The whales that congregate in this area for calving purposes every year are considered to be the least understood of all the species, they have inhabited the southern oceans for over 60 million years and are said to have the most highly evolved brain of all mammalian species. Every year from June to late November they move from the Southern Atlantic Ocean to the coastal regions off South Africa, Australia and South America. The region along the southern coast has some of the best viewing of these gentle giants and by all accounts the best of these is Witsand. Accommodation in this normally sleepy town can become hard to find at this time of year due to the popularity of watching the new mothers with their calves.

In 2005 a survey counted 130 whales and 51 calves a massive number considering that they have been a protected species for barely 40 years. The region along this particular stretch of coast is sparsely populated and other than in the town of Witsand, accommodation can be hard to find so booking in advance is important if you wish to witness this spectacleoflife.

The calving is a natural complement to an area that is already full of beauty. Witsand means White Sand which is simply a reference to the brilliantly white sandy beach that hems in the town. This eye catching phenomenon is caused by an underground water supply that leeches the red iron oxide out of the sand leaving it bleached white. What makes this even more striking is the fact that the town sits on the mouth of the Breede River whose muddy brown water spills onto the dazzling white beaches of Witsand. Accommodation can be found all the way up the BreedeRiver and the historical Pont can be found near Malgas. This historical river crossing is still in use today. The roads in this area, however, are not well maintained and getting around can take time and could require a 4×4.

If you are after coastal activities it would be most practical to find Witsand accommodation, the river estuary formed by the river mouth provides a safe location for a range of activities, including windsurfing, swimming, paddle-skiing and fishing. These waters provide some of the best fishing in South Africa, the most common catch been the Spotted Grunter. Garrick, Shad and Steenbras are also commonly caught. Most Witsand accommodation owners are happy to provide you with information about the best fishing spots or even offer a charter service.

Perhaps the strangest thing you could experience at Witsand is what the locals call Brulsand which, in English means Roaring Sands, when the wind blows just right and the dunes start to move they release an eerie low rumbling noise. Finding Witsand accommodation is finding a place to share in natures wonders.

South Africa is home to the top three universities in Africa. In 2010 the University of Cape Town ranked number one – if you choose this university as your tertiary education institution  not only will you leave with a sought after qualification but you would have studied underneath the guidance of some of the top lecturers and resources on the continent. The University of Pretoria and the University of Stellenbosch rank second and third, and without a doubt will give an education and tertiary education experience to be proud of.

The decision of what to study can often lead to where to study. There are many Universities in South Africa that are renowned for being the best at giving certain degrees. For example, Rhodes University in Grahamstown is notorious for their excellent journalism faculty and degree, and the best place to study veterinary science is at the University of Pretoria.  Another factor involved is language. Although it is compulsory to learn two languages at school level, most students would prefer to attend a University that teaches in their mother tongue. The University of Stellenbosch mostly lectures in Afrikaans, however some of the courses are also taught in English. The Mangosuthu University of Technology is accommodating towards Zulu speaking students, as the institution is in Kwa-Zulu Natal, the province which is home to the largest population of South African Zulu speakers.

Unfortunately one of the factors that must be considered when applying to a University are its fees. Many bursaries are offered to previously disadvantaged students, and those who wish to pay back their university fees can often take out student loans. Unfortunately student loans are not available to foreign students but many scholarships can be won by students from African countries wishing to study in South Africa. Foreigners who otherwise wish to study at one of the Universities in South Africa will find that they may have to pay higher fees than their fellow students who are South African citizens.

South Africans have a wide choice of tertiary education institutions to choose from, ranging from collages, schools, and universities. Although the decision of where to go is a big one which must not be taken lightly, a University degree will nudge you a step above the rest and may even anchor you a career in a shaky economy.  Not only will you receive a good education but you’ll make new friends and contacts to later network with, and will have the opportunity to become involved in University events, outings, and committees. Lastly, a University degree can never be taken away from you and an education is never worthless. By attending a University, not only will you be one of the elite to be fortunate enough to get this education and experience, but you will be able to make a valuable contribution to your society and work towards your dream career.

If you’re lucky enough to be heading off on your holidays to Cape Town with a full wallet and an empty credit card, looking forward to treating yourself to a luxurious getaway and a few weeks of pampering – don’t read on. If, however, you’re like many people who save all year for your annual holidays and have to keep an eye on your spending whilst abroad, then this article is for you. Cape Town is an eclectic destination with the ubiquitous “something for everyone”. It really is a place where you can splurge or save and, depending on your circumstances, you may find a few of these ideas suit your pocket perfectly.

Camps Bay Beach

In summer at least, the beaches are definitely the best place to be in Cape Town. With many to choose from, Camps Bay Beach is definitely rated amongst the best. The palm-fringed beaches create a picturesque contrast to the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain. Whether you want to engage in some of the many water sports available, swim lazily in the shallows, sunbathe, or simply sit in a pavement cafe; Camps Bay Beach is a wonderful place to pass some time without having to spend a lot of money.

Greenmarket Square Flea Market

Whilst you certainly will have to pay for any purchases which tempt you, it doesn’t cost anything to wander around these wonderful markets and soak up the history. Located centrally in Cape Town, Greenmarket Square has a long and chequered history, starting out as a slave market. Through incarnations as a fruit and vegetable market and a parking lot, in the 80′s it was transformed into a small flea market. Today it has evolved into a thriving hub of craft and creativity. As well as the many stalls and shops which line the square, there is an abundance of cafes and restaurants ideal for watching the passing parade of Cape Town – all for the price of a coffee.

