Apparently the fire was started by a cigarette thrown onto a nearby farm. The small town of Swellendam was panic stricken as they saw their beautiful mountain set a light.12 Jan 2012 late morning the fire is said to have burnt from  “Bosbou Dam” and made its way all across the mountain approaching “Rotary Park” the retirement village as well as moving into the town itself.

The fire department and locals have been trying their best to keep the fire under control.  It has not yet been stopped but has moved away from the town itself.

The fire is now approaching “Buffeljags” a nearby farming community.

Images by Carlo Jorge~

Groot-Marico is famous for its bushveld environs and the cordiality of its people develop tourism in the 1980s. The groups were worried about the depletion of natural resources because farms were being mismanaged, primarily because of the dry climate, hot weather, and minimal rainfall. Rivalry for these natural resources led to the decline of the resources and land. The formation of game farms led to better land management and the possibilities for tourism.

The tourism of Groot-Marico is split into two forms: Eco-tourism and Cultural tourism. Visitors many enjoy water sports at the Marico Bujshveld Dam though that depends on the amount of rainfall. Fishing is another possibility.

Visitors will enjoy the scenic beauty of the bush, particularly with its unpolluted environments because there is no industry in the area. Traveler will find clear water and a clear sky at night.

The area has five ecosystems or types of velds that have various plants and a great variety of bird species with over 400 being identified in the area. In addition, the velt has over 200 indigenous trees.

Visitors to Groot-Marico have a variety of places to stay. Most are informal and include guesthouses, farm accommodations, guest farms, caravan parks and camping, and game and hunting farms.

Table Mountain is a majestic attraction with spectacular panoramic views from the top. If you are brave enough to make the climb, it takes about one and a half hours. Otherwise you can take the Table Mountain Cableway and get to the top in six minutes as you climb in a revolving cable car.

The V&A Waterfront is the most visited destination in South Africa where millions of visitors a year enjoy tourist attractions, shops, night spots, world-renowned restaurants and more in this historic area. “V&A” comes from being named for England’s Queen Victoria and her son Alfred. The Amphitheatre has free live entertainment, puppet shows, and workshops. Find a collection of ship objects and models in the Maritime Centre. The Nelson Mandela Gateway is the embarkation point to Robben Island where the maximum security prison held Nelson Mandela for so many years.

Boulders Beach has approximately 3,000 African penguins that you can observe and swim with.

The Two Oceans Aquarium is one of the world’s finest underwater worlds with over 3,000 fish, mammals, and reptiles. Both entertaining and educational, marine life is featured in exciting exhibits.

View Top 10 Destinations in South Africa

Franschhoek is known for its breweries and wineries. Mont Rochelle, Dieu Donne and Bellingham are just a few of the places where people can get a taste of some of the finest wine in the world. The Franschhoek Motor Museum is another one of the most popular attractions in this town. This museum displays a fantastic collection of cars from the early days to the present.

There are several great places to eat in Franschhoek. The Alle Bleue Bistro is one of the most popular restaurants in this town. This restaurant serves fresh food that is picked directly from the garden. It also offers a wide selection of wine. Rueben’s is another restaurant that is popular with both residents and tourists. It serves pasta, coffee and contemporary cuisine. This restaurant has outdoor seating, which makes it great choice for a romantic date or a family gathering.

Franschhoek is a great place to live or take a vacation. This town offers many fun things to do and see as well as great dining options.

While Port St. Johns has some of the most beautiful beaches in Africa, people are drawn there for more than just relaxing on the beach. Port St Johns is prime hiking land, with beautiful trails that are heavily forested and home to over 250 recorded bird species. You can also take canoe trips, horseback rides, go dolphin or whale watching, and play a nice round of golf.

The town has amazing facilities for backpackers, and they cater to solo travelers, couples, and groups. The majority of the backpacker lodges will help set up itinerary activities each day, from jungle walks to awesome hikes, at no additional charge. You can also do some shopping in the village and find everything from walking sticks to fabrics, most of hem handmade. You can also take tours to nearby villages to see where the items are made and get items custom made by the locals.

If you are looking for a bit more adventure without breaking the bank in Africa, head to Port St. Johns, where the people are amazing, the food is great, and there are plenty of adventures to be had.

A game drive through the Buffelsfontein Game & Nature Reserve will give visitors an opportunity to see the area’s wildlife. Lions, cheetahs and zebras are some of the animals visitors can expect to see.

Visitors can learn about what life in Darling was like during Victorian times by taking a stroll past the town’s Victorian homes or visiting the Darling Museum. Victorian items on display in the museum include furniture, china and clothing. Part of the museum is arranged to look like a Victorian kitchen.

