A Happy Ending to a Romantic African Getaway

On July 21, 2010, In Honeymoon Safaris, South Africa, By Sandy Salle

Top 3 Romantic South Africa Spas

bushmanskloofspa2Discover your inner balance together, on a couples retreat to one of Africa’s most romantic and luxurious destination spas. Whether you’re taking time to relax after a full week of exhilaration and safari adventure, or have just completed a horseback wine tasting safari in Cape Winelands, nothing is more sensual than ending your honeymoon or anniversary getaway with a holistic rejuvenation of the mind, body, and soul.

Many of the spas found throughout Africa offer services that fuse the traditional healing powers of nature with revolutionary spa treatments, allowing couples the rewarding opportunity to connect with nature while enjoying revitalizing spa treatments.

Below is our list of South Africa’s top 3 romantic and lavish spas:

Pezula Spa

With services and treatments that combine traditional natural healing elements and state-of-the-art spa technology, each experience at Pezula Spa is designed as a holistic treatment to balance the senses and revitalize the body.

From nourishing skin care treatments to therapeutic and detoxifying experiences, you and your loved can experience pure bliss together.

Some of Pezula’s signature treatments include scrubs, wraps, massages, milk baths, and hydrotherapies, that all incorporate the natural elements and essence of the Western Cape’s indigenous fynbos.

After a stimulating couple’s treatment, further your romantic experience in one of Pezula’s soothing spa amenities such as the outdoor Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, or revitalizing rainforest shower—a favorite among couples as its designed with an artistic fusion of mosaic tiles and soothing illumination.

The Saxon

SaxonmassageWith hints of contemporary décor and contrasting earth tones and textures, each and every design element of The Saxon Spa acts as an extension of treatments and therapies offered at this ultimate escape. In fact, one of The Saxon Spa’s most celebrated amenities is their outdoor Sensational Showers, which were created around two of nature’s most divergent elements, fire and water.

Offering a full array of luxury services, including massages, customized facials, and exclusive wraps, baths, and hydrotherapy treatments, it’s no wonder The Saxon Spa was voted the Best Day Spa in South Africa by Les Nouvelles Esthétiques in 2006—among many other awards and acclaims.

SaxonpoolIn addition to the incredible amenities and treatments featured at The Saxon Spa, one of their most popular and exclusive services is The Signature Sound Therapy experience. Incorporating the Zen-inducing sounds of gongs, cymbals, singing bowls and bells, and powerful color therapy, this treatment is the ultimate in holistic therapy for the mind, body, and soul.

So, whether you want to enjoy a couple’s treatment in one of The Saxon’s private outdoor gazebos or in one of their rejuvenating relaxation rooms, romance is a prominent characteristic at The Saxon Spa.

The Birkenhead House and Spa

birkenheadspaAs you and your loved one lay side-by-side on comforting, white-linen covered mats, enjoy the naturally soothing sounds of the ocean, merely a few feet away. Or, enjoy a therapeutic treatment in one of The Birkenhead Spa’s two exclusive pampering rooms, the Lavender Room and the Cinnamon Room.

Designed to restore the balance of the senses with soothing music, subtle scents of lavender, and the distant sounds of trickling water, the Lavender Room is the ultimate setting for complete rejuvenation and sensory stimulation.

Also designed to inspire complete relaxation is The Cinnamon Room, a sanctuary filled with the sweet aroma of warming cinnamon.

birkenheadspaoutsideSome of the spa treatments that can be experienced either outdoor or in one of the Birkenhead’s soothing treatment rooms include aromatherapy, energizing wrap treatments and scrubs, hot-stone massages, reflexology, and customized facial treatments—to name a few.

Incorporating the holistic treatments of various cultures, The Birkenhead Spa’s exclusive spa services are derived from the therapeutic masters of the world. Some of these worldly services include Swedish Massage, Indian Head Massage, and the Lomi-Lomi Massage (derived from Hawaii).

