“When Mandela married Winnie Madikizela in 1958, she joined him at the Soweto home. However, during the ensuing years when his life as a freedom fighter was all-consuming, Mandela seldom stayed there. He was the ‘Black Pimpernel’, living life on the run, until his arrest and imprisonment in 1962,” explained the voice as it guided tourists through the house.

Can you imagine how wonderful it must be to stand in the house of one of South Africa’s best known and most influential people ever? There is a reason why people from all over the world make a point to come and see this remarkable landmark. As part our cultured history, it must be a true honour.

Quick History on Nelson Mandela

It’s May 2^nd, 1994, and Nelson Mandela and the ANC claimed victory after the first ever multi-race election resulting in the inauguration of Mr. Mandela as the first black president in the history of South Africa. It feels like it was just yesterday when the masses rejoiced over their victory in this beautiful land of ours.

Now in 2012 at age 94, he has surely made history on more than one occasion in our political playing field. Not many people can boast about being a prisoner and an outcast, then suddenly a world-renown president.

What Makes the Mandela House in Soweto, Johannesburg So Special

The Standard Bank Group, City of Johannesburg, and the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation formed the Soweto Heritage Trust. In partnership with each other, they oversee to the care and commitment of the Mandela House.

Whilst spending time at the house, the Herald found that it not only told the story of the house itself, but of our beloved Madiba and his life as a whole.

As the report continues from the Herald:

This is done in a manner that promotes human rights, democracy, reconciliation, mutual respect and tolerance amongst the people of South Africa.

The museum, a house comprising four inter-leading rooms, contains a rather mixed assortment of memorabilia, paintings and photographs of the Mandela family as well as a collection of honorary doctorates bestowed on Mandela from universities and institutions around the world.

Therefore, there is no reason why you should not make a plan to go and see the Mandela House with you own eyes and make your own unique experience with this legendary figure’s historical home. This man went through one of the greatest struggles ever and ended as a conqueror and example for all of us.

The best way to experience this event is with car hire from Johannesburg’s airport. Woodford is very serious about their services and prices they have to offer. They are also honoured to help you visit this must see destination, something definitely to be on your bucket list.

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Imagine being stranded in a foreign city with no idea of how you will get to your hotel safe and in once piece. During peak season, car hire companies are often fully booked and have to show walk in customers away as they do not have a car available to them.

When booking a car for your trip, you first have to establish your needs during the trip. If you are only one person needing a car to get from the airport to your hotel, you wouldn’t necessarily book a people carrier, but rather a small compact car with all the extras you need.

An effective way to ensure your needs are met by the car hire company at Johannesburg Airport, is to make your request s before you arrive. If you have a baby or small child travelling with you, you will have to book a baby seat for them. If you do not book ahead of time, you might not be able to get one on your arrival as all of them could be booked out.

Another request to make early when you are booking your car, is to book a car with an automatic gear lever, and not one where you will have to change the gears yourself, if you have never driven a manual car before. This might cause a lot of frustration for the entire travel party or could even mean that none of you are able to drive at all.

Find Woodford Care Hire in Johannesburg

If you are looking for exceptional service, friendly customer interaction and a trustworthy fleet of cars that are always in an impeccable state, you should book your car hire through Woodford in Johannesburg. You will find that they have received the ACSA Feather Award for Car Rental in 2006 – an outstanding accolade to base your company’s beliefs on.

Whether you need a small family car or a large luxurious sedan, a people carrier or a truck to deliver your stock – you will find exactly what you need at the very effective Woodford car hire at Johannesburg Airport.

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Travellers can now find information about car hire for Port Elizabeth online at their website and make bookings directly with the company. According to a spokesperson for the Woodford Group, they have offices only minutes from all the major airports in the country, ensuring more convenience for the traveller.

It is one of only a few car hire companies in Port Elizabeth that not only offers leisure vehicle rentals, but also commercial rentals ranging from pickup trucks to larger transport vehicles. They furthermore offer a fleet of more than 700 cars in at least 16 classes to select from.

The company believes in the provision of not only low car hire rates in Port Elizabeth, but also regular updating of tourism related information. As such they now regularly post tourist related information at their website as well as car hire specials.

Port Elizabeth Coast

When asked why it is better to make use of car rental services than public transport in Port Elizabeth, the answer came that public transport in the city as with many of the other cities in South Africa, is not yet completely tourism friendly. As such the vehicles don’t necessarily travel along tourist routes. Getting around by means of buses or taxis can be a tedious task and if one is to explore the country in a relaxed way, the best will be to have your own car.

The reason behind their information supply about car hire and tourist related details is to make sure that tourists will be informed and will be able to visit more places because of specials and because they are now aware of such places.

Transport Infrastructure

Port Elizabeth boasts an airport and the Woodford Group thus also offers car hire near the Airport, located a few kilometres from the city. Travellers can fly from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban to PE from where they can explore the region in self-drive style. Although it has a train station near the harbour with trains from Bloemfontein and Johannesburg as well as other towns, the trains are slow and sometimes dangerous for commuters.

