Mountain. Stay all day and enjoy a cocktail as the sun sets behind the mountain and the lights of the city slowly begin to flicker.

Leave the City Behind

Many people come to Cape Town specifically to leave it behind as they head out along the famed Garden Route or to see the whales in the nearby towns of Arniston or Hermanus. While all these places are well worth a visit, they can be crowded and expensive. Another option is heading out to smaller and quieter towns such as Gordon’s Bay. The town is backed by the Helderberg Mountains and looks out over the sparkling blue ocean. The beaches are spectacular and the Helderberg wine route nearby is home to some of the Western Cape’s finest wine farms. Sunset cruises, whale watching, hiking trails, picnic spots, restaurants and an exciting nightlife all abound in this town, making it a great place to escape to for a weekend. Only 40 minutes from the city and with many accommodation options, a visit to Gordon’s Bay rivals any other tourist town in South Africa.

Essential Retail Therapy

The V&A Waterfront is one of Cape Town’s most famous shopping complexes and includes harbour cruises, restaurants, designer ware and a plethora of beautiful people. Heading out that little bit further along the N1 sends you out to Canal Walk Shopping Complex which has every shop you could ever need, all under one roof. With over 400 stores, including traditional African curios and keepsakes, you can spend an entire day wandering around this mall. Restaurants range from fancy to fast food take out and the outdoor entertainment area regularly plays host to concerts and displays. To rival the Waterfront this shopping complex even has a canal where you can have a boat ride, a skate park for the kids and a cinema where you can rest your feet!

Cape Town Holiday Accommodation

With all these activities to keep you busy, you are definitely going to need at least a week to explore and somewhere to rest and revitalise at night. Good holiday accommodation in Cape Town is not cheap and it is often a huge stumbling block for local visitors. The solution is simple – get smart and start searching online. Many online subscription programmes offer amazing vacation opportunities. Monthly fees paid to such a programme result in a yearly accommodation package that ensures you can enjoy your time in Cape Town – with a little bit extra cash to spend too! Choose from an apartment in Gordon’s Bay or a resort in Blouberg. Stay in the heart of Cape Town’s CBD or choose to be near the shops at Canal Walk. Whatever activity appeals to you, it is possible to enjoy Cape Town without the crowds or the costs!

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Holiday Apartment Tamboerskloof

English: The language of the world?

Do you know how many people speak English? Or how many people are learning English? You may be surprised at the answers. Whether you want to improve your English or learn to teach it, we have some suggestions for you.

English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. Estimates range from 309 million to over 400 million native speakers worldwide, and a very high number of people speak English as a second language. The British Council have forecast that there will be 2 billion learners of English as a foreign language by 2016.

If English isn’t your first language, you may be interested in improving it so you can communicate better with these 2 billion or more people. If you are a native English speaker, you may think it is worth learning to teach it to others, especially as projected learner numbers are so high. Whichever option you are looking at, you have a number of choices available of how and where to learn.

If you want to improve your English the best thing to do is to go to an English-speaking country and sign up for ESOL or EFL classes. ESOL courses are for people wishing to live in the country and EFL are for people who want to learn for other reasons. You can find courses for all levels from beginners to proficiency level, as well as special business English courses. These can be full or part-time, and evening classes are provided in many cities. Depending on your circumstances you may also be able to find free lessons. There are also English language schools all over the world but you will miss out on the opportunity to mix with English speakers and experience the culture of an English speaking country.

There are some excellent on-line resources for improving your English too, some of which are free and some you have to pay for. It is always worth looking at the options available, especially if you are looking for extra practice outside your lessons.

If you want to learn to teach English, your best option is to do the CELTA course, particularly if you want to teach in a foreign country or in the UK private sector. This course is available in the UK and abroad. You can learn to teach English whilst spending time in another country such as Spain, Russia or Italy, and you may then have a better chance of getting a teaching job at the school you learned in. These courses generally last around a month full time, and are usually worth the cost. Of course, combining the qualification with learning a little of another language such as Spanish or French is a huge bonus.

If you complete your CELTA course and have a minimum of two years’ experience, you can take the DELTA course (Diploma). This is also available in English speaking countries and many countries abroad, mainly Asia and Europe.

You can teach English abroad without getting a qualification. If you have a degree there are some places, generally in the Far East, who will employ you. If you’ve always wanted to learn some Chinese or Japanese then this may be a good option for you.

Whether you want to learn more English or learn to teach English, then why not take action now?

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Online English Courses

Definitive Guide to Boat Charters and Rentals

Are you considering a boat charter and are unsure what is available or what to look for? Well here is your answer; this article will provide you with fun and interesting facts about boat charters. Boat charters are fun and exciting for any type of get together. They work well for family reunions, weddings, and even executive outings.

The size of your group will affect the size of the boat you can charter. There are two basic types of charter boats available; un-inspected passenger boats, or 6-pack boats (which are so named because they carry only six or fewer passengers), and inspected passenger boats.

6-pack boats are great for smaller groups of six or less, and these boats have a variety of types and sizes. For example, six pack boats can be sailboats, fishing boats, or cruising boats and anything in between. While this type of boat charter is the least expensive of the two, you will still need a licensed captain with you at all times. On six-pack charter boats you can have catering for meals while on board.

Inspected passenger boat charters are designed to carry groups large than six passengers. These too come in various shapes and sizes, inspected passenger boats can range from sailboats to dinner cruise ships. Some of these boat charters are designed to carry anywhere from six to several hundred passengers, depending on the type of boat you desire. Inspected passenger boats can offer you many different features that an un-inspected passenger boat cannot. Features like catering, destinations, live music, or a DJ are available on these larger boats.

