A standard 7 boy Justine Mungune of Arumeru, Tanzania has invented and produced a tractor by using a motorcycle engine.

The tractor was in display at the Nane Nane show grounds this week at Themi where it attracted many enthusiastic viewers.

Mungune said he had produced the tiller using scrap parts. He carried out his work two months before the Nane Nane show and said he would make bigger things if empowered.

[READ THE STORY ON SHWARI.COM]

The United Nations has mobilized some of the foremost artists of Africa and the airwaves of the world in launching a song and music video to drum up support for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of combating hunger and poverty across the continent.

With a catchy tune and rhythm, the song is sung by eight artists reflecting the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) – the targets for reducing extreme poverty, hunger and disease, while promoting gender equality, education, and environmental sustainability – that world leaders have pledged to achieve by 2015.

Between the verses a chorus declaims the iconic cry for freedom from the wars of liberation against Portuguese colonialism in Africa: a luta continua, the struggle goes on – only this time against each of the evils that deprive Africans of their human rights to a decent life.

The song, entitled “8 Goals for Africa,” has also been recorded as a video to be screened across all fan parks and public viewing areas at soccer’s World Cup in South Africa next month, an event expected to be watched by hundreds of millions of people worldwide. It will be disseminated free of charge locally and internationally.

“There can be no spectators in the fight against poverty,” UN Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Helen Clark said at the song’s launch ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa.

UN Information Centres (UNICs) around the world are already calling on media in their regions to report on and air the song and video now.

“This is a great opportunity to raise popular awareness of the MDGs, with the potential to reach millions of people,” UNIC South Africa said. “The organizers are hoping that when the song is played during the World Cup matches, audiences will already recognize the song and be able to sing along with key phrases.”

The eight artists are: Yvonne Chaka Chaka (South Africa), Angelique Kidjo (Benin), Oliver Mutukudzi (Zimbabwe), Mingas (Mozambique), Eric Wainaina (Kenya), HHP (South Africa), Baba Maal (Senegal), and the Soweto Gospel Choir (South Africa).

Hugh Masekela and Jimmy Dludlu (both South Africans) are two of the instrumentalists and the song was produced by world-renowned music producer, Arthur Baker. The music was composed by Mr. Dludlu, with lyrics by Mr. Wainaina.

Some of the world’s best and brightest minds are migrants. What if they could return home – at least “virtually” – to mentor young scientists in the countries they have left? Could brain drain be turned into brain gain?

UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and HP believe it is possible thanks to cutting-edge information technology and the willingness of talented members of the African and Middle Eastern diaspora to get involved. The UNESCO-HP “Brain Gain Initiative” uses grid and cloud computing to empower university faculty and students who have stayed in their home countries to engage in real-time scientific collaboration with those who have left.

Many countries in Africa and some in the Middle East are struggling to slow a loss of “human capital.” According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the International Organization for Migration, at least 20,000 qualified people – skilled professionals, scientists, academics and researchers – leave Africa every year.

“The long term goal is to strengthen capacity in African and Arab states so they have access to knowledge around the world, “explains Stamenka Uvalic-Trumbic, Chief of the Section for Reform, Innovation and Quality Assurance, Division of Higher Education, UNESCO. “Not only through information technology but also through the goodwill and commitment of the diaspora communities. They want to promote research and advance progress in their own countries and we want to give them that opportunity.” [READ MORE]

You could be responsibly green and take your old TV to Best Buy to be recycled. Or, like Sam Todo, you could be responsibly geeky, taking the telly apart and turning it into a walking humanoid robot!

Todo, a student from Africa’s Togolese Republic, constructed “Sam10″ almost entirely from old television sets, as you’ll note from the antenna popping up behind the little guy’s head. Todo aims to make the robot fully automatic, so it can greet people, avoid objects, and calculate the distance in front of it. [READ MORE]

It must be nice to be Ethiopian Self Made Billionaire, Mohammed Al Amoudi, Africa’s Richest man. His wealth grew by a billion despite the economic downturn. It is that time of year again and Forbes has put together a list of the World’s richest. On it are 11 Africans 4 from one family in Egypt, 4 from South Africa, 1 from Sudan, 1 from Nigeria and 1 from Ethiopia.

