Search Results

Highlights of South Africa Tour Highlights Cape Town - Begin your adventure in South Africa's 'Mother City' with a township tour before departing for the Western Cape Fish River Canyon - Admire this colossal canyon, which scars the Earth for 160km, second only in size to the USA's Grand Canyon Namib-Naukluft National Park - Climb to the top of Dune 45 for tremendous views, discover barren Deadvlei and marvel at Sesriem Canyon Swakopmund - Relax in this coastal German colonial town with free time to sit by the pool, go skydiving, dolphin-watching or surfing Etosha National Park - Search for the wildlife which gathers around the limited watering holes in this barren salt pan Okavango Delta - Paddle traditional mokoro canoes through this biodiverse wetland and enjoy an optional scenic flight Chobe National Park - Cruise the Chobe River in search of hippos, elephants and crocodiles, then game drive in search of lions and leopards Livingstone - End your journey on the Zambian side of cascading Victoria Falls, with an included visit to this natural wonder It’s no secret that South Africa is one of the world’s top Big 5 safari destinations. You could come here only to go on safari and think South Africa was the best country ever. But wait – there’s so much more to this fascinating realm perched at Africa’s southernmost tip. South Africa’s ethnic and cultural diversity influences its cuisine and art in exciting, unexpected ways. Its scenery is stunning, from wave-crashed shorelines and wildflower-carpeted deserts to wildlife-filled bushveld and tropical forests. The country has cosmopolitan cities, charming wine towns and important cultural traditions. Apartheid’s struggles are faced head-on at several important sights. You can hike, surf, kayak, fish, whale watch, horseback ride, dive with sharks and crocodiles and stargaze under some of the planet’s darkest skies. The only problem is how to even begin planning a visit to this immensely blessed, multifaceted land. Start planning your trip with this list of the top things to do in South Africa. Namaqua in the Northern Cape is alive with blooms in July. Ilse Oberholzer/Getty Images 1. Walk among the wildflowers of Namaqua Most of the year, the remote region known as Little Namaqualand is parched, a seemingly sunbaked wasteland in South Africa’s Northern Cape. But for a short period in July, as winter rains begin to fall, the area bursts to life with billions of blooms. Endless carpets of flowers in every hue cover its diverse topography, from deserty plains to fertile valleys to towering mountains. But what truly sets this spectacle apart is the sheer variety of flowers; more than 3500 species grow here, more than half rare or endemic, meaning they live nowhere else on Earth. The most iconic is the Arctotis, commonly called the African daisy. Gazania glows with hot yellow and orange petals, and Carpobrotus, commonly known as pigface, creeps along the ground. The best places to take in the ephemeral flowery show are Richtersveld , with a backdrop of yawning canyons and jagged mountains; Skilpad Wildflower Preserve west of Kamieskroon, part of the bigger Namaqua National Park , a fabulous spot to gaze at the famed Nama daisies; and the 14,973-hectare (37,000-acre) Goegap Nature Reserve outside Springbok, with some 600 indigenous plant species. Planning tip: Accommodations in the park (primarily campsites and chalets) are in high demand during this short blooming season. Either book reservations as soon as they open (usually 11 months in advance), or find places to stay in the nearby towns of Kamieskroon and Garies. 2. Spot the Big 5 and other wildlife in South Africa’s parks As the early morning sun rises over the bushveld, a herd of elephants thunders past, a leopard enjoys a snack up in a tree, and a lion stalks its prey. These are the joys of going on safari in South Africa, where you have an excellent chance of spotting the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant) in national parks and wildlife preserves across the country. Kruger National Park is the prime game park, with 19,485 sq km (7523 sq mi) of bushveld, tropical forests, savannah and mountains teeming with more than 140 mammal species. Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape is the world’s first “Big 7” Conservation Area, home to the traditional Big 5, plus the unique marine additions of the great white shark and southern right whale. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in KwaZulu-Natal is South Africa’s oldest game reserve. It was founded to conserve and repopulate Africa’s rhinos , so this park is hands down the best place in South Africa to see these one-horned, short-legged megafauna. In all, South Africa has 19 national parks and countless private game reserves, each offering an unforgettable wildlife experience where no two days are ever the same. Planning tip: Plan your trip from June to September for optimal wildlife viewing. Animals tend to gather at watering holes during these drier, cooler months. The views from the top of Table Mountain are unmissable. Justin Paget/Getty Images 3. Hike or ride up Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain The flat-topped Table Mountain stands watch over Cape Town , a 1085m (3560ft) natural landmark of sandstone and granite adored for its breathtaking views from the top: glittering Table Bay, historic Robben Island and all of Cape Town’s City Bowl sprawl at your feet. Dozens of trails wind up Table Mountain’s flanks, opening up valleys of fynbos (the local floral kingdom), shady forests and waterfalls. The most popular (and heavily trafficked) is Platteklip Gorge Trail, a 2.8km (1.8 miles) uphill push that is nature’s answer to the StairMaster, offering view after breathtaking view the higher you go. Avoid the crowds with 1.5km (0.9-mile) Kloof Corner, a dramatic and somewhat hair-raising trek that rewards with fabulous views of Lion’s Head, the 12 Apostles and the Cape Town City Bowl. The difficult 2.5km (1.5 miles) India Venster Trail follows the route beneath the aerial cable car, up the mountain’s frontal face. Of course, you can just take the cable car, a quick five-minute ride to the top. Planning tip: Many trails in South Africa limit how many hikers can be on them simultaneously, so book your spot ahead of time and hike with a group for safety (some longer trails actually require that you're not alone). 4. Learn from South Africa’s apartheid past in Johannesburg South Africa has made steps in atoning for its apartheid past through education at various sites. Johannesburg ’s Apartheid Museum is a sobering but enlightening place to start. Exhibits take you through the history of apartheid using videos, documents and photographs. At the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum in Soweto, spoken testimonies, videos and photographs detail the tragic story of a 12-year-old student who became the first victim of police fire in 1976 when students protested the imposition of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in schools. Nearby, Nelson Mandela lived in a humble, four-room house, which today is the Mandela House Museum , showcasing family photos and personal belongings and providing insight into the beloved anti-apartheid leader who, after 27 years in prison, became South Africa’s first democratically elected president. The Cape Winelands make up one of the world's most impressive wine regions. Roopam Dey/EyeEm / Getty Images 5. Taste Pinotage in the Cape Winelands When the Dutch colonized South Africa some 350 years ago, the Dutch East India Company established a provisioning station for its ships. Since these ships needed wine the Company partnered with the French, and soon vineyards draped the valleys in the fertile region now known as the Cape Winelands . Over the years, the art of wine-making has been fine-tuned, including the perfection of Pinotage, South Africa’s signature red wine that’s a rustic cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. Today, in independent South Africa, the Cape Winelands reigns as one of the world’s finest wine regions. Within it is a patchwork of vineyards and hundreds of wine estates, farm markets, little museums, gastronomic restaurants and three main wine towns dating from the 17th century: Franschhoek , settled by French Huguenots; Stellenbosch , filled with Cape Dutch architecture; and Paarl, colonized by 23 families from Stellenbosch. Excellent places to sample Pinotage include Delheim, on the slopes of Simonsberg Mountain outside Stellenbosch, and Lanzerac , established in 1692 near Stellenbosch with stunning views of mountains, vineyards and oak-shaded gardens. Detour: If you need a break from all the wine tastings, take a drive (or bike ride) outside Paarl on Bainskloof Pass. This scenic mountain pass features almost 30km (19 miles) of unforgettable vistas and a caravan park at its halfway point. 6. Get lost on the Wild Coast Sea breezes, crashing waterfalls, emerald valleys and footprint-free, cliff-fringed beaches define the untrammeled realm of the Wild Coast , a fittingly named 250km-long (155-mile) sweep of coastline fronting the Indian Ocean in the Eastern Cape . This is the place to get away from it all, soaking in the solitude of pristine nature, where you’ll see more cows than people. Be warned: the roads are full of potholes, and gas stations are far and few between, but that’s what keeps the less intrepid away. You can hike, swim, ride horseback, canoe, surf or just catch the rays on your own private beach. The hike to Hole in the Wall along the coast is a three-hour foray across undulating hills and through local villages, ending at the fabled rock arch with its swimming lagoon. The Xhosa River is a canoeing paradise with sparkling clear waters and bright Xhosa huts along its banks. Mirror-smooth Jbay Lagoon draws SUPers, kayakers and canoers. The Xhosa people have lived in this enchanted land for centuries, and you’ll see their turquoise rondavels dotting the lush green hills. This is also the birthplace of anti-apartheid revolutionary leader Nelson Mandela, and several small museums in Mthatha and Quno are open to visitors. Detour: Take a hike on one of Dwesa Nature Reserve 's walking trails through pristine forests, grasslands and coastline. It's a paradise for a wide variety of wildlife – including around 290 bird species. Southern right whales can be spotted on their migration from Antarctica. wildestanimal/Getty Images 7. Go whale watching by land or sea Some 37 species of whales and dolphins frequent South Africa’s shores, so it’s no wonder whale-watching is a popular activity. You can hop on a boat from plenty of places along the country’s three coastlines to view these behemoths in their watery haunts. But here’s a twist: in some places, you don’t even have to step on a boat to see a whale – you can see them up close from the shore. Watch whales from the shore in Lambert’s Bay, Yzerfontein and Plettenberg Bay , but the most celebrated land-based viewing spot is Hermanus , about 100km (62 miles) east of Cape Town. Between June and November, southern right whales stop by on their annual migration from Antarctica, and right off the coast, they splash, breach and lobtail (slap their flippers and tail against the water). The town even has a whale crier who blows a kelp horn when whales approach the shore. 8. Immerse yourself in Zulu history The Zulus reigned between 1816 and 1897 in much of present-day KwaZulu-Natal as one of Africa’s most prominent empires. Despite their fierce fighting abilities, the British defeated them in the 1870s, and their kingdom was integrated into the Union of South Africa. But their culture remains strong – they are South Africa’s largest ethnic group – and the Zulu royal family is still active, reigning (but not ruling) in KwaZulu-Natal. You can experience Zulu culture by visiting the Battlefields Region in the province’s northwest, where the Zulus fought 63 battles against a succession of invading forces. Monuments and museums such as Blood River and Isandlwana commemorate these clashes. You will be sure to find yourself a spot on Durban's lengthy coastline. Diriye Amey/500px 9. Bask in the sun on Durban's Golden Mile With more than 320 sunny days a year, Durban is a much-loved playground of golden-sand beaches lapped by the Indian Ocean’s azure waters. An expanse of sun-soaked paradise dubbed the Golden Mile (although it’s more like four miles) runs from uShaka Beach in the south to Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World in the north and offers beaches and beachy activities for everyone. Beginners can surf from South and Addington beaches, and fishers can drop a line at Bay of Plenty Beach . Other stretches of sand, such as Umhlanga Rocks just slightly north of the Golden Mile, have a lively vacation vibe. If you want to picnic or just hang out with your travel companions, Blue Lagoon is a fabulous choice. A promenade runs along much of the Golden Mile, with Zulu artisans selling their wares and runners, walkers, cyclists and skateboarders catching the rays. 10. Explore the evolution of humanity Deep beneath Gauteng ’s highveld (high plateau), 20th-century researchers discovered two distant relatives of all humankind in the region’s labyrinthine limestone caves: Mrs Ples, the 2.1-million-year-old skull of an Australopithecus Africanus (a precursor to the genus Homo) and Little Foot, a nearly complete, three-million-year-old Australopithecus skeleton. Then, in 2015, a new species of human relative was uncovered, Homo naledi, whose placement in the evolutionary chain is still unknown. You can explore this significant archaeology at the Cradle of Humankind, about an hour northwest of Pretoria. Entertaining, world-class exhibitions provide context at the Maropeng visitor center, and you can go beneath the earth to the excavation site at Sterkfontein Caves . Hark back to travel's golden age with a journey on South Africa's Blue Train. Michael Heffernan/Lonely Planet 11. Ride the Blue Train Sit back and soak in the golden age of travel aboard the Blue Train , a five-star hotel-on-wheels ranked as one of the world’s great rail journeys. Since this train came about during colonial times, when 19th-century British diamond and gold magnates demanded luxury, expect warm birch paneling, plush leather seating and full silver service at gourmet five-course meals. The Blue Train travels between Pretoria and Cape Town, with two nights onboard. While you’ll enjoy the best of service and decor, it’s the scenery outside the windows that will dazzle the most: cactus-dotted desert, rocky mountains, vineyard-dotted hills, lush valleys and a front-row seat for Africa’s famous sunsets. Meals, drinks, Monte Cristo cigars and even a personal butler come with the hefty price. Planning tip: Book your Blue Train ride during the low season (Nov–Aug) for significantly lower fares. 12. Follow the enchanting Garden Route Take a scenic road trip through seaside villages, glittering beaches and misty mountains along the Garden Route , which some call the Garden of Eden. You can drive the 200km (125 miles) straight through, from Mossel Bay to Storms River, but this is one to take your time dipping into. Scuba dive to see Knysna seahorses, surf crashing waves, hike shadowy forests, see elephants in the wild, bungee jump into a plunging gorge, or simply plunk down on an empty beach. Good bases are Plettenberg Bay and Knysna . A minimum of four days is recommended, though you could seriously spend weeks here. Detour: Make a Saturday morning pit stop at Wild Oats Community Farmers Market for fresh produce, baked goods, breakfast and more, just 1.5km (1 mile) east of Sedgefield. The market is a beloved Garden Route stop. Stop at Boulders Beach on your way to Cape Point to see African penguins. iStockphoto/Getty Images 13. Drive from Cape Town to Africa’s southwesternmost point The Atlantic and Indian Oceans converge at historic Cape Point – aka the Cape of Good Hope – about 65km (40 miles) south of Cape Town. It’s thrilling to stand on this wind-blown, jagged landmass jutting into the sea, the southwesternmost point in Africa, observing the roiling waves and indigo waters as far as the eye can see. These treacherous waves have been the bane of seafarers for centuries, causing hundreds of shipwrecks. For spectacular views, jump on the Flying Dutchman Funicular or walk the steps to the 86m (285ft) lighthouse-topped summit. Planning tip: Don’t rush your journey here. A drive from Cape Town reveals along the way dazzling beaches, cliffside vistas, fishing villages, and miles and miles of remote bushveld inhabited by zebras, ostriches and baboons. The African penguin colony at Boulders Beach is one of only two land-based penguin colonies in the world. 14. Sample Cape Town’s culinary heritage Throughout Cape Town’s long history of colonization and immigration, a parade of cultures has taken root, each contributing its unique traditions and customs. The most obvious – and cherished – result is the city’s diverse, innovative cuisine. Many call Cape Town the foodie capital of South Africa. You’ll find dishes influenced by the British, French, Indians, Dutch, Asians, Africans and more. The Cape Malay, for example, is a community influenced by southern African, Asian (especially Indonesian) and Dutch cultures; they’re known for their variety of spice-infused bredies (stews), curries, savory snacks and porrings (a warm pudding). Braai – derived from the Dutch word braden, meaning "to roast" – has become ubiquitous throughout the country. But braai is much more than barbecuing meat: it’s a social event where friends and family gather. Many township tours offer a traditional braai experience. Local chefs are taking note of this rich cultural heritage. Chef Luke Dale-Roberts’ three award-winning Cape Town restaurants – Test Kitchen, Pot Luck Club and Shortmarket Club – are prime examples, with their innovative twists on traditional fare. Planning tip: Making restaurant and hotel reservations will be much easier if you avoid traveling during the peak Christmas and Easter seasons. 15. Go on a sky safari in the Karoo The Karoo’s sparsely populated landscapes are immense by day, and its skies are just as vast by night. In this magical semi-desert realm – encompassing nearly 500,000 sq km (1.9 million sq miles) within Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape and the Free State – the stars pierce some of the Earth’s darkest, cleanest skies, seemingly so close you can reach out and touch them. It’s no wonder that the South African Astronomical Observatory , the southern hemisphere’s largest, is found here. You can take a guided tour by day, but the nighttime stargazing safaris are the major draw. Planning tip: The charming, historic town of Prince Albert is a good stargazing base The highlights of South Africa South Africa is a multifaceted travel destination and is peppered with countless tourist highlights. This selection provides an overview of the country's most popular destinations. We will be happy to advise you on putting together your own individual tour. Cape Town and Cape Peninsula Cape Town, the "Mother City" and oldest city in South Africa, is the starting or ending point for most travelers to explore the Rainbow Nation. Cape Town is rightly considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world and offers many historic buildings, first-class restaurants, countless shopping opportunities, great beaches and varied landscapes. The main attraction is the city's landmark: Table Mountain. A cable car or various hiking trails take you up the 1000 meters to the top, from where you can get the best overview of the city with a breathtaking view. The last cable car only descends after sunset, making Table Mountain the perfect place for an unforgettable sundowner. However, the mountain is often closed due to bad weather. Visitors to Cape Town should therefore take the first opportunity they get and not wait until the last day. The tourist heart of the city beats on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Countless stores and restaurants invite you to linger and stroll around. The ferry to Robben Island, the former prison island during the apartheid era, also departs from here. The high-security camp, where Nelson Mandela also spent a long time, is now a museum and former prisoners bring visitors closer to the history of the struggle for freedom and independence. A stroll through the center of Cape Town is also worthwhile. Sights such as the flea market on Green Market Square, the Castle of Good Hope, Cityhall and Company's Garden are within easy walking distance of the Waterfront. Most of the museums are also located around Company's Garden. The colorful Bo-Kaap district is a popular photo motif. Trendy people swear by the trendy De Waterkant district. For sun-seekers, Cape Town offers a variety of beaches. The most famous Atlantic beaches can be found at Clifton, Camps Bay and in the suburbs of Bloubergstrand, Llandudno, Hout Bay and Noordhoek. However, the cold Atlantic current means that not everyone enjoys swimming. The water in the Indian Ocean at False Bay is somewhat warmer. There are beautiful beaches in Gordons Bay, Strand, Muizenberg, St. James, Fishhoek and Simons Town. The latter is also home to Boulders Beach, which has become famous for its penguin colony. Here you can watch the penguins on footbridges built through the dunes and even swim with them in one section. You should also definitely visit the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve south of Cape Town with Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. As well as being the most south-westerly point in Africa, the Cape Peninsula is home to interesting flora and fauna. Other highlights include Chapmans Peak Drive (one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world, connecting Noordhoek and Hout Bay), the old wine region of Constantia, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens and the creative Woodstock district with its Saturday Old Biscuit Mill Market and some of the city's best restaurants. You should allow at least three days for the "Mother City", but even in two weeks Cape Town and its surroundings will never be boring. Wine regions The most famous South African wine regions of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek are only around 50 km from Cape Town. While Paarl is only of interest to wine connoisseurs, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch in particular offer plenty of sights for those who are not quite so interested in wine. Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa and has a beautiful historic center in the Cape Dutch architectural style. Thanks to the local university, the town is very lively and offers many boutiques and cafés. Countless wineries are lined up here. The regions have joined together in so-called wine routes. While the producers of fine wines tend to be small and cozy, other wineries offer a wide range of tourist attractions such as restaurants, parks and amusements. If you don't want to stay overnight in the wine regions, you can also experience the area on day trips from Cape Town. There are also more and more up-and-coming wine-growing areas in many other regions of the Western Cape, e.g. in Robertson or near Hermanus. However, all wine regions have one thing in common: they are home to by far the best restaurants in the country, some of which are world-renowned. Walküste and Overberg From June to November, there are good to very good whale watching opportunities along the entire coast of South Africa, even from land. In the area from Hermanus (around 100 km east of Cape Town) to De Hoop National Park, there are particularly large numbers of whales very close to the coast. This is why this section is often referred to as the Whale Coast. Hermanus is a very touristy place and offers countless hotels, guest houses, restaurants, cafés and stores. In the whale season, the town is bursting at the seams. Despite all the hustle and bustle, the whale sightings from the countless cliffs of the steep coast are breathtaking. Nowhere else in South Africa do the impressive marine mammals come so close to the coast. But Hermanus has much more to offer, so a visit outside the whale season makes perfect sense. The Hemel-En-Aarde Valley is the country's most up-and-coming wine region. The Fernkloof Nature Reserve offers beautiful walks through the fynbos vegetation with magnificent sea views. Grotto Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. Things are much quieter in the small coastal town of Arniston, which is one of the visual highlights of the area and offers two unique attractions: the traditional fishing village of Kassiesbaai and the Waenhuiskrans Cave. The white sandy beaches are endless and whale watching (seasonal) from the dunes is wonderful. Highlights of the area are the De Hoop and De Mond nature reserves. Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point in Africa with its striking lighthouse, is also nearby. But the hinterland of the Whale Coast, the Overberg district, is also interesting. If you have some time, you should use the local regional roads instead of the N2 between Swellendam and Somerset West. There are endless farms, up-and-coming wineries, cozy little villages, secluded nature reserves, mighty mountain ranges and unique curiosities such as the last hand-operated floating pontoon over the Breede River near Malgas. Little Karoo and Karoo semi-desert Much more exciting than driving along the coast on the N2 is the route via the famous Route 62, the old connecting road between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, which exudes a Wild West atmosphere. The similarity in name to the American Route 66 is therefore not entirely coincidental. The most beautiful part of Route 62 is between Montagu and Oudtshoorn. The route is well developed and actually always empty. You won't get much faster on the busy N2, but Route 62 is significantly more beautiful. Oudtshoorn is the "ostrich capital" of South Africa and the jewel of the Little Karoo semi-desert. There are many ostrich farms here in the dry interior and, more recently, some interesting wineries. The Cango Caves, a huge stalactite cave landscape, are definitely worth a visit. Oudtshoorn itself offers plenty of restaurants and stores. The Karoo National Park is located near Beaufort West. This unique landscape is home to antelopes, mountain zebras, rhinos and around 200 different bird species. Graaff-Reinet is the heart of the Karoo. The fourth oldest town in South Africa is a living museum and architecturally more than interesting. Over 200 buildings are listed as historical monuments. The Valley Of Desolation in the nearby Camdeboo Nature Reserve is also famous for its bizarre rock formations - a paradise for hikers. The Mountain Zebra National Park near Cradock is one of the most scenic parks in the region and is home to the rare Cape mountain zebra as well as lions, buffalo and various species of antelope. Garden Route The Garden Route is certainly one of South Africa's best-known attractions. However, nobody knows exactly where it actually starts or ends and who gave it its name. In any case, you will look in vain for flowering gardens or anything similar. Nevertheless, nature has clearly left its mark on this area. Fynbos vegetation alternates with dense pristine forests, river and lake landscapes and beautiful stretches of coastline. The most beautiful part of the Garden Route lies between Wilderness and the Tsitsikamma National Park. Wilderness, with the national park of the same name, does not really live up to its name. Even at the height of summer, it is unusually green here and seldom scorching hot. The beaches are endless and mostly deserted. The national park invites you to go hiking. The flora and fauna are unique. In short: the ideal place to relax and linger. Segdefield is the big unknown on the Garden Route for tourists from overseas. South Africans tend to spend their vacations here. The large Wild Oats Farmers Market is held on Saturday mornings, where many local products from the surrounding farms and galleries are sold. The beaches are unique. The hinterland is characterized by large lake landscapes and dense forests. Knysna, on the other hand, is much busier. The tourist town is inviting with many restaurants, cafes, boutiques and stores. Boat trips to the famous lagoon and the Featherbed Nature Reserve depart from the waterfront, and in the whale season also to the open sea. Knysna is the "Oyster Capital" of South Africa, famous for its excellent oysters. Nearby Buffalo Bay is ideal for a day at the beach. The dense forests of the hinterland are ideal for hiking. Plettenberg Bay is one of the wealthiest places in the country. Many wealthy Johannesburgers have built their vacation villas on the beach here. There are great swimming opportunities at the mouth of the Keurbooms River. The river also offers good leisure activities such as fishing, canoeing and more. The Crags is home to some very interesting animal sanctuaries. In Monkeyland you can walk through the jungle with various free-roaming primates. Birds Of Eden is the largest free-flight aviary in the southern hemisphere. Tenikwa and Jukani are breeding stations for big cats. Tsitsikamma National Park and Addo Elephant Park The Tsitsikamma National Park marks the beginning of the Eastern Cape province. In the western part of the park, Nature's Valley, there are many excellent hiking trails along the secluded beaches and through the pristine forests. To best enjoy the beauty of these surroundings, you should leave the N2 and drive through the valley on the old R102. The Natures Valley is one of the highlights of the region. The eastern part of Tsitsikamma is much more touristy. There are also many hiking trails in the Storms River Restcamp. The Suspension Bridge, a large suspension bridge over the Storms River, is a popular photo motif. Boat trips can be booked on the river into the pristine forests. The Tsitsikamma National Park is the largest contiguous primeval forest in South Africa. It is home to some of the so-called Big Trees, yellowwood trees that are over 800 years old and over 40 meters high. Addo Elephant Park is the westernmost of the state national parks and is home to the "Big Five", i.e. lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard. However, the big cats are only found in small numbers. The entire Eastern Cape is malaria-free, which is particularly interesting for families with children. The park now extends to the coast, making it the only "Big Seven" national park in South Africa where you can also spot whales (seasonally) and great white sharks. There are some interesting private game reserves at Addo and further east, some of which are home to the Big Five. The accommodation prices here are expensive to very expensive, but you have a much more exclusive bush experience than in the state-run and rather overcrowded Addo. Some of the private reserves also offer day safaris at quite affordable rates. Sunshine Coast Jeffreys Bay and St. Francis Bay with its many thatched cottages are popular seaside resorts on the Sunshine Coast, which stretches from Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) to East London. Port Elizabeth is the fifth largest city in South Africa and oscillates between busy industrial city and sunny vacation paradise. It is said to have the most hours of sunshine per year in the whole country. PE, as the locals call their city, has some good shopping opportunities and beautiful city beaches along Algoa Bay. There are also some interesting historical buildings to visit. Grahamstown is a pretty town with many old buildings from the Victorian and Georgian era. Several interesting museums can be visited here. Hogsback in the Amatola Mountains is still an absolute insider tip. The mountain world and the pristine forests are breathtaking. Hiking trails lead to various waterfalls. You feel like you've been transported to Middle-earth, which is why it was long rumored that JRR Tolkien was born here. It is now known that he was born in Bloemfontein, but this does not detract from the beauty of the area. East London marks the end point of the Sunshine Coast, which is well developed for tourism. The harbor town on the Buffalo River has an interesting old town center and some beautiful city beaches. Nearby Cintsa, the gateway to the Wild Coast, offers pure beach life. Wild Coast On the "wild coast" between East London and Durban, you can experience an authentic South Africa. The security situation is much better than you might read in some older travel guides. The people are friendly, the landscape is unique and the secluded beaches are among the most beautiful in the whole of South Africa. This is why the Wild Coast is one of the highlights of the country, even though - or perhaps because - the tourist infrastructure here is still in its infancy. There are only a few and generally very basic accommodations and the coast is usually only accessible via cul-de-sacs. For this reason, the area of the Xhosa tribe, to which Nelson Mandela also belonged, was long reserved for adventurers. Nevertheless, the main traffic arteries of the Wild Coast, the N2 and R61, are now in relatively good condition. However, they wind their way over many hills and through many villages. You should allow considerably more time for this route than for overland journeys in other areas of South Africa. Coffee Bay is one of the most beautiful places on the coast, about 80 km from the N2 and can be reached via a paved road. The bay is well sheltered, so swimming is possible without any problems even in heavy seas (caution: no shark nets). Nearby is the natural stone bridge "Hole In The Wall", an attraction in the region, which you can also hike to from Coffee Bay. By car, there is a 20 km drive on a dirt road, but this can be managed with a normal car. Port St. Johns is the largest town on the coast and can be reached via the tarred R61. The harbor town in a spectacular location on the Mzimvubu River offers unique beaches as well as some restaurants and accommodation. An insider tip is the Mkambati Nature Reserve, which is home to wildebeest, bucks, antelopes and some rare bird species. The beaches of nearby Port Grosvenor are a paradise. Both attractions can only be reached via unpaved roads, which are difficult to drive on in a normal car. Durban and surroundings Durban is the lively metropolis of the province of KwaZulu-Natal and a melting pot of cultures. A particularly large number of South Africans of Indian origin live here alongside Zulus and whites. The city center and the Golden Mile beach promenade have unfortunately left their best days behind them. You should move around with caution, especially in the evening. The uShaka Marine World on South Beach is an entertainment center with an aquarium, water slide park, restaurants and stores. Things are quieter north and south of Durban on the coast. Here, one vacation resort follows another, some of which have grown enormously in recent years. Umhlanga Rocks is a safe and popular place for vacationers. There are many restaurants, a shopping center and accommodation here. The same applies to Ballito and Umdloti. Lesotho The Kingdom of Lesotho, which is completely surrounded by South Africa, is one of the highest countries in the world and is also known as the "Roof of Africa". The parts of the country lie at an altitude of between 1400 and 2000 meters, with some mountain peaks even exceeding 3000 meters. The high plateaus are criss-crossed by river valleys and inselbergs. Lesotho is a sovereign state with its own entry requirements. The infrastructure is quite rudimentary. Only a few roads can be used by normal cars. The tourist offer is also manageable. However, those who embark on the Lesotho adventure will be rewarded with magnificent nature and plenty of unspoiled nature. In the South African winter from June to August, it can sometimes snow heavily. Lesotho therefore has the only ski area in southern Africa with cross-country ski trails, pistes, lifts and ski huts. Drakensberg Mountains The Drakensberg is an impressive mountain range along the eastern border between South Africa and Lesotho. Great nature reserves invite you to go hiking. The highlight of the southern Drakensberg is the Sani Pass, the only southern connection between the two countries. The pass can only be accessed by four-wheel drive vehicles, but there are guided day tours from Himeville and Underberg. The northern Drakensberg Mountains are much more impressive and therefore preferable for a short stay. The Royal Natal National Park with its famous amphitheater is the highlight of this region, but Cathedral Peak and Champagne Castle are also worth a visit and offer many hiking trails. A good starting point for exploring the northern Drakensberg is the small town of Bergville. Zululand The region around the small towns of St. Lucia, Hluhluwe and Mkuze offers countless highlights. Zulu culture, Big Five game reserves, secluded beaches and endless lake landscapes offer a wealth of attractions. There is a slight risk of malaria here in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stretches from the cozy tourist town of St. Lucia to the Mozambican border. On boat trips, you can experience hippos, crocodiles and the unique birdlife at the confluence of salt and fresh water. The beaches are endless and deserted. The Eastern Shore Section of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park offers a unique beach and bush experience. This unique evergreen sanctuary stretches from the small town of St. Lucia up to the unique beach of Cape Vidal and is home to hippos, elephants, rhinos, antelopes, leopards and impressive birdlife. The Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is the oldest wildlife park in South Africa and perhaps the most beautiful of all. The park is divided into the northern Hluhluwe section and the southern Imfolozi section. Thanks to the subtropical climate, it is always lush and green here, even in the dry season. The population of white and black rhino is particularly noteworthy, but you can also marvel at the rest of the Big Five here. Sodwana Bay is South Africa's diver's paradise and is easy to reach thanks to the paved road. Nevertheless, this sun-drenched gem has so far been spared mass tourism. The beaches here just before the Mozambican border are unique and even in winter it can get really hot here. The other game reserves in the region are also worth a visit, e.g. the Mkuze or Ithala Game Reserve. The Ndumo Pan in the Mkuze Game Reserve is beautiful, a unique swamp and lake landscape with an abundance of birds. However, there is much less big game here. For a shorter stay, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park are preferable. In Zululand, you can also visit some reconstructed traditional Zulu villages, so-called kraals. However, these are mostly nothing more than fairground events. Eswatini The Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) borders South Africa and Mozambique and offers an authentic African experience. To continue your journey between Zululand and the Kruger Park, you can also take the N2 south around Eswatini, but crossing the country offers an interesting facet to a trip to South Africa. The kingdom is a sovereign state with its own entry requirements. The center of the small country is the Ezulwini Valley with the two towns of Mbabane and Manzini. The valley offers many hiking and other activities. It is also home to the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to antelopes, zebras, giraffes, crocodiles and hippos. The locals are gifted artisans and souvenirs are usually cheaper here than in South Africa. While the mountainous part in the south-west of the country is considered malaria-free, the north-eastern lowlands bordering Mozambique have a slight risk of malaria. Kruger Park and Panorama Route One of the largest and most famous national parks in South Africa is, of course, Kruger Park. It lies on the borders with Mozambique and Zimbabwe and covers an area roughly the size of the Netherlands. For a short stay, the southern part of the park is preferable due to its abundance of animals. There are paved and unpaved roads for self-drivers. However, everyone should take at least one guided game drive in an open off-road vehicle with a local ranger - a first-class safari experience. The best time of year for safaris is the South African winter between May and October, as this is the dry season. The grass is low, the trees have few leaves and the animals are forced to come to the waterholes to drink. Ideal observation opportunities. During the day it is pleasantly warm at 20°C to 25°C and almost always sunny. During this time, the risk of malaria is low. In the period from November to March it rains more often (mostly at night) and it is very warm to hot. The risk of malaria is higher during this time. The Panorama Route leads through the most beautiful sections of the northern foothills of the Drakensberg and is one of the visual highlights of any visit to South Africa. The area around the Blyde River Canyon offers breathtaking views, countless waterfalls, bizarre rock formations and historic sites such as the former gold mining town of Pilgrim's Rest. Highlights such as God's Window, the Three Rondavels, Long Tom Pass, the Mac Mac Pools and no less than the end of the world (World's End) are very close to each other and can be admired on a round trip. Small towns such as Sabie or Hazyview invite you to linger. In the higher part of the Panorama Route (Highveld), where most of the sights are located, there is no risk of malaria. Other game reserves and national parks in the northeast On the western border of the Kruger Park are the so-called Private Game Reserves. In contrast to the state-run Kruger Park, only overnight guests have access here. You stay in luxurious lodges and experience the beautiful flora and fauna on guided game drives under expert guidance. In good weather, dinner is served in the open air around a campfire. The best known (and most expensive) private reserve in the Kruger Park is Sabi Sand, but there are also some cheaper alternatives of similar quality. Most reserves have the Big Five. The risk of malaria is similar to Kruger Park. Other interesting game reserves and national parks in the north-east can be found in the region around the Waterberge in the province of Limpopo. The best known are the state-owned Marakele National Park and the private reserves Welgevonden and Entabeni. The Pilanesberg National Park on the site of a former volcanic crater is very beautiful and only about an hour and a half's drive from Johannesburg. The Madikwe Game Reserve is located on the border with Botswana. All of these reserves and national parks are home to the Big Five, are malaria-free and therefore ideal for families. Johannesburg, Pretoria and Soweto Johannesburg is the country's business center and is usually the start or end point of a trip to South Africa for tourists. Unfortunately, the security situation in the city center and some suburbs is still not ideal, but there are some bright spots, such as the up-and-coming artists' district of Maboneng. The best way to experience the sights of the "City Of Gold" is on a guided tour. The northern suburbs around Rosebank and Sandton are quite quiet with many restaurants and shopping centers. There are several theme and amusement parks, such as Gold Reef City, a former gold mine with a funfair attached. Pretoria (Tshwane) is the capital of the country and is steeped in history. There are some interesting buildings and monuments to visit here, for example the Union Buildings, Church Square or the Voortrekker Monument. There are also some good museums to visit. A highlight of the city is the Jakaranda blossom in October, when entire streets are transformed into purple flowering avenues. About an hour from Johannesburg or Pretoria are the Sterkfontein Caves, known as the Cradle of Humankind. Fossils of the oldest human species that lived over two million years ago were discovered in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. They are among the oldest hominin finds in the world. Soweto is the largest township in South Africa with over one million inhabitants. Even though there are now some up-and-coming and more affluent districts here, corrugated iron huts without electricity or running water still predominate. Culturally, Soweto is very much on the up. There are pubs, restaurants and nightclubs, and even some hotels and guesthouses have now opened here. However, tourists should only visit Soweto in the company of locals who know the area or on a guided tour. Then, however, a visit to the township is a real cultural experience. Northern Cape The Northern Cape on the border with Namibia and Botswana is South Africa's largest province in terms of area and part of the vast Kalahari Desert ecosystem. The region's best-known national park is the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, which was created by merging the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa and the Gemsbok National Park in Botswana. The protected area, which is twice the size of Kruger Park, is very pristine and should only be explored with a four-wheel drive vehicle. Kgalagadi means "land of thirst". The sparse flora and fauna have adapted to the prevailing conditions. In addition to smaller mammals, it is mainly big cats such as lions, leopards or the rare African wild cats and antelopes such as elands and oryxes that can be observed. The Augrabies Falls National Park, where the Orange River cascades over a width of 135 meters, is more easily accessible. In addition to a number of big cats and antelope species, the park is also home to giraffes and zebras. Another attraction is Moon Rock, a massive and impressive rock formation. With a length of almost 2200 km, the mighty Orange River is the second longest river in southern Africa and transforms parts of the otherwise dry surroundings into a green paradise, so that even wine-growing is possible in Upington, for example. The Namaqualand around the small town of Springbok is transformed into an endless sea of colorful flowers during the Wild Flower Season in the South African spring from August to September. For this travel time, the few accommodations should be booked as early as possible. West Coast About 300 km north of Cape Town lie the Cederberg Mountains, an area that is still relatively undeveloped for tourism. This natural paradise was named after an endemic species of cedar tree, which is now very rare. The small town of Clanwilliam is a good base from which to explore the region. However, there are also some remote luxury lodges in the middle of endless nature. The center is the Cederberg Wilderness Area with an area of over 70,000 hectares, a gem for hikers with a thirst for adventure. In the South African summer it is very hot, in winter snow can fall on the mountains, which are up to 2000m high. Incidentally, the famous rooibos tea, which only grows here, comes from the Cederberg. The almost northern European-looking west coast offers some interesting fishing villages, which have so far only played a role for the locals in terms of tourism. Good food, with lots of seafood of course, is the main attraction here, along with all kinds of water sports. Small and interesting places are Lamberts Bay, Elands Bay and Yzerfontein, while Langebaan and Paternoster are somewhat busier. The latter is the gourmet stronghold of this coastal region; the Wolfgat Restaurant, which seats just 20 people, was named the best restaurant in the world in 2019. One highlight is the easily accessible West Coast National Park, located around an hour and a half's drive northwest of Cape Town, which is one of the largest protected areas on South Africa's coasts with an area of over 30,000 hectares. White sandy beaches, crystal blue sea and lush fynbos vegetation are the visual eye-catcher, enhanced by the wildflower bloom in the months of August to September. In the South African winter months from June to November, whales are drawn to the shallow lagoons. Mammals such as various antelope species and zebras as well as impressive birdlife can also be observed. BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

Places & Attractions South Africa is a country with a rich cultural heritage and diverse beauty. From the bustling city of Johannesburg to the stunning beaches of Cape Town, there are countless places to visit and attractions to see. Some of the must-visit places include Kruger National Park, Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the Apar Museum. Whether you're interested in history, wildlife, or simply soaking up the sun, South Africa has something for everyone. Click Here More Information ATTRACTIONS & PLACES TO VISIT western cape16 Castle-of-Good-Hope south-africa-cape-grace western cape16 1/14 The Union Building The Union Building in Pretoria, South Africa, is a landmark that has played a significant role in the country's political. Built in 1913, the building served as the administrative center for the Union of South Africa, which was formed in 1910. It was also the site of Nelson Mandela's presidential inauguration in 199, marking the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new era in South African history. Today, the Union Building remains an important symbol of democracy and freedom in the country. Suncity Casino Suncity in South Africa is a world-renowned resort and casino complex offers a unique blend of entertainment, relaxation and adventure. Located in the heart of the North West Province, Suncity boasts a range of luxurious hotels, restaurants, and attractions that cater to every taste and budget. Whether're looking for a romantic getaway, a family, or a thrilling experience, Suncity something for everyone. Cape Castle Capetown The Cape Castle in Cape Town is a historic that was built by the Dutch East India Company in the 17th century. It served as a strategic base for the Dutch to protect their trade route to the East. Over the years, the castle has been used for various purposes, including a prison and a military base. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Town's rich history. Fish Hoek in Capetown Fish Hoek is a charming coastal town located in the southern of Cape Town, South Africa. The has a rich history dating back to the early1800s when it was first settled by Dutch farmers. Over the years, Fish Hoek has grown into a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful, stunning scenery, and relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're looking to soak up the sun, explore the local culture, or simply unwind and relax, Fish Hoek has something for everyone. South Africa’s top 10 incredible attractions Ask anyone and they’ll tell you, South Africa boasts amazing tourist attractions that are worth visiting more than once. But where does one even start? Here’s a list of top 10 attractions that you should tick off your “to-do” list. 1) Table Mountain Sitting at 1,085m above sea level, you’re guaranteed incredible sunset views of Cape Town and surrounds on the new 7 Wonders of the World – the magnificent Table Mountain. Sprawling with indigenous plants such as the Protea and wildlife including adorable Dassies (rock badgers), Table Mountain is the ideal spot to witness nature at its best. Get a bird’s eye view of the city below from the Table Mountain Cable Way. 2) Cradle of Mankind Imagine what life was like in South Africa millions of years ago. Now you can when you visit the Cradle of Mankind in Gauteng, just northwest of Johannesburg. This World Heritage Site is a treasure trove of fossilised history, and home to the remains of our ancestors – the Hominids. Go back in time and discover an ancient world of dinosaur fossils, hominid skeletons and evidence of their existence at the Maropeng Visitor Centre and the Sterkfontein Caves. 3) Robben Island Of course, a visit to the Cape Town (The Mother City) is not complete without a boat trip to Robben Island. One can almost feel the spirit of legendary Tata Madiba - Nelson Mandela on the island, where he spent 27 years in incarceration. Take a tour of his former prison cell and learn more about his years spent on the island with other struggle fighters. 4) The Cape Winelands Who doesn’t like to swirl and sip delicious and award-winning wines? Even if you’re not a wine connoisseur, everyone can appreciate a good glass of wine. There’s no doubt South Africa, particularly the Western Cape is gateway to incredible wines that’s made in centuries old vineyards across the province. From Stellenbosch to Franschoek, drive along the wine route and enjoy wine tasting along with food pairing to tickle your palate. 5) The Drakensberg Mountains Did You Know? The Golden Gate Highlands National Park is 2200 metres above sea level? Reaching a whopping 3482 metres above sea level, the Drakensberg Mountains covers a distance of over 1000 kilometres. Thabana Ntlenyana is its highest peak and can be found around the area bordering Lesotho. 6) The Kruger National Park Expect to see the 'King of the Jungle' in its natural domain, ruling over the savannah... and the roads. The Kruger National Park is a gateway into the wild, where visitors get to see the Big Five including lions and other fierce cats in their prime. 7) Soweto From the former home of legendary Nelson and Winnie Mandela to other prominent struggle fighters who fought for equality during apartheid, visit Soweto to get a real sense of South Africa’s past and an in-depth look into the lives of those who once lived there. Go on a Sowetan tour, including a visit to nearby taverns to enjoy local beer, braai (barbeque) and experience the vibe of the township. 8) Blyde River Canyon Travelling to Mpumalanga requires a stopover at the Blyde River Canyon. There’s so much to see at this incredible part of the province, including God’s Window – an attraction that will greet you with sweeping views of the valley below. 9) Sun City Resort In 1979 the Sun City Resort was built and houses the Valley of Waves. It’s situated along the border of the Pilanesberg National Park and is known for its casino entertainment, water theme park and renowned for its safari adventures. 