Cape Town, South Africa is increasingly renowned as a world class tourism destination and with good reason. Poised between mountains and ocean, it is breathtakingly scenic. Unique natural splendor abounds, yet first-class urban facilities are within easy reach. So, is it the place for YOUR South African vacation?

What this City is NOT

Cape Town is not a rustic African experience. This is a cosmopolitan city which is home to more than 4 million people. You may see shanty towns but there are no mud huts. If you are interested in rural African culture, you may be disappointed.

Cape Town is not a package tour destination. There are many hotels but few resorts where you pay up front and find everything included except the odd drink. This is a city of diverse attractions which in turn attracts a widely-differing cross-section of visitors from around the globe.

Cape Town weather does not offer days and days of relentless, unchanging sunshine. The city is on a peninsula and the weather can be changeable. In summer, the prevailing wind (known as the South Easter) can be anything from a refreshing breeze to gale force. And you may find a hot, still day followed by a cooler one with some light rain.

So why is that all good?

With its mountainous geography and proximity to the ocean, Cape Town and its surroundings are exceptionally beautiful yet diverse. As a result, changeable weather can be turned to a visitor's advantage. With a modicum of flexibility and some local knowledge (which is easy to come by either on the Internet or by hiring the services of a local guide) no day in Cape Town need ever be wasted.

Cape Town offers something for every visitor. It appeals to people from all age groups, from toddlers to retirees and everyone in between. From nightlife and coffee culture to fine dining, classy shopping with an African flavor and world class hotels, Cape Town has it all.

Visitors who desire a city break in beautiful, sophisticated surroundings will find it here.

Likewise world travelers complete with backpacks count it as a must-do on their itinerary.

Top Attractions

Table Mountain
Beaches -- powdery-white with turquoise water
Cape Point, the Cape of Good Hope
Rolling miles of vineyards and world class wines
Whale watching
Great white shark diving
Penguins at Boulders Beach, near Simonstown
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Adventure sports

Crime - what about it?

Much is said and written about crime in South Africa and Cape Town is no exception. The crime statistics are quite horrific, although it must be noted that the majority of crimes committed are not directed at tourists. Still, it pays to be aware, careful and alert. In general

*ask your hosts' for pointers when you arrive
*keep cameras and jewelry unobtrusive
*avoid walking alone at night
*know where you are going and how to get there

In short, Cape Town is a beautiful destination with something to offer in every season. It is no surprise then that the number of visitors to the city continues to grow each year.

By: Alison Beere
Alison Beere is a Cape Town based author and editor of http://www.cape-town-family-holiday-magic.com. She and her family are determined to distill the essence of Cape Town and their African experiences and share it with visitors the world over.

South Africa is known as the world's top producer of gold and a strong player in politics of Africa. Many would love to visit this country to see its natural parks that many find interesting and simply wonderful. It is very rare to get close to wild animals in their natural habitat.

1.) Kruger National Park

This park is easily the most popular in South Africa where a tourist can view lions, elephants, leopards, buffalos, and rhinos which are commonly popular in movies. But the park has more to offer than these, including some more interesting animals and more flora and fauna than you could imagine in one place. Running alongside this park is the Sabie River, which provides a richer look.

2.) Augrabies Falls

Waterfalls will remain a common attraction for many tourists. The Augrabies Falls is spectacularly special especially when the Oranje has lots of waters, which provides more power to the waterfalls. It will remain a refreshing sight to see especially around South Africa.

3.) Blyde River Canyon

Canyons give one a taste of how nature can both be beautiful and wondrous. And when you get to Mpumalanga, you will be able to find one of the three largest canyons all over the world - the Blyde River canyon. Standing on top of the canyon will make one feel small and insignificant compared to this sight.

4.) Garden Route

One should not miss this exhibit of a paradise known as Garden Route. This runs from Mossel Bay up until Port Elizabeth. Tourists will get their fill of greens and plants that one may not see a lot of in their country of origin.

