Embassy's Tourism Newsletter - February 2013

VISIT SOUTH AFRICA AT BTL
South Africa will be present at BTL, the Lisbon International Tourism Fair, taking place in FIL from 27 February to 3 March 2013. The South African Embassy in Lisbon will join the stand of Os Especialistas - which gathers a group of specialized tourism companies - in Pavilion 3, Stand C14. During the fair, the Embassy will not only promote South Africa as a holiday destination but answer all your questions as well.

SA TOURISM LAUNCHES TRIPADVISOR HUB
South African Tourism's "Meet South Africa" hub has gone live on TripAdvisor. The page highlights South Africa's top attractions according to the following headings: Wildlife Wonders, Nightlife and Lifestyle, Lap of Luxury, Action Adventure, History and Culture, Scenic Beauty and Beaches and Oceans. Each attraction contains a link to travellers' photos and has a "Plan your trip" option that clicks through to the SA Tourism website.
Click here to view the page.

TOWNSHIP BICYCLE TOURS
This is a MUST DO for every visitor of South Africa. Townships were created as living areas for non-whites under the old political system of Apartheid. Townships are still home to a large percentage of South Africa's population today. Bicycle tours usually last half a day or a full day and may be the only opportunity you get to see how many South Africans live. Click here to see companies offering township bicycle tours in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

CAPE PENINSULA IN PHOTOS
The drive around Cape Peninsula near Cape Town is one of the best in the world. Cape Peninsula stretches 52 kilometres and includes not only Cape of Good Hope, but the iconic Table Mountain as well. In addition to beautiful beaches, the area is home to baboons, penguins, wandering ostriches and more than 250 species of birds. The stark beauty of standing on the edge of Africa and imagining the Portuguese sailors who voyaged around that very point will let you deeply in love with the Cape. Click here to see some photos.

SIDECAR ADVENTURES
Motorcycle sidecars are, without question, one of the best ways to tour the Cape Peninsula. The classic sidecar motorcycle takes two passengers, and is driven by an experienced and knowledgeable chauffeur. Companies offering side car tours of the Cape Peninsula include:
> City Sightseeing Cape Town
> Cape Sidecar Adventures (it also offers tours in the Cape Winelands)
Tours can be pre-booked online.