10) Golden Gate Highlands National Park Situated in the enchanting Golden Gate National Park in the heart of the Free State and at the foot of the Drakensberg Mountains, it's the perfect place to find South Africa and yourself. From Stellenbosch to Franschoek, drive along the wine route and enjoy wine tasting along with food pairing to tickle your palate. One of the continent’s most popular countries to visit, South Africa boasts loads of epic scenery and amazing wildlife. Asides from safaris and nature spots, some parts are just as famed for their wines and whale-watching or surfing and shark cage diving. Occupying the southernmost end of Africa, the ‘Rainbow Nation’ is bordered by the Atlantic and Indian oceans. A biodiversity hotspot, it includes everything from dramatic deserts and gorges to savannahs, mountains and wine lands. Dotted all about the huge country are gigantic game parks and nature reserves home to the Big 5. While Cape Town and Kruger National Park dominate most peoples’ itineraries, almost every corner of South Africa has new and interesting things to do to offer. Visitors quickly discover that the rich history and colourful inhabitants ideally complement the top tourist attractions in South Africa, which creates an unforgettable experience. e to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. Top Tourist Attractions in South Africa One of the continent’s most popular countries to visit, South Africa boasts loads of epic scenery and amazing wildlife. Asides from safaris and nature spots, some parts are just as famed for their wines and whale-watching or surfing and shark cage diving. Occupying the southernmost end of Africa, the ‘Rainbow Nation’ is bordered by the Atlantic and Indian oceans. A biodiversity hotspot, it includes everything from dramatic deserts and gorges to savannahs, mountains and wine lands. Dotted all about the huge country are gigantic game parks and nature reserves home to the Big 5. While Cape Town and Kruger National Park dominate most peoples’ itineraries, almost every corner of South Africa has new and interesting things to do to offer. Visitors quickly discover that the rich history and colourful inhabitants ideally complement the top tourist attractions in South Africa, which creates an unforgettable experience. Table of Contents Sabi Sands Game Reserve Part of the Mpumalanga province, the sprawling Sabi Sands Game Reserve lies nestled in the northeast of the country. One of the most luxurious safari experiences you can have, its top-end lodges almost guarantee up-close encounters with incredible animals. Named after the two rivers that flow through it, the park was founded as a private game reserve in 1938. Now dedicated to conservation, it has hundreds of species of animals, birds and reptiles residing within its confines. The most sought after and special to see are, of course, the Big 5. As the upscale lodges employ expert guides and trackers, guests return raving about all the elusive animals they’ve seen. Thanks to their efforts, you can often watch leopards, elephants and lions roam about, right beside the jeep. It is these superb safaris and the five-star service that make the considerable outlay well worth it. Cape Agulhas, Western Cape The southernmost tip of the African continent, Cape Agulhas is where both the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet. Oft-overlooked in favour of Cape Point, which is much closer to Cape Town, it contains some absolutely stunning scenery. In addition, there is also a charming old lighthouse and a photo spot to prove you’ve been here. Fittingly named ‘Cape of Needles’ by Portuguese navigators, it overlooks a rough patch of sea renowned for winter storms and rogue waves. To protect the sailors and ships rounding the cape, a lonely lighthouse was built here in 1849. Its red-and-white striped tower now makes for some fantastic photos as does the large metal relief map of Africa nearby. There is also a scenic boardwalk to stroll along and rock pools to explore. Although it is nowhere near the country’s most impressive bit of coastline, we were still happy we stopped by while driving along the Garden Route. It was quite special seeing the oceans meet and their glittering waves stretching away endlessly into the distance. Surfing in Jeffreys Bay One of the best surf spots in the world, the laidback town of Jeffreys Bay can be found in the Eastern Cape, about an hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth. Known for its consistent swells, breaks and big waves, it hosts top-class surfing competitions each year. Since The Endless Summer surf documentary came out in the sixties, both expert and amateur surfers have flocked to J-Bay. It is most famed for its fast right-hand point break that sometimes continues for over a kilometre. At times, its waves also reach up to three metres in height with the Super Tubes stretch being the most popular. Even if you’re not into surfing or are fed up with falling off your board, Jeffreys Bay is still a nice place to spend some time. It has beautiful beaches full of pretty shells to lounge on before trying some of its delicious seafood restaurants. Addo Elephant National Park Also lying near PE (or Gqebera as the coastal city is now known) is the Addo Elephant National Park. One of the most popular places to visit in SA, it houses over 600 of the enormous animals. Whales and white sharks can also sometimes be spied in its waters. Established in 1931 to protect the area’s last eleven elephants, it is now the third-largest park in the country behind Kruger and Kgalagadi. Besides herds of zebra, antelopes and Cape buffaloes, you can also see rhinos, lions and leopards amidst the bush. Cute African penguins and Cape gannets form large breeding colonies along the coast and on its two offshore islands. Hiking and horseback riding about the park is a truly epic experience as is taking a night safari to see its nocturnal creatures. The only park in the world that boasts the ‘Big 7’, Addo definitely isn’t to be missed out on. Wildflowers of Namaqua A natural phenomenon like no other, the semi-desert area of Namaqua is transformed each spring when thousands of succulents seemingly shoot up over night. Watching the colourful wildflowers bloom in the remote region is now an increasingly popular activity. Spread across a large part of the Northern Cape, the biodiversity hotspot contains roughly 5,000 species of plant. Many of these are endemic to the area and can survive amidst all its dry and dusty landscapes. In August and September of the year, the biome changes dramatically for just several weeks thanks to the winter’s rains. During this period, succulents paint the desert a mesmerizing mix of colors with daisies and lilies seen next to aloes and even quiver trees. Cool rock formations and a diverse array of animals can also be seen from Namaqua’s scenic roads and trails. Sun City Resort If after all the sightseeing and safaris you’re looking to kick back and relax in style, then Sun City Resort is the place to go. At the ‘Las Vegas of South Africa’, guests can enjoy fun water parks, golf courses and a casino. Long a popular holiday and weekend destination, the resort opened in 1979 amidst the rolling mountains outside of Rustenburg. Nowadays, its four high-end hotels offer up all kinds of exciting family-friendly activities and exhilarating watersports. Asides from rides and water slides, you can quad bike and water ski or try your luck at the casino. It also has plenty of fine dining options while scintillating shows and events take place all the time. As it only lies two hours drive from Pretoria and Johannesburg, the luxury resort makes for a great getaway. Boulders Penguin Colony As Boulders Beach is located so close to Cape Town, you must go and see its adorable African penguins. Here you can watch the entire colony nest, feed, play and swim about without a care in the world. Since the first two breeding pairs arrived at the beach in 1982, the tiny birds’ numbers have swelled considerably. Around 3,000 now inhabit its sheltered sands and hulking great granite boulders. From its boardwalk, you can see the colony of black-and-white birds bustle about bask in divine views over False Bay. Although a bit pricey for international visitors, the fee does go to protecting their natural habitat and raising awareness about the endangered African penguins. Ride the Blue Train An unforgettable (yet expensive) way to see more of the country is to book a lavish suite aboard the Blue Train. As it is advertised as a ‘five-star hotel on wheels’, expect to pay top dollar for its elegant lounges, fine dining cars and butler service. One of the world’s most luxurious train journeys, the 1,600 kilometer-long line connects Cape Town to Pretoria. Since 1923, countless presidents, politicians and even members of royal families have ridden along the historic route. While relaxing in its carpeted compartments, you can see some of South Africa’s most spellbinding scenery outside the window. In some suites, guests can even sit and soak in a bubble bath as the train trundles along the tracks Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Straddling the border between SA and Botswana is the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park; one of the world’s largest wildlife preserves. Its endless desert landscapes and golden grasslands are home to massive herds of wildebeest and springbok. Here too you can also spy some of the cunning lions, cheetahs and leopards that prey on them. As it lies largely within the southern Kalahari Desert, the park is quite arid. Only sparse vegetation and dried out river beds punctuate its rolling dunes and open plains. Despite its inhospitable nature, KTP is a haven for local wildlife. This is thanks to its hundred or so waterholes that giraffes, gemsbok and eland all congregate around. The only park of its kind in Africa, it was founded in 2000 to protect animals and birds migrating between the two countries. Although you may not see as much wildlife as in Addo and Kruger, the park is still well worth visiting. This is because its bleak but beautiful scenery makes sightings even more special. Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg A harrowing place to visit, the Apartheid Museum covers a hugely important yet horrific part of South Africa’s past. The well-done displays and oral testimonies really highlight the daily atrocities and inhumanity of the racist system. Only opened in 2001 (just seven years after multiracial elections were finally allowed), it occupies a concrete complex in the center of Johannesburg. Once you walk through its racially-segregated entrance, you’ll find rooms packed with photos, videos and artifacts to explore. These chronicle the rise and fall of Apartheid, how races were classified and just what the country’s constitution now includes. Its exhibits will evoke a wide range of emotions, leaving you exhausted but upbeat at the end. As Apartheid’s impact is still sadly seen (and felt) wherever you go in SA, you really have to spend at least half a day here. This will help you better understand all the peoples and places you visit. iSimangaliso Wetland Park Another spot to enjoy for completely different reasons is the iSimangaliso Wetland Park along the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal. After two and a half hours drive from Durban, its idyllic bays, beaches and reefs really are a treat to explore. Home to Africa’s largest estuarine system, its name fittingly means ‘a miracle’ or ‘something wondrous’ in the Zulu language. We certainly found its beauty captivating as savannas and mangrove forests border pristine beaches and waters teeming with life. Here you can see huge numbers of hippos and crocodiles as well as the odd leopard, white rhino and elephant. Playful dolphins and pods of whales can sometimes also be spotted just offshore. Whale-Watching in Hermanus If you want to see more of the majestic mammals, then Hermanus is one of the best places to head. From atop of the popular seaside town’s craggy cliffs, visitors often see whales migrating all along Walker Bay. Memorable boat trips and sea kayak excursions to get an even closer look are also popular things to do in Hermanus. Located just off the Garden Route, the cute little town lies around ninety minutes’ drive southeast of Cape Town. From as early as June through til December, southern right, humpback and minke whales can all be sighted. Watching them slowly swim along its dramatic coastline is an amazing experience you won’t forget anytime soon. Other than sightseeing cruises and walking along its surrounding cliffs, you can visit the Old Harbour Museum and Whale Museum. The town also hosts the annual Hermanus Whale Festival. This celebrates the start of the calving and mating season that occurs in its shallow waters and sandy coves. Robben Island Certainly the most famous historic site in South Africa, Robben Island is where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Now a museum, it offers up a fascinating look at the lives of the inmates during Apartheid. On tours, it is usually ex-prisoners themselves who actually take you around the cell blocks. Discovered by Bartolomeu Dias in 1488, the isolated island was later fortified and used as a prison by the Portuguese, British and Dutch. From 1961, the South African government kept political prisoners here who opposed Apartheid. They were sadly often beaten, fed poor food and forced to work in quarries, particularly in the early years. While the tours conducted by the former political dissidents sound super interesting, we didn’t manage to make it ourselves. On our last day in Cape Town, bad weather meant our short ferry from the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront was unfortunately cancelled. Just be aware this can happen if you’re on a tight schedule. Blyde River Canyon In a country awash with stunning landscapes, scenery and nature, the Blyde River Canyon still manages to stand out. Part of the Mpumalanga province, it is often visited alongside the nearby Kruger National Park by tourists traveling up from Johannesburg. Stretching 26 kilometers in length, the colossal canyon is named after the winding river that runs through it. Coating its steep sides and sweeping slopes are vast swathes of subtropical forest. Twinkling waterfalls also course their way down its stupendous rock formations. For the best panoramas of the canyon and river, head to either the Pinnacle Rock or God’s Window viewpoints. From up high, you can look out over distinctive rocky outcrops such as the Three Rondavels and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. For a different perspective, hike and horseback ride along the canyon floor or enjoy a relaxing cruise along the river. Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve Just inland from both St. Lucia and the iSimangaliso Wetlands is another popular park to hit up: the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve. Mostly hilly, it boasts the Big 5 and one of the largest remaining white rhino populations in the world. The oldest nature reserve in Africa, it was established back in 1895 in what is now central KwaZulu-Natal. Thought to be a royal hunting ground during the days of Shaka, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi is renowned for its rich wildlife and world-class conservation efforts. Much less crowded than Kruger, it contains large numbers of lions, leopards and cape buffaloes. The stars of the show though have to be its wonderful white rhinos. Staying at the rustic Mpila Camp or luxury Rhino Ridge lodge overnight enables you to see even more amazing animals. Wake up early and head out to see everything from hyenas and hippos to crocodiles, cheetahs and wildebeest. Cape Winelands As South Africa is famed for its reds, whites and roses, make sure to take a trip around the Cape Winelands. Covering a large part of the Western Cape, all its fertile farms and vineyards produce some absolutely superb wines. At the heart of the picturesque area is the historic university town of Stellenbosch which is also well worth visiting. Thanks to its hot dry summers and cool wet winters, the region is perfect for growing grapes. Countless top-class wineries coat its plains with tours often taking you around a handful in one go. These allow you to enjoy your time at the attractive estates and not have to worry about driving back. The chic J.C Le Roux pairs some fine sparkling wines with creative food combinations, as does the award-winning Beyerskloof. Wherever you go, you’re guaranteed delicious drinks in a gorgeous setting. On top of all this, you can enjoy outstanding views of the Cape Fold Mountains rising above the region in the distance. Drive the Garden Route After seeing Cape Town and Stellenbosch, many people spend about a week driving along the delightful Garden Route. One of the top things to do in South Africa, it takes you past magnificent coastal scenery and peaceful little seaside towns. From Mossel Bay in the Western Cape, the perfectly paved road meanders its way 170 kilometres to Storms River in the Eastern Cape. While the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountains border it to one side, the other looks out over the ocean. Lining its shores are beautiful beaches, lagoons and tidal pools. As there is so much to do, everyone has a different itinerary. Stops at Plettenburg Bay’s beaches are almost a given though as is whale-watching and ambling around charming coastal towns. Knysna and Nature’s Valley are pretty popular as are shark cage diving trips and hiking Tsitsikamma National Park’s numerous trails. Durban’s Golden Mile A legendary stretch of sand, the Golden Mile is one of the main places in Durban where people relax and enjoy some exercise. Lining its long promenade are dozens of hotels and eateries as well as swimming pools, skate parks and surf spots. Bordered by the central business district, its wide, sandy beaches extend six kilometres or so in length. Overlooking them are lots of high-rises that mostly date to the seventies. Some arresting Art Deco architecture can still also be spied however alongside the busy boardwalk down below. For decades, tourists have flocked here for its flashy entertainment complexes and fun, family-friendly attractions. These include the excellent uShaka Marine World aquarium and Durban Funland amusement park. There is also the Suncoast Casino if you want to try your luck at some table games of slot machines. Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town In contrast to the Golden Mile, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront positively sparkles before your eyes. Immaculately maintained, the shopping and entertainment complex has a lively yet laidback feel. Adding to its appeal is the shimmering sea before it and iconic Table Mountain rising in the background. As one of Cape Town’s largest tourist attractions and most visited destinations, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront invokes images of the earliest days of the harbor. Located right in the heart of Cape Town, you’ll find hundreds of upmarket shops and restaurants along with an excellent art museum, aquarium and African crafts market. Besides shopping, dining and enjoying some of its live entertainment, you can watch the boats come and go or snap photos of its picture-perfect waterfront. From here, you can hop on harbour tours and take trips to Robben Island. Drakensberg Mountains Reaching between 2,000 and 3,482 meters in height are the massive and majestic Drakensberg Mountains. One of the most rugged and wild parts of South Africa, it is known for its jaw-dropping peaks, buttes and death-defying drops. Meaning ‘Dragons’ Mountains’ in Afrikaans, the absolutely enormous escarpment stretches over a thousand kilometers in length. As well as encircling the central South African plateau, it forms the border with the landlocked Kingdom of Lesotho. Countless trails crisscross its steep slopes and sweeping valleys. Some of the most popular places to head are the awe-inspiring Amphitheater cliffs and Cascades series of waterfalls. The ginormous mountain range is also home to Tugela Falls which is impressively the second-highest waterfall in the world. Its dramatic 947 meter drop and all the stunning views make the arduous hike more than worth it. Table Mountain One of the most recognizable landmarks in South Africa, the marvelous Table Mountain towers over Cape Town and its coastline. Famed for its distinctive flat-topped plateau, it offers up some great hiking, rock climbing and wildlife viewing. The panoramas from its summit are also out of this world. Now protected as a national park, its prominent plateau is flanked by the equally arresting Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head. Together with Signal Hill, they form the colossal City Bowl which creates a breathtaking backdrop to the coastal city. Getting the cableway down is an even more memorable experience. As it actually rotates, you enjoy unrivaled views over Cape Town, Table Bay and even Robben Island in the distance. Although it descends over a thousand meters to the city below, the ride only lasts five minutes in total. Kruger National Park Another of South Africa’s most popular attractions is the incredible Kruger National Park in the very northeast of the country. Its confines contain a staggering number of animals with the Big 5 regularly sighted amidst its scenic savanna, woods and grasslands. Now one of Africa’s largest game reserves, it was established in 1926 with Zimbabwe and Mozambique both bordering the park. It encompasses fourteen different ecozones, each of which have their own fauna, flora and landscapes for you to explore. On unforgettable hikes and safaris, you are almost sure to spot some of the thousands of lions, leopards, elephants and rhinos that inhabit its territory. Crocodiles and hippos can also be seen in its reflective lakes and rushing rivers. Dozens of camps are dotted about the park should you want to stay even longer. BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

Camping & Hiking in South Africa South Africa’s best campsites Posted on 15 May 2017 South Africa is full of gorgeous campsites and deciding where to book your next camping holiday can get a little overwhelming. To help narrow down the hundreds of options, we’ve put together a list of our best campsites in South Africa. Whether on the banks of a river, nestled in the mountains, or walking distance from the beach, we’ve got a beautiful campsite waiting for you. Take your pick, and as ever, let us know (in the comments below) if you have a favourite campsite we’ve missed. And please remember to confirm availability and latest prices with each campsite before travelling. Looking for campsites near Joburg? Try these 10 great campsites for a Joburg break . Campsites in Limpopo 1. Zvakanaka Farm, Soutpansberg Location: -22.977981, 29.952550 Zvakanaka Farm, Soutpansberg. On top of the Soutpansberg, just north of Louis Trichardt, the beautiful Zvakanaka Farm is the perfect stop en route to Zimbabwe, Tuli or northern Kruger. The four campsites are private and well-spaced, and the two larger stands have a boma for extra shade and protection from the elements. There’s a small, communal pool a short distance away and the shared ablutions are neat, tidy and beautifully built, with an attention to detail that’s so often lacking in larger, public campsites. Be sure to bring your binos for the excellent bird life, and your walking shoes to tackle some of the many short trails around the farm and up the nearby ridge. Number of stands: 4 private, plus a beautiful cabin and cottage Electricity: Yes, at 2 stands Braai facilities: Yes Shade: Plenty of trees. Large shade/shelter at the 2 powered stands Ground cover: Grass and dirt Pets: No Nearby activities: Hiking and birding Cost: R100 per person (powered) and R75 per person (no power). Max 10 per stand. Kids under 12 half price, and under 4 free Contact: Tel 0844004595, zka.co.za 2. Mazhou Campsite, Mapungubwe National Park Location: -22.240303, 29.408439 View from Mapungubwe Hill, Mapungubwe National Park. Mazhou is a peaceful campsite of 10 stands, surrounded by absolutely breathtaking scenery. Mapungubwe National Park is a World Heritage Site and the camp is an ideal base to start your exploration. Go on sunset or night drives or explore the park on foot with the guided walks. Don’t miss the guided Heritage Walk which takes you to a graveyard on Mapungubwe Hill. The site has a wonderful sense of history and the views from on top are breathtaking. Number of stands: 10 Electricity: Yes Braai facilities: Yes Shade: Partial trees Ground cover: Grass and dirt Pets: No Nearby activities: Museum at the main gate (R55 per person). Daily, guided ‘Heritage Tour’ to the top of Mapungubwe Hill (R230 per person) Important info: Mazhou allows caravans, but no caravans allowed in the eastern section of the park. Closest fuel is Musina, 70km away. Check gate times before travelling Cost: From R265 per stand (2 people), and from R82 per person thereafter (max 6 per stand). R44 daily conservation fee (not applicable to Wild Card holders). Full rates and tariffs here Contact: Tel 0155347923/24, sanparks.org Also read: 5 unusual Gauteng getaways – these are not average B&Bs Campsites in the North West Province 3. Bush Camps, Botsalano Game Reserve Location: -25.560855, 25.709919 For an affordable taste of the Kalahari, Botsalano Game Reserve is a prize – a thornveld escape that’s close to Joburg and has an abundance of springbok, gemsbok, buffalo and giraffe. With luck, you might even spot a rhino. Four rustic bush camps, each with basic ablutions (cold/donkey boiler showers), are scattered around the park in unfenced bush where blue and violet-eared waxbills busy themselves in the acacias. Botsalano is an excellent first stop for trips into Botswana. Number of stands: 4 bush camps. Pre-erected safari tents also available Electricity: No. 3 of the 4 camps have a donkey for hot water Braai facilities: Yes, but bring own grid Shade: Partial thorn trees Ground cover: Sand Pets: No Nearby activities: Game drives and birding Important info: Can get very hot during the day and cold at night Cost: R250 per stand (sleeps 8). Extra R20 per person up to 12 people. Park fees R40 per adult, R25 for kids 2-12 years old. R10 per vehicle, R20 per caravan Contact: Tel 0183868900, botsalano@nwpb.co.za , tourismnorthwest.co.za Campsites in the Northern Cape 4. Augrabies Rest Camp, Augrabies Falls National Park Location: -28.593904, 20.337711 Augrabies National Park. Image credit: Isak Pretorius . Augrabies National Park is best known for its wonderful main waterfall which, on average, dumps over 300 cubic metres of water per second down its 56m-high face. In full flood that figure has gone up to an an astonishing 7800 cubic metres per second, but if things get that wet you probably won’t be camping. The campsite itself is typically SANParks – neat and tidy, with communal ablutions, kitchen and laundry facilities. There are short trails, viewpoints, and a restaurant, and mountain biking is permitted on the main roads. Number of stands: 40 Electricity: Yes, at all stands Braai facilities: Yes Shade: Plenty of trees Ground cover: Grass and dirt Pets: No Nearby activities: Waterfall viewpoints, self-drive game viewing, hiking trails, cycling and guided night drives Important info: Communal ablutions and kitchen wit two-plate stoves and sinks Cost: From R235 per stand (2 people), and from R82 per person thereafter (max 6 per stand). R44 daily conservation fee (not applicable to Wild Card holders). Full rates and tariffs here Contact: Tel 0544529200, sanparks.org 5. Potjiespram Campsite, ?Ai-?Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park Location: -28.074629, 16.963089 Situated in South African’s far northwestern corner, right on the Namibian border, the Richtersveld is for experienced campers looking to get as far as possible away from it all. You’ll need to bring everything with you to Potjiespram , although drinking water isn’t a problem as the campsite lies right on the banks of the Orange River. Winter and spring are the best times to visit, when the temperatures are cooler and the region’s famous flowers are on show. Number of stands: 18, all along the river Electricity: No. Cold showers only Braai facilities: Braaiing allowed, but bring your own grid Shade: Partial tree cover Ground cover: Sand and dirt Pets: No Nearby activities: Fantastic flowers between June and October (rain dependent). Various guided hiking trails available. Swimming in the Orange River Important info: Bring everything you need for your stay. There are no shops in the park, but fuel and drinks can be purchased at Sendelingsdrift. Day-time temperatures can reach 50°C in summer Cost: From R225 per stand (2 people), and from R82 per person thereafter (max 6 per stand). R70 daily conservation fee (not applicable to Wild Card holders). Full rates and tariffs here Contact: Tel 0278311506 sanparks.org 6. De Hoop Campsite, Richtersveld Location: -28.183206, 17.177670 De Hoop Campsite, Richtersveld. Image credit: Teagan Cunniffe . Not to be confused with the nature reserve in the Western Cape of the same name, De Hoop Campsite lies southeast of Potjiespram, upstream on the Orange River. Enjoy the best of both worlds as you camp on the banks of the Orange, surrounded by the beautiful Richtersveld bush. Like Potjiespram Campsite, De Hoop is definitely one for the more experienced camper. It offers a brilliantly rustic environment, literally in the middle of nowhere between South Africa and Namibia. Number of stands: 12, along the river Electricity: No. Cold showers only Braai facilities: Braaiing allowed, but bring your own grid Shade: Partial tree cover Ground cover: Sand and dirt Pets: No Nearby activities: Swimming and canoeing conditions are perfect on this quiet part of the river. There are no rapids close to the campsite Important info: Bring everything you need for your stay. There are no shops in the park, but fuel and drinks can be purchased at Sendelingsdrift. Day-time temperatures can reach 50°C in summer Cost: From R225 per stand (2 people), and from R82 per person thereafter (max 6 per stand). R70 daily conservation fee (not applicable to Wild Card holders). Full rates and tariffs here Contact: Tel 0278311506 sanparks.org 7. Kambro Campsite and Farm Stall, Britstown Location: -30.416351, 23.565799 Kambro Campsite and Farm Stall, Britstown. Kambro Accommodation and Farm Stall has six grassed campsites, each discretely spaced, with electricity, a light and a private braai. With no major city lights for over 200km in any direction, Kambro is a wonderful stargazing spot and the perfect place to enjoy the silence and wide open spaces of the Karoo. Be sure to check out the selection of preserves and biscuits in the farm stall; the springbok pies are also excellent. Number of stands: 6, plus 10 self-catering cottages Electricity: Yes Braai facilities: Yes Shade: Each stand has a tree, but some are more leafy than others Ground cover: Grass Pets: Well-behaved dogs (on a leash) by prior arrangement only Nearby activities: Kambro is a fantastic place to stargaze Important info: Meals (book in advance), beer and wine available at the farmstall which is also packed with delicious goodies Cost: R180 per stand (sleeps 4) Contact: Tel 0833056668, kambroaccom.co.za 8. Middelwater Camping, Carnarvon Location: -31.235512, 22.210777 Middelwater Camping, Carnarvon. At Middelwater Campsite , pitch your tent under the trees, and move into the open when the stars come out. There’s a dam for swimming (rain dependent), plus a small, but neat ablution and donkey shower. After a hot day behind the wheel, the cool shade feels like an oasis, and if you climb up the small koppie across the dam, you can’t help but think that you’ve found the only patch of green in the entire Great Karoo. Number of stands: Cosy, open-plan area under tall trees Electricity: No Braai facilities: Yes, but bring your own grid Shade: Full tree cover Ground cover: Dirt and sand Pets: Yes Nearby activities: Swimming in the dam (rain dependent), hike in the surrounding veld, fish and cycle Cost: R180 per stand (sleeps 4) Contact: