General Information

 

About South Africa

South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa, is a country located in Southern Africa. It has 2,798 kilometres of coastline that stretches along the South Atlantic and Indian oceans. South Africa is a multiethnic society encompassing a wide variety of cultures, languages, and religions. Its pluralistic makeup is reflected in the constitution’s recognition of 11 official languages, which is among the highest number of any country in the world. Two of these languages are of European origin: Afrikaans developed from Dutch and serves as the first language of most white and coloured South Africans, based on history; English reflects the legacy of British colonialism, and is commonly used in public and commercial life, though it is fourth-ranked as a spoken first language.
Capitals: Pretoria, Cape Town, Bloemfontein
Dialing code: +27
ISO code: ZAF
Currency: South African rand
Official languages: English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa, Swati, Tsonga, Southern Sotho, Tswana, Venda, Northern Sotho, Ndebele
Area: Total 1,221,037 km2 (25th)
Water (%) negligible

Activities:
Game viewing and safaris
Safaris and game viewing in South Africa are as up-close and as wild as it gets. Go on a game drive, a bush walk, or even a horse-ride or veterinary safari, for an authentic, even life-changing wildlife adventure.

Nightlife
From a night of fine dining to raucous all-night jol (party) in a township shebeen (tavern), South Africans love to have a good time. Let your hair down and live it up in our clubs, pubs, late-night bars, theatres and live music venues. You won’t just find the best wildlife in our game parks…come on, the party’s starting!

Shopping
From off-the-beaten-track curio markets filled with collectable handicrafts, to bargain-stuffed flea markets and glitzy malls in our big cities with the latest must-have name brands, shop-a-holics are spoiled for choice in South Africa; more so because our favourable exchange rate makes your retail therapy last longer too.

Beaches
We have thousands of miles of glorious coastline, with Blue Flag beach gems dotted along its length. Whether you’re a trendy sun-worshipper, a water sports fanatic, a beach comber or a family seeking sea and fun – South Africa’s got a beach that’s perfect for you.

Township tours
Visit for the anti-apartheid struggle history and stay for the vibe. Go beyond the history and the icons to the warm, welcoming heart of our townships and their residents where determination, innovation and cutting-edge style will surprise, inspire and touch you in ways you never dreamt possible.

Adventure
However you define adventure, it’s possible in South Africa. We can conjure up your wildest expectation and more: seeing the Big Five, diving with great white sharks, death defying adventure sports or discovering the humanity and generosity of other cultures. Name your adventure – we’ll make it happen.

Theme parks
Let the good times roll! Go back to gold rush days at Gold Reef City, play like the Little Mermaid (or Captain Hook!) at uShaka Marine World and test your water prowess at the Valley of the Waves in Sun City. Our fun-packed theme parks across the country will keep the smile on your face for days.

Casinos
Bet on having a good time around South Africa. From slick city gaming spots for high-rollers to family seaside entertainment venues, and our most famous casino, Sun City, in the crater of an ancient volcano – we’ve a myriad casinos where you can take chance with Lady Luck.

Ostrich farms
Ride them, feed them, learn all about them – who knew that, that big bird in the Little Karoo could be so much fun! We don’t think you’ll get your new long-necked friend through customs, though – so opt for an egg shell, leather goods or some bright feathers as a memento of your Oudsthoorn ostrich adventure.

Sporting activities
Where better to get sporty? We’ve got fabulous weather almost all year round, historic playing fields and state-of-the–art new stadiums. We’re pros at BIG sporting events (we’ve won plenty of them too!) The crowds are passionate and the atmosphere’s electric. Whether you’re spectating or playing sport in South Africa, you’ll have a ball.

How to reach South Africa
There’s more than one way of getting to South Africa. If you’d like to be a little different, you could hop on a cruise ship. All the big cruise liners dock in Cape Town and sometimes Durban but, for something a touch more unusual, try the RMS St Helena. Running from Southampton to Cape Town via St Helena, it’s one of the last real old mail ships. If you’re really adventurous, you could sail here or, if you have the time, travel over Africa overland. Flying, of course, is the most practical choice.

Tourist Attraction
Cape Town & Cape Peninsula
Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula up to Cape Point, are famous for scenic beauty; celebrity beaches; Table Mountain; whale-watching; world-class shopping, nightlife, food & wine; and a laid-back atmosphere.

The Winelands
Discover the joys of SA’s award-winning wines and cuisine along any of the beautiful Cape wine routes, taking you through green valleys and historic towns.
Garden Route
Known as South Africa’s Eden, the famous Garden Route traverses an area rich in natural beauty and charm, attracting adventure-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Johannesburg
South Africa’s pulsating African heartbeat is felt in the ‘City of Gold’ with its endless opportunities for shopping, entertainment, freedom tours and eating out.

Kruger National Park
This world-renowned park of nearly 2 million hectares features 16 ecosystems. Spot the Big Five on a 4×4 game drive or walking safari.

Durban beachfront
For those with fun and sun on their minds, SA’s sunshine city has something for the whole family – golden beaches, surfing and a marine park.

Robben Island
The island’s most famous prisoner, Nelson Mandela, has turned this institute of brutality into a symbol of the triumph of the human spirit over enormous hardship.

Soweto
South Africa’s largest and most famous township was a hotbed of anti-apartheid activity. Visit Freedom Struggle sites and eat at a shebeen or township restaurant.

Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
Most famous for God’s Window, the panoramic splendour of the Blyde River Canyon makes it ideal for scenic drives and hiking trails.

Wild Coast
Rugged and untamed, the Wild Coast offers deserted beaches, dolphins, horseback and hiking trails, cosy hotels, golf, gambling, mystical history, Xhosa heritage and the Hole-in-the-Wall.

Events
South Africa Annual Events and Festivals in South Africa / The Rainbow Nation has a mind-boggling diversity of treats in store for the adventurous visitor. Wildlife, diving, whale watching, vineyard-visiting, lounging on the beach and Christmas in the blazing sunshine.

Rhino Orphanage Fun Run 2015 – In March
Funama Wedding Exhibition 2015 – In March
Iron Man South Africa 2015 – In March
Good Friday 2015 – In April
Family Day 2015 – In April
Walkerville Agricultural Show 2015 – In April
International Luxury Travel Market | Africa 2015 – In April