South Africa
Language→ Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Sotho, Northern Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu
Population (around) → 60,578,195
Currency → South African rand (ZAR) R
General weather Overview
South Africa has two distinct seasons: a dry season and a rainy
season. South Africa’s climate varies from desert and semi-arid in the northwest to sub-tropical
on the eastern coast. The country’s climate is usually warm, with bright days and cold evenings.
During the summer, there is little precipitation, and evaporation provides a high level of dryness.
Rainfall in the Western Cape, as well as much of the Eastern Cape, occurs in the winter and is
equally dispersed throughout the year.
Cities
Cape Town / Commercial Capital – Pretoria / Administrative Capital – Bloemfontein /
Judicial Capital – Durban – Johannesburg – Pretoria – Port Elizabeth – Knysna – Kimberley –
Plettenberg Bay – Upington – Rustenburg – Mossel Bay
Fun facts
- South African inventions include the Kreepy Krauly automatic pool cleaner, the CAT Scan, the Q20 lubricant, Pratley's Putty, and the Smartlock safety syringe
- One of the strangest facts about South Africa is that the country doesn't actually have an official capital. Its constitution places Parliament only in Cape Town and could be moved with an Act of Parliament. Unofficially, the nation's 3 capitals each have the seat of one of the 3 branches of government
- One of the most interesting facts about South Africa is its diverse wildlife. Across the country, distinctive species are African leopard, blue wildebeest, lion, South African cheetah, South African giraffe, and South African white rhino. Some of them only live in South Africa, like the endangered river rabbit
Some popular local foods
Braai, Vetkoek, Boerewors, Bobotie, Potjiekos, Tomato Bredie,
Durban Bunny Chow, Traditional Koeksisters, Biltong, Pap or Isidudu, Sosaties, Malva Pudding
Some native animals:
Aardvark, Aardwolf, African Buffalo, African Elephant, African Weasel,
African Wild Cat, Baboon, Banded Mongoose, Bat-eared Fox, Black Rhino, Black Wildebeest,
Blesbok, Blue Wildebeest, Burchells Zebra, Bush Pig, Cape Fox, Cheetah, Eastern Rock
Elephant Shrew, Giraffe, Hippo, Impala, Leopard, Lion, Meerkat, Nyala, Oryx, Samango
Monkey, Sharpes Grysbok, Small Antelope, Vervet Monkey, Waterbuck
Couple of reasons to visit
- Head to one of the most unique beaches and expect to see penguins! There is a colony of 3,000 penguins that live on and around a Beach in Cape Town. You can also visit a sea bird rehabilitation center with the majority of its residents being penguins and you can arrange for a private behind the scenes tour
- Have some unforgettable safari trips. Explore one of the largest game reserves in the world! You get the opportunity to catch plenty of game and see the magnificent Big 5
- South Africa is famous for its flavorful wines with absolutely stunning vineyards. For those who aren't so much into wine, you might still want to experience a stunning stroll through the vineyards. There are many wineries to choose from that you can visit for lunch, enjoy tasting menus, take tours and of course, purchase some fabulous wines
- Take a day or more, long train journey from city to city on one of the most luxurious trains in the world. Rooms range from two twins to a double, and some even have full-size bathtubs, while others include stand-up showers. Each section of the train has its own butler, there's turndown service, the appointment-only gift shop sells diamonds, and there's a cigar lounge with, of course, an open bar
