Township Tours in Cape Town

Any visitor to South Africa should visit a township to understand how the majority of South Africans live and the importance of the New South Africa to them.

The trend of township tours is establishing itself not only in South Africa, but in developing nations across the world. Initially, tourists may be concerned that taking a township tour in South Africa, or indeed a favela tour in Brazil or slum tour in India, is a money-making scheme allowing middle-class tourists to look at poverty from the tinted windows of an air-conditioned minibus. Township residents will soon set any visitor straight on that misconception. Not only are they proud that foreign visitors are interested in learning about their lives, but it also provides them with the opportunity to earn a living.
A Typical Township Tour in Cape Town

There are now scores of tour operators and individuals offering township tours in Cape Town. The majority of tours tend to follow more or less the same formula and will take visitors to the townships of Langa, Khayelitsha and Guguletu.

Langa is Cape Town's oldest informal settlement and was established in 1901 when inhabitants from a farm called Uitvlugt were resettled in the belief they posed a threat to health as the city had just recovered from a bout of the bubonic plague. 'Langa' means 'sun' and the township's residents played an important role in the struggle against apartheid.

Khayelitsha, which means 'Our New Home' in isiXhosa, has a mixture of formal and informal housing and is the largest single township in South Africa. Home to approximately 1.5million people, Khayelitsha covers an area of 47 square kilometres.

Guguletu, affectionately known as 'Gugs', was established in the 1950s to house migrant workers from the Eastern Cape. Men were housed in cramped hostels, but when their families joined them, they were forced to build shacks as no additional accommodation was provided. Guguletu thus became an informal settlement. Nowadays, some of the poorest families live in the hostels. Rooms typically have at least three beds, with one family taking each bed.
Amy Biehl

Guguletu is also home to the Amy Biehl Memorial and provides a constant reminder about a tragedy of the apartheid, as well as inspiration to move forward. Amy Biehl was a Canadian exchange student studying at the University of Cape Town in 1993. She had friends in Guguletu and visited them often, despite being unwelcome in the 'blacks-only' zone. A mob of more than 100 residents descended on her in the township one day, beating her up then stabbing her to death. Following the heartbreak of losing Amy, her parents went on to forgive the two boys ultimately responsible for killing her and adopted them. Amy's legacy lives on through The Amy Biehl Foundation set up in her honour.

Which Township Tour?

As well as visiting the three notable townships, different tour operators offer various additional items to the itinerary. Most tours will include a combination of walking and driving tours of the three townships and a visit to a shebeen (a township tavern). The drivers/tour guides typically have a wealth of knowledge, factual and anecdotal, that they will share with the group en route. Grassroute tours also include a visit to the District Six Museum and a stop with a witch doctor. Springbok Atlas offer a half day cultural tour, which also includes a visit to the Bo Kaap, home to the city's Muslim community. Taking the blue route of the hop-on hop-off city sightseeing bus offers the opportunity to take the Imizamo Yethu township experience at stop 22. Uniformed community guides walk visitors around the township themselves and all funds apparently go back into the community. Other noteworthy township tours are run by Camissa, Inkululeko tours and Babi's tours.

With the increasing commercialisation of township tours, it can be a concern that more money goes to tour operators and less to the township communities themselves. The Grassroute tour employs a township resident called Archie, who does the walking tour around Langa. Those who categorically want to make sure that at least the majority of their money goes into the townships need to do their homework. Talking to any local resident of Cape Town will help, as they may have friends or family who would be willing to do a tour around their township. It's worth remembering, however, that the more informal tours may not be as safe as the more established tour operators who have more back-up should anything go wrong.

There are a number of projects in the townships that take international volunteers. In particular, there are a number of crèches that volunteers are sent to in Masiphumelele (known as 'Masi'), meaning 'We will succeed'. Volunteering will give visitors a greater insight into township life far greater than can be gleaned from a tour.

Township tours, whether run by tour operators or individuals, tend to cost 300 to 400 Rand for a 3-4 hour tour. The Imizamo Yethu tour along the hop-on hop-off bus route costs 50 Rand for 40 minutes.
Township Accommodation

Another emerging trend comes in the form of township bed and breakfasts. Staying overnight in a township is increasingly seen as an extension of the whole township experience. Vicky's B&B in Khayelitsha is the most established B&B in a Cape Town township. Vicky was the first to spot the gap in the market for tourist accommodation in townships and has now extended her brand to a self-sustaining sewing centre across the road. Ma Neo's B&B in Langa also comes highly recommended, as well as Kopanong B&B in Khayelitsha and Liziwe's Guest House in Gugulethu. In addition to providing accommodation for the night, the guest house owners tend to give much more to visitors who stay. They may invite them to help prepare the meal, watch their traditional cooking methods or take them to local music and dancing events.
Johannesburg Township Tourism in Soweto

Staying the night in townships in Cape Town is less established than in Soweto, south-west of Johannesburg. There are dozens of guest houses in Soweto and a number of decent bars and restaurants have emerged in response to the increased interest from tourists. The more advanced township tourism in Soweto is undoubtedly due to landmarks of historical significance, including Nelson Mandela's house, which is now a museum.

