The rhythm of Africa - Mahé (Seychelles) to Cape Town

Victoria, on Mahé Island, is the capital city of the Seychelles archipelago in the Indian Ocean. Seychelles National Botanical Gardens showcases endemic palms and orchids, as well as giant tortoises and fruit bats. The colorful Sir Selwyn Clarke Market sells spices, fruit, art and souvenirs. Near the Cathedral of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is the imposing La Domus, built in 1934 to house Catholic missionaries.

Praslin, the second largest island of Seychelles and arguably tops in attractions, features stunning beaches, azure seas, tangles of jungle and a trademark relaxed atmosphere. What makes Praslin unique is the Vallée de Mai, a protected forest of rare fauna, and most famously the coco de mer palm, a tree that produces the world’s largest seed and palm flower. The grove is one of Seychelles’ two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has been aptly called the Garden of Eden.

Antwerp is a stylish and sophisticated city filled with monumental reminders of its prosperous medieval and Renaissance past, currently reinventing itself as an exciting contemporary city. Long a major diamond center, it is now making a name as an important player on the world fashion scene. Belgium has the highest density of Michelin star restaurants in Europe, and Antwerp has become a hot spot for foodies. Numerous urban renewal projects are underway, especially in the arts, including MAS, a new museum of the city and a spectacular architectural achievement, and MoMu, a trendy fashion museum.

Discover exotic Nosy Be with its rich air fragrant from native spices and flowers and, neighboring Nosy Komba with its lemur population found only in this part of the world. Beginwith a stroll around the city center of Hellville in Nosy Be, visiting the open marketplace. Then hire a driver to take you on an island tour to see the bright blue volcanic lakes, or hire a boat to take you to Nosy Komba to visit the lemurs. Back in Nosy Be, shop for locally made perfume, distilled rum, finelinens and hand carved wooden art. Enjoy some of the fresh local seafood prepared with the local spices in this colorful and aromatic destination.

The city of Maputo was founded towards the end of the 18th century, and is influenced by a variety of cultures including Bantu, Arabian and Portuguese. Surrounded by beautiful colonial architecture and stunning natural scenery, it is an ideal base from which to explore the region. The scars from past wars and conflict are still evident, but the city is clearly regenerating, and the original beauty and cultural attractions of the area can easily be appreciated by visitors.

Richards Bay was named after Frederick William Richards of the British Royal Navy. When he learned of the conflict the English experienced in Zululand, Richards arrived with 250 men in support of his fellow countrymen. He also made a survey of the coast in 1879. In 1906, development of the area got underway with the founding of the Zululand Fisheries and the first ox wagon trek to the town of Empangeni. In 1928, Richards Bay got a hotel and a store, from which it gradually developed into the economic center of Northern Kwazulu-Natal. A new deep-water port inaugurated in 1976 is the second largest port in the country after Durban. In its wake, a number of large and small industries, hotels, shops and restaurants have sprung up, causing the town to develop at a record-breaking pace. The most important attractions however are found outside Richards Bay in the game reserves and cultural villages. For many visitors Zululand represents some of the "real" Africa, an area that covers much of central Kwazulu-Natal, including the port of Richard's Bay and the adjacent Hluhluwe Game Park. The region is dominated by the Zulu tribe; their customs, historical traditions and culture are evident throughout the region. The name Zulu derives from an early chief, whose descendants were called aba-kwa Zulu, or people of Zulu. Their capital is Ulundi, located north of the Tugela River. Much of Zululand comprises a scenic, hilly interior plus some coastal areas, where it is usually hot and humid.

Durban, a glistening jewel on the south-east coast of Africa, is the third largest city in South Africa and the major city of KwaZulu-Natal. It has been a centre of sea trade since before colonisation and now has a flourishing artistic centre, which perfectly complements the vibrant markets and rich cultures of the city. Durban’s port is a natural half-moon harbour lined with white sand and azure water, punctuated by the port’s many piers which reach into the water like the leaves of a fan. The beaches of Durban’s famous Golden Mile stretch along the harbour and are popular all year round, as travellers and locals alike enjoy Durban’s warm, humid summers and mild, dry winters.

Originally the home of the San and Khoisan people and later the Xhosa tribe, the area now known as Gqeberha (previously Port Elizabeth) became a landing place for passing European ships after Portuguese navigator Bartolomew Diaz arrived in Algoa Bay in 1488. As part of the Cape Colony, the British occupied the area during the Napoleonic Wars and it was they who built Fort Frederick here in 1799. Twenty-one years later 4,000 settlers arrived, becoming the first permanent British residents of South Africa and Gqeberha. Sir Rufane Donkin, Acting Governor of the Cape Colony, founded Port Elizabeth, naming the settlement after his late wife. The town underwent rapid growth after 1873 following the construction of the railway to Kimberley, and is now one of the country’s major seaports. Like most South African cities, miles of beautiful coastline surround Gqeberha. Algoa Bay combines warm water and fair breezes, making it a mecca for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts. Those interested in history can follow the Donkin Heritage Trail, past a succession of Victorian and Edwardian town houses, trim gardens and neo-Gothic churches. Just outside the town are a number of game reserves, including the famous Addo Elephant National Park.

Sometimes referred to as the Mother City, Cape Town is the most famous port in South Africa and is influenced by many different cultures, including Dutch, British and Malay. The port was founded in 1652 by Dutch explorer Jan Van Riebeeck, and evidence of Dutch colonial rule remains throughout the region. The port is located on one of the world's most important trade routes, and is mainly a container port and handler of fresh fruit. Fishing is another vital industry, with large Asian fishing fleets using Cape Town as a logistical repair base for much of the year. The region is famous for its natural beauty, with the imposing Table Mountain and Lions Head, as well as the many nature reserves and botanical gardens such as Kirstenbosch which boasts an extensive range of indigenous plant life, including proteas and ferns. Cape Town's weather is mercurial, and can change from beautiful sunshine to dramatic thunderstorms within a short period. A local adage is that in Cape Town you can experience four seasons in one day.

Sometimes referred to as the Mother City, Cape Town is the most famous port in South Africa and is influenced by many different cultures, including Dutch, British and Malay. The port was founded in 1652 by Dutch explorer Jan Van Riebeeck, and evidence of Dutch colonial rule remains throughout the region. The port is located on one of the world's most important trade routes, and is mainly a container port and handler of fresh fruit. Fishing is another vital industry, with large Asian fishing fleets using Cape Town as a logistical repair base for much of the year. The region is famous for its natural beauty, with the imposing Table Mountain and Lions Head, as well as the many nature reserves and botanical gardens such as Kirstenbosch which boasts an extensive range of indigenous plant life, including proteas and ferns. Cape Town's weather is mercurial, and can change from beautiful sunshine to dramatic thunderstorms within a short period. A local adage is that in Cape Town you can experience four seasons in one day.