There was 1 new addition to the list this year, Samih Sawiris, son of Egyptian billionaire, Onsi Sawiris whose other 2 sons are on the list as well. Nigeria did loose a billionaire this year, Femi Otedola who had a bitter disagreement with fellow billionaire Aliko Dangote last year. Despite some major challenges, Dangote still made it on the list as the 9th richest man in Africa.

Photo By Hans Berggren

Africa’s Billionaires (No. 1)

• Name: Mohammed Al Amoudi
• Net Worth: 10 Billion
• Origin: Ethiopia
• Age: 65
• Fortune: Self Made
• Source: Oil
• Education: N/A
  Forbes World Ranking #64

AP Photo

Africa’s Billionaires (No. 2)

• Name: Nassef Sawiris
• Net Worth: 5.9 Billion
• Origin: Egypt
• Age: 48
• Fortune: Inherited and Growing
• Source: Construction
• Education: Bachelor of Science

Forbes World Ranking #127

AP Photo

Africa’s Billionaires (No. 3)

• Name: Nicky Oppenheimer & Family
• Net Worth: 5 Billion
• Origin: South Africa
• Age: 65
• Fortune: Inherited
• Source: Metals and Mining
• Education: Bachelor of Arts / Science and Master of Arts

Forbes World Ranking #154

Photo from Forbes.com

Africa’s Billionaires (No. 4)

• Name: Patrick Shoo-Shiong
• Net Worth: 5 Billion
• Origin: South Africa
• Age: 58
• Fortune: Self Made
• Source: Generic Drugs
• Education: Bachelor of Arts / Science; Medical Doctor

Forbes World Ranking #154

GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP/Getty Images

Africa’s Billionaires (No. 5)

• Name: Onsi Sawiris
• Net Worth: 3.1 Billion
• Origin: Egypt
• Age: 80
• Fortune: Self Made
• Source: Construction
• Education: N/A

Forbes World Ranking #307

AP Photo

Africa’s Billionaires (No. 6)

• Name: Naguib Sawiris
• Net Worth: 2.5 Billion
• Origin: Egypt
• Age: 55
• Fortune: Inherited
• Source: Telecom
• Education: Bachelor of Arts / Science; Master of Science

Forbes World Ranking #374

Photo by 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa/Getty Images

In the wake of the devastation after the earthquake in Haiti, African Vibes Magazine is mobilizing Africans, readers, subscribers and fans to extend a helping hand to Haiti. The effort is done through Facebook Causes with 100% of contributions going directly to the RED CROSS. All donors through the 1000 Africans for Haiti Cause will receive a FREE African Vibes Magazine Digital Edition simply by filling out our contact form with “I AM ONE OF 1000 for Haiti” in the subject line, along with their name and email address where they want their FREE digital issue sent. To join the cause and contribute, click on JOIN the CAUSE >> button below.

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1. Mohammed Al Amoudi

FORBES RANKING: #43

Photo by asplundbild.com

Net Worth:$9.0 bil

2. Patrick Soon-Shiong

FORBES RANKING: #87

Photo by SPH/The Business Times

Net Worth:$5.5 bil

Fortune:self made

Source: Generic Drugs

Age: 57

Country Of Citizenship:United States

Residence:Los Angeles, CA

Industry: Pharmaceuticals

Education:University of Witwatersrand, Bachelor of Arts / Science, University of Witwatersrand, Medical Doctor

M arital Status:married, 2 children

Dad was a village doctor in China; family immigrated to South Africa during WWII. Finished high school at age 16; was a doctor by 23. Got only half-salary because of apartheid race rules. Joined UCLA faculty 1980; developed technique for inserting islet cells into pancreas to treat diabetes. Founded VivoRx; quit after fight with brother, investors. Took American Pharmaceutical Partners public 2001. Invented cancer drug Abraxane; nanotech drug is more potent, has fewer side effects. Split company in two in 2007: APP Pharmaceuticals creates hospital products, Abraxis BioScience develops drugs (shares flat in past 12 months). Sold APP Pharmaceuticals to German dialysis-clinic operator Fresenius for $5.6 billion including debt in July; netted $3 billion. Plans to donate $1 billion to create “the Bell Labs of health care.” Will hire mathematicians, physicists, computer scientists, doctors to build database of biological markers to better identify ailments, treatments.

