South Africa

As the name implies, the peninsula of South Africa is a country that is located at the Southern point on the African continent. It is surrounded by two oceans and the inland borders are adjacent to countries such as Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique. It is a country full of beauty and warmth and has a lot to offer any prospective visitor.

Climate

South Africa can be divided into two main categories: inland region and coastal region. The climate is one of the biggest tourist attractions, although climates in these regions vary so widely that the traveller cannot go on only one specific climate to dictate his holiday. Each of the nine provinces has their own weather patterns and different patterns can even be seen within one province.

The western coastal regions mainly have winter rainfall depicted by the cold Atlantic Ocean, while the eastern coastline experiences rainfall in summer and mild rain throughout the rest of the year due to the warm Indian Ocean.

Inland regions are just as diverse with summer rainfall in on the Highveld regions and winter rain in the lower regions. Karoo area has a dry climate where days are very warm and the nights are cold.

History and culture

The culture of South Africa is as diverse as the climate and it would be a disgrace to leave out any part of the culture or to make one culture more important than the other. Each person is as proud of their heritage as another.

The history of South Africa starts with local African tribes roaming the land. After the discovery of South Africa in 1487, Bartolomeus Diaz introduced European culture to the country, paving the way for the westernisation and development of South Africa.

In 1652 the Dutch seafarer, Jan van Riebeeck, landed on African soil and established a Dutch colony on the continent. South Africa became a trade post between Europe and India and introduction of Indian culture was inevitable.

It is evident that the culture of South Africa is as rich and varied as one of its traditional cuisines, potjiekos, a potted stew made over an open fire.

Activities

Given the geography and climate of South Africa, there is no limit to activities. South Africa is home to some of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world offering mountain climbing in summer and skiing activities in winter where available.

South Africa is probably mostly renowned for the safari tours and wildlife reserve parks where the cream of South African wildlife can be viewed and you can enjoy relaxing holidays in the heart of nature. The rural areas of South Africa have clear night skies and many of the rural communities, such as Sutherland in the Western Cape is one of the best places to go stargazing.

In the coastal areas, the visitor can enjoy surfing and sunbathing at the gorgeous beaches and during mating season of the whales, do whale watching. Fishing and diving is only allowed with permits, so be sure to obtain a permit in advance.

Places to visit

South Africa has plenty of museums and historical buildings where the history and culture of this land is preserved for the world to view and for the locals to remember and honour each culture and heritage.

To experience the real South Africa, go caving in of the many caves portraying natural beauty in minerals, prehistoric animals and even the first remains of humans. Sterkfontein caves are known as the cradle of mankind where the skeleton of the first human was found.

Experience the beauty of Cape Town like never before with these exclusive Rovos Rail holiday packages. Enjoy breathtaking views of the magnificent Table Mountain and take a thrilling ride on the cable cars, offering you a unique perspective of the stunning coastline from the top of the mountain.

Or take a trip through the wine routes and taste the world renowned wines and brandies manufactured locally here.

Conclusion

To bottle and label South Africa by coming to this beautiful land with a pre defined picture of what to expect, will be an insult to yourself and the locals. Experience all the country can offer. South Africa is a modern first class destination, but with strong cultural roots. Nature and civilisation lives in harmony and a diverse history works together to build a prosperous future.