South Africa
South Africa
Unity in diversity
About South Africa
To describe South Africa would be to chronicle a whole world within one nation.
It is a country where you can begin your day spotting penguins on a suburban beach, enjoy lunch at a world-class vineyard, watch the sun set from the top of an ancient, flat-topped mountain, and dine in a city buzzing with global energy – all in the same city, Cape Town. This sheer, breathtaking diversity is South Africa’s signature.
Your journey through South Africa paints an epic canvas. In the north-east, the legendary Kruger National Park delivers the definitive Big Five safari experience in a wilderness the size of a small country. To the east, the dramatic Drakensberg mountains rise like a dragon’s back, offering world-class hiking.
Travel south along a coastline that shifts from the wild and subtropical to the famously beautiful Garden Route, a verdant corridor of forests, lakes and coastal towns. And in the west, south of Namibia, the Karoo cuts an arid, diagonal swath across the country towards the Eastern Cape, far to the south-east.
Anchoring it all is the story of a nation whose resilience you can feel in the vibrant streets of Soweto and reflect on during a ferry ride to Robben Island, to which countless political and religious prisoners (including Nelson Mandela) were exiled over the centuries.
It is this powerful blend of stunning nature, diverse cultures and profound history that makes South Africa one of the most compelling travel destinations on the planet.
Top travel tips for South Africa
Did you know
South Africa is the only country in the world to have three official capital cities: Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative) and Bloemfontein (judicial).
Understand the malaria zones: a huge advantage for visitors is that many top attractions, including Cape Town, the Winelands and the entire Garden Route, are completely malaria-free. The risk is primarily in the north-eastern part of the country, including the Kruger, so consult a doctor if you’re planning to go there
Be street smart: as with any country with social inequality, it’s wise to be aware of your surroundings. Avoid displaying valuables openly, don’t walk alone in deserted areas at night and listen to local advice from your Travel Architect, host, guesthouse or hotel
Pack for multiple climates: you can experience several seasons in a single day, especially in the Cape. The only way to pack is in layers. Always have a jacket or fleece handy, even on a sunny day, as weather can change in an instant
Don’t try to see it all at once: the country is huge. For a typical two-week trip, it’s best to focus on one or two regions to avoid spending all your time in transit
You are the rainbow people of God. ”
