We could write a 1,000 page book on why you should visit South Africa, but we reckon it’s a little easier just to give you a visual taste…
South Africa is home of the Big 5 – the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. But did you know that there is also the Small 5? These are the ant lion, leopard tortoise, elephant shrew, buffalo weaver, and rhino beetle.
We really mean it when we say you can get up close and personal with the wildlife (sometimes)!
Fondly referred to as “The Rainbow Nation”, South Africa has a diverse and rich culture, with 11 official languages. (Photo: Nagarjun)
With long stretches of open roads (most of which are very well-maintained), South Africa is one of the best countries for road tripping. (Photo: Jacques Le Roux)
The 2010 World Travel Market (WTM) Global Trends Report stated that 50% of the world’s population can no longer see the stars because of pollution. South Africa is one of the best places in the world to see stars – especially in the Karoo.
Many experts believe Durban to have the best selection of Art Deco architecture in the world. (Photo: colros)
Welcome to the home of the braai. Wherever. Whenever.
Tented camping in South Africa is on a whole new level!
In South Africa we ride anything from elephants to camels.
We even drive motorized vehicles every once in a while.
The tee for the Extreme 19th hole at Legend Golf & Safari Resort is positioned on Hanglip Mountain and only accessible by helicopter. The iconic hole lies 430m below, on an Africa-shaped green, making it the world’s highest and longest Par 3. Just remember to give way to the wildlife on golf courses in the bush.
The J’Bay Winter Fest is just one of the many events dedicated to extreme sports like boarding, skating, surfing, and cycling.
No holiday to South Africa is complete without devouring a greasy, carbo-loaded “Gatsby” uber-sandwich in Cape Town…
…or a bunny chow in Durban (WARNING: order MILD on first attempt). (Photo: Ishay Govender-Ypma)
We are passionate – PASSIONATE! – about our sport. Whether it’s soccer, rugby, or cricket, make sure you join in the action.
South Africa has loads of fantastic landmarks, from the Drakensberg’s Tugela Falls, the world’s second highest waterfall with a total drop of 948m (3,110ft) in 5 free-leaping falls…
…to Africa’s Biggest Chair in the Western Cape’s Breede River Valley.
The protected ocean waters off the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park offer some of the best scuba diving in the world. You may even get to swim alongside a whale shark.
In the early spring (August and September), the Namaqualand wildflowers transform the normally drab semi-desert of the Northern Cape into a rainbow of colour. (Photo: mmmavocado)
South Africa has 41 Blue Flag beaches. Boulders beach was voted “best family beach in the world” by UK Telegraph in March 2007 because of the safe swimming area amongst granite boulders and penguins. (Photo: darkroomillusions)
It’s impossible not to relax in Cintsa…
…to appreciate the beauty of nature at Lake Jozini…
…or to be mesmerized by the Kalahari.
The Valley of Desolation in the Eastern Cape is a striking rock formation of sheer cliffs and dolerite columns that rise up to 120m.
Even the arid regions of the Northern Cape have a surprise or two waiting around the corner. (Photo: Winston67)
Spots like Kalk Bay in Cape Town and Melville in Johannesburg have sidewalks full of eclectic shops that beg to be explored on foot.
You’ll find no shortage of food and wine festivals – especially in the Cape Winelands.
Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t always summertime in South Africa. But our winters are just as beautiful! While some parts of the country experience bouts of snow, most of South Africa experiences mild winter days.
Whale-watching is just one of the draw-cards to visiting South Africa in the winter.
We’re so big on hospitality that you can even order room service on a houseboat.
We had a special request to add a picture of Table Mountain – easily South Africa’s most iconic feature and one of the New 7 Natural Wonders.
If you’d like to share your special photos of South Africa, feel free to post them on our Facebook page!
BONUS! The feature image is Augrabies Falls, a 56m waterfall that plummets through an 18km gorge. The Khoi people called it “Aukoerebis”, which means “Place of Great Noise”.
