South African Travel Digest

The best time of the year to visit the capital of South Africa, Pretoria, is during the months of October and November each year.  This is when Jacaranda trees transform Pretoria into a beautiful purple carpet when about 70 000  are in bloom.Jacaranda trees are not indigenous to South Africa but to South America but were imported from Argentina in the 1880s. However, over the years, Pretoria has become well-known for its Jacaranda trees. Pretoria is therefore often referred to as the Jacaranda city, with even a local radio station named Jacaranda FM. Residents are looking forward to this sight each year as it also represents the start of the summer season. Students studying at the University of Pretoria even believe in the good luck of Jacaranda trees. If a Jacaranda blossom falls on your head you will pass your year-end exams.     Jacaranda trees are also protected by the Pretoria City Council as it is so much part of this city's culture. Because a rapid b...

Enjoy a cocktail while you enjoy your cruise. South Africans love their cruises. MSC Cruises South Africa, which has been offering cruises from South Africa for many years,  offers a fun way of exploring the South African and African coastlines.  Cruises usually depart from either the Durban or Cape Town harbours and can last anything from three days to two weeks, depending on your chosen itinerary and destination.  Interesting ports of call include some islands in Mozambique (Portuguese and Bazaruto islands) and in the Indian Ocean (Madagascar, Reunion and Mauritius).   The South African cruise calendar usually starts in November each year. The well-known MSC Opera cruise liner will be used for the 2014/2015 South African cruise season.  The MSC Opera is a luxurious cruise liner  with eight decks and a capacity of  20 55 passengers in 856 cabins.  While cruising to interesting South African and African destinations, life on board t...