Facts About South Africa
Facts About South Africa
From thrilling safari parks to exceptional vineyards, South Africa is renowned for a multitude of experiences.
The Rainbow Nation is a vibrant land of contrasts, featuring sleek cities, expansive beaches, remarkable wildlife, and a rich tapestry of history waiting to be explored. But what do you really know about it? If you’re thinking about a holiday in South Africa, these intriguing facts and figures will surely ignite your wanderlust. Continue reading to uncover 10 fascinating insights about South Africa.
1. It boasts an incredible wine route that stretches longer than any other in the world.
South Africa is renowned for its exceptional wine. After all, it ranks as the seventh-largest wine producer in the world. Did you know that South Africa boasts the longest wine route in the world? Route 62 stretches 850 kilometres from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, offering numerous chances to pause and enjoy the renowned Chenin Blanc of the region. If you’re seeking additional insights and motivation about Cape Town, explore our six-day journey through the Garden Route and Cape Winelands.
2. The animals are extraordinary
South Africa is home to the largest land mammal, the African elephant, and the largest reptile, the leatherback turtle. The ostrich of South Africa stands out as the biggest bird in the world. If you embark on a safari in South Africa, you could encounter an eland, the largest and most leisurely antelope on the planet. And, of course, the Rainbow Nation is home to the swiftest land mammal on Earth, the cheetah.
3. It’s adorned with UNESCO stamps
South Africa is celebrated for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history, featuring nine UNESCO World Heritage sites that invite exploration. Our top choice is Robben Island. Moored near the vibrant shores of Cape Town, this iconic prison beckons as an essential destination. One of the most renowned facts about Cape Town is that Nelson Mandela was imprisoned here for 18 years, but that’s merely the beginning of the story. Discover the rich history of the destination at the museum, or secure your spot on one of the daily tours for an exciting experience.
4. The nation is more compact than you might imagine
One of the most intriguing facts about South Africa is that, despite its vast expanse of over 1.2 million square kilometres—five times larger than the UK—it ranks as only the ninth-largest country on the African continent. If you were curious, Algeria holds the title of the largest. It’s almost double the expanse of South Africa.
5. It boasts three vibrant capitals
South Africa boasts not just one, but three vibrant capital cities, each brimming with unique experiences and stories waiting to be uncovered. The executive capital is Pretoria, the judicial capital is Bloemfontein, and Cape Town serves as the legislative capital. Did you know that Johannesburg holds the title of the largest city in South Africa? Each of the four cities has its unique charm, but we suggest dedicating a minimum of 48 hours to explore Cape Town. Experience the thrill of riding the cable car to Table Mountain, explore a variety of wine bars, and indulge in the vibrant dining scene that awaits you.
6. You will feel refreshed and energized.
A direct flight from the UK to Johannesburg spans approximately 11 hours, while the journey to Cape Town extends by an additional half hour. It may take some time, but it’s one-of-a-kind in that you won’t experience any jet lag. Fortunately, South Africa is just a couple of hours ahead of GMT. This is especially beneficial for a family getaway, as meal times and children’s sleep schedules remain consistent, much like traveling to Greece or Egypt.
7. It is surrounded by a multitude of companions
South Africa boasts an impressive 4,900-kilometre-long border that it shares with five neighboring countries: Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe. And, intriguingly, it entirely encircles the small nation of the Kingdom of Lesotho. If you are eager to embrace the wonders of Africa, explore our multi-centre holidays or guided tours. Embark on a thrilling 16-day journey through South Africa, featuring an exciting excursion into Swaziland and the breathtaking sights of Victoria Falls.
8. Driving is a thrilling experience
Much like the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, South Africa’s left-side driving adds an exciting twist to the journey along the Garden Route.
9. The emblematic creature is…
A springbok, a creature that embodies the thrill of the wild. You will encounter this gazelle-like creature at every turn during your holiday, from postage stamps to the national Coat of Arms. It’s also the nickname for their national rugby team, who are endearingly referred to as “the Boks”.
10. South Africa boasts an impressive 11 official languages
Zulu is the most widely spoken language, but you will also encounter English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, Swati, Sesotho, Xitsonga, Sepedi, Ndebele, Setswana, and Tshivenda. If you want to greet someone in Zulu, just say ‘Sawubona’ – it’s pronounced just as it appears. In Zulu, the phrase for expressing gratitude is ‘ngiyabonga’, which sounds like ‘gee-a-bunga’.
