From the gourmet paradise of the Cape Town region to the magnificent wildlife of Kruger National Park and the spectacular coastline of the Eastern Cape, Kevin Casey was seduced by South Africa, one of the hottest locations to honeymoon in now he Irish person, South Aftica is a everyone inthe world wil se the progress that Eastern Cape with unspoilt beaches, there is it ar and the exotic cally al the s n in perspective. The nected African county crime don't reach into tourist areas, and while Summer weather is subtropical, hitting the com make a weleome to be afraid. It should not put you o low 40 degrees. C change from the winter doldrums up worth, The ening the delights of South Afviea with it's — bitten by the South African bug and have tog ain, No word better sums up the Sou he tragic to warm and friendly people. back sradise of the Cape Town _Alican experience than “my pleasure”, the ten history of South Africa ran he inspirational but now it isa thriving democ- From the gou acy, overflowing with ambition, By the ime the region tothe magnificent wild locals use for “you're welcome”. South Africa is World Cup 2010 kicks off in Johannesberg, tional Park and the spe beautiful faraway county that feels Hike homeup om a safari i in some ways akin to up in Jurassic Park. The wild animals are living artifacts from a bygone world. F Jigital cameras fora see yourself back in the frantic beeping o fond and you could im time at any point in the past million years as these wonderful animals play out their timeless The giant Kruger National Park offers many ways to enter into this fascinating kingdom, from self-drive safaris that the locals are fond of to guided tours on private games reserve offer: 1 luxury accommodation. The classical “Big Five" are the treasured mustviews of safari game drives, although no They are the lion, Jeopard, thino, elephant and buffalo. I's more likely you'll see all or most of them on a guided afar Perhaps equally fascinating are the minor characters in the drama, the antelope, warthogs, les and millipedes. Infact, everywhere you look there is an exotic species you've only ever read about or seen on a TV documentary I hadn't imagined safari would involve been driven right in amongst a herd of feeding ele phants or ight beside a pride of sleeping ions in their natural habitat, The highlight had tobe ge to a restful leopard, to almost stroke her spectacular coat (the in" print this, season does not do justice to the real thin While we are excited, the creatures are ac- customed tothe safari watchers and don't any remarks. Which is a goed ing because ‘most ofthe creatures we see have to tough it ou inthe wild every day while we're mollycoddled with air-conditioned cabanas, traditional South Africa braai or outdoor barbecue meals and cosy beds. We were even treated to some beat appella harmonies Zllionre tycoon Richard Branson even has his own private game reserve nearby (Our eagle-cyed tracker and knowledgeable ranger from Savana Game Lod ether te fascinating tale of the animals’ envi- ronment, instincts and habits. An ideal safari length would be about wo days and there iso a handle on the wonderful appreciate Alrica, better way 10 g wilderness special qualities of South Contac: Tired ofthe repetitive sleck lines ofthe modem CONFETTI HONEYMOONS Quick guide there Travel rect to South Arica from Dublin to Cape Town. Prices start at around €800/8600, rising to about €2,0004£1,500 according to demand. Slattery’s have unrivaled es: in South Attica arrange your itinerary when you get there and book safari, golf and sightseeing ex- ccursions on your behalf. Tailor-made hon eymoons are a speciality. If there is something. specific they can help to arrange it. www sltterys comsouthafriea the only service di- perience They can Not necessary, although there is stan- dard passport check as you enter the country and as you leave, so get to the airport in plenty of time. Money Favours xchange rates mean the euro ets about 10 rand. Irish bank cards work Ps NEVI CASEY in local ATM machines Prices on aver OF cheaper than home. Health Alto many parts of South Africa are now malaria-free, there are sill risks. The closer you get to Kruger and the northern houndary, the Your doctor can advise you, Pregnant \women should not travel to malaria zones A course of ore the risks increase anti-malarial tablets six weeks before you go will give you belt and-be es security. Carry Deot insect re pellent as the mosquitoes don't like it. Weather A moderate clin in South Africa overlaps with our winter from November to March, Autumn is April-May, Winters June-August, Spr is September-October. Temperatures up 35C are normal in summer, and humidity sh. Sunlight is a its most e, generally, Summer «an be quite intense 10am-4pm. Sun cream is @ must, and a hat. See www.southatrica.info! plan_tviptravel_tipscent? The first hint that Africa. With plush accommodat black ant form, And look, not Residence frika.ne Tucked away in the vine-growing reg Pransho near Cape Toss, sepping into the re cently refurbished retreat of La Residence we 4 by the salubrious decor, a mishmash The only sound over the gentle sea was the of Asian, African and European influences. Each clunk of our jaws dropping tothe floor. In St individually styled suite has a Mamboyant Francis" Bay . charm, bedecked with luxury antique furnish: ularly round of ings, chiffon drapes and crystal chandeliers. The Sands Hotel \d-world opulence but Situated in the Eastern Cape near the World 1 cup of Port Elizabeth, St. Pan upon the vi s South Ata Wine tours the French are still ahead inthe ‘ting of the pan and lowered to your plate ality wines, South Africa isnot some poor —delici mn be, The area is famous for its elation when it comes to gourmet cuisine calamari and nearby farms serve up ul, Dinner at La Re Jclicious blend of all lovingly prepared and served by the friendly the passionate and the unpredictable, a summit staf necting of European and African culinary in hack riding on the pristine white fluences. From the peach and iceberg lettuce sands of the beach, dip your toes in the Indian ‘with home-made honey and lemon dressing of Ocean, relax in the jacuzzi bath in your roo or in African Xanadu sampled the delights including Elton John, who has comple up to the intimate Bono, La welcome (Words and pictures by Kevin Casey)