A land of immense history and geographical diversity, South Africa is a must on any traveller’s bucket-list. For no matter the nature of your wanderlust, there’s a thrilling experience waiting to satisfy it. South Africa tourism has the ideal mix of wildlife, adventure sports, coastlines, wineries, even deserts! All of this is set against a strong cultural past that’s had its ups and downs. But the country has come a long way and tourism has been central to this progress. Now, much of this history is displayed at the country’s famed museums and galleries — so make time for them, no matter how tempting it is to only experience the outdoors!
A South Africa tour is best when you have enough time to really cover all parts of this unique destination. Though one of your biggest highlights will surely be witnessing the Big Five — lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants and rhinos — in their natural habitats. You can also choose to get your adrenaline rush from surfing, bungee jumping, sky diving, rock climbing or one of the other countless adventure activities. Traverse different elements, exploring a spectacular nation that goes above and beyond expectations to deliver an unforgettable travel escapade.
| South Africa Tourism | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Language | Afrikaans |
| Also Known as | Republic of South Africa |
| Currency | South African Rand |
| Time Zone | GMT+2 (SAST) |
| Area | 1,221,037 Square Kilometer |
| Best known for | Wildlife, Cheetah tracking and Cape Town |
| Things To Do | Indoor Explorations, Trekking And Exploring The Outdoors |
| Places To Visit | Three Rondavels Viewpoint, Table Mountain, Apartheid Museum And Blyde River Canyon Reserve |
Occupying the southern-most tip of Africa, South Africa is one of the continent’s largest countries, with a large population to match. Its natural conditions span a diverse range, from the shared desert border with Namibia on the South to the subtropical climes of Mozambique towards the North. Caressing the country from either side are the Atlantic and Indian Ocean, offering a 3000-km-long stunning coastline for travellers to soak in and experience in more ways than one.
Then there’re the 290 conservation parks, home to close to around 1000 species of mammals and birds as well as 800 plant species! The country also has other biomes — grasslands, thickets, the native Fynbos shrub-land, Succulent and Nama Karoo, forests and the famous Savannah. Incredible bio-diversity that you can witness up-close and personal, it’s all part of the South Africa tourism experience.
Surrounded by the ocean on three sides and a high plateau inland, South Africa experiences warm temperate conditions. Its rainfall pattern follows summer monsoons in majority of the land, while winter monsoons hit the Western Cape. Thanks to the country sitting on an elevation and its neighbouring climatic conditions, South Africa has a pretty dry environment. Temperatures vary from coast to coast (the West is cooler than the East), and between the interiors and seafronts.
Currents and winds play a vital role in defining the climate of the country. You can visit any time of the year, but the best time to visit South Africa is between November to March, during the summer and autumn when temperatures hover around 21-24 degrees. June to August sees lesser visitors, with the rains and winter bringing slightly more challenging conditions. Though the winter is still a good time for wildlife spotting, and with lower prices, makes it a good time for a South Africa tour.
Where does one begin to understand the cultural depth of a land that’s quite literally the Cradle of Mankind? South Africa’s human history can be traced back all the way up to 3.5 million years back. It’s natural one goes back even longer. Around 2000 years ago, early pastoralists had settled by the coastline, while bushmen roamed the lands as hunter-gatherers. Fast forward to a modern historical context, South Africa, like many other cultures, was affected by Colonialism.
The Dutch held primary influence, while the British held the Cape. In the 20th Century, the Apartheid era took its unfortunate form. Today’s South Africa is a rich multi-cultural land, with eleven official languages and numerous unofficial dialects. Cape Town (legislative), Pretoria (executive) and Bloemfontein (judicial) are its capitals. The influence of so many ethnicities means you can enjoy a vibrant stay, full of flavoursome food, art and entertainment — alongside spectacular views and gorgeous wildlife. South Africa tourism offers you the best of both travel opportunities — rustic thrills and adventures or the ultimate luxe experience. Perhaps a mix of both?
Whatever kind of South Africa tour you’re looking to have can be arranged for you, with ease. The possibilities are endless and there’s choices aplenty.
Go wild, at the Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Madikwe Game Reserve and more.
Be an urban explorer, visiting the District Museum, Zeitz MOCAA Museum and Maropeng.
Have a romantic escape at locations like, Silvermine Nature Reserve or the La Motte winery.
And there’s still a spectrum of adventures yet to have — whale watching, bar hopping, hiking, shopping — there’s so many reasons that make South Africa tourism so popular!
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The following are some travel tips, do's and don'ts to keep in mind during your South Africa trip.
➡ Be casual, just as the South Africans like it!
➡ Make light-hearted conversations and then you can freely talk with locals about anything.
➡ Consider renting a vehicle. Driving yourself is a bit safer than walking the streets at odd hours.
➡ Be wary of your belongings when in public places, but not to the point of paranoia.
➡ Carry appropriate footwear — shoes for hiking, warm boots for the cold.
➡ Do not drink and drive.
➡ Do not dress overly formal. Blend in with the relaxed ambience instead.
➡ Don’t forget your sunscreen — your body will thank you!
South Africa tourism is an absolute blast, offering your so much more than just simply travelling — it is a journey of the mind and spirit too. Sambhav Holidays has a bouquet of South Africa tour packages to this ancient land. Book one today and open the gateway to fun and adventure.
