South Africa
South Africa is often considered the jewel of the African continent. Its natural and diverse beauty continues to enthral those who explore this exquisite tip of Africa, renowned for its warm hospitality. From classic African bushveld to golden savannahs, dramatic gorges and dragon-backed mountain ranges – this country is nothing less than spectacular.
Wildlife lovers are spoilt for choice with the big-name parks like the Kruger National Park and the Kgalagadi (Kalahari) Transfrontier Park, boasting the ‘Big Five’: lion, buffalo, leopard, rhino, and elephant. South Africa is also home to some of the world’s most luxurious private game reserves and lodges.
Coral reefs, winelands, shark dives, white-water rafting, and golden beaches blessed with legendary surf breaks are just some of South Africa’s many other appeals.
South African cities are vibrant and offer travellers an abundance of experiences. Cape Town has successively been voted as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, in Durban you’ll encounter a breath-taking coastline and Johannesburg and Soweto, the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, is home to poignant museums and colourful nightlife.
Cape Town – is one of the planet’s most breath-taking cities and is nestled between Table Mountain, one of the 7 Wonders of the World and an exquisite coastline. Top attractions include penguin spotting, hiking, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Cape Point – where two oceans meet.
Winelands – is a picture-perfect university town dating from the Dutch settlement era. A medley of wine farms, old oak trees and white-washed Cape Dutch dwellings, Stellenbosch is a haven for food and wine lovers.
Greater Kruger game viewing it’s also home to bushman rock paintings and archaeological sites. Visitors can explore the Kruger by road, walking safari, private air charter or hot-air balloon.
The Garden Route – a coastal treasure along the south-east coast. It’s a popular 200-kilometre driving route that serves up the most astounding scenery of rolling green hills, lagoons and coastal cliffs. Here adventures abound from elephant and ostrich rides to whale-watching and tree top canopy tours.
The Drakensberg – meaning “Dragon Mountains,” is home to the country’s highest peaks. It’s a region of spectacular beauty, rich wildlife diversity, jaw-dropping waterfalls and verdant forests.
Robben Island – a world heritage site, formerly a leper colony and subsequently an island prison for political crimes. This is where Nelson Mandela spent 18-years imprisoned and worked in the lime quarries. Evocative tours are offered to view his tiny cell and are often led by ex-prisoners.
Shark cage diving – is one of South Africa’s most popular adventures and offered all along the East coast. Thrill seekers climb into an iron cage, plunge into the ocean and experience great white sharks at close proximity.
Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve – Africa’s second largest canyon and home to a rich diversity of wildlife, such as primates, hippos and crocodiles. Lush, tropical and panoramic, this is a favourite stop en-route to the Kruger National Park.
GOOD TO KNOW
SOUTH AFRICA AREA
1.22 million km2
POPULATION
57 million
Capital of South Africa
3 capital cities
(Cape Town – legislative)
(Pretoria – administrative)
(Bloemfontein – judicial)
Currency
Rand (ZAR)
Climate
Long sunny days throughout the year. Summer rainfall. West Coast experiences winter rainfall. Average Summer temperatures range from a minimum of 15 degrees Celsius (59 Fahrenheit) to a maximum of 28 degrees Celsius. In Winter average day temperatures are 19 – 23C (66F – 73F)
People
Africans are in the majority making up 79.2% of the total population. The coloured population comprises 8.9%, while there are (8.9%) whites. The Indian/Asian population makes up 2.5%.
Official language
11 official languages.
English is broadly spoken.
Time
GMT + 2hours
“One cannot resist the lure of Africa.”
Rudyard Kipling