South Africa

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Welcome To South Africa

South Africa is one of the most geographically varied countries on the African continent, comprising territory that ranges from the rolling, fertile plains of the highveld and the wide-open savannah of Mpumalanga to the Kalahari desert and the peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains.

In addition to possessing two of the world’s most renowned wildlife reserves, the Kruger and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, the country contains over a dozen smaller regional parks and reserves.

With its excellent road and rail systems, its abundance of top-rated accommodation, and its bountiful farmlands, vineyards, and pristine beaches, South Africa truly offers “a world in one country”.

Geography of South Africa

Most of South Africa’s landscape is made up of high, flat areas called plateaus. These lands are covered with rolling grasslands, called highveld, and tree-dotted plains called bushveld.

To the east, south, and west of the plateau lands is a mountainous region called the Great Escarpment.

The eastern range, called the Drakensberg, or Dragon’s Mountain, is filled with jagged peaks, some more than 11,400 feet (3,475 meters) high.

Interestingly, South Africa has another country within its borders. Nestled in the Drakensberg is the mountainous kingdom of Lesotho. Much of South Africa’s water comes from the snowcapped peaks of this tiny, landlocked nation.

Climate in South Africa

South Africa is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the west, the Indian Ocean on the south and east.

Along its northern border, from west to east, lie Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, and to the northeast are Mozambique and Swaziland. Wholly enclosed by South Africa, and situated in its eastern central plain, is the independent kingdom of Lesotho.

Almost South Africa’s entire 1.2 million square kilometres (472,000 square miles) lie below the Tropic of Capricorn and the country is geographically composed of three primary regions: an expansive central plateau.

There is a nearly continuous escarpment of mountain ranges that ring the plateau on the west, south, and east, and a narrow strip of low-lying land along the coast.

Most of the central plateau (and most of the country) consists of high (1,220-1,830 m/ 4,000-6,000 ft), rolling grassland known as highveld.

The highest points of the mountainous escarpment are found in the stunning Drakensberg (dragon’s back) Mountains, where the tips of dragon’s back can exceed heights of 3,050 m (10,000 ft).

In the northwest, South Africa’s Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park extends into the red sands and scrub grasslands of the great Kalahari Desert. In the northeast, the highveld plateau descends to the Bushveld and Limpopo River basins.

The Bushveld comprises South Africa’s extensive savannah, in which is found the country’s marvellously rich and diverse game reserve, the world-renowned Kruger National Park.

Although South Africa’s climate varies considerably across its various regions and environments, temperatures remain comfortable throughout the year.

The best time to visit for a safari is between May and August, when there is less rain, and the vegetation is less dense, which helps to improve wildlife sightings.

Minimum Temperatures

December, January, February: 20 degrees Celsius/ 70 Fahrenheit
March, April: 19 – 16 degrees Celsius/ 66 – 61 Fahrenheit
May, June, July, August: 6 – 10 degrees Celsius/ 43 – 50 Fahrenheit
September, October, November: 13 – 18 degrees Celsius/ 55 – 64 Fahrenheit

Maximum Temperatures

December, January, February: 33 degrees Celsius/ 91 Fahrenheit
March, April: 31 degrees Celsius/ 86 Fahrenheit
May, June, July, August: 26 – 28 degrees Celsius/ 79 – 82 Fahrenheit
September, October, November: 29 – 32 degrees Celsius/ 84 – 90 Fahrenheit

South Africa People and Culture

Many different peoples make up South Africa, each with their own language and history. The country has 11 official languages and many more unofficial ones. This colorful mix of cultures gives South Africa its nickname “rainbow nation.”

South Africans are passionate about music, often using song and dance to express social and political ideas. They’re also known worldwide for their skill in sports, including rugby, cricket, golf, and soccer. In 2010, South Africa became the first African nation to host the World Cup.

NATURE

From aardvarks to zebras, South Africa is full of wildlife. The country takes up only about one percent of Earth’s land surface, but is home to almost 10 percent of the world’s known bird, fish, and plant species and about 6 percent of its mammal and reptile species.

The seas around South Africa are also crowded with wildlife. About 2,000 marine species visit South African waters at some point during the year. There’s also a world-famous sardine run off the east coast each June that draws thousands of hungry sharks, dolphins, and birds.

South Africa works to preserve its wildlife with dozens of protected land and marine areas, including the famous Kruger National Park in the north, as well as nearly 9,000 privately-owned game reserves throughout the country.

Nevertheless, many of South Africa’s animals are hurt by illegal hunting and loss of habitat, and dozens of species are in danger of extinction, including the black rhinoceros, the cheetah, and the African wild dog.

Government and Economy

South Africa has been a democratic republic since holding its first truly open election on April 27, 1994. Natural resources, agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing have made South Africa the largest economy on the continent. But problems with unemployment, poverty, and AIDS present huge challenges for the government.

HISTORY

In 1488, the Portuguese navigator Bartolomeu Dias, sailed past the Good Hope Cape and onto Mozambique.

