Republic of South Africa has nine provinces having the land area of 2, 798 kilometres or 1,739 mi by the coastline of Indian and Atlantic oceans. It is bordered by the countries Namibia, Zimbabwe and Botswana in the north, Swaziland and Mozambique in the east, and Lesotho is an area included in the country’s territory. The country is known to be multi-ethnic and has diversity of languages and cultures. There are eleven recognized languages in the country and two of these came from the European origin. English is the 5th home language that is most used in commercial and public life.
If you’re seeking for a great summer adventure, head down to South Africa as the country offers the best beach holidays between September and February. Enjoy the warmth of the Indian Ocean and all year round summer weather in the province of KwaZulu Natal. The province also boasts with two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park in St. Lucia that contains Africa’s largest estuarine system, over 500 bird species and decades old coastal dunes as well as endless beaches that stretch from Maphelane in the south to Kosi Bay on the Mozambique border, the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park in the Wild Coast, which encompasses South Africa’s highest mountain range.
The Western Cape is provides the best in nature viewing, with the deep blue waters of the cold Atlantic as well as diverse vegetation and numerous lagoons and lakes along the Garden Route. There are many hidden gems along the route that can only be discovered once you stop and soak in every stop. There’s an array of accommodation available in South Africa, from luxury hotels to backpacker accommodation.
When in the Wild Coast in KwaZulu Natal, the Wild Coast Sun hotel is a popular choice among visitors. Rooms start at a price of $158 per person per night. When in the Western Cape on the Garden Route tour, it is best to stay in George, which is the main centre of the Garden Route. Enjoy your stay at the Garden Villa Bed and Breakfast from $49. A visa is required before entering the country, and can be applied for at your nearest South African mission or consulate.
For more information, visit the South African Department of Home Affairs. Also note that a full unabridged birth certificate is required when travelling with children under the age of 18. For more information, see the South African Department of Home Affairs information leaflet. Travellers from certain African states can enter the country with only a passport. Those countries include Botswana, Namibia (90 days per year), Tanzania (90 days per year), Zambia (90 days per year) and Zimbabwe.
Climate
The country has a normally semi-arid climate. It is mainly warm and sunny, the country also experiences rainfall during their summer months from September to April and winter during the months of May and August.
People
The country has a population of almost 47 million and 75% of them are black Africans. The people are divided into two categories: the Nguni, where the Ndebele, the Zulu, the Xhosa and the Swazi tribes belongs, and the Sotho has Tswana, Basotho and Pedi tribes. The countries white races are from European countries, there are also Indians and Asians that can be found in the mainland.
Flora and Fauna
The country has rich flora and fauna because of the semi-arid climate that is year-round present in the country. The forest lands of the country are all located in the coastal areas and in the midlands. Though the country has less flora, fauna is what makes the country worth visiting for. Some of these are animal species that are mostly found only in the country. Wild varieties of reptiles like crocodiles, turtles, tortoises, chameleons and hundreds of snake species ranging from venomous and non-venomous types. There are also wide varieties of avian faunas in the country like migratory and non-migratory species that are not usually found in zoos but only in the vast land area of the country. There are also Marine faunas that can be found in the coastal areas of the country and are comprised of migratory species like whales and sharks and common species like abalone, rock lobsters and others.
Music, Arts and Culture
Music
Their music influences came from the missionaries who visited the country. There are different origins of their music influences namely: Sotho-traditional, Tsonga-traditional, Zulu-traditional, Zulu acapella, Pedi-traditional, Venda-traditional and Afrikaans music. The main instruments of the country are drums xylophones, gongs, bells, rattles, stringed instruments and wind-blown instruments.
Arts
The San tribal and Bushmen have their own art works in rocks. This is where contemporary artists got their idea of artworks in textiles and ceramics.
Culture
The culture of the country is mainly from two categories, the Nguni and the Sotho, while the mix white races are from European, Asian and Indian countries.
Economy
The economy of the country can flourish just by the natural wealth that it has and almost all of the country’s financial needs are from these natural resources. The country also has rich mineral resources that make mining an important industry. Assembling automobiles, iron and steel, machinery manufacturing, metalwork, chemicals, textiles, and many more are other industries that are important to the country. With the fertile lands, crop produces sugarcane, corn, wheat, fruits and vegetables are also one of the primary commodities.
Things to See and Do in South Africa
There are lots of things to see and do in South Africa. From national parks and wildlife reserves to historical sites there are amazing places to visit in South Africa;
Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve in South Africa covering 20,000 square kilometers and is divided in 14 different zones. The 8 main gates are the Paul Kruger, Numbi, Malelane, Crocodile Bridge, Punda Maria, Orpen, Phabeni, Phalaborwa and Pafuri. All the Big Five game animals – Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino, Lion and Leopard – are found at Kruger National Park, which has more species of mammals than any other African Game Reserves.In the park one can find a large population of different species of birds, some are residents, others non-breeding migrants. Eagles, hippos, giraffes, wild dogs, hyenas, warthogs, snakes, zebras, many different species of antelopes and many other more wild animals are resident at the Kruger Park. Kruger National Park offers some of the most Luxurious lodges starting from 5 star accommodation at quite high prices to 4 and 3 star which offer luxury with more basic accommodation. The San Park which is a government organisation, has lodges scattered all around the park with basic accommodation but very reasonable prices. All lodges offer game drives and walks for game viewing. It is highly recommend a minimum of a 2 night stay in a 5 or 4 star private game lodge for an unforgettable and realxing experience.
Hluhluwe and Umfolozi Game Reserves
Hluhluwe has been a game sanctuary since 1897 and has recently been combined with the Umfolozi Game Reserve to form South Africa’s third largest game park. The park has a huge variety of game including black and white rhino, lion, buffalo, elephant, kudu, impala, nyala and hippo.
Kalahari Gemsbok National Park
Proclaimed a National Park in 1931, this semidesert park is wedged between Namibia and Botswana in the far north of the Cape Province. About half the size of the Kruger National Park, this arid area was once home to Bushmen and a wide variety of animals. Species commonly seen include lion, cheetah, gemsbok, red hartebeest, blue wildebeest, springbok, eland, leopard and hyena.
Pilanesburg National Park
The fourth largest national park in southern Africa (212 square miles) is only 70 miles west of Johannesburg. The park is malaria-free and has a mild, dry winter climate – ideal for game viewing. The park has healthy populations of cheetah, zebra, giraffe, springbok and sable antelope. Bird watching is excellent with over 300 species recorded.