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The Xhosa Tribe’s Struggle between Modernization and Ancient Customs

On June 16, 2010, In South Africa, By Sandy Salle

XhosaSouth Africans have been referred to as the Rainbow Nation, a title which epitomizes the country’s cultural diversity.  Almost 70% of the population is Black.  The remaining 30% is White (11%), Coloured (6%, this simply means of mixed race), and Indian (3%).  The cultural diversity does not end there by any means.  For example, within the Black population there are 4 major ethnic groups and countless sub-groups.  Within the White population there are 2, Afrikaans and British.  With 7 official languages, it’s a miracle South Africans communicate with each other at all!

Today, we focus on one of the largest ethnic groups within South Africa, the Xhosa.  Approximately 18% of the South African population speaks Xhosa and it is the second most common language in South Africa.  The language is marked by a number of tongue clicking sounds.

Once powerful settlers in southeastern South Africa, the Xhosa tribe had success through most of the mid 1600s and 1700s expanding the territory in which they lived. Their expansion was halted in the 1770s when the Xhosa and Boer tribe were in a pastoral land dispute. This was known as the first Cape Frontier War.

In the early 1800s and into the 1900s, the Cape Frontier Wars, which lasted nearly 100 years, were between the British settlers of the Cape and the local Xhosa people. As British policy forced itself upon the Xhosa people, the Xhosa culture began to slowly take on more modern characteristics.

xhosaChristian missionaries began settling into southeastern South Africa, pushing Christianity and English education upon the Xhosa. At first, the Xhosa refused to take part in any British influence, but as the Xhosa began to lose more of their political rights and as disease swept the area, the Xhosa were forced to obey British policy.

Slowly, the Xhosa people began to take on Christian faiths, British attire, and received westernized education from the missionaries. But as the Xhosa began to slip deeper into British control and lose much of their pastoral lands, they also slipped deeper into poverty. Eventually the Xhosa people were forced into migrant labor jobs in order to provide for their family.

When apartheid rule was upon South Africa, the Xhosa were forced into a designated land. But, the introduction of democracy in 1994 brought a delightful change to the Xhosa people by eliminating these designated lands. Unfortunately, the abolishment of apartheid did not yield great wealth to the Xhosa. Today, they are still poverty stricken, and working in nearby cities.

Even though the influence of British rule has forced the Xhosa tribe to accept a lifestyle that is considered more modernized, the Xhosa people have been able to keep a firm grasp on most of their ancient traditions.

xhosaThe Xhosa People Today

With a population of around 7 million individuals, the Xhosa is one of South Africa’s largest tribe. Today, many of the Xhosa people can be found throughout both rural and urban areas of the Eastern Cape and much of the Republic of South Africa and are still working migrant labor jobs.

Thanks to British policy, the Xhosa people—who once solely worshiped their ancestors—now incorporate Christianity faiths into their ancestor worshiping, use mostly non-natural resources to build their homes, and wear non-traditional attire.

Some things that haven’t changed much for the Xhosa people include their exceptional beadwork, dance rituals, and the Xhosa language, a dialect derived from their ancestors, the Nguni people. The Xhosa also uphold one of their most sacred traditions, the rite of passage into manhood.  Although controversial, the Xhosa have been performing male circumcision since their beginnings, and uphold almost every traditional element that their ancestors employed, making this procedure extremely risky.

When boys pass through the rite of passage into manhood, it takes a circumcision ritual. The purpose of this ritual is to instill pain on the boys as a passage into manhood. During this ritual, boys are painted with white paint, then circumcised, and isolated from the rest of the tribe for weeks in small huts as they heal. During this rigorous initiation period, the boys cannot drink water or eat water-based foods until they are healed.

xhosaBecause the Xhosa do not use modern medicine in this ritual, it is considered a highly dangerous surgery—not to mention, the surgeons are not trained doctors. The hygiene is extremely poor and many infections do arise. Sometimes, the boys even die from infection. If a boy does in fact get an infection, they must decide whether or not they wish to seek medical help. If they do receive medical aid, they will never be able to become accepted into the Xhosa tribe as a man. But the risk is necessary to become a man.

