Hotels in South Africa

South Africa is also known as the Republic of South Africa. It is the southernmost country in the continent of Africa. It has a total area of 1,221,037 km2 making it the largest country in Southern Africa. It is also the 25th largest countries in the world. It has around 57,725,600 population based on the latest 2018 estimation and is the 24th most populous nation. The country is located on the coastline of Southern Africa making it be neighbouring to Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. On the east, the country is neighbouring to Mozambique and Swaziland. Lesotho is also another country within the vicinity. The country uses the currency South African Rand (ZAR).

South Africa is a multi-ethnic society. Around 80% of the people are Sub-Saharan ancestry that is divided among a variety of ethnic groups speaking different African languages. Currently, they have 11 official languages. They are Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, English, Northern Sotho, Tswana, Southern Sotho, Tsonga, Swazi, Venda, and Southern Ndebele. Although all languages are formally equal however based on research, it is found that the three most spoken languages are Zulu, Xhosa and Afrikaans.

South African food is very diverse. Most of the food consists of meat-based and are largely barbecued. Many social gathering or known as braai would enjoy such food choice. Other than meat, South Africa also produces a lot of wine. The country has some of the best vineyards in the valley such as Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl and Barrydale.

The much-played games here are soccer, rugby and cricket. Other sports are played too such as swimming, golf, boxing and netball. Many soccer players originate from Mexico such as Steven Pienaar. South Africa also has hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup before. Other than soccer star, there are also other athletes that originate from Mexico and has successfully carved their name in the hall of fame.

How to Get There

By Flight

The best way to get to Ireland from Singapore is by plane. The flight ticket price to South Africa is between SGD 1500 to SGD 2500 for two-way flights for each person depending on the date of travel. There is a direct flight to South Africa from Singapore, and there are also flights where there will be a need to take a transit normally in Ethiopia. Among airlines that travel to Ireland are Singapore Airlines, Ethiopian Airways, Cathay Pacific and Emirates. This is the price usually charged for those who will fly to the main city of Johannesburg or Cape Town. As soon as tourists arrive at the airport, there are many available means of transport such as taxis, trains, and buses.

By Train

South Africa has some of the extensive rail networks and is the 14th longest track in the world. The tracks of South Africa are connected to the ones in the sub – Saharan region. The whole network covers almost 80% of the African land. Tourists may take the Blur Train which is one of the famous luxury trains, and it connects the country’s major cities.

By Minibus Taxis

It is not exactly a bus however it is a van where there will be drivers who would gather a group of passengers with the same destination and drive them in the van. There I no exact schedule or routes. The drivers would normally wait for a full capacity of the van before departing to the designated destination. However, this is one of the common transportation found in South Africa.

What to Do There?

Cape Point Nature Reserve

Cape Point is a small island nearby to Cape Town. It lies at the tip of the Cape Peninsula to be exact. It is a nature reserve at the Table Mountain National Park. Before they got the name Cape Point, it was called Cape of Storms by the navigator Bartolomeu Dias in 1859. To get here, tourists will need to take a helicopter for less than 5 minutes at 87 above sea level. There are many flora and fauna that can be found here that consists of over 250 species of birds. To get there, it will cost SGD 15 for the entrance and another SGD 7 for the helicopter ride.

Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach is located at Simon’s Town in False Bay. This beach is very famous because it houses around 3000 African penguins on its clean, white sand beach. They have a Foxy Beach boardwalk that allows visitors to view the penguins from afar. Visitors may approach them too, however, are warned to be careful as these penguins are quite aggressive. They may bite with their sharp beaks. Besides the penguins, there are also other mammals and also dolphins and whales in the sea. It will cost SGD 8 to enter the beach vicinity.

V&A Waterfront

V&A Waterfront is where many tourists would flock at in South Africa. It was originally named after Great Britain’s Queen Victoria and her youngest son Alfred. Here is where tourists would be able to get hundreds of shopping outlets, fine dining or street food, many live entertainments where most of them are free. Other than that, there are creative workshops, concerts and puppet shows too. There are also museums and markets where it will help tourists to learn more about the city. This is a great chance for tourists to enjoy many activities without spending too much money.

Table Mountain

Table Mountain is a very famous attraction in South Africa. The building is as high as 3560 feet high. To get there, tourists may take the cableway up. It will cost around SGD 33. Otherwise, tourists may hike up too. While getting to the top, visitors may enjoy the scenery of the city because the cableway has rotating floors and enormous windows. Once reached the top, there are plenty of other things that can be done. There is a restaurant where you can eat while enjoying the view. There are also several shops. For those who would like to learn more, there are audio tours that can help. Tourists can also join a guided walk that is free and family friendly. The place open from 8 is until 9.30 pm.

World of Birds

World of Birds is a park dedicated for birds. It is a walk through aviaries and is the largest bird park in Africa. It is located in Hout Bay. There are more than 400 bird species that totals up to 3000 birds. Some of the species that are available there are parrots, turacos and flamingos. There are also other small animals such as tamarins, marmosets and baboons. This park also acts as the breeding centre for threatened species and rehabilitation centre for injured birds. It will cost SGD 12 for adults to enter while for kids it will be SGD 5.

Where to Stay?

Mantovani Guest Houses no 1 and 2

Mantovani Guest Houses no 1 and 2 is a 3-star accommodation. It is a guest house. Therefore, the facilities are similar to a house too. Guests may enjoy the barbecue pit, outdoor pool, wifi and parking space. The accommodation still has their restaurant where they prepare food for their guests. They also have the facility for those who wish to have a meeting here. The owners also can provide wedding preparation services. The rooms here are also affordable. They are priced between SGD 75 to SGD 150.

The Carousel Hotel & Acacia Place

This is a 4-star star hotel located in Bojanala Platinum District Municipality, Province of North West. This hotel is located near the Wonderboom Airport, Wonderboom Nature Reserve and other interesting attractions. The hotel also has many facilities and services that will make all of their guests’ stay more comfortable, convenient and also memorable. Some of them are a 24-hour receptionist, wifi in all rooms and spaces, laundry services, restaurants and several other facilities. The hotel also has a game room, spa, casino and children club. They even have a babysitting service. Guests staying at the hotel can enjoy breakfast and coffee or tea at the hotel too. The restaurants can provide local delicacies to their guests.

Protea Hotel by Marriott Harrismith Montrose

This is a 3-star hotel. It has many room types to choose from. Each room has different rates and offers different facilities. The rates are also very affordable especially when they offer a lot of facilities together with the stay. The hotel has a bar, conference room, wifi, parking space and also the restaurant for their guest to enjoy breakfast or other meals of the day. There are also nearby facilities nearby such as ATM, gift shop and convenience store. This hotel also allows pets to be checked in.

Garden Court Sandton City

Garden Court Sandton City is a 3-star hotel that is located in City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality. The hotel has many services such as a 24-hour reception desk. Apart from that they also provide laundry services, shuttle service to the local train station and airport, as well as parking space and also meeting facilities. There will be newspapers placed at the lobby every morning. The hotel also provides services for tour arrangements. Furthermore, the hotel has a bar, restaurant and also wifi. The hotel also has prepared a space for their guests who smoke and also pool sun loungers.

Art Lovers Guesthouse

This is a 5-star hotel located in Fezile Dabi District Municipality, Free State, South Africa. Many choose his hotel due to their attention to detail when it comes to their interior decoration to the hospitality of the guests. Not to mention their room comfort and cleanliness are well taken care of. The host would prepare a very delicious breakfast for their guests every day. Many guests who have stayed here came back to experience the stay again.