Group4Geo

=The Wonders of the Land = =//Exploring the Special Geographical Features of South Africa //     = =  =  **Our Valleys will echo the voices of all man our dreams will be carried on the wind across the sand, for we are free with dignity, in this our land. **-expert from Andi Fisher's poem, Nelson Mandela -Father of the Nation

media type="youtube" key="4sN_wilMbRk" height="321" width="388" The above video features the amazing landscape of South Africa. On our cruise we will have plenty of time set aside to enjoy the beauty of South Africa. Relax on the beach, climb the highest mountain in Africa, go on Safari, indulge in a trip to the wine country; South Africa's amazing landscape will astound you. As you can tell from the map, South Africa has miles and miles of beaches. The country is surrounded by water on three sides. As we spend time in Cape Town we will take in the beautiful beaches of white sand and jagged sandstone (Kalman). The beaches of cape town are a fun relaxing way to spend the day. Roll out your beach blanket and strike up a conversation with any number of local South Africans who are sunning themselves on the beach. Clifton Beach, pictured below is a favorite destination of wealthy South Africans.

For our hikers in the group, prepare for a challenge. The Drakensberg (also known as Dragon) Mountains, located in the east, are full of sheer cliff faces and ravines. For those looking for less strenuous physical activity, but still want to enjoy this area of South Africa, we will be horseback riding through trails in the mountains. White water rafting and helicopter rides overlooking the mountain range are also available.



How can we take a trip to Africa and not go on a safari? We will take a safari through South Africa's Kruger National Park, while visiting eastern South Africa. Wikipedia sites the park as being, "part of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere, an area designated by the [|United Nations Education and Scientific Organisation] (UNESCO) as an International Man and Biosphere Reserve (the Biosphere)." We will have the chance to observe many different plants and animals. As many as 140 species of mammals, 110 species of reptiles, 450 species of birds, and 50 species of fish, can be observed in the park. (Kalman). We encourage you to go on our overnight safari, to get in two full days of observing nature in its natural habitat. The sleeping areas are specially designated, and not near the animals. The park has 21 rest camps, as well as 7 private lodge concessions, and 11 designated private safari lodges, so need to fear the dangers of the wild (wkipedia). For our purposes, accommodations have been booked at the private safari lodges. The safari is led by South African rangers, who are experts on the six ecosystems of the park. They will be available over the whole course of the trip to answer any questions you might have about their native land and its inhabitants. South Africa produces some of the best wines in the world. The vinyards of the west are one of South Africa's most popular destinations. Insight Guide: South Africa has much to say about the wines of the area, "While South Africa is still largely a white wine-producing country in quantity, it's the classical red varieties that produce the finest quality. And the French influence remains strong, with well-traveled young local winemakers constantly arguing the merits of 'Old World Structure', elegance and longevity versus 'New World' softness, fruitiness and immediate drinkability." We will spend an afternoon wine tasting and visting botique wine shops. Eyewitness travel guide has nothing but praise for the winelands, "The Cape's winelands are a scenically enchanting region of lofty mountains and fertile valleys and slopes planted with orchards and vines. Nestled in the valleys are graceful Cape Dutch manor houses."

Works Cited (for this page) Bein Wine. 9 Dec. 2008 .

Brett, Michael, and Brian J. Barker, eds. South Africa. Grand Rapids: Dorling Kindersley, Incorporated, 2003.

Clark, Domini. South Africa - The Land. Boston: Crabtree Company, 1999.

"Drakensberg." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 3 Dec 2008, 22:43 UTC. 9 Dec 2008 .

"Kruger National Park : South Africa Safari." Destination Kruger Park. Siyabona Africa Travel. 9 Dec. 2008.

Mitchell, Jason, Johannes Haape, and Melissa De Villers, eds. Insight Guide South Africa. New York: Insight Guides, 2005.

South Africa, Land of Beauty and Contrast. (2007). Retrieved December 9, 2008, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sN_wilMbRk

"South Africa." Map. Country Profile of South Africa. The Hart Leadership Program. 9 Dec. 2008 .