South Africa: Now More Than Ever

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

With the dollar bringing in over 10 Rand and South African Airways’ fondness for 2 for 1 flight deals, it’s no surprise that South Africa’s been garnering a lot of attention lately, especially for those who, back in the weak-dollar days, saw it as more of a dream destination than a possibility.

But those dream days are gone and now, more than ever, is the time to visit, especially before the rest of the world descends on the country for the World Cup next year. Starting off in the southeastern corner, Cape town is, as this NYT piece describes: “Part Alaska, part Big Sur, but always African, Cape Town can overwhelm a visitor with its grand-scale landscapes and its feeling of remoteness.”

There’s also some of the country’s best restaraunts, world-class wines, and hiking opportunities that offer spectacular views of the city that may, just for a few moments, make you forget about how you just lost your job back home. Cape Town also offers you the opportunity to see Africa’s only native species of penguin — the Jackass. So you can say you went to Africa and saw penguins. That should make you want to go right there.