5.) Hiking opportunities

There are many hiking trails one could check out in South Africa which is almost always possible in all the parks. One should be prepared though to sweat things out a bit because of the temperature. Overall, you will get to appreciate a lot of what you will see as you take a hike and watch the scenery as you pass by.

6.) Durban

Durban offers a lot of opportunities to enjoy the sun and the beach. Here, you could get a sun tan the natural way or take a swim and cool off in the waters. Surprisingly, there is an Indian market in the area where you can indulge on some spicy cuisine if you care for one.

7.) The Cradle of Humankind

Named as one of UNESCO's world heritage sites, The Cradle of Humankind is the place to be when you want to take a firsthand look at the prehistoric times. There are caves and caves filled with fossils of the hominids and apes. You get the chance to view the real thing instead of what is taught in schools alone.

8.) Surfing pleasure

Tired of beaches that have nothing more to offer than swimming, boating, diving, and the usual stuff? You can go to Jeffreys Bay where surfing is commonplace, or you can start riding the big waves here and get a few more highs by competing with the waves. Even beginners or spectators will find the variety a good option.

9.) Ostritch farms

Want to take a look at the world's largest birds? You can try one of the ostrich farms located near Oudtshoorn. You will delight in the experience of seeing these giant birds and even get to see how big their eggs can be.

10.) Robben Island

The island is located off the coast of Cape Town. It owes its popularity to Nelson Mandela where he was taken prisoner for years. People are curious to learn about the conditions of the prison where Mandela was taken and judge for themselves.

By: Jonathan Williams
Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos. Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/southafrica to view or share South Africa travel videos.

Rwanda, the land of one thousand hills and 'hundreds attractions' is an extraordinary place where serene scenery and placid people greet you at every juncture. Rwanda is safe and secure with an overwhelming renaissance of Rwandese national pride and cultural reconstruction. It is full of sights and delights, waiting to be explored. If Rwanda is on your travel list there is no better time to runaway to Rwanda... visit today you would want to stay!

The country is well known mostly because of its horrible recent history and you might think that Rwanda should therefore be more the scope for No governmental organization than for travelers. Nowadays, nothing is less true. Rwanda has wonderful people, breathtaking beautiful lakes, challenging mountains, stunning scenery, perfect climate, rare species of apes, excellent roads, express buses, good and cheap food and beer, various accommodation options, fast internet, only few tourists outside the gorilla-homes, you will found it all in Rwanda, a safe and yet to be discovered backpackers haven!

Because of its small size, Rwanda attractions are near each other and can be reached quite easily and safely.

1. KIGALI CITY: A NICE PLACE TO EXPERIENCE AN AFRICAN CAPITAL

Kigali is an interesting mix of rural and urban town overflowing on juxtaposed hilly terrain. New construction is everywhere and large mansions stand side by side with mud brick huts and lean roads. It has a peaceful feel and the center is located upon the hilltop expanse. It feels safe and getting around is easy on foot or minibuses...many and new. For a bit more taxis can whiz you anywhere without breaking the bank. Kigali is a nice place to experience an African capital.

2. KGALI GENOCIDE MEMORIALS CENTER IN GISOZI

During the genocide in Rwanda in 1994, over a million people were murdered. Some 250,000 perished on the streets and in the houses, churches and hospitals of Kigali alone. The Kigali Genocide memorial center contains ten mass graves- a site of burial for almost victims, who were killed in the Kigali region. After the genocide, as mass graves were being discovered around the city. It was decided that a single monument/ burial place should be created, where the victims could be laid to rest with dignity, this is now their final resting place. The memorial houses a children's section, a particularly powerful experience to read about the children- how they lived, and how they died. Amongst other things, it traces how things came to being so bad, how the ideology of genocide emerged, how the tragedy could have been averted, and how the world ignored the signs and warnings repeatedly. Some of the survivors of the genocide have been trained as guides at the center. Open 10am to 5pm daily. Entrance is free but at the door there is a box for donation. The place is really heart breaking!

