South Africa – splashing out in the Rainbow Nation

An ostrich ride in Oudtshoorn, paddling with the penguins at Simonstown, enjoying the golden beaches of Plettenberg Bay, or simply driving along the picturesque Garden Route that leads from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth –  South Africa has an abundance of things to see and do in the great outdoors. It has a number of wildlife parks, the most famous among them being Kruger National Park, wine-farming towns along the Garden Route, the Drakensberg Mountains, deserts and subtropical coastal areas. 

In addition it has vibrant cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town that offer great entertainment and nightlife. Johannesburg, the largest and richest city in South Africa, was brought to the attention of the world when an umemployed miner found traces of gold here in 1886 resulting in it being christened the “Gold Capital of the World.” It has plenty to offer in terms of entertainment, food and nightlife and offers cuisines from around the world.

Moyo restaurant which won a People’s Choice award on the Eat Out magazine’s website is known for its flamed lamb fillet stuffed with spinach and mozzarella. When it comes to meat the place to go is the aptly named Carnivore. It offers everything from the simple to the exotic with an African ambience. A favorite pastime in Johannesburg is doing coffee or lunch at a sidewalk café in one of the green, leafy suburbs, like Café Flo in Greenside or Sam’s Café in Melville. The bill would be around R75.

South African wine, homeware and craftwork are worth picking up. Sandton City and open-air Mandela Square next to it, is one of the largest shopping centers in the southern hemisphere. For antiques try Parkhurst’s Fourth Avenue and for African craftwork, there is the African Crafts Market adjacent to the Mall of Rosebank. South African and pan-African craftwork, food, clothing, souvenirs and gifts are available at the Rosebank Rooftop Market as well as snacks at various booths when energy flags.

Johannesburg has more than its fair share of theatres and live music venues, the most prominent being the Alhambra Theatre, the Market Theatre (Newton Cultural Centre), and the Civic Theatre Complex. Other attractions include the Johannesburg Library’s Africana Collection and the ‘living museum’ of Gold Reef City.

Cape Town was an important stop on the spice route between Europe and Asia. It was here in 1666 that the first Dutch settlers set up a re-victualling station for trading ships. Today it has evolved into a modern city that is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. A good bet for African food would be The Africa Cafe and Mamma Africa. Both these restaurants offer a wide variety of authentic African food along with entertainment.

Cape Town also has some of the best seafood restaurants in the world.  Clifton Beach House Restaurant, Wharfside Grill, Panama Jacks and The Codfather also have superb views of the ocean, Table Mountain and spectacular sunsets. One of Cape Town’s most popular entertainment spots for a sundowner is La Med along the waterfront known for its fabulous view, gourmet food and music.

Cape Town also has a number of excellent theatres and art cinemas, including the Nico Theatre Centre in DF Malan Street. The Nico is the performing arts center in Cape Town. It has an opera house, arena theatre, a coffee shop, and undercover parking. Another good bet for great entertainment is the Baxter Theatre. The Labia Theatre in Orange Street specializes in the screening of art and festival films. Maynardville Open Air Theatre has Shakespeare season in January and ballet season in March, while the Three Arts Theatre, in Main Road, Plumstead has regular rock and pop concerts. For the more discerning listener, the City Hall has symphonic concerts.

By Chitra Mogul