South Africa - Basic Overview

South Africa - Basic Overview

South Africa was once divided into two British Colonies, namely the Colony of Natal and the Cape Colony, and two "Boer" Afrikaner Republics, namely the Orange Free State and the Transvaal. The Union of South Africa was formed in 1910 after 8 years of negotiations after the Anglo-Boer War of 1899 - 1902. The Republic of South Africa as it is today was form in 1961, which covers the southern tip of Africa and an area of 1,2 million square kilometers.

The country was divided into 9 provinces (states) in 1994 when we had our first democratic elections and Mr. Nelson Mandela became president. 

The provinces are: Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu Natal, Mpumalanga, North West, Limpopo and Gauteng. Each province has its own capital and the country has three capital cities, namely Pretoria the administrative capital, Bloemfontein the judicial capital and Cape Town the legislative capital.

The population is about 45,3 million people and is made up of 13 different groups, namely the Zulu, Xhosa, Shangaan, Ndebele, Swazi, Pedi, South Sotho, Tswana, Venda, Khoisan, Coloured, Asian and White. To mix things up even more, we have 11 official languages of which English is the most commonly spoken. Afrikaans is mainly spoken between your white and coloured people and it is derived from Dutch, German and French.

South Africa has 6 neighbouring countries, namely Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Swaziland, Lesotho and unfortunately poor old Zimbabwe. Its 2700-kilometer coastline includes four of Africa's largest harbours - Durban and Richards Bay along the Indian Ocean and Cape Town and Saldanha Bay along the Atlantic Ocean. 

South Africa has a moderate climate with three rainfall regions, the majority of the country has summer rainfall, the South Western Cape has a Mediterranean climate with winter rain and a very small area along the south eastern coastline know as the "Garden Route" has all year round rainfall. 

Summer is basically from October to April and winter is June, July and August. 

South Africa has a two tier government, a national government with a democratically elected president and each province has its own provincial legislature. Since the political change of 1994 the South African society has made great strides towards a democratic, socially more equitable and economically more globally competitive country. 

It has, in fact, become a leader in many spheres of international north-south relations. Recent growth of the South African economy is largely based on the tourism sector, a gradually diversifying and increasingly competitive manufacturing sector, value-adding beneficiation of mineral and agricultural raw materials and a sophisticated trading, financial and professional services sector.

Internationally South Africa can be ranked amongst "upper middle income countries" like Chile, Portugal, Korea, Malaysia, Turkey, Brazil and Poland.

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Sharm el Sheikh , Egypt : Wonderful Place

Sharm el Sheikh is a city in Egypt also referred to as the “City of Peace” due to the many peace conferences held in here. But there’s truly a lot more to this city than simply being a city of peace. If you are eyeing to go to the land of the Pharaohs, there is definitely no reason why you exclude Sharm in your places-to-visit list.

On the beach at Sharm el Sheikh , Egypt

First off, it is one of the country’s best known locations for beach resorts. In fact, although the Egyptian government has worked so hard in the recent years to develop resorts in other areas, Sharm remains to be the leading Sinai tourist spot for beaches, and it is not very hard to know why.

For one, the city is a year-round resort. It’s hot during the summer but it is also warm and pleasant during the winter. An international airport is conveniently located here where both private and international charter flights can land. Why else would people not want to visit it, right?

Next, if you are an underwater-lover, you can also find your fill here. Between the areas of Tiran Island and Mohammed National Park is the world’s greatest underwater scenery. Crystal-clear water, amazing reefs, and an enormous variety of exotic fish you have never seen in your entire existence—all these you can enjoy even just by snorkeling off the coast! But if you wish to scuba dive, then no one’s going to stop you. There is an easy access to the historical Red Sea where the most interesting and prominent dive sites are situated. You can get there by boat. And if you wish to have some diving lessons first, you can also avail of some. Most diving amenities here including shops and boats are operated by Europeans.

Now, if you are not really a water person, Sharm el Sheikh can still prove to be a charming place for you. Since it is in the region of Sinai, it is also a lovely place to take pleasure in seeing the splendid mountains and valleys. There are also a number of national parks here that you can explore where beautiful tourist attractions are found like the Monastery of St. Catherine. You can also opt to play golf, bungee jump, or even ice skate! It’s a total place of relaxation for the whole family and it has everything you could ever wish for in a vacation.

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Discover Egypt And His Most Important Landmarks

Tourism is the most important sources of national income in Egypt and the Egyptian people, accustomed to the presence of tourists in their midst since antiquity. Featuring Egypt abundance of tourist attractions of all kinds, because of the abundance of temples and Pharaonic monuments that have been take care of it and invested to tourist attraction, is also available tourism infrastructure, which includes five-star hotels, tourist villages and tourist agencies and offices, aviation, and is the accumulation of tourism in general in Cairo and Alexandria and the Red Sea Governorate, Hurghada and Sinai, especially South Sinai in Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab and Nuweiba where sports sport diving that attracts tourists from around the world and especially from Germany and Italy from the fans of this type of sports, as Egypt is characterized by its proximity Ali Alalhaab rare reefs in the Red Sea and fish species for which the festivals and competitions fishing yacht, which comes to fishing enthusiasts of Egyptians and foreigners. 

