Introduction to South Africa
In recent years, South Africa has become a hugely popular holiday destination as tourists discover the breathtaking scenery, fascinating local culture and of course the country’s unique and wonderful wildlife.
With over 3000 kilometres of coastline and some of the best surf in the world, South Africa is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Adrenaline junkies come in their thousands to catch waves, go sea kayaking and enjoy some fantastic kite surfing and surf skiing. The beaches range from secret little coves to long stretches of shimmering sands and more than 29 of them were awarded Blue Flag status in 2009/10 for safety, cleanliness and amenities. Many tourists are understandably a little concerned about sharing the waters with some of the ocean’s less friendly fish, i.e. sharks, which are in abundance off the coast of South Africa, however any beaches that have been designated as swimming beaches will be protected by shark nets that are checked daily.
Wherever you go in South Africa, take some time to explore the local culture and discover more about the history of the country and the people who live there. In the major cities, a trip to one of the townships is a wonderful way of getting to know the real South Africa, it’s colours, smells and sounds, although it is not advisable to go anywhere without a local guide. In the countryside community tours will introduce you to a way of life that is very different to that of the cities, where people depend entirely on the land for survival and where you can learn to cook using traditional tribal methods. If you’re interested in the troubled history of the country, trips to monuments like the Apartheid Museum or Robben Island provide an invaluable insight into the violent, difficult times of the past that have shaped the country and its people.
Of course, no holiday in South Africa would be complete without a visit to one of the country’s many national parks. Two of the finest are Kruger National Park and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and a visit to either will give you the opportunity to see animals like lions, leopards, buffalo and springboks as well as many indigenous birds in their natural environment.
If you are planning a holiday in South Africa, make the trip as long as you can afford. With so much to see and do, it would be a shame to go home feeling like you’d missed any of the incredible sites and experiences.