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With 20 National Parks (including two of the worlds most famous wildlife reserves, the Kruger Park & Sabi Sands and numerous other private game reserves, your trip to South Africa would be incomplete without experiencing a South African wildlife safari ....
South Africa is one of the most diverse and interesting countries in the world. Tourists flock to South Africa for its natural beauty, wildlife and sunshine. South Africas immensely varied terrain supports a rich diversity of animals, birds, and plant-life and offers an incomparable range of experiences. Whether you are in South Africa on safari or to enjoy the beaches, breathtaking drives, or unspoiled wilderness; Safarilux strives to help you experience the very best that South Africa has to offer.
When to visit South Africa: South Africa is an all year round destination, so when you visit depends on what you intend and prefer to do. The best time for game viewing is in early spring (August to October). The southern right whales can be seen off our coasts from June to the end of October, and the humpback whales from August to December.
Summer can be very hot, especially in the lowveld. Higher-altitude areas are pleasantly warm over summer, but the mountains are rainy and mist prone. The north eastern regions can be very humid, but swimming on the east coast is a year-round option. Visit the Northern Cape in the Spring - the best time for wildflowers. Winters are mild except in the highest country, where there are frosts and occasional snowfalls. Holiday-makers stream out of the cities from mid December to late January and resorts and national parks are heavily booked during these times. If visiting South Africa at this time, it is highly advisable that you book all your travel and South Africa holiday accommodation well in advance, to avoid disappointment.
Location: South Africa is located on the southern tip of the African continent, bordered by northern neighbours Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It encompasses the independent mountain kingdoms of Lesotho and Swaziland and is flanked by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and the warm Indian Ocean on the east - giving the country its spectacular range of biodiversity.
Climate: South Africa enjoys a temperate and pleasant climate, with warm sunny days most of the year. The seasons of the southern hemisphere are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere so our summer runs from December to February, when most of the country is characterized by warm to hot weather.
Population / People: South Africans have been referred to as the rainbow nation, a title which illuminates the countrys cultural diversity. The population of South Africa is one of the most complex and diverse in the world. Of the 45 million South Africans, nearly 31 million are Black, 5 million White, 3 million Coloured (a term used for peoples of mixed African, Asian and white descent) and one million Indian. The population density is 32.9 people per km?.
Languages: There are 11 officially recognized languages, most of which are indigenous to South Africa. English is spoken everywhere you go. English is the language of the cities, of commerce and banking, of government and official documents as well as education. All our road signs and official forms are in English and at any hotel, Bed and Breakfast or Guest House the service staff will speak English.
Other languages you can expect to hear are Xhosa, Zulu and Afrikaans. Do not be surprised when being given directions if you are told to stop at the robot. (No we dont have robots patrolling our streets; Robot is a South Africanism for traffic lights).
For adventure lovers, there are thrilling activities like the highest bungee jump in the world, diving with great white sharks, sky diving, white water rafting, hiking, mountain climbing, abseiling, deep sea and fly fishing.
Popular options for the less energetic include bird-watching, snorkeling and the ever popular hot air ballooning. South Africas near perfect climate provides ideal conditions for hot air ballooning, and it does not require the slightest exertion. All you do is climb aboard a basket, wait for lift off, relax and enjoy fabulous birds-eye views of the countryside. The wind, the pilot and the crew do all the work, and at the end of the flight, a celebratory glass of champagne and scrumptious brunch awaits you.
White water rafting can be either gentle or terrifying, depending on the river. Some, like the Doring in the Cape, are fast-flowing and steep. Others, including the Orange River, are calm and undemanding. You need to be reasonably fit for the really wild rivers, but most people who can swim can cope with gentle conditions. Thrills and occasional spills, tranquility, bird song, great scenery and good company provide the ideal ingredients for a memorable excursion.
For snorkeling - the easiest (and cheapest) way of exploring the rich marine life of the underwater world - all you need is a pair of fins, a snorkel and a face mask. The rest is up to you. Scuba diving is in a different league altogether, and you should be a fairly good swimmer before thinking of taking the plunge. Youll also need specialized gear and knowledge of the physical effects and potential dangers of the "foreign" environment. A course takes a minimum of five days and includes theory and practice sessions.
You dont have to be an experienced rider to take part in a horseback safari, and in the saddle you will probably get closer to game than you would on foot or in a vehicle. Novice riders quickly gain confidence, and those who have tried it say that the combination of riding and game-viewing is irresistible.
World Heritage Sites recognize and protect areas of outstanding natural, historical and cultural value. Given South Africas diverse culture and history and her spectacular natural resources and wildlife, it is not surprising that she boasts 7 World Heritage Sites.
Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park
The Cradle of Humankind
Robben Island
Cape Floral Region
Mapungubwe National Park
Vredefort Dome
Nelson Mandela - President of The Republic of South Africa , 1994 - 1999
"I believe that South Africa is the most beautiful place on earth. Admittedly, I am biased, but when you combine the natural beauty of South Africa with the friendliness and cultural diversity of our people, and the fact that the region is a haven for Africas most splendid wildlife, then I think even the most scrupulous critic would agree that we have been blessed with a truly wonderful land. I would like to extend a personal invitation to you to come and see for yourself the splendor of South Africa. I know that my people will be delighted to welcome you and I think you will be enchanted by their warmth and hospitality. I am equally sure that you will enjoy our culture, our cuisine and the warmth of our people".
Facts about South Africa
Full Name
Republic of South Africa
Head of State
President Thabo Mbeki
Land Area
1,219,912 sq. km
Population
45 million (2003)
Currency
South African Rand (ZAR)
Urbanisation
46%
Capital cities
Legislative Capital: Cape Town
Judicial Capital: Bloemfontein
Administrative Capital: Pretoria
Climate
Subtropical; Summer: 19-33?C, Winter: 5-23?C
Languages
11 official languages; English widely spoken
Measures
Metric System
Electric Current
220 volts
Electric Plug Details
South African/Indian-style plug with two circular metal pins above a large circular grounding pin
Country Dialing Code
27 |