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3. Nicky Oppenheimer & family

FORBES RANKING: #98

Per-Anders Pettersson/Reportage by Getty Image

Net Worth:$5.0 bil

Fortune:inherited

Source:De Beers

Age:63

Country Of Citizenship:South Africa

Residence:Johannesburg

Industry:Metals & Mining

Education:Christ Church, Oxford U, Bachelor of Arts / Science, Christ Church, Oxford U, Master of Arts

Marital Status:married, 1 child

Chairman of De Beers, world’s largest diamond producer, which had $5.9 billion in sales last year. Has been through a sea change over past five years: sold off a piece of De Beers’ South African operations to a black-empowerment group, first major ownership change in a century; welcomed its first black executive; and settled a long-standing price-fixing suit that prevented it from opening offices in the U.S. Sold off a third of family’s interest in mining giant Anglo American, founded in 1917 by grandfather Ernest. On behalf of De Beers, Oppenheimer courted Russian President Vladimir Putin in fall of 2006; two months later De Beers and Russia’s state-owned Alrosa diamond mining firm signed joint prospecting deal. With the demand dampening, the company bought fewer stones for resale from Alrosa last year. In December announced that production from its biggest open-pit mines in South Africa and Botswana, which had been running at full capacity, would be reduced until diamond demand recovers. His response to declining markets, “If you’re going through hell, keep going.”

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4. Nassef Sawiris

FORBES RANKING: #196

MEIGNEUX/SIPA

Net Worth:$3.1 bil

Fortune:inherited and growing

Source:construction

Age:47

Country Of Citizenship:Egypt

Residence:Cairo

Industry: Construction & Engineering

Education:University of Chicago, Bachelor of Arts / Science,

Marital Status:NA,

Youngest son of Orascom conglomerate founder and fellow billionaire, Onsi Sawiris. Took over leadership of empire’s flagship construction and fertilizer division in 1998; Orascom Construction shares tumbled 80% over past year. Chief still bullish, projecting 50% increase in group revenues from projects in Gulf and North Africa; company also sitting on $1 billion cash war chest. Spun off group’s cement division 2 years ago to French giant LaFarge, landing Nassef a seat on the board and a 13% stake. University of Chicago grad launched boardroom battle last October at U.S. cement supplier Texas Industries, in which he holds 15% stake; succeeded in rallying shareholders to pass no-confidence votes against 2 board members to protest company’s poor performance, no one was ousted. Asking for board seat and chance to increase stake to 25%.

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5. Naguib Sawiris

FORBES RANKING: #205

JEROME FAVRE/Bloomberg News /Landov

Net Worth:$3.0 bil

Fortune:inherited and growing

Source:telecom

Age:54

Country Of Citizenship:Egypt

Residence:Cairo

Industry: Telecommunications

Education:Swiss Federal Polytechnical Institute, Bachelor of Arts / Science, Swiss Federal Polytechnical Institute, Master of Science

Marital Status:married, 4 children

Eldest son of Orascom conglomerate founder and fellow billionaire Onsi Sawiris. Heads up Orascom Telecom, one of largest mobile providers in Middle East, Africa and South Asia. Telecom tycoon’s insatiable risk appetite backfiring; his personal fund, Weather Investments, saddled with $7.7 billion in debt from leveraged buyouts of Italian phone company Wind and leading Greek telecom companies Wind Hellas and Tellas three years ago. Sold 10% of fund to trio of private equity players for $1 billion last year to pay down debt. Not slowing down: in December paid a visit to Kim Jong Il to sign license agreement granting Orascom exclusive access to North Korea’s cell phone market; first mobile company to invest in the pariah state.