Tel 0746470447, carnarvon.co.za 9. Die Mond, Tankwa Karoo Location: -32.543689, 19.542150 Die Mond, Tankwa Karoo. The lush green grass and wide, cool waters of Grootrivier make Die Mond Campsite a true oasis in the hot, dusty Tankwa Karoo. After hours of unrelenting rock and sand in all directions, it’s wonderful to feel the lawn beneath your bare feet as you dive from the bank into the deep, refreshing river. There are no preallocated sites, it’s first come first served, but there’s plenty of space along the riverbank, and if you are lucky enough to get away midweek, you’ll probably have the whole place to yourself anyway. Number of stands: Large, open-plan grassy area along the riverbank, plus 7 self-catering cottages Electricity: No Braai facilities: Yes, portable wheeled drums. Bring your own grid Shade: Plenty of trees Ground cover: Grass Pets: No Nearby activities: Canoe, fish and swim in the river, visit Tankwa Karoo National Park, hike in the surrounding veld Cost: R70 per person Contact: Tel 0233170668, facebook.com 10. Ymansdam, Tankwa Karoo Location: -32.087517, 19.966385 Ymansdam, Tankwa Karoo. Image credit: safarinow.com Ymansdam has one main stand and a single, small ablution, and three further stands nearby that can accommodate extra campers. This is a great spot to book out with a single, large group and makes an excellent base from which to explore the nearby Tankwa Karoo National Park. Be sure to climb the peak just north of the camp – you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of the plains to the south. Number of stands: 1 main campsite near the ablutions, plus 3 additional stands nearby, and a self-catering cottage Electricity: No Braai facilities: Yes, bring your own grid Shade: Limited tree cover Ground cover: Sand Pets: Yes Nearby activities: Swim in the small dam, explore Tankwa Karoo National Park and test your 4×4 on the nearby passes Important info: 1 shower and toilet serves the entire campsite Cost: R80 per person, with space for up 4 tents on the main stand Contact: Tel 0725054121 11. Coastal Camp Sites, Namaqua National Park Location: -30.828925, 17.575889 Coastal camp sites, Namaqua National Park. It’s hard to single out any specific camping spot from Namaqua National Park’s nine coastal camping sites , which are spread out along 40km of pristine west coast shoreline. Without a 4×4 however, you’ll be limited to the two southern campsites near the Groen River Gate – Delwerskamp and Groen River Camp. North of the gate, the track gets very sandy and 4X4 is definitely required. If we had to pick one site, it would be Kwass se Baai, about 20km north of Groen River. It’s one of the smaller campsites, with only four stands, and there’s a beautiful sandy beach nearby – perfect for west coast sundowners! Number of stands: 9 separate campsites with a total of 46 stands Electricity: No Braai facilities: Braai pit. Bring your own grid Shade: No Ground cover: Sand Pets: No Important info: Wonderful place for spring flowers, although the park gets extremely busy during flower season. Bring everything with you, including drinking water Cost: From R135 per stand (sleeps 6). R37 daily conservation fee (not applicable to Wild Card holders). Full rates and tariffs here Contact: Tel 0276721948, sanparks.org Campsites in the Free State 12. Gariep, A Forever Resort, Gariep Dam Location: -30.605555, 25.502290 Gariep, A Forever Resort, Gariep Dam. Image credit: forevergariep.co.za Gariep Dam campsite is an excellent stopover on the long N1 drive between Joburg and the Cape. It’s neat, clean and covered in lush grass, with beautiful views (especially at sunrise) over the small yacht-filled bay that lies directly in front of the campsite. There’s plenty for the kids to do – Putt-Putt, tennis, trampolines, and more – plus swimming and canoeing on the dam. If you have a bit of time, the guided tour of the main dam wall and turbines is definitely worth it too. Number of stands: 106 stands, plus 16 private caravan sites (closed from May to August) and a range of self-catering accommodation Electricity: Yes Braai facilities: Yes Shade: Plenty of trees Ground cover: Grass Pets: No Nearby activities: Fishing, boating and canoeing on the dam, guided dam wall tours, swimming pool, on-site restaurant and bar, plus plenty of activities for kids Important info: All stands are first come first serve. One vehicle per stand (additional vehicles at an extra fee) Cost: From R135 per stand, plus R55 per person (max 6 per stand) Contact: Tel 0517540045, forevergariep.co.za Campsites in the Western Cape 13. Koningskop, Citrusdal Location: -32.499003, 18.848462 Koningskop, Citrusdal. Image credit: koningskop.com Relax on the green lawns of this beautiful rooibos and citrus farm, just west of the N7 between Citrusdal and Clanwilliam. You can explore the farm trails on foot or bicycle, and swim or fish in the dams. There are also two 4×4 trails which head up into the nearby mountains, with beautiful views of the Swartland and Cederberg. Number of stands: 50, plus three self-catering cottages Electricity: Yes Braai facilities: Yes Shade: Plenty of tree cover Ground cover: Grass Pets: No Nearby activities: Hiking, mountain biking, fishing in the dam, and 4×4 trails Important info: Restaurant only open during peak season or by arrangement. No loud music allowed. Minimum four-night stay during holiday season Cost: R120 per person, kids 2-11 years R65 Contact: Tel 0761752520, koningskop.com 14. Jamaka Organic Farm & Resort, Cederberg Location: -32.341164, 19.028404 Jamaka Organic Farm & Resort, Cederberg. Image credit: jamaka.co.za Beautifully situated along the bubbling Rondegat River, these shady, relaxed campsites are some of the best in the Cederberg. Rooibos, mangoes and a variety of citrus are organically farmed in the surrounding valley and harvest time is a bustle of activity. The two camping areas each have their own rock pools to swim in, but book one of the many river-side stands and you’ll have your own private stretch to splash around in as well. For the more energetic there are also five hiking trails which you can join from the farm, and from there explore the surrounding mountains. Number of stands: 2 camping areas along the riverbank with 81 stands, plus 11 self-catering cottages Electricity: Yes Braai facilities: Yes (pit or drum). Bring your own grid Shade: Plenty of tree cover Ground cover: Some grass, but mostly sand and dirt Pets: No Nearby activities: Hiking trails, swimming in the river and rock pools Important info: Wood and basic supplies sold on site. Communal fridge/freezer available Cost: From R180 per stand (sleeps 4) Contact: Tel 0274822801/0824106417, jamaka.co.za 15. Kromrivier Campsite, Cederberg Location: -32.539149, 19.282041 Kromrivier Campsite, Cederberg. Kromrivier Campsite is a working farm bordering the Cederberg Wilderness Area and is ideal for those seeking a quiet and tranquil break. The campsite lies along on the banks of the Krom River and the children will love looking at the farm animals and swimming in the mountain streams. Those looking for a bit of adventure can go rock climbing or horse-back riding and the farm also has a shop and restaurant where you can buy basic supplies and farm produce. Number of stands: 18, with private ablutions, plus self-catering chalets Electricity: Yes Braai facilities: Yes, but bring your own grid Shade: Partial tree cover Ground cover: Grass Pets: No Nearby activities: Horse riding (book in advance), swimming, hiking, rock climbing, fishing, mountain biking Important info: No cell reception. Breakfast, lunch and dinner served at the restaurant, but needs to be booked in advance Cost: R100 per person Contact: Tel 0274822807, cederbergpark.com 16. Driehoek Tourist Farm, Cederberg Location: -32.442490, 19.189830 Driehoek Tourist Farm, Cederberg. Situated at the foot of Tafelberg, 20km from Algeria, Driehoek Farm is well forested for the region, making it perfect for summer camping in the Cederberg. The farm is the ideal base from which to hike the surroundings mountains and peaks and there are many great pools to swim in. You can also go hiking, horseback riding, cycling and fishing. Number of stands: 25, plus a variety of huts and cottages Electricity: Yes Braai facilities: Yes, bring your own grid Shade: Plenty of trees Ground cover: Grass Pets: No Nearby activities: Hiking, swimming, horse riding, mountain biking and fishing Important info: No cellphone reception. Driehoek wines can be purchased at reception Cost: From R290 per stand (sleeps 4) Contact: Tel 0274822828, cederberg-accommodation.co.za 17. Beaverlac, Grootfontein Farm, Cederberg Location: -32.907872, 19.067480 Beaverlac, Grootfontein Farm, Cederberg. Image credit: beaverlac.co.za Beaverlac is an old favourite of the Cape camping crowd and rightly so. The river boasts plenty of deep rock pools and beautiful waterfalls in which to wash away the summer’s heat, and the caves around the farm are decorated with well-preserved rock paintings. Old hands should be aware that while in the past you never had to book in advance, these days you’ll need to register and login on their website before you can make a booking. Number of stands: Large, open-plan camping area Electricity: No Braai facilities: Yes, bring your own grid Shade: Partial tree cover Ground cover: Grass Pets: Yes (R50 per night) Nearby activities: Hiking and swimming in the awesome rock pools Important info: The shop sells basic supplies, including wood, beer and ice. No music or loud noise of any kind Cost: R60 per person, kids 4-17 years R40, and R30 per vehicle Contact: Tel 0229312945, beaverlac.co.za Also read: Top tips for camping at Beaverlac 18. Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve, Ceres Location: -33.330238, 19.611104 Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve, Ceres. Although this is one of the Western Cape’s most popular destinations to see snow , Matroosberg is also a perfect destination for a summer getaway. The fairly small and peaceful camping area is far removed from the chalets and houses in the reserve, in a shady pine tree area beside the Spek River. If you enjoy getting active, they offer abseiling, hiking, mountain biking, kloofing, horse riding and even target shooting. If, however, you just want to relax, you can walk to the rock pools and spend an afternoon swimming and soaking up the sun. Number of stands: 14 in the main campsite, plus private sites and self-catering cottages Electricity: No Braai facilities: Yes, bring your own grid Shade: Plenty of trees Ground cover: Mostly sand, with some grass Pets: Yes Nearby activities: There’s lots to do, from hiking to target shooting. Great place for winter snow Important info: No access after 9pm. No single night bookings over weekends Cost: From R55 per person Contact: Tel 0233122282, matroosberg.com 19. Miller’s Point Caravan Park, Simon’s Town Location: -34.228424, 18.469935 Miller’s Point, Simon’s Town. Miller’s Point Resort is 5km south of Simon’s Town, as you follow the M4 towards Cape Point. Large boulders line this stunning stretch of coastline with sheltered, sandy coves in between. The wind shadow protecting the northern side of the point makes for some beautiful, sheltered swimming areas – if you can stand the icy water! Number of stands: 16 Electricity: Yes Braai facilities: Communal braai area, bring your own grid Shade: Partial tree cover Ground cover: Grass Pets: No Nearby activities: Cape Point is just down the road, and in the other direction, Simon’s Town is full of interesting shops and great restaurants. the Boulders Beach penguin colony is also nearby Important info: Cost: R165 per stand (sleeps 6) Contact: Tel 0217861142 Also read: 26 affordable weekend getaways near Cape Town 20. Vloedbos Campsite, Caledon Location: -34.333374, 19.694399 Vloedbos Campsite, Caledon. Image credit: vloedbos.co.za Vloedbos is a Cape campsite specifically geared to families. Between the paintball and the table tennis and super tube, you’re sure to find something exciting to keep the kids occupied and you might even find time to have a few swings at the driving range yourself. There’s no music allowed in camp, and strict silence after 10pm, so a good night’s sleep is guaranteed. Number of stands: 46, plus various chalets and cabins Electricity: Yes Braai facilities: Yes Shade: Scattered trees Ground cover: Grass Pets: No Nearby activities: The pool, trampoline and super tube will keep the kids busy Important info: This is a family campsite so expect to find plenty of young kids around. R100 cash key deposit required for all vehicles. Shop sells basic supplies, but no alcohol Cost: From R350 per stand (sleeps 4), additional adults R85 each (max 6 per stand). Price increases during peak season Contact: Tel 0833591505, vloedbos.co.za 21. Victoria Bay Caravan Park, Victoria Bay Location: -34.004796, 22.547882 Victoria Bay Caravan Park, Victoria Bay. Victoria Bay is a popular surfing spot, frequented by sun-kissed board riders young and old. The two camping areas are perched half way up the surrounding cliffs and offer great views of the surfing action. The bay is small, with a restaurant and bar just off the beach, and a row of beachfront cottages along the western side. There’s also a tidal pool that’s safe for kids. A narrow promenade separates the cottages from the water and most who walk it wear a smile. Number of stands: 20 caravan stands on the Western Terrace, plus another separate camping area across the bay Electricity: Yes Braai facilities: Yes Shade: No Ground cover: Grass Pets: No Nearby activities: Surfing, fishing and exploring the Garden Route Important info: The Western Terrace usually only allows caravans during peak season, unless by prior arrangement Cost: From R220 to R440 per stand depending on the season (sleeps 6) Contact: Tel 0448890081, victoriabaycaravanpark.co.za Campsites in the Eastern Cape 22. Storms River Mouth Rest Camp, Garden Route National Park Location: -34.022236, 23.885529 Storms River Mouth Rest Camp, Garden Route National Park. Storms River Mouth Rest Camp is the jewel in the crown of the Garden Route National Park. Between the pounding surf and steep cliffs of indigenous forest, wood cabins, caravans and camping sites sit side by side along a beautiful, narrow strip of coastline. Many of the sea-facing stands are reserved for caravans, so if you’re in a tent, ask for stand numbers 101 to 112 to ensure the best sea views, but be aware that these stands don’t have power. Number of stands: 30 for tents and 82 for caravans, plus various self-catering chalets and cottages Electricity: Yes, but not at all stands Braai facilities: Yes, bring your own grid Shade: Limited. 38 to 47 are tucked into the forest and have some shade Ground cover: Grass Pets: No Nearby activities: Beautiful hiking trails and a range of adventure activities both inside and outside the park (tubing, zip lining, bungee jumping) Important info: The park has an excellent shop for most supplies, plus a restaurant Cost: From R300 per stand (for 2 people), plus R82 per additional adult (max 6 per stand). R49 daily conservation fee (not applicable to Wild Card holders). Full rates and tariffs here Contact: Tel 0422811607, sanparks.org Also read: Guide to Storms River – South Africa’s most adventurous town 23. Mvubu Campsite, Addo Elephant National Park Location: -33.340898, 25.360591 Addo Elephant National Park. Mvubu is a small campsite on the banks of the Sundays River in the Kabouga section of the Addo Elephant National Park and serves as a wonderful base for exploring the park while enjoying quiet evenings in the bush. If you’re not out exploring the park on self drives or hikes you can relax in the river and pools inside the camp or set out on a day of bird watching. Number of stands: 6 Electricity: No, but hot shower available Braai facilities: Yes, bring own wood and grid Shade: Partial shade at some sites Ground cover: Grass Pets: No Nearby activities: Swimming, fishing and canoeing on the Sundays River, game drives Important info: High clearance vehicle required. Bring your own drinking water Cost: R140 per stand (2 people), R60 per additional adult (max 4 per stand). R62 daily conservation fee (not applicable to Wild Card holders). Full rates and tariffs here Contact: Tel 0422338600, sanparks.org 24. Kudu Kaya Campsite, Baviaanskloof Location: -33.653132, 24.583987 Kudu Kaya Campsite, Baviaanskloof. Image credit: kudukaya.co.za Kudu Kaya is a working citrus, potato and tobacco farm on the eastern end of Baviaanskloof. Lush, indigenous forest surrounds the campsite, which hugs the banks of the Ysrivier, a small mountain stream, and there are hikes up into the surrounding mountains and rock pools. Each stand is tucked into its own small clearing in the forest, providing some privacy, and there’s also a large, private stand (number 16) with its own ablutions. Number of stands: 17, 1 private, plus 6 self-catering cabins Electricity: Yes Braai facilities: Yes, bring your own grid Shade: Plenty of tree cover Ground cover: Grass and dirt Pets: No Nearby activities: Mountain biking, hiking and swimming in the nearby rock pools. The farm owners will happily show interested guests around the farm on request Important info: Toilet paper not provided Cost: R80 per person, kids 5-12 half price Contact: Tel 0738621968, kudukaya.co.za 25. Bruintjieskraal, Baviaanskloof Location: -33.705347, 24.609979 Bruintjieskraal, Baviaanskloof. Image credit: bruintjieskraal.co.za Bruintjieskraal lies on the banks of the Groot River, 8km from the end of the tar road on the eastern edge of Baviaanskloof. The river is wide here, and ideal for swimming and fishing and there are plenty of short walks nearby. Each campsite has its own shower and toilet (cold water) and they’re well-spaced along the riverbank. Pick stands 11 to 14 for maximum privacy. Number of stands: 13, 4 more private, plus 3 self-catering chalets Electricity: No Braai facilities: Yes, bring your own grid Shade: Plenty of tree cover Ground cover: Grass, with some dirt Pets: By prior arrangement only Nearby activities: Fishing (bass, carp, barber), swimming, hiking Important info: Bring your own drinking water Cost: From R70 per person (low season). Kids under 9 half price Contact: Tel 0845150993, bruintjieskraal.co.za Also see: In photos – Baviaanskloof’s Leopard Trail 26. Karnmelkspruit River Resort, Lady Grey Location: -30.805977, 27.267700 Karnmelkspruit River Resort, Lady Grey. This small, intimate campsite is perfect for fishing and nature lovers. The facilities are basic, but neat and functional – all you need for a secluded camping trip, deep in the southern Maluti Mountains. The crystal-clear Karnmelkspruit runs right past the campsite and there’s 10km of fly fishing to be had along its course. Number of stands: 2 open-plan grass areas – 25 to 30 stands, plus 1 private, self-catering cottage Electricity: Only at the central ablution block Braai facilities: Communal, covered braai area at the ablutions Shade: Scattered small trees Ground cover: Grass Pets: Yes Nearby activities: Fly fishing along the spruit (R100 per rod per day), hiking, exploring the old railway tunnel nearby Important info: The 2.5km dirt track to the campsite is bumpy, but sedan-friendly if you go slow Cost: R180 per tent, plus R10 per person Contact: Tel 0845847036, facebook.com 27. Double Mouth Campsite, Morgan Bay Location: -32.724126, 28.313872 A 15-minute drive south of Morgan Bay you’ll find Double Mouth Campsite, a stunning, secluded site, surrounded by river, beach, cliffs and sea. There’s plenty of shade to camp under and loads of space for the kids to play. The sea can get a bit rough along this coast, but there are plenty of rock pools to explore at low tide, and the river and estuary are safe to swim in. There’s excellent shore fishing, and wonderful views from the cliffs above. Number of stands: 30 Electricity: Yes (caravan socket) Braai facilities: Yes, bring your own grid Shade: Plenty of tree cover Ground cover: Grass Pets: No Nearby activities: Shore fishing, swimming and canoeing in the estuary, stunning walkings along the surrounding cliffs and beach Important info: Six people per site Cost: R225 per site off peak, R300 in peak season Contact: Tel 0437054400 or 0434920881 28. Yellowwood Forest Campsite, Morgan Bay Location: -32.696946, 28.333667 Yellowwood Forest Campsite, Morgan Bay. Image credit: yellowwoodforest.co.za On the banks of the Inchara River, this peacefully shaded campsite is only 1.5km from the beach at Morgan Bay, known to many as the gateway to the beautiful Wild Coast. A bird watcher’s paradise, Yellowwood Forest Campsite offers a quiet, intimate place for nature lovers. If you’re not relaxing beside the river, swimming in it or identifying the many birds that grace the area, you can make your way down to the beach or relax in the tea garden, letting the children play in the play area while you enjoy wood-fired pizzas, light meals and refreshments. Number of stands: 30 Electricity: Yes, at 12 stands Braai facilities: Yes, at the stands and communal. Bring own grids Shade: Plenty of tree cover Ground cover: Grass Pets: By prior arrangement only Nearby activities: Hiking, beaching and volunteering opportunities Important info: Restaurant and bar on site. Laundry and wifi available. Wood for sale. No music allowed Cost: From R115 per stand, plus R15 per person (max 6 per stand). Electricity from R65 per day (low season) Contact: Tel 0848522601, yellowwoodforest.co.za 29. Rendezvous Caravan Park, East London Location: -32.840959, 28.114426 Not as well known as the other Sunshine Coast campsites, the lush Rendezvous Caravan Park offers secluded camping on a spectacular beach. Each campsite has a private bathroom, portable braai (with grid), electricity, running water and scullery. Laundry is communal. There’s also a playground and trampoline, and a fenced kids’ pool. Number of stands: 29 secluded stands for tents and caravans Electricity: Yes Braai facilities: Yes Shade: Plenty of tree cover Ground cover: Grass Pets: By prior arrangement, low season only Nearby activities: Beautiful beach on the doorstep and plenty of activities in the area – fishing, hiking, horse riding Important info: Laundry facilities available Cost: R100 per stand, plus R50 per adult and R40 per child/pensioner (low season, max 7 per stand). High season is R600 per stand for 4 people (max 6 per stand) Contact: Tel 0437343072 / 0731443005, rendezvouscaravanpark.co.za 30. Dwesa Campsite, Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve Location: -32.303896, 28.830280 View of Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve. The Wild Coast doesn’t get wilder than Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve and Dwesa Campsite, on its southwestern edge (in the Dwesa section of the reserve), is a beautiful, befittingly wild and rustic spot to soak it all in. The reserve was created to preserve some of the last indigenous coastal forest in the region and there’s not much more to do here than appreciate it, and the many species of bird who call it home. There are numerous footpaths along the surrounding cliffs where you’re sure to spot whales (during the winter months) and dolphins as they cruise along the protected coastline. Number of stands: 40, plus 2- and 4-sleeper wooden chalets Electricity: No (gas showers) Braai facilities: Yes, bring your own wood and grid Shade: Plenty of trees Ground cover: Grass Pets: No Nearby activities: Spectacular beach and cliff-top hiking, excellent birding (290 species, including Narina trogon and mangrove kingfisher) Important info: Access to the reserve is along 2 hours of bumpy dirt roads from the N2, high clearance vehicle recommended Cost: From R212 per stand (sleeps 6) Contact: Tel 0437054400, visiteasterncape.co.za Campsites in KwaZulu-Natal 31. Ilanga Resort and Caravan Park, Banana Beach Location: -30.663469, 30.514817 Ilanga Resort and Caravan Park, Banana Beach. Image credit: ilangaresort.com This beautifully green and shaded campsite is directly adjacent to Banana Beach where the Indian Ocean’s waters are warm and inviting. This section of the coast is protected by shark nets and life guards are on duty during the holidays – so don’t worry about the children enjoying a splash in the ocean. When you’re not relaxing in the shade or on the beach, you can enjoy a good surf next to Banana Beach or go scuba diving in the area. Ilanga Resort also has a tidal pool and an entertainment area with pool, darts, swimming pool and table tennis for the younger children, and a some excellent golf courses only a short drive away. Number of stands: 100 Electricity: Yes Braai facilities: Yes, bring your own grid Shade: Plenty of tree cover Ground cover: Mostly grass, with some dirt and sand Pets: No Nearby activities: Fishing, scuba diving, golf, plenty of beach time and a swimming pool, pool table, table tennis at the resort Important info: Laundry facilities available Cost: From R150 per person, kids under 5 R50 (low season). Minimum R700 in high season (3 people). Max 6 per stand Contact: Tel 0396813280, ilangaresort.com 32. Scottburgh Caravan Park, Umdoni Coast Location: -30.283429, 30.759432 Scottburgh Caravan Park, Umdoni Coast. Image credit: scottburghcaravanpark.co.za Just 30 minutes south of Durban, Scottburgh Caravan Park is nicknamed ‘The one on the beach’ for good reason. This large camping and caravan site walks down onto the beach and is ideal for large family getaways. Apart from the beach, there are also water slides, mini-golf, restaurants and shops all within walking distance of your camp spot. Number of stands: 265, plus self-catering cottages Electricity: Yes Braai facilities: Yes, bring your own grid Shade: Partial tree cover Ground cover: Mostly grass, with some sand Pets: Yes, by prior arrangement (R25) Nearby activities: Entertainment and kids’ play area in the resort, plus horse riding, fishing, scuba diving, and Durban is a 30-minute drive north Important info: Laundry facilities available. The resort shop sells basic supplies and there is a shopping centre nearby Cost: From R175 per person, R85 for kids (low season). Minimum R840 per stand in high season (4 people) Contact: Tel 0399760291, scottburghcaravanpark.co.za Also read: Affordable weekend getaways near Durban 33. Zinkwazi Lagoon Lodge, Zinkwazi Location: -29.277755, 31.439972 Zinkwazi Lagoon Lodge, Zinkwazi. A thick canopy of subtropical trees screens Zinkwazi Lagoon Lodge’s forest campsite from the bright North Coast sunshine, and the ample greenery between the stands also helps provide privacy. The trees are home to a huge variety of birds and their calls and songs echo through the campsite. This is a great family destination, with plenty for the kids to explore around camp, a beautiful, sandy beach and a safe lagoon to canoe and swim in. Number of stands: 89, including 6 extra large ‘super sites’, plus various self-catering options Electricity: Yes, but single outlets serve multiple stands so bring a 25m extension cord Braai facilities: At some stands. Bring your own portable to be safe Shade: Full tree cover Ground cover: Mostly dirt, some with grass Pets: Small dogs by prior arrangement Nearby activities: Fishing, golf, canoes for hire, swimming (pool, sea and lagoon) and surfing. Bar and restaurant on site Important info: No jetskis allowed, R100 deposit for gate access key, laundry facilities available Cost: From R160 per person, R80 for kids. Max 4 adults, or 2 adults and 4 kids per stand Contact: Tel 0324853344, zinkwazilagoonlodge.co.za 34. Richards Bay Caravan Park, Richards Bay Location: -28.790092, 32.101609 Richards Bay Caravan Park, Richards Bay. Image credit: richardsbaycaravanpark.co.za As you enter, Richards Bay may seem like just another industrial port town with nothing but cargo ships, tugboats, cranes and warehouses, but push past the outskirts towards the coast and you’ll find a small, pleasant town and a peaceful campsite beside the Indian Ocean. The campsite is just a few minutes walk from the beautiful beach and there’s lots to do in the area, from day trips to iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve , to local attractions like deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, golf and lots more. Number of stands: 261, of varying sizes, privacy, shade and ground cover Electricity: Yes Braai facilities: Yes, bring your own grid Shade: From full tree cover, to no shade, depending on the stand Ground cover: Grass and dirt Pets: Small dogs, by prior arrangement, out of season Nearby activities: Nearby game parks, golf, paintball, fishing, swimming and access to a beautiful private beach Important info: Boat parking on stands at additional cost, wheelchair friendly, laundry facilities available Cost: From R130 per adult and R80 for kids in low season. R250 per adult in high season Contact: Tel 0357531971, richardsbaycaravanpark.co.za 35. Scotia Camp, Somkhanda Game Reserve