SOUTH AFRICA ~ Marine Life ~

... Great views of Africa’s spectacular underwater animals… the coastal waters of South Africa accommodate a rich diversity of species of which five spectacular marine fauna make up the most famous... known as the  "Marine Big Five"... these are: whales, dolphins, seals, sharks and penguins..  four of them are shown here... Cape fur seals that live in colossal colonies in this part of Africa... a Southern right whale breaching in calm waters... the iconic great white shark, the largest predatory fish on Earth and a huddle of African penguins... Thanks a lot Alena! (✿ ♥‿♥)

Photo: Johan & Fanie Kloppers
South Africa’s marine realm is globally unique because of the two major ocean currents that meet here. The cold, slow-moving Benguela and the warm, fast-flowing Agulhas currents create a special environment that supports high levels of biodiversity. Over 13,000 marine species are currently known to live in these waters. About 30% of these are endemic, meaning they occur nowhere else.

Stamp:

The Big 5 

(Issued 09-05-2014)

SOUTH AFRICA ~ Chapman's Peak Drive - Cape Town ~

.... Great view of often called the most scenic drive in all the world... its a short but stunning stretch of road that winds its way along the rocky red cliffs of Chapman’s Peak showing you the best of both worlds... on one side, you enjoy the views of the rugged mountainous landscape, while on the other you can see endlessly far across the flat Atlantic ocean... there are many viewpoints offering panoramic views were you frequently can spot dolphins and Southern right whales... the road is about 9 kilometers  long, but you’ll need to take it slow as there are 114 curves in the road... it is one of the most important touristic attraction around Cape Town... Thanks a lot Alena!ヽ(ヅ)ノ

Between 1915 and 1922, the roadway we now know as Chapman’s Peak Drive was hacked out of the face of the mountain in order to establish a more direct route between Hout Bay and Noordhoek.

Unfortunately, in 1990, after a particularly devastating rock fall, which resulted in a fatality (and lawsuit), Chapman's Peak Drive was closed for a massive re-engineering project that would provide an exponentially safer roadway for motorists.

In 2003, Chapman’s Peak Drive was reopened as a toll road. And while rock falls are unavoidable on such a steep cliff face the extensive engineering that has been done, including massive steel rock traps and wall reinforcements, ensure that the road can be used safely.

 
 

Stamp: 

Fauna - The Big 5

(Issued 26-11-2018)

SOUTH AFRICA~ Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden - UNESCO ~

... Great views of one of the most beautiful gardens in the world🌺... nestled against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a treasure trove of South Africa’s rich natural heritage... world-renowned for its stunning landscapes and diversity of the Cape flora, it’s the perfect destination for nature lovers... many of South African indigenous plants are threatened and Kirstenbosch is a haven where these plants are grown and protected... one of the garden’s most popular attractions is "The Boomslang" tree canopy walkway,  a steel and timber bridge that winds its way through the treetops giving you a birds eye view of the arboretum... this sanctuary attracts millions of visitors annually... Thanks a lot Alena! \_(♥‿♥)_/ 

Established in 1913, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens was the first botanical garden in the world dedicated to South African indigenous flora. Its creation marked a significant step in the conservation of Southern Africa’s unique plant life, driven by the vision of botanist Harold Pearson.The gardens are home to over 7,000 plant species, many of which are endemic to the region.

The name Kirstenbosch was first recorded in 1795 on a property inventory given to the British Occupying forces, though the exact origin of the name remains unclear. It now spans over 528 hectares, with 36 hectares meticulously cultivated. 

In 2004 the Cape Floristic Region, including Kirstenbosch, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site  and is the first botanic garden in the world to be included within a natural World Heritage Site. 

 

Stamp:

Fauna - The Big 5 

(Issued 26-11-2018)

SOUTH AFRICA ~ Boulders Beach - Simon's Town -Table Mountain National Park ~

... Wonderful South Africa postcard nr3😍... Boulders Beach is a sheltered beach made up of inlets between enormous ancient granite boulders, from which the name originated... it is home and nesting place to a large colony of delightful African Penguins🐧 and a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and animal lovers... seeing these adorable penguins waddle along the beach and swim in the crystal-clear waters is a truly unforgettable experience... it’s incredible to witness the harmony between humans and wildlife in this ecotourism hotspot... every year, over 60 000 visitors flock to Simon’s Town to photograph and watch these famous penguins... this leads to more money to help boost the penguin conservation efforts through South African National Parks... sadly the African Penguin has been classified as an endangered species, due to things like industrial fishing, habitat destruction, pollution... as for most of my African received postcards I donated money to charity to buy children's books for local libraries💙... Big Thanks once more Alena! (✿ ♥‿♥)

Boulders Beach is located just outside Cape Town. The first breeding pair arrived in 1982, settling on the soft white sand between the granite boulders that protect the beach from wind and waves. They decided to stay and since then, the population has grown to between 2,000 and 3,000 birds.These African penguins are only found on the coastlines of Southern Africa (South Africa and Namibia).

