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There are two good reasons to visit Grahamstown South Africa on vacation: history and art. The city is situated 60 km (37 miles) East of Alicedale and 120 km (75 miles) northeast of Port Elizabeth. It can pass for an English country town was not there for the burgeoning of poor townships that are shanty so much part of the urban South Africa. But these townships make their own cultural contribution to this historic community. The central area is small enough to be explored on foot, but for the rest of it, you will need a car. The quality of the roads range from good to poor.

British Garrison City

Visitors to South Africa holidays with a taste for history will be interested to know that Grahamstown was founded by the British in the early 19th century as a garrison town to keep what they regarded as bordering on the Cape. Battle of Grahamstown, which took place here in 1819, was one of the events that landmark in South African history. Xhosa-leader tried to push the British Makana, but was defeated. He capitulated and was sent to Robben Iceland. Later he drowned in an escape attempt.

A company that Grahamstown tour lets you relive the battle from the Xhosa historian. Full day and half day tours take you to local forts and guides explaining what happened during the battle. You will be visiting the Valley of Ancient voices, which is rich in ancient rock art. You'll also have the option to purchase locally made arts and crafts. Drostdy Arch, built in 1841, was the original entrance to the military parade ground. Statue of the winged Angel of peace celebrates dead in Boer War, now called the South African war.

A Centre for education and culture

Grahamstown is home from Rhodes University and some of South Africa's other leading schools. Many people think it is the country's seat of culture and learning. One of the main attractions for visitors to South Africa holidays is the Cathedral of St. Michael and George, which dates back to 1824. The Church's steeple dominates the skyline and is the highest in South Africa-their clocks was the first in Africa.

Observatory Museum offers a fascinating study of Victorian science at its best. Shows include a two-story pendulum and only authentic Victorian camera obscura in the southern hemisphere. National Museum English library houses a fascinating collection of books and exhibitions on South African writers in English. International Library of African music is a Centre for teaching and research that has a collection of more than 200 traditional African instruments.

The ten days Grahamstown National Arts Festival, held in late June or early July is South Africa's largest cultural events. It is one of the largest arts festivals in the world, offering artistic exhibitions, theatre, music, dance and even a children's festival. Theatres, schools, churches, museums, pubs and outdoor stadiums all participate, but the biggest events are staged on the 1820 settlers National Monument on gunfire Hill.

The region is right in the Cape Winelands town's backyard, and it is one of the most beautiful places you can visit South Africa on vacation. It is a region of rolling hills, lush valleys, endless vineyards and picturesque villages. If you don't have time to see everything, will any of these three scenic drives give you a memorable Winelands experience.

Should you wish to stop and spend a night in one of the communities along the way, there are plenty of good hotels and guest houses. The four passes, four mountain ranges and takes in Franschhoek or Stellenbosch. It takes a whole day, including stops for lunch and wine tasting. Head out of town on the N2 and follow the Hottentots Holland Mountains via Sir Lowry passes. There are breathtaking views of False Bay. Take the turnoff to Franschhoek and Villiersdorp. You will pass through the town Grabouw and cross-border mountain chain Groenland via Viljoen's passport. This will take you through valleys full of orchards and earlier Theewaterskloof Dam. Turn right at the sign marked Franschhoek, Franschhoek and go up in the mountains via the Franschhoek Pass. There are great places to stop for lunch. Drive to Knysna Helshoogte via the scenic Gorge. At Boschendal lets you tour the Cape Dutch Manor House. R310s takes you back to N2.

Breede River Valley

The second choice for your holidays in South Africa, tour of the Winelands, Breede River Valley to. Take the N2 past Paarl and then take the spectacular Du Toit Kloof pass through the mountains. (If you're pressed for time, you can take the tunnel). The descent takes you to the Breede River Valley. Although not as well known as some of the other South African wines, wines of this valley is known for their distinctive berry flavors. There are many wineries along this road, where you can stop and try some samples. Turn right at the sign marked Rawsonville and follow the signs to Goudini Spa and the Slanghoek. From there follow the signs to the city of Wolseley, and then move on to Tulbagh-this is a good place to stop for lunch. When you go back to the Wolseley, R303 into Wellington via Bain's Kloof Pass, a road with spectacular landscapes. Follow the signs from Wellington, Paarl or Franschhoek to come back to N2.

Coastal route

One of the most spectacular drives that anyone can take on South Africa holidays is along the dramatic coastal road from the city of Cape Town to Hermanus. The highway snakes along the cliffs plunging into the sea, where the waves break on jagged rocks. Seascape views are unmatched anywhere in the world, and the season you have the option to put a stop to do some whale watching. Hermanus is the whale watching capital of South Africa. At Hermanus, you can turn off the road into Hemel en Aarde "(heaven and Earth) Valley, for example, on some of the wines.

That many persons who have enjoyed South Africa holidays, is the best road trip in a country called Route 62. Taking into account the N2 from Cape Town to the Garden Route is much shorter, but this longer scenic drive offers practically empty roads, spectacular mountains and wonderful valleys.

