Loong ago back in 1998 I came here and then a long pause until 2012 , after several trips, the last was in 2015. Just touching base on my waterholes around the world and the friends gathered that are still on board! This is my hommage to these folks and my visits there. Of course, I have other posts on specific areas over the years too. South Africa is a vast land but my interaction have been in East London area a working class but also, has some nice neighbourhoods, then the Sandton area is just superb it seems very nice architecture and lively.
The country has gone thru a metamorphosis and its looking very bright with growth potential even if as every where else there are economic problems. I was there always on business trips , so not much touristic side trips. Once in the country, the car was the main mode as I was driven around, so it look easy, and as I am a road warrior this was heavens. I did spent several periods running from a few days to a couple of weeks at a time, and many new friends who treated me as if known for years. I was able to go into the country to meet customers right in their homes out in the country, very good roads, and gorgeous scenery. My early photos were taken with my blackberry phone, so not uptimum but ease of use when on business trips.
I arrive and was pick up by the transport folks of the hotel where I was staying, the Sitatunga Transfers folks were always very dependable, and the lodging was done at their property near Sandton at Sitatunga Guest Lodge. Webpage here: Sitatunga villas and transfer
The airport at Johannesbourg OR Tambo is very nice with all conveniences and had easy in and out there all the time. Official OR Tambo airport
The nice terrace bar there at OR Tambo was Mandys now it is gone!!!and on a resto Vasllis Mediterranean that seems now closed in Sandton. When we did go out we had fun at Fournos Bakery in Fourways Mall , Sandton, great burgers, sausages, and drinks while looking out in the terrace over a shopping mall and passerbyers. Official Fournos Fourways
I ,also was able to try the Gautrain underground station in Sandton, and direct to OR Tambo international airport, very easy magnetic card depends on your usage you buy from machine using bank cards or cash, very easy indeed,and modern, clean, fast and on time. webpage https://www.gautrain.co.za/
The airport at East London is smaller but then easy to manoeuvre and I was told the most expensive place to visit by plane as not too many connections available. It has an interesting zulu type shape roof. The great bar there was Mile High Bar but do not seems to find it now so probably closed as well. Official East London airport
You will be in an oasis and well treated. When I needed to move to East London, I stayed at Thrity Six on Bonza ,another nice boutique lodge ,gorgeously done, and great friendly service. Bonza Collection Thirty Six
We had dinner on request at Thirty Six on Bonza as per above.
I was even close to a beach at East London, very nice beaches in the area, especially Buffalo Beach , that just saw, ,and sure a promise to come back. I am looking forward to the opportunity to be back again, until then thanks for the memories and the friendships.
The tourist office of South AFrica on cities here: Official South Africa tourism
The tourist office of Gauteng, the region of Sandton, and Foursways: Tourist office of Gauteng on Johannesburg
The tourist office for East London is the metro area Buffalo City here: Official Buffalo City tourism
And there you go , a brief tour of a wonderful section of South Africa. There is a lot more with a lot more time, I have done some see my other posts. Hope it helps you enjoy them as well. And me to be back, I will be back… Enjoy Sandton, East London and South Africa.
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 