Will modernization eventually rid the Xhosa of nearly all traditional customs or will they have the power to continue to uphold their ancient rituals such as the rite of passage into manhood?

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Save a South African Owl with a Glass of Avondale Wine

On May 7, 2010, In African Wildlife, Cape Winelands, South Africa, Sustainable Tourism, Uncategorized, By Sandy Salle
owls

Image from Avondale Wine website

Autumn at the Avondale Wine Estate in the sprawling countryside of Cape Town, South Africa, signifies a time for wine tasting, rejuvenation, and owl, falcon, and heron observation. It’s a time when the vines prepare for winter hibernation, deep red wines are flowing, and the countryside is blanketed with deep red and amber flora. But one of the most spectacular elements of autumn at Avondale is dusk time.

owls

Image and caption from Avondale Wines website: "Blue Crane chick that had 'bent leg syndrome'. He spent a week in a sling before he could stand alone but he is doing very well although he is still a bit wobbly."

As dusk sets in at the Avondale Wine Estate, some of Mother Nature’s most magnificent creatures rise to the occasion. Hooting with poise and grace, the owls are the perfect symphony to soak in as you enjoy a glass of Avondale’s rich Owl House Cabernet Sauvignon 2003. Thanks to the estate’s organic compost program and earth-responsible vineyard practices, owls and other birds of prey visit Avondale for its mineral rich land.

owls

Image from Avondale Wines website

Often seen as the moon slowly climbs up the Klein Drakenstein Mountains, the elusive night owl and other captivating species of owls perform their musical nighttime hoots. But, many times, the trip to Avondale can be a dangerous journey. Many birds reach the outskirts of the area wounded and in need of rehabilitation.

In an effort to help conserve the owl species of southern Africa, Avondale has teamed up with the Witzenberg Wildlife Rescue and Rehab Centre. They have also made agreements with Financial Mail and Diners Club Choice subscribers, to donate a portion of the wine sale proceedings to help save the owls and other birds of prey species.

owls

Image from Avondale Wines website

Today, there is a man-made sanctuary designed to provide owls and other bird species, such as barn owls, spotted eagle owls, falcons, and cranes, with a safe haven to rehabilitate–before venturing back out into the wild.

So, whether you’re thinking about taking your honeymoon to South Africa or taking a group trip to South Africa, Avondale Wine Estate is the place to go for a delicious wine and delightful experience. Not to mention each time that you enjoy a glass of Owl House Cabernet, you’re contributing to the rescue and rehabilitation of the adorable feathered creatures of southern Africa.

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Sea Five: For the Luxury-Seeking Traveler

On April 5, 2010, In Honeymoon Safaris, South Africa, By Sandy Salle
trip to South Africa

Image from http://www.seafive.co.za/gallery

With a Mediterranean- and African-infused décor, Sea Five in Cape Town, South Africa, is a luxurious beachfront retreat that provides the ultimate escape for the busy city dweller. Comprised of eight, en-suite rooms with breathtaking backdrops of mountains, lush gardens, and the sea, this boutique hotel provides an intimate, yet spacious atmosphere for the privacy-seeking traveler.

Situated near the base of Table Mountain, Sea Five is only a mere 300 meters from Camps Bay, home to one of South Africa’s most luxurious and sprawling beaches.

trip to South Africa

Image from http://www.seafive.co.za/gallery

Although each day at Sea Five is unique and full of wonderful discoveries, here is what guests experience each and every day at this quaint escape:

Refreshing Mornings: Awake to the fresh sea breeze and the scent of buttery croissants and roasted coffee to start your day right. After a delightfully satisfying breakfast, take a stroll through Sea Five’s stunning gardens for hypnotic aromas of lavender and mandarin, and relax within your quiet surroundings before heading to Camps Bay for a day complete with ocean-side peace.

