Yes, that is correct, a strong Dollar. In fact currently the South African Rand is hovering at around 7.5 Rand to 1 US Dollar, that's about 16% ahead of where it was in May 2006 and a whopping 25% ahead of where it was in May 2005. I mention Namibia as the Namibian dollar is valued at par with the South African Rand and represents the same value.
So how does this translate if you are considering a Southern Africa Trip this year. Well for starters it means that there is some fantastic value to be found on air inclusive packages from the USA. Take for example our South Africa in Style Package which includes airfare from Washington or New York, 4 Nights in a luxury hotel in Cape Town and a 2 night luxury fly in Safari. Rates including taxes and fees start as low as $2,700 per person.
Just as importantly, when you get to South Africa your will find that you Dollar will stretch a lot further than in a European city. Let's look at dining for a moment. Le Quartier Francais in the Cape Winelands has made Restaurant Magazines "Worlds Best 50 Restaurants List" in 2005, 2006 and 2007. Their superb Tasting Room offers the ultimate gastronomical experience with a 6 course tasting menu at Rand 480 per person, that's about $65 at today rate ! If fine dining is not your thing but you enjoy a great steak, try the Famous Butcher's Grill Restaurants. This small chain offers fantastic aged South African steaks at its Cape Town, Johannesburg and Sun City Locations. The service is great and you can enjoy a 3/4Ib Fillet Steak for around Rand 110 or $15 at today's rate.
And it's not just dinning that offers great value, activities from Golfing at Arabella on the Western Cape of South Africa to Quad Biking in Dunes of Namibia can now be enjoyed by American visitors without stressing their budget too seriously. So the next time you hear your neighbor or co-worker commenting that they can't afford that international trip this year, please, spread the good word about Southern Africa......
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