South Africa - Brief History

In 1488, the Portuguese sent Bartholomeu Dias in search of a sea-route around Africa to India. On 3 February 1488 he landed at the present day Mossel Bay. Only during 1497 did Vasco da Gama reach India and for over a century the Portuguese, and eventually the Dutch and the English, plied the sea-route around the southern tip of Africa to India.

During 1652, the Dutch established a replenishment station at the Cape of Good Hope. Fifty years later the free-burghers were allowed to migrate in an easterly direction, joined later by the British. In the the late 18th century the Dutch Boers, British Military, the indigenous Khoi people and the European missionaries met the Xhosa people in the area north-east of present day Port Elizabeth.

Accompany Shield Tours on a fascinating 10 day tour of the Colonial Expansion Route from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, along the famous Garden Route and culminating in a fascinating visit to the Battlefields of the Eastern Cape. (The six day Colonial Expansion Route Tour and the Battlefields tour of the Eastern Cape can be done as two separate tours)

The fascinating history of South Africa and the culture of its diverse people, forms the golden thread through the specific tours and also includes Game Viewing and stunning scenery.

Customised day and overnight tours in the Eastern Cape are available on request.

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