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Southern Africa Region

Southern Africa is thesouthern most region of the African continent, variably defined by geography or geopolitics. Within the region are numerous territories, including the Republic of South Africa, the simpler term South Africa is generally reserved for the country in English.

The terrain of Southern Africa is varied, ranging from forest and grasslands to deserts. The region has both low-lying coastal areas, and mountains. In terms of natural resources, the region has the world's largest resources of platinum and the platinum group elements, chromium, vanadium, and cobalt, as well as uranium, gold, titanium, iron and diamonds

The region is distinct from the rest of Africa, with some of its main exports including platinum, diamonds, gold, and uranium, but it is similar in that it shares some of the problems of the rest of the continent. While colonialism has left its mark on the development over the course of history, today poverty, corruption, and HIV/AIDS are some of the biggest factors impeding economic growth. The pursuit of economic and political stability is an important part of the region's goals, as demonstrated by the SADC. South Africa is the dominant economic "superpower" of the region. South Africa's GDP is a multiple of the sum of the GDPs of all the other countries in the region.

Source : Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Africa

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Featured City - Cape Town

A 2010 Fifa World Cup host city, Cape Town is gearing up for the tourist influx with a host of infrastructure upgrades, such as the Integrated Rapid Transit system and the impressive new Cape Town stadium and its associated Green Point Common, which is being developed now that the stadium is fully functional. The common is expected to become an important social gathering site once complete.

Cape Town also hosts a number of other popular sporting events, such as the annual Cape Argus and Cape Epic cycle tours and the Two Oceans ultramarathon. Participants from all over the world descend on the city to pit their skills and endurance against the best athletes in these taxing sporting disciplines.

The city has an abundance of unspoilt beaches for those who love to soak up the sun, and it is also known for its bustling nightlife and fine restaurants. Some of the top establishments in the country are to be found here, a number of which have also won international acclaim.

A little further inland, the Cape winelands offer award-winning wines from many world-renowned estates, some of them possessing an ancestry that dates right back to the early days of the Cape’s colonisation by the Dutch.

The city also boasts many highly rated hotels, ranging from the brand-new One and Only – part of a growing international chain developed by South African hospitality tycoon Sol Kerzner – to the venerable Mount Nelson, which opened on 6 March 1899 and is a favourite of well-heeled travellers.

No description of Cape Town would be complete without a mention of its most spectacular landmark, the flat-topped Table Mountain, part of the 30 000ha Table Mountain National Park, administered by South African National Parks. Not only is the site home to a wide range of animals and birds, it’s also popular with thrill-seekers who are able to hike, climb, cave, and base-jump from its many cliffs. Read more >>

Source : MediaClubSouthAfrica.com

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Soccer World Cup - South Africa

The 2010 World Cup Football Tournament is on its way to South Africa. Important for visitors and tourists over this period to execute good planning beforehand to ensure personal, family and touring group satisfaction. Some critical areas that will require attention in setting up your itinerary:

• Flight Bookings
• Travel Insurance
• Accommodation
• Car rental / local travel arrangements
• Directions and maps
• Local conditions
• Restaurants
• Tours / tour guides

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