SOUTH AFRICA
LOCATION AND GEOGRAPHY
South Africa lies on the southern tip of the continent of Africa. The Atlantic Ocean borders it on the west and the Indian Ocean on the south and east. From west to east along its northern border, lay Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, and to the northeast are Mozambique and Swaziland.
South Africa is one of the most geographically varied countries of the African continent, comprising territory that ranges from the rolling, fertile plains of the wide open savanna of the Eastern Transvaal to the Kalahari Desert and the peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains.
CLIMATE
Although South Africa's climate varies considerably across its various regions and environments, South Africa's climate is generally sunny and pleasant. is Between the months of May and August is the best time to visit the country for safari, as during that time there is less rain and the vegetation is less dense, making animal sightings far more easier and frequent.
MONETARY UNIT
The Rand is the official currency of South Africa and one South African Rand can be divided into 100 cents.
ECONOMY
South Africa's economy has been in an upward phase of the business cycle since September 1999. Its economy is based on foreign trade and the country is the economic power house of Africa. Exports and imports account for more than half of the gross national product (GNP). Mineral raw materials, agricultural produce, chemical products, machinery, electric appliances and vehicles are the major exports of the country. Among the major imported goods are machines, plastic products, chemicals and. also vehicles.
South Africa is both an important emerging economy and at the same time, also the gateway to other African markets.
CAPITAL
South Africa has a unique condition- three cities act as its capitals- Pretoria functions as the executive capital, Bloemfontein as the judicial, while the legislative powers are vested in Cape Town.
Pretoria
this city is the administrative capital of the country and is located in the northern part of the province, Gauteng. The head offices of the South African armies, police force, correctional services, and most of the other national departments, are situated in this beautiful sunny city. Bloemfontein
is the judicial capital and the 6th largest city of South Africa. It is centrally situated roughly in the middle of South Africa. It has become known locally as the "City of Roses", because it is placed with more crucial importance than any other city in the country.
CAPE TOWN
Being the provincial capital of the Western Cape, and additionally the legislative capital of South Africa, Capt. Town is the place where the National Parliament and many government offices are situated. This area considered one of the most beautiful in Africa, and whose character results from the cultural melting pot of Indonesian, French, Dutch, British & German settlers.
LANGUAGES
The Republic of South Africa boasts of 11 official languages:
Afrikaans
English
Ndebele
Xhosa
Zulu
Sepedi
Southern Sotho
Tswana
Venda
Tsonga
HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES AND TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
South Africa is one of the most diverse and enchanting countries in the world and offers a weird, wacky and wonderful array of things to do. It is the adventure capital of the world, where the natural beauty will leave you awe-struck, and the rich culture and wild life will fascinate you.
The remote Flinders Ranges which, consists of an area of vast ochre-coloured plains, gorges and desert and provides one the opportunity to for a bushwalk and explore Australia’s outback. In case you are interested in trekking, the Flinders Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island offers great possibilities.
You can either go on a cruise or sail down the mysterious Murray River on water skis. River red gum trees, orchards and vineyards outline the banks, and run all along its length, sprouting from its waters.
You can cage dive at Port Lincoln incase you crave thrill, and confront the great white pointer shark, one of nature's supreme hunting machines.
If you climb up the Mount Lofty in the Adelaide Hills provides the most excellent view of the city and its surrounding countryside. Adjoining Mount Lofty are Botanic Gardens and Cleland Wildlife Park where you can feed kangaroos and emus.
At the South Australian Museum in Adelaide there is a large collection of Aboriginal artifacts that one can see. For more insights into Australia's indigenous culture, take a trip to the Tandanya - National Aboriginal Cultural Institute.
On Kangaroo Island, witness countless wildlife in their natural environment. The animals you are likely to sight include penguins, koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, seals as well as the large sea lion colony at Seal Bay. Marron (freshwater crayfish) is the local island produce and you must try to indulge your sense of taste.
The Naracoorte Caves National Park that lay near the southeast border with Victoria you can see stalagmites, stalactites, bats and fossils.
South Australia's best slice of the outback lies in the ancient aboriginal heritage area of Flinders Ranges. This expanse which consists of spectacular granite peaks and colorful gorges and is dotted with eucalyptus trees is a natural delight not worth missing.
The Nullarbor Plain, runs flat for hundreds of miles until it suddenly drops 90m (300ft) to form the Bunda Cliffs. The Bunda Cliffs that loom above the Southern Ocean and Nullarbor Plains are spectacular sights to visit.
Mount Gambier is a town that has been built around an extinct volcano and beckons a visit. Sinkholes, limestone coastal area and the Blue Lake, with its crystal-clear waters that change in color with the seasons are some of the splendors that this town has to offer.
GETTING AROUND
There are multiple ways in which you can get around in South Africa.
You could join a cruise ship if you are looking for a different sort of travel and site seeing adventure. Almost all of the big cruise liners dock in Cape Town and sometimes Durban. The RMS St Helena the best of them all runs from Southampton to Cape Town via St Helena and it's one of the last real old mail ships.
Sailing is another option for those that are extremely fond of adventure or then if here or, if you have time on your hands, travel over Africa overland.
Although flying, is the most practical choice for traveling in South Africa.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels Stay
All kinds of hotels and motels including 5-star international hotels are there is South Africa, so you can choose your accommodation according to your budget and time. TV, drink-making facilities and, sometimes, a small fridge are normally the basic facilities in most hotels, though the standards of these facilities may differ Other staying facilities are a wide variety of holiday flats and apartments for rent.
Bed and Breakfast for the budget traveler
Through out South Africa, you will find Bed & breakfast, farm-stay and cottage accommodation is available for accommodation. If you want to see how everyday Australians live- stay in a bed & breakfast particularly the ones in the rural areas and get first hand experience.
Camping/Caravanning for the adventure lover
There are many caravan parks in South Africa, which offer camping sites that have full amenities and power. Camper van hire can be arranged by a number of companies; these vans are a range fully equipped vehicles. At the national parks, bush camping is available with limited facilities and it is especially good at some of these parks like Innes, Lincoln, Coffin Bay and the Coorong national parks.
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