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6. Aliko Dangote

FORBES RANKING: #261

Pius Utomi/AFP/Getty Images

Net Worth:$2.5 bil

Fortune:inherited and growing

Source:sugar, flour, cement manufacturing

Age:51

Country Of Citizenship:Nigeria

Residence:Lagos

Industry: Manufacturing

Education:NA,

Marital Status:NA,

Though initial offerings of his sugar and flour companies were oversubscribed in 2007, stocks in both have fallen nearly 70% since last February. Using his role as committee member on government economic advisory board to encourage federal government to rescue the nation’s capital markets. His conglomerate, the Dangote Group, has expanded its cement operations with new plants across Nigeria and as well as South Africa and Ethiopia. Sparring with new Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola over oil and gas concessions; Otedola parried by buying up stock in Dangote’s companies. Dangote began career as trader at age 21 with loan from his uncle; built his Dangote Group into conglomerate with interests in sugar, flour milling, salt processing, cement manufacturing, textiles, real estate, and oil and gas. Closely linked to Nigeria’s former president Olusegun Obasanjo.

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7. Mohammed Ibrahim

FORBES RANKING: #334

Source: Forbes.com

Net Worth:$2.0 bil

Fortune:self made

Source:communications

Age:NA

Country Of Citizenship:United Kingdom

Residence:London

Industry: Telecommunications

Education:NA,

Marital Status:NA,

Sudanese-born “Mo” founded Celtel, a mobile phone company that now serves 15 African countries. Sold it in 2005 for $3.4 billion; pocketed $1.4 billion. The London resident now spends his time on philanthropy and investing in Africa. Created Mo Ibrahim Foundation to award monetary prize to former African heads of state who have shown exemplary leadership in such areas as promoting political freedom; awarded first $5 million prize in October.

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8. Onsi Sawiris

FORBES RANKING: #430

Image Source: Al-Ahram Weekly

Net Worth:$1.7 bil

Fortune:self made

Source:construction

Age:79

Country Of Citizenship:Egypt

Residence:Cairo

Industry: Construction & Engineering

Education:Bachelor of Arts / Science,

Marital Status:married, 3 children

Founding patriarch of Egypt’s most famous business dynasty saw shares in primary holding, Orascom Construction Industries, plunge 80% over past year; remains chair. His 3 sons run construction, telecommunications and tourism divisions. Studied agriculture in college after lawyer father urged him to pursue farming. Found it boring, instead opened a small contracting firm in Upper Egypt. Construction baron forced to rebuild empire after it was nationalized by Nasser in 1960s.

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9. Patrice Motsepe

FORBES RANKING: #559

Gianluigi Guercia/AFP/Getty Images

Net Worth:$1.3 bil

Fortune:self made

Source:mining

Age:47

Country Of Citizenship:South Africa

Residence:Johannesburg

Industry: Metals & Mining

Education:Bachelor of Arts / Science, Doctor of Jurisprudence

Marital Status:married, 3 children

Johannesburg mining magnate is South Africa’s first black billionaire. Born in the sprawling black township of Soweto and then trained as a lawyer, became first black partner at Bowman Gilfillan law firm in Johannesburg, before starting a contracting business doing mine scut work. Bought low-producing gold mine shafts in 1994, turned them profitable using lean, mean management style. Since then built $875 million (sales) mining conglomerate, African Rainbow Minerals (ARM), with interests in a wide swath of minerals: platinum, nickel, chrome, iron, manganese and coal. Benefited from South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) laws, which mandate that companies be at least 26% black-owned in order to get a government mining license. Also holds a 5.5% stake in Sanlam, a publicly traded financial services company outside Cape Town.