For luxury travel by train, the Premier Class can be recommended. It travels twice a week to and from Cape Town. One of the popular tourist trains is the Apple Express which operates from a different station. If travellers wish to use the unique train for a trip to nearby towns, they should make use of the Humewood Station.

Tourists can also hire a car in Johannesburg or Cape Town and travel to Port Elizabeth. The country has an excellent road infrastructure and being one of the most beautiful countries to explore, many travellers prefer to use the self drive method.

PE is on the Baz Bus hop-on and hop-off route. One can travel by bus to the city from a major centre such as Durban or Johannesburg and then make use of car hire for local travelling.

Local taxis are used by workers commuting to and from work. The vehicles drive fast and have specific routes. Unless familiar with the operation and routes, such cannot be recommended as transport for tourism purposes and is considered an unsafe travel method.

Places To See In Port Elizabeth

The city is fast becoming a tourist hotspot and has a lot to offer national and international tourists. When making use of car hire services, travellers will be able to visit the Donkin Reserve which has been established in memory of the city father and his wife. The largest dune field, not only in South Africa, but also in the southern hemisphere, the Alexandria Dune Field is a must visit. Tourists can reach such just outside the city in Cannonville.

Other historical places of interest include the Wezandla African Arts and Crafts Gallery, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum, Air Force Museum and Castle Hill. Car hire in Port Elizabeth is the most cost-effective and convenient method for getting transport to many other places in and around the city.

Image Credit [exfordy]

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Film Industry

Cape Town’s tourism industry is also supported by the annual film festivals when overseas film crews come to the city to shoot scenes for their next movies. It is a city of festivals, art, music and culture. Accommodation is plentiful and range from cheap backpackers to upmarket guesthouses and five star boutique hotels.

Weather

It is also a city of four seasons in one day and when thus packing for a holiday in Cape Town, tourists should include something for the cold, wet, windy and hot. Restaurants contribute to the growth in the tourism industry and with some of the best restaurants in the country located in the City of Good Hope, one can easily focus on dining only.

Stunning Architecture

A trip through the Bo-Kaap will bring you to romantic brightly coloured homes built on the street. The area has a uniquely Malay culture and atmosphere.

Landmarks

No trip to Cape Town can be complete without going up Table Mountain which also forms the centre point of the city. The Twelve Apostles is another famous landmark and then a scenic drive over Chapman’s Peak to the Noordhoek farm village will get you in a relaxed mood.

Hotspots

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is one of the most popular tourist hotspots. Harbour cruises can be booked and should you wish to visit the Oceanarium simply hop on a harbour taxi. Bloubergstrand, Melkbosstrand, Gordon’s Bay, and Camp’s Bay are amongst the popular tourist beaches. The city is noted for its clean streets, Blue Flag beaches and range of interesting activities including the Circus School.

Historical Value

It is also the oldest city in South Africa with the most attractions to offer, contributing to its top position in the tourism industry. Cape Town is home to numerous museums and art galleries including the famous Castle.

The Cape Town tourism industry has also benefitted from the historical Robben Island, which today is a museum in remembrance of the political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela who imprisoned on the island.  One can book a ferry boat trip to the island.

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Gautrain

One reason for the growth in the Johannesburg tourism industry is the Gautrain, a high speed up-market train that transports passengers to and from the O.R. Tambo Airport in Kempton Park to Sandton, Midrand, Rosebank and Parktown. Passengers can make use of the Gautrain bus system to get to linked destinations.

Although the Gautrain has certainly added to the tourism industry growth in Johannesburg, one can still explore the city best with the self drive method. Some of the main attractions and hotspots are not a direct bus route and as such vehicle rental is recommended.

Johannesburg Tourist Facts and Tips

The city is home to the largest and busiest airport in Africa and was a major host of the World Cup Soccer 2010 event. It also boasts some of the largest conference centres in the country. The annual NAG Rage LAN event is held in the city when thousands of gamers compete against each other over a three day period.

Main Attractions Offered By the City

The top attractions in the city include that of Gold Reef City, renowned for its authentic gold age buildings, museums and restaurants as well as family theme park. Next door is the Apartheids Museum where visitors can get a glimpse into the recent history of South Africa. Further south is the Soweto Cooling Towers where daring adventurers bungee jump. To the north near Park Town is the Zoo, housing a wide range of indigenous and foreign animals.

The Wits Planetarium has regular shows and is located on campus of Wits University while Melville is the artistic suburb where jazz music fills the air in little jazz clubs. The Melrose Arch Precinct is home to some of the best upmarket restaurants while a trip to the Johannesburg Art Gallery in Joubert Park is a must for art lovers. The Newtown market and the Oriental Plaza offer some unusual central shopping experiences. Rosebank has the weekly Sunday Roof Market where tourists can browse for gifts.

Self Drive is Recommended

Johannesburg tourism is not yet at the level of Cape Town’s industry, but as a city that is exceptionally busy, it offers a unique blend of cultures. Whether you prefer shopping in Sandton known for its elegant shops and hotels, or want to try out cable ski in Midrand near Johannesburg, you will be able to see and do more when driving your own car.

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