Boulders and its surrounding beaches now form part of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, thus ensuring the beaches are safe and clean, and the penguins protected. 

Stamp:

Famous South African Diamonds

"The Golden Jubilee"

(Issued 19-09-2019)

 

SOUTH AFRICA ~ Cape of Good Hope - Cape Point - UNESCO

... After Robben Island another amazing postcard💙 from my list of which I really hoped to get a postcard one day... Cape of Good Hope is one the most famous capes in maritime history and lies at the maritime crossroads of the world... it is here that East met West... surrounded by blue waters as far as the eye could see... throughout history, the Cape of Good Hope has been historically significant to sailors and explorers... it is home to over 1000 shipwrecks... hence it is popularly known as the graveyard for ships... Cape Point is located to the east of Cape of Good Hope, they lie about 3km apart... it boasts a dramatic wildlife-rich coastline and is a highlight traveling to South Africa... Thanks so much Alena! (✿◠‿◠)

 The Cape of Good Hope is a rocky headland on the Atlantic coast of the Cape Peninsula. In 1939 the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve (7750 hectares) was established, and it still protects the southernmost area of Table Mountain National Park. A common misconception is that the Cape of Good Hope lies at the southernmost tip of the African continent, however, the southern terminus of Africa lies 150km East, at Cape Aghulas.

Its discovery by Europeans in the 15th century opened the first all-water route from Europe to Asia. First named "The Cape of Storms". It was later King John II of Portugal named it "Cape of Good Hope" because of the great optimism engendered by the opening of a sea route to India and the East.

Cape Point is in the Cape of Good Hope nature reserve within Table Mountain National Park, which forms part of the Cape Floral Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004.

Stamp:

Famous Soth Africa Diamonds

"The Jubilee"

(Issued 19-06-2019)

SOUTH AFRICA ~ Robben Island - Cape Town - UNESCO ~

... Great aerial view of a small island that holds immense historical significance in South Africa as a symbol of the way in which democracy and freedom triumphed over oppression and racism... a place where of its most influential political leaders including Nelson Mandela, were held during apartheid... today, it stands as a living museum, offering visitors a chance to delve into South African history and experience a powerful journey of resilience and hope... the harbor at Robben Island has seen millions of people come and go for centuries... all tours of the island are conducted by ex-prisoners who still live there...  Thanks a lot Alena! ♥(ˆ⌣ˆԅ)  

    

                                                                                                                              "Nelson Mandela"

                                                                                           

"Nelson Mandela, born in 1918, joined the African National Congres in 1944, life long jail sentence in 1963, released in February 1990 and became president of South Africa in 1994. In 2013 died at the age of 95."

The island in Table Bay is lying off the coast of Cape Town and the only way to get there is by ferry.

Robben Island began its life as a leper colony in the 1800’s. From 1960 to 1991 it served as prison for around 3000 prisoners, the majority of whom were political prisoners. Nelson Mandela was imprisoned here for 18 of the 27 years. (split between Robben Island, Pollsmoor Prison and Victor Verster Prison.)

In 1997, Robben Island became a museum and in 1999 it was recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site. 

Stamp:

Famous South African Diamonds 

"Star of South Africa"

(Issued 19-06-2019)

SOUTH AFRICA ~ Table Mountain - Cape Town ~

... Beautiful and classic panoramic view of Table Mountain seen from Bloubergstrand... the best spot for a great view of this flat-topped massif... with a long stretch of deep blue sea lying in front of it... the Iconic Heart Of Cape Town and most prominent landmark of South Africa... and its flattened peak makes it one of the most recognisable mountains in the world... Table Mountain is featured on Cape Town's flag and on the City's logo... Big Thanks Alena!(✿◠‿◠)

The highest point of Table Mountain is 1087m above sea level. It’s called Maclear’s Beacon for the man who built a stone cairn at the site in 1865. It was meant to be used for a trigonometric survey. It got its name because of its flat top.

Table Mountain is 240-million years old, and is one of the oldest mountains in the world, older than the Andes, the Alps, the Rocky Mountains and the Himalayas.

It is part of the Table Mountain National Park ( TMNP), a name given to the park in 1998. 

The place to see the views from is a small town and growing area of developments is called Bloubergstrand, a seaside suburb of the City of Cape Town along the shores of Table Bay.

 Stamp:

The Big 5 

(Issued 09-05-2014)

SOUTH AFRICA ~ Mountain Zebra National Park ~

... A fantastic National Park postcard of one of the smaller parks in South Africa... the scenery is beautiful and the setting tranquil... the park has a great history... today the park is home to a large breeding herd of the Cape mountain zebra... not long ago this species was endangered... local farmers in the area donated mature individuals from their land to form the first population in the national park, which numbered only six individuals.... now the park has over 700 animals and is able to restock other areas from their large population... it feels so good to post about a conservation success story...ヅ Thanks a lot Retha!!【ツ】

This 28 000ha National Park is situated in the Eastern Cape and it was first proclaimed in 1937 to save the cape mountains zebra from extinction.

