South Africa
South Africa is famous across the world for its stunningly rich wildlife and bustling city centres. This diverse country is located on the southernmost tip of Africa and stretches for over 2,800 km giving visitors plenty to discover.South Africa’s breadth of activities and environments makes it hard to narrow down exactly where to visit first. It’s home to vibrant cities that are framed by spectacular mountain ranges, while golden sand beaches are perfect to relax on.
The stunning diversity of South Africa means there is truly something for everyone. A Big 5 safari is undoubtedly one of the main draws, with a plethora of world-famous national parks and game reserves offering the chance to spot the country’s incredible wildlife. With many of them malaria-free and easily accessible, a safari can be combined with any itinerary, particularly one which combines a visit to one of the beautiful beaches.
Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city and has gone through several redevelopments. Today, it’s a city of modern skyscrapers and is known as the financial capital. It’s also full of opportunities to learn more about the country’s history. There are buzzing markets that sell delicious food, while Keyes Art Mile is a fantastic art precinct that has restaurants, shops and galleries that you can explore. Why not visit Johannesburg on your pre or post South African holiday.
Safari
Experience unforgettable game viewing and unrivalled luxury in our selection of safari lodges. Experience opulent luxury accommodation, family getaways and rustic hideaways, all within South Africa’s unique locations set within Madikwe, Welgevonden, Kruger, Sabi Sands and KwaZulu-Natal.History
Over a hundred thousand years ago people in what is now South Africa lived by hunting animals and gathering plants. They used stone tools. Then about 2,000 years ago people in the west learned to herd sheep and cattle. About 200 AD people mixed farming (growing crops as well as raising livestock) and iron tools were introduced into the east of South Africa.
In October 1899 war began in South Africa between the Boers and the British. At first, the Boers were successful but in 1900 more British troops arrived and the Boers were pushed back. The Boers then turned to guerrilla warfare. However, Kitchener, the British commander began herding Boer women and children into concentration camps where more than 20,000 of them died of disease.
The Boers finally surrendered in 1902 and the British annexed the Boer republics. In 1910 a United South Africa was given a constitution. It became known as the Union of South Africa.
In 1912 black South Africans founded the South African National Congress (later the ANC) but at first, they achieved little. In 1961 South Africa left the Commonwealth and became a republic.
In 1978 P W Botha became prime minister. He was determined to continue apartheid and in 1983 he introduced a new constitution with a tricameral parliament, with houses for whites, coloureds, and Indians (with no representation for blacks). However, the new constitution pleased nobody. Meanwhile, other countries were increasingly imposing economic sanctions on South Africa and inside the country resistance to apartheid grew. In 1989 Botha was forced from office.
He was replaced by Willem de Klerk who in 1990 pledged to end apartheid. He also released Nelson Mandela. De Klerk introduced a new constitution with rights for all. The first democratic elections were held in April 1994 and in May 1994 Nelson Mandela was elected president. He retired in 1999.
In the early 21st century the economy of South Africa grew but recently it has slowed. Tourism in South Africa is an important industry. South Africa is also rich in minerals. In 2020 the population of South Africa was 59 million.
(Source: various sources)
Climate
A subtropical location, moderated by ocean on three sides of the country and the altitude of the interior plateau, account for the warm temperate conditions. South Africa is a relatively dry country, with an average annual rainfall of about 464
mm. While the Western Cape gets most of its rainfall in winter, the rest of the country is generally a summer-rainfall region.
Temperatures in South Africa tend to be lower than in other countries at similar latitudes owing mainly to greater elevation above sea level.
On the interior plateau the altitude – Johannesburg lies at 1 694 m – keeps the average summer temperatures below 30°C. In winter, for the same reason, night-time temperatures can drop to freezing point or lower in some places. South Africa’s coastal regions are therefore relatively warm in winter. There is a striking contrast between temperatures on the country’s east and west coasts, owing respectively to the warm Agulhas Current and cold Benguela Current that sweep the coastlines.
Source: South Africa Yearbook 2015/16
People
As South Africa is a multilingual and ethnically diverse country, there is no single ‘Culture of South Africa’. Besides the 11 officially recognised languages, scores of others - African, European, Asian and more - are spoken in South Africa, as the country lies at the crossroads of southern Africa.In fact, in post-Apartheid South Africa the then Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, Desmond Tutu, coined the term ‘Rainbow Nation’ to encapsulate the unity of multi-culturalism and the coming-together of people of many different races, in a country once identified with the strict division of white and black.
The phrase was elaborated upon by President Nelson Mandela in his first month of office in 1994, when he proclaimed: "Each of us is as intimately attached to the soil of this beautiful country as are the famous jacaranda trees of Pretoria and the mimosa trees of the bushveld - a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world" (Manzo 1996).
Culture
South Africa has been famously referred to as the rainbow nation because it is made up of so many diverse cultures and religions. Contained within South Africa's borders are Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Tswana, Ndebele, Khoisan, Hindu, Muslim, and Afrikaner people to name but a few. All of these people are united by calling South Africa home, and therefore their lives all contribute to forming a part of the country’s heritage, identity and culture.
Understanding that South Africa is composed of all these various influences is essential for helping South Africans to understand and respect each other and to learn from each other’s cultural practices. This is part of the healing that democracy has brought after culture was used to divide South Africans in the past.
Currency
The South African rand is the official currency of the Republic of South Africa. It's abbreviated to ZAR and its issuing authority is the South African Reserve Bank.
Economy
South Africa has taken considerable strides to improve the well-being of its citizens since its transition to democracy in the mid-1990s, but progress has stagnated in the last decade.
Electricity supply shortages have constrained South Africa’s growth for several years. Rolling scheduled power cuts (load-shedding) started in 2007 and have intensified more recently. This electricity shortfall has disrupted economic activity and increased operating costs for businesses, many of which rely on costly diesel generators, to provide electricity. Although new reforms and investments are being considered, load-shedding is expected to effect economic growth for now.
For further information go to; www.southafrica.net
Health Information
For health information in South Africa, please visit the following NHS website link:
www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/africa/south-africa
