South African Travel Digest

 T he Susan Kruger ferry. A visit to Cape Town is half-finished without experiencing Robben Island, about 7 kilometres from the mainland.  Robben Island is very much part of the culture and complexities of South Africans and a rich part of our history and heritage.  Permitting weather conditions, tours depart daily from the Nelson Gateway at the Cape Town Waterfront.  It is best to purchase tickets online in advance as these tours are popular and tend to become fully booked  rather quickly.  The trip with the Susan Kruger ferry takes about 30 minutes with splendid views of Table Mountain and the city of Cape Town.  After disembarking on Robben Island, a bus with a tour guide awaits which will take you to various places of interest on the island.   The tour guide is very well-informed about the island and will entertain you with various real-life tales.  The bus stops at the following places of interest: The Moturu Kram...

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...