Delightful Days: From book reading in the garden to exciting city walks, and beach relaxation to poolside fun, there’s no shortage of leisurely activities to take part in at Sea Five. For a break from the African sun, stroll to a nearby café or bistro for a delectable seafood lunch and refreshing cocktail or arrange for Sea Five’s chef to cook up one of his culinary masterpieces including lobster linguine.

trip to South Africa

Image from http://www.seafive.co.za/gallery

Sumptuous Evenings: As the Cape day winds down, relax by the pool or on the beach as the sun slowly sets behind the horizon. Then, satisfy your appetite with exceptional dining at one of Camps Bay’s fine restaurants or bistros. If you’re not yet ready to retire to your suite, grab a cocktail at Sea Five’s bar or at one of the locally-renowned bars in the area.

Private Retreats: After an extraordinary day in the garden, on the beach, or around town, retreat to the comfort of your spacious suite for a good night’s rest. Each room, designed with a unique vision for beauty, celebrates an appreciation for nature’s eclectic textures and soft hues.  With a selection of three equally-tranquil views to choose from, including garden, mountain, and ocean views, Sea Five accommodates all guest preferences.

trip to South Africa

Image from http://www.seafive.co.za/gallery

Tell us what you think of Sea Five in our comments section. We’d love to hear from you.

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Volcano Arts Project: Teaching Children About Social Issues through Art

On February 19, 2010, In Family Safaris, South Africa, By Sandy Salle
Volcano Arts Project

Volcano Arts Project

Through a number of Fair Trade In Tourism and volunteer efforts, a variety of community and economy sustaining projects have, in recent years, been introduced to the many townships of South Africa.

One such project in the works is the Volcano Arts Project. Taking place in the Cape Town township, Gugulethu, the Volcano Arts Project strives to involve locals and children into community theater. So far, there has been an assortment of spectacular drama productions, all focused around social themes and crucial issues in South Africa. Through artistic expression, the drama participants can bring focus and attention to devastating issues such as HIV / AIDS, drug abuse, violence against women, and more.

It can sometimes be difficult to grab the attention of children and teach them the ramifications of serious social issues, but Volcano Arts Project has been delightfully surprised by the attention the productions have been receiving by the local children. These children, usually affected by such social issues, have the opportunity to learn—through an artistic outlet—how to overcome these problems and influence them in future actions.

Volcano Arts Project

Volcano Arts Project

Uthando is one such organization helping to complete the Volcano Arts theater building. Taking small steps to lend labor and building materials, Uthando is working hard to bring meaningful and influential art and entertainment into the lives of the Gugulethu locals. Thanks to the helping hands of Uthando and other volunteers, Volcano can continue bringing hope and joy to the Cape Town townships.

If you know of any builders in Cape Town who are willing to donate their skills or some of their extra or reject building materials, contact James of Uthando at jamesfernie@uthandosa.org. Any contributions are much appreciated. You can also visit the Gugulethu township while on a South Africa family vacation, and have a personal look into the wonderful productions happening today.

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The Apartheid Museum: South Africa’s Story—From Oppression to Freedom

On February 15, 2010, In African Safari Tours, South Africa, By Sandy Salle

Screen Grab Taken From www.apartheidmuseum.org/

Screen Grab Taken From www.apartheidmuseum.org/

Opening its doors in 2001, The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, South Africa is a place where visitors, as well as locals, can go to discover what really happened during the tyrannical time of apartheid in South African history. Photos, installations, exhibitions, artifacts, and films make up the core of this museum and provide each visitor with a true understanding of the effects apartheid had on South Africa—from the very beginning to the end.

A brief historical background: When the all-white National Party was elected into South African government in 1946, their apartheid policy was put into effect. Essentially, apartheid worked to make 20 million South African citizens second class. Not only were these citizens humiliated by their newly appointed “ranking” in society, they were also abused and put to work. The apartheid laws were built from a racial classification foundation that grouped people into one of four different groups. These groups were native, colored, Asian, or white. Those who were classified as second class were controlled by the government in every aspect of their life, including social, economic, and property restrictions.