Egypt

Tourist attractions in the area of Greater Cairo 

Pyramids of Giza

Pyramids Of Giza

Djizho Pyramids of Egypt Pyramids of Giza Plateau is located in Giza, Egypt on the west bank of the River Nile, built by some 25 centuries BC, about 2480 to 2550 BC. M, which is about three pyramids are Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure.

Egyptian Museum

 

Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Contains the largest collection of

Egyptian Museum

ancient Egyptian monuments, and competed the British Museum and the Louvre and the Metropolitan Museum (New York). Lies and the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square in the heart of Cairo since 1906, contains a museum exhibit on the impact of the Pharaonic 136 thousand, in addition to hundreds of thousands of effects found in warehouses.

Pyramid of Saqqara in Badrasheen

Pyramid of Saqqara in Badrasheen

Pyramid of Saqqara royal tomb in history built between 2737 BC. M --2 717 BC. M. Located in South Saqqara, Giza at a distance of a mile from the cliff Saqqara.

Originally designed for the burial of Pharaoh Djoser by the Minister Amahotb in the form of six terraces above the tunnel descends to the burial site, the pyramid has gone through six changes in the scheme before the completion of its present form.

Cairo Tower

Cairo tower in night

Cairo Tower was built between 1956 - 1961 of reinforced concrete on the design of the Egyptian lotus flower, and is located in the heart of Cairo on the Nile island of Zamalek. 

Height of up to 187 meters and is higher than the Great Pyramid in Giza, about 43 meters. 

There is at the top of the Cairo Tower restaurant on the tourist platform manned rotary spin parameters of the restaurant to see Cairo from all sides.

Khan el-Khalili, Cairo Fatimid

Khan el-Khalili

Khan al-Khalili is one of the oldest markets in the Middle, a little over the age of 600 years, and the original architecture still remains on the case since the Mamluk era until now. Immigrated to him a large number of dealers in the city of Hebron, Palestinian and Sknoh and now has the community of the people of Hebron live by the works to trade and to them is attributed Khan el-Khalili in Cairo and has been called by that name because of its founder and is a Mamluk princes and was named Yarkas-Khalili, a city of Hebron.

Al-Azhar Park 

Al-azhar Park

Created Al-Azhar Park on an area of 30 hectares, by the imam of the Muslim community Ismailia Karim Shah Husseini (Aga Khan IV), after deciding to courtesy park to the city of Cairo in 1984, based on the belief of the Islamic that we are all responsible for the creation the Creator, therefore we must leave the earth a place better, made the decision at a conference 1984 "developing capital: keeping pace with the growth of civil Cairo."

The Pharaonic Village: 

The Pharaonic Village

When you enter the village you think you went back thousands of years .. Society is that you live.

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Zambia – The Heart of Southern Africa

Zambia offers you the full-on African experience. The mighty rivers of this landlocked jewel support an abundance of wildlife and create stunning landscapes. The mighty Victoria Falls are the most famous among Zambia’s geographical features. Vic Falls are the world’s largest sheet of falling water and one of the biggest tourism hubs in all of Africa.

African Lion

Zambia’s Wildlife

Along the Zambezi as well as the Kafue and Luangwa Rivers life flourishes. Kafue, South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi are all among Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. Especially South Luangwa boasts an abundance of Africa’s big game along with some stunning birdlife including the carmine bee-eater. South Luangwa is also the place where walking safaris were pioneered. The Luangwa Valley is still the best location to walk among the beasts and South Luangwa has one of the highest wildlife densities on the continent.

One of the most fascinating creatures in Africa is the leopard. This elusive creature roams large parts of the continent but is incredibly hard to spot. The beautiful but deadly predator stalks its prey and is strong enough to carry small antelopes into his elevated hideouts. The South Luangwa National Park is known for its abundance of leopards and with a knowledgeable guide you stand great chances of spotting this elusive cat. Zambia attracts many safari enthusiast from all over the world to spot the illusive leopards.

Zambia’s Wildlife doesn’t end at big game. Bird lovers will rejoice at the number and variety of Zambia’s avian residents. Eagles, egrets, carmine bee-eaters, swallows, storks and buzzards are among the 400 species that can be found in the Luangwa Valley alone. In Zambia’s rivers and especially around Lake Kariba anglers can face the challenge of the fierce looking tiger fish. The toothy swimmer is known as one of the toughest fights in fresh water.

Victoria Falls

Mosi-oa-Tunya or “The Smoke that Thunders” has turned from a geographical attraction into a proper tourism hub. While the sight of the largest curtain of falling water never fails to impress, Vic Falls now also offers a wide range of activities catering for upmarket travellers and adrenaline junkies alike.

The Zambian town of Livingstone is the accessible gateway to all the attractions around the Victoria Falls.

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Tetouan: the Andalusian city of Morocco

Tetouan is one of the nicest cities in Morocco. Great beaches and a good reputation makes this a must-visit city for every tourist. The beautiful setting, modern streets and around the clock activities make this city a number one attraction.