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10. Femi Otedola

FORBES RANKING: #601

Pius Utomi/AFP/Getty Images

Net Worth:

$1.2 bil

Fortune:self made

Source:Energy

Age:42

Country Of Citizenship:Nigeria

Residence:

Industry: Energy

Education:NA,

Marital Status:married, 4 children

Politician’s son used a majority stake in African Petroleum to get himself appointed its chief executive last year. Now he plans to merge it with his private firm, Zenon, to create the continent’s largest oil company. Deal has stalled in the face of government concerns about a monopoly, with his assets temporarily frozen last year. Nigerian regulators lifted the ban in January. Conflict abounds in Otedola’s life: he claims his friend and fellow billionaire, Aliko Dangote, broke a gentleman’s agreement when he thwarted Zenon’s bid to buy Chevron’s local subsidiary in September. In retaliation, starting buying shares in Dangote’s publicly traded sugar company.

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11. Johann Rupert & family

FORBES RANKING: #601

David Cannon/Getty Images

Net Worth:$1.2 bil

Fortune:inherited and growing

Source:luxury goods

Age:58

Country Of Citizenship:South Africa

Residence:Stellenbosch

Industry: Retail

Education:University of Stellenbosch, Bachelor of Arts / Science,

Marital Status:married, 3 children

Head of publicly traded Swiss luxury group Richemont, which owns Cartier, Dunhill and other premium brands. Stock down 70% since last February. His South African holding company, Remgro, is listing its stake in British American Tobacco on the Johannesberg exchange. But unbundling of the BAT stake will create pressure to find investments to replace the asset, say analysts. His private South African investment outfit, VenFin, finalized a much-anticipated deal to acquire British rugby club Saracens. With family relatives, owns two of South Africa’s best-known vineyards, Rupert & Rothschild and L’Ormarins; also owns one of the country’s most exclusive golf clubs.

In tough financial times when banks are failing and the systems we trusted before are no longer reliable; in times when money is scarce and financial responsibility enormous, I reflect on an age old African system of money management that is used to this day. A community based system that has supported families through tough times, stretched meagre incomes allowing parents to educate their children; giving others great opportunities to develop their lives without the total dependence on any banks or major regulatory system.

The Malians, Algerians, Moroccans and several other French speaking African countries call it “pari”. Liberians and Ghanians call it “sousou”. In Nigeria it is known by many names but “ajoh” and “family lottery” seem to be widely used. In Cameroon “tontine” and “njangi” carry the same meaning.

The variety of names conveys the diversity of the beautiful African continent, however the underlying principles that have been handed down many generations to guide this process are not new.

In Cameroon as in other parts of Africa, the Njangi helps individuals save money. When done as a group it gives access to large amounts of cash loans with little or no hassle. With major institutions having stringent guidelines for borrowers, especially those who may have recently migrated into the United States, njangi, sousou, pari and tontine have stepped in to provide some much needed financial relief.

Whether it is a group of friends, an alumni association or just a handful of family members, some Africans have historically pooled their resources together to help each other achieve financial dreams. The detailed requirements may differ across countries, ethnic or cultural groups but overall, the process is built on a high level of trust. Njangis also provide an avenue to meet friends or family members, socially.

Take the example of a group of 10 friends who have formed a social group and njangi with a monthly meeting. Every month they each decide to bring in $500. Members could increase their stakes. Two members decide to bring in $1000 each instead of $500. That means there are 12 ‘hands’ of $500 each. The group therefore has $6000 at each sitting. In some groups, members may cast ballots to decide the order in which they take home the funds. In other cultures the hosting member takes home the funds and hosting rotates to a different member’s home each month. On the day of the meeting, everyone brings in their contributions and the first member takes home a cash packet of $6000. This process will rotate each month for a year to consume the 12 ‘hands’ of the Njangi. Each time a member takes home money, the member is said to have ‘chopped the njangi’. The two members whose contributions are doubled will have two opportunities to take home money. They could negotiate with other members on the collection times. In some larger groups members “chop” or borrow funds on a bi-weekly or even a weekly basis. The Njangi term is consumated when all hands have been chopped and the group can start over.

Some groups use Njangis as a support system or investment club. They require members to leave behind a token whenever they collect funds. For instance instead of taking home $6000 as in our example, each member leaves behind $50 which will be saved in a group account and could be used to invest in a mutual fund, visit a sick or bereaved member or some other purpose.

