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Places to Visit in Oudtshoorn, South African, Africa

Places to Visit in Oudtshoorn, South African, Africa

Oudtshoorn is a South African city, situated in the province of Western Cape. It is one of the famous tourist destinations of the country, especially noted as the site of the largest ostrich population in the world. The city also houses range religious as well as cultural attractions in addition to museums, festivals and ostrich breeding farms. Oudtshoorn is home to the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees, the largest art festival of Afrikaans language in South Africa. Oudtshoorn spans over an area of 37.6 sq, km and coordinates with 33°35′ S latitude and 22°12′ E longitude.

History of Oudtshoorn:

The history of Oudtshoorn says the Europeans first visited what is today’s Oudtshoorn in 1689 in the form of a trading party. Oudtshoorn originated with the construction of a church in 1839 and got its name from the Governor of the Cape Colony, Baron Pieter van Rheede van Oudtshoorn, during the colonial rule.

Connectivity to Oudtshoorn:

Oudtshoorn has no airport and the closest major airport to Oudtshoorn is Cape Town International Airport. This airport situated around 420 km west of Oudtshoorn and operates flights to London, Dubai, Johannesburg, Singapore and many other global destinations. Oudtshoorn is not served by any trains, so visitors are needed to choose either bus or rental car for airport travel. The local transportation of Oudtshoorn is well served by buses, rental vehicles like cars and taxis.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Oudtshoorn:

Oudtshoorn is the site of the largest art festival of Afrikaans language in South Africa, Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees.

Here are some nice shops in Oudtshoorn:

Cali Craft & Gems
ArtKaroo Art Gallery
Moooi Art Gallery

The famous restaurants in Oudtshoorn are listed below:

Buffelsdrift Game Lodge Restaurant
Jemima’s Restaurant
Safari Ostrich Farm Cafe
Karoo Pot Restaurant

Things to do in Oudtshoorn:

Visiting ostrich farms
Visiting ranches
Hiking

What to see in Oudtshoorn?

CP Nel Museum:

Located on 3 Baron van Rheede Street in Oudtshoorn, the CP Nel Museum is housed in the former Boys High School of Oudtshoorn. The museum showcases the features of both Ostrich population and the importance of people of Klein Karoo region with a wide collection of objects.

Safari Show Farm:

The Safari Show Farm is famous ostrich farm, situated five kilometers from the heart of Oudtshoorn town. Other than a large ostrich population, the farm also houses around 2,500 different animals. There is also a museum and tour is also provided.

Cango Caves:

The Cango Caves is one of the most famous tourist caves in the world and the finest in South Africa. The cave is situated few kilometers away from Oudtshoorn and there are regular tour conducted by Standard Tour and Adventure Tour.

Cango Wildlife Ranch:

Situated 3 km away from Oudtshoorn, the Cango Wildlife Ranch is a world class tourist destination, home to a wide range of animal species, including cheetahs and crocodiles. It will surely be a memorable experience for visitors.

Highgate Ostrich Show Farm:

The Highgate Ostrich Show Farm is situated around 10 km away from Oudtshoorn. The farm is mainly famous for breeding of ostriches and also conducts regular exhibitions year round.

List of other places of interest in Oudtshoorn includes:

Cango Ostrich Farm
Oudtshoorn Ballooning
Buffelsdrift Game Lodge
Dutch Reformed Church
Apostolic Faith Mission
Case Vittoriane
Arbeidsgenot
Roman Catholic Church
Waterval Rust en Vrede
Chandelier Game Lodge & Ostrich Show Farm

When to visit Oudtshoorn?

The best time to visit Oudtshoorn is from March to May and from September to November.

Where to stay in Oudtshoorn?

