Free tours of SA for journos

The free tours are hosted by SA's nine provincial tourism authorities and are offered to give journalists first-hand experience of SA's multitude of attractions and destination delights. Indaba is the largest tourism marketing event on the African calendar and one of the top three ‘must visit' events of its kind in the world. It showcases the widest variety of Southern Africa's best tourism products, and attracts international visitors and media from across the world.

2010-related tour

South African Tourism will also host a 2010-related post tour, which will include visits to stadia and briefings by host cities. Journalists will be briefed on progress leading up to the event, as well as what people can expect from host cities during the World Cup. Information about this tour will be posted on www.indaba-southafrica.net by 1 April.

“We understand and appreciate the pivotal role the media plays in helping grow tourism in South Africa and to South Africa. These tours will give them first-hand experience of our country and add depth and essence to their reporting,” says Sindile Xulu, country manager, domestic at South African Tourism.

Journalists will be given the opportunity to choose from many SA experiences. They can choose safaris, shopping and uniquely South African urban experiences across all nine provinces.

Itinerary

Here follows a brief summary of each itinerary:

• Gauteng Province: an elephant ride, a visit to Nelson Mandela's home in Vilikazi Street, Soweto and an air balloon safari over the Rhino & Lion Reserve;
  
• Mpumalanga Province: close encounter with the Big 5 in the Sabi Reserve and visit Ebutsini Cultural Village for a total immersion in the Swazi culture;
  
• Limpopo Province: visit Modjadji Royal Kraal, the dynasty of the Rain Queen and view the tallest cycad trees in the world at Modjadji Cycad Reserve;
  
• Free State: visit gold mine and listen to jazz in a township;
  
• North West Province: stay at Sun City Resorts at the Palace or the Cascades and enjoy a tour of the Cheetah Wildlife Centre;
  
• Kwa-Zulu Natal Province: an overnight stay at a traditional Zulu village and a game viewing in Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park;
  
• Northern Cape Province: visit the Augrabies Falls National Park –the world's sixth largest waterfall;
  
• Eastern Cape Province: Stop at the Potters Place in Jeffreys Bay and bungee jump off Bloukrantz Bridge (highest bungee in the world)
  
• Western Cape Province: travel the scenic Garden Route to George and enjoy a round of Golf at one the country's top golf courses.

Only accredited media will have access to the tours. For more information and accreditation, go to www.indaba-southafrica.net.