Wildlife apart, South Africa boasts some unique fascinating features that draw visitors since ages. ‘Gold mines’ in Africa lures many gold lovers and I can say that no visit can be complete without getting a thoughtful understanding of the story of African Gold. Here I am going to accustom you with the world’s first museum dedicated to history of African gold. ‘The Gold of Africa’museum , located in the Martin Melck House in Cape Town ( built in 1783 , is believed to be one of the finest remaining example of old cape town) the Gold of Africa museum complex is literally filled with the gold. Africa’s most beautiful gold artifacts, the museum houses present thousand years old African gold artifacts. The visitor can glimpse thousands of years of legend, ritual and art that were so mush part of the gold-rich kingdom of Africa. Visitors can enjoy audio-visual presentations on the history of gold in our presentation suite. Museum shop offers the finest examples of modern and traditional gold and jewellery in 18 and 22-carat gold. The museum authorities considered it as a goal to preserve the ancient African civilization and to work as a bridge between traditional designs and techniques to inspire development of a new form of African gold design.
Daily Archives: January 26, 2012
Botswana Wildlife Safari: Giving shape to your wildlife dreams
Country: Botswana Location: Botswana is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. It is bordered by South Africa to the south and southeast, Namibia to the west, Zambia to the north, and Zimbabwe to the northeast. Why visit? Botswana is one of the most exciting and beautiful destinations to experience the wildlife in Africa. The country offers diverse ecology, ranges from magnificent Chobe National Park that shelters the world’s largest elephant herds, to the Okavango Delta, a wildlife paradise enclosed by the great Kalahari thirstlands. 17% of the lands areas have been remain untouched for national reserves and game parks while 84% of Botswana is covered by the Kalahari Desert. If you nourish a desire to discover the geological, cultural and wildlife wonder of this matchless destination than without visiting the destinations such as Chobe, Okavango Delta, Kalahari, Tuli and Makgadikgadi your journey would be incomplete. A camera is a magnificent tool that has made it possible to share your experiences. There are many safari and wildlife lodges all over Botswana and these provide the local dwellers with employment and contribute to the stable economy of this democratic country. Major Attractions � Chobe National Park, Moremi National Park in the Okavango Delta � Central Kalahari Game Reserve � Victoria Falls, on the edge of the Zambian border Climate: Botswana experience semi-arid climate. Though it remains hot and dry for much of the year, yet there is a rainy season that runs during summer months. The rainfall is unpredictable and highly regional. Often a heavy shower may occur in particular area while 10 or 15 kilometers away there is no rain at all. Read MORE PICS
Poverty-stricken townships in South Africa drawing large number of tourists
South Africa is drawing large number of tourists these days. If you are thinking that it is some museum or any other tourist spot that is luring large number of people, then i must tell you that you are wrong. The poverty-stricken townships in Johannesburg, are drawing large number of tourists. Yes, you’ve read it right! The Squatter camps in Soweto township on the edge of Johannesburg are attracting large number of tourists and bringing cash to South Africa. In short, poverty tourism is growing and bringing cash to South Africa. Guided tours are being organized. People who are keen to get a glimpse of the grim side of the new South Africa go to these camps. Touring these camps is free of cost but guides earn good amount by taking visitors on a short stroll down the narrow alleys, visiting a shack and watching residents. Sometimes visitors have to face problems when the poor people living in these slums compel them for money. Still, the number of visitors is growing. The bottom-line is that the poverty-stricken townships of South Africa are drawing in large number of tourists and lending a hand in bringing more cash to South Africa. Image Credit Source: Stuff
Pyramids get first place in old and modern wonders list
The Pyramids are one of the few manmade creations that have managed to survive the harsh realities of time for so many years. Though these Pyramids are believed to be the tombs of pharaohs but even then they have remained an enigma to mankind since ages. Once again these Pyramids hogged the limelight when they topped the list of old and modern wonders of the World. Egyptian State Information Service said: The international committee which includes world experts chose the Pyramids to be on the top of the wonders given that it is the only wonder left after the disappearance of the other six. The choice of the committee confirms that Pyramids are the most important wonder all the time. The committee, which has released its list recently, comprised experts from all over the world. Its chief Bernar Veber, was allowed to select the new seven wonders and his number one choice was splendour Pyramids as they are the only wonder left whereas the remaining six old wonders of the world have vanished. Image Source: allafrica
Cape Town gears up for 2010 Fifa extravaganza
Cape Town Tourism (CTT) will require an extra R13 million over the coming three years to deliver upon its visitor strategy in its run-up to the 2010 Fifa World Cup. Mariette du Toit-Helmbold, CTT General Manager, said that this huge sum will be needed over the next three years in a state of the art data management system in order to compete globally. The system will host an integrated eBusiness platform linking their website with an on-line booking centre and customer contact centre. She also said that Cape Town needed to better its Visitor Information Centre (VIC) network besides empowering training and skills development. Mariette du Toit-Helmbold informed a portfolio committee for Economic, Social Development and Tourism on Thursday that the master plan caters to the expected increase in visitors to the city, tough international competition and the advent of new communications technology. It also looks at the need for a visitor services legacy that will support tourism in Cape Town way beyond 2010. The event would aid Cape Town in establishing itself as a top international destination, increase the economic benefits of tourism to all communities and individual tourism businesses as well. Simon Grindrod, Mayoral Committee Member, stated that the city has designed strategies that can propel Cape Town Tourism forward as a global model of visitor service excellence and contribute towards establishing Cape Town as the world’s best travel destination. Mr Grindrod, endorsing the request for additional funding, stressed that tourism remained a crucial element of the city’s job creation strategy. As football fans all over the world begin the countdown to one of the greatest events in sports, Cape town is busy making full preparations to ensure that the event is a success. In its aftermath, it will pave the way for the host nation to make the most of the plethora of opportunities it will open out to them. After all, as they say, no pains, no gains! Image Credit: 2010safwc
Sacred city of the Ethiopians to become a modern tourist hub
Harar, the ancient Ethiopian city which stands on the eastern wall of the Great Rift Valley with about 100 old mosques, fortress-style walls, alleyways filled with ancient homes seeks to be the next major tourist destination. The tourism and cultural departments are making great efforts to intensify tourist facilities. Recently named a UNESCO World Heritage site, Harar is undergoing immense development. Presently, the city lacks modern amenities, has only a handful of hotels, lags behind in airport transportation facilities and suffers from a chronic water shortage but the city sees the bright future. Much improvement has been made in the recent years and the city has developed in many ways. The roads have become better; the electricity supply is better, the water supply is better and there are further undergoing development projects that make the city officials foresee the place to be a major tourist hub. New tourist facilities are being build up and there are people making good investment for these development projects. Unfinished hotels and restaurants can be spotted on the roads that lead to the main part of the city. Also, a team has been sent to Harar at the request of regional officials to investigate potential to build the city’s first luxury hotel. The city is also planning a $34.5 million water project that will increase Harar’s available water supply more than sevenfold. New art gallery and many other tourist spots are making the city much more alluring to tourists. Image Credit Source: USA Today