Being one of the top tourist destinations of the country, Oudtshoorn hosts dozens of the accommodation centres, including hotels, vacation rentals, BB and inns. Some standard hotels in Oudtshoorn are as follows:

Turnberry Boutique Hotel
Hlangana Lodge
Queens Hotel
Swartberg Country Manor
The Pearl of Oudtshoorn
Protea Hotel Riempie Estate
La Pension Guest House
Yotclub B&B
88 Baron van Reede Guesthouse
Pictures Guest House
Earthbound B&B
Thylitshia Villa Country Guesthouse
Mooiplaas Guesthouse
Le Roux’s Guest House
La Plume Guest House

Tourist Places to Visit in South Africa, Africa

Tourist Places to Visit in South Africa, Africa

South Africa is an African country situated in the extreme south of the continent, having a total of 2,798 kilometers of coastline on the Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean. To the north, South Africa is bordered by Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia and to the east by Mozambique and Swaziland, while a small country, Lesotho, is located within the South African territory. Pretoria (administrative), Bloemfontein (judicial) and Cape Town (legislative) are the three capitals of South Africa.

South Africa is the 25^th largest country in the globe both in terms of population (around 53 million people) and area (around 1,221,037 sq. km.). The tourism industry of South Africa characterizes enthralling national parks, splendid historical sites and palatial festival celebrations.

History of South Africa:

According to several human fossil sites discovered in the different regions of the country, South Africa was first settled thousands of years ago. Although the Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias was the first European to visit South Africa, the Dutch initiated colonization in South Africa in 1652, led by Jan van Riebeeck. South Africa fell under the British rule at the end of the 18^th century, gained nominal independence in 1910, full sovereignty in 1931 and became a republic country in 1961.

Getting South Africa:

The Cape Town International in Cape Town and OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg are the two prime airports of South Africa, of which the latter is the most important, having direct flights from numerous global destinations, including London, Mumbai, Dubai and New York.

The road transportation of South Africa is well extended to all the major cities and towns, from south to north and east to west. South Africa also has intercity railway transportation.

The major bus companies serve South African cities include:

Greyhound
Intercape Mainliner
Translux

Culture, Food and Shopping in South Africa:

South Africa is ethnically diverse country, dominated by Black Africans, who covers almost 80% of the total population of the country.

The cuisine of South Africa is influenced by European and Asian cuisines. Some popular dishes in South Africa are braaivleis, potjiekos, boerewors and bobotie. Sottery, glass and embroidery products are the purchasable products in South Africa.

Must see in South Africa:

Kruger National Park:

With an area of 19,633 square kilometers, the Kruger National Park is Africa’s one of the largest game reserves, home to thousands of animals, including cheetahs and giraffes. Safari rides are organized by different tour operators and there are around 40 different accommodation centres in the park.

Table Mountain:

Overlooking the city of Cape Town, the Table Mountain measures an elevation of 1,085 meters. Viewing the city from the top of peak will be an unforgettable experience for visitors. Top can be reached either by hike or cableway. Shouldn’t be missed.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden:

The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is situated at the base of Table Mountain in Cape Town. The garden is widely famous among visitors not only for its plants but also for a wide range of exhibitions.

Cradle of Humankind:

UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cradle of Humankind is a complex of a wide range of limestone caves, situated around 50 km away from the city of Johannesburg. Sterkfontein Caves are must see here.

Gold Reef City:

The Gold Reef City is a renowned amusement park in the city of Johannesburg. Other than water rides and roller coasters, the park is also home to museum dedicated to gold mining in the area. It will be a memorable whole day trip for visitors.

What else to see in South Africa?

Garden Route
Robben Island
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Table Mountain National Park
Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
Cango Caves
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Tsitsikamma National Park
Constitution Hill

When to travel South Africa?

South Africa experiences 4 distinct seasons, autumn (March and April), winter (June and August), Spring (September and October) and summer (November and February). Generally from October to March is the best time to visit South Africa.