Article Source
Cape Town Sightseeing Tours

Cape Town – A Holiday With a Difference

Cape Town, in South Africa, is one of the world’s great marvels and a destination that’s guaranteed to give you a unique holiday. Sometimes however holidays can be as much of a challenge as they are a pleasure. The discerning traveller typically has limited time and high expectations and this leads to certain requirements.

• You may not enjoy spending endless hours trying to sort out your itinerary – and you simply may not have the time.
• You probably won’t welcome finding on arrival that you’re being shoehorned into agendas and sightseeing trips that are simply not to your taste.
• You probably are looking for holiday experiences that are a little more individual than the traditional packaged holiday.
• You may very well be a little jaded with many of the ‘conventional’ holiday destinations.

If this sounds like you, a tailor-made holiday to Cape Town may suit you better and here’s why.

Why Cape Town?

Few destinations can offer the variety of holiday experience that you’ll encounter in the Cape area. Although it’s something of a painful cliché, in reality there really is something for everyone including:

• Magnificent beaches on the peninsular – you can even choose whether to swim in the Indian or Atlantic Ocean.
• A city with centuries of history.
• A vast and diverse cultural legacy that incorporates elements of African, Dutch, British, Indian, Indonesian, Chinese and many other origins.
• An incomparable natural backdrop of Table Mountain, which offers walking and countryside exploration.
• A world famous centre for exotic plants (Kirstenbosch National Gardens).
• Access to great game and wildlife encounters in various reserves.
• Coastal path explorations with rare wildlife and penguin colonies.
• Access to the great South African vineyards and wine industry (and samples!).
• Superb shopping at any one of several major centres.

Cape Town is sometimes called Africa’s most cosmopolitan and interesting city. Whether you agree with that or not, just a glance at the above list indicates why it is a serious contender.

Your holiday

Interesting as the above list of attractions may be, not all of them may be to your personal taste. That’s why a holiday that shapes your time in South Africa to meet your requirements rather than somebody else’s may be of interest. It will allow you to indulge your tastes and in a fashion to suit you. So, for example, if you wish to visit the art galleries or museums then you can do so – and without being limited to a 15-minute breakneck tour.

Perhaps you’d then like a day on the beach followed up by a tour of the vineyards. After that you’d possibly like a guided walking tour around some of the historic streets but really aren’t too bothered about trips into the countryside to see wildlife. If so – that’s not a problem. Whatever your needs, an itinerary can be constructed to ensure that you see what you want to see and most importantly, enjoy your time in this great city.

Experience the Rainbow

People have lived in the cape region for millennia. Europeans have been coming here since the 15th century and people from all corners of the earth have made it their home. The city fully and proudly plays its part in the development of the modern South Africa’s ‘rainbow nation’ culture. So, come and explore it and see why Cape Town is so highly regarded as a holiday destination. It’s waiting to welcome you!

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

The online travel writing provided by Travel Content Online is free to take, providing you take the links in the text, too. Use it to add fresh online content to your website. Thank you for visiting us – hopefully our travel content will bring more visitors to your site, too.

Article Source
Century City Holiday Apartments

Chill Out With Cape Town Car Hire

It's the end of the year and the party mood is upon us all, and for many of us party central is the Mother City, Cape Town. If you're going to be heading down to the Cape for the festive season then you'll want to know that when you get off the plane that there's a hire car waiting for you so that you can immediately set off on your Cape adventure with the minimum of fuss and bother.

Cape Town car hire can represent extremely good value for money and allow the visitor the choice from amongst a wide variety of motor vehicles.

Cape Town car hireis as easy as making a phone call to one of the many car hire companies in the Peninsula or using the Internet and your credit card to pre book your hire vehicle. The key to successful car hire is timing. The popularity of Cape Town as a holiday destination means that you should book your vehicle well in advance of the holiday season.

If you're looking to take advantage of the convenience of Cape Town car hire then you should shop around at least a month before you are due to leave for the Cape Province, this will ensure that you get the best bang for your buck.

When you're making your choice don't limit yourself to the mundane, this is a city that is comfortable with individual expression, if you want to book a Harley, or an open top sports car then don't hesitate, it'll make your holiday that much more fun.