Breakfast in the Kirstenbosch Gardens

Surely one of the most relaxing places in Cape Town, the beautiful Kirstenbosch Gardens do have an entry fee but, at what is equivalent to the price of a cup of coffee in some cities around the world, you certainly get a lot more bang for your buck here. Treat yourself to a budget-busting breakfast in one of the most sublime settings you will ever find. Over 500 hectares are devoted to the propagation and maintenance of indigenous South African plants and flowers and, after a full English breakfast to give you strength, you can spend the rest of a lazy morning exploring the gardens at your leisure.

Enter the Dragons

If you head down to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront any Monday to Thursday evening, you can witness the practice sessions of Cape Town’s Dragon Boat rowers. If you’re even luckier, your visit will coincide with an official race. This spectacular sport commemorates the death of an ancient Chinese poet and the boats are beautifully decorated to represent a dragon. Each boat is crewed by 22 rowers, a steersman and a drummer to keep the beat of the stroke. Watching both the practice sessions and the actual races is free and it is easy to get swept up in the exciting atmosphere.

Cape Town is a wonderful place to visit for a few days or a few weeks. How much you spend is up to you but, for those with a small budget but a big imagination, the sky’s the limit.

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Car Hire Cape Town

With over 40  000 cyclists partaking in the event each year forging ahead on a 109  km route around Cape Town, the Cape Argus cycle bike race has become an anticipated occasion across the country and the world as international cyclists frequently enter.

The event has included competitors such as Miguel Indurain and Jan Ulrich.

Cape Argus Cycle Tour History

The first event was fairly modest and took place during 1978. It was organised by Bill Myrlea and John Stegmann and named the Big-Ride-In with the intention to create attention to the need for cycle paths in South Africa. The event attracted hundreds of amateur and professional cyclists alike all in a bid to create awareness. Lawrence Whittacker, the Mayor of Cape Town at the time also partook in the event.

As time progressed the cycle event was later named the Peninsula Marathon. However, to accommodate the local newspaper, the Cape Argus, the event was renamed.  Thus the event is officially called Cape Argus cycle bike race   and is part of five major cycling events which occur over a one week period which starts a week before the Cape Argus Cycle Tour.

The most alluring aspect of the event is that it includes various age groups. The idea is to encourage an interest in cycling from a tender age and to develop the interest.

The event comprises of the following events:

• The Tricycle Tour which is meant for children under 6 years of age
• The Junior Cycle Tour for children between 6 and 12years of age
• The MTB Challenge which is a Mountain Bike event
• The Giro del Capo which is a 5 day pro stage race

Cape Argus Cycle Bike Race

We visit Yzerfontein the first town on the “West coast”, with its long, out stretched beaches, surf and sunshine. We continue on our way to Langebaan the jewel of the West Coast. We visit the West Coast national park, view the lagoon and visit the Fossil park where paleontological remains were found that dates back to between five and seven million years back. On our way back we drive thru darling and return back to Cape Town.

And thats the end of the West Coast Tour.

Cape West Coast Tours

It was initially unclear whether Mandela, who led South Africa out of apartheid in 1994, would attend the event.  But last night, in a small golf cart and seated alongside his wife, Graca Machel, the smiling but frail looking 91-year-old was welcomed by a thunderous mix of vuvuzelas and roars from the Johannesburg crowd. He shook hands with officials before leaving the field a few minutes later.

The opening ceremony to the big match which saw the Netherlands take on Spain in the title clash, started with a performance by singer Shakira.

Backed by South African Afro-fusion band Freshlyground, she gave one last rendition of the cup’s theme tune, Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) after a light show and fireworks.

Also performing was Grammy Award-winning cappella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The presence of Mandela, revered globally for his role in fighting apartheid and leading his country to democracy, adds to South African joy at successfully hosting the first World Cup on the continent.

National team Bafana Bafana bowed out of the tournament at the first-round stage but President Jacob Zuma said on Saturday the relatively smooth hosting of the finals made its people the champions.

He also thanked the nation, saying they were stars and champions for hosting a successful tournament and “opening up your country and your hearts to the world”.

Sceptics had doubted Africa’s economic powerhouse could organise the World Cup, including completing construction of stadiums on time.

While there have been incidents of tourists being robbed, the world’s biggest sporting event has taken place largely peacefully, confounding fears of attacks on foreigners in a country with one of the world’s highest rates of violent crime outside a war zone.

Chief local organiser Danny Jordaan said the tournament had brought the races together and enabled South Africans to walk tall after being told for years they were inferior.

He said: “The nation has crossed a huge psychological barrier.”

This World Cup has been the third best attended ever, with three million seats sold, behind the United States in 1994 and Germany in 2006.

If you are traveling to South Africa check out this adventure tours cape town site

Holiday Accommodation Milnerton

The Waterfront and Sea Point are the closest for all shopping requirements and Green Point is dominated by a mix of restaurants, bars and lively pubs.

Green Point Holiday Accommodation, in one of Cape Town’s trendiest places to hang out in, and for those looking for entertainment; they have a huge variety of restaurants, delis and also coffee bars and most awesome views of the Atlantic Ocean and of Robben Island.

Staying in Green Point gives visitors easy access to some of the best attractions Cape Town has to offer.

Also the home of the new world class Green Point Stadium being built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup being hosted in South Africa.

Self Catering Green Point