4. MOUNTAIN GORILLAS TREKKING

A Mountain Gorilla Trekking is the pinnacle of all the wildlife experiences available in Africa and Rwanda is with no doubt the best place for this. People are limited to spend only one hour with the Gorillas and expect to hike for two to four hours to see them. These incredible primates are divided into four groups that have been habituated over the decades; it's a thing not to miss in Rwanda. Don't miss spending an hour with these magical creatures. It does require planning in advance, and contacting the National Park or a local tour operator to check what the latest system they have implemented with regards to how you get a permit - but it is all worthwhile. Also, don't be put off by the price - a high price is needed to ensure that protecting the gorillas is economically sustainable for the local area.

5. MOUNTAINS CLIMBING

The National park office offers guided climbs to the top of 2 volcano among the 5 of the Virunga chain, Visoke (3711m) and Karisimbi (4705m -the tallest). The climbs to the summits are not technical and can be done by fit hikers. The scenery is great! However, the trek to Karisimbi's summit is an overnight trek and should be prepared properly.

6. NYUNGWE FOREST NATIONAL PARK

This national park is a preserved part of rain forest which houses 13 species in all, including humankind's closest living relative the chimpanzee, as well as the handsome L'Hoest's monkey and hundred-strong troops of the delightfully acrobatic Angola colombus. The most important ornithological site in Rwanda, Nyungwe harbours almost 300 bird species of which two dozen are restricted to a handful of montane forests on the Albertine Rift. Please come with your car or book a tour with a local tour operator otherwise it is very hard to reach the place and get away. You can camp there and pitch a tent but you have to consider bringing all food and water with you as facilities are limited. The entry fee has recently been increased so check up the actual fares.

7. AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK

Akagera is the best national park of Rwanda - very helpful park-ranger help to find you all animals in park - mainly, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, baboons, buffaloes, hippos and crocodiles.

8. RUSUMO FALLS

Rusumo is a Marvelous and spectacular falls of the Akagera River, a part of the most distant headwaters of the river Nile. The falls is located in the Eastern part of Rwanda at the border with Tanzania. If you happen to cross the border with Tanzania at Rusumo don't forget to see the Rusumo falls.

9. THE BEAUTIFULLY LAKE KIVU

The beautifully Lake Kivu is a large deposit of fresh water that marks the western border with DR Congo and one of the Great Lakes of Africa. The lake is in the Albertine Rift, a part of the Great Rift Valley. Lake Kivu empties into the Ruzizi River, which flows southwards into Lake Tanganyika. Beneath the lake lie vast reserves of approximately 55 billion cubic of dissolved methane gas which have not been exploited. Lake Kivu is a tourist center, safe to swim (but just ask locally to be completely sure). There are nice beaches, gorgeous landscapes and the sunsets are regularly stunning. There are some excellent places to stay on the Lakeside such as Kibuye and -especially-Gisenyi near the DR Congo border.

10. BUTARE CITY IN HUYE

The most popular tourist attraction in Butare is the superb National Museum, which houses perhaps the finest ethnographic collection in East Africa. The rooms are spacious, without the excessive clutter of distracting memorabilia. This makes the well-labeled exhibits easy to appreciate and enjoy. Absorbing displays of traditional artefacts are illuminated by a fascinating selection of turn-of-the-century monochrome photographs, providing insight not only into pre-colonial lifestyles, but also into the subsequent development of Rwanda as a modern African state. Here the Intore dancers can be commissioned to perform, but this is not a good deal for a single traveler. If a group is present the price would definitely be worthwhile as shows are few and far between.

By: Ndayisenga Ken
Ken is a tour operator from East Africa who likes to share his knowledge and experiences with others, by publishing articles. check his website by clicking on one of the following Links. Rwanda tour, gorilla tour, mountain gorilla tour.

