South Africa beats with tradition

There are places in this world one would never dream of visiting, imagining them to be too far away, beyond reach, perhaps disease-ridden or on the verge of an internal conflict. But some of the no-go destinations are in today’s popular travel brochures. One such place is the continent of Africa.

On the invitation of Cathay Pacific which provided the business class tickets to South Africa and Cebu’s multi-awardee and top producer of a number of airline lists, Aida Uy of Cebu Fortune Travel, who arranged for our accommodations, transfers and tours, my friends and I boarded CX 743 for Johannesburg via Hong Kong. In Hong Kong we met up with our tour guides, the very likable couple Mitch and his charming wife Cathy.

The non-stop, 13-hour flight was very comfortable. We enjoyed the amenities that some airlines can only hope to have, while the cabin crew attendants consistently pampered and attended to our every need.

Upon arrival in Joburg we were met by a smiling Minnie Robbie of Thompsons Tours who escorted us to the nearby domestic terminal for our onward flight to Durban.

Day one: Durban

A city of fascinating contrasts, the coastal city was shaped by the early colonial settlers, the Zulu population and the Indians who arrived in the 19th century.

With no time even for a brief washup we headed for the Ushaka Marine World, an ultra-modern, world-class entertainment center with over 30 indoor and outdoor displays and exhibits of South Africas’ unique Indian and Atlantic Ocean marine life including a huge aquarium, the fifth largest in the world. At the center of the park is a recreation of a wreck of a ‘40s cargo ship where we had lunch on the ship’s upper deck overlooking the magnificent Port of Durban.

Day two: Shakaland

We made our way up the lush KwaZulu Natal North Coast and the Nkwalini Valley right in the heart of Zululand. Atop a hill stands the largest Zulu kraal (village). The inhabitants still live by the traditional Zulu customs that have remained unchanged. We immersed ourselves into the living culture and gained insight into their somewhat turbulent past.

The Zulus have their own traditional craftwork with handwoven baskets using indigenous raw materials which include grass stems, palm fronds and fine grass as their specialty. They are done in a variety of styles and colors that have a significant value in their daily life.

Zulu women are also experts at beadwork, weaving beads into intricate patterns to form jewelry and other decorative ornaments. But perhaps the most important aspect of beads is the message carried by these works of art – thoughts of joy, jealousy, grief, poverty or uncertainty.

Other crafts found in great abundance within the region include intricate pottery, painting, leatherwork, handmade woven rugs and tapestries created from homespun wool, cotton and mohair.

We had an insight into the life and loves of the isangoma (witchdoctor), which is quite unbelievable – almost surreal. Surrounded by the energy of the Zulu dancers we sampled the unusual beer. The adventure tour culminated with a typical African lunch which is influenced by the many cultures that have traversed the country, which includes the spicy eastern flavors and the delicate western tastes.

The long trip finally took its toll on us and off we went to our hotel, The Holiday Inn North Beach. It is chic with its comforting surroundings and panoramic view of the golden beach.

Day 3: Sun City

On board a motor coach with our knowledgeable and bubbly tour guide Tersia Muller who narrated to us the history of South Africa, we headed northwest, to Sun City, South Africa’s premier holiday resort. On the two-hour ride we admired the view of trees, mountains and bushveld of the Pilanesberg National Park. And then without much warning, there it stood, majestic, magnificent and grand. The Palace of the Lost City, our home for the next two days.

Legend has it that an ancient civilization arrived on a pilgrimage from the lands in the north of Africa to build a magnificent palace for their king. It served as the spiritual center of their massive empire until an earthquake reduced it to ruins. Today, restored in form and rejuvenated in spirit by Sol Kerzner, the Palace offers far more than just royal hospitality.

The centerpiece of the extraordinary hotel is a fairytale palace residence, built with dedication and attention to detail. Surrounding the hotel is a 2.5-hectare botanical jungle that is threaded with meandering paths, cascades, lakes, pools and a variety of water-borne adventure rides. The landscaped manicured gardens with waterfalls and fountains are breathtaking.

The interiors feature exquisite handmade mosaic intricately embellished with thousands of semi-precious stones, frescoed ceilings depicting South Africa’s wildlife and culture. The craftsmen captured the wild elegance and savage beauty in bronze and stone, in a life-size sculpture of the mighty elephant Shawu, who takes the place of pride in the Shawu Court.

Our luxurious room resplendent in its maple paneling, had a wonderful view of the jungle, one of two 18-hole championship golf courses and the astounding inland beach, the Valley of Waves with its dramatic waterslides and an enormous wave pool where waves can be generated. Intricately hand-carved furnishings reflect the flora and fauna of Africa.

Breakfast at the Crystal Court was an experience in itself.

Imagine having Peking duck, dimsum, jamon serrano, choice of cheese, variety of breads, juices, omelets with different toppings, and sipping hot chocolate – all this food while listening to a pianist render romantic pieces on a Bosendorfer piano, which is one of only 17 in the world.

We ended our most enjoyable stay with a spectacular show at the Extravaganza Theatre.

What more could I ask for?

Early the next morning we set out for Entabeni, to experience our much anticipated safari. I shall relive that unforgettable experience in my next article.