Cheap Ticket Flights

Travel The World With Cheap Ticket Flights

Flights to Port Elizabeth

Jun-9-2009 By Graham McKenzie

Port Elizabeth International Airport conciliates around 1 Million travellers in a year through its doorways.

Presently at Port Elizabeth International airport, 60 % of the travellers who pass through it are business travellers; however the statistic is likely to change as tourism catches within the province.

If you are planning to visit South Africa, you may want to stop by Port Elizabeth ? called the ?Friendly City? by some and teasingly the ?Windy City? by others. It was established as a British settlement in 1820 and populated by British Settlers, mainly to act as a buffer between the Cape Colony and the somewhat belligerent Xhosa tribe. Port Elizabeth is a sister city to two American cities: Jacksonville and Palm Desert.

Port Elizabeth is a family oriented city and offers fun and excitement for people of all ages. You will have access to sublime beaches, a variety of water activities, winding nature trails, wildlife experiences, cultural heritage sites, fine dining and loads of shopping opportunities.

The climate in Port Elizabeth is rated the fourth best in the world for coastal destinations. Beautiful beaches grace its coast, and because of the excellent sea conditions and pleasant water temperatures, an increasing number of water activities are being offered. You can try you hand at kite boarding, surfing, sea skiing, wind surfing, scuba diving or jet skiing. If deep sea game fishing is your passion, fishing charters can be arranged with one of the many experienced skippers in the area. Sea safaris are also available should you want to enjoy a sunset cruise, a dolphin experience or whale watching.

Scuba diving off the Port Elizabeth coast is very rewarding. You have a choice between shore entries and boat dives. If you opt to dive from the shore, there are three dive sites (Postman?s, Devil?s Reef and Shark Rock Pier) of between 2m and 8m deep. If you choose a boat dive, there are twenty dive sites (between 6m and 40m deep), of which four are shipwrecks, twelve are reefs and one is a shark dive. The shark dive site is called Raggie Sands and as many as 40 Rag Tooth sharks have been spotted there in a single dive. If you cannot dive, but would like to learn, you can arrange for one day courses and gear for hire from most of the local dive operators.

Port Elizabeth has much more to it than just the beaches. To explore the culture and history of the place, head for Bayworld. It is a museum (No. 7 Castle Hill and PE Museum), ocean aquarium and a snake?s park complex located off the Beach Road, Humewood. The special needs people are provided wheelchair access, which is offered in maximum parts within the complex. Shows of dolphins and seals are organized daily and are sure to enthral people of all ages.

For the keen golfer, Port Elizabeth is a golfer?s paradise. There are around five beautiful golf courses, to pick from the city borders, and various others available within easy reach. Some of them are Walmer Country Club, Shark River Golf Club, Wedgewood Park Country Club, Port Elizabeth Golf Club, and Humewood Golf Club. Humewood is among South Africa?s top ten golf courses. As a true seaside course, Humewood has all features like steep faced bunkers, rapid and well-built greens, bare fairways, and thick brush roughs. The golf course is in a first-rate condition all the time and never disappoints the passionate golfers seeking a challenging game.

Port Elizabeth has great weather most of the year, making it the ideal year round destination. From the beginning of December to around mid January, it gets very busy though due to the South African Schools? summer break. So, if you prefer a quieter atmosphere, mid January onwards should prove to be a good time.

About the Author:

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Flights to Johannesburg

Jun-5-2009 By Graham McKenzie

The largest airport in South Africa is Johannesburg OR Tambo International, the air transport hub for the country. If you are flying to Johannesburg, then Jhb OR Tambo is the chief airport except you made flight booking to Lanseria airport.

JHB International, now known as OR Tambo, presently carries approximately 20 million passengers annually and accounts for roughly half the air-traffic that comes and goes out of South Africa.

It?s tough to even think that the lively Johannesburg of today was once a shanty tiny town packed with miners dreaming of diamond. Johannesburg is not only the biggest and the busiest trade centre of South Africa; it is also an excellent tourist destination.

To get a glimpse of Johannesburg?s past, visit Gold Reef City. It also offers a trip to a mineshaft and some present day entertainment. For a quicker look at the tradition of the area, visit the Lesedi Cultural Village, which is a mixed group, comprising of Xhosa, Basotho, Zulu, and Pedi folks. You may find this experience highly pleasing and enlightening, as you see the dances and get information their culture and history.

Tourist mostly head for sites like the Hector Pieterson Memorial Museum, former home of Soweto and Nelson Mandela, and the Regina Mundi Church. In between your sightseeing trips, don?t miss catching a quick drink at any ?shebeen?. The most popular of these is known as the Wandie?s Place.