In fact it can be just as much fun as the holiday itself, don't hold back, you only live once. Take advantage of the sun and the sand and make sure that you get the most out of your holiday in the Cape Peninsula.

Whatever choice you make as far as Cape Town car hire try to get the most out of the experience and make sure that you don't limit yourself to just the city, get out into the countryside. You'll be glad you did.

Article Source

Car Rental Cape Town

Important Things to Know Before Signing Off For Your Rental Car

Before you sign the contract and drive away with your rental car, you need to make sure you really know what you have agreed to by signing that agreement. If something were to go wrong while you had the rental car, who would be responsible? How much are you really going to be charged when you return it? What happens if the car gets scratched while you are driving it? You need to consider each of these questions before signing a rental car agreement.

Rental Cars and Insurance

One of the first things you will be asked when you head to the check out counter to pick up your rental car keys is whether or not you want to purchase the rental agency's insurance policy. Do not say no without thinking first. If something were to happen to your rental car, would you be responsible for the damages? Without insurance, you would.

However, this does not mean that you need the rental car company's insurance policy. Do you have car insurance on your own vehicle? If so, find out what your current car insurance company covers on rental cars. You may have full coverage on rental cars with your current insurance provider.

Are you paying via credit card? If so, check with your credit card company. Many of them automatically put rental car insurance on the cars that are rented using their cards.

If you do not have insurance with either of these sources, then you need to consider buying it. Also, keep in mind that you will not only pay for the damages to the rental car if you are in an accident. You will also have to pay for the lost time on that car. If it takes three days to fix the car, you will pay for three days of rental on that car, since the rental car company cannot make money during that time frame.

Keep in mind that the damage to a rental car does not have to occur in an accident. If the car is scratched, you could be charged. Be sure to inspect the car thoroughly before driving it off of the rental car lot. Have any damages that you notice noted on your contract.

Hidden Fees and Charges

You may think that you know how much the rental car will cost when all is said and done, but you likely will be surprised when you get your final bill due to additional fees and charges. Of course, you will have to pay taxes on your rental car. Be sure you plan for this when budgeting for a rental car.

You may also be charged for gas. Some rental car companies charge a flat fee for gas and instruct their renters to return the car close to empty. Others will not charge the gas fee if the car is returned full. If you can fill the car up yourself, do so, because the rate the rental car company is going to charge for gas will be more than the gas station down the street.

If a driver on the contract is under 25 years old, expect to pay an additional fee, if the rental car company will even allow this driver to drive the car. Also, adding additional drivers to the agreement will cost extra. Finally, be sure to inquire about late fees, and turn the car in on time unless you absolutely cannot do so.

Renting a car seems like it should be an easy task, but there are many considerations that you need to make before signing the contract. Make sure that you know exactly what you are agreeing to do, and follow through with your end of the contract. This will protect you from unexpected and expensive fees when you return the car.

Article Source
Car Rental Cape Town

Find Addo B&B Accommodation and Addo Guest House Accommodation Easily

Addo is in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa and world renown for its elephant attraction. To have an amazing and awe inspiring time, find your guest house accommodation or Addo B&B accommodation in a perfect setting. You will learn that the Eastern Cape is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the world.

It is attractive in that it is malaria free and offers an abundance of animal viewing of elephants, Rhinos, buffaloes, Lions and Leopards. You will also be able to experience and witness both whales and sharks - a truly remarkable opportunity. The climate is quite moderate all year around, so a great holiday destination. The sea in the Eastern Cape is also relatively warm, making it an absolutely ideal choice - Wildlife, sea life, moderate temperature, super sea and friendly people.

The area offers truly South African hospitality and culture. You will certainly get a feel for the country and its vibe by acquainting yourself with this part of the land. Your guest house/ Addo B&B accommodation hosts are also passionate about the Eastern Cape and will be able to refer you to the ideal local hot spots - including having an elephant ride nearby.

It is quite a tropical area, so fruit - particularly citrus will be in abundance - just like every thing else good. Great food, really quality and affordable accommodation. Your accommodation establishments will ensure you have adequate privacy along with tending to your hospitality needs. Add to your life experience by taking in this special opportunities offered.

Article Source
Addo Accommodation

Experience Cape Town

Undoubtedly one of the most spectacular cities in the world and a regular on any list of ‘top tourist attractions’, but why? ‘Tired of London, Tired of life’ goes the expression - well the same applies to Cape Town.

A gourmets delight. Fresh seafood & international cuisine with a decidedly South African twist, and a huge range of eateries ranging from cheap & funky to award-winning fine-dining. Great value too – anything from £7 per person !

Think of South Africa and I am sure wine comes to mind at some point. Home to the very full-bodied Pinotage grape variety and some other great wines, ports and brandies.

