african wildlife

Travel Information - South Africa

About South Africa
Travel Information

South Africa is one of the most diverse countries in the world. From Cape Town and the Garden Route on the South coast to the big five in the Kruger National Park in the North East and Pilanesberg in the North West. The visitor can experience a variety of landscapes includes savannahs, mountains, forests, tropical swamps, endless beaches, tranquil rivers and bustling urban epicenters, history from the Bushman to the Dutch and British Colonist, the people and cultures offer a larger-than-life experience for the traveler in search of a truly unique and inspiring experience. South Africa is the place to be.

South Africa's coast line from Namibia in the west to Mozambique in the east
South Africa has almost 3,000 km's of coast line from the Gariep River (Orange River) on the Diamond west coast of the Atlantic down to Cape Town and Cape Agulhas where the two currents of the cold Benguela crashes into the warm Agulhas, the coast line continues up the all year round warm Indian Ocean passing through the diversity of the Wild Coast and Durban.

South Africa is almost five times the size of the UK and about twice the size of France

South Africa is best known for its abundant wildlife with its fantastic birding and eco-tourism possibilities. You can also experience a variety of scenery and destinations from the BIG 5 African Wildlife of the many game reserves to the history and Battlefields of the early pioneers.

South Africa's family tree goes way back to the start of time. The country has been touted as the Cradle of Humankind, because it was here that archaeologists discovered 2,5 million year old fossil of Mrs Ples as well as the 100 000 year old remains of modern humankind of Homo Hablis. Many of South Africa's cultures have their roots in an ancient world of the Bushman of the Kalahari some 25000 yrs ago, whilst most of the Bantu cultures are relatively new, these migrated from Central and East African regions around 1200 to 1400 AD.

The People- according to a statistics census taken in 2011 South Africa's population was recorded as 48 million people. The results across the racial groups were: African 80%, White 10%, Colored 8% and Indian/Asian 2%.

Languages- There are 11 official languages spoken in South Africa, namely: English, Afrikaans, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda and Xitsonga. However, English is largely spoken in most large urban areas of the country, the rural area's is mostly the cultural language of the chiefdom.

Currency - South Africa's unit of currency is the Rand (ZAR) which is divided into 100 cents. Notes are R10, R20, R50, R100 & R200 all displaying the Big 5 of the animal kingdom.

Climate - Many call it sunny South Africa, for good reason. Warm temperate conditions are typical of South Africa, making it a popular destination for sunshine-seekers. South Africa is renowned for almost seven months of sunshine (give or take a few chilly spells in the higher and southern regions). From May to August, temperatures drop. However, generally speaking, April and May are the most temperate months. August and September are the best months for game viewing as the grass is at it's shortest after the winter period. In certain areas, however, notably the hot, humid KwaZulu-Natal coast, Mpumalanga and the Northern Province, July and August are the ideal holiday months in malaria effected area's. The wide expanses of ocean on three sides of South Africa have a moderating influence on its climate. More apparent, however, are the effects of the warm Agulhas and cold Benguela currents along the east and west coasts, respectively. While Durban (east coast) and Port Nolloth (west coast) lie more or less on the same latitude, there is a difference of at least 6 degrees centigrade in their mean annual temperatures.

Religion - Almost 80% of South Africa's population adheres to the Christian faith. Other major religious groups are the Hindus, Muslims and Jews. A minority of South Africa's population do not belong to any of the major religions, but regard themselves as traditionalists or of no specific religious affiliation. Freedom of worship is guaranteed by the Constitution, and official policy is one of non-interference in religious practices.

South Africa Wildlife - Southern Africa is privileged to have one of the largest variety of animals anywhere in the world. It is home to more than 920 bird species, 150 mammal species, about 35 snake and 15 lizard species, 11 tortoise species and thousands of invertebrate animals.

Honeymoon in the Kruger National Park
The small Luxury Private Safari Camps in the Kruger Park are a favorite for Honeymooners and for that romantic holiday getaway.

Time Zone - South African time zone is GMT + 2 hrs

Electricity Supply - 220 volts 50 hz, plugs are the large 3 pin round type rated at 15 amps.

Airports -There are 3 world class airports being Jo'Burg, Cape Town and Durban, some visitors plan their holidays by arriving at one airport and departing from one of the others after their vacation

Johannesburg - Known as "Egoli" the City of Gold, established after the worlds largest gold deposits where discovered in 1886, today Jo'Burg is a cosmopolitan city and the Business hub of Africa, nearby is the famous township of "Soweto" pivotal in the downfall of the old political structure of inequality.
An ideal place to start your tour to South Africa with the Capital City of Pretoria, Sun City, the Kruger Park & Blyderiver Canyon and the Anglo-Zulu Battlefields.

Cape Town is possibly one of the most popular cities in the world and with one visit it is clear to see why. The mountainous scenery is spectacular, the rugged coastline is magnificent and the activities to entertain are endless. The scuba diving in Cape Town provides a great diversity of marine life; this is attributed to the differences in sea temperature created by the cold Benguela and warm Agulhas currents colliding off the Cape peninsula. Whale watching is one of the best experiences that you'll probably ever see.
South Africa is one of the best-kept secrets in golf and is fast growing into one of the world's premier destinations. The fantastic courses and exotic locations provide a unique golfing experience found nowhere else in the world. It's little wonder South Africa has established itself as a top golfing destination. Perfect golfing conditions, the vast and natural beauty of South Africa's countryside together with the diversity of different regions and courses all play a part in providing the absolute best when it comes to golfing.

Blyderiver Canyon

South Africa Tours

Honeymoon Safaris- Kruger Park

Honeymoon Package

Kruger Park Safaris

Kruger National Park

Anglo-Boer- Zulu Battlefields

Anglo Zulu Battlefield of Isandlwana 1879

Bush Camp

South Africa Tours

Student Program

Student Program

Leopard

Kruger National Park

African Wildlife

Kruger Park