The Johannesburg Zoo houses its animals without the use of bars and has gone to great lengths to reproduce the animals? natural habitats. This is a good alternative if you can?t go to a proper nature reserve. While you are in the vicinity you could also rent a rowboat and spend a bit of time on Zoo Lake to do a bit of bird watching, and if you feel a little peckish at the end of the day, pop in at Moyo?s for the best African cuisine accompanied by the best African music that this city has to offer.

A mere hour?s drive from Johannesburg is yet another important sight to see: The Cradle of Humankind, a World Heritage site. The Sterkfontein Caves are found here – the site where Mrs. Ples, a three million year old skull was first discovered in 1947.

Johannesburg is a shoppers? paradise, offering shopping experiences ranging from sophisticated malls like Hyde Park, Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square to a whole variety of vibrant African and Oriental flea markets. Most visitors simply cannot leave without buying some samples of the beautiful arts and crafts for sale at these markets: local wire-work, traditional carvings, bead work and fertility dolls, to mention but a few.

The city specializes in food and wine. The local cuisine is highly influenced by the cultures of this place. You can get anything from Malaysian, Creole, African, Indian, French, Mexican, Italian, and Moroccan. Ensure that you have enough time at hand while visiting Johannesburg, so that you can explore all that this amazing city offers to tourists.

About the Author:

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Flights to George

Jun-3-2009 By Graham McKenzie

George is a comparatively smaller airport with nearly 250 000 passengers passing through its doors annually.

Situated half way between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth it is right in the middle of the Garden Route which is a major tourist attraction for foreign visitors.

If you have wanderlust in you and are looking for the perfect mix of environment and civilization, then visit George. The small town is positioned on the East Coast of South Africa, on a ten km plateau placed beautifully between the breathtaking Outeniqua Mountains, and the lovely Indian Ocean. It is the perfect place for you!

Outeniqua Hiking Trail is one of the most popular destinations of South Africa, which takes almost 8 days to cross This journey takes you on a 37 km track, through the outstanding Outeniqua Mountains, which start at Witfontein forest station located near George, and end at Diepwalle forest station, near Knysna. You may also choose to go through the Outeniqua Pass, which is 799 meters long. This journey offers fascinatingly complementary views of the abundant greenery and the arid little Karoo area. Yet another alternative is the Seven Passes Road, which ran between, George and Knysna.

George is among the oldest towns in the country. It was first called Georgetown in 1811 after King George III. It was Anthony Trollope, who called George ‘the prettiest village on the face of the earth’. The George of today, with oak-lined avenues against a mountainous backdrop, still makes the grade.

While at George, don’t miss taking a ride on Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe, which is a narrow-gauged steam-train, which starts from this place and travels through Knysna. Be careful of the place, where the train goes across the River Kaaimans. At this place, water has sliced a deep fissure in the stone, which you’ll come across just a short while, before the river merges with the Indian Ocean. You may like to sample some of the oysters at the Oyster Company while you are in Knysna. You may like to enjoy the kingly meal, along with a glass of local wine, Cuvee Brut.

In George, there are many historical and popular sights to see. You can see an old English Oak, which was planted here by Landdrost van Kervel. This heritage monument is known as the Slave Tree, because of a giant lock and chain that is hidden in its trunk. If you love to watch historical buildings then you must visit the King Edward VII Library, which is a conventional Edwardian construction and is worth a visit. Also pay a visit to the pulpit in the 1842 – Dutch Reformed Church, of St. Peter and Paul. It is built of stinkwood; while the church pillars and the dome are built using yellowwood.

Explore the George Museum, to find out about regional history, and to observe a fine collection of musical-instruments. Christina Petronella van Niekerk, a visionary turned her dream into reality but building the First Class School for Girls. It is also a must visit.

Nature enthusiasts should see the Van Kervel Nature Reserve. Spread over an area of nine hectares, the reserve supports a large variety of native flora. George is surrounded by rich farmlands, whose main crop is hops. An unusual excursion would include a visit to one of these hop harms, to learn about cultivation and gain an insight into farm life. Or take a trip to Bado Kidogo, an exotic parrot farm or the George Crocodile Farm for a closer look at these fascinating reptiles.

Those who love golf can tee a ball at the famous Oubaai Golf Course, while the lovers of water can enjoy activities like swimming, surfing, scuba diving or may be go on an oceanic excursion to enjoy some whale watching!

About the Author:

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Flights to East London

Jun-1-2009 By Graham McKenzie

On average nearly 30 flights a day land at East London Airport , with over 350 000 passengers passing through its doors on an annual basis .

Currently there are only two Domestic Airlines that fly to East London and they are South African Airways and SA Express.

