Bob Travel

While there many surfing locations along the Western and Northern coastline of the peninsula of Cape Town, some of the calmer waters exist to the South.  International surfers travel to this region of South Africa in search of the perfect wave, and the chance to sleep after that wave in some of the best hotels South Africa has to offer.  The waters of the Atlantic can be unpredictable as far as temperature is concerned, so it is best to have a wet suit on hand should the waters be a bit too cold.  Many surfers live as the Paskowitz family of the documentary “Surfwise” did, traveling from spot to spot, in search of the perfect wave, the perfect life in the water.  And this region of South Africa will not disappoint those in search of the that.  On the contrary, these are some of the best spots in the world.

Most notable surf locations along the southern coast are Muizenberg, Scarborough, Kalk Bay and Cemetries.  In Muisenberg, the long-boarder is in heaven as there are many flat waves, slow and easy surfing.  Short-boarders will have fun as well, but without the speed and the thrill found in other locations.  The rips on the southern shore at Scarborough require constant attention for the surfer.  Kalk Bay, just down the road from Muizenber, is perfect for the more advanced surfers.  Incredible breaks, combined with a reef that is shallow makes this spot best for surfing at high tide.  Cemetries is a bit dirty and the waves tend to be a bit hollow, but if the the conditions at Muizenberg are unacceptable, then this is a viable option.  In addition, this spot is not very crowded and offers up a slow, relaxing wave.  In all, there are many locations throughout the Peninsula for fun surfing and adventurous explorations.

There are two extreme marathons that happen annually in South Africa.  One happened a few weeks ago on May 2.  That was the Fifth Annual South AfricanAddo Elephant marathon.  This consisted of various lengths of 25 mile, 50 mile, and a 100 mile runs through the Addo Elephant Reserve.  The second will happen during October 2, 2009 through October 11, 2009.  This is a test of survival as well as a marathon.  Seven days spent running across the Kalahari Desert, 250 Kilometers.  This marathon is limited to just one hundred participants, as they are followed by teams in order to ensure their safety and well being.  These marathons bring participants from around the world, and bolster the community economy through hotel stays and car hire in South Africa.  The team behind these marathons is Estienne Arndt,  Nadia Arndt, and Simon Kelly.

Estienne Arndt was born in 1953, in the city of Durban, South Africa.  He ran his first marathon in 1979.  He has since then become actively involved in all aspects of Road Running,  in event planning and fundraising, as well as the running itself.  In 1988, he was in a motorbike accident and due to the injuries he sustained it was necessary for the doctors to amputate his right foot.  It took him eight years of rehabilitation and training with a prosthesis to qualify for his next marathon.  He was the first person to complete this and has since repeated that journey three times.  Once that goal was achieved,Arndt began a new journey with a new set of goals.

He entered an extreme seven day marathon called the Marathon Des Sables.  This is a trek similar to the one in South Africa, although it is set in Morocco’s Sahara Desert.  He was joined by two companions, and six hundred other runners.  The two are a married couple, friend of his, Geoff and Carol Hilton-Barber.  Geoff is a solo boats-man, and is also blind.  The three completed this grueling event and throughout the race,Arndt began to organize and event similar in his own country, and thus the extreme marathon of South Africa was born out of the Sahara Desert.  His wife Nadia is the coordinator of the race and Simon Kelly is in charge of the media surrounding the event.  For all runners this would be the extreme test of agility and stamina.  And an incredible accomplishment in crossing the finish line.

Andrew Feinstein began his career with the South African government after returning in the early 90’s after his study at the Universities of Cambridge and Berkeley.  He had originally left his homeland in his early 20’s to avoid the draft.  He did not want to be part of the military regiment of Apartheid, which at the time was still involved in wars and fighting on the Northern borders.  When Nelson Mandela was released however, he threw himself into being a part of the transformation of his country.  He first joined the African National Congress,  Mandela’s party.  He was soon taking the lead in situations most crucial and linked to the power transfers that were taking place at the time.  He was an elected legislator for the province of Gauteng which included the cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria, and was soon part of the Cape Town National Parliament.

