South Africa: Africa’s Hidden Gem

Maribeth Oberheide and friends at the Cheetah Reserve at Spier, S.A.

As the world converges on South Africa for the 2010 World Cup, there are many parallels that Americans can draw between the two. For many, soccer, or football as it is known around the rest of the world, it is a captivating sport that invokes both love and passion. However, to the mainstream American public, it remains an intriguing sport, largely surrounded by mystery and misconception. Much the same can be same about the World Cup’s host, South Africa, a captivating and passionate country that remains unexplored and a relative mystery to mainstream America. South Africa is a diverse country that offers both the culturally refined and business savvy, an experience that American businesses have come to expect from their European and Asian partners, but also a wild, untamed spirit that few countries can rival.

This past February, I was lucky enough to attend Meetings Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa. It is a three day tradeshow the showcases products and services from across the region’s meeting, incentives and events industries. Johannesburg is an interesting city that had everything you would need for a meeting or conference. There are direct flights from all over the world here. Even if you are not staying in Johannesburg, you will likely fly through on your way to other locations in South Africa. They just completely renovated the airport for The World Cup. Meetings Africa was held in Sandton. Sandton is an area in Johannesburg that has a great convention center and several top hotels such as The Radisson Blu Sandton, where we stayed. There is still a safety concern outside of this area in Johannesburg. I would use caution in booking an event here with participants that are not very well traveled.

Maribeth Oberheide with Table Mountain behind in the distance

I was invited on a post tour FAM (Familiarization) trip to both Cape Town and then on safari in KwaZulu-Natal. Cape Town was our first stop.  I cannot talk enough about what an amazing city this is. It is a complete contrast to the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg. The city is dominated by a towering, table-shaped mountain, set on a peninsula where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. Cape Town would please everyone. There are wine tasting, shark diving, visits to Robbins Island, cheetah reserves and so much more. The hotels we saw were amazing. We stayed at the elegant Cape Grace Hotel which is right on the V&A waterfront. The service level at this hotel was truly the best I have ever seen.

The Mount Nelson Hotel by Orient Express is another one worth mentioning. It is downtown Cape Town but you would never know it by the gorgeous landscaping throughout the property. It is great for groups up to 200. The Westin Grand Cape Town Arabella Quays is a great meetings hotel right across the street from the Cape Town Convention Center.

Wildlife abounds at Phinda Mountain

The last two days of my trip were spent at Phinda Game Reserve on Safari. Phinda is located in KwaZula-Natal. This was beyond my expectations. This Reserve is absolutely amazing, from the game drives, to the rooms and the food. Oh the food… don’t expect to lose weight at Phinda. If you are not on a game drive you are most likely eating. Phinda is perfect for groups because it is one of the larger game reserves. A lot of them do not have more than 8 rooms. At Phinda, you could accommodate up to 80 people throughout the six lodges.

Prior to my trip to South Africa, I thought it was a “once in a lifetime” destination. After getting a small taste of what it has to offer, I cannot wait to get back.

Cape Town offers something for everyone in a glorious setting