If you want to go to a place where you can have an adventure without leaving the comforts of urban lifestyle, you should put Namibia on your list. With so many places to visit, a Namibian adventure can make any vacation worthwhile. Before you pack your things up and head for one great Namibian trip, here are some places visit.

1.) Waterberg Plateau Park

Located some 68 kilometers east of Otjiwarongo, Waterberg Plateau stands some 200-meters above the surrounding area. Wildlife watching would be a fruitful activity in this side of Namibia. This 405.5 km2 of reserve is home for some rare and endangered species of antelope and birds, rhinoceros, buffaloes, and sable.

2.) Damaraland

Damaraland is the home for a wide selection of tourist destination like the 35-m natural obelisk Vingerklip and the Namibia's largest repository of Stone Age petroglyphs Twyfelfontein. Other famous Damaraland attraction includes the Organ Pipes formed by volcanic movements. There is also the 250 million year-old Petrified Forest and the Brandberg Natural Reserve.

3.) Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is the biggest game reserve of Namibia. It covers some 22,000 km2 with Etosha pan which measures 130 kilometers long and 50 kilometers wide. It shelters some 250 lions, 6000 zebras, 300 rhinoceroses, 2500 giraffes, 2000 elephants, and some 20000 dainty springbok as well the occasional pelicans, flamingo, impalas, and other animals.

4.) Cape Cross Seal Colony

Enjoy the sight, the sound and the smell of thousands of fur seals in Namibia's Cape Cross Seal Colony. It is located 130 kilometers from Swakopmund. Cape Cross Seal Colony lets you have a day with the seals anytime of the year.

5.) Namib-Naukluft Park

Namib-Naukluft Park is one of the largest national parks in Africa. It covers some 50000 km2 of Namibian land and also covers the Namib Desert Park, Naukluft Mountain Zebra Park and some portions of Diamond Area. Famous attractions in Namib-Naukluft Park include the sand dunes of Sossusvlei and the Sandwich Harbour as well as exotic plants and animals like Welwitschia Mirabilis, Hartmann's mountain zebras and lichens.

6.) Kolmanskop

Kolmanskop is a deserted town located in the Southern Namib Desert 10 kilometers from Lüderitz. The town provided shelter against the harsh Namibian Desert conditions for Consolidated Diamond Mines miners, but the drop in diamond prices in post-WWI and the prospect of richer mines in Oranjemund ended its operation, and so it was fully deserted in 1956. Enjoy walking at this Namibian relic and learn more of the country's economic and social history.

7.) Swakopmund

Swakopmund is a city 280 kilometers away from Windhoek. The city with its Atlantic Coastline, cooler temperature and preserved German architecture is one of the premiere destinations of Namibia. Several Swakopmund tourist attractions include Altes Gefängnis Prison, Wörmannhaus, National Marine Aquarium, a crystal gallery, and a transport museum.

8.) Skeleton Coast

Be mystified and awed by the Skeleton Coast Park's ever-changing moods, dense coast mist, scattered shipwrecks, and majestically intact surrounding. Fly-in from Hoanib and Kunene rivers and see the Coast in its entirety. You can also enter the area between Ugab and Hoanib rivers and enjoy the coast's superb fishing area.

9.) Fish River Canyon

Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in Africa, measuring 160 kilometers long, 27 kilometers wide and some 550 meters deep. You can engage in an 85-kilometer Fish River Canyon Trail from Hobas to Ai-Ais. You can also take a one- or two-day trip in several points inside the canyon.

10.) Kaokoland

Enjoy Namibia's raw wilderness by traveling to Kaokaland region with breath-taking mountain sceneries and natural animal refuges. The jagged landscape also serves as home for the Himba tribe who still lives by their own tradition and culture. Be captivated by the silent, serene environment which Kaokaland offers while enjoying water rafting, canoeing and bird-watching and more.

By: Jonathan Williams
Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/namibia to view or share Namibia travel videos.