Before I start, I would like to mention that I have written this opinion/ review not only as a tourist. It is more to do with the cultural attachment I felt with the country. And of course, its beauty...
Like they say - ’’You haven’t seen the world - if you haven’t seen South Africa’’ I had gone here courtesy South African Airways who had taken a group of Indian travel agents in order to help us promote tourism to the country. It was the most wonderful time I had with them....
This is really the World in one country - it has everything, beautiful beaches, forests, wildlife, mountains etc etc. and also a very modern & cosmopolitan lifestyle.
I had done I did a bit of reading on the South African culture, heritage & customs before I left.
They call themselves the people of ’’Rainbow Nation’’ because it is the most culturally diverse country that exists. Even the nationals have been classified into 2 groups, one is of natural descent (Africans) & the other group consists of immigrants who have been there sooo long that they are called ’’naturalized immigrants’’. There are more than 11 languages the people speak.
The local culture had been suppressed during the apartheid days. Infact, there was no chance for even a simple ritual to be carried out. This is why there are barely any indigenous practices that a local knows of.
There is a strong influence of the British here, naturally. You can see it in the food, the way people dress & eat. Another influencing community have been the Dutch. Our tour guide was an ’’Afrikaan’’ - of Dutch descent. He was immensely proud of the country, you could make out in the way he showed us around. He said he never considers himself of foreign descent - only a South African!
About the experiences there, places you should visit(I hope to write in details on each of them).
CAPE TOWN - is situated between a range of mountains & the ocean, a beautiful setting. This is where the Garden Route ends.
GARDEN ROUTE - This stretch lies along the ocean, starting from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town.
SUN CITY - Ofcourse this place does not need mention. It is beautiful except for the fact that it is totally man made.
DURBAN - I, as an Indian did not feel out of place here. It is filled with immigrants from the Indian Peninsula.
I did not get to go for a safari, but I am sure it an experience not to be missed
Overall, it is a beautiful country which has fought & gone through a lot of bloodshed for its current status. This is what makes the land even more picturesque.
I noticed that the people there realise that & respect their land for that.
Being an Indian, I can relate to the feeling completely.