The Interesting and Amazing Facts about South Africa – South Africa as a Destination
This article introduces you to one of Africa’s reliable tourism destinations that offers a wholesome and ultimate experience. South Africa is special all the way from her location at the extreme end of the continent. The country neighbors two oceans that is the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. You will get a fully packaged understanding of this destination including; history, location, currency used, official languages, neighboring countries, tourism attractions and activities in different national parks, South African beaches, the people of South Africa, weather and climate, the best time to visit South Africa, travel tips, South African diplomatic missions (Embassies and Consulates), flight information, to mention but a few. All this is aimed at you making an informed decision before embarking on a safari to South Africa.
Explore South Africa – the Rainbow Nation with Love Uganda Safaris.
Brief History and Location
South Africa is located at the furthest end of Africa in the south. She is miles away from Africa’s major cities such as Lagos and Cairo. South Africa is also far away from Europe, Asia, and North and South America. This is what makes her a more isolated nation in the whole world. Its isolation, however, is not of any direct impact on her economic, political, and social growth and development. South Africa is actually one of the top-developed countries in Africa. South Africa’s latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates are 30.00000 S and 25.00000 E.
Historically, what is known as South Africa is believed to have lived a hundred thousand years ago. The people who lived in South Africa then entirely depended on hunting and gathering fruits. They used tools made out of stones. About 2000 years ago these people started herding cattle and depended on their products such as meat, milk, and skin. Around 200 AD, a new culture of mixed farming started and was later accompanied by the introduction of modern tools which were adopted by these people.
The Cape Of Good Hope
Towards the end of the 15th century, the Portuguese sailors reached the South African coast which they named the Cape of Good Hope. In 1652, the Dutch, under the leadership of Jan van Riebeeck established a base in South Africa from where ships going to the Far East would be supplied. This was followed by a number of events which included but were not limited to; the slave trade, the apartheid policy/regime in South Africa, the struggle for independence, and the post-colonial era in South Africa.
South Africa is one of the countries in the world that struggled to gain independence from the then colonial masters. The struggle came with the bloodshed of some of the revolutionaries as well as the imprisonment of leaders of the struggle such as the Late Nelson Mandela. The struggle for independence realized its success on 31st May 1961. This was later followed by the release of Nelson Mandela in 1990. Since then South Africa has experienced tremendous growth and development, little wonder, she became the first African nation to host the famous football World Cup (2010).
Find more insight on South Africa’s history here.
South African bordering countries
South Africa is bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, and two oceans that is the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. She also has two enclaves (a country within another country) that is Lesotho and Swaziland.
Which Currency is used in South Africa?
The official currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR)
As of 17th November 2022, 1 USD = 17.298 ZAR.
Note: It is important to remember to convert your money to South African Rand prior to your travel or entry However, if you forget to exchange, you can do so with the help of Love Uganda safari guides who can take you to the bank or local Forex Bureaus within the cities and towns. Inform us beforehand so that we add that to the travel plan while scheduling setoff and arrival times to different destinations.
South Africa’s country code: +27
Official languages: English, Zulu, Tswana and Afrikaans.
Major cities: Cape Town (Legislative), Pretoria (Executive), Bloemfontein (Judicial), Durban and Johannesburg
Requirements to enter South Africa and Visa Acquisition
Like many other countries in Africa, South Africa is open to all travelers as long as they present relevant travel documents such as an Identity card and passport. You may also be required to present a stamped visa depending on which country you come from. All these documents are required whether you are entering either by land, air, or even water.
You can travel to South Africa for any purpose for up to 90 days without a visa. You should check the expiry date of your visa or entry stamp and make sure you do not overstay.
It is important to ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months and has some blank pages before you travel to South Africa. You are advised to check your visa before you travel and get help from your agent.
For more information about travel requirements and Visa acquisition in South Africa, Click Here.
South African Embassies and Consulates
It is always important to get information about the country you want to visit before setting off. Love Uganda Safaris advises all travelers to get relevant information from South African Diplomatic missions (embassies and Consulates) in their respective countries. This helps you know better and mentally prepare for your trip.
More information about Tanzanian Embassies and Consulates (Diplomatic missions).
South Africa’s flight information
Getting to South Africa by air should not bother you at any point. All you need is relevant and up-to-date information about different airports, and arrival and departure times. South Africa’s major airports include; OR Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport, King Shaka International Airport, and George Airport, to mention but a few. All these have more than 2 airlines that operate on a daily basis. They are also certified by the International Association of Air Transport (IATA).
For more information about South Africa’s flight information, Click Here
South African Airways (SAA)
South African Airways is the national flag carrier of South Africa. Based in Airways Park at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South African Airways was established in the year 1934. It is a proud member of Star Alliance having joined in 2006 as the first African carrier to join 3 major alliances. The airline had suffered losses by 2019 hence putting its operations on hold. It was however revived in 2021 with 8 operational aircrafts.
For more information about South African Airways, Click here.
Safety and Security in South Africa
Your safety while in the country is our top priority.
South Africa is one of the countries in Africa and the world that are safe for travelers. This is reflected in the discipline of her armed forces as well as the public in general. However, like any other country in the world, cases like theft, pickpocketing, robbery, car break-ins, and something of that sort have been reported in South Africa. You ought to be careful with your bags, rooms, lodges, cars, etc. such cases are common in highly populated areas such as urban centers and cities.
For more information about safety and security in South Africa,
What are the behaviors of the People of South Africa?
South Africa is one of the countries in Africa which have diverse cultures. For South Africa, due to their colonial history, differences go beyond just character but color itself. There are blacks and whites in different parts of the country. To understand them, one must first look at these populations individually. It should be noted that some take offense at referring to people by their race or ethnicity (particularly the term ‘black’) and prefer to label everyone as simply ‘South African’ or by their tribal affiliation.
From our previous experience, for instance, the blacks in South Africa are generally warm, patient, tolerant, creative, charismatic hospitable, friendly, social, and lovely. They co-exist for example Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Tswana, Tsonga, Swazi, and Venda tribes. Driving around such areas, you will meet them in small groups chatting and laughing. They are easy to blend with.
The white population of South Africa mainly includes two ethnic groups: the Afrikaners and the English speakers. The Afrikaners are descendants of Dutch, French, and German settlers who speak a Germanic language, Afrikaans. Their mannerisms resemble Dutch/German communication styles, which are quite direct. Communication is functionally-purposed, with people speaking honestly and clearly to arrive straight to the point.
The English Speakers
The English speakers come from British ancestry and have a more reserved approach, reflecting British communication styles. For example, they generally use conditional phrases to make their point in a more indirect way. However, English-speaking South Africans tend to be more outspoken and abrupt in their speech than other British colonial groups (e.g. Canadians or Australians) as an influence of South African culture.
However, like any African society, South Africans have culture and etiquette. It is important that you ask your Love Uganda Safari guide about every tribe you are going to interact with before doing so. This will help you know what turns them on and off. The interaction behavior will change according to the tribes and regions of the person you will interact with, i.e. the interaction behavior of the person from the central will not be similar to the person from the North. Different people behave differently, so be careful while dealing with them. But the highlight of the behavior of South Africans is that they are polite, charismatic and welcoming.
What is the main race in South Africa?
South Africa has the 4th largest population in Africa comprising of different ethnic groups. Black South Africans make up the biggest part of the population (about 81%), colored people 9%, followed by whites (about 8%), and Indians are the least (about 3%).
South Africa’s provinces
For purposes of good and effective administration, South Africa was divided into provinces. These include; the Eastern Cape Province, the Free State Province, the Gauteng Province, the KwaZulu-Natal Province, the Limpopo Province, the Mpumalanga Province, the North West Province, the Northern Cape Province, and the Western Cape Province.
What is the weather and climate like in South Africa?
Climate in South Africa is divided into three zones that is; the cool and arid climate of the west coast (Namib Desert), the subtropical climate of the southern coast, and the climate of the plateau. On the south and east coasts, the climate is warmer and rainier than on the west coast while in the southwestern part of the coast, the climate is Mediterranean, with mild, rainy winters and warm, sunny summers. Places like Cape Town receive an annual rainfall of 505 mm and the sun is always characterized by blue clear skies.
The temperature of the sea in the area of Cape Town is never warm, however, it is slightly milder in the sheltered False Bay, east of Cape of Good Hope, than along the Atlantic coast to the west. In fact, in False Bay, the water temperature reaches 20 °C (68 °F) in January and February and drops to 16 °C (61 °F) in winter, while in Cape Town, it never reaches 20 °C (68 °F), so it’s a bit cold even in summer.
For more information about the weather and climate of South Africa, Click here.
National Parks, Attractions, and Activities
From the Big 5 animals to Whales to Wine lands and Beaches, South Africa is Africa’s Rio de Janeiro.
South Africa is one of the prime tourist destinations whose attractions make a landmark of memories on the travelers that visit it. Be it wildlife, rivers, lakes, mountains, cultural and archeological sites, they are all memorable. Each destination has unique activities and attractions that comprise of mesmerizing experiences. The country is a home to thousands of animal and bird species. Below are some of the national parks in South Africa.
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Kruger national park
Location: Provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in northeastern South Africa
Size: the park strides an area of approximately 19,485square kilometers
Major attractions: the big 5 animals, cheetah, caracal, serval, hippopotamus, zebra, and Southern African giraffe, African painted dog, black backed jackals, and spotted hyenas.
Activities: Wilderness Trails, Game Drives, Guided Walks, Mountain Biking, Backpacking Trails, Eco-Trails, Golf, etc.
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Addo Elephants National Park
Location: Eastern province close to Gqeberha near the southern tip of central South Africa.
Size: The Park covers an area of approximately 1,640 square kilometers.
Major attractions: South Africa’s seven major vegetation zones (biomes), the world’s big 7 that is elephant, rhinoceros, lion, buffalo, leopard, whale and great white shark.
Activities: hiking, visiting Addo Raptor and Reptile Centre, game drives, guided nature walks, Crisscross adventures, etc.
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Tsitsikama national park
Location: Garden Route region of the southern South African coast in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces.
Size: The Park covers an area of approximately 186 square kilometers and is Africa’s oldest and largest no-take marine protected area.
Major attractions: Storms River suspension bridge, the Dolphin trail, Waterfall trail, Otter trail and Tsitsikamma Mountain trail, Large-spotted genet, killer whale, leopard, etc.
Activities: Hiking, Scuba diving, and snorkeling, inter-tidal excursions, Kayaking and tubing.
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Pilanesberg national park
Location: north of Rustenburg in the North West Province of South Africa
Size: The Park covers an area of approximately 572 square kilometers and is the 4th largest national park in South Africa.
Major attractions: cheetahs, wild dogs, hyenas, lions, elephants, etc.
Activities: Hot Air Balloon Rides, Quad biking, Valley of Waves adventures, Game Drives and wildlife safaris.
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West Coast national parks
Location: Yzerfontein in the south to Lange Baan in the north and from the Atlantic Ocean in the west across the West Coast road in the southwestern part of South Africa
Size: West Coast national park covers an area of approximately 140,000 square kilometers
Major attractions: eland, red hartebeest, bontebok, kudu, gemsbok, steenbok, mountain zebra, duiker and ostriches. Other smaller animals include the bat-eared fox, caracal, and Cape gray mongoose.
Activities: Birding, game drives, hiking adventures, etc.
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Table Mountain national park
Location: at the south western tip of Africa, neighboring the city of Cape Town
Size: Table Mountains National Park covers an area of approximately 221 square kilometers
Major attractions: the Table Mountains, birds such as erreaux’s eagle, jackal buzzard, booted eagle, African harrier-hawk, peregrine falcon, and rock kestrel, etc.
Activities: Birding, hiking and camping
- Sabi Sands National Park
Location: near Kruger National Park
Size: Sabi Sands National Park covers an area of approximately 650 square kilometers
Major attractions: the big 5 animals that is a lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo.
Activities: Game drives and wildlife safaris, guided nature walks, birding, cultural tours, etc.
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Hluhluwe – Imfolozi national park
Location: north of Durban in central KwaZulu-Natal provinces – South Africa
Size: Hluhluwe – Imfolozi National Park covers an area of approximately 960 square kilometers
Major attractions: white rhinoceros, the big 5 animals, wild dog, Blue Wildebeest, giraffe, Zebra, Nile Crocodile, Hippopotamus, Bush pig, Warthog, Mongoose and several bird species.
Activities: Big 5 safaris, day and night game drives, birding, guided nature walks, etc.
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Isimangalizo national park / The Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park
Location: on the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, about 235 kilometers north of Durban city
Size: Isimangalizo national park covers an area of approximately 2,850 square kilometers
Major attractions: Isimangalizo wetland, multiple bird species, beautiful scenery and several wildlife species
Activities: snorkeling, diving, guided nature walks, birding, game drives, etc.