Location: -27.592964, 31.844946 View of Somkhanda Game Reserve. Image credit: Teagan Cunniffe . Scotia Camp is a single, private campsite in a secluded section of Somkhanda Game Reserve. There are two options: either bring your own equipment and set up on your own or, for an extra fee, Somkhanda will provide a fully equipped mobile safari camp for you and your group, including a kitchen tent, gas fridge and a two-plate cooker. There is space for about 10 tents and all guests have access to flushing toilets and gas hot showers. Full board is also available. Number of stands: 1 large stand for up to 10 tents Electricity: No Braai facilities: Yes Shade: Plenty of tree cover Ground cover: Grass and dirt Pets: No Nearby activities: Game drives and guides walks available Important info: 4×4 access only Cost: From R120 per person (own equipment and self-catering), to R575 per person (full safari tent accommodation and full board) Contact: Tel 0333302269 / 0741297185, africaninsight.co.za 36. Cape Vidal Campsite, iSimangaliso Wetland Park Location: -28.132018, 32.552347 Cape Vidal Campsite, iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Tucked into the dune forest behind a seemingly endless golden beach, Cape Vidal Campsite is a wonderful place to experience the best of the sea and bush. Buffalo and large plains antelope graze the lush coastal vegetation while just over the long line of dunes, the warm Indian Ocean is alive with fish and a top destination for shore and ski-boat anglers. The campsite can get busy in high season, but in quieter months it can feel like you have the whole place to yourself and there are a number of stands tucked away into nooks and corners for added privacy. Number of stands: 50 stands, plus various self-catering cabins Electricity: Yes Braai facilities: Yes. Fixed at some stands, otherwise portable braais are available Shade: Plenty of tree cover Ground cover: Sand and dirt Pets: No Nearby activities: The beautiful, wide beach makes for great walking and safe swimming. Shore and ski-boat fishing available. Game drives and picnic sites in the area Important info: The small camp shop has basic supplies. Pack your foodstuffs securely at night or they might be dinner for the hungry camp honey badger Cost: R540 per stand (4 people), plus R135 per additional adult (max 6 per stand) Contact: Tel 0338451000, kznwildlife.com 37. Cobham Campsite, Southern Drakensberg Location: -29.702225, 29.414355 Get back to basics at Cobham , an open-plan campsite where you choose where you want to camp. Pick a spot in the shade and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views of the Southern Drakensberg. There are plenty of hikes in the area, some to caves where you can spend the night, as well as streams to swim in and loads fresh mountain air to breath. Number of stands: Large, open-plan camping area Electricity: No, but hot gas showers Braai facilities: No, bring your own free-standing braai and grid Shade: Partial tree cover Ground cover: Grass Pets: No Nearby activities: Numerous hiking trails, swimming and fly fishing in the Pholela River Important info: The area can get very cold in winter and even on some summer evenings, so pack accordingly Cost: R80 per adult. First 2 kids under 12 stay free Contact: Tel 0337020831 / 0839623934, kznwildlife.com Also read: Scott Ramsay’s take on the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Mountains Reinheim River Information Reinheim River Chalets and Caravan Park is a nature hideaway situated 20km from Bloemfontein, next to the Renosterspruit. We offer 20 camping stands in a family friendly environment, with neat ablution facilities and a steady supply of hot water. Located close to the N1 next to the Renosterspruit, the 6 Chalets situated along the rivers edge, offers you with a nature hideaway, 20km from Bloemfontein. All units are fully self-catering, equipped with a kitchenette, DSTV, bathroom with shower, aircon and an outdoor patio with a braai area. The units are decorated in earthy tones and with, an Outdoor Pool, Trampoline, Kids Play Area and Fishing available, there sure to be something for everyone. Campsite Type Country CampsiteRiverside Campsite Campsite Accommodation Caravan siteSelf cateringTent site Campsite Facilities Ablutions with hot and coldwaterBraai facilitiesChildren play areaNo pets allowedNo quad bikes allowedStands with 220v MainsSwimming poolWater points close to sites Loskopdam, A Forever Resort Information Visit the Forever Loskopdam between Waterberg Mountain Range and the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve, on the banks of the Loskop Dam as the name suggests and you can expect a much-needed break away from the city. The Resort offers three-star accommodation options such as its famous Log Cabins, self-catering Chalets, Guest House, Family Houses, Camping and Caravan sites (including some newly paved sites). Forever Loskopdam also has a variety of activities available on the Resort which will keep the entire family entertained, from fishing adventures to a spa, swimming pools, and so much more! Campsite Type Lake, Dam or Lagoon CampsiteMountain CampsiteNature Reserve Campsite Campsite Accommodation Caravan siteMotorhome siteSelf cateringTent site Campsite Facilities Ablutions with hot and coldwaterBraai facilitiesChildren play areaConference facilitiesCredit cards welcomeFamily bathroomsL.P. Gas fillingLaundryNo pets allowedNo quad bikes allowedPensioner discountsRestaurant and/or take-away in resortScullerySecurity fenced and/or patrolledShop in ResortStands with 220v MainsSwimming poolWater points close to sitesWheelchair friendly with assistance Rendezvous Caravan Park Information Set on the edge of beautiful Cintsa Bay it is just a stones throw from the beach; with each site being positioned amongst beautiful trees to offer privacy, whilst the 29 caravan stands also offer individual & private braai, electricity, bathroom & outside scullery facilities. Guests and friends at Rendezvous Caravan Park can take in all it has to offer, including: # Use the resort facilities such as shared laundry facilities, pool, recreation room, trampoline, playground. # An expansive beach offering kids sea-swimming baths, pristine beach, rock-pools and fantastic fishing. # Frequent Cintsa Bay Restaurant/Convenience Store which is a short walk from the Camp or drive a short distance to many other restaurants and general facilities such as doctor, pharmacy, SPAR, bottle store, butcher etc # Visit one of the many nearby attractions, such as game parks, golf clubs, paintball & quad bike, horse riding facilities and much much more Cintsa West is a small and thriving community, is incredibly friendly and numbering just hundreds not thousands of people during holiday season, offering an intimate welcoming and safe environment for everyone. Campsite Type Coastal Campsite Campsite Accommodation Caravan siteMotorhome siteTent site Campsite Facilities Ablutions with hot and coldwaterBraai facilitiesChildren play areaLaundryPensioner discountsPet Friendly by prior arrangementPrivate ablutionsRecreation roomSculleryStands with 220v MainsSwimming poolTent erection assistanceWater points close to sitesWheelchair friendly with assistance George Country Resort Information George and the Garden Route have a lovely climate, moderately hot summers and mild winters enjoy a peaceful retreat during winter or a fun-filled summer holiday. Small town and country atmosphere, peace and tranquillity, nestled in a rich valley surrounded by the Outeniqua Mountains, forests, rivers and the sea ideally situated in the Garden Route to explore diverse scenic wonders. All the destinations that George and the Garden Route have to offer can be found just a day trip away from our self-catering accommodation. We have 20 comfortably appointed newly built two bedroom self-catering accommodation chalets which can sleep up to 6. The self-catering accommodation features include a large living area, dining nook, comfortable furnishings, private deck with braai, and OpenView decoders. We also have 6 spacious open plan self-catering accommodation chalets which sleep up to 3/4, also with dining nook, Open View and deck with private braai facilities. All chalets have their own bathrooms and fully equipped kitchens. Our 126 campsites are shaded and grassed with 220V power points. Scullery and laundry facilities available. The ablution facilities provide clean showers and baths. The park provides 16 private ablution blocks all with own kitchenette and bathroom. Campsite Type Coastal CampsiteCountry Campsite Campsite Accommodation BackpackersCaravan siteMotorhome siteSelf cateringTent site Campsite Facilities Ablutions with hot and coldwaterBraai facilitiesChildren play areaCredit cards welcomeFamily bathroomsL.P. Gas fillingLaundryNo pets allowedPensioner discountsPrivate ablutionsScullerySecurity fenced and/or patrolledStands with 220v MainsSwimming poolTelevision roomWater points close to sitesWiFi available Xaxaza Caravan Park Information Situated in the gently rolling hills and only 4 km from the white sandy beaches of Mtunzini and the beautiful Mtunzini river mouth. We invite you to come and enjoy your holiday at our very popular coastal resort where the climate is sub-tropical and very special attractions are offered as an added bonus. Sun tan on our golden beaches, laze around our sparkling swimming pool, relax with your feet up whilst the kids have a ball, or enjoy a round of golf at our beautiful golf club only minutes away. For the non-golfers and the more energetic, tennis, squash or bowls are also within easy reach at the country club. Horse riding at the Pony club in Mtunzini can be arranged. Other recreational activities include deep sea fishing, walks through various eco systems, namely estuarine, dune scrub, dune forest, coastal ravine and coastal forest. Because of this diversity of trails, a tremendous variety of bird species will more than satisfy the keen birder. Xaxaza is an ideal base from which to arrange visits to game parks such as Hluhluwe, Umfolozi and Mkuzi. Here you will be able to see the Big Five from the comfort of open Guide Tour vehicles. Campsite Type Coastal CampsiteGame Park CampsiteNature Reserve Campsite Campsite Accommodation Caravan siteMotorhome siteSelf cateringTent site Campsite Facilities Ablutions with hot and coldwaterBraai facilitiesNo pets allowedStands with 220v MainsSwimming poolWater points close to sites Palm Tree Lodge Information The Palm Tree Lodge is set in the Northern most part of the St Lucia Wetlands and bordering on the Green belt of the Maputuland Coast line. Although there are no private resorts permitted with in the National Parks this quaint holiday destination is neatly tucked up close to the main gate of the regional Parks Board offices making the acquisition of all the necessary permits as easy as possible and also lends its self as a base camp for launching craft onto the lakes as well as the Sea Launches which take place in Ponto Du Oure more commonly known as Ponta. The main aim of the resort is to offer its guests a true feeling of the African bushveld with a little bit of the tropics as it is inundated with fruit baring Coconut Palms during the summer months. There are also Campsites available with electricity. It is the natural surroundings that make this resort a destination for the true lover of the out doors. Back at the Lodge itself it is however all hospitality. The Boma is situated in the middle of the lodge so that interaction is promoted and creating a cosy atmosphere in which the guests can relax. Stripped from all the noise from your Television, Computer games, Kids PlayStation and Booming Radio, beeping cars and annoying alarms, The Palm Tree Lodge takes you away from the everyday stress and noise and brings you back to Nature! You will be brought back to the earth, feel the sand between your toes, fall asleep to the sound of the abundance of palm trees rustling in the wind and marvel at the beauty of the plants and shrubs throughout the premises. The perfect place to rest, relax and recharge. Campsite Type Coastal CampsiteLake, Dam or Lagoon Campsite Campsite Accommodation Caravan siteMotorhome siteSelf cateringTent site Campsite Facilities Ablutions with hot and coldwaterBraai facilitiesChildren play areaCredit cards welcomeNo pets allowedNo quad bikes allowedPensioner discountsPrivate ablutionsRecreation roomRestaurant and/or take-away in resortSecurity fenced and/or patrolledSwimming poolTelevision roomWater points close to sitesWheelchair friendly with assistance Marakele National Park Information The Marakele National Park in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains. The park is characterised by contrasting majestic mountain landscapes, grass-clad hills and deep valleys. All the large game species from elephant and rhino to the big cats as well as an amazing variety of birds, including the largest colony of endangered Cape Vultures (more than 800 breeding pairs) in the world, have settled here. Activities include bird watching, game viewing and guid trails. Accommodation Available: # Campsites # Safari Tents Campsite Type 4x4 CampsiteGame Park CampsiteMountain Campsite Campsite Accommodation Caravan siteMotorhome siteSelf cateringTent site Campsite Facilities 100% Wheelchair friendlyAblutions with hot and coldwaterBraai facilitiesConference facilitiesCredit cards welcomeNo pets allowedNo quad bikes allowedScullerySecurity fenced and/or patrolledStands with 220v MainsWater points close to sites Dwarswegstrandoord Information Dwarswegstrandoord is situated close to Great Brak River, in the Garden Route, between George and Mossel Bay. Relax in the tranquil atmosphere with direct access to the beach. Access to the resort is controlled to ensure the safety of our visitors. The caravan park at Dwarswegstrandoord has 11 paved sea view campsites, 12 paved non-seafront campsites and 11 grass non-seafront campsites. Each of the 34 campsites at this 4-star caravan park is equipped with water, electricity, and braai facilities. Campers receive an access code to use the spotless ablution facilities. Dwarswegstrandoord has seafront houses, flats, and non-seafront chalets available as well. Campsite Type Coastal CampsiteNature Reserve Campsite Campsite Accommodation Caravan siteMotorhome siteSelf cateringTent site Campsite Facilities Ablutions with cold water onlyAblutions with hot and coldwaterBraai facilitiesChildren play areaCredit cards welcomeLaundryNo pets allowedNo quad bikes allowedPensioner discountsScullerySecurity fenced and/or patrolledShop in ResortStands with 220v MainsTelevision roomWater points close to sitesWheelchair friendly with assistance Kruger National Park Information Maroela is a small camp situated on the banks of the Timbavati River, on the western boundary of the Kruger National Park, approximately 2 km east of Orpen Rest Camp. This camp is one of only two camps in the Park that exclusively caters for guests with caravans and for campers. Close to the fence, visitors can indulge in watching a variety of animals that visit a small watering hole. There is also a rustic viewing platform overlooking the Timbavati River. Accommodation Available: # Campsites Campsite Type 4x4 CampsiteGame Park Campsite Campsite Accommodation Caravan siteMotorhome siteTent site Campsite Facilities Ablutions with hot and coldwaterBraai facilitiesCredit cards welcomeNo pets allowedScullerySecurity fenced and/or patrolledStands with 220v MainsWater points close to sitesWheelchair friendly with assistance Best trails in South Africa Ready to check out the best trails in South Africa for hiking, mountain biking, climbing or other outdoor activities? AllTrails has 3,642 hiking trails, mountain biking routes, backpacking trips and more. Discover hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. No matter what you're looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best hiking trails in South Africa to suit your needs. Explore one of 625 family-friendly hikes for a sunny weekend. Check out 7 wheelchair-friendly trails with helpful accessibility guidance. Plan your next outdoor adventure to one of 1,732 routes with waterfalls or scenic views. Lion's Head Summit · Table Mountain National Park A great hike in the city. It is a bucket list must-do for Cape Town. Well marked and amazing 360 degree views. Some sections are quite exposed and there are ladders and staples to assist. There is one climbing section with staples and chains, this can be bypassed to the left if too difficult. This hike is popular on nights with a full moon (with headlamps) as well as at sunrise. The Cape Floral Kingdom of Table Mountain National Park is one of the richest floral regions in the world. Over 70% of the flowers are endemic to Table Mountain. For this reason United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) awarded Table Mountain Heritage Status for being a natural site that is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom. The mountain was also chosen as one of the new seven world wonders. Table Mountain is thought to be one of the oldest mountains in the world. The rocks of the mountain are approximately 600-million years old. It is the only natural site on the planet to have a constellation of stars named after it. The constellation is called “Mensa”, which means ‘table’ in Latin. I know, I know. You’ve seen a list like this before. We all have. But this one is slightly different in that I’ve canvassed hiking professionals and aficionados from across the country to ensure this list is as close as it can be to the definitive list. If you were looking for a list of incredible must-do multi-day hikes to tick off over the next five, ten, twenty years then this is it. There are some notable absentees from the list. For example, the Fish River was left because it’s in Namibia. The glorious and incomparable Rim of Africa is a once-a-year, guided nine-week trail that we highly recommend but wasn’t included as it’s not a typical trail. Now, have a look at this list, pick your next trail and get out there! 1. Amatola Trail Cape Parrots and Knysna turacos can often be heard, and seen, in the mornings. Credit: Matthew Sterne Often referred to as the toughest trail in South Africa, the Amatola Trail is worthy of other superlatives too. It’s the forest paths – full of tiny luminescent ferns, moss-covered trees and a canopy of leaves that form a ceiling above the verdant cavern – that I remember most. Each day promises 10 hours of descending and ascending ahead, through lush valleys and up to the flower-strewn grasslands and peaks of the Amatola Range. This is a gruelling, self-guided trail and you have to take everything with you. Should something go wrong in this remote mountain wilderness, it’s a long way back to civilisation. Type: Backpacking with huts Duration: 6 days Distance: 100 km 2. Pondo Trail Each dinner is a fully catered feast with the likes of fillet with mushroom sauce, chicken curry and a seafood platter. Credit: Matthew Sterne I believe that if the world knew about this trail , it would be on every hiker’s wishlist. It’s the wildest part of the Wild Coast, from Mtentu down to Manteku, with rivers meeting the shore every two-and-a-half kilometres, on average. Every day is different, a mixture of beautiful grasslands, ravines, a shelf section, a cliff section and a string of lovely beaches. Waterfall bluff, a rare phenomenon of waterfalls tumbling into the ocean, is the most picturesque section but it’s all breathtakingly beautiful. And to make it even better, this hike with Wild Child Africa is fully catered, featuring local seafood, cold G&Ts waiting for you at the end of the day and local, knowledgeable guides. Type: Slackpacking with tented huts Duration: 5 days Distance: 100 km 3. Wild Coast Trail Coffee Bay is the final destination of the Wild Coast Trail. Credit: Getaway Another beautiful hike in the former Transkei, this area offers untouched beaches, rolling grassy hills dotted with colourful huts and the occasional beach-loitering cow. It generally starts in Port St. Johns and finishes in Coffee Bay, with overnight stops in rural villages. Wildside Hiking offers guided hiking tours, which are all led by guides born and raised in the surrounding villages. Each night, the homesteads provide a cooked Xhosa lunch and activities along the way include fishing, crayfishing, sangoma visit, traditional dance with locals and isiXhosa lessons. The best time to visit is between May and mid-August. Type: Backpacking with traditional huts Duration: 5 days Distance: 61 km 4. Otter Trail The first look at the dreaded (but beautiful) Bloukrans River crossing on day three of the Otter Trail. Credit: Melanie van Zyl Widely regarded as one of the best hiking trails in the world, they don’t call the Otter ‘The Prince of Trails’ for nothing. The 45 km coastal walk from Storms River to Nature’s Valley will leave even your chattiest aunt speechless with its rockpools, secluded huts and pristine coastline. She might struggle to make it to the end of the hike though. Steep climbs, secret waterfalls and midnight river crossings are all part of the fun. Permits sell out a year in advance for South Africa’s favourite trail, but it’s worth the wait. Style: Backpacking with huts Duration: 5 days Distance: 45 km 5. Whale Trail The Whale Trail in the Western Cape is a fan-favourite. Credit: Getaway It’s not just the vultures, coastal beauty and ocean splendour going on here, but the accommodation is in a league of its own. Calling these houses huts is like calling the Drakensberg a mountain. They’re a bit more than that. Expect lazy strolls on the beach, excess wine waiting for you in the huts (if you’re doing it right) and decent beds. Oh, and between June and November, the coastline is transformed as southern right whales migrate here to breed and look after their young. Type: Slackpacking Duration: 5 days Distance: 55 km 6. Central Cederberg Circuit Descending from Sneeuberg a little late in the day, but with golden views. Sneeuberg is the highest peak in the Cederberg. Credit: Matthew Sterne The Cederberg can be a tricky place to make sense of for the uninitiated. Where does it begin? Where does it end? And, most importantly, where should we hike? It’s a huge wilderness area that takes many visits to truly grasp, but this five-day route is probably the best way to get properly acquainted. According to our friends at Hiking South Africa , “This route explores some of the most iconic places in the Cederberg and is one of the best five-day hikes I have done anywhere. It takes you past Crystal Pools, Welbedacht Cave, the Wolfberg Arch and Wolfberg Cracks, the Maltese Cross and Sneeuberg.” Type: Wild camping Duration: 5 days Distance: 72 km 7. Mnweni Circuit The northern Drakensberg’s mighty Mnweni Pass is not in a formally protected area, but remains wild and rugged nonetheless. Credit: Melanie van Zyl Similarly to the Cederberg, the Drakensberg has so many trails and routes that it can be difficult to choose which one to take. In recent years, Mnweni has emerged as a favourite amongst those in the know and is regarded as one of the most beautiful parts of the high Berg. Sandwiched between the better-known Royal Natal National Park and Cathedral Peak, this hiking trail is managed by the amaNgwane Tribal Authority, traversing land occupied by traditional Zulu communities and small-scale farmers. Type: Wild camping Duration: 3 days Distance: 40 km 8. Giant’s Cup Trail The Giant’s Cup traverses the Lower Berg, granting epic views of the Drakensberg peaks. Credit: Arno van der Heever The only fully hutted trail in the Drakensberg, the Giant’s Cup Trail is a fantastic way of experiencing the lower Berg. It serves up glorious panoramic views, grassy plains, spectacular valleys with beautiful streams and pools, weathered rock formations, varied terrain and a well laid-out, well-marked trail. It’s considered an ideal trail for first-time visitors to the Drakensberg. Type: Backpacking with huts Duration: 5 days 9. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Primitive Wilderness Trail Wilderness trails guide Nunu Jobe follows in the footsteps of legendary Zulu trackers and rangers. Credit: Scott Ramsay On foot in a Big 5 wilderness. Now this is living. The concept of wilderness trails was introduced over 60 years ago by Ian Player, the man behind Operation Rhino (and Gary Player’s brother), as a means of introducing people from all corners of the globe and from all walks of life to the life-changing process brought about by walking through the wilderness on foot and experiencing the wonder of nature firsthand. This is a raw bush experience, sleeping out at night and taking turns to keep watch over your mates while lions, hyenas and leopards prowl in the darkness. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife offers a range of trails to choose from, all offering a chance to experience the bush at a very personal level. Type: Wild camping Duration: 4 days Distance: Varies 10. Outeniqua Trail The Outeniqua Trail has a better forest than the nearby Tsitsikamma Trail. Credit: Dania Petrik This spectacular trail can be conquered as a series of day walks or over a full seven-day period, between George and Knysna. Carrying food for a trip that long can get heavy but you’ll be rewarded with the unsurpassed scenery that the Outeniqua Mountains are famous for. There are numerous river crossings, some of which are impassable after heavy rains so it’s important to plan accordingly. The huts offer shelter, firewood, grids, water and rudimentary bedding. There’s electricity at the Millwood, Diepwalle and Harkerville huts. Hikers do not have to hike the full seven days; two or three days are allowed, connecting routes making this possible. Type: Backpacking with huts Duration: 7 days Distance: 108 km 11. Leopard Trail The Leopard Trail has numerous side trails that hikers can choose to take as they go. We recommend them all. Credit: Teagan Cunniffe Set in the magnificent Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site Wilderness Reserve, the Leopard Trail has quickly grown in popularity since opening in 2016. Baviaanskloof – the name is derived from the Dutch for “Valley of Baboons” – is a narrow valley blessed with pristine natural grandeur, and run with narrow gorges, streams, steep mountain passes and vast waving grassland plains. It’s just under 200 km in length and, due to lying at a lower altitude than the Karoo to the north, has a lush landscape supporting a wide variety of fauna and flora. It’s a circular route and a catered hike, ensuring it’s easier to handle those uphills and take in the views of the huge expanse of mountains, the beautiful flowers and enjoying the river along much of the route. Type: Slackpacking with tents Duration: 4 days Distance: 60 km 12. Timbavati Primitive Trail Nights have a very different feel to the day, on a hike with Lowveld Trails Co. Taking watch is one of the standout memories. Credit: Lowveld Trails Co. According to hiking expert, Hlengiwe Magagula , “The other rich zone for backpacking safaris is the Kruger region, with a multitude of options in both the national park and adjacent Greater Kruger reserves. The SANParks-operated backpacking trails always use a tent, so if you’d prefer the sleep-out experience, a good option is to book a trail with Lowveld Trails Company . This outfit is run by experienced trail-guiding instructors, and will bring you into either Timbavati Private Nature Reserve or Makuya Nature Reserve, which both share unfenced boundaries with the Kruger Park itself. The Lowveld Trails Company operates a three-night primitive trail for groups of up to eight.” Type: Wild camping Duration: 4 days Distance: Varies BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

< Back The African buffalo is very territorial and protective and is probably the most dangerous animal of the big five to humans. If this cow-like animal feels threatened it can become very aggressive and charge with astonishing speed. Buffaloes are mostly found in groups and large herds and spend a lot of their time grazing. Both male and female buffaloes have horns, but the males' horns curve and come together in the center, forming a big bony plate called a boss. The primary predator of the buffalo is the lion. A buffalo will try to protect and rescue another member of the herd and they have even been seen killing a lion after the lion had killed a member of the group. Although the African buffalo and water buffalo resemble each other, they are not closely related. Previous Next BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