Accommodation options in South Africa:

South Africa is a paradise for tourists, holding a large number of top class tourist attractions and world class hotels, of which most recognized hotels are located in the city of Cape Town. Apart from the amenities, visitors can also enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities and mouthwatering delicacies provided by hotels in Cape Town. Some prominent hotels in Cape Town in South Africa include:

Kensington Place
Blackheath Lodge
Four Rosmead
Villa Zest Boutique Hotel
Cape Grace
Dysart Boutique Hotel
Queen Victoria Hotel
Cape Heritage Hotel
More Quarters
The Cape Cadogan
Sugar Hotel & Spa
Antrim Villa
Victoria & Alfred Hotel
An African Villa
Cape Royale Luxury Hotel & Spa

Tourist Places to Visit in Wad Madani, Sudan, Africa

Tourist Places to Visit in Wad Madani, Sudan, Africa

Wad Madani, or Wad Medani, is one of the major cities of Sudan, functioning as the administrative centre of the Al Gezira state. It is situated on the west bank of the River Blue Nile, located between 14°24′ N latitude and 33°31′ E longitude. Wad Madani is basically a trade town, mainly noted for the trade of peanuts, barley, livestock and wheat. Cotton is also largely grown in the surrounding areas of Wad Madani. Wad Madani houses the Wad Medani Ahlia College. Boating on the Blue Nile is a famous tourist activity in Wad Madani. Wad Madani is located around 180 km southeast of Khartoum, the capital of Sudan.

History of Wad Madani:

The history of Wad Madani begins with as Turko-Egyptian outpost in the early 18th century and it saw a considerable development with the introduction of Gezira Scheme of irrigation in 1925. Its nearness with the national capital Khartoum has also boosted up Wad Madani substantially in economic growth.

How to reach Wad Madani?

There is an airport in Wad Madani but flights are not guaranteed. As an alternative, international tourists are suggested to reach Khartoum International Airport in Khartoum first and afterwards they can choose bus and rental car at the airport to get Wad Madani.

There is direct road connectivity to Wad Madani nearly from all the major cities of Sudan, including from the capital Khartoum. People in Wad Madani mainly use bus for local travel and rental vehicles like cars and bikes are also gettable in Wad Madani.

Food and Shopping in Wad Madani:

Wad Madani is a city with many tourist favor shops and restaurants with a wide range of colorful local handicraft products, food pockets and jewelry.

Things to do in Wad Madani:

Exploring river bank
City tour
Shopping

Tourist Attractions in Wad Madani:

Blue Nile:

The Blue Nile River is one of the main tributaries of the Nile River, the longest river in the world. Wad Madani is located on the western bank of the Blue Nile, where visitors involve themselves in boating, swimming and many other exciting water sport activities.

Khartoum:

Situated around 180 km northwest of Wad Madani, Khartoum is the capital of Sudan. Khartoum is a city with a wide range of tourist attractions, mainly historic sites, especially the Khalifa’s House, which belonged to a highly recognized revolutionary leader of Sudan, Abdullah al-Taaisha. Including Sudan Sudan National Museum and Sudan Ethnographic Museum, Khartoum also holds many famous cultural attractions.

Wad Medani Ahlia College:

The Wad Medani Ahlia College is a prominent university and one of the landmarks as well as cultural centres of Wad Madani. It was established on 2 February 1992. It is a perfect place to know local culture and history.

List of other places of interest in and around Wad Madani include:

Wad Medani Airport
University of al-Gezira
Pyramids of Meroe
Temple of Amun
Pyramids of Gebel Barkal
Khartoum War Cemetery
Jebel Barkal
Tuti Island
University of Khartoum
Jabal al-Awliya’ Dam
Nile Street in Khartoum
Al Kabir Mosque
WWII Cemetery
Sudan Art Diwan
Sudan National Museum

Best time to visit Wad Madani:

Throughout the year is best, especially during the dry months between February and May is ideal to tour Wad Madani.

