RIYADH, 27 April 2004 — Are you tired of the crowds of the Far East or exorbitant prices in Europe? Want to try out a new, alternative travel destination that presents you with a world in microcosm?
Embark on a voyage of discovery to a land of unequaled splendor! Visit South Africa this year and experience the pulse of a nation moved by warmth and passion!
From being pampered in a health spa, to riding a horse on a sandy white beach, the awesome thrill of coming face to face with an elephant while on safari just floating leisurely over the countryside in a hot-air balloon; not many world destinations can satisfy the demand of such a comprehensive wish-list as successfully as South Africa.
The choice of exciting experiences is huge. Take a ferry to the World Heritage Site Robben Island, ride a cable car to the top of Table Mountain, watch whales sport in the sea off Hermanus, see lion hunt in the Kruger National Park, or walk in the Bloemfontein botanical gardens.
Involve yourself with Zulu culture in Kwazulu-Natal, experience the vibrancy of township life in Soweto, travel underground into a gold mine at Gold Reef City, attend a street theater performance in Johannesburg, be treated to a 5-star luxury on the Blue Train or stare in amazement at the magnificent beauty of the Hyde River Canyon. There are innumerable experiences just awaiting you in South Africa.
And the best kept secret of South Africa besides its natural beauty? Its weather! Spring and summer are from September to February. Summers are hot with temperatures soaring to above 36 degree C in the day with cool nights. Average daily hours of sunshine is 8.5 compared with London’s 3.8 and New York’s 6.9. With the exception of Cape, rainfall is mostly in the summer and ranges from 400mm to over 1000mm in the subtropical areas.
Wouldn’t it be great to escape from the Saudi summer sun?
Naturally you would require a valid passport to visit South Africa. A visa can be obtained from the South African diplomatic missions in Riyadh and Jeddah. Also inquire about immunization.
On arrival you will find that, despite having 11 official languages, South Africans mostly speak or understand English.
You have a choice of accommodation, ranging from basic economic to absolute luxury in one of 700 hotels, 2,800 guesthouses and bed-and-breakfast establishments or some of the most splendid game lodges — some from as little as SR150 per night.
Traveling to other destinations in the country is also easy with air, rail and motor coach services linking the main central and many smaller towns. Rent mobile phone to stay in touch with family and friends or direct dial all over the country and 120 countries worldwide.
Like Saudis, South Africans also enjoy good food. This is just the place to enjoy good meals at relatively low price.