In 1994, after nearly 50 years of resilience and bravery, South Africans received their freedom when Nelson Mandela—once a prisoner—became president.

Apartheid Museum

What you’ll experience at The Apartheid Museum: As you first enter the grounds of The Apartheid Museum, the first thing you’ll see is The Pillars of the Constitution. These pillars, which stand for South Africa’s recent historical freedom, spotlight the seven core values sewn throughout South Africa’s new constitution. These values are: democracy, equality, reconciliation, diversity, responsibility, respect, and freedom. Drafted between 1994 and 1996, the constitution was created by South Africa’s first completely democratic parliament and ensures complete equality for all.

Once past the sprawling courtyards of the museum, you’ll enter the museum in the appropriate entrance, based on your race group. This subjective classification is a way to briefly immerse visitors into the effects apartheid had on emotions.

As you walk through the entrance, you’ll see walls lined with authentic identity documents that were used during apartheid to classify each person. Continuing through the museum, you will see 22 exhibits, which, combined, take you through an epic story of oppression, bravery, rebellion, and freedom.

Apartheid MuseumWhat you’ll take with you from The Apartheid Museum:Because South Africa’s liberation from a tyrant government was so recent, it’s resonance in the hearts of citizens is still palpable and strong, and is reflected throughout the entire museum. When you witness the combination of each vehicle of expression throughout the museum, you will see the emotional effects this time in history had on South Africans, and leave with the hope and conviction that the fall of apartheid is the beginning to a new South Africa.

Additional Information: The Apartheid Museum offers tours for visitors, but must be booked in advance. To view more information on the museum, as well as its admission fees and hours of operation, visit their website at http://www.apartheidmuseum.org/.

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The Apartheid Museum: South Africa's Story—From Oppression to Freedom

On February 15, 2010, In African Safari Tours, South Africa, By Sandy Salle

Screen Grab Taken From www.apartheidmuseum.org/

Screen Grab Taken From www.apartheidmuseum.org/

Opening its doors in 2001, The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, South Africa is a place where visitors, as well as locals, can go to discover what really happened during the tyrannical time of apartheid in South African history. Photos, installations, exhibitions, artifacts, and films make up the core of this museum and provide each visitor with a true understanding of the effects apartheid had on South Africa—from the very beginning to the end.

A brief historical background: When the all-white National Party was elected into South African government in 1946, their apartheid policy was put into effect. Essentially, apartheid worked to make 20 million South African citizens second class. Not only were these citizens humiliated by their newly appointed “ranking” in society, they were also abused and put to work. The apartheid laws were built from a racial classification foundation that grouped people into one of four different groups. These groups were native, colored, Asian, or white. Those who were classified as second class were controlled by the government in every aspect of their life, including social, economic, and property restrictions.

In 1994, after nearly 50 years of resilience and bravery, South Africans received their freedom when Nelson Mandela—once a prisoner—became president.

Apartheid Museum

What you’ll experience at The Apartheid Museum: As you first enter the grounds of The Apartheid Museum, the first thing you’ll see is The Pillars of the Constitution. These pillars, which stand for South Africa’s recent historical freedom, spotlight the seven core values sewn throughout South Africa’s new constitution. These values are: democracy, equality, reconciliation, diversity, responsibility, respect, and freedom. Drafted between 1994 and 1996, the constitution was created by South Africa’s first completely democratic parliament and ensures complete equality for all.

Once past the sprawling courtyards of the museum, you’ll enter the museum in the appropriate entrance, based on your race group. This subjective classification is a way to briefly immerse visitors into the effects apartheid had on emotions.

As you walk through the entrance, you’ll see walls lined with authentic identity documents that were used during apartheid to classify each person. Continuing through the museum, you will see 22 exhibits, which, combined, take you through an epic story of oppression, bravery, rebellion, and freedom.

