Why South Africa
South Africa is a great starting point to sub-Saharan Africa as it really has something for everyone. Beautiful beaches, magnificent landscapes, great cities and some of the best wildlife and reserves in the world.
Situated on the south-western tip of Africa, the Western Cape is the meeting point of the cold Atlantic and the warm Indian Oceans. Its capital city Cape Town is dominated by the flat-topped bulk of Table Mountain.
The story of the Republic of South Africa began in the Western Cape, some 350 years ago, when it was inhabited by the Khoi, San and other Bantu-speaking groups. In the late 15th century European seafarers arrived here in search of a halfway stop on trade routes to the East and thereby changed the face of South African history forever.
Today, the province boasts South Africa's fifth largest population, numbering in the region of 4.5 million inhabitants.
Cape Town:
Undeniably one of the world's most beautiful cities, Cape Town wraps itself around the base of Table Mountain, with sun kissed beaches at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.
With a variety of quality accommodation, eclectic restaurants and bars and world class shopping, Cape Town provides one of the most exhilarating experiences on the African continent.
Essentials:
Gauteng is where the creative spirit of a nation converges in a dense, cultural heartland. It is the intersection of African and global trade , incorporating Johannesburg, Pretoria and Soweto. Gauteng is a cosmopolitan, multicultural mix of people from all walks of life, from all corners of the world.
Gauteng's primary attraction is big business, but there is so much more to this province. There is a wealth of culture to be mined in the museums, galleries, art routes and historical battlefields. Gauteng is also an entertainment playground, offering a plethora of world-class restaurants, shebeens, shopping malls and music venues.
Johannesburg, also nicknamed Egoli (place of gold), is the capital of the province. Here, mine dumps stand firmly as symbols of its rich past, while modern architecture rubs shoulders with examples of 19th century engineering prowess. Gleaming skyscrapers contrast with Indian bazaars and African 'muti' (medicine) shops, where traditional healers dispense advice and traditional medicine.
Soweto: South of Johannesburg is Soweto, a city developed as a township for black people under the apartheid system. Most of the struggle against apartheid was fought in and from Soweto. The name Soweto is an acronym, made up - in apartheid days - from the first letters of the words 'south western township'.
Soweto is a city of enterprise and cultural interaction. It is a popular tourist destination with sites such as Kliptown (where the Freedom Charter was drawn up), the home of former President Nelson Mandela, the Hector Petersen Memorial site, restaurants and shopping malls.
Mpumalanga - which means 'place where the sun rises'- is one of South Africa's tourism hotspots, loved by both local and international visitors for its beauty and diversity. This province is home to The Kruger National Park ('big five' country), exquisite panoramic views, mountains, rivers, trout fishing and birding opportunities, eco-tourism, adventure holidays and the rich offerings of the local Ndebele and Swazi cultures.
The Kruger National Park: One of the major tourist attractions of the country, the Kruger National Park is among South Africa's finest assets. Well-equipped to offer big five safaris, the park includes a large number of accommodation options, ranging from five star lodges to affordable rest camps. This famous park boasts over 140 species of mammals and over 500 species of birds, not to mention a wide variety of amphibians, reptiles, flora and fauna.
Best game Lodges in the World: A number of private camps and lodges are on offer in the areas surrounding the Kruger National Park. The Sabi Sands area is renowned for being home to some of the best African game lodges in the world, bar none. These lodges are known worldwide for their exclusivity and top-of-the-range accommodation.
Home to the fantastic Pilanesberg and Madikwe game reserves, North West province offers up the big five, fantastic bird-life and wide-open African skies.
The area boasts archaeological discoveries that go back to the beginnings of humankind, as well as the world-famous Sun City hotel complex, creatively dedicated to ancient lost civilizations and modern-day pleasures.
Sun City: The extravagant Sun City hotel/entertainment complex is known the world over as a tourism hotspot. It was built over 20 years ago in the homeland of Bophuthatswana when gambling was not permitted in South Africa under the apartheid government. Sun City remains an icon of family fun and entertainment. The Lost City is the obvious highlight of the Sun City complex and the Palace of the Lost City - with its extravagant lost-world theme - is one of the most famous hotels in the world.
Pilanesberg Game Reserve: Next door to the famous Sun City resort is the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, where visitors can experience the 'big five', just two hours from Johannesburg. The reserve is home to a large number of wild animals and is one of the province's biggest attractions. The Pilanesberg mountain range exists as a result of an enormous volcano that erupted millions of years ago - leaving behind the beautiful hilly undulations that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Madikwe Game Reserve: Experience a conservation success story that is recalling the voices of our ancestors. The hills are again echoing to the beat of the past in this ancient land situated in South Africa's North West Province. Malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve is a 75 000 hectare Reserve restored from farmland to its natural environment. Being located in a malaria free area of South Africa is what makes Madikwe Game Reserve the perfect family safari destination. Look forward to the sights and sounds whilst tracking Big Five game and other endangered species, or enjoy a thrilling night drive. Be part of the ground breaking restoration success of Madikwe.
Known as the Kingdom of the Zulu, KwaZulu-Natal is a melting pot of African, European and Indian cultures. This province boasts two World Heritage Sites - the iSimangaliso (previously Greater St Lucia) Wetland Park and the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park. Traditionally, a popular destination for holiday-makers, KwaZulu-Natal is South Africa's busiest domestic holiday destination.
