Mahe to Cape Town

Mahé

Despite its high population density and
development level, the island of Mahé, the largest of the
Seychelles archipelago, contains plenty of hidden treasures, not
least of which is a legendary pirate's cache purportedly buried at
Bel Ombre. The southern end of the island still sports deserted
beaches, and even the busy northern urban enclave, which includes
the international airport and capital city, Victoria, exudes
laid-back charm.

The spine of the island is a spectacular
mountain range that includes Morne Seychellois, the island's
highest peak. Around the peak is one of the island's beautiful
national parks, offering great hiking and stunning scenery. More
than 60 idyllic beaches fringed with swaying palm trees can be
found along the shoreline, offering a host of activities including
diving and various other watersports. There are several interesting
sights on the island, particularly in friendly Victoria.

Although not renowned for its nightlife,
Mahé is the liveliest island after dark and resorts such as the
Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Beach Resort and Casino, and several
nightclubs and restaurants serve up traditional Creole delights and
provide some evening entertainment.

Port Louis

The capital of the island of Mauritius is a town full of
character and slightly faded elegance, set prettily within an
amphitheatre of mountains at the midpoint of the western coastline.
Port Louis is a noisy, bustling town with a charm all of its
own.

Reminiscent of its multi-faceted colonial history, the city
boasts some fine French buildings dating from the 18th century,
both an Anglican and a Catholic cathedral, a mosque, and a
fortified citadel, known as Fort Adelaide. The fort is the best
place from which to enjoy a panoramic view of the town, harbour,
and famous racecourse (which was once a French military parade
ground, and became the first racecourse in the southern
hemisphere).

It may be the capital, but Port Louis is not home to the vast
majority of Mauritians; the main residential areas are in the
cooler, wetter highlands inland. However, Port Louis is the gateway
to the prime beaches and resorts of the Mauritian coast, including
Flic en Flac and Grand Baie. Although the reason most people visit
Mauritius is for sun and sea, the capital city has some interesting
museums and entertaining excursions to offer for those who choose
to make it their base for exploring the rest of the island.

Pointe des Galets

The island of Réunion is a tiny bit of France with a tropical twist. Situated 500 miles (805km) east of Madagascar, and nicknamed 'l'Ile Intense', Réunion is a dramatic, mountainous paradise created and shaped by volcanoes. The scent of vanilla, stretches of black and white sand beaches, forest-covered peaks, rugged valleys, gushing waterfalls and an incredibly diverse and friendly population make this an idyllic destination.

Réunion is first and foremost an alluring tropical getaway, but its interesting mix of cultures and peoples adds another interesting element to the island. Indeed, the history of Réunion island is reflected in its people. The Portuguese stumbled across the unoccupied territory in 1513, but it was the French who descended in 1646 and really made their mark. French exiles and colonists, Malagasy slaves, Chinese indentured labourers, Indians and Pakistanis have subsequently created a rich melting pot of cultures, as well as contributing to the creation of the island's most widely spoken language, Réunion Creole.

Réunion was hard hit by the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, as it lost significance as a stopover on the East Indies trade route. To this day it relies heavily on France for financial support. Its main industries are the cultivation of sugarcane, rum, vanilla, geranium oil for perfumes and, unsurprisingly, tourism. Although inequality and the resulting socio-economic strife is an occasional concern for locals, for the most part, everybody seems to get along fairly well on this beautiful island, with a heartening bonhomie shared between the many different racial and religious groups.

The island is home to one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes, Piton de la Fournaise, and has three major cirques (amphitheatre-like craters): Cilaos, Mafate and Salazie. This rugged topography, in many cases overgrown by lush forest, provides breathtaking scenery and world-class trekking and canyoning with many waterfalls to admire along the way.

The interior is home to small mountain villages and rich birdlife, and the lack of commercial development is refreshing. The island's beaches are also worth writing home about, the black volcanic sands at Etang-Sale being particularly remarkable. The beaches are lapped by the warm Indian Ocean, and the abundance of underwater creatures makes snorkelling a delight. The popular St Gilles-les-Bains offers classic palm-fringed shores on a wide lagoon and Saint Leu boasts wonderful surfing.

As if all this natural splendour wasn't enough, the unusual cultural melting pot of Réunion ensures travellers can sample delicious creole cuisine, and revel in the island's unique music and dance offerings, while still enjoying a little taste of French sophistication.

Travellers who seek a rich, textured island experience deep in the heart of the Indian Ocean will do well to pay Réunion a visit.

Richards Bay

Richards Bay is a beautiful coastal town located in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. Known for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage, Richards Bay offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy.

One of the main draws of Richards Bay is its pristine beaches. With the warm Indian Ocean waters lapping against its shores, this destination is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Alkantstrand Beach is the most popular beach in the area, offering clean sands, clear waters, and excellent facilities. Whether you're looking to relax or engage in beach activities like surfing or kiteboarding, Richards Bay's beaches have something for everyone.

Nature lovers will be enthralled by the beautiful wildlife and natural landscapes found in and around Richards Bay. The town is situated on the edge of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This diverse and unique ecosystem is home to an abundance of animal and plant species, including crocodiles, hippos, and several bird species. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, boat cruises, or even go on game drives in nearby parks like Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve.