Hotels in and around Wad Madani:

As Wad Madani holds no such top star hotels and its nearness with the national capital Khartoum, most tourists visiting Wad Madani consider Khartoum’s hotels for accommodation, which is also recommended to enjoy healthy and memorable hospitality services. The major hotels in Khartoum (around 180 km from Wad Madani) include:

Green Village Hotel
Dandas Hotel
Kabri Touristic Hotel
Acropole Hotel
Al Salam Rotana Hotel
Coral Khartoum
Taka Hotel
5M Hotel
Kanon Hotel Suites
Bougainvilla Guesthouse
Corinthia Hotel Khartoum
Kanon Hotel
Lisamin Safari Hotel
Grand Holiday Villa Khartoum
Rosa Park

Port Sudan Tourist Places to Visit in Port Sudan, Khartoum, Africa

Port Sudan Tourist Places to Visit in Port Sudan, Khartoum, Africa

Port Sudan is a port city and the capital of the state of Red Sea in the northeastern Sudan, located around 820 km northeast of the country’s capital, Khartoum. It is located on the coastline of the Red Sea, holding the most important port of Sudan. Port Sudan is also one of the renowned tourist destinations of Sudan, mainly for nature gifted spectacular beaches and exciting scuba-diving opportunities.

Port Sudan is also well known among pilgrims travelling to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, who start their sea journey from Port Sudan and get down at Jeddah Port in Saudi Arabia. Port Sudan experiences an arid (desert) climate with relatively hot winters and extreme hot summers. Port Sudan originated as a railway terminus during the British colonial period in 1909.

Connectivity to Port Sudan:

Port Sudan is served by the Port Sudan New International Airport with scheduled flights from Khartoum and Dubai, catered by Badr Airlines, flydubai, Nova Airways and Sudan Airways. The airport is situated around 5 km south of the city centre.

Port Sudan has good connectivity by both bus and train to the national capital, Khartoum. Rickshaws, taxis and buses are the prevalent options to get around Port Sudan. Rickshaws are considered best by visitors that cost around SDG 2 – 5 for local travel.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Port Sudan:

The population of Port Sudan comprises of people belonging to different communities, mainly indigenous eastern Sudanese tribes and also Arabs, Indians and Europeans.

Some locally produced handicraft products, leather bags and jewelry can be purchased at shops along the boardwalk area. A cafeteria at the Coral Hotel is famous for dining in Port Sudan.

Things to do in Port Sudan:

Snorkeling
Scuba diving
Traditional shopping

Tourist Attractions in Port Sudan:

Beaches of Port Sudan:

Beaches are the first preference of tourists visiting Port Sudan. Beaches are excellent in condition, offering different water sport activities, including snorkeling & diving during the dry months.

Boardwalk in Port Sudan:

Port Sudan has a long boardwalk area that oversees the port of the city. There are also many ice cream shops and cafes near the boardwalk area offering a wide range of Sudanese specialties.

Red Sea University:

The Red Sea University is one of the identities of Port Sudan, located 1 km away from the city centre, near Portsudan Palace Hotel. Also called Jameat Al Bahar Al Ahmar, the university was founded in 1994 and gained place on the list of the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World.

List of other places of interest in and around Port Sudan include:

Minaret in Port Sudan
Port Sudan Harbor
Port Sudan Train Station‎
Atbarah River
The National Railway Company in Atbara
Khartoum War Cemetery
University of Khartoum
Jabal al-Awliya’ Dam
Sudan National Museum
Pyramids of Meroe
Temple of Amun
Pyramids of Gebel Barkal
Al Kabir Mosque
WWII Cemetery
Sudan Art Diwan

Best time to visit Port Sudan:

During the summer months, Port Sudan’s temperature generally crosses 45 ° C and during the winter, the temperature exceeds 30 °C. However, the best time to visit Port Sudan is from February to May.

Hotels in and around Port Sudan:

Port Sudan is a colorful city with numerous tourist favor hotels with top class amenities, including spa, sauna, fitness centre, tennis court, TV, AC, food on request and doctor on call service. It is also advised for visitors to book hotels well in advance prior to reaching the city to avoid difficulty in finding hotels during high season. List of the prominent hotels in Port Sudan include: