South Africa
Category
General information
Situation: In the southernmost tip of Africa, bordering on Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland
Capital: Pretoria, Cape Town and Bloemfontein
Language: Afrikaans, English
Currency: Rand (ZAR)
Population: Almost 55 million
Fun facts
When it freezes in Europe, it is summer in South Africa and vice versa. However, there are also rather large fluctuations in temperature between the eastern and western parts of this country.
Citizens of EU countries will only need a passport that is valid for at least six months after their date of departure and that has at least two blank pages. Inoculations are not mandatory for people who do not originate from another tropical country.
South Africa has 11 official languages, of which English, Afrikaans, Zulu and Xhosa are the most widely spoken.
Sights
South Africa is known primarily for its national parks and wild animals. Kruger National Park is the oldest and largest wildlife reserve in the world and where you can spot ‘the Big Five’. There are several private game reserves on the western border where you can book a safari in an open vehicle with experienced guides and rangers.
On the southern border of South Africa you will find Marloth Park, a wildlife reserve on the Crocodile River where you can see elephants playing in the water. You can greet some interesting visitors in your garden: inquisitive zebras, giraffes, monkeys, warthogs, and impalas like to come out and take a look during the day. The more dangerous species, like lions and rhinoceros, spend their days in areas that have been fenced off.
In addition to these nature parks, there are several other nature reserves that are certainly worth a visit, such as the Madikwe Game Reserve, Pilanesberg National Park and Suikerbosrand Natuurreservaat, Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Simangaliso Wetland Park, Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park, the Tembe Elephant Reserve, the Addo Elephant Park and Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park.
In South Africa you can also explore the famous Garden Route, where you will have an opportunity to stop by towns like Mossel Bay, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg, Stellenbosch, Nature’s Valley and George.
The Blyde River Canyon is also highly recommended. This deeply etched canyon with its breathtaking panoramic views harbours the charming gold miners’ town Pilgrim’s Rest, which has been preserved as a living museum.
And of course, city trippers will simply adore Cape Town, South Africa’s ‘Mother City’, featuring landmarks like Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, Robben Island and the Cape of Good Hope. The city of Durban is popular among sun-worshipers, and Johannesburg is ideal for lovers of shopping and nightlife. And, a mere ninety-minute drive from Johannesburg you will encounter the Las Vegas of Africa: Sun City! Casinos, cinemas, restaurants, a golf links and numerous hotels make this an attractive destination for seekers of a relaxing holiday.
Activities
SANParks (South African National Parks) manages 21 national parks that offer a wide range of accommodations. Kruger Park, for instance, has 18 rest parks, where you can catch your breath after spending a full day admiring the beautiful and varied landscape. You can book a hut or a campsite here, as well as numerous safaris. Of course, in addition to safaris, there are many other activities and cultural experiences to enjoy in the vicinity of the parks.
And, if you are more of a city-tripper there is always Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Sun City. Contact us for more information. You will be astonished by the wide range of possibilities!