JoAnn from our office recently visited South Africa with her husband John, she has outlined her wonderful experiences below.

South Africa The Rainbow Nation

In October I was able to experience a holiday of a life time; a small group tour of South Africa
with Goway Holidays. Goway organized a trip that allowed my husband and I a relaxed and
informative trip full of memories that we will cherish forever.
Where in the world can so much variety be experienced? South Africa offers magnificent
natural beauty; from the mountains, to the breathtaking shorelines and the valleys abundant with the grapes that produce world class wines. South Africa is home to the 'Big Five'
and a variety of wildlife that will keep you in wonder of what specie will be around the next bend
in the road. South Africa is a cultural gem with its mixture of many peoples and their
rich history.
Our journey began in Cape Town, the mother city of Africa along the beautiful Western Cape.
Cape Town is home to the Victoria and Alfred waterfront development with its many shops and
restaurants. We took a trip up to Table Mountain on the cable car and witnessed below us the
bustling city of Cape Town, Lions Mountain, the rugged coastline as well as the beautiful beaches of the area. Robben Island, the former prison home of Nelson Mandela is an optional tour
from Cape Town. We took the Winelands Tour and visited prize winning estates for wine tasting
while enjoying the beauty of the hillside vineyards. Another day trip from Cape Town took
us along one of South Africa's most scenic routes to the Cape of Good Hope where the Indian
and Atlantic Oceans meet. We also took the boat trip to Seal Island; an island full of the
playful and amusing seals. Boulders Beach gave us the opportunity to be steps away from
the many Jackass penguins that waddled on the shoreline before us. We were able to spot
a few whales before their migration from the area. Cape Town - so much to see, so much to enjoy!

From Cape Town, we went to Oudtshoorn, the 'Feather Capital of the World' where I had the
opportunity to ride an ostrich, to the amusement of my fellow travellers. Continuing on the Garden Route we visited the Cango Caves, seaside resorts and a nature reserve for a hike with spectular ocean views. Travelling north we visited a vibrant Zulu cultural village with Zulu dancers performing to the beat of drums, showing off their beadwork and sharing their history with their guests. We visited one of South Africa's World Heritage Sites; a cruise down on Lake St Lucia where the highlight was the enormous hippos in the water.

We spent a night in Swaziland before heading off to Kruger National Park where
our search for the 'Big Five' began. We did view the famous five; lion, elephant, buffalo
rhino and leopard, and all manner of wondrous wildlife, birds and plants from our open
safari vehicle. Our rondeval in the Kruger rest camp was unique and allowed us
a great view of the monkeys, impalas and guinea fowl found steps away from our
patio. Wow, you don't see that everyday!!

On the Panaramic Route we witnessed some of the most spectacular scenery. Gods Window,
the Three Rondevals and the Potholes were stunning to see. Pretoria's flowers were in full bloom and the striking mauve blossoms of the jacaranda trees rival the beauty of an Ontario
autumn. Even if you aren't a flower lover you couldn't help but be awestruck at the beauty.
The food was fantastic. Don't forget to try the ostrich or warthog. South Africa
grows everything you can imagine so if you are vegetarian you will be amazed at the fresh
fruits, vegetables and nuts that grow so abundantly. If you are a seafood lover you will be in heaven.
The quality and price of the meals is great and the service is outstanding. Don't forget that
fabulous South African wine to round off your dining experience.
South Africa has become one of the world's most sought after vacation destinations and it's no
wonder. Often described as a "World in One Country" South Africa is blessed with a diversity
of climate, geography, wildlife and cultural heritage not found anywhere else.
South Africa has something for honeymooners, adventure enthusiasts, culture vultures,
nature lovers and lovers of good food and wine. South Africa won't disappoint the first
time traveller or the most experienced of travellers.
South Africa is a vacation destination that I will never forget!