Richards Bay also offers a variety of cultural and historical attractions. The Zululand Historical Museum is a must-visit for those interested in the region's history and heritage. It showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the indigenous Zulu culture and the area's colonial past. The Empangeni Art and Cultural History Museum is another prominent cultural attraction, displaying a wide range of contemporary and traditional artworks.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Tuzi Gazi Waterfront is a popular spot for dining, shopping, and entertainment. This vibrant waterfront precinct offers a range of restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as live music and entertainment on weekends. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, enjoy a meal overlooking the marina, or browse local handicrafts and souvenirs.

Richards Bay is also a great destination for fishing enthusiasts. The town is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, with a variety of fish species found in the local waters. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler, there are numerous fishing charters and tours available to cater to your needs.

In terms of accommodation, Richards Bay offers a variety of options to suit different budgets and preferences. From luxury beachfront resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses and self-catering apartments, visitors are spoilt for choice.

In conclusion, Richards Bay is a picturesque coastal town in South Africa that offers a diverse range of attractions and activities. From its stunning beaches and nature reserves to its rich cultural heritage and excellent fishing opportunities, this destination has something for everyone. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a cultural experience, Richards Bay is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Durban

Durban is the largest city in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal
province. A coastal port with a consistent sub-tropical climate,
its wide golden beaches are washed by the warm Indian Ocean. Durban
is a holidaymaker's paradise, operating as a gateway to the dozens
of seaside resort towns to the south and north of the city.

The Golden Mile central beach area is flanked by numerous
high-rise hotels and stretches for four miles (6km). It is fronted
by promenades and entertainment facilities and offers many things
to see and do, such as flea markets, a skate park, and colourful
rickshaws.

Although much of Durban is characterised by British colonial
heritage and beautiful Art Deco architecture, the city is actually
an exciting mix of cultures. There is a large Indian community,
descendants of indentured labourers who came to work on the Natal
sugar estates in the 1850s. The city owes its Indian shrines,
bazaars, and tantalising curry restaurants to them.

The heritage of the amaZulu, whose ancestors inhabited the
province before the coming of the European colonial powers, is very
evident in the region north of the Tugela River. This region is
known as Zululand, where the legendary King Shaka once ruled.

Today, most of KwaZulu-Natal's best game parks can be found in
this region. Durban is not only the gateway to the popular coastal
beach resorts of the province, including Ballito, but also to the
rolling hills and plains of the Natal Midlands and their backdrop:
the majestic, jagged peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains, which
border the province in the west and cradle the nearby mountain
kingdom of Lesotho.

Gqeberha (ex Port Elizabeth)

The industrial city of Port Elizabeth is the centre of the
Eastern Cape region. The city was founded by shiploads of British
settler families who arrived in the Eastern Cape in the early 19th
century, hoping to improve their prospects after suffering economic
hardship because of the industrial revolution at home.

The settlers also intended to strengthen defences against the
local Xhosa people, who had been pushed back beyond the Fish River
frontier. The settlers came ashore at Algoa Bay, where there was
nothing more than the small British Fort Frederick to welcome
them.

From its humble beginnings, the city has grown into a principal
port and manufacturing centre. Although it is very much a working
town with a large portion of the population living in the outlying
township areas, Port Elizabeth draws plenty of tourists because of
its proximity to the east coast's attractions, and the historically
interesting interior. The city is justifiably known as 'the
friendly city' and Algoa Bay boasts 25 miles (40km) of beautiful
sandy beaches lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

The beachfront features a long promenade and pier, decked out
with tourist facilities. Port Elizabeth has a few museums and a
small oceanarium, as well as the Nelson Mandela Stadium, which was
built for the 2010 World Cup and dominates the cityscape.

The nearby Donkin Reserve provides a pleasant day trip, as do
Seaview Game and Lion Park and the Kragga Kamma Game Park. Slightly
further afield, visitors can see the Big Five at Shamwari Game
Reserve, Amakhala Game Reserve, and Addo Elephant Park.

Port Elizabeth is generally a transfer point for travellers, as
opposed to a destination in itself, but the city is worth a day or
two of exploration.

Langebaan

Cape Town

Cape Town's allure lies in its spectacular setting, the beauty
of its natural environment, and the rich cultural diversity of its
people. The city has had a long and turbulent history, and the
effects of colonisation and Apartheid still linger in the minds and
hearts of many. Transformation, however, has led to a feeling of
hope, which can be experienced in the cosmopolitan city centre of
Cape Town.

Flower sellers, business executives, parking attendants, office
workers, and shoppers all rub shoulders in a setting of both
historical and modern buildings, backed by the city's most famous
landmark, Table Mountain. The colourful Malay Quarter, the remains
of District Six, St George's Cathedral, Government Avenue, and the
old Castle are historically interesting, while world-class African
and international restaurants tempt travellers with their culinary
delights. Although an African city, Cape Town has a marked European
influence and visitors can experience the excitement of Africa from
the comforts of upmarket surroundings.

Cape Town's unique setting means that views of the city can be
enjoyed from various spectacular vantage points. Table Mountain,
Lion's Head, and Signal Hill provide breathtaking vistas over the
city bowl and the Cape peninsula, with its beautiful beaches. Trips
to Robben Island offer a dramatic sweep of scenery across to Table
Bay, while harbour tours and old buildings await exploration at the
cosmopolitan Waterfront. Many scenic routes meander along
magnificent stretches of coastline leading to special places like
Cape Point and Chapman's Peak, which boasts one of the most
picturesque stretches of road in the world.