East London is South Africa?s single river port, and was recognized as a supply port by the British Military, at the time of Xhosa Wars during mid 1800s. It is situated on the east-coast region of Eastern Cape Province; and is quite small according to South Africa?s standards. East London is thus the perfect holiday destination for travellers in search of peace of mind and harmony.

East London?s twelve beaches are some of the best in the world. The wave conditions make it ideal for surfing, which is why the city gets to host several the top surfing competitions every year.

You must visit the East London Museum, located in upper Oxford Road, which boasts a remarkable exhibit of yesteryears. It is a must see even for those who do not like museums. The ?palaeontology division? of the museum has on display the world?s most unique dodo egg and a coelacanth. A coelacanth is important because sea creature, which is 350-million year old, was considered extinct for long, until a living coelacanth was seen again in the East London coastline; amidst the 20th century. Many live specimens of coelacanth have been seen and photographed, since than, especially by the adventurous deep water divers. Here, you can also see the fossils (Nahoon footprints) and artefacts, which speak of human presence in the region which existed over 200,000 years ago.

The Khayalabantu Cultural Village, situated right outside East London, is a must visit site if you want to explore about the Xhosa people culture. The package includes the Xhosa dancing and conventional Xhosa food. You will also be given the chance to buy any of the handcrafted items made by the Xhosa people.

Children will love the Thornvalley Python Park, which is home not only to the pythons, but also crocodiles and ostriches. They can also enjoy activities like pony rides, quad bike riding, and bass fishing. Other places of interest are the Queens Park Zoo, and the Whale Watch Deck on the Esplanade. People of all age group will enjoy watching the seal shows, which are held two times daily.

The Fort Glamorgan is East London?s important tourist destination. It was founded in 1848, same time when the harbour was built. It aimed to provide “quarters for the troops, and to include huge provender store assets”. The brick-vaulted mansion which was once considered the powder-house is only reachable through the chief prison gates; so you will require permission to get inside before visiting. It is a wonderful experience, so it is certainly worth the try.

There is more to know about prisons? you may like to include the Lock Street Gaol Shopping Complex in Fleet Street, in your itinerary. This was the first women?s prison in South Africa, and was built during the 1800s. Some well-known women, for instance Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, ex-wife of Nelson Mandela, was here for sometime, so was Daisy de Melker, the black widow murderess, who killed her two husbands, and only son. Daisy de Melker was the second woman, executed in the country. You can still see the original gallows today. Although Lock Street Gaol now has many shops and offices; and not offenders; it is really worth visiting.

About the Author:

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Information on Flights to Durban

May-28-2009 By Graham McKenzie

Durban International is South Africa’s third largest airport. Approximately 4 million passengers travel through Durban International on a yearly basis.

Dozens of airlines fly in and out of Durban International. Although Durban is a major Tourist Destination for South Africa, it is also known as the Convention City as it host a number of International Conventions through out the year.

If you are a subtropical weather and beaches lover, then you must make Durban your next holiday destination. You can enjoy your vacation by lazing on the immaculate stretches of powdery and soft sand beaches. You can also enjoy activities like surfing, sailing, body boarding, and scuba diving, in the friendly waters of Indian Ocean. There are lifeguards who ensure your safety, and if you want more privacy then you can head to the more secluded beaches.

Beaches are not the only attraction for visitors. Visit the Botanical Gardens and you will see an impressive collection of indigenous trees, orchids, cycads and a unique garden specially designed for the visually-impaired.

Children love the dolphin and seal shows at SeaWorld, the incredible variety of birds at the Umgeni River Bird Park, the animals at the Mitchell Park Zoo and the snake demonstrations at Fitzsimons Snake Park. Also take them to uShaka Marine World. It houses a very large aquarium, a variety of water rides and interactive experiences with the dolphins. uShaka is the largest marine theme park in Africa.

You must take a look at the Durban City Hall, if architecture interests you. This Modern Renaissance building containing the Natural Science Museum as well as the Durban Art Gallery. Let a guide show you around the Muckleneuk, a building housing the famous the Mashu Museum of Ethnology, Killie Campbell Africana Library, and the popular William Campbell Furniture Museum. You must visit the Jumma Mosque, which is the biggest and worth visiting in the region. You will also find here several other art galleries, museums, and centres.

You can amble around the Golden Mile, on the Durban Beach Front. It is a wonderful place with a park, beautiful pools, lovely gardens and cable car rides, with lovely shoreline views. The Wilson’s Wharf located close by offers incredible harbour views. There are several interesting shops and shows around.