If you are in town at the right time why not try and get a ticket for a Curry Cup or Tri-Nations rugby match at Newlands or any game at the Newlands cricket ground, surely the most scenic test ground in the world.

Table Mountain is so much more than just a flat-topped mountain. You can climb it, fly over it, walk up it, abseil down it, have breakfast on it, get married on it or just look at it.

On the coast, amongst vineyards, in the mountains – the Cape’s 70 golf courses offer spectacular golf. Can your golf match it do you think?

Come face to face with one of the most feared predators on the planet and dive (in a cage) with the Great White Sharks.Hit the beach in Camps Bay, Clifton, Hout Bay or Blouberg.

The beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Groot Constantia Estate are lovely days out. Take a picnic and sit amongst the vines or gardens and take in the beauty.

Article Source
Car Hire Cape Town

Online Shopping Tips

{mosimage}Selection and convenience are two of the primary reasons for shopping online. Why should I get dressed, get in my car, drive through the traffic, and struggle to find a parking place to get to a brick and mortar store that may or may not have the item I want? Instead, I can sit in comfortably in my own home, in my robe and furry slippers and purchase the item I need online and arrange for overnight delivery.

Well, it really isn't as cut and dried as I've described. There are definite advantages and disadvantages to online shopping. For instance, if I really want to purchase a gift for the birthday party that I'll be attending later today, I'd better warm up my car. Even with express service, there is no “instant” delivery. While the Internet can give you more information about a product than you'd get in a store, sometimes that information just isn't enough. For example, I can read that the new perfume is a combination of gardenia, freesia and sandalwood with a delicate top note of vanilla, but nothing can substitute for actually smelling the fragrance.

Is Online Shopping Really Safe?
The first question that I am often asked about online shopping is this: "Is it really safe to use your credit card online?" The answer is that it is often safer to use your credit card online than paying for dinner by giving your card to a waiter or waitress who disappears for a given period. However, there are ways to confirm that you are protected when shopping online.

Shop Only at Secure Sites
Always make sure that you shop only at secure sites. Before you provide a credit card number or personal information, make sure the site has been authenticated as a secure site. Sometimes, you may click from one site to another and may wonder whether the current site is really secure. There is an easy way to tell. The address of the secure page will begin with "https" instead of "http". The extra "s" stands for "secure." At the lower left-hand corner or bottom-middle of your screen depending on your browser, you will also see an icon in the form of an unbroken key or a closed padlock. Both of these represent secure sites using SSL or Secure Socket Layering, which is a particularly reliable encryption process that scrambles credit card information once it is entered and before it is transferred. Remember, the entire site does not have to be secure, but you should see the https and the lock or unbroken key on the page requesting your shipping and credit card information.

Use Reputable Companies
Be sure to shop with reputable companies. Because credit card fraud takes a bite out of their bottom line, most reputable companies have devoted a great deal of effort to ensure that your personal information is safeguarded and that your transactions are secure. Always read the security information as well as the refund, restocking and return policies of the company even if they are a well-known business.

Remember that anyone can set up an Internet site. If you are unfamiliar with this particular company, see if they have a toll-free telephone number that you can use. Ask friends and neighbors for feedback about the company, and place a few small orders with them before you make a large purchase. Always remember to look for a valid physical address and/or telephone number for the company that you will be dealing with.

Return Policy
When shopping online the return policy can be very important. Can you return the product if you don’t like it? Is there a restocking fee? Will the company pay return postage if the product arrives damaged? If the Web site also has a brick and mortar store can you return the product there?

Pay by Credit Card
If you pay online by credit card, the Fair Credit Billing Act will protect your transaction. Under this legislation, consumers have the right to dispute certain charges and temporarily withhold payment; generally customers are held liable for only the first $50 worth of unauthorized credit card charges. The type credit card used can also make a difference. Some cards provide supplemental warranties or other purchase-protection benefits.

Keep Good Records
Always print a copy of all your purchase orders and confirmation numbers. If the company sends an e-mail confirmation of your transaction, be sure to read the fine print on the e-mail. Also promptly check your monthly bank and credit card statements. Reconcile these statements with the records of your transactions to make sure that any billing errors or unauthorized purchases are reported within the required timeframe.

Sandy's Favorite Shopping Spots
With my busy schedule, I do a lot of my shopping online. HSN.com is one of my perennial favorites for jewelry and household items. You can watch the television presentations right on your computer and get a lot of information about the products before you make your purchase. HSN is very large. They use their purchasing power to negotiate good prices and often use value-added items to entice you to buy. For instance, I saw a printer on HSN selling for the same price as Best Buy, but on HSN the printer also came with paper and software making the value-ad more than offset the shipping charges.

Article Source

Life Insurance South Africa