Johannesburg-the gateway to the rainbow nation

South africa is known as the Rainbow Nation due to the complex variety of cultures,languages and tribes.Since The release of Nelson Mandela and the democratic elections of 1994, the country has risen as the leader of the African continent.Tourism is growing rapidly,but most of the world has not seen the real South Africa yet.

Flying into any of the major cities like Johannesburg,Cape Town,Durban and Port Elizabeth a whole new world opens up.South Africa is a country to visit all year round if you have the knowledge of the different regions.Flying into Johannesburg airport,now known as O.R.Tambo airport,the hub of the financial centre,one quickly notices the mixture of rich and impoverty.Johannesburg is the starting point to visit the excellent game farms and the Kruger National Park.

The best time for these visits are the winter months May ,June,July and August.The reason for this is mainly the lack of mosquitoes with a lower risk of malaria,the dry season that forces the animals to go to the watering holes and thus easier to spot.At the same time the temperatures are mild during day time,cold at night,but much more bearable than the 40 degree plus in summer time.Even the bushes an grass are at a shorter level,so wild animals can easily be seen.

Visiting Cape Town via a 2 hour flight from Johannesburg or with the luxury Blue Train,is best from end December to mid April,less tourists,less south easterly winds and incredible long sunny days.This is the best time to visit the wine growing regions like Stellenbosch,Paarl and Franschoek,the French Quarter.Shopping and dining is out of this world,due to the influence of the Indians,Malaysians,French and Dutch.The views from the top of Table Mountain across the bay and harbour (now the possession of an American syndicate) are exquisite.

From Cape Town a 2 hour flight takes you to Port Elizabeth,or a 8 hour non stop drive.The last can really be for a week or two as you will be driving along the most scenic part of the country,the Garden Route.Port Elizabeth is known as the 'windy city',but the locals will tell you a different story.Get out early at 6 in the morning onto the famous beaches untill 10 during summertime,and you will have perfect weather.This region is highly undervalued,due being the motor manufacturing hub of South Africa,especially Uitenhage,known as 'Beetle City',due to the presence of VW.Properties can still be snapped up for a fraction of the cost of the Western Cape along the coastline,although the beaches and weather along the Indian Ocean are far better than those along the cold Atlantic!

From Port Elizabeth a 2 hour flight takes you eastwards to Durban,the subtropical tourist paradise.Humidity can be high,but the pure beauty and cultural variety,make this a must visit in South Africa.Durban is considering putting in a bid for the next Olympic Games.This region has excellent coastlines,private game parks,national parks and a variety of cuisines.

For more info visit: http://www.johannesburg-flight.com/

I love travel and has covered most of South Africa's destinations over a period of 30 plus years.Now a UK citizen,dental surgeon and internet marketer as hobby.