The Great Wall of China, Rio's statue of Christ the Redeemer, the Roman Colosseum, India's Taj Mahal and even the Inca village of Machu Picchu - these are among the world's greatest wonders. But just as exciting is a list of "must see" places in a quiet corner of the Eastern Cape that have been described as "a recipe for the perfect holiday".
Even in these cash-strapped times, the Seven Wonders of the World fire the imagination of travellers prepared to go long distances to reach places perceived to be of exceptional beauty and interest.
But, in South Africa, a growing number are out on the open roads rediscovering the wonders of their own country. Not only are they checking out the already popular World Heritage sites, but also exploring the more remote places, apparently attracted by the history, geology and natural beauty of the countryside - and the comfortable accommodation establishments they find along the way.
For instance, Cacadu is just a small corner in Nelson Mandela's province, the spectacular Eastern Cape. Yet, very bravely, the region has listed seven of its main attractions as worthy of special mention. Some are well known, others promise interesting new experiences. The Seven Wonders of Cacadu was launched just a month or two ago and already visitors are heading there.
When the invitation came to explore the region's "seven wonders", I wondered if so small an area, including remote little dorps such as Steytlerville, Jansenville, Graaff Reinet, Hankey, Nieu Bethesda and Kenton-on-Sea could possibly qualify for the grand title their tourism marketers have given Cacadu. Yet, off I went to be continually surprised at the places I encountered along the way. This is where my route took me:
- The Sunshine Coast claims to have more hours of sunshine than any other part of South Africa. The coast stretches from Port Alfred to include a number of small seaside resorts such as Kenton-on-Sea, Bushman's River, Bokness and Cannon Rocks.
- Addo, a national park that is home to the Big Seven, including marine giants such as whales and sharks. Yet, surprisingly, roses are also a huge feature of the little village.
- Grahamstown hosts the National Arts Festival and is the home of Rhodes University.
- Baviaans, biggest wilderness area in South Africa, is probably the wildest place as well.
- Jeffreys and St Francis bays are top surfing and golfing destinations.
- The Karoo, famous for the Plains of Camdeboo and the Valley of Desolation, is a place of stark beauty - yet also rich in history and architectural interest.
- Tsitsikamma and the Langkloof: the former is famous for its canopy tours and the latter South Africa's fruit basket.
First stop on the trip was the Sunshine Coast, an easy place to fall in love with.
The coastal belt is dotted with rivers and lagoons, villages and towns, each offering opportunities for kayaking (both at sea and on the rivers), wild water canoeing and surf skiing.
In fact, it is possible to follow a 21km self-guided canoe trail that starts at Port Alfred, continues along the Kowie River and ends at the Waters Meeting Nature Reserve. Adventure tourism is not for me, but those interested should call 046 625 0876 for info.
There's a longer 30km canoe trail for the more adventurous that requires two days. The closest town is Kenton-on-Sea. For details, call Ken Kings at 046 648 1223.
The big surprise was Addo. It has been some time since I visited this impressive national park with its thickets and spectacular elephant herds, the original seven having now grown to 450.
The ellies have company these days with the Big Five an established feature in the Sundays River valley. Even more exciting is that the sanctuary now includes a marine section where whales and sharks can be spotted offshore at this time of year.
There are several other elements youngsters in particular will enjoy here: the Addo Crocodile and Lion Ranch where they have the chance of handling lion cubs; the Addo Dung Beetle breeding station where visitors are taught the value of this unique little creature and told of efforts under way to save the insect; and the Addo Valley Raptor and Reptile Centre where close encounters with birds and reptiles alike are possible.
Grahamstown is, of course, famous for the National Arts Festival that takes places annually in July. It's a great place to visit even when the cultural offerings are not available. As a much-loved university town, it is not surprisingly (with so many students about) that abseiling and sky diving are available as diversions. However, the less adventurous such as myself will find more enjoyment at the Albany Museum complex, and a stroll through the tree-lined streets to see the historic buildings and Rhodes University.
Baviaans is rugged, unspoilt Africa at its best, but it needs a 4x4 vehicle to get to the heart of it. The baboons occupying the kloofs are legendary, but there is plenty of space for safe hiking and camping beneath the stars.
The hamlet of Steytlerville, part of Baviaans, is intriguing; its indigenous population a good mix of South Africans, including English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa speakers, whose names flutter from flagpoles in one of the main streets. It's also an excellent place for star-gazing.
October is a good time to be there, for this is when the Steytlerville Rainbow Festival takes place from the 16th to 18th. As the name suggests, this is a lively event, when the community celebrates its roots with an extravaganza that includes everything from piano concertos to fire dancers. For more information, call 049 835 0484.
Cacadu's Karoo has a flavour of its own. It includes quaint towns such as Aberdeen, Graaff-Reinet, Pearston, Somerset East and Nieu-Bethesda, the latter famous for its Owl House. Also of interest are the San and Khoi shelters in the area, with guided tours available. Anyone with even a slight interest in Early Man and the dinosaurs of yesteryear will want to stop at the Fossil and Artefacts Museum for a couple of hours.
Somerset East is the birthplace of top South African artist Walter Battiss. Some of his finest work can be viewed in the house where he was born.
The local museum, too, contains an array of historic artefacts. However, visitors who prefer the outdoors can explore the hills and even fly fish in the streams running through the hills - a rare treat in a Karoo town.
The Tsitsikamma and Langkloof are a definite must for adventure lovers. Not for them a quiet hike in the indigenous forests or a stroll along a beach on the Garden Route. They will head for Storms River, where they can go on a treetop canopy walk high above the forest floor or, even more exciting, try cable sliding at the Bloukrans Bridge.
I opted for a walk in the Tsitsikamma forest and had an unexpected thrill: the sight of a leopard as it crossed my path.
It was a heart-stopping moment, but if I faltered, the leopard never missed a step.
The Langkloof on Route 62 is a riot of pink and white blossoms in the springtime. This is where much of South Africa's apples and pears are grown, part of the crop being exported, part canned and the rest enjoyed by the people of South Africa.
There are a number of lovely little restaurants and coffee shops and some stalls where, in season, fruit can be bought fresh from the orchards.
Last, but not least of the seven wonders of Cacadu is the Jeffreys Bay and St Francis area, a surfing mecca of note. It's an established holiday destination with an array of restaurants, some offering the local delicacy, calamari, brought in daily by the chokka boats.
If you go...
- Greater Addo Tourism: E-mail [email protected] or call 042 230 0066 or Sundays River Tourism at 071 437 8487 or [email protected]
- Baviaans Tourism:
Willowmore - Call 044 923 1702 or
e-mail [email protected]
Steytlerville- 049 835 0484 or [email protected]
Hankey Tourism - 042 284 0543 or [email protected]
- Grahamstown: 046 622 3241, [email protected]
- Jeffreys Bay and St Francis
Aberdeen Heritage Architecture: 049 846 0803 or [email protected]
Graaff Reinet: 049 892 4248 or [email protected]
Nieu-Bethesda: 079 070 8988 or [email protected]
- Tsitsikamma and Langkloof: 042 280 3561; e-mail [email protected] or [email protected]