Soweto/Apartheid Museum

Took a tour of Soweto (South West Township) and visited the Apartheid museum.  The highlight was Nelson Mandela's home.  The neighborhood is very vibrant.  I didn't realize this, but Soweto has middle and upper class housing, in addition to the slums.  Interesting tour, great museums.  If I had to do it again I would take the bike tour and stay at the B & B in Soweto.  The museum was very well done and I would recommend going there.  It took maybe 2-3 hours to get through it.

http://www.apartheidmuseum.org
http://www.sowetobicycletours.com

Durban to Johannesburg

Made it to Jo'burg.  My friend is attending some meetings here and was nice enough to put me up in a hotel for a couple of days.  Amazing how big and westernized this city has become.  I am in one of te ritzier parts of the city geared towards westerners (shopping malls, convention centers, etc)


I had lunch today at a place called The Raj across the street from the hotel.  Very fancy Indian, good food, but overpriced as is this entire area.

Garden Route

Checked out of Cape Town after a much needed week of civilization.  Rented a car and set out on the Garden Route.  Very lovely coastline in South Africa.  Spent the next couple of weeks enjoying the coast and staying at various small beach towns along the way.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garden_Route
http://www.gardenroute.co.za
http://www.sa-venues.com/garden_route.htm

Robben Island Tour

I always wanted to come here.  One of my heroes Nelson Mandela was jailed here for 25 years.  I wanted to see how he lived and learn more about his experiences here.  An interesting reminder of the not so distant past.

http://www.robben-island.org.za

Nelson's Cell

Nelson's Garden

Table Mountain Hike

Table mountain is one of the highlights of Cape Town.  The mountain rises directly in the middle of the area and affords you the most wonderful views of the area.  There are trails everywhere and therefore very friendly to willing explorers.  Great place to get some exercise and some peace.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_Mountain
http://www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/

Stellenbosch - Wine Country

Took a tour in the wine country.  Absolutely stunning.  Reminds me a lot of Napa and Sonoma.  Fantastic wines and wonderful restaurants abound.  I could totally live here someday.  One of the most beautiful regions I have been in Africa.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stellenbosch
http://www.wineroute.co.za
http://www.stellenbosch.travel

Kirstenbosch Gardens

Kirstenbosch Gardens is one of my favorite places in the Cape.  Absolutely amazing.  I spent an entire day here admiring all the various species of flora.  By far one of the best gardens I have ever experienced.  This should be a top priority for anyone visiting this region.  No to be missed.  If you can time it to make a show in the amphitheater, even better.

http://www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch