South Africa

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South Africa is a beautiful country located on the southern-most point of the African continent. Home to some of the best National Parks in the world, safaris are a huge part of South African tourism. A visit to South Africa is guaranteed to be a vacation to remember.

Language: South Africa has 11 official languages among them is English
Currency: Rand (ZAR)
Government: Constitutional Parliamentary Republic

DID YOU KNOW?

  • South Africa is the second largest exporter of fruit in the world.
  • Kruger National Park supports the greatest variety of wildlife species on the African continent.
  • South Africa is rated third in the world in supplying safe, drinkable tap water.
  • South Africa has the most luxurious train in the world, the Rovos Rail.
  • The Karoo region is home to some of the best fossils of early dinosaurs.

CLIMATE

On the higher plateaus, it is cooler in the summer and can dip below freezing in the winter, but the better part of the country is in warm temperatures year round.

  • Summer: October – Feb
  • Autumn: Feb – April
  • Winter: May – July
  • Spring: August – October

HISTORY

South Africa contains some of the oldest archaeological and human fossil sites in the entire world since modern humans have inhabited Southern Africa for at least 170,000 years. First contact with European explorers came in 1487, when Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias became the first to reach southern Africa. In 1931, South Africa was granted independence from the rule of the United Kingdom with the passage of the Statute of Westminster. In current day South Africa, unemployment rates have been extremely high due to the country struggling on the world scene.

MUST SEE

CAPE TOWN & CAPE PENINSULA
Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula are famous for their scenic beauty, breathtaking beaches, Table Mountain and whale watching, as well as world-class shopping and nightlife. You would be hard-pressed to not have a good time when visiting.

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Probably the best game reserve in the world, Kruger National Park attracts loads of tourists every year, who come to experience the beauty of Africa’s wildlife first-hand. Here you will get a truly unforgettable experience.

V&A WATERFRONT
This may just be South Africa’s top tourist attraction; it is a popular commercial harbour set in a huge entertainment and shopping complex. While shopping, you can enjoy views of the ocean and the mountains. Home to more than 80 restaurants, this is the place to be for a more modern visit to South Africa

THE CRADLE OF HUMANKIND
Declared a World Heritage Site in 1999, the Cradle is located about 50 kilometres northwest of Johannesburg. Here you will find limestone caves that have produced some of the oldest fossils ever discovered, including 2.3-million year old “Mrs. Ples.” If you are a history or archaeology buff, this is a must-stop on your visit to South Africa.

ROBBEN ISLAND
Located just off the coast of Cape Town, this island is home to one of the most infamous prisons in the world. It has held such notable prisoners as Nelson Mandela and former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe. In addition to this former prison—now World Heritage site—it is also home to the world-famous African Penguins. People from all over the world come to see these animals in their natural habitat.

Escape Locations

Cape Town

It’s Africa’s most popular tourist destination, famous for its harbourfront setting and natural beauty.

Robben Island

From the 17th to the 20th centuries, it was a place of banishment, isolation and imprisonment. Among its most famous prisoners: Nelson Mandela and former South African president Kgalema Motlanthe.

Explore

Drinking Up South African History

There’s history, philosophy and culture to be found in a simple glass of wine. Here’s your detailed guide to wine tasting in South Africa’s Stellenbosch region, served straight up by the Ravenous Traveler.

Good Food Fun in South Africa

For those who want to see it all, the Cape Town Good Food & Wine Show supplies an adrenaline shot of South African cuisine.

Driving the Fabled Garden Route

Dramatic coastlines, enormous beaches, thick jungles, the highest bungee jump and one of the world’s best surfing beaches: This road trip loop shows off South Africa’s most beautiful — and adventurous — drive, the Garden Route.

Top 5 Must-Do Activities
in Kruger National Park

In the last instalment of our series on how to plan a self-guided safari in Kruger National Park, our expert tells you the top 5 things you MUST do and see. Can you imagine a game drive at night in the African bush?

Top 12 Cities for Culture

Where are the most culturally rich cities in the world? The World Cities Culture Report has named its Top 12 choices. Do you agree with the picks?

Cycling Around the Cape of Good Hope

Veronica Leonard watched the thousands of cyclists participating in the Argus Cycle Tour stream past her vacation rental in South Africa, marvelling at the goodwill and sportsmanship.

Top 10 Adrenaline Adventures in South Africa

From bungee jumping to canyon kloofing to sunset paragliding over the Indian Ocean, Mattie Bamman shares his top 10 vein-busting adventures on the Garden Route, which runs along the southern coast of Africa.

Where to Stay on Your African Safari

Seeing the “Big 5″ animals while on safari in Africa is a dream for many people. Luckily, there are accommodation options in Kruger National Park to suit every budget and that put your right in the heart of the action.

Make Your Own Touring Safari

Want to experience the ultimate customized safari? Warren Cartwright offers tips for getting away from the crowds and up close with the wildlife. Third in a five-part series on how to plan a self-guided safari.

Driving Tips in South Africa

Warren Cartwright’s tips for getting to and driving in South Africa — and for getting up-close-and-personal with wildlife! Second in a five-part series on how to plan a self-guided wildlife safari.

Do-It-Yourself Safari in South Africa

Is an African safari on your “bucket list?” At Kruger National Park in South Africa, you can see a huge diversity of wildlife and drive through the park yourself. Part 1 of a 5-part series on how to plan a self-guided safari.

Along South Africa’s
Oldest Wine Route

Head to one of the world’s southernmost spots for winemaking and get deliciously intoxicated by its panoramic views and food on South Africa’s Stellenbosch wine lands – a celebration for the senses in our finale post from this week’s special Cape Town series.

The other Cape Town

The children. That’s who won writer Ilona Kauremszky’s heart when she visited the formerly notorious Langa Township. Come with us as we tour “the other Cape Town.”

Petting Endangered Animals
Would you do it?

Have you ever petted a cheetah? In our continuing series on Cape Town, South Africa, writer Ilona Kauremszky gets up-close-and-personal with the world’s fastest animal.

Robben Island: A Tour of Conscience

Ilona Kauremszky takes a heart-wrenching visit to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years. Follow our week-long series on Cape Town.

Shopping in Cape Town:
Where to Buy What

Beautiful Cape Town is full of discoveries, including some of the best shopping finds in Africa — from precious gems and gourmet fare to local handicrafts and African music CDs. Follow our week-long series on Cape Town.