South Africa

South Africa, a country with a rich and diverse landscape, culture, and history, boasts several unique features that set it apart.

 

Some of the standout characteristics and attractions that make South Africa truly special include:

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• Table Mountain: One of the oldest mountains in the world, Table Mountain is an iconic landmark in South Africa located in Cape Town. Its flat-topped peak offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding area.

• Wildlife: South Africa is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including almost ten percent of the world’s known bird, fish, and plant species. With 19 National Parks and abundant private game reserves it covers about 9.2% of South Africa. 

• Cape Floral Kingdom: Fynbos is part of the Cape floral kingdom and one of the six floral kingdoms in the world. The Cape floral kingdom is the smallest and richest per unit of area, with over 9,000 species of plants occurring in the area, of which around 6,200 are endemic.

• Winelands: The Winelands in South Africa are a renowned region known for its picturesque vine-woven valleys nestled between majestic mountains with a rich history dating back to 1659. 

• Cradle of Humankind: The Sterkfontein caves near Johannesburg have yielded some of the earliest human fossils ever discovered, dating back over two million years. This area has earned the nickname “Cradle of Humankind.”

• Apartheid History: South Africa’s history includes a period of apartheid which lasted for nearly 50 years until it was officially abolished in 1994 following Nelson Mandela’s election as president.

• Great Escarpment: This mountainous region to the east, south, and west of South Africa’s plateaus is known as the Great Escarpment. The Drakensberg mountain range within this region features jagged peaks, with some reaching heights exceeding 11,400 ft.

• Multicultural Society: With 11 official languages and a diverse population representing various ethnicities and cultures, South Africa is often referred to as the “Rainbow Nation.” This cultural diversity enriches the country’s music, arts, and sports scenes.

The Cape & Winelands 

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When exploring the Cape and its surrounds in South Africa, there are numerous captivating sites to visit that cater to a wide range of interests. Here are some of the top attractions you shouldn’t miss:

Table Mountain by Cable Car or a morning hike, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Shark Diving near Gansbaai, Cape Peninsula scenic drive to the Cape of Good Hope - the southwestern tip of Africa, Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, African penguins at Boulders Beach, sunrise hike at Lion’s Head, Explore the vibrant V&A Waterfront for shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions by the harbor.  

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Three main towns stand out in the Cape Winelands: Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, and Paarl. These towns form a triangle that can be easily explored in one trip, offering a diverse range of wine estates, culinary delights, and historical attractions. South Africa is a significant player in the world of wine production and ranks 7th globally in terms of wine production. The country’s wine industry has a rich history dating back to 1659, when the first bottle was produced in Cape Town by Jan van Riebeek, the founder and governor. Pinotage is a cross of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut and was created in 1925 and will celebrate 100 years in 2025. 

Safari, Parks and Game Reserves in South Africa

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Safaris in South Africa offer unique experiences for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Among the premier parks and reserves, the Kruger National Park stands out as a top choice for safari adventures. Covering a vast 5 million acres, Kruger National Park is renowned for its abundance of African wildlife, including the famous "BIG 5" (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros). 

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Probably the most famous private game reserve of all is Sabi Sands Game Reserve, that offers a safari experience found nowhere else in the world. Game viewing possibilities are simply unparalleled, including the sought after BIG 5. Add a fantastic range of luxury lodges suiting all tastes and an African dream safari is born. There are no fences between Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Game Reserve, so wildlife roams freely in a huge natural environment. Inside Sabi Sands Game Reserve are many private game reserves each offering 5-star experiences and lodging. 

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Continuing north to central Kruger National Park many more private game reserves are found also part of the Greater Kruger experience. The different habitat and ecosystems between central and southern Greater Kruger are noteworthy and offers distinct experiences when combining the two regions. These private game reserves offer exclusive safari experiences with luxurious accommodations and excellent opportunities to spot wildlife up close in their natural habitat. 

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Other notable parks and reserves in South Africa, inland and along the coast, include Pilanesberg, Madikwe, Shamwari and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi.  Each park and reserve in South Africa offers a unique blend of landscapes, wildlife sightings, and accommodation options, catering to diverse preferences of travelers looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the African wilderness.