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Western Cape
Cape Point - Tip of Africa |
The story of the Republic of South Africa began in the Western Cape, some 350 years ago, when it was inhabited by the Khoi, San and other Bantu-speaking groups. In the late 15th century European seafarers arrived here in search of a halfway stop on trade routes to the East and thereby changed the face of South African history forever.
Today, the province boasts South Africa's fifth largest population, numbering in the region of 4.5 million inhabitants.
Cape Town:
Undeniably one of the world's most beautiful cities, Cape Town wraps itself around the base of Table Mountain, with sun kissed beaches at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.
With a variety of quality accommodation, eclectic restaurants and bars and world class shopping, Cape Town provides one of the most exhilarating experiences on the African continent.
Essentials:
- Take the cable way up to the summit of Table Mountain
- Take the fast catamaran to Robben Island, a world heritage site and now a "living museum". Tours are conducted by ex-prisoners who will guide you through the Island, even a glimpse of Nelson Mandela's cell.
- Head to Cape Point - the mythical place where the "Atlantic and India Ocean" meet
- Cape Wine Route , just a 45 minute trip up the freeway from Cape Town. Through Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek, it is considered the "longest wine route" in the world.
Gauteng - Johannesburg and surrounds
Hip n Cool Joburg |
Gauteng's primary attraction is big business, but there is so much more to this province. There is a wealth of culture to be mined in the museums, galleries, art routes and historical battlefields. Gauteng is also an entertainment playground, offering a plethora of world-class restaurants, shebeens, shopping malls and music venues.
Johannesburg, also nicknamed Egoli (place of gold), is the capital of the province. Here, mine dumps stand firmly as symbols of its rich past, while modern architecture rubs shoulders with examples of 19th century engineering prowess. Gleaming skyscrapers contrast with Indian bazaars and African 'muti' (medicine) shops, where traditional healers dispense advice and traditional medicine.
Soweto: South of Johannesburg is Soweto, a city developed as a township for black people under the apartheid system. Most of the struggle against apartheid was fought in and from Soweto. The name Soweto is an acronym, made up - in apartheid days - from the first letters of the words 'south western township'.
Soweto is a city of enterprise and cultural interaction. It is a popular tourist destination with sites such as Kliptown (where the Freedom Charter was drawn up), the home of former President Nelson Mandela, the Hector Petersen Memorial site, restaurants and shopping malls.
Mpumalanga
Leopard |
The Kruger National Park: One of the major tourist attractions of the country, the Kruger National Park is among South Africa's finest assets. Well-equipped to offer big five safaris, the park includes a large number of accommodation options, ranging from five star lodges to affordable rest camps. This famous park boasts over 140 species of mammals and over 500 species of birds, not to mention a wide variety of amphibians, reptiles, flora and fauna.
Best game Lodges in the World: A number of private camps and lodges are on offer in the areas surrounding the Kruger National Park. The Sabi Sands area is renowned for being home to some of the best African game lodges in the world, bar none. These lodges are known worldwide for their exclusivity and top-of-the-range accommodation.
The North West Province: the platinum province
Palace of the Lost City Grand Pool |
The area boasts archaeological discoveries that go back to the beginnings of humankind, as well as the world-famous Sun City hotel complex, creatively dedicated to ancient lost civilizations and modern-day pleasures.
Sun City: The extravagant Sun City hotel/entertainment complex is known the world over as a tourism hotspot. It was built over 20 years ago in the homeland of Bophuthatswana when gambling was not permitted in South Africa under the apartheid government. Sun City remains an icon of family fun and entertainment. The Lost City is the obvious highlight of the Sun City complex and the Palace of the Lost City - with its extravagant lost-world theme - is one of the most famous hotels in the world.
Pilanesberg Game Reserve: Next door to the famous Sun City resort is the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, where visitors can experience the 'big five', just two hours from Johannesburg. The reserve is home to a large number of wild animals and is one of the province's biggest attractions. The Pilanesberg mountain range exists as a result of an enormous volcano that erupted millions of years ago - leaving behind the beautiful hilly undulations that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Madikwe Game Reserve: Experience a conservation success story that is recalling the voices of our ancestors. The hills are again echoing to the beat of the past in this ancient land situated in South Africa's North West Province. Malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve is a 75 000 hectare Reserve restored from farmland to its natural environment. Being located in a malaria free area of South Africa is what makes Madikwe Game Reserve the perfect family safari destination. Look forward to the sights and sounds whilst tracking Big Five game and other endangered species, or enjoy a thrilling night drive. Be part of the ground breaking restoration success of Madikwe.
KwaZulu Natal: The Kingdom of the Zulu
Washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) with its subtropical coastline, sweeping savannah in the east and magnificent Drakensberg mountain range in the west, generously caters for just about every taste imaginable.Known as the Kingdom of the Zulu, KwaZulu-Natal is a melting pot of African, European and Indian cultures. This province boasts two World Heritage Sites - the iSimangaliso (previously Greater St Lucia) Wetland Park and the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park. Traditionally, a popular destination for holiday-makers, KwaZulu-Natal is South Africa's busiest domestic holiday destination.