South African Beaches
Below are some of the top beaches that one ought to miss on a safari to South Africa;
- Robberg Beach
- Kraalbaai Beach
- Camps Bay Beach
- Thonga Beach
- Llandudno Beach
- Gonubie Beach
- Coffee Bay
- Kogal Bay Beach
- Langebaan Beach
- Kommetjie Beach
Transport and Accommodation
The way you travel and stay in South Africa entirely depends on the affordability and choice of the travelers.
In terms of transport, South Africa has got air, water, railway and road transport means. High class travelers who do not like driving along the roads usually opt for domestic chartered planes. Those that cannot afford private safari vehicles usually opt for public means. The experience varies from one means to the other but those who drive the tarmac or murram roads which sometimes go dusty or muddy depending on the season enjoy scenic views. Love Uganda Safaris can tailor-make your Safari to suit your budget and choices. Let us know of what your best means of transport is, we’ll get you covered in the shortest time possible.
Accommodation in South Africa is in numerous categories depending on what you like and afford. Whether you need a budget, midrange or luxurious stay, we’ve got you covered. South Africa has good Eco resorts and safari lodges that meet both local and international standards. There are also hotels and lodges in urban centers that are designed in ways that meet all the needs of travelers. The general sanitation is always good and foods served are usually African but on order, western or Asian foods can as well be prepared.
Do I need travel insurance while coming to South Africa?
When you start any journey, you have 50% chances of getting an accident, why then not insure? This is of course not to scare you but to remind you that having a travel insurance is an added security measure for every traveler. Unless otherwise stated, Love Uganda Safaris does not cater to clients’ travel insurance.
Is South Africa rich or poor?
In addition to her rich mineral deposits like gold, copper, iron ore, platinum, manganese, chromium, copper, uranium, silver, beryllium, titanium, diamond, and cobalt, South Africa has advanced technology and is more industrialized. This is one of the richest countries in Africa. She is in the categories of Egypt, Nigeria and Morocco.
Is South Africa a good country to live in?
South Africa is one of the countries that welcomes all travelers from different parts of the world. The hospitality of her people, excellent healthcare services, relaxed work culture, and blessed natural resources.
Whether you want to stay for a short time or a long time, South Africa is a home sweet home.
What is South Africa best known for?
- South Africa is home to one of the oldest mountains on the planet – Table Mountains.
- The Bloukrans Bridge is the highest bridge for bungee jumping in the world
- The world’s largest reptile, the Leatherback Turtle, is found in South African waters.
- About 1/5 of the world’s gold comes from mines in South Africa.
- South Africa is the first African country to host the FIFA World Cup – 2010
- South Africa is the only country in the world to have played host to the rugby, soccer, and cricket World Cups.
- No other country in the world abandoned its nuclear arms program voluntarily like South Africa did.
Best time to visit South Africa
South Africa is an open destination and welcomes travelers all year round. However, depending on which destination and the activity you want to do, some love wet seasons while other love dry seasons. Love Uganda safaris advises travelers depending on the activities they like doing. The best time to visit is May to September since wildlife viewing is excellent and there is less coldness.
Travel tips – What to consider before traveling to South Africa
Love Uganda Safaris cares about your safety while you travel to different parts of the continent. Below are some of the tips that you should keep at the back of your mind in order to have the best experience.
- Learn some common South African slang words to learn before your trip
- Ensure to check your luggage before leaving one lodge or hotel for another
- bring along a reusable water bottle and fill it up throughout the day
- Do not tempt thieves by leaving your bags open, speaking on the phone in crowded places
- Carry some changed money, you may need to tip a driver or guide during your safari
- Carry copies of your travel documents and identification documents including your passport.
- Follow the park rules and regulations strictly if you are to visit the national parks since you may be penalized or threatened with animal attacks in case you violate them.
- Some items like drinks, sunglasses, etc. can be bought in local markets, you may not need to come with them.
Conclusion
Love Uganda Safaris believes that with such a detailed insight into South Africa, travelers are ready to make informed decisions on which activities they wish to be part of and in which destination. Our pride is in having travelers who are more informed about the mysteries of Africa’s top destinations as they Dream, Explore, and Discover.