The southernmost battle in the Anglo-Boer War was fought in Darling. This is commemorated by the Hildebrand Monument.

Accommodations in Darling include farms and guesthouses. Self-catered cottages and apartments are available.

A variety of food is served in Darling restaurants. There is pizza at The Marmalade Cat. Sandwiches are served at the Chicory Cheese Café. The Bistro Seven offers soup and salad.

If you want to try some good, homemade cakes, and delicious food at any time of the day, then head to 137 High Street Restaurant. The pastries are made daily and the food is fresh. Quenching your thirst is another matter. There are several pubs in town that are good, if you’re interested in trying one out, ask the locals and students for their favorites.

With several quaint Bed and Breakfasts around the city, take your pick of location. There are some that are more on the outskirts of the city, so that you get a tranquil feel for country life. If you want to be closer to the busyness of town, there are a few to pick from that are close to the University.

Since Grahamstown is a tourist destination, there are several places to see. A few of the recommended places are the Albany Museum complex, which is comprised of five museums, one being an observatory, and another a prison. Another place to look at is the Makana Botanical Complex, where there are beautiful, exotic birds and plant life. Go early, before people start to have a look as well. You have to visit Rhodes University, the province’s oldest university. So visit Grahamstown, a pretty, charming city, with tree-lined streets, and friendly people. Be sure to pack all types of clothes, because the weather does get to be unpredictable!

The New7Wonders Foundation

THE PROCESS OF SELECTING THE NEW 7 WONDERS

The initial consultation process on the campaign lasted from December 2007 to July 2009 where world citizens had an opportunity to nominate sites. About 440 sites from 220 countries were nominated for election. After more than a million votes were cast, the number of sites was reduced to 77. A further reduction was made by a panel of expert judges, cutting the number down to 28. Anyone in the world could then vote for a provisional final 7 natural wonders via text, phone or internet. More than one vote could be cast. On 11/11/11 the final provisional votes were in and Table Top Mountain in South Africa made it to that final list. The confirmed winners will be announced early in 2012.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT TABLE MOUNTAIN

Table Mountain is a prominent feature that overlooks Cape Town in South Africa. It is 3,558 feet high (1,084.6 m) and its level plateau is about 2 miles (3 kilometres) from side to side, flanked by Devil’s Head Peak to the east and Lion’s Head to the west, forming an impressive landmark and backdrop to Cape Town. The flat top of the mountain is often covered in clouds forming a table cloth of cloud. Hiking to the top of the mountain or taking the Table Mountain Cableway is a popular tourist activity.

EFFECTS OF SELECTION ON TOURISM

It is estimated that the inclusion of Table Mountain as one of the 7 wonders will increase international tourism to South Africa by about 108,000 international tourists a year at a value of R 1.4 billion per year for the first five years, according to spokesperson Jansen van Vuuren.

What we experienced was truly magical. Every day, our safari vehicle was surrounded by endless herds of wildebeest. Their heads nodded rhythmically with their gait and their many bleats echoed throughout the day. Intermixed with the taupe bodies of the wildebeest were striking herds of zebra. The huge number of prey animal meant plenty of feeding opportunities for the prides of lions, leopards and hyenas. We watched as one pride gnawed on a wildebeest kill, as hyenas waited patiently for them to leave.

It was an especially thrilling experience to hear the herds move through and around our tented safari camp at night. Our guide told us that after the wildebeest and zebra moved through, the Thomson’s gazelles would follow with their own migration. Our only regret was that we were not able to witness the herds making a river crossing, which are always dramatic life and death struggles as crocodiles try to snatch the animals as they wade past.

The International Council for Societies of Industrial Design (ICSID) chooses a city every two years that it feels uses design as a tool for social, cultural and economic development. Cape Town has been exceptional with its promotion of innovative design to address transformation of this developing city in its urban revitalization and for the benefit of its citizens. Low-income communities are especially benefiting from the challenges of rebuilding.

According to Patricia de Lille, Executive Mayor of Cape Town, “(This appointment) is a reflection of how the city has socially and physically reinvented itself.” As part of their compelling bid as a final candidate for this honor, the city used the theme “Live Design. Transform Life.”

ICSID was founded in 1957 as a non-profit organization that promotes the global growth, success, and recognition of the industrial design profession. It is a voice for over 50 nations whose members can be heard internationally.

The media attention and huge increase in tourism are some of the benefits that will increase Cape Town’s economy. The reason the honour is given so far in advance is to give the chosen city a chance to develop events and to attract designers and corporate sponsors.