Study and Nature in South Africa

FOR YOUR SAFETY

Crime is a present problem, but not such as to make you give up your trip to South Africa, because every possible measure is taken to protect visitors. Keeping a few precautions in mind, you should have absolutely no problem. Of course it's wise to behave with the same caution you'd use in any metropolitan area of the world, for example:

· never leave luggage unattended in front of the hotel or in the entrance hall.

· keep an eye on cameras and video cameras.

· deposit valuables in the hotel safe-deposit boxes.

· always make sure the hotel room is properly closed.

· don't venture into the streets at night, avoid isolated areas.

· always lock the car, keeping the windows up, and mind your driving — traffic drives on the left as in England — and don't leave objects in view in the car.

· don't wear valuable items or be too conspicuous when out and about.

· don't carry much cash with you; go out with what you need for the day.

· ladies are asked to leave bags and handbags on the backs of chairs at the restaurant.

· men are advised to keep their wallet in the front pockets of their trousers.

· don't trust anyone who asks for help or calls to you; move away as soon as possible.

· If you walk alone in the little-frequented city streets, avoid observing groups of people or people in general

GENERAL INFORMATION

The economy

South Africa produces 20 per cent of all the world's gold, and has the best and most developed technologies in all of Africa. The Witwatersrand is the largest mining deposit in the world. Among South Africa's natural resources are: gold, diamonds, platinum, iron, coal; besides hydroelectric and thermal energy, the country has developed industries, including heavy engineering and chemical and pharmaceutical products, and produces 40% of Africa's total industrial output and about 22% of the continent's gross national product.

Transport

South Africa has the best roads and railways on the African continent; the railway system with the Cape gauge, which extends across the whole of southern Africa, is by far the main one on the entire continent. About two thirds of its 32,000 km are in South Africa. The country is served by 60 airlines, has eight international airports as well as various domestic connections, and moreover six ports located along one of the world's most important sea routes. The port of Richard's Bay, existing since 1976, is the only natural deep-water port in South Africa; it is also the busiest South African port in terms of volume and has the largest coal terminal in the world.

Agriculture

Although only 12% of the surface is arable and rainfall is unpredictable, South Africa's agricultural output has doubled since 1960 thanks to irrigation programmes and the strategic dams built in the catchment basins. Today a large part of its food production consists of processed foods, 60% of which is exported. Sheep farming is the main form of primary production on the very hot plains that are too arid for crops, but which are instead rich in grass, low shrubs and fast-growing flowers. Besides sheep, cattle and goat farming, the land offers cotton, citrus fruits, sugar cane, tea, maize, wheat, sorghum and various kinds of nuts.

WESTERN CAPE

Cape Town

Mother city of South Africa, it was founded in 1652 by Jan Van Riebeeck. The city offers a combination of scenic beauty, outdoor life and cultural experiences. For example you can spend an enchanted day just visiting Table Mountain.

You go up on foot or by cable car; if you love the mountains you can try your hand at climbing; wherever you find yourself you'll always be before breathtaking panoramas. Botany enthusiasts will be fascinated by its 1,470 species of plants, practically the same number as those existing on all the British Isles, and bird lovers will appreciate the abundance of birdlife. Going up by car along the circular road of Table Mountain, to discover the view of Camps Bay with the backdrop of the rocky ramparts called the Twelve Apostles, Clifton is the right place for a nice swim.

Other places to visit might be: Llandudno, Sandy Bay, Hout Bay, Constantia Nek, Rhodes Memorial, the Kirstenbosch national botanical gardens, recently declared one of the world's seven leading botanical gardens, with 6,000 species of native plants spread over 528 hectares.

... more info at