Known as 'the Rainbow Nation', South Africa is one of the most diverse countries of the world in terms of culture and geography. It is now rightly enjoying great popularity as one of the World's 'hottest' holiday destinations.

In this web site we are featuring Cape Town and its environs, including the nearby Winelands and the Garden Route. Here you will be able to enjoy magnificent scenery, superb food and wine and a choice of excellent accommodation.

The arrival of Democracy in South Africa in 1994 saw the inception of Gay and Lesbian rights, which are guaranteed under the Constitution. The State may not unfairly discriminate against anyone on one or more grounds including race, gender, sex or sexual orientation.

The Gay scene in South Africa centres on and around Cape Town, a magnificently beautiful city with the awesome Table Mountain providing a dramatic backdrop. Confirming that South Africa is truly a Rainbow Nation you will find many establishments proudly sporting the distinctive, multi-coloured gay flag. Along Somerset Road in Green Point and adjoining Main Road in Sea Point you're sure to spot them fluttering in the breeze.

Just about every gay taste is catered for in the Cape Peninsula. Gay lifestyle demands a vibrant night life and Cape Town has it all from top international clubs for dancing, cruise bars, video shows, restaurants with cabaret and strip shows, coffee bars, shops and steam baths.

South Africa also offers other truly exciting options including some of the best game viewing on the African Continent, diverse cultural and historical sights such as the townships and battle fields, adrenaline pumping sports as well as the glamorous resorts and golf courses at Sun City.

South Africa is a destination with something to excite even the most world-weary traveller, and it is just an overnight, non-stop flight away and with only one or two hours' time difference and no jet-lag, you will be ready to party as soon as you arrive! Add this to the current favourable exchange rates which make South Africa unbelievable value for money, you will find that you are guaranteed an experience to remember!

USEFUL INFORMATION

It is said of South Africa, the Rainbow Nation, that you 'arrive as a stranger and leave as a friend'. Here is some general information to help make your stay as pleasurable as possible.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

For tourist travel all visitors must be in possession of a passport with at least 6 months validity after the date of departure from South Africa. Citizens of the United Kingdom do not require entry visas and our staff would be able to advise about the requirements for other nationalities.

VACCINATIONS

A Yellow Fever immunisation certificate is compulsory if you are arriving within 6 days from an infected area. Immunisation against hepatitis A, polio, tetanus and typhoid IS recommended. We would strongly advise you to seek further advice from MASTA Travellers Health Line on 09068 224 100.

HEALTH RISK

Malaria exists throughout the year in the low altitude areas of the Northern Province, Mpumalanga and North Eastern Kwazulu/Natal as far south as the Tugela river.

VOLTAGE

250V AC 50Hz (Pretoria) 220/230V AC 50Hz elsewhere

CREDIT CARDS

Major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa and their affiliated cards are accepted in South Africa. Use of credit cards may be restricted in small towns and country areas and non-existent in some small retail shops. Automatic teller machines (ATM's) are situated outside most banks in towns and cities and operate 24 hours a day. Please note that credit cards cannot be used to pay for petrol.

SAFETY

In South Africa it is sensible to take the same precautions you would exercise in any metropolitan city across the world. Never leave luggage unattended, deposit your valuables in the hotel's safety deposit boxes and be vigilant at all times. Do not draw attention to yourself by flaunting large amounts of cash or jewellery. Avoid walking at night especially in dark, unlit places. Park in well lit areas and never offer lifts to strangers.

CLIMATE

Variable from temperate to sub-tropical. Cape Town in the Western Cape Province has a Mediterranean climate with most rainfall during winter. The rest of the country, including the rest of the Cape Provinces, has most rainfall during the summer with the eastern and southern coastal regions tending to be wetter.