Apartheid MuseumWhat you’ll take with you from The Apartheid Museum:Because South Africa’s liberation from a tyrant government was so recent, it’s resonance in the hearts of citizens is still palpable and strong, and is reflected throughout the entire museum. When you witness the combination of each vehicle of expression throughout the museum, you will see the emotional effects this time in history had on South Africans, and leave with the hope and conviction that the fall of apartheid is the beginning to a new South Africa.

Additional Information: The Apartheid Museum offers tours for visitors, but must be booked in advance. To view more information on the museum, as well as its admission fees and hours of operation, visit their website at http://www.apartheidmuseum.org/.

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Rockchic: Timeless Jewelry Recognized For Beauty and Power

On November 11, 2009, In South Africa, By Sandy Salle

rockchicFor visitors to Cape Town, South Africa looking for the perfect gift to bring home for the holidays, Rockchic is the place to find it. With an assortment of stunning, handmade gemstone jewelry including necklaces, bracelets, crystals and gems, and an assortment of jewelry accessories, you are sure to find the perfect piece to compliment any outfit.

Each piece is entirely crafted out of natural materials with the utmost precision, and each crystal and gem is the finest found in nature. Types of crystals and gems used in Rockchic’s jewelry assortment include amazonite, amethyst, fuchsite, malachite, and spirit quartz—among a wide spectrum of others.

When you purchase a piece from Rockchic, you are purchasing more than a necklace, bracelet, or earring set, you are purchasing a traditional form of power and beauty recognized by ancient South African civilizations. These civilizations, as well as current cultures, believe that crystals hold great power in both the physical and metaphysical worlds and that the uniqueness of each crystal has the power to protect, enhance, uplift, and strengthen its owner.

According to Michele and Kathleen of Rockchic, “(The crystals) have been used as amulets to ward off harm, as talismans to encourage virtues, as magical guardians to heal, and as tools to interpret messages from the spirit world. They have an attraction that transcends time and space.”

In addition to their undeniable beauty, certain gems and crystals have metaphysical powers specific to that gem or crystal. Below is an example of the metaphysical power one such crystal has, the Agate:

  • Agates are believed to have a healing power that works to calm, strengthen, and balance the mind and body.
  • Agates work to increase self-esteem and the trust others have in you.
  • Banded Agates provide you with strength to face life’s obstacles.
  • Agates also work to extinguish fear and provide you with pleasant dreams.

Because each crystal is completely unique from the next, it can have a different emotional impact on individuals. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that you feel a connection between yourself and the crystal.

Below are steps taken from the Rockchic website that will help you when choosing the perfect crystal:

“To select a crystal, first put yourself in a calm space. Hold the crystal in your right hand with the point towards you. Feel it physically. Be open to sensations like tingling or change in temperature. Also feel the crystal emotionally. Think of the purpose you want it for and see if you feel attracted to it. Be more concerned with how it feels than how it looks. Allow the crystal to pick you by interacting with it in this way. Go with your initial feeling.”

To view Rockchic’s selection of fine gem and crystal jewelry visit their website at http://www.rockchic.co.za/index.html.

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Animal Spotlight: The Ostrich

On October 21, 2009, In African Wildlife, Family Safaris, Honeymoon Safaris, South Africa, By Sandy Salle
Ostrichwtmk[1]

Photo provided by Dave and Naomi Estment

Can an ostrich fly if it weighs 350 lbs and is 9 ft. tall? The answer is no—not unless it has jet engines strapped to its wings. But, the ostrich does have one airplane capability working for it—the ostrich can use its wings to direct its course when running and help the animal to keep balance.

What ostriches can’t do in the air they make up for in their great running speed. Running in sudden bursts at speeds slightly more than 40 miles per hour (70 kilometers per hour), the ostrich can move across large distances without tiring. The ostrich cannot maintain this speed for long periods of time though, so, on average, it runs 30 mph (50 kph) and has the ability take 10 – 15 ft. (3 – 5 meter) strides. 

What else makes the ostrich one of the most unique birds in the world?