In some variations of this process, all funds pooled together can be borrowed. Some situations warrant the borrower to present some form of collateral such as a car or a house especially when the stakes are higher. In other cases one or two members will have to surety a potential borrower. Trust is the dominant factor in groups practicing the Njangi. 

Njangi funds have helped Africans achieve the dream of owning a home. They have also been used to pay tuition bills, buy a car or relief an immediate financial crisis. It has helped many Africans save as it creates a level of discipline since the funds are actually a loan and must be repaid.

Some Njangi groups are actually set up for investment purposes. Everytime the group meets, they put money down and when a project comes up, they all go into the project as a group. Njangis have helped some African Entrepreneurs thrive and has been the stepping stone to low or no interest borrowing that has propelled many African business men and women into much higher gains.

Njangis could be compared to a secure line of credit. It could also be likened to an investment club. There are many Africans in the Diaspora who will laud this process for their financial success today. Njangis have the added benefit of developing deep and lasting relationships while achieving financial growth and indepence.

Like a meandering river, slowly majestically winding its way in a round about route to its final destination. Every drop not knowing where it’s going until it arrives and after arrival there is every trace of its journey mingled into every atom.

This is what happens when you go on those glorious and relaxing country drives whether it is with a picnic or just stopping in route there is nothing better than soaking up all that the country side has to offer.

When country side is mentioned, the image that comes to mind is of beautiful emerald green hills and soft cloudy days. This is a fantasy the country side is alive and vibrant with textures and hews that dazzle the eyes, diversity that’s as unique as an abstract oil painting and beauty that takes your breath away.

In this article I’ll include some of the more interesting drives in each of the provinces in South Africa with a slight overview of what each drive entails.

Gauteng:

The Magaliesberg Circular is a 200km circular route which encompasses the Witwatersrand botanical garden, Krugersdorp, Krugersdorp Game Reserve, The Sterkfontein caves, Rhino Park, hekpoort valley and the Magaliesberg and Hartebeespoort Dam.

The Crocodile ramble route which includes Croc City crocodile farm.

Limpopo:

Soutpansberg birding route, for all those birding enthusiast and nature lovers. The route includes Eastern Limpopo River valley, Eastern Soutpansberg, Kruger national park, North Western Flats, North Eastern Venda and the South Western Flats.

Ribbola Open Africa Route, for lovers of African curious such as arts and crafts.

Rixile Open Africa Route, a slow meandering route with mind blowing scenery and unbelievable cultural experiences.

Zoutpansberg skirmishes route, a definite must for those who adore history. Follow the last days of the Anglo-Boer war in the Zoutpansberg.

Mpumalanga:

Cosmos country route, although this area is one of the biggest mining areas in South Africa, it suddenly bursts with pink and white when the cosmos flowers open in late summer. Some points of interest are that it is home to the big five and is the only area in the world that makes petrol out of coal.

The wild frontier route boasting discoveries of some of the oldest life on earth. The area in which the route takes place is also known as the cradle of life and home to the historic towns of Barberton, Badplaas, Komatipoort and Kaapmuiden. The Mkonja Mountain range is considered of the oldest in the world with its immense and imposing beauty.

The Panorama is a route of what can only be said, eye candy. Its beautiful backdrops and natural scenery draws tourists by the hoards and is generally just one of the most amazing places to visit. It is home to places like Gods window and the world’s third biggest green canyon, Bourke’s luck potholes which are formed by the meandering river, and lastly of the 3 rondawels.

Lowveld Legogote is a route where you can find the oldest dolomite caves, Sudwala Caves, in the world, a botanical garden that boasts an African rain forest and what is considered as some of the oldest living plants species in the world, the cycads.

Highlands Meander boasts some of the sub continents rarest bird species, rock climbing, extravagant wild flowers and the fly fishing Mecca of South Africa. This route is definitely meant for those who have a great love of nature.

The cultural Heartland route is one of those routes where you can immerse yourself in the culture of the area, the Ndebele, and experience life in the Homesteads of the people. Within the route you can also learn more about the Boer war and enjoy some of the best that nature has to offer.

