South Africa brims with majestic landscapes at every turn, from the dramatic islands, and mountains to endangered species. Here you can go in search of the Big 5, majestic giraffe, tiny pygmy shrew, stunning gaze at the constellation-strewn night sky, seas, sharks, and dolphins.
South Africa’s nature muscles have ample room to tone, grow, and flex to their ultimate majesty. From Table Mountain, Kruger National Park to the famous Robben Island – where Nelson Mandela – former South Africa President –was jailed for 18 of his 27 years, a holiday in South Africa would not be complete without a touch of these great destinations.
You will be amazed at how many different types of visitors revel in South Africa. The ordinary traveler simply indulges in luxurious spa treatments and lazy sunbathing. But if you are a historian or adventurer, you will find your delights at Cape Town, Kruger National Park, and you will discover the new path on Table Mountain. South Africa rarely disappoints!
Wine lovers rejoice! Constantia Valley, Somerset West, and Franschhoek wine valley have some of the finest wines South Africa has to offer. Explore these wine scenes to get a taste of their wine.
South Africa vineyard
The roots of the South African wine industry can be traced to the explorations of the Dutch East India Company, which established supply in what is now Cape Town. A Dutch surgeon, Jan Van Riebeeck, was assigned the task of managing the planting vineyards to produce grapes and wines. Access to international techniques, skills, and markets unleashed a burst of high-quality wines in South Africa.
Highlights
South Africa Capital: Cape Town
Population: 58,558,270 people
Area: 1.22 million km²
Major Religion: Christianity
Official Languages: English, Zulu, Xhosa, Swati, Tsonga, Afrikaans, Tswana, Venda, Northern Sotho, Ndebele, and Southern Sotho
Climate: South Africa has two main seasons; summer and winter. October to June is the summer season; June to August is – Winter season. The best time to visit South Africa is from May to September. These months are wonderful because it is less cold, and wildlife viewing is amazing.
Dialing code: +27
South Africa Currency
Currency: South African rand
Symbols: R
Emergency Number: 112
CULTURE AND DESTINATION
South African culture is often synonymous with elegant fashion, food, dance, arts, tunes, and natural living. Also, South African cuisine has a certain “je ne sais quoi” that makes them fly a little faster off the shelves.
South Africa Clothing
South African clothing features colorful printed fabrics. Women wear long skirts and aprons – (a protective garment tied at the back) with embroidered cloths. The women also wear embroidered blankets around their neck and headscarf. Whereas, men wear a front apron to cover the buttocks and genitals, making it enjoyable to explore your desired aprons.
South Africa’s traditional music
Most South African traditional music and dance are performed with drums and full traditional attire and are derived from the war dance of warriors. They (especially Zulu) always wow the live stage with flawless moves and eye-catching traditional costumes, making all their performances real masterpieces.
South Africa cuisine
With sizable European, Asian, and African influence, it is hardly surprising that much of South Africa’s diverse restaurant serves different food across the globe. World-renowned chefs come to add their stamp on this culinary capital where you can try everything from bunny chow to braai.
Notable traditional foods include; Mealie, Vetkoek, and Chakalaka – which are served with vegetables. It is a must-have dish with any barbecue of your choice.
Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is justifiably one of the most famous and stunning parks in Africa. The park is the size of a small country but holds a fantastic variety of wildlife, including the Big Five game. Birdlife is prolific here too with other 500 bird species, representing 60% of the total for South Africa. That will leave you in awe!
Cape of Good Hope,
The Cape of Good Hope is renowned for its mint condition and has become a mecca for adventures. Legend has it that the ghost of the crew haunts its waters, though you are more likely to see dazzling dassies, penguins, and antelope. A trip here would truly leave you mesmerized and account for a lot of wow moments!
Table Mountain National Park
This world heritage site includes some of the area’s best hikes and stunning views. If you are looking to stretch your legs, you can take one of the short hikes to Table Mountain peak.
Notable, Table Mountain National Park holds the world’s diverse -flora kingdom, making it a perfect spot for bike riders!
Robben island
The Island has been known as a prison for political activists and a quarantine station. Don’t miss a chance to see where Namibian guerrilla fighters were incarcerated and where Nelson Mandela – former South Africa President –was jailed for 18 of his 27 years. Robben Island is well worth a visit!
Tsitsikamma National Park
Tsitsikamma National Park encompasses a marine reserve, local vegetation, deep gorges, and rushing rivers that wind through this beautiful destination, making it a can’t miss destination for visitors in search of untouched South African Beauty.
How to get a visa to South Africa
- Fill out and sign the application form. Attach your passport (2 coloreds) or travel document valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit. Also, attach a completed form BI-84, and attach documentation confirming the purpose and duration of your visit to South Africa!
Helpful Travelling tips
- Book through an agent directly to save costs. Since OTA’s takes commissions
- Currency and Banking. The currency of South Africa is South African Rand (R). There are approximately 0.068R to $1.
- You need to bring an unlocked smartphone with you. You can get a sim card for your stay, which will allow you to add minutes and be able to call your family or friends.
- Dress Modest