The city of Tetouan in the northern part of Morocco means ‘open you eyes’ in the Berber language. The name probably was derived by the hasty development of the town by the Muslim and Andalusian refugees of Spain. It is the only open port of Morocco on the Mediterranean Sea. Perched atop the slope of a narrow valley with a huge dark mass rock, the city has a very beautiful setting. It is surrounded by the majestic mountains in the south and the west. It is just about 40 miles from the city of Tangier. It has nearly a population of 320,539 as per 2004 figures. You will find the Moroccan Darija Arabic and the Berber Tamazight languages being used by the locals in their daily life. Arabic is the official language and you will also find business people using Spanish as well as French.

Place el Feddane

History

The city was founded in the 3rd century BC. Artifacts from the Roman and Phoenician eras are known to exist in the site of Tamuda. It was built around 1305 by the Marinid King Abu Thabit from where attacks were carried out on the Ceuta. It was destroyed in 1400 when it came to be known as a safe haven for the pirates. It was rebuilt in the 15th century by the refugees of 'reconquista'. The Andalusian Moors built fortifications before developing the city. In 1860 it was taken over by the Spaniards under Leopoldo O’Donnell. It was evacuated on May 2nd 1862. However, the Moors had so much hatred that they destroyed the entire city and got it to its former bad state. It was formerly ruled by Spain and came under the Spanish protectorate in 1913 governed by Jalifa. You can find the Spanish influence even now with street name in Arabic and Spanish and some people even speaking Spanish.

The Muslim population is the majority one but the Sephardi Jewish community that emigrated from Spain after 'reconquista’ has also been here in minority for a long time.

What to see?

As you come to the city of Tetouan you will find that it is located between a variety of orchards of orange, almond, pomegranate and cypress trees. This is a part of the Martil Valley which flows down with Tetouan, Martil harbor at its mouth. Within the city you can find it interesting to explore the wonderful fountains and orange groves in the magnificent houses of the aristocratic Arabs who are the descendants of those expelled from Al-Andalus by the European 'reconquista’. Their houses are superb with exquisitely carved ceilings painted in hispano-moresque designs. You would also find the peculiar Tetuan tile work on the floors, pillars and dados. You feel the Moorish impact of Sevilla, Andalusian and Cordoba towns on the architecture here.

It’s worth a visit to the traditional industries involved in creation of tile work, inlaying with silver wire as well as the manufacturers of thick soled yellow slippers, flintlocks, and capes and skirt for girls in rural areas. You can find the goutahs and babouches the two traditional items worn by Berber here. The souks are particularly active and you can find small squares devoted to local foods and crafts and selling a wide variety of local pottery. There are number of monuments that you can visit in Tetouan; the Khalifa’s old palace just outside the medina, a fort, ancient walls and preserved fences, mosques, fountains and foundouks that give the city a very interesting look. Even if you go around the city’s winding streets you would discover among the walls a wonderful world telling you some interesting part of the history. The median in Tetouan is listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO and is worth a visit.

Accommodation, eat and drink

The beaches between the Ceuta and Tetouan are the most beautiful beaches of Morocco which you cannot afford to miss. There are luxury hotel and bungalows where you may stay near the beaches where you may stay. Within the city also there are several luxury hotels as well as good budget hotel. Many of them even have some rooms with rooftop terrace that have some great views. Most of them are comfortable designed to make your stay peaceful and relaxing. If you want to eat there are several hotels with their own specialties serving authentic Moroccan cuisine. There are various facilities like bars, swimming pools and spas to give you ultimate luxury. The staff like the people around the town is extremely friendly and helpful.

The city of Tetouan is a busy and active town and very exiting to visit. The shopping areas and the old monuments are attractive and thorough exploration can bring up many surprises that will give you a feeling of a successful trip to Morocco.

Photos From Cape Town

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Know Cape Town

If you are planning to visit South Africa, you must make sure to check all good spots that you can find and will surely make the trip a truly memorable one. One of the places that you must include on your agenda is Cape Town, the most popular tourist destination in Africa. The City of Cape Town is known as the most populous in the country. This is known for the natural setting of the floral kingdom in Cape, its harbour and other known landmarks like the Cape Point and Table Mountain.

Cape Town from Robben Island

This tourist destination can be found at the shore of Table Bay. Its early development can be attributed to the Dutch East India Company, which was a supply station for the Dutch ships that were sailing to Eastern Africa, Far East and India. The Cape Town was originally created as the first European outpost on the Castle of Good Hope. This has become a cultural hub as well as the economic post of the Cape Colony. This used to be the largest city in South Africa before the development of Witwatersrand Gold Rush and Johannesburg.

People like the place because of its good climate, well-developed structure and natural setting. There are many beaches that can be found on the place that are well-loved by both tourists and local residents. You can actually visit several beaches in a day. This is possible because of the unique geography of this city. You should also include on your tour the places that make it possible for Cape Town to be known for its cultural attractions like the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the Cape Flats among many other places.

While at the tour, you might as well enjoy the view. The place is also notable for its architectural heritage. This actually has the highest density of the buildings with the Cape Dutch style. The latter is a combination of the architectural forms of countries such as Germany, Netherlands and France.

Photos From Cape Town

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