The grass and wetlands route, a bird watchers paradise, historian’s playground and nature lover’s escapade. This route boasts the largest freshwater lake in South Africa, with a frog watching festival in summer and a star gazing festival in winter. You can also witness a reenactment of the Boer war annually.

Kwazulu Natal:

Apart from beautiful coastlines and vibrant city life the Kwazulu Natal countryside is exquisitely beautiful.

The midlands meander is an arts and crafts route that was started in 1985. The main aim of the route is to bring people inland for a bit and to show the master craftsman at their best. Apart from arts and crafts you can also experience incredible lush scenery, beautiful towns and even a Botanical Garden in Pietermaritzburg.

The battlefields route boasts the largest concentration of battlefields in South Africa and goes out of its way to show visitors how South Africa was shaped and how South Africa also rocked Europe to its core. But apart from battlefields you can enjoy a wonderful sub tropical climate, beautiful scenery and wildlife galore.

The KZN Zululand route gives visitors a unique view of the life, culture and history of the Zulu People and shows how from a minor tribe of the Eastern Nguni people it became a powerhouse to be reckoned with.

The Free State:

Although this area has no formal routes it has some incredible scenery and a lot to see. The scenery changes from open grass lands to exquisitely weathered Sandstone hills. It is abound with surprising picturesque valleys and has some definite highlights such as the Golden gate national park, Harrismith, Ficksburg (cherry capital of the country), Clocolan (the centre of SA’s asparagus production), and Fouriesberg (with stunning scenery and beautiful game and national parks).

Northwest:

Although with out formal routes this is a land of bountiful splendor with loads of entertainment. Here you can visit places like Lichtenberg, which was the scene of the last truly great diamond rush. The gold mining town of Klerksdorp. Pochefstroom with its incredible university and learning centers. If you want to take in a bit of fun and entertainment then why not visit Sun City and the Pielansberg national park where the most successful game stocking ventures, coined operation genesis, in South Africa took place. Sun City has everything from Casino’s, game rides, crocodile farm, golf course (where incidentally the Nedbank Million Dollar takes place) and hotels to beautiful scenery and exquisite luxury. The North West is also an agricultural hub with rolling maize and grain fields and much more produce to be found.

Northern Cape Routes:

Augrabies route is a sub-Saharan route with all the splendor of a dessert. Witness how animals survive extreme temperature fluctuations from up to 45 degrees Celsius in summer to below zero temperatures at nigh in winter and sometimes in summer to.

Kalahari Red dunes routes, for nature lovers. Witness the game, bird life and other wildlife while traveling over the rust red dunes of the Kalahari.

Kamiesberg Route is where you can find some incredible rock formations, fascinating plant life and all the wildlife you’d ever want to see. Hire a vehicle with air conditioning as temperatures can get stifling.

Richtersfeld route, ever wanted to see the moon? Well this route come close to it with its desert and rocky mountainous landscape.

Western Cape:

Cape Karoo route, if you’re looking for great contrasts and incredible beauty then this is it. The route takes you through famous towns such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, mountainous scenery with contrasts of lush Winelands and semi arid desert.

There are also many routes in and around Cape Town. From the North, South, East, West and central routes to further ranging routes such as the Winelands route and whale route with each route offering its own special bit of scenery, history and beauty.

The Cape Garden Route is a beautiful route that is approximately 800km’s long. It boasts a landscape of forests, mountains, water and fynbos, hence its name. The best part of the trip is that the route is largely untouched by industry so the natural wonder is immense. The trip will normally take about 4 days but you can make it as long or as short as you want to.

The Cape Town route 62 is characterized by open area and mountainous scenery. It is an inland route that stretches about 600km’s and is filled with diversity and beauty. It is also known as the world’s longest wine route going through most of the central wine growing areas such as Paarl, Tulbach, Wellington and many more.

The Cape West Coast route. Do you enjoy your fresh seafood, beautiful flowers and much more then the West coast route is perfect for you. Although these 2 items aren’t the only pleasures you’ll find most Cape Town Locals will name them as the biggest attraction of the West coast route. The route stretches for about 600km’s and usually takes about 5 days to complete.