If you have time, give yourself two or three days so that you can make stops to visit interesting villages and sample wines. Start the North of the N1 from Cape Town and takes you to Toitskloof Passport instead of the tunnel. The mountain views are worth the extra time. Worcester, stop to tour Karoo Desert Botanical gardens where you'll see many strange and wonderful plants from arid regions. Here follow the R60 Southeast Robertson. Then take R317, a picturesque road which crosses multiple queue fine wineries where you can do to stop. You will also see old manor houses based on the richness of ostrich feathers.

A selection of routes

You are now faced with the pleasant dilemma often greets visitors to South Africa holidays-a choice, you can follow the signs to Swellendam and double back to reconnect at the Cape Dutch R60 Jan Harmsgat Country House. Or you can take the R62 by 10 km (6 miles) Cogmanskloof passports. This takes you to the beautiful city of Montagu. It is a great place to stay overnight in one of B & Bs and budget accommodation. You can stroll around the city to look at Victorian architecture and has a therapeutic swim in the nearby hot springs. Soothing water is a constant 44 degrees C (109 F).

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

By Montagu, take the Road East to Barrydale. Then follow the signs to Calitzdorp. On the road, you see a shutdown of the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. Everyone who goes to South Africa holiday to see wild animals, and this is the best game reserve in the Western Cape to see the big five-lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and Cape buffalo-in their natural habitat. It covers 54,000 hectares (133,380 hectares), and its terrain is a beauty all their own.

Klein Karoo scenery provides a slightly different from the Eastern Cape reserves safari experience. Accommodations range from a separate tent lodge to luxurious rooms. There are also rooms for families with children. Sanbona Wildlife Reserve provides a great opportunity to take a leisurely break from device, and spend a night or two in the African countryside, go on safari and enjoy first rate lodging and services.

When you exit, head for the village Calitzdorp, where you can try out some of the best Cape wine fortified for distillation. 20 Km (12 miles) northeast of Calitzdorp is retreat at Groenfontein. You can reach it by dirt roads that loop through beautiful landscapes. The retreat is a Victorian farmhouse which is now an Inn. It sits in a small, remote Valley with stunning views of Swartberg Mountains. If you spend here, you can be sure to reach the next day at Oudtshoorn before dark. You will then be able to take on the Swartberg pass, one of the most spectacular drives in the country, in daylight. Spend a night in the beautiful village of St. Albert, and then continue southwards to George and wilderness, and to further adventures along the Garden Route.

There are many great scenic roads that people in South Africa holidays can enjoy. An excellent base to explore some of them are Gordon's Bay, 70 kilometres (43) southeast of Cape Town. This community is on the slopes of the mountain chain Hottentotts Holland overlooking False Bay. It is a popular place with whale watchers in October and November. It is also an excellent starting point for touring spectacular coastal stretch is known as Clarence drive (R44).

This is one of South Africa's most scenic drives. To really appreciate it to some of the dirt roads that lead down to the sea from the motorway. From the road between Gordon's Bay and Rooiels are multiple paths to the beach. But if you go to watch the waves on the rocky coast tiresome pace, cautious. Do not go alone, and keep a few yards back from the water where the waves are great. Under certain circumstances, huge freak waves suddenly roar in; if you want to check out the wonderful beach at Pringle Bay, watching the signs warning of quicksand.

Betty's Bay

If you want to see African penguins, South Africa on vacation is Betty's Bay, one of only two mainland sites in the country where they can be found. (The other is stones Beach on the Cape Peninsula). Betty's Bay is 30 km (19 km) southeast of Gordon's Bay. This beautiful hamlet, set amongst wild and otämjda landscape, is popular with South African pensioners and weekend vacationers. The main penguin colony is at Stony Point, 600 metres from an area for parking. There is a fence to keep birds from interference by tourists and land predators, but the occasional leopard still manage to get through. Betty's Bay is also the location of the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden. This 440-acre protected nature reserve is located in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom. The rich abundance of plant life supports 78 species of birds, and many species of small mammals, including large chacma Baboon troops. Cradled between the Atlantic and the lofty peaks of the Kogelberg, is a magnificent setting. You can include walking trails through the reserve to the mountains. Book ahead for services of a guide.

Kleinmond

The quiet coastal town Kleinmond, 25 km (15 miles) southeast of Gordon's Bay is another little gem awaits visitors to South Africa holidays. Kleinmond is located at the top of a magnificent coastline. In the background are mountains of Palmietberg. As Betty's Bay is a popular place with pensioners and weekenders seeking a break from the cities.

There is an attractive collection of restaurants and shops close to the harbour. Not far from the city is Kogelberg nature reserve. This 66000 hectares park extends along the River from the mountain almost Palmiet to the sea. Nature walks are välmarkerade, and in addition to the wonderful flora you will see some beautiful birdlife. The eastern part of the city is Sandown Bay. Here you will find a long, sandy beach. Swimming is risky for dangerous currents, but if you are lucky, you can see the famous Bot River horses living in the marsh. According to legend, the descendants of horses from the time of the Boer War.