Tropicana Nov-Dec 2020 #133 The Festive Issue

Residence of Nelson Mandela
Apartheid Museum is an educational visit
(specifically the Netherlands) and left Cape Colony in the
early 1800s. The monument recollects many tales of the first
meetings between the ‘white-skinned’ settlers and the original
people of South Africa.
Another must-see are the ‘Union Buildings’ area which
resembles that of Washington DC where all the government
administrative offices are located. And this is also where a
gigantic statue of Mandela was erected and known to be a
landmark of the South African nation. The area is surrounded
by beautiful gardens which are often used as recreational
venues for the locals.
Naturally, no trip to South Africa would be complete
without visiting the world-famous city of Cape Town. There
are several ways to get to Cape Town but the best and probably
classiest way to get there is by taking the luxurious Rovos Rail.
As though plucked right out from Agatha Christie’s “Murder
On The Orient Express”, the journey takes about two nights
and the train leaves its very own station located in Pretoria. It
really is quite the experience as every guest is wined and dined
and treated like royalty.
Apart from spacious luxurious cabins, exquisite meals are
served accordingly with food and beverage made available 24
hours a day for all guests on a complimentary basis. Passengers
will also get to go on excursions as the train stops at other
towns like Kimberly which is famous for diamond mining
before another break at an old town known as Matjiesfontein.
Cape Town shows its vibrant side
And get this, there is no Wi-Fi connection on
board the Rovos Rail as they believe that the
journey should be enjoyed and savoured. (But
don’t worry, phones can still be used inside the
private cabins)
Once in Cape Town, the Victoria and
Alfred (V&A) Waterfront is a must-visit for
guests as it offers several attractions and
spectacular vistas. Naturally, another easy
option would be to get on the Hop On Hop
Off bus to see the whole of Cape Town.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the
world-famous Table Mountain and witness
breathtaking views from high above the clouds.
The top of the mountain can be reached by
taking the cable car. Be sure to also swing by
the colourful homes of Bo Kaap which is said
to be the housing area of the Malay Muslim
community of South Africa. And if you have
the time, take a boat ride around the V&A
waterfront and check out the playful seals as
they sunbathe around the area.
Truly, South Africa has so much to share and these are
just short glimpses of what the country has to offer.
Residents of artistic district Maboneng
121 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020 | TM