The Cape Whale route is a route of dramatics where you will find or hear about things like the ghost ship the Flying Dutchman which is forever doomed to try and round the Cape bend. You will also see things like the wreck of the Birkenhead where the nautical tradition of woman and children first began. Considered to be South Africa’s most scenic and interesting drive, the route stretches for about 400km’s and will take you about 2 days to complete.

Eastern Cape:

Tsitsikama Falls Adventure Park, this is a route which leads you back into the garden route and is home to the highest commercial bungee jump in the world (standing at 216m), the highest narrow gauge bridge in the world, South Africa’s first natural marine park and South Africa’s first tree top canopy tour. Tractor rides and horse trails will astonish you with tours into the heart of the forest.

The Kouga Route, here you can drive along routes with pastoral scenery, beautiful seashell beaches and natural wilderness with national and game parks. The route goes past Jeffrey’s bay which holds the annual Gunston 500 (also known as the Mr Price surf classic), St Francis and nearby Cape St Francis where you will witness things such as whale watching surfing and angling. Along the route you can also see rock art or the place where Khoi San Sarah Baartman has been reburied. The story of Sarah Baartman is that in the 1800’s she was deported to Europe where she was put on as a living specimen of native Southern Africa. People were intrigued by the big bottoms and coloring of the people. After her death she was preserved and housed in France and eventually after years of negotiating she was bought back to South Africa and given a traditional burial.

Sundays River Valley route, from beautiful Citrus farms to an elephant park. This route will show you everything from white dunes, lakes and thorny bushveld. The biggest attraction being the Addo Elephant Park which incorporates a 120000ha marine reserve. It is the first park that introduces the big 7 which are lion, buffalo, rhino, elephant, leopard, Southern right whale and Great white sharks.

The Sunshine coast route is found within 45km’s of the city centre of Port Elizabeth. It has a lot to offer, nature reserves with forests and cape fynbos regions, exquisite beaches, picnic areas, place where you can safely swim, dolphin and whale sightings and rock pools. You can also visit the popular Sacramento Shipwreck which occurred in 1647 at Schoenies.

The frontier Country route. A distinct feature of this trail is that it has arid farms that have been saved and turned into big 5 game reserves. The history of the area is incredible as it is the place where the British fought their longest and most expensive frontier wars. You can visit many towns along the route such as Grahamstown which is known as the city of saints because of the occurrence of its numerous churches.

Karoo heartland route. Sometimes referred to as God’s own Cathedral the heart of Karoo boasts open arid plains with vast dolomite spires that’s shadow barely touches sides. A place where 9000 different plant species have adapted to living in the harshest conditions and the only other distiller of tequila outside of Mexico can be found here. Here the spirit is called Algave spirit.

The Friendly N6 route which is set of the beaten track is ideal for outdoor activities. Activities on offer are fly fishing in cold trout streams, hiking on beautiful mountain trails, skiing at the only ski resort in Southern Africa, viewing San rock art and reviving in natural hot springs. Guest farms also boast beautiful conical hills, white rhino, horse riding, hiking and much more.

Amathole Mountain escape. For the adventurous souls or for those just seeking peace and solitude then this is perfect for you. You have abseiling, mountain bike riding, hiking, fly fishing and much more. The setting will take your breath away with majestic, forested mountain slopes and that fresh air that tucks you in at night.

The Wild Coast route is one for the ancestors. Here you can really get back to your routes with untouched and undeveloped lands and a host of activities. Activities include but are not restricted to hiking, horse trails, cliff jumping, salt water fly fishing, canoeing, water sports such as surfing, scuba diving and all the good things in life. For those interested in history then come and see where Nelson Mandela lived most of his free life and find out more about this great visionary leader at the Nelson Mandela museum.

For all these routes you will need different car type requirements please don’t hesitate to contact us at www.southafrica-carhire.com for a no obligation quote on a car to suite your needs for the time you’re here.

By Author: Justin Pretorius

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/the-best-rated-country-routes-in-south-africa-452113.html