If you are yearning for water then take enjoy a deep sea cruise, staring from the Sarie Marais Jetty; or hire one for a private excursion. The North Pier is great for ship watching or fishing.

Bargain hunters can drop into the pretty Amphitheatre Gardens, where there?s a flea market on the last Sunday of every month and an art market on alternate Sundays. In many shops, you will get colourful African artefacts, carvings, woodwork, ostrich eggs, leatherwork ? these make excellent souvenirs of your visit.

Other interesting sights include the Da Gama Clock, the Local History and Natal Maritime Museums, the remains of the Old Fort, Alayam Hindu Temple and the Hare Krishna Temple of Understanding, the Burman Bush Nature Reserve and the Umgeni Steam Railway.

Interesting monuments include the Indian War Memorial, the Cenotaph in the Farewell Square Complex, the Congella Battlefield Monument and the cast-iron Currie?s Drinking Fountain

If you are a nature lover then set on to explore the beautiful Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary, located south of Durban. There are around 150 varieties of birds available in places like the Bluff Nature Reserve; the Beachwood Mangrove Nature Reserve, located on the Mgeni River; the North Park Nature Reserve, the Inanda Resource Reserve, which has a remarkable cliff-view, the Hawaan Forest Nature Reserve, the Glenholme Nature Reserve, and the Hazelmere Resources Reserve, and many more.

Besides, you can also try activities like rafting, canoeing, mountain-climbing, hang-gliding, fishing, hiking, or biking. There is an unlimited choice for you!

About the Author:

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Flights to Cape Town

May-25-2009 By Graham McKenzie

Cape Town has the second largest airport in South Africa, known as the Cap Town International. It is the main Tourism entryway for the Western Cape. Nearly 7 million passengers reach their destination through this airport annually.

If you?re going to Cape Town then Cape Town International airport is your main point of entry. Dozens of flights fly to and from this airport and is generally the first place to see when foreign visitors travel to South Africa.

The first thing on every tourist?s list should be the majestic Table Mountain. This stunning World Heritage site has a cable car that takes you to the top of the mountain, at 1036 m above MSL, to enjoy the marvellous vista of sea and land. There?s a restaurant and the Cableway Cocktail Bar ? a great place from which to view the setting sun. If adventure is your cup of tea, you can abseil down Table Mountain too!

Every tourist should go to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, which aspires to look after indigenous plants and has achieved success in producing an extraordinary 6000 different species.

Next, the tourists should head to visit the historically important World Heritage site, which holds the chief symbol of anti-apartheid, Robben Island, which was named after the ?seals? in Dutch. Located at the entry way to Table Bay, Robben Island is now a museum, which can be easily reached in 30 minutes by boat.

Your itinerary must include a stop on the V & A Waterfront. It is famous for its bustling marketplace including attractive shops, craft markets, theatres, restaurants, and bars. Two major sightseeing spots located here are Maritime Museum and Oceans Aquarium.

You must visit the Good Hope Nature Reserve, located at the Cape Point. The flower lovers will enjoy the amazing variety of flowers available here. You will also see here a lighthouse, which is known to be the largest in the nation.

The beaches of Cape Town are a favourite destination for tourists and locals. On the Atlantic front, you can lounge on the beautiful, clean beaches of Camps Bay, Llandudno and Clifton.

Those who love shopping will find their haven in Cape Town as its markets are quite cheap. There are several interesting items that you can take as gifts for those back at home, or for your own house.

History buffs must visit the Castle of Good Hope, the country?s oldest building, constructed between 1666 and 1679. Particularly well maintained, the pentagonal castle speaks of South Africa?s martial history after Jan van Riebeeck?s arrival here. Make sure you see the dungeons, the dolphin pool and the blacksmith. If you are there at 10am during the week, you will see the Key Ceremony, while the Change of Guards can be witnessed at 12 o’clock. You may even be lucky ? or unlucky enough ? to see a ghost?

Put time aside to do the wine routes: Paarl, Stellenbosch, Franschoek and Constantia. The wine estates in the Cape are some of the best in the world. Most of these are open for wine tasting and the wine makers are more than happy to ship their precious bottles to wherever it is that you may live on the globe. The cuisine in Cape Town is superb. Linger on the veranda at Constantia Uitsig, sample the best Franschoek has to offer at Quartiere Francais or nibble on a scrumptious seafood platter at On The Rocks in Blouberg.

Tourists to Cape Town must visit the Cape Point, where the famous Portuguese voyager, Bartholomew Dias, stopped by in 1488. It?s indeed a striking sight. It is hard to deem how the sailors came through the dangerous water ways long ago. Other must see places are the Kalk Bay Caves and the famous the East India Company?s Gardens, among others.

About the Author:

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,