ABOUT SOUTH AFRICA
The Republic of South Africa is a country located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa. The South African coast stretches 2,798 kilometres (1,739 mi) and borders both the Atlantic and Indian oceans. To the north of South Africa lie Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, to the east are Mozambique and Swaziland, while the Kingdom of Lesotho is an independent country land locked within South Africa.
South Africa is known as the 'rainbow nation' for its diversity in cultures, languages, and religious beliefs. South Africa has 11 official languages which comprise; Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa and isiZulu. English is the most commonly spoken language in official and commercial public life; however, it is only the fifth most-spoken home language within the population. South African population was estimated at 47.9 million (2007).
Many South Africans also speak other European languages, such as Portuguese (also spoken by Angolan and Mozambican blacks), German, and Greek, while some Asians and Indians in South Africa speak South Asian languages, such as Tamil, Hindi, Gujarati, Urdu and Telugu. French is still widely spoken by French South Africans especially in places like Franschhoek, where many South Africans are of French origin.
At 470,979 sq mi (1,219,912 km²), South Africa is the 25th-largest country in the world (after Mali). It is comparable in size to Colombia. Njesuthi in the Drakensberg at 3,408 m (11,424 ft) is the highest peak in South Africa. South Africa has nine provinces, each with its own distinctive landscape & and climate. They are; The Eastern Cape, The Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, The Northern Cape, North West and The Western Cape
South Africa has a generally temperate climate, with average tempuratures of up to 27 - 36°C (81-97°F) - travellers are advised to pack light clothin and perhaps include a light rain jacket, just in case there is a spot of light rain.
The official curreny of South Africa is the South Africa Rand (ZAR) and is the main form of payment. The US Dollar as well as the British Pound are also accepted at most tourism destinations. VISA and Mastercards are widely accepted at most stores, restuarants and hotels.
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WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO TRAVEL?
This really does depend on what you want to do.
The flowers are obviously best in August and September. The best time for game viewing is late spring (September and October). The southern right whales hang around off our coasts from about mid-June to the end of October.
The diving is best in most of the country outside of summer (ie, from April through September), and so is the surfing - but that certainly doesn't limit either activity to those times.
River rafting is better in the Cape at the end of winter, and in KwaZulu-Natal in the height of summer (late November to mid-February). In Mpumalanga and Limpopo, it's less time-dependent.
The "shoulder" seasons - spring and autumn - are best for hiking, as summer can be hot over most of the country. In the Drakensberg, summer thunderstorms are dangerous, while there is a good chance of snow in winter. In the Cape, the winters are wet, so hiking can be a bit hardcore.
If you're a birder, the palaeoarctic migrants arrive around November and the intra-African migrants usually by mid-October.
Of course, if you want to lounge around on the beaches, mid-summer is the best time - though everyone else will be there too. And - big bonus - the beaches of northern KwaZulu-Natal are warm and sunny even in midwinter.
Some exciting 'must see' destinations in South Africa:
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Tour of the Cape Winelands
Home to some of the most prestigious wine Estates in the world |
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Drakensberg Mountains
Breathtaking views with a country charm |
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Shakaland & PheZulu
Experience traditional Zulu culture, perhaps have a consultation with a Sangoma (traditional Zulu medicine man) |
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Table Mountain
Explore the 'Mother City' national treasure, Table Mountain - a natural wonder which is 1,086 metres (3,563 ft) above sea level - Fantastic hiking and cable car opportunities. |
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