It wasn’t until the mid-seventeenth century that the Dutch East India Company established a port in Cape Town – a colony was created and a few hundred men settled, at first making positive contact with the hunter-gatherer population, the Khoisan, who ran the country.

French Protestants joined, where they began to plant vines. Agriculture called for labourers and slaves were brought in to work the land.

1706 saw the first uprising of settlers, Boers, against the administration – some of the population retreated into the hinterland (they became known as Trekboers).

There were also repeated clashes with the indigenous people, the Khoisan, and with the Xhosa farmers, part of the Bantu ethnic group. In 1814, the colony was ceded to Britain and before long, it had extended.

The gap widened between the Boer community and the English, with conflict about many things, including the status of indigenous communities and slaves.

The abolition of slavery in 1833 by the British administration caused the departure of several thousand Boer (Trekboers) farmers inland, in order to develop their own area of influence – this became known as The Great Trek.

The Trekboers collided with the Zulu Empire on their intended territory and the Battle of Blood River was fought. Both sides suffered losses until the eventual victory of the Boer people who established their territory, called Natal.

To the east of the Cape Colony, the English led several wars against the Xhosa and created the British Kaffraria in 1866, an administrative arm of the colony.

Driven by the British, who annexed Natal, the Trekboers left and founded two new states, the Transvaal and Orange Free State.

But British imperialism, ideological inflexibility and gold in the Transvaal area caused three Anglo-Boer wars from 1880, during which time the English introduced the era of concentration camps.

Under the treaty of Vereeniging in 1902, citizens of the Boer republics became British subjects. The leader of the resistance to this, President Paul Kruger of the Transvaal, died in exile and the day of his birth was a holiday until 1994.

In 1910, the Union of South Africa was established a dominion which coordinated the various states. The area was completed with the annexation of German South West Africa.

The African National Congress (ANC) was created in 1912 to fight for the rights and equality of black South Africans, who were persecuted and prevented from voting. Apartheid, the separation of different racial groups, specifically whites and blacks, was introduced in 1948.

White supremacy spread across the nation and white and black populations developed separately. The Republic of South Africa was proclaimed in May 1961 when the country left the Commonwealth.

Decades of apartheid followed, a policy that received international condemnation and much internal opposition.

The political and economic isolation threatened the republic and in 1990, the release of Nelson Mandela, who had been imprisoned since 1962, paved the way for the eventual abolishment of apartheid laws in 1991.

In multi-racial elections in 1994, Nelson Mandela was elected president.

In northern South Africa near Johannesburg, there is a cave formation called the Sterkfontein. Within these caves, archaeologists have uncovered some of the earliest human fossils ever found.

Some are more than two million years old. The find earned the region the nickname “Cradle of Humankind.”

About 24,000 years ago, tribes of hunter-gatherers known as the San, or Bushmen, began moving into South Africa. Many San still live, much as their ancestors did, around the Kalahari Desert in the northwest.

In the 1400s, European ships heading to the Far East began stopping on the South African coast for supplies. In 1652, the Netherlands established the southern city of Cape Town, and Dutch farmers, called Boers, began settling in the areas around the city.

In 1806, wars in Europe left the British in control of the Cape Town colony. In 1910, the British united four colonies in the region and created South Africa.

They established laws that separated whites from black South Africans, a practice of segregation called apartheid, which led to decades of conflict.

In 1963, Nelson Mandela, head of the anti-apartheid African National Congress, was given a life sentence in jail for “terrorist” activities.

In 1990, after 27 years behind bars, he was freed by President F.W. de Klerk. In 1994, Mandela was elected president of South Africa and served until 1999.

Top 10 things to do in South Africa

The epitome of diversity, South Africa takes you on an exciting journey through its many guises. If you think you know this amazing destination, think again.

South Africa has a huge variety of exciting things to see and do. For adrenaline junkies there are plenty of exhilarating activities to make you scream when on South Africa safaris!

For those who just want to kick back and relax on a beautiful beach there is an abundance to choose from.

Or for sightseeing take your pick from vineyards, to incredible wildlife and breathtaking views. South Africa has so many fantastic things to see and do. Read on for our top 10 things to do in South Africa.

See the sunrise on a hot air balloon safari

A hot air balloon safari has to be one of the best ways to take in the South African landscape. Watch in awe as the sunrises over the game reserves and the wildlife awakens below you.

Surrounded by serene silence you can take in the stunning scenery from this unique vantage point. There are many tour companies who provide balloon safaris; the best trips operate from Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park and Kruger National Park.

Visit Robben Island

Embark on a fascinating tour to learn about this large part of South Africa’s history. Learn about Nelson Mandela’s imprisonment, alongside discovering all there is to know about the prison’s past.

You’ll board a ferry over to the island, and then join a tour with a knowledgeable guide who will teach you about the island’s vast 500-year old history, from the Lime Quarry, to the navy bunkers and Nelson Mandela’s cell.

