Dear Tourism Colleague,

Winter weather in South Africa!

Winter weather in South Africa? So far it has been a hot, sunny and windy summer. The kite surfers love the wind as they almost seem to fly over the ridges of the waves on their boards. It really looks very exciting and has become an extremely popular sport on the South African coast. And it is beautiful to watch those brilliantly coloured kites against the deep blue African sky and the very fit, suntanned people handling them.

Summer does however not last forever and we are approaching autumn and then winter, even though the climate in South Africa is temperate. In autumn the south easterly winds usually die down and the temperatures cool a bit, though it is normally well above +20°C far into winter.

Winter weather in South Africa is like a fairly normal north European summer. It changes a lot, from beautiful, hot, sunny days with clear blue skies, to rain and often snow in the mountains. The snow-covered mountains are a fantastic experience and a stunning backdrop to the vine filled valleys, which, after having lost their vibrant autumn colours, soon show new, promising spring green shoots. It is a good time to explore the Cape and not as crowded as in summer. Another benefit: Prices are coming down.

In the northern parts of South Africa there is hardly any rain in winter, which means the grass is low, many trees lose their leaves and spotting game in the reserves is a lot easier. The animals have to go to waterholes to drink, which makes it even better for the on-lookers. Because of the temperatures during daytime hovering around 20-25°C, the animals are also more prone to move around during the day instead of hiding in the shade when the temperatures soars up to well over 40°C. Mosquitoes don't like it cool, which is another benefit.

The nights can be rather chilly, even with frost up on the escarpment.

On the eastern coast, in KwaZulu-Natal, winter weather in South Africa does not get much better than this. The hot and humid days of the subtropical summer climate are replaced with clear and comfortable weather. The sea is still warm and the sun is not as hot. Beach bums could stay all day on the beach. The rains usually don't arrive until springtime. The winter is splendid for game viewing safaris and the distant snow clad Drakensberg Mountains are an awesome sight.

Having philosophised a bit about the weather in South Africa and the game viewing in different climates in South Africa, I have a natural link to next month's inspiration letter, where I take a closer look at some of the game reserves we come across on our trips.

Remember that each day is a rare gift. Enjoy it and use it wisely!

Erika

During this time we offer golf trips of 7 and 14 days. The 7-day trip includes golf in the Cape Town area, visit to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, a day in the winelands, a visit to the top of our famous landmark Table Mountain (weather permitting), wonderful dining and wining. Time to visit Robben Island and to do some shopping, but the most important thing is golfing on beautiful well-known golf courses. Accomodation is 4 and 5 star.

Our 14-day golf trip also includes shark viewing and diving and the second week is spent golfing and other exciting experiences on the South Coast, Garden Route. Play on the upmarket golf courses en route. Last days are spent in a wildlife reserve trying to spot the Big 5 and all that goes with it.

We also offer trips with a difference called Mountains and Lakes. Those trips are either 7 or 14 days. The 7 day trip is concentrated to the Drakensberg area, where there might even be snow on the higher peaks in winter. 4x4 drives, hikes, horse-back safaris and other adventures including bushman paintings. Golf is also available. You choose the level of activity to suit your holiday mood.

The 14-day trip includes the lake-system on the south coast with canoeing, hiking, fishing and swimming. Here you are close to the sea as well. The last days are spent at a wildlife reserve and you will be busy trying to spot the Big 5. Enjoy your sundowner by the log fire and exquisite meals to tempt your palate. Accomodation 4 and 5 star.

These trips are really value for money. You will go back home rejuvenated and full of awe over the beauty in this part of the world. Arrangements and service are of course everything that you would expect from a company with the WOW-Factor ™.

Hot Stuff!

In South Africa there are quite a lot of Spas. Some are situated where there are natural hot springs and some new ones just pop up wherever. The newest one we know about is about to open on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast in a few months time.

Mangwanani - one of the most popular day spas in South Africa - is planning to open a new spa in KZN (at Umtentwini just south of Durban) in September.

Mangwanani also plans to open in the Western Cape in 2005.

Mangwanani's unique South African flavour, combined with attention to detail, great service and value for money, has proved enormously successful.

Provided the Mangwanani team use the same recipe at the new spas they are bound to meet with great success.

Spending time at a spa is revitalising and rejuvenating. Let your hair down! Treat yourself to a balanced body, let well-being replace stress. Let waves of pleasure and relaxation engulf your whole being in this watery world. You'll feel great afterwards. Enjoy life while you have it!

Other hot stuff

is of course that South Africa is to be the host of World Cup Soccer in 2010! Congratulations South Africa! The rainbow nation is excited and preparations have already started. the latest addition to the trendy Cape Town scene is the new bar Planet in our much loved Mount Nelson Hotel. Hailed as the first champagne and cocktail bar in town, there is quite an out-of-this-world surprise in store for you. we just thought you might like to know that the most expensive house ever to come on the market in Cape Town is up for sale. For just R45 million you could be the lucky owner of a beach house overlooking Clifton Beach, where the sand is white, the wind never blows and where the beautiful people rub shoulders. this year's Francourt Ladies Pro Am Tournament is scheduled for June 25-27. At Fancourt there are 4 fabulous golf courses, a fine spa and luxury accommodation. and Tom Cruise and his film team are busy shooting a new film just north of Cape Town city centre on Blauwberg Beach. Lots of famous faces around...

Be good to yourself,

Erika
Tel: +27 (0)21 555 3732
Fax: +27 (0)21 555 3733
Email: info@satravelco.com