subject: Winter Is Holiday Time, Really! by:Alan Hawkins [print this page] South Africa, a holiday in winter, you've got to be kidding. Are you aware that the 2010 soccer world cup, the largest sport event in the world will bring thousands of travel visitors to South Africa to watch this even slap bang in the middle of winter.
The average temperature in the day time, winter, is approximately 23 degrees, the evenings and early mornings are certainly chilly but the rainfall is minimal, perhaps with the exception of the Western Cape. South Africa enjoys a moderate climate with arguably more average hours of sunlight in winter than almost every other travel destination. Cuddle in bed if you will, perhaps a little longer than usual and enjoy the lovely facilities in your hotel or bed and breakfast accommodation offers and enjoy travelling around South Africa, from Cape Town to Johannesburg, Durban to Port Elizabeth as you follow your favourite team as they play soccer and strive to win the famous world cup trophy.
What travel tips can we offer you, Firstly, camping is not recommended for the faint hearted unless you are on a budget, this form of accommodation however will take you to some wonderful places, ensure warm clothing and a comfortable bed. South Africa offers visitors many other accommodation options, from self catering to luxury Hotels, n=browse around our recommended accommodation site http://www.staysa.co.za and check out the many bed options across all types and budgets.
A top for travel tip in winter is that wherever you go, pack a knee rug and an old fashioned hot water bottle that you can fill in the evenings and take it along to bed with you, the knee rug is warm if chilly air hits an open game viewing vehicle and it can double up as an extra blanket when you are sleeping.
Travel the "less travelled roads" as you tour between soccer matches, as said, Winters are generally dry in South Africa, this is a really nice time to take a drive-yourself tour along the Prince Alberts Pass, , Route 62 from Worcester, running through the old fort toward Montagu and along through the Robertson wine area, a great place to stop, to taste the wonderful wines, this area is producing some extremely good white wines and many estates offer good accommodation, old fashioned farm style hospitality.
The road winds along through quaint towns such as Barrydale, Calitzdorp a dorp is the name for a small town in Afrikaans, and Ashton, all offering accommodation, good food and comfortable tourist services. Toward the East is the larger town, still small by many standards, of Oudtshoorn, the home of the Cango caves, not to be missed and the many ostrich farms, famous for being the home of the ostrich feather industry, many a product adorning the hats and dresses of a time gone by. Ostrich meat is becoming more and more popular, give it a try, particularly an ostrich steak, low in fat and cholesterol, a tasty and healthy alternative.
A little further North is the beautiful lowfeld area of Mpumalanga, a short way from Johannesburg en route to the famous Kruger National Park, arguably the best game park in Africa, wonderful accommodation facilities to cater for all tastes, from the luxury resorts a short distance from park gates to the comfortable chalet accommodation offered by the Parks Board within the gates. If you are on a self-drive trip along the N4, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Pilgrims Rest, Waterval-Boven and the many historic towns along the way toward Kruger Park. Travellers are advised to make accommodation well in advance, particularly during the South Africa school holidays when accommodation in the Parks is scarce, particularly at times like the soccer world cup.
South Africa is a wonderful winter destination, most international visitors head for the game parks in summer as they run from the European winters, whereas it's actually in winter they should be visiting, animals are easier seen, the grass is shirted and they are often gathered around the waterholes.
YOUR INPUT IS CRITICAL.. Please send any travel tip or travel idea to info@staysa.co.za help fellow travellers to enjoy safe and happy travelling. We will gladly assist with travel information or visit the site at http://www.staysa.co.za where you will find comprehensive travel and accommodation information.
Alan Hawkins is the CEO of StaySA. StaySA is a leading South African Accommodationportal. Visit StaySA next time you are looking for a kind of Accommodation in South African www
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