Live the beach life

Chill out for the day on one of South Africa’s sun drenched beaches.Llandudno Beachin Cape Town is good for surfing and named after Llandudno in Wales. With a mountainous backdrop it is perfect for sunbathing.

The views of Lion’s Head and Twelve Apostles from Camps Bay Beach make it picture perfect and a good place to base yourself to watch the sunset. The area is known for having a good nightlife so you can head for sundowners when you have caught enough sun.

Situated within Table Mountain National Park is Boulders Beach there is a small entrance fee to access it, but it’s worth it to see the penguin colony that live here. Huge granite boulders create sheltered inlets and these lovely creatures can be seen wondering freely along the beach.

Watch out for hippos on a river cruise

Head to the St Lucia estuary for a boat cruise with a difference. Watch out for hippos wallowing in the waterways and Nile crocodiles basking in their natural habitat.

Hippos are one of the most dangerous animals in Africa and spend most of their time in the water; hippopotamus actually means ‘river horse’ in ancient Greek.

St Lucia is on the east coast and the estuary is home to around 800 hippos and over 1,000 crocs so you are bound to spot quite a few on this awesome South Africa safari. Don’t forget your camera!

Drive the Garden Route

Take a road safari in South Africa along the scenic Garden Route, found on the south-eastern coast between Mossel Bay and Port Elizabeth.

Glorious stretches of coastline, mountains, forests, lakes and lagoons can all be spotted on this popular tourist route.

It encompasses ten nature reserves and there are all sorts of activities to do along the way, from whale watching, hiking and sea kayaking to paragliding and wine tasting.

Driving means you can explore this beautiful part of the country at your own pace and create your own adventures as you go.

Ride the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway

Marvel at beautiful Cape Town from a dizzying height on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, a brilliant gondola that swiftly rises up to the top of the Table Mountain for amazing views.

With a floor that rotates, you’ll discover incredible 360 degree views as you travel – and with the whole trip only taking around five minutes to reach the top, you no longer have to hike and trek to get to the top.

Described as a must-do in Cape Town, we’re certain you’ll never forget this wonderful trip.

Enjoy a wine tasting tour in the Winelands

Whether you explore Stellenbosch or Franschhoek, South Africa’s wineries are sophisticated and gorgeous.

Spend an afternoon wandering through the vineyards in the warm sunshine, stopping for wonderful wine tasting and nibbling on delicious snacks.

Franschhoek and Stellenbosch produce some of the best wines in the Cape Winelands, and what could be better than sampling the finest wines alongside epic views of the mountains?

See Victoria Falls
Not really in South Africa but head north…Bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe, watch in wonder as the Zambezi River crashes spectacularly down the falls. Standing at 108 meters in height it is the largest waterfall in the world.

One way to see the wonder of the falls in all its glory is by taking a scenic flight right over the top. Visit devils pool, go white water rafting or just simply enjoy the spectacular views.

Devil’s Pool is a naturally formed rock pool perched on the edge of Victoria Falls. During the dry season if you are brave enough it is safe to swim in the pool and peer over the edge at the 300m drop below.

It is an incredibly different and exhilarating viewpoint of this natural wonder. You will need to be fairly confident in the water, as getting there is an adventure in itself.

After a boat ride to Livingstone Island next is a scramble over rooks and a swim across the Zambezi River. A must do for any thrill seekers.

Explore Cape Town

Cape Town is one of the most popular destinations in South Africa winning the ‘best cities’ category in the Telegraph Travel Awards 2013.

Take a trip on a cable car to the top of Table Mountain. At over 1000 metres above the city the views are spectacular. Visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years, take a day tour in South Africa to the Cape Winelands, and quaff wine in a stunning location.

Catch some rays on a beautiful beach or go to Boulders Beach for some penguin watching. Go whale watching and dine in Michelin stared restaurants. The list of things to do in this beautiful city is endless; Cape Town simply has it all.

Spot the big five on safari

This has got to be the ultimate trip to do while in South Africa. With an abundance of national parks to choose from you won’t find a better place to spot the big five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros).

Watch out for zebra along the park roadsides and warthogs gathering near watering holes. With over 19,000 square kilometres of bush, Kruger National Park is not only a haven for safari goers but it also caters for all sorts of other activities.

There are walking and mountain biking trails, along with camping areas and lodges to stay in. The park also offers sunset and night safaris to look out for some nocturnal animal action.

Vibrant Cities and Pristine Wilderness

The landscapes of South Africa are world-renowned – home to no less than 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Not only does the country boast highly acclaimed Big Five wildlife reserves but travellers are treated to flourishing winelands, with some of the best wines in the world. Idyllic beaches, craggy mountains, forested slopes, and hilly countryside give way to awe-inspiring canyons and gorges that are host to a multitude of adventure activities. Trendy nightlife, thriving cafe culture and dazzling cities, including Cape Town, are a major drawcard showcasing a cosmopolitan beauty and diversity.