Mountain Zebra National Park is home to herds of zebras, Black rhinos, buffalo's, springbok, blesbok, Black wildebeest, eland, Red hartebeest and gemsbok. Cheetah's were introduced in 2007 and lions in 2013.

The park is named after the the Cape mountain zebra. These zebra differ from the plains or Burchell’s zebra, by having narrower stripes, absence of shadow stripes and orange facial coloration.

The park is also a habitat for approximately 270 birds species.

Stamp:

Crafts
(Issued 27-10-2010)

SOUTH AFRICA ~ The Big Five ~

... Beautiful postcard... always impressive the "Big Five" on one postcard...the opportunity to see wild animals in their natural habitat must be awesome and a dream for a lot of us, including me... maybe someday シ... and with fantastic matching stamp...sent by my dentist ✿... Héééél erg bedankt Jef and Frieda (♥‿♥) !!

"For nature lovers a sighting of one of the "BIG 5" causes great excitement. The experience of sighting all five of these formidable creatures is truly a rare privilege."
The African continent is the only place in the world where big game still roams freely. The Kruger National Park area and the neighboring private game reserves are famous for the incredible possibilities seeing the Big Five up close.

The term "Big Five" is reminiscent of the old safari hunting days. The members of the Big Five were chosen for the difficulty in hunting them and the degree of danger involved, rather than their size.

The animals behind the The "Big Five"' are Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffalo's and Rhinos.

Countries where all the members of the big five can be found include Botswana, Zambia, Uganda, Namibia, Ethiopia, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Malawi.

Stamp:

Airmail - The Big 5
(05-05-2010)

SOUTH AFRICA ~ Informal Settlements ~

... Panoramic postcard view coming from Ravindra who's travelling in South Africa...Enjoy your stay ^__^  Thanks a lot!!

With nice 3D Dinosaurs stamps stamp!
 (Issued 02-11-2009)

Photo: © Mark Skinner A shanty town or informal settlement is a settlement of plywood, corrugated metal, sheets of plastic, and cardboard boxes. They are usually found on the periphery of cities, public parks, or near railroad tracks, rivers, lagoons or city trash dump sites. Sometimes called a squatter, informal or spontaneous settlement, shanty towns often lack proper sanitation, safe water supply, electricity, hygienic streets, or other basic human necessities.

 Shanty towns are mostly found in developing nations, but also in some parts of developed nations.

SOUTH AFRICA ~Nelson Mandela~

... wonderful and special postcard of one of the most inspiring man in history...a true gem and precious card for my collection...Mr Nelson Mandela is a man who always saw the importance of peaceful freedom fighting...he treated everyone with the utmost respect and always believed in the goodness of people and dedicated his life to fight the social injustices in his country...Thanks a million Rayno!!

With nice tiny Airmail postcard Buffalo stamp 2001 unfortunately not postmarked.

              "I hate race discrimination most intensely and in all its manifestations.  I have fought it all during my life; I fight it now, and will do so until the end of my days." Nelson Mandela
- Nelson Mandela was the first South African President who was elected in a completely
  democratic election.
- Nelson Mandela was an activist against apartheid, and he was the leader of the armed wing of the
   African National Congress.
- Nelson Mandela spent twenty-seven years in prison, many of those years were spent on Robben Island.
- Nelson Mandela won the Nobel prize in 1993.
- Nelson Mandela was born in Mvezo on July 18 of 1918.
- Nelson Mandela’s original name was Rolihlahla Mandela.
- In his spare time, Nelson Mandela studied to become a lawyer.
- Nelson Mandela has honorary degrees from more than 50 international universities.
- Nelson Mandela retired from Public life in June 1999.
- The United Nations declared his birthday, July 18, Nelson Mandela International Day. This was
   the first time the UN dedicated a particular day to a person.

South Africa ~Hermanus-The Whale Crier~

WOW!! What a great end of the week! :) Received three lovely cards today... Again a nice US map card with this time all the states and their capitals. Another amazing beach card. The film "The Beach" with Leonardo the Caprio was filmed on this location. I think it must be a dream destination.... I received already a few beaches and each time I think this must be the most beautiful but then I got an even more beautiful...
But I must admit the card that made me the most happy is the whale card!! :):). I've seen a documentary on TV about those " Whale Crier" and now I have a card from him sent from South Africa.



Hermanus is home of the world's only Whale Crier. The Whale Crier's kilp horn was heard in Hermanus in August 1992. When he spots a whale he blows on his kelp horn....

SOUTH AFRICA

Tallest of all animals, their hight enables them to reach the top-most thorns of the 'Kameeldoorn'. But for a kick and quick turn of speed they would become easy prey for the lion.

Varying greatly in size, colour and profusion of mane, these cubs will growe to an average weight of 226 kg.