• Built for running, the ostrich’s legs are long and each foot has two toes. These toes enable the creature to run faster.  

• Ostriches can be life-threatening if they feel they are being attacked. If the force of their powerful kick doesn’t kill a large animal, its 4 inch (10 centimeter) claw on each foot will probably do the trick. 

Ostriches-at-sunsetwtmk

Photo provided by Dave and Naomi Estment

• On average, the ostrich can live up to 30 – 40 years of age and is only found in select areas of central Africa and southern Africa.

• Not only is the ostrich the biggest and heaviest bird, it also has the largest eye out of any other land animal. Ostriches also have excellent vision, which makes it easier for them to see predators in the distance. 

• On average, herds of ostriches reach up to 10 members and consist of an alpha male and a dominant hen, as well as several other hens. During breeding season, the alpha male will mate with the dominant female and sometimes with other hens in the group. All other hens in the group must place their eggs in the dominant hen’s nest. The dominant hen’s eggs get the most attention and are in the center of the nest.  

Ostrich-inquisitivewtmk

Photo provided by Dave and Naomi Estment

• Ostriches’ main diet consists of plants, roots, and seeds, but also includes insects, lizards, and other small creatures found throughout their territory. Because ostriches eat so much vegetation, their main source of hydration comes from plants and not from large sources of water. When an ostrich eats, it collects food in the back of its throat until there is a substantial chunk of food, at which time they will swallow.

The beautiful photographs in this post are provided by Dave Estment a well-known South African photographer and are copyrighted by Dave Estment.  To see more of Dave’s gorgeous work, please visit http://www.naomiestment.wordpress.com.  Thank you very much Dave & Naomi for sharing your work with us and everyone wanting to Live the Magic of Africa.

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Take a Trip Back In Time on Robben Island

On October 19, 2009, In Family Safaris, Honeymoon Safaris, South Africa, By Sandy Salle

Aerial view of Robben IslandAs an official nature reserve and World Heritage Site, Robben Island is one of the most unique places to enjoy a family safari vacation or a South African honeymoon. Rich with cultural and historical elements as well as an abundance of wildlife and diverse eco-systems, Robben Island is a must visit destination.

Before you even arrive on Robben Island, you’ll be able to see some truly exceptional marine mammals indigenous to the area during the boat ride from Cape Town to Robben Island. Frequently spotted animals include Cape fur seals, southern right whales, and several dolphin species.

Robben Island

Upon your arrival to this stunning getaway, you’ll discover exactly why Robben Island is famous for its fantastic wildlife and unique vegetation. Some resident species you’ll see include a variety of antelope species, ostriches, reptiles, tortoises’, and more. The birdlife is also exquisite on this island and one of those most celebrated birds to observe is the African penguin. As a breeding ground for these adorable, little sea birds, Robben Island offers you the opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with the penguins and observe their natural behavior in the wild. You will also have the chance to see a variety of other seabirds and over 132 species of bird. Some of the most popularly witnessed birds include the guinea fowl, black crowned night heron, and the crowned cormorant.

Robben Island

In addition to its highly-acclaimed wildlife, Robben Island is also famous for its World Heritage Site title. History buffs and intuitive travelers alike find Robben Island to be one of the most intriguing places to take a step back in time—a time when great national leaders, icons, African citizens, and criminals were punished and imprisoned. This Island was also used as a place of hospitalization and quarantine for people with leprosy.

Did you know?

• Since the 1600s the island’s primary purpose has been to imprison political figures and criminals.

• Well-known political prisoners included Nelson Mandela (South Africa’s first president), other African leaders, Muslim leaders, and anti-apartheids.

• In addition to its use as a prison, Robben Island was once used as a hospital for lepers and mentally ill people.

• In 1997, Robben Island was dubbed as a World Heritage Site and is now one of the world’s greatest and historically-rich museums.

Below is a timeline taken directly from the Robben Island Museum website:
robben2

robben3

Have you been to Robben Island?  What were your lasting memories?

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