His joy and optimism was short lived however, as the entire country was in need of restructuring.  While the leadership of Mandela did much to raise the spirit and the hope of the much wounded people of the nation, there was work that needed to be on the ground.  For in order for the country to survive, economic resolutions were necessary.  Industries such has business, tourism and five star Cape Town hotels would not thrive unless the inefficiency and the corruption Feinstein was noticing around him, were ended.  While he is an idealist, he is also very pragmatic, and is aware that for the people of his country of South Africa,   the government must be strengthened by what has happened throughout the tumultuous history, and stand up with a conduct that is ethical and accountable and open.  A government worthy of the respect of the Constitution created in 1996.  He said this is the most vital and important task for them currently.

Golf is immensely popular in South Africa with many courses in major cities and tourist centers alike. In Sun City, northeast of Johannesburg, the Gary Player Golf Course is world class. The easiest way to travel to Sun City is by air from Johannesburg. It’s a short plane ride and local transfers are easily available. For a variety of luxury hotels, South Africa dominate in this fantastic resort area. The Nedbank Golf Challenge, formerly known as the Million Dollar Golf Challenge, is an annual event and is a highly anticipated competition. The tournament is played in December, which is summer in South Africa, and is attended by local and international golfing stars alike. Because of the unique course design, the challenge is serious. Fortunately for spectators, there is excellent viewing for most shots. The 18 hole golf course with a par of 72, offers a real challenge to both amateur and professional golfers. Because the course is flat, there are many cleverly designed water hazards and hidden bunkers that compensate for the lack of ascent and descent. The course, a manicured parkland is framed by many trees and wild kikuyu grass swaying in the breeze. There are steams and a bit of wildlife! It’s clear that South Africa has become one of the world’s top golfing destinations and deservedly so. The beautiful weather and the natural beauty of the African bush combined with the world class golf course, all work together to create an excellent golfers holiday.

The course is open seven days a week. Some of the services which make this course an excellent destination are, the driving range, a covered driving range, private Instruction, group classes, clubs and Cart Rentals. There is a restaurant and a bar, a pitching green, a putting green and a pro shop. On the course rest rooms s are conveniently located. There are many types of beverages available on the course as well. Back at the Country Club there is a spa that can be used anytime. There is good parking available. Naturally credit cards are accepted.

Johannesburg is the largest financial, commercial and industrial city in South Africa. However, the once prosperous central business district is now an area of abandoned office buildings. Very few of the original buildings are still standing. The central area is worth visiting, if only as a history lesson about the government of Apartheid. Despite Apartheid’ demise, Johannesburg is still for the most part, a segregated city. The center of the city and the closely neighboring suburbs are home to a black urban population. They inhabit a condensed area of overcrowded hi rise apartments where poverty and crime are prevalent. Despite significant and often successful efforts in recent years to make Johannesburg safer, it’s still not wise to go anywhere on foot. It’s suggested that one visits the city with an organized tour (most likely in a bus). The city’s thriving and mostly white suburbs are situated close to the main highway, the M1. In the hills, north of downtown Johannesburg is where you’ll find rows of mansions, well tended gardens and shopping malls. Seemingly out of place is the amount of security around the properties. You’ll find razor wire, guard dogs, guards and armed intruder alarms. The suburbs are a great deal safer than downtown Johannesburg and this is where you’ll find your choice of accommodations and many of the South Africa five star hotels, especially in the towns of Rosebank and Sandton. Many of the sights, shopping malls and entertainment complexes are in the suburbs, so there’s little reason to venture right into the city to find something to do. Melville, Parkhurst and Parktown are the new “trendy” suburbs where most of the more popular restaurants and nightlife are to be found. The train station and main bus terminal are easily accessible, but on the whole, it’s safer to stick to radio taxis or to rent a car. Johannesburg is a city where you really do need to have a car to get around.