South Africa, a country located right at the bottom of the continent, but it is by far not the least important. South Africa has always been a on the top tourist destinations in Africa and it’s not hard to see why. From traditional cultures to the home of one of the world’s most influential people. Its neighbouring countries are Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique and Namibia. The country has 3 capitals; Bloemfrontein (Judicial capital) Cape Town (legislative capital) and Pretoria (administrative), The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR).
Fun Fact: The country is the only country in the world to have hosted the football, cricket and rugby world cups!
If you’d like to know more interesting facts about this African country, click here.
So, let’s break this country up into PARTS.
People
The majority of the country are black African with mixed, white and Asian groups making up the country’s demographic. The country has 11 official languages which include Afrikaans, isiZulu, iziXhosa, Sepedi English, Seswana and Sesotho.
Attractions
With hundreds of places to see and go in South Africa and 1 of 17 countries worldwide to be classified as Megadiverse, you can never get bored in this country.
Why not start in Cape Town;
Climb Table Mountain; for all you adventurers this mountain would not disappoint. As one of the seven natural wonders up this mountain, I promise you the view would be more than worth it! Cable cars to the top are also available.
Boulder’s beach is a place for all those penguin lovers out there. This beach is part of the table mountain national park and is a conservation centre. Why not take a dip in the ocean with these flipper friends?
Off the shore of Cape Town, visit Robben Island. This island was used since the 17th century as a prison island and is even where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. Why not explore this UNESECO World Heritage site.
Get lost in Kirstenbosch national botanical garden, Now this botanical park is beyond amazing with hundreds of plant and animal life calling this slice of paradise home.
In Johannesburg (Joburg)visit the Apartheid Museum. This museum has an interesting twist separating visitors by race upon entrance. This helps visitors understand the magnitude of Apartheid in South Africa.
Visit the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum. This museum honours the young boy who was killed by the police which led to the end of apartheid. View the city from the Carlton Centre. This building is the tallest in Africa so why not head to the top and view the whole city?
Rituals and Culture
The majority of the population are Christians with Islam being the second biggest religion.
Boerewors (Sausages), Biltong (spiced and dried meat) Malva pudding (sponge cake made with apricot jam) and Milktart (sweet pastry pie with milk filling).
Tips
Keep your wits about you. Petty crime like pickpocketing happens quite frequently so make sure you always know where all your things are.
For more travel advice check out; FCO: Travel Advice
Outside of the UK: Please check your government’s travel advice carefully.