These inspected passenger charter boats, are required to adhere to strict rules and regulations stated by the Coast Guard. Fees are based on the size, operating requirements, and extra features you want with the package, this includes any alcoholic beverages you wish you and your party to consume.

Boat charters can offer a wide variety of different aspects to your chartering experience. They can offer educational trips for children; these can make exciting learning experience for children of all ages to learn about the environment and boating. Most boat charters offer several different types of educational trips that can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

They are also great for executive outings to entertain clients, reward employees for a job well done, or as a way to create team-building events. Regardless of the reason you choose a boat charter, it is guaranteed to build a lasting impression on clients and employees alike.

Weddings on boat charters are also very popular. They allow the bride and groom to break out of the box when it comes to weddings and host an experience of a lifetime. By using one of the boats, you can create a full-blown wedding complete with an elaborate and elegant atmosphere or choose a simple, quaint, and casual wedding. Elaborate and elegant weddings can cost anywhere from $5000 to $30,000, dependant upon the type of wedding, size of the boat, and number of passenger guests you desire. Smaller weddings usually start at around $1,000.

Charter boats are also great for touring the local hot spots of an area or fishing. Whatever the event, choosing a boat charter is going to be a memorable experience for all involved.

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Boat Charter Cape Town

Looking For A Vacation Spot? Cape Town can be your best Choice

Cape Town, an African city has been popular among the vacationers for several decades. People living in northern hemisphere have preferred to visit Cape Town in the winter months. When there is freezing cold in the northern hemisphere, one can get some warmth of sun by visiting Cape Town. The natural beauty of Cape Town cannot be matched by any South African city. If someone has a plan to visit Cape Town for a vacation then he must book the accommodation in Cape Town as early as possible. Cape Town accommodation has a high demand in the year ending months.

People from different parts of the world prefer to visit Cape Town for several reasons. Cape Town is filled with natural beauty. There are several man made tourist spots in Cape Town. But the natural beauty of the place has overshadowed everything. From the room of many Cape Town hotels you can have an excellent view of Atlantic Ocean. This can refresh your mind and rejuvenate your soul. The view of the white sandy beaches from the Cape Town hotel room can add some elements of romance in your heart.

Cape Town is the best place for vacation. It refreshes a person completely and makes him give a new start to his life. The natural beauty of Cape Town can heal a bruised soul. There are several beaches in Cape Town. Whatever be your choice for accommodation Cape Town, you can find a beach at a short distance. There are several beaches in Cape Town where you can spend some nice time. Cafes and restaurants are located at a short distance from the beaches. They serve some mouth watering dishes, which can fulfill your appetite.

The Table Mountain of Cape Town is another excellent place to visit. Natural beauty of this place is incomparable to anything in Cape Town. Port City of Cape Town has several skyscrapers but the Table Mountain has dwarfed them. If someone can climb this mountain on a sunny day then he can get a complete view of the city. With stunning beaches, tall mountains, unique vegetation and glorious landscapes, Cape Town has received an awesome look. Hotels in Cape Town can offer assistance with car rentals to visit different places here.

Cape Town is properly connected with other important places of the country. One would not face any communication problem in this city. The city is well known for its relaxed and open minded ambience. It is one of the reasons to attract millions of tourists each year. All accommodation Cape Town have trained staffs to serve the guests. In Cape Town one would not have to face any problem for security and travel freely. African city, Cape Town has a lot to offer. It has something for everyone.

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Cape Town Self Catering

Cape Town floating Restaurant

Experience the beauty of Cape Town from a floating restaurant.

Cape Town is often referred to as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and with good reason. With its combination of mountain and seas Cape Town offers some of the most spectacular scenery you could ever hope to experience. Whether you are a visitor to Cape Town or seasoned local, taking time out to enjoy this beautiful city’s majestic scenery is an absolute must.

There are many different ways to enjoy the impressive vistas that Cape Town has to offer. One could take a drive around Chapman’s Peak where the mountainside simply drops away into the clear blue sea. Or you can take a trip up the cable car and view the whole peninsula laid at your feet.

But one of the best ways to view Cape Town is not by land but by sea. If you want a truly unforgettable experience then a boat charter from the V&A Waterfront on a floating restaurant or sunset cruise is the only way to see Cape Town.

A Cape Town boat charter, whether it is a fishing trip, sunset cruise or floating restaurant is by far the best way to admire the beauty of the cape peninsular in its full glory. A trip on a floating restaurant taken from the Cape Town Waterfront offers unparalleled views of Cape Town’s charming coastline, spectacular sunsets and dazzling city lights.

Cape Town offers many different types of boat charters most of which depart from the V&A Waterfront or Hout Bay Harbour. There are a number of different boat charters available at the Cape Town Waterfront offering everything from a quick sunset cruise with light snacks to an all day experience onboard a 5 star floating restaurant.

If you are looking for something romantic to do in Cape Town than it doesn’t get better than a sunset cruise for two on a floating restaurant, watching the sun slip below the horizon and the sparkle of the city lights as you cruise back into the harbour after a candlelit dinner. Cape Town boat charters and floating restaurants offer the perfect romantic evening, ideal for proposals, anniversaries or just a special treat for a loved one.

The floating restaurants at the Cape Town waterfront are also the ideal place to hold functions. Whether you are looking for a small intimate wedding against the backdrop of beautiful table mountain rising out of the sea or if you are just looking to impress important clients with a fantastic day out, a Cape Town Waterfront floating restaurant has everything you need.

So next time you are stuck for something to do in Cape Town head down to the Waterfront, take a trip on a floating restaurant and enjoy all the majestic beauty that Cape Town has to offer.

Source: Floating Restaurant Cape Town