Many people wonder what South Africa is really like. Many also want to know why they should visit South Africa. I am here to give you some information as to why you should come to South Africa and any information relating to it.
Reasons to visit South Africa:
Fabulous climate, with sunshine almost year round
Wide variety of breathtaking scenery, quaint coastal villages and cosmopolitan cities, all of which can be combined with a truly exhilarating Big Five African Safari
Excellent infrastructure, making the country great for self drive. Good value destination
Friendly hospitable people – a vibrant mix of African culture and Western sophistication
Witness firsthand the emergence of an extraordinary nation through township tours, cultural village and historical site visits
The cradle of humankind: Sterkfontein is one of the world’s most productive and important paleoanthropological sites.
Excellent international flight connections and minimal time difference when flying from Europe
Wide variety of hotels, small, personalized privately owned properties, guest houses and boutique hotels
Easily combinable with Swaziland, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, and the Indian Ocean Islands
South Africa has been pivotal in the creation of vast transfrontier “Peace Parks” involving major cross border conservation initiatives and bringing benefits to the communities involved
Some more information:
Natural Beauty
South Africa's scenic wonders are legendary. From Table Mountain to God's Window, our mountains, forests, coasts and deserts will feast your eyes and lift your spirits.
World-class facilities
Whether you opt for Afro-chic or authentic Africa, you will find it easy to get around, find a comfortable place to stay, have a great meal, and connect.
Adventure
South Africa is the adventure capital of the world. With over 130 adventures and counting, there is something for everyone from mountain walks to shark cage-diving!
Good Weather
In sunny South Africa, our great weather invites you to enjoy the outdoors, play golf year-round and take advantage of the nearly 3000km coastline.
Rainbow Nation
The Rainbow Nation celebrates all its African and immigrant cultures. Find out how friendly our people are whilst you try your tongue at 11 official languages!
Diverse Experiences
Go almost anywhere in SA and experience the ultimate combo of nature, wildlife, culture, adventure, heritage and vibe. You are spoilt for choice, so pack it in!
Wildlife
Warning! Watching wildlife is addictive. First you start with the Big Five, and then you move on to whales, penguins, meerkats, wild dogs, birds, dung beetles - here you can simply find EVERYTHING!
Freedom Struggle
Discover a nation's struggle for freedom whilst following the footsteps of Mandela, Hector Pieterson and many other celebrated revolutionaries. It will touch and inspire you.
Responsible Tourism
In SA you can travel with care as you explore our protected areas, contribute to social and conservation projects, buy recycle art and stay green.
Affordable
During these tough times, who doesn't want an affordable holiday? In SA, you can even afford luxury and have spending money for shopping and other treats!
Despite some negative press, South Africa is safer than most high density areas of the world, with a lot of tolerance for all cultures. Foreigners are welcomed with open arms - people realize that it is a way to improve their lives! A better reason to visit South Africa is also to come see our beautiful soccer stadiums if you have not done so already from 2010. The first ever world cup hosted on South African soil, more so, Africa's soil.
South Africa in a NUTSHELL
South Africa is a fascinating country with a turbulent history. The major events of the past 20 years are not only engraved in the collective memory of South Africans, but the whole world. To name just a few: There are the release of Nelson Mandela after 27 years in prison in February 1990; the first free democratic elections in April of 1994, which saw Nelson Mandela taking up office as South Africa's first black president in May of the same year; the Springboks' home ground victory in the final of the 1995 Rugby World Cup – an event, on which a new Hollywood film, which hasn't been released yet, is based - ; and also the fourth free and fair elections that were held in 2009 and which led to Jacob Zuma becoming South Africa's fourth president. These events made world history and they were milestones on a peaceful road, which few in the beginning of the 1990's believed possible.
Not unlike Germany, South Africa has a wealth of regional diversity, influenced by the varied climatic regions, with a major climatic border running through the province of the Eastern Cape. East of the weather divide and thereby covering the region of the administrative and economic capitals, Pretoria and Johannesburg respectively, the rainy season is during the summer months, which usually range from October until February. By contrast the western side of the divide, has its rainy season during the winter months, which range from about May to September. The altitude of the various host cities varies from sea level along the 2000km coast line, where Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Durban are situated, to about 1 800m above sea level in Johannesburg.
The rainfall patterns vary greatly, determining the vegetation of a certain region, which in turn impacts on settlement patterns. However, as can be expected, the latter is also influenced by historical and political factors, as well as the job market. Up to the end of the Apartheid era South Africa was divided into four regions (Cape, Transvaal, Free State, Natal). With the advent of democracy and a new Constitution, South Africa nowadays is divided into nine provinces – each of these provinces has its own special characteristic and charm.