Banknotes and Coin The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) released the upgraded Mandela banknotes and fourth decimal coin series on 3 May 2023. The upgraded banknotes and fourth decimal coin series have new designs and enhanced security features that utilise the latest technological advancements to protect the integrity of our currency and maintain public trust. The upgraded banknotes continue to pay homage to South Africa's first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela, with his portrait featured on the front of all five denominations while the Big 5 animals are depicted as a family. The fourth decimal coin series is based on the theme of deep ecology, which celebrates the interconnectedness of humans and other living organisms as an integral part of the environment. OLD SOUTH AFRICAN BANK NOTES The South African rand The South African rand, or simply the rand, (sign : R; code : ZAR is the official currency of the Southern African Common Monetary Area : South Africa , Namibia (alongside the Namibian dollar ), Lesotho (alongside the Lesotho loti ) and Eswatini (alongside the Swazi lilangeni ). It is subdivided into 100 cents (sign: "c"), and a comma separates the rand and cents. The South African rand is legal tender in the Common Monetary Area member states of Namibia , Lesotho , and Eswatini , with these three countries also having national currencies: (the dollar , the loti and the lilangeni respectively) pegged with the rand at parity and still widely accepted as substitutes. The rand was also legal tender in Botswana until 1976 when the pula replaced the rand at par. Etymology The rand takes its name from the Witwatersrand ("white waters' ridge" in English, rand being the Afrikaans (and Dutch ) word for 'ridge '), the ridge upon which Johannesburg is built and where most of South Africa's gold deposits were found. In English and Afrikaans (and Dutch), the singular and plural forms of the unit ("rand") are the same: one rand, ten rand, and two million rand. History See also: South African pound The rand was introduced in the Union of South Africa in 1961, three months before the country declared itself a republic .[2] A Decimal Coinage Commission had been set up in 1956 to consider a move away from the denominations of pounds, shillings, and pence; it submitted its recommendations on 8 August 1958 It replaced the South African pound as legal tender, at the rate of 2 rand to 1 pound, or 10 shillings to the rand. The government introduced a mascot, Decimal Dan, "the rand-cent man" (known in Afrikaans as Daan Desimaal). This was accompanied by a radio jingle to inform the public about the new currency. Although pronounced in the Afrikaans style as /rʌnt/ in the jingles when introduce the contemporary pronunciation in South African English is /rænd/ . Brief exchange rate history 1961–2000 Value of the South African rand to the United States dollar from 1975 to 2015 by the blue columns: The percentage rate of change year-on-year is shown by the black line. One rand was worth US$ 1.40 (R0.72 per dollar) from the time of its inception in 1961 until late 1971, and the U.S. dollar became stronger than South African currency for the first time on 15 March 1982. Its value thereafter fluctuated as various exchange rate dispensations[clarification needed ] were implemented by the South African authorities. By the early 1980s, high inflation and mounting political pressure combined with sanctions placed against the country due to international opposition to the apartheid system had started to erode its value. The currency broke above parity with the dollar for the first time in March 1982. It continued to trade between R1 and R1.30 to the dollar until June 1984, when the currency's depreciation gained momentum. By February 1985, it was trading at over R2 per dollar, and in July of that year, all foreign exchange trading was suspended for three days to try to stop the depreciation. By the time that State President P. W. Botha made his Rubicon speech on 15 August 1985, it had weakened to R2.40 per dollar. The currency recovered somewhat between 1986 and 1988, trading near the R2 level most of the time and breaking beneath it sporadically. The recovery was short-lived; by the end of 1989, the rand was trading at more than R2.50 per dollar. As it became clear in the early 1990s that the country was destined for Black majority rule and one reform after the other was announced, uncertainty about the country's future hastened the depreciation until the level of R3 to the dollar was breached in November 1992. A host of local and international events influenced the currency after that, most notably the 1994 general election , which had it weaken to over R3.60 to the dollar, the election of Tito Mboweni as the governor of the South African Reserve Bank , and the inauguration of President Thabo Mbeki in 1999, which had it quickly slide to over R6 to the dollar. The controversial land reform programme that was initiated in Zimbabwe , followed by the September 11, 2001 attacks , propelled it to its weakest historical level of R13.84 to the dollar in December 2001. 2001–2011 Two generations of older notes and coins, later replaced with the "Big Five " notes, which were in turn replaced to show the face of Nelson Mandela in 2012 This sudden depreciation in 2001 led to a formal investigation and a dramatic recovery. By the end of 2002, the currency was trading under R9 to the dollar again, and by the end of 2004, it was trading under R5.70. The currency softened somewhat in 2005, trading around R6.35 to the dollar at the end of the year. At the start of 2006, however, the currency resumed its rally and, as of 19 January 2006, was trading under R6 to the dollar again. However, the rand weakened significantly during the second and third quarters of 2006 (i.e., April through September). In sterling terms, it fell from around 9.5% to just over 7%, losing some 25% of its international trade-weighted value in six months. In late 2007, the rand rallied modestly to just over 8%, only to experience a precipitous slide during the first quarter of 2008. This downward slide could be attributed to a range of factors: South Africa's worsening current account deficit, which widened to a 36‑year high of 7.3% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2007; inflation at a five-year high of just under 9%; escalating global risk aversion as investors' concerns over the spreading impact of the sub-prime crisis grew; and a general flight to "safe havens", away from the perceived risks of emerging markets. The rand depreciation was exacerbated by the Eskom electricity crisis, which arose from the utility's inability to meet the country's rapidly growing energy demands. 2012–present A stalled mining industry in late 2012 led to new lows in early 2013. In late January 2014, the rand slid to R11.25 to the dollar, with analysts attributing the shift to "word from the US Federal Reserve that it would trim back stimulus spending, which led to a massive sell-off in emerging economies."In 2014, South Africa experienced its worst year against the US dollar since 2009, and in March 2015, the rand traded at its worst since 2002. At the time, Trading Economics released data that the rand "averaged R4.97 to the dollar between 1972–2015, reaching an all time high of R12.45 in December 2001 and a record low of R0.67 in June of 1973." By the end of 2014, the rand had weakened to R15.05 per dollar, partly due to South Africa's consistent trade account deficit with the rest of the world. From 9–13 December 2015, over four days, the rand dropped over 10% due to what some suspected was President Jacob Zuma's surprise announcement that he would be replacing the Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene with the little-known David van Rooyen . The rapid drop in value stemmed when Zuma backtracked and announced that the better-known previous Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan , would instead be appointed to the post. Zuma's surprise sacking of Nene damaged international confidence in the rand, and the exchange rate was volatile throughout much of January 2016 and reached an all-time low of R17.9169 to the US dollar on 9 January 2016 before rebounding to R16.57 later the same day. The January drop in value was also partly caused by Japanese retail investors cutting their losses in the currency to look for higher-yield investments elsewhere and due to concerns over the impact of the economic slowdown in China , South Africa's largest export market. By mid-January, economists were speculating that the rand could expect to see further volatility for the rest of 2016. By 29 April, it reached its highest performance over the previous five months, exchanging at a rate of R14.16 to the United States dollar. Following the United Kingdom voting to leave the European Union, the rand dropped in value over 8% against the US$ on 24 June 2016, the currency's largest single-day decline since the 2008 economic crash. This was partly due to a general global financial retreat from currencies seen as risky to the US dollar and partly due to concerns over how British withdrawal from the EU would impact the South African economy and trade relations. In April 2017, a Reuters poll estimated that the rand would remain relatively stable for the rest of the year, as two polls found that analysts had already factored in a possible downgrade to "junk" status. At the time, Moody's rated South Africa two notches above junk status.[22] When President Jacob Zuma narrowly won a motion of no confidence in South Africa in August 2017, the rand continued to slide, dropping 1.7% that day. In September 2017, Goldman Sachs said that the debt and corruption of Eskom Holdings was the biggest risk to South Africa's economy and the exchange rate of the rand. At the time, it had no permanent CEO, and Colin Coleman of Goldman Sachs in Africa said the company was "having discussions on solutions" on finding credible management. In October 2017, the rand firmed against the US dollar as it recovered from a six-month low. Reuters noted, "South Africa is highly susceptible to global investor sentiment as the country relies on foreign money to cover its large budget and current account deficits." On 13 November 2017, the rand fell by over 1% when the budget chief, Michael Sachs, stood down from his position in Zuma's administration. In October 2022, the rand sank to its lowest point in two years, reaching R18.46 to the US dollar on 25 October 2022. Coins Main article: Coins of the South African rand A 5 rand bimetallic coin issued in 2004. Coins were introduced in 1961 in denominations of 1⁄2, 1, 2+1⁄2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents. In 1965, 2-cent coins replaced the 2+1⁄2 cent coins. The 1⁄2 cent coin was last struck for circulation in 1973. The 1 rand coin for circulation was introduced in 1967, followed by 2 rand coins in 1989 and 5 rand coins in 1994. Production of the 1 and 2-cent coins was discontinued in 2002, followed by 5-cent coins in 2012, primarily due to inflation having devalued them, but they remain legal tender. Shops normally round the total purchase price of goods to the nearest 10 cents. To curb counterfeiting, a new 5-rand coin was released in August 2004. Security features introduced on the coin include a bimetal design (similar to the €1 and €2 coins , the Thai ฿10 coin , the pre-2018 Philippine ₱10 coin , the British £2 coin , and the Canadian $2 coin ), a specially serrated security groove along the rim and microlettering. On 3 May 2023, the South African Reserve Bank announced that a new series of coins would be released. These will have the same denominations as the previous series. The 10c will feature an image of the Cape Honey Bee, the 20c the Bitter Aloe, the 50c the Knysna Turaco , the R1 the Springbok , the R2 the King Protea , and the R5 the Southern Right Whale . Banknotes The first series of rand banknotes was introduced in 1961 in denominations of 1, 2, 10, and 20 rand, with similar designs and colours to the preceding pound notes to ease the transition. They bore the image of what was believed at the time to be Jan van Riebeeck , the first VOC administrator of Cape Town . It was later discovered that the original portrait was not, in fact, Van Riebeeck at all, but a portrait of Bartholomeus Vermuyden had been mistaken for Van Riebeeck. In 1966, a second series with designs that moved away from the previous pound notes was released. Notes with 1, 5, and 10 rand denominations were produced with predominantly one colour per note. A smaller 1 rand note with the same design was introduced in 1973, and a 2 rand note was introduced in 1974. The 20 rand denomination from the first series was dropped. The practice of having an English and an Afrikaans version of each note was continued in this series. The 1978 series began with denominations of 2, 5, 10, and 20 rand, with a 50 rand introduced in 1984. This series had only one language variant for each denomination of note. Afrikaans was the first language on the 2, 10, and 50 rand, while English was the first on the 5 and 20 rand. A coin replaced the 1 rand note. Rand banknotes and coins. South African ATM showing R50 and R100 banknotes. In the 1990s, the notes were redesigned with images of the Big Five wildlife species. 10, 20, and 50 rand notes were introduced in 1992 & 1993, retaining the colour scheme of the previous issue. Coins were introduced for the 2 and 5 rand, replacing the notes of the previous series, mainly because of the severe wear and tear experienced with low-denomination notes in circulation. In 1994, 100 and 200 rand notes were introduced. The 2005 series has the same principal design but with additional security features, such as colour-shifting ink on the 50 rand and higher and the EURion constellation . The obverses of all denominations were printed in English, while two other official languages were printed on the reverse, thus using all 11 official languages of South Africa . In 2010, the South African Reserve Bank and commercial banks withdrew all 1994 series 200-rand banknotes due to relatively high-quality counterfeit notes in circulation. In 2011, the South African Reserve Bank issued defective 100 rand banknotes which lacked fluorescent printing visible under UV light . In June, the printing of this denomination was moved from the South African Bank Note Company to Crane Currency's Swedish division (Tumba Bruk ), which reportedly produced 80 million 100 rand notes. The South African Reserve Bank shredded 3.6 million 100-rand banknotes printed by Crane Currency because they had the same serial numbers as a batch printed by the South African Bank Note Company. In addition, the notes printed in Sweden were not the correct colour and were 1mm short. On 11 February 2012, President Jacob Zuma announced that the country would be issuing a new set of banknotes bearing Nelson Mandela 's image. They were entered into circulation on 6 November 2012. These contained the same denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 rand. In 2013, the 2012 series was updated with the addition of the EURion constellation to all five denominations. On 18 July 2018, a special commemorative series of banknotes was released in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Nelson Mandela's birth. This series includes notes of all denominations, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 rand. These notes will circulate alongside the existing notes. The notes depict the standard face of Nelson Mandela on the obverse. Still, instead of the Big Five animals on the reverse, they show a younger Mandela with different iconic scenes relating to his legacy. These scenes comprise the rolling hills of the Eastern Cape , featuring Mandela's humble birthplace of Mvezo (10 rand); the home of Mandela in Soweto , where he defined his political life alongside other struggle icons (20 rand); the site where Mandela was captured near Howick , following 17 months in hiding, where a monument to him has been erected (50 rand); the place of Mandela's 27-year imprisonment at Robben Island , showing a pile of quarried limestone (100 rand); the statue of Mandela at the Union Buildings in remembrance of when he was inaugurated there in 1994 (200 rand). On 3 May 2023, the South African Reserve Bank announced that a new series of banknotes would retain the image of Nelson Mandela on the obverse while showing the Big 5 in a family depiction on the reverse. This series contains the same denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 rand. South Africa Currency 10 Rand banknote 1961 Jan van Riebeeck South Africa Currency 10 Rand banknote 1961 Jan van Riebeeck South Africa Currency 10 Rand banknote 1961 Jan van Riebeeck South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank Obverse: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck (1619 – 1677), was a Dutch navigator and colonial administrator and the founder of Cape Town. At the top are the name of the bank in Afrikaans and English: "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" and "South African Reserve Bank". An inscriptions: "Ek beloof op aanvraag te betaal aan toonder te Pretoria TIEN RAND Vir die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" & "I promise to pay the bearer on demand at Pretoria TEN RAND For the South African Reserve Bank". An Allegory of Hope at lower left corner - seated allegorical female with an anchor symbolizes hope of Voortrekkers for best and richer future. Vignette of pioneers and covered wagons train drawn by bulls rolls across plain (Voortrekkers or Voor-trekkers) at bottom center. (The basic motive was taken after the colored illustration from Ian D. Colvin's book "South Africa", published by London publisher "Caxton Pub. Co." in 1909. The illustration made by G. S. Smithard and J. S. Skelton). At the lower right corner of the banknote depiction of a lemon tree (Citrus limon). On the left from Lemon tree are two Golden Wildebeest (male - forehead and female - on background). Signature: President Governor - Dr. Michiel Hendrik de Kock (29 January 1898 — 18 September 1976) was the third Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. His term of office was from 1 July 1945 to 30 June 1962. Reverse: The South Africa's iconic ship "Dromedaris" at center. The face value of the banknote in words, in English and Afrikaans, are at the top and in arabic numerals "10" in ornate guilloche are at lower corners. The name of the bank in Afrikaans and English: "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" and "South African Reserve Bank" at left and right. The "Dromedaris" was one of the three ships (Dromedaris, Rejiger and De Goede Hoop) landed by Jan van Riebeeck at the future Cape Town site on 6 April 1652 and the Reijger on 7 April 1652 and then commenced to fortify it as a way station for the Dutch East India Company (VOC "Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie") trade route between the Netherlands and the East Indies. The primary purpose of this way station was to provide fresh provisions for the Dutch East India Company fleets sailing between the Dutch Republic and Batavia, as deaths en route were very high. The arrival of Van Riebeeck marked the beginning of permanent European settlement in the region. Watermark: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck and the wavy lines along the borders of banknote. Size: 170 x 97 mm. Colour: Green and brown on multicolored underprint. 1961-1965 South African Currency 20 Rand banknote 1962 Jan van Riebeeck South African Currency 20 Rand banknote 1962 Jan van Riebeeck South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank Obverse: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck (1619 – 1677), was a Dutch navigator and colonial administrator and the founder of Cape Town. At the top are the name of the bank in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" and in English "South African Reserve Bank" at the bottom part of the banknote. An inscriptions: "Ek beloof op aanvraag te betaal aan toonder te Pretoria TWINTIG RAND Vir die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" & "I promise to pay the bearer on demand at Pretoria TWENTY RAND For the South African Reserve Bank". At the left part of the banknote depicted the vignette represents the South African animals: Antelope Springbok, Chacma Baboon, Burchell's zebra and Golden Wildebeest Bulls. At the bottom right corner of the banknote are Zulu woman with child, carrying a vessel on top of her head. Signature: President Governor - Gerard Rissik (21 February 1903 – 4 October 1979) was the fourth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. His term of office was from 1 July 1962 to 30 June 1967. Reverse: The Line Conveyors at South Africa gold mine, Witwatersrand Basin. At the top are the name of the bank in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" and in English "South African Reserve Bank" at the bottom part of the banknote. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "20" in ornate guilloche at each corners. Watermark: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck and the wavy lines along the borders of banknote. Size: 170 x 97 mm. Colour: Brown-violet. 1961-1965 South Africa Currency 1 Rand banknote 1967 Jan van Riebeeck South Africa Currency 1 Rand banknote 1967 Jan van Riebeeck South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank Obverse: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck (1619 – 1677), was a Dutch navigator and colonial administrator and the founder of Cape Town. Many Afrikaners view van Riebeeck as the father of the Afrikaner nation. The King Protea flower on the background at center, at bottom right corner and across all the field of the banknote (Proclaimed as South Africa's national flower in 1976, the king protea (Protea cynaroides) is a flowering bush as beautiful and unique as the country itself.). At the top are the name of the bank in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" and in English "South African Reserve Bank" at the bottom part of the banknote. An inscriptions: "Ek beloof op aanvraag te betaal aan toonder te Pretoria EEN RAND Vir die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" & "I promise to pay the bearer on demand at Pretoria ONE RAND For the South African Reserve Bank". Signature: Theunis Willem de Jongh was the fifth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. His term of office was from 1 July 1967 to 31 December 1980. Reverse: Two South African merino sheep are staying near the plow. Behind them is a corn field. Landscape of corn field and farmhouse and mountain range in the background. A lemon tree (Citrus limon) and tobacco plant at left. The national flower of South Africa - Giant or King Protea, pineapple, watermelon, pear, grapes and other fruits and vegetables at right. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "1" in ornate guilloche at upper right and bottom left corners. Watermark: Springbok - national animal of South Africa and mascot for many national sport teams. Size: 126 x 64 mm. Colour: Dark reddish brown on multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. 1966-1975 South African Currency 5 Rand banknote 1967 Jan van Riebeeck South African Currency 5 Rand banknote 1967 Jan van Riebeeck South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank Obverse: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck (1619 – 1677), was a Dutch navigator and colonial administrator and the founder of Cape Town. Many Afrikaners view van Riebeeck as the father of the Afrikaner nation. The Voortrekker Monument at center. Vignette of pioneers and covered wagons train drawn by bulls rolls across plain (Voortrekkers or Voor-trekkers) at bottom right corner. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank" and in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank". An inscriptions: "I promise to pay the bearer on demand at Pretoria FIVE RAND For the South African Reserve Bank" & "Ek beloof op aanvraag te betaal aan toonder te Pretoria VYF RAND Vir die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank". The face value of the banknote in words at center: in English "FIVE RAND" and in Afrikaans "VYF RAND". The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "5" in ornate guilloche at bottom left, upper right and left corners. Signature: Theunis Willem de Jongh was the fifth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. His term of office was from 1 July 1967 to 31 December 1980. Reverse: Factory with industrial freight train. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "5" in ornate guilloche at upper right and left corners. Watermark: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck. Size: 134 × 70 mm. Colour: Purple on multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. 1966-1975 South Africa Currency 10 Rand banknote 1967 Jan van Riebeeck South Africa Currency 10 Rand banknote 1967 Jan van Riebeeck South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank Obverse: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck (1619 – 1677), was a Dutch navigator and colonial administrator and the founder of Cape Town. Many Afrikaners view van Riebeeck as the father of the Afrikaner nation. The Union Buildings in Pretoria at center. (The Union Buildings form the official seat of the South African Government and also house the offices of the President of South Africa). The Springbok at bottom right, national animal of South Africa and mascot for many national sport teams. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank" and in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" at the bottom part of the banknote. An inscriptions: "I promise to pay the bearer on demand at Pretoria TEN RAND For the South African Reserve Bank" & "Ek beloof op aanvraag te betaal aan toonder te Pretoria TIEN RAND Vir die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank". The face value of the banknote in words at center: in English "TEN RAND" and in Afrikaans "TIEN RAND". The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "10" in ornate guilloche at upper right and bottom left corners. Signature: Theunis Willem de Jongh was the fifth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. His term of office was from 1 July 1967 to 31 December 1980. Reverse: The Table Bay and Table Mountain with Van Riebeeck’s three ships at his arrival on April 6, 1652: the "Dromedaris", "Reijger" and "Goede Hoop" first time reaching the cape of Good Hope. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "10" in ornate guilloche at upper right and left corners. Watermark: Springbok - national animal of South Africa and mascot for many national sport teams. Size: 140 x 76 mm. Colour: Dark green and brown on multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. 1966-1975 South African Currency 2 Rand banknote 1978 Jan van Riebeeck South African Currency 2 Rand banknote 1978 Jan van Riebeeck South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank Obverse: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck (1619 – 1677), was a Dutch navigator and colonial administrator and the founder of Cape Town. A vignette representing the infrastructure of the country: electric power transmission towers. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "2" in ornate guilloche at left and right. At the top are the name of the bank in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" and in English "South African Reserve Bank" at the bottom part of the banknote. An inscriptions: "Ek beloof op aanvraag te betaal aan toonder te Pretoria TWEE RAND Vir die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" & "I promise to pay the bearer on demand at Pretoria TWO RAND For the South African Reserve Bank". The face value of the banknote in words at center: in Afrikaans "TWEE RAND" and in English "TWO RAND". Signature: Theunis Willem de Jongh was the fifth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. His term of office was from 1 July 1967 to 31 December 1980. Reverse: A vignette representing the manufacturing of the country: Oil refinery plant of "Sasol Limited". The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "2" are on left side and in lower right corner. Watermark: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck. Size: 120 x 57 mm. Colour: Blue on multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South Africa Currency 5 Rand banknote 1978 Jan van Riebeeck South Africa Currency 5 Rand banknote 1978 Jan van Riebeeck South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank Obverse: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck (1619 – 1677), was a Dutch navigator and colonial administrator and the founder of Cape Town. Large Diamond at center. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "5" in ornate guilloche at left and right. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank" and in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" at the bottom part of the banknote. An inscriptions: "I promise to pay the bearer on demand at Pretoria FIVE RAND For the South African Reserve Bank" & "Ek beloof op aanvraag te betaal aan toonder te Pretoria VYF RAND Vir die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank". The face value of the banknote in words at center: in Afrikaans "VYF RAND" and in English "FIVE RAND". Signature: Theunis Willem de Jongh was the fifth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. His term of office was from 1 July 1967 to 31 December 1980. Reverse: A vignette representing the diamond mining of the country: Diamond mine at center. On right side is the city skyscraper skyline, as parallel between diamonds mining and wealth and civilization. On left side is the small stylized model of hydrocarbon atoms. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "5" are on left side and in lower right corner. Watermark: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck. Size: 127 x 63 mm. Colour: Purple on multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South African Currency 10 Rand banknote 1978 Jan van Riebeeck South African Currency 10 Rand banknote 1978 Jan van Riebeeck South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank Obverse: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck (1619 – 1677), was a Dutch navigator and colonial administrator and the founder of Cape Town. The King Protea flower at center (Proclaimed as South Africa's national flower in 1976, the king protea (Protea cynaroides) is a flowering bush as beautiful and unique as the country itself.). The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "10" in ornate guilloche at left and right. At the top are the name of the bank in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" and in English "South African Reserve Bank" at the bottom part of the banknote. An inscriptions: "Ek beloof op aanvraag te betaal aan toonder te Pretoria TIEN RAND Vir die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" & "I promise to pay the bearer on demand at Pretoria TEN RAND For the South African Reserve Bank". The face value of the banknote in words at center: in Afrikaans "TIEN RAND" and in English "TEN RAND". Signature: Theunis Willem de Jongh was the fifth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. His term of office was from 1 July 1967 to 31 December 1980. Reverse: A vignette representing the agriculture of the country - Livestock: the South African merino sheep and Afrikaner bull. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "10" in ornate guilloche at left. Watermark: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck. Size: 134 x 70 mm. Colour: Green on multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South Africa Currency 20 Rand banknote 1990 Jan van Riebeeck South Africa Currency 20 Rand banknote 1990 Jan van Riebeeck South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank Obverse: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck (1619 – 1677), was a Dutch navigator and colonial administrator and the founder of Cape Town. Groot Constantia manor house, a historic building at center (Groot Constantia is the oldest wine estate in South Africa and provincial heritage site in the suburb of Constantia in Cape Town, South Africa). The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "20" in ornate guilloche at left and right. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank" and in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" at the bottom part of the banknote. An inscriptions: "I promise to pay the bearer on demand at Pretoria TWENTY RAND For the South African Reserve Bank" & "Ek beloof op aanvraag te betaal aan toonder te Pretoria TWINTIG RAND Vir die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank". The face value of the banknote in words at center: in Afrikaans "TWINTIG RAND" and in English "TWENTY RAND". Signature: Dr. Chris Stals (born 13 March 1935) was the seventh Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, serving from 8 August 1989 to 7 August 1999. He succeeded Dr. Gerhard de Kock who had died in office. Reverse: The Table Bay and Table Mountain with Jan van Riebeeck’s three ships at his arrival on April 6, 1652: the "Dromedaris", "Reijger" and "Goede Hoop" first time reaching the cape of Good Hope. The (old) Coat of Arms of South Africa between 1910 and 2000, with the Latin motto "Ex Unitate Vires" - "From Unity, Strength" (also translated as "Unity Creates Strength"). "Ex Unitate Vires" was South Africa's motto until 27 April, 2000, when the new Coat of Arms and motto were adopted. Variations of the old motto were common in many Afrikaner and South African institutions, often in Afrikaans ("Eendrag maak mag") or Dutch ("Eendragt maakt magt" in old orthography, "Eendracht maakt macht" in modern orthography). Watermark: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck. Size: 144 x 77 mm. Colour: Brown on multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South African Currency 50 Rand banknote 1984 Jan van Riebeeck South African Currency 50 Rand banknote 1984 Jan van Riebeeck South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank Obverse: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck (1619 – 1677), was a Dutch navigator and colonial administrator and the founder of Cape Town. Close-up of male Transvaal Lion head in under-print at center, as member of "The Famous Big Five animals of Africa". The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "50" in ornate guilloche at left and right. At the top are the name of the bank in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" and in English "South African Reserve Bank" at the bottom part of the banknote. An inscriptions: "Ek beloof op aanvraag te betaal aan toonder te Pretoria VYFTIG RAND Vir die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" & "I promise to pay the bearer on demand at Pretoria FIFTY RAND For the South African Reserve Bank". The face value of the banknote in words at center: in Afrikaans "VYFTIG RAND" and in English "FIFTY RAND". Signature: Dr. Gerhard de Kock (14 February 1926 — 7 August 1989) was the sixth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. He was the son of Dr. Michiel Hendrik de Kock, who was the third Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. Dr. de Kock was the first (and only) Governor of the South African Reserve Bank to die in office. His term was from 1 January 1981 until his death on 7 August 1989. Reverse: The vignette represents the South African animals at the watering, likely at Orange River: a giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, greater and lesser kudu. Crimson sun over a mountain range. The palm trees at the lower right corner. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "50" in ornate guilloche at left. Watermark: Portrait of Jan van Riebeeck. Size: 147 x 83 mm. Colour: Red on multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South Africa Currency 10 Rand banknote 1999 White Rhinoceros South Africa Currency 10 Rand banknote 1999 White Rhinoceros South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank The Famous Big Five animals of Africa Leopard, African Buffalo, Transvaal Lion, African Elephant, Rhinoceros Obverse: Close-up of a White Rhino head at right and a vignette of a White Rhinoceros mother and her Rhino baby in the African Savanna at center. Outline drawings of various round geometric figures at the bottom. Outline drawing of round geometric figure with coinciding register, as security measure at lower left corner. The parts printed on the back perfectly match the ones on the front. At the top are the name of the bank in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" and in English "South African Reserve Bank" at the bottom. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "10" at center, in numerals and words: in English "TEN RAND" at right and Afrikaans "TIEN RAND" along the left side of the banknote. Signature: Chris Stals - President Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. (Dr. Christian Lodewyk Stals, better known as Chris Stals (born 13 March 1935) was the seventh Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, serving from 8 August 1989 to 7 August 1999. He succeeded Dr. Gerhard de Kock who had died in office). Reverse: The theme of this banknote reverse is Agriculture: Close-up of a Ram head at left. Lower are South African merino sheep on the pasture and mountains in the background, the windmill at lower left corner. Above are three contour image of sunflowers. At the top are the name of the bank in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" and in English "South African Reserve Bank" at the bottom. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "10" at center, in numerals and words: in English "TEN RAND 10" at right and Afrikaans "TIEN RAND 10" along the left side of the banknote. Watermark: White rhino and electrotype 10. Size: 128 × 70 mm. Colour: Dark green and dark blue on brown and multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South African Currency 20 Rand banknote 1993 African Savanna Elephant South African Currency 20 Rand banknote 1993 African Savanna Elephant South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank The Famous Big Five animals of Africa Leopard, African Buffalo, Transvaal Lion, African Elephant, Rhinoceros Obverse: Close-up of an African Bush Elephant head at right and a vignette of the African Bush Elephant family walking in the bush at center (The African Bush Elephant, also known as the Savanna Elephant). Outline drawings of round brilliant cut at the bottom. Outline drawing of round brilliant cut with coinciding register, as security measure at lower left corner. The parts printed on the back perfectly match the ones on the front. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank" and in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" at the bottom. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "20" at center, in numerals and words: in English "TWENTY RAND" at left and Afrikaans "TWINTING RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Signature: Chris Stals - President Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. (Dr. Christian Lodewyk Stals, better known as Chris Stals (born 13 March 1935) was the seventh Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, serving from 8 August 1989 to 7 August 1999. He succeeded Dr. Gerhard de Kock who had died in office). Reverse: The theme of this banknote reverse is Surface mining industry - Open-pit mining. On the upper part of the banknote are three graphic image of round brilliant cut. Outline drawing of round brilliant cut with coinciding register, as security measure at lower right corner. The parts printed on the back perfectly match the ones on the front. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank" and in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" at the bottom. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "20" at center, in numerals and words: in English "TWENTY RAND 20" at left and Afrikaans "TWINTING RAND 20" along the right side of the banknote. Watermark: African Bush Elephant and electrotype 20. Size: 134 × 70 mm. Colour: Deep brown and red-brown on multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. BANK NOTES OF MANDELA South Africa Currency 50 Rand banknote 1992 Transvaal Lion South Africa Currency 50 Rand banknote 1992 Transvaal Lion South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank The Famous Big Five animals of Africa Leopard, African Buffalo, Transvaal Lion, African Elephant, Rhinoceros Obverse: Close-up of male Transvaal Lion head at right and a vignette of the two Transvaal lionesses and cub drinking at water hole. Outline drawings of various round geometric shapes at the bottom. Outline drawing of stylized model of hydrocarbon atom with coinciding register, as security measure at lower left corner. The parts printed on the back perfectly match the ones on the front. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank" and in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" at the bottom. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "50" at center, in numerals and words: in English "FIFTY RAND" at right and Afrikaans "VYFTIG RAND" along the left side of the banknote. Signature: Tito Mboweni - President Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. (Tito Titus Mboweni, born 16 March 1959) is the current Minister of Finance of South Africa. Mboweni was the eighth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank and the first Black South African to hold the post. He was sworn in as Finance Minister on 9 October 2018, following Nhlanhla Nene's resignation.) Reverse: The theme of this banknote reverse is Manufacturing - Sasol oil refinery at the bottom part of the note. On the upper part of the banknote are stylized model of hydrocarbon atoms. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank" and in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" at the bottom. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "50" at center, in numerals and words: in English "FIFTY RAND 50" at right and Afrikaans "VYFTIG RAND 50" along the left side of the banknote. Refining capacity in South Africa is 250 million barrels/year, or about 700 thousand barrels/day, Including 500 thousand barrels/day of crude oil and 195 thousand barrels/day of synthetic liquid fuels from coal. It is interesting that the South African "Sasol" is the pioneer of the Fischer-Tpropsha producing synthetic fuel using this synthesis conversion of the gasified coal since 1955. Watermark: Transvaal lion and electrotype 50. Size: 140 × 70 mm. Colour: Maroon, brown and deep blue-green on multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South African Currency 100 Rand banknote 1999 Cape Buffalo South African Currency 100 Rand banknote 1999 Cape Buffalo South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank The Famous Big Five animals of Africa Leopard, African Buffalo, Transvaal Lion, African Elephant, Rhinoceros Obverse: Close-up of a Cape Buffalo head at right and a vignette of the two African or Cape Buffalos in the African Savannah at center. Outline drawings of various round geometric figures at the bottom. Outline drawing of round brilliant cut with coinciding register, as security measure at lower left corner. The parts printed on the back perfectly match the ones on the front. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank" and in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" at the bottom. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "100" at center, in numerals and words: in English "ONE HUNDRED RAND" at left and Afrikaans "EEN HONDERD RAND" at right. Signature: Tito Mboweni - President Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. (Tito Titus Mboweni, born 16 March 1959) is the current Minister of Finance of South Africa. Mboweni was the eighth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank and the first Black South African to hold the post. He was sworn in as Finance Minister on 9 October 2018, following Nhlanhla Nene's resignation.) Reverse: The theme of this banknote is Tourism. A herd of zebras on the African savanna at the bottom. On the upper part of the banknote are four graphic image of round brilliant cut. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank" and in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" at the bottom. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "100" at center, in numerals and words: in English "ONE HUNDRED RAND 100" at left and Afrikaans "EEN HONDERD RAND 100" at right. Watermark: The African buffalo or Cape buffalo and electrotype 100. Size: 146 × 70 mm. Colour: Blue on multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South Africa Currency 200 Rand banknote 1994 African leopard South Africa Currency 200 Rand banknote 1994 African leopard South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank The Famous Big Five animals of Africa Leopard, African Buffalo, Transvaal Lion, African Elephant, Rhinoceros Obverse: Close-up of a Leopard head at right and a vignette showing a leopard lying above the branch of a tree at center. Outline drawings of various round geometric figures at the bottom. Outline drawing of round geometric figure with coinciding register, as security measure at lower left corner. The parts printed on the back perfectly match the ones on the front. At the top are the name of the bank in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" and in English "South African Reserve Bank" at the bottom. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "200" at center, in numerals and words: in English "TWO HUNDRED RAND" at right and Afrikaans "TWEE HONDERD RAND" along the left side of the banknote. Signature: Chris Stals - President Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. (Dr. Christian Lodewyk Stals, better known as Chris Stals (born 13 March 1935) was the seventh Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, serving from 8 August 1989 to 7 August 1999. He succeeded Dr. Gerhard de Kock who had died in office). Reverse: The theme of this banknote reverse is Transport and Telecommunications. The Bloukrans Bridge at center. On left side is a big satellite dish, symbolizing telecommunication. Centered, above, are three images: Left one reminds a the turbine of an aircraft, centered image - stylized wheel of car/truck/tractor and right one reminds the wheel of an Electric locomotive - as symbols of Transport. At the top are the name of the bank in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" and in English "South African Reserve Bank" at the bottom. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "200" at center, in numerals and words: in English "TWO HUNDRED RAND 200" at right and Afrikaans "TWEE HONDERD RAND 200" along the left side of the banknote. Watermark: The African leopard (Panthera pardus pardus) and electrotype 200. Size: 152 × 70 mm. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. Bloukrans Bridge The Bloukrans Bridge is an arch bridge located near Nature's Valley, Western Cape, South Africa. Constructed between February 1980 and June 1983, the bridge stands at a height of 216m above the Bloukrans River. Its central span is 272m and the bridge is 451m in length in total. Its primary use is that of a road bridge, carrying national route N2. Bloukrans Bridge is the site of the world's highest commercial bridge bungee jumping, Bloukrans Bridge Bungy, operated by Face Adrenalin since 1997. The Bloukrans River below forms the border between the Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces and is located in the Tsitsikamma region of the Garden Route. The Famous Big Five animals of Africa Africa is an environment with a diverse fauna and flora, that captures the hearts and minds of all who visit this beautiful content. A few animals, however, has been awarded a very special award, the Big Five. The famous Big Five refers to five of Africa's greatest wild animals - the Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, and Buffalo. The term "Big Five" was originally coined by hunters, and referred to the five most difficult animals to hunt on foot in Africa. The Big Five wasn't chosen for their size, but rather for the difficulty in hunting them, and the degree of danger involved. The term is still used today in most tourist and wildlife guides, and are usually high on the priority list and a real treat for many a visitor to African game reserves. African Elephant The African Elephant is a very large herbivore with thick, almost hairless skin. The upper incisors of the elephant forms long curved tusks of ivory. The African Elephant is difficult to spot because despite its large size, they are able to hide in tall grass, and more likely to charge than other species. Lion The Lion is a large carnivorous feline, with a short tawny coat and a tufted tail. Males have magnificent heavy manes around their necks and shoulders. Considered by many the best of the Big Five, lions are very dangerous animals, and would attack if given a chance. Cape Buffalo The African Buffalo is a large horned bovid. Buffalos are considered the most dangerous of the Big Five, reportedly having caused many hunter deaths. Buffalos are known as the "Black Death" in Africa, with wounded animals reportedly ambushing and attacking its pursuers. Rhinoceros Rhinoceros (also called Rhino for short) are large, thick-skinned herbivores with one or two upright horns on the nasal bridge. Rhinos are able to reach one tonne or more in weight. Rhinos are listed as "critically endangered" by the IUCN Red List, as they are killed by humans for their valuable horns, which are made of keratin, and wrongly believed by some to act as an aphrodisiac, amongst other things. Leopard The Leopard is a large, carnivorous feline with either tawny fur with dark rosetto-like markings, or black fur. Leopards are very difficult to spot as they have nocturnal feeding habits and secretive nature. Leopards are also extremely wary of humans, and will take flight in the face of danger. South African Currency 10 Rand banknote 2005 White Rhino South African Currency 10 Rand banknote 2005 White Rhino South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank The Famous Big Five animals of Africa Obverse: Close-up of a White Rhino head at right and a vignette of a White Rhinoceros mother and her Rhino baby in the African Savanna at center. Outline drawings of various round geometric figures at the bottom. Outline drawing of round geometric figure with coinciding register, as security measure at lower left corner. The parts printed on the back perfectly match the ones on the front. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank". The present South African Coat of Arms is used prominently on the front top left corner. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "10" are in top left and lower right corners and in words: in English "TEN RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Signature: Tito Mboweni - President Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. (Tito Titus Mboweni, born 16 March 1959) is the current Minister of Finance of South Africa. Mboweni was the eighth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank and the first Black South African to hold the post. He was sworn in as Finance Minister on 9 October 2018, following Nhlanhla Nene's resignation.) Reverse: The theme of this banknote reverse is Agriculture: Close-up of a Ram head at left. Lower are South African merino sheep on the pasture and mountains in the background, the windmill at lower left corner. Above are three contour image of sunflowers. At the top are the name of the bank in Afrikaans "Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank" and in Swati "liBhangi lesiLulu leNingizimu Afrika" at the bottom. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "10" are in top left and lower right corners, in numerals and words: in English "TEN RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Watermark: White rhino and electrotype 10. Size: 128 × 70 mm. Colour: Dark green and dark blue on brown and multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. The South African Coat of Arms is used prominently on the front top left corner of all the denominations. It can also be seen in the iridescent band on the back, and as a holographic image in the security thread of the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes. Watermark: This is smaller and the denomination numeral is added to the watermark of the main motif. Perfect registration: This see-through security feature reveals the denomination numeral in perfect registration on the front and back when the banknote is held up to the light. Windowed security thread: On the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes the thread is 4 mm wide. “SARB”, “RAND” and the denomination numeral appear when the banknote is held up to the light, and a holographic Coat of Arms appears in the thread when tilted. On the R10 and R20 banknotes the thread is 2 mm wide and “SARB” and the denomination numeral appear in clear text. Diamond shapes: The dots on the front that assist the blind to distinguish between the denominations have been replaced with diamonds: 1 diamond for the R10, 2 diamonds for the R20, 3 diamonds for the R50, 4 diamonds for the R100, and 5 diamonds for the R200. Unique numbering: This has moved from the front to the back: a vertical number on the left-hand side and a horizontal number top right. The horizontal number is conical. Microlettering: “SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK” appears in microlettering to the right of the animal’s ear. The microlettering is printed in positive and negative text. Iridescent band: This is a very prominent feature in a gold colour on the back of all banknotes. When tilted, the Coat of Arms and the denomination numeral appear. Different geometric shapes: These have been added to the front of the banknotes as an aid for the partially sighted: diamond on the R10, square on the R20, circle on the R50, and different hexagons on the R100 and R200. Latent image: When the banknote is held almost horizontally at eye level, the denomination numeral appears inside the geometric shapes. Optically variable ink: On the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes the denomination numeral on the front bottom right is printed in colour-changing ink. When the R50 and R100 banknotes are tilted, the colour changes from green to gold. On the R200 it changes from magenta to green. Denomination numerals: These are more prominent on both the front and back of the banknotes. South Africa Currency 20 Rand banknote 2005 African Bush Elephant South Africa Currency 20 Rand banknote 2005 African Bush Elephant South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank The Famous Big Five animals of Africa Leopard, African Buffalo, Transvaal Lion, African Elephant, Rhinoceros Obverse: Close-up of an African Bush Elephant head at right and a vignette of the African Bush Elephant family walking in the bush at center (The African Bush Elephant, also known as the Savanna Elephant). Outline drawings of round brilliant cut at the bottom. Outline drawing of round brilliant cut with coinciding register, as security measure at lower left corner. The parts printed on the back perfectly match the ones on the front. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank". The present South African Coat of Arms is used prominently on the front top left corner. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "20" are in top left and lower right corners and in words: in English "TWENTY RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Signature: Tito Mboweni - President Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. (Tito Titus Mboweni, born 16 March 1959) is the current Minister of Finance of South Africa. Mboweni was the eighth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank and the first Black South African to hold the post. He was sworn in as Finance Minister on 9 October 2018, following Nhlanhla Nene's resignation.) Reverse: The theme of this banknote reverse is Surface mining industry - Open-pit mining. On the upper part of the banknote are three graphic image of round brilliant cut. Outline drawing of round brilliant cut with coinciding register, as security measure at lower right corner. The parts printed on the back perfectly match the ones on the front. At the top are the name of the bank in Tswana "Banka-kgolo ya Aforika Borwa " and in Southern Ndebele "lBulungelo-mali eliKhulu leSewula Afrika" at the bottom. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "20" are in top left and lower right corners, in numerals and words: in English "TWENTY RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Watermark: African Bush Elephant and electrotype 20. Size: 134 × 70 mm. Colour: Deep brown and red-brown on multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. The South African Coat of Arms is used prominently on the front top left corner of all the denominations. It can also be seen in the iridescent band on the back, and as a holographic image in the security thread of the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes. Watermark: This is smaller and the denomination numeral is added to the watermark of the main motif. Perfect registration: This see-through security feature reveals the denomination numeral in perfect registration on the front and back when the banknote is held up to the light. Windowed security thread: On the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes the thread is 4 mm wide. “SARB”, “RAND” and the denomination numeral appear when the banknote is held up to the light, and a holographic Coat of Arms appears in the thread when tilted. On the R10 and R20 banknotes the thread is 2 mm wide and “SARB” and the denomination numeral appear in clear text. Diamond shapes: The dots on the front that assist the blind to distinguish between the denominations have been replaced with diamonds: 1 diamond for the R10, 2 diamonds for the R20, 3 diamonds for the R50, 4 diamonds for the R100, and 5 diamonds for the R200. Unique numbering: This has moved from the front to the back: a vertical number on the left-hand side and a horizontal number top right. The horizontal number is conical. Microlettering: “SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK” appears in microlettering to the right of the animal’s ear. The microlettering is printed in positive and negative text. Iridescent band: This is a very prominent feature in a gold colour on the back of all banknotes. When tilted, the Coat of Arms and the denomination numeral appear. Different geometric shapes: These have been added to the front of the banknotes as an aid for the partially sighted: diamond on the R10, square on the R20, circle on the R50, and different hexagons on the R100 and R200. Latent image: When the banknote is held almost horizontally at eye level, the denomination numeral appears inside the geometric shapes. Optically variable ink: On the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes the denomination numeral on the front bottom right is printed in colour-changing ink. When the R50 and R100 banknotes are tilted, the colour changes from green to gold. On the R200 it changes from magenta to green. Denomination numerals: These are more prominent on both the front and back of the banknotes. South African Currency 50 Rand banknote 2005 Transvaal Lion South African Currency 50 Rand banknote 2005 Transvaal Lion South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank The Famous Big Five animals of Africa Leopard, African Buffalo, Transvaal Lion, African Elephant, Rhinoceros Obverse: Close-up of male Transvaal Lion head at right and a vignette of the two Transvaal lionesses and cub drinking at water hole. Outline drawings of various round geometric shapes at the bottom. Outline drawing of stylized model of hydrocarbon atom with coinciding register, as security measure at lower left corner. The parts printed on the back perfectly match the ones on the front. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank". The present South African Coat of Arms is used prominently on the front top left corner. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "50" are in top left and lower right corners and in words: in English "FIFTY RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Signature: Tito Mboweni - President Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. (Tito Titus Mboweni, born 16 March 1959) is the current Minister of Finance of South Africa. Mboweni was the eighth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank and the first Black South African to hold the post. He was sworn in as Finance Minister on 9 October 2018, following Nhlanhla Nene's resignation.) Reverse: The theme of this banknote reverse is Manufacturing - Sasol oil refinery at the bottom part of the note. On the upper part of the banknote are stylized model of hydrocarbon atoms. At the top are the name of the bank in Xhosa "iBhanki enguVimba yoMzantsi Afrika " and in Venda "Bannga ya Vhukati ya Afurika Tshipembe" at the bottom. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "50" are in top left and lower right corners, in numerals and words: in English "FIFTY RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Refining capacity in South Africa is 250 million barrels/year, or about 700 thousand barrels/day, Including 500 thousand barrels/day of crude oil and 195 thousand barrels/day of synthetic liquid fuels from coal. It is interesting that the South African "Sasol" is the pioneer of the Fischer-Tpropsha producing synthetic fuel using this synthesis conversion of the gasified coal since 1955. Watermark: Transvaal lion and electrotype 50. Size: 140 × 70 mm. Colour: Maroon, brown and deep blue-green on multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. The South African Coat of Arms is used prominently on the front top left corner of all the denominations. It can also be seen in the iridescent band on the back, and as a holographic image in the security thread of the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes. Watermark: This is smaller and the denomination numeral is added to the watermark of the main motif. Perfect registration: This see-through security feature reveals the denomination numeral in perfect registration on the front and back when the banknote is held up to the light. Windowed security thread: On the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes the thread is 4 mm wide. “SARB”, “RAND” and the denomination numeral appear when the banknote is held up to the light, and a holographic Coat of Arms appears in the thread when tilted. On the R10 and R20 banknotes the thread is 2 mm wide and “SARB” and the denomination numeral appear in clear text. Diamond shapes: The dots on the front that assist the blind to distinguish between the denominations have been replaced with diamonds: 1 diamond for the R10, 2 diamonds for the R20, 3 diamonds for the R50, 4 diamonds for the R100, and 5 diamonds for the R200. Unique numbering: This has moved from the front to the back: a vertical number on the left-hand side and a horizontal number top right. The horizontal number is conical. Microlettering: “SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK” appears in microlettering to the right of the animal’s ear. The microlettering is printed in positive and negative text. Iridescent band: This is a very prominent feature in a gold colour on the back of all banknotes. When tilted, the Coat of Arms and the denomination numeral appear. Different geometric shapes: These have been added to the front of the banknotes as an aid for the partially sighted: diamond on the R10, square on the R20, circle on the R50, and different hexagons on the R100 and R200. Latent image: When the banknote is held almost horizontally at eye level, the denomination numeral appears inside the geometric shapes. Optically variable ink: On the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes the denomination numeral on the front bottom right is printed in colour-changing ink. When the R50 and R100 banknotes are tilted, the colour changes from green to gold. On the R200 it changes from magenta to green. Denomination numerals: These are more prominent on both the front and back of the banknotes. South Africa Currency 100 Rand banknote 2005 African Buffalo South Africa Currency 100 Rand banknote 2005 African Buffalo South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank The Famous Big Five animals of Africa Leopard, African Buffalo, Transvaal Lion, African Elephant, Rhinoceros Obverse: Close-up of a Cape Buffalo head at right and a vignette of the two African or Cape Buffalos in the African Savannah at center. Outline drawings of various round geometric figures at the bottom. Outline drawing of round brilliant cut with coinciding register, as security measure at lower left corner. The parts printed on the back perfectly match the ones on the front. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank". The present South African Coat of Arms is used prominently on the front top left corner. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "100" are in top left and lower right corners and in words: in English "ONE HUNDRED RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Signature: Tito Mboweni - President Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. (Tito Titus Mboweni, born 16 March 1959) is the current Minister of Finance of South Africa. Mboweni was the eighth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank and the first Black South African to hold the post. He was sworn in as Finance Minister on 9 October 2018, following Nhlanhla Nene's resignation.) Reverse: The theme of this banknote is Tourism. A herd of zebras on the African savanna at the bottom. On the upper part of the banknote are four graphic image of round brilliant cut. At the top are the name of the bank in Northern Sotho "Panka ya Resefe ya Afrika Borwa " and in Tsonga "Banginkulu ya Afrika-Dzonga" at the bottom. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "100" are in top left and lower right corners, in numerals and words: in English "TWO HUNDRED RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Watermark: The African buffalo or Cape buffalo and electrotype 100. Size: 146 × 70 mm. Colour: Blue on multicolored underprint. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. The South African Coat of Arms is used prominently on the front top left corner of all the denominations. It can also be seen in the iridescent band on the back, and as a holographic image in the security thread of the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes. Watermark: This is smaller and the denomination numeral is added to the watermark of the main motif. Perfect registration: This see-through security feature reveals the denomination numeral in perfect registration on the front and back when the banknote is held up to the light. Windowed security thread: On the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes the thread is 4 mm wide. “SARB”, “RAND” and the denomination numeral appear when the banknote is held up to the light, and a holographic Coat of Arms appears in the thread when tilted. On the R10 and R20 banknotes the thread is 2 mm wide and “SARB” and the denomination numeral appear in clear text. Diamond shapes: The dots on the front that assist the blind to distinguish between the denominations have been replaced with diamonds: 1 diamond for the R10, 2 diamonds for the R20, 3 diamonds for the R50, 4 diamonds for the R100, and 5 diamonds for the R200. Unique numbering: This has moved from the front to the back: a vertical number on the left-hand side and a horizontal number top right. The horizontal number is conical. Microlettering: “SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK” appears in microlettering to the right of the animal’s ear. The microlettering is printed in positive and negative text. Iridescent band: This is a very prominent feature in a gold colour on the back of all banknotes. When tilted, the Coat of Arms and the denomination numeral appear. Different geometric shapes: These have been added to the front of the banknotes as an aid for the partially sighted: diamond on the R10, square on the R20, circle on the R50, and different hexagons on the R100 and R200. Latent image: When the banknote is held almost horizontally at eye level, the denomination numeral appears inside the geometric shapes. Optically variable ink: On the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes the denomination numeral on the front bottom right is printed in colour-changing ink. When the R50 and R100 banknotes are tilted, the colour changes from green to gold. On the R200 it changes from magenta to green. Denomination numerals: These are more prominent on both the front and back of the banknotes. South African Currency 200 Rand banknote 2005 African Leopard South African Currency 200 Rand banknote 2005 African Leopard South African Reserve Bank - Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank The Famous Big Five animals of Africa Leopard, African Buffalo, Transvaal Lion, African Elephant, Rhinoceros Obverse: Close-up of a Leopard head at right and a vignette showing a leopard lying above the branch of a tree at center. Outline drawings of various round geometric figures at the bottom. Outline drawing of round geometric figure with coinciding register, as security measure at lower left corner. The parts printed on the back perfectly match the ones on the front. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank". The present South African Coat of Arms is used prominently on the front top left corner. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "200" are in top left and lower right corners and in words: in English "TWO HUNDRED RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Signature: Tito Mboweni - President Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. (Tito Titus Mboweni, born 16 March 1959) is the current Minister of Finance of South Africa. Mboweni was the eighth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank and the first Black South African to hold the post. He was sworn in as Finance Minister on 9 October 2018, following Nhlanhla Nene's resignation.) Reverse: The theme of this banknote reverse is Transport and Telecommunications. The Bloukrans Bridge at center. On left side is a big satellite dish, symbolizing telecommunication. Centered, above, are three images: Left one reminds a the turbine of an aircraft, centered image - stylized wheel of car/truck/tractor and right one reminds the wheel of an Electric locomotive - as symbols of Transport. At the top are the name of the bank in Zulu "iBhange-ngodla laseNingizimu Afrika" and in Sotho "Banka ya Sesiu ya Afrika Borwa " at the bottom. The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "200" are in top left and lower right corners, in numerals and words: in English "TWO HUNDRED RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Watermark: The African leopard (Panthera pardus pardus) and electrotype 200. Size: 152 × 70 mm. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. Bloukrans Bridge The Bloukrans Bridge is an arch bridge located near Nature's Valley, Western Cape, South Africa. Constructed between February 1980 and June 1983, the bridge stands at a height of 216m above the Bloukrans River. Its central span is 272m and the bridge is 451m in length in total. Its primary use is that of a road bridge, carrying national route N2. Bloukrans Bridge is the site of the world's highest commercial bridge bungee jumping, Bloukrans Bridge Bungy, operated by Face Adrenalin since 1997. The Bloukrans River below forms the border between the Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces and is located in the Tsitsikamma region of the Garden Route. The South African Coat of Arms is used prominently on the front top left corner of all the denominations. It can also be seen in the iridescent band on the back, and as a holographic image in the security thread of the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes. Watermark: This is smaller and the denomination numeral is added to the watermark of the main motif. Perfect registration: This see-through security feature reveals the denomination numeral in perfect registration on the front and back when the banknote is held up to the light. Windowed security thread: On the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes the thread is 4 mm wide. “SARB”, “RAND” and the denomination numeral appear when the banknote is held up to the light, and a holographic Coat of Arms appears in the thread when tilted. On the R10 and R20 banknotes the thread is 2 mm wide and “SARB” and the denomination numeral appear in clear text. Diamond shapes: The dots on the front that assist the blind to distinguish between the denominations have been replaced with diamonds: 1 diamond for the R10, 2 diamonds for the R20, 3 diamonds for the R50, 4 diamonds for the R100, and 5 diamonds for the R200. Unique numbering: This has moved from the front to the back: a vertical number on the left-hand side and a horizontal number top right. The horizontal number is conical. Microlettering: “SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK” appears in microlettering to the right of the animal’s ear. The microlettering is printed in positive and negative text. Iridescent band: This is a very prominent feature in a gold colour on the back of all banknotes. When tilted, the Coat of Arms and the denomination numeral appear. Different geometric shapes: These have been added to the front of the banknotes as an aid for the partially sighted: diamond on the R10, square on the R20, circle on the R50, and different hexagons on the R100 and R200. Latent image: When the banknote is held almost horizontally at eye level, the denomination numeral appears inside the geometric shapes. Optically variable ink: On the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes the denomination numeral on the front bottom right is printed in colour-changing ink. When the R50 and R100 banknotes are tilted, the colour changes from green to gold. On the R200 it changes from magenta to green. Denomination numerals: These are more prominent on both the front and back of the banknotes. South Africa Currency 10 Rand banknote 2012 President Nelson Mandela South Africa Currency 10 Rand banknote 2012 President Nelson Mandela The bank's name South African Reserve Bank are translated into two official South African languages: Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank (Afrikaans) and liBhangesilulu leNingizimu Afrika (Swati). The notes have been nicknamed the "randela". Obverse: An image of Nelson Mandela, considered by most South Africans (both black and white) to be the father of the post-apartheid new South Africa. He is held in deep respect within South Africa, where he is often referred to by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba, and described as the "Father of the Nation". Despite spending 27 years in jail, Mandela's presidency (1994-1999) was marked by a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness. The denomination of the bank note in the lower-right-hand corner, printed in a special, colour-changing security ink that carries the pattern of Mandela’s famous shirts, and a seven-bar circle that frames Mandela’s portrait image. This aims to represent the bars seen on the post-apartheid South African national flag, and the seven bars on the door of Mandela’s prison cell at Robben Island. These bars also contain ultraviolet (UV) light technology, another security feature. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank". The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "10" at left center and on the right of the portrait of Nelson Mandela along the bottom side of the note, and in words: in English "TEN RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Signature: Lesetja Kganyago - Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. Coat of arms of the Republic of South Africa at upper left. The White Rhinos on the background at center. Across all field of banknote are ornaments and leaping antelopes. Reverse: The Famous Big Five animals of Africa - A Closeup of a head of White Rhino and another White Rhino in the background at center. Watermark: Portrait of Nelson Mandela and electrotype 10. Size: 128 × 70 mm. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South African Currency 20 Rand banknote 2012 President Nelson Mandela South African Currency 20 Rand banknote 2012 President Nelson Mandela The bank's name South African Reserve Bank are translated into two official South African languages: Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank (Afrikaans) and liBhangesilulu leNingizimu Afrika (Swati). The notes have been nicknamed the "randela". Obverse: An image of Nelson Mandela, considered by most South Africans (both black and white) to be the father of the post-apartheid new South Africa. He is held in deep respect within South Africa, where he is often referred to by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba, and described as the "Father of the Nation". Despite spending 27 years in jail, Mandela's presidency (1994-1999) was marked by a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness. The denomination of the bank note in the lower-right-hand corner, printed in a special, colour-changing security ink that carries the pattern of Mandela’s famous shirts, and a seven-bar circle that frames Mandela’s portrait image. This aims to represent the bars seen on the post-apartheid South African national flag, and the seven bars on the door of Mandela’s prison cell at Robben Island. These bars also contain ultraviolet (UV) light technology, another security feature. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank". The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "20" at left center and on the right of the portrait of Nelson Mandela along the bottom side of the note, and in words: in English "TWENTY RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Signature: Lesetja Kganyago - Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. Coat of arms of the Republic of South Africa at upper left. The African bush elephants on the background at center. Across all field of banknote an ornament and Prehistoric hunting scenes. Reverse: The Famous Big Five animals of Africa - A Closeup of a head of African bush elephant and another African bush elephant in the background at center. Watermark: Portrait of Nelson Mandela and electrotype 20. Size: 134 × 70 mm. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South Africa Currency 50 Rand banknote 2012 President Nelson Mandela South Africa Currency 50 Rand banknote 2012 President Nelson Mandela The bank's name South African Reserve Bank are translated into two official South African languages: Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank (Afrikaans) and liBhangesilulu leNingizimu Afrika (Swati). The notes have been nicknamed the "randela". Obverse: An image of Nelson Mandela, considered by most South Africans (both black and white) to be the father of the post-apartheid new South Africa. He is held in deep respect within South Africa, where he is often referred to by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba, and described as the "Father of the Nation". Despite spending 27 years in jail, Mandela's presidency (1994-1999) was marked by a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness. The denomination of the bank note in the lower-right-hand corner, printed in a special, colour-changing security ink that carries the pattern of Mandela’s famous shirts, and a seven-bar circle that frames Mandela’s portrait image. This aims to represent the bars seen on the post-apartheid South African national flag, and the seven bars on the door of Mandela’s prison cell at Robben Island. These bars also contain ultraviolet (UV) light technology, another security feature. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank". The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "50" at left center and on the right of the portrait of Nelson Mandela along the bottom side of the note, and in words: in English "FIFTY RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Signature: Lesetja Kganyago - Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. Coat of arms of the Republic of South Africa at upper left. The Transvaal lions on the background at center. Across all field of banknote an ornament and Prehistoric hunting scenes. Reverse: The Famous Big Five animals of Africa - A Closeup of a head of Transvaal Lion and another Transvaal Lion in the background at center. Watermark: Portrait of Nelson Mandela and electrotype 50. Size: 140 × 70 mm. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South African Currency 100 Rand banknote 2012 President Nelson Mandela South African Currency 100 Rand banknote 2012 President Nelson Mandela The bank's name South African Reserve Bank are translated into two official South African languages: Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank (Afrikaans) and liBhangesilulu leNingizimu Afrika (Swati). The notes have been nicknamed the "randela". Obverse: An image of Nelson Mandela, considered by most South Africans (both black and white) to be the father of the post-apartheid new South Africa. He is held in deep respect within South Africa, where he is often referred to by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba, and described as the "Father of the Nation". Despite spending 27 years in jail, Mandela's presidency (1994-1999) was marked by a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness. The denomination of the bank note in the lower-right-hand corner, printed in a special, colour-changing security ink that carries the pattern of Mandela’s famous shirts, and a seven-bar circle that frames Mandela’s portrait image. This aims to represent the bars seen on the post-apartheid South African national flag, and the seven bars on the door of Mandela’s prison cell at Robben Island. These bars also contain ultraviolet (UV) light technology, another security feature. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank". The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "100" at left center and on the right of the portrait of Nelson Mandela along the bottom side of the note, and in words: in English "ONE HUNDRED RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Signature: Lesetja Kganyago - Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. Coat of arms of the Republic of South Africa at upper left. The African buffalo on the background at center. Across all field of banknote an ornament and Prehistoric fishing scenes. Reverse: The Famous Big Five animals of Africa - A Closeup of a head of African Buffalo and another African Buffalo in the background at center. Watermark: Portrait of Nelson Mandela and electrotype 100. Size: 146 × 70 mm. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South Africa Currency 200 Rand banknote 2013 President Nelson Mandela South Africa Currency 200 Rand banknote 2013 President Nelson Mandela The bank's name South African Reserve Bank are translated into two official South African languages: Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank (Afrikaans) and liBhangesilulu leNingizimu Afrika (Swati). The notes have been nicknamed the "randela". Obverse: An image of Nelson Mandela, considered by most South Africans (both black and white) to be the father of the post-apartheid new South Africa. He is held in deep respect within South Africa, where he is often referred to by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba, and described as the "Father of the Nation". Despite spending 27 years in jail, Mandela's presidency (1994-1999) was marked by a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness. The denomination of the bank note in the lower-right-hand corner, printed in a special, colour-changing security ink that carries the pattern of Mandela’s famous shirts, and a seven-bar circle that frames Mandela’s portrait image. This aims to represent the bars seen on the post-apartheid South African national flag, and the seven bars on the door of Mandela’s prison cell at Robben Island. These bars also contain ultraviolet (UV) light technology, another security feature. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank". The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "200" at left center and on the right of the portrait of Nelson Mandela along the bottom side of the note, and in words: in English "TWO HUNDRED RAND" along the right side of the banknote. Signature: Lesetja Kganyago - Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. Coat of arms of the Republic of South Africa at upper left. The African leopards on the background at center. Across all field of banknote an ornament and Prehistoric hunting scenes with dogs. Reverse: The Famous Big Five animals of Africa - A Closeup of a head of African Leopard and another African Leopard in the background at center. Watermark: Portrait of Nelson Mandela and electrotype 200. Size: 152 × 70 mm. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South African Currency 10 Rand Commemorative banknote 2018 Nelson Mandela Centenary South African Currency 10 Rand Commemorative banknote 2018 Nelson Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018 South African Reserve Bank The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has issued the release of limited edition commemorative banknotes in honour of Nelson Mandela’s legacy, celebrating the liberation icon’s centenary in July 2018, which look to show “the journey of a nation as of the man”. The honorary ‘randelas’ are an ode to the former president’s struggle saga, which ultimately led to the liberation of South Africa and an end to apartheid oppression. Different imagery has been designed for each of the five notes, which look to chronologically “tell the story of Mandela’s life from a young boy through to president of South Africa”. Obverse: An image of Nelson Mandela, considered by most South Africans (both black and white) to be the father of the post-apartheid new South Africa. He is held in deep respect within South Africa, where he is often referred to by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba, and described as the "Father of the Nation". Despite spending 27 years in jail, Mandela's presidency (1994-1999) was marked by a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness. The denomination of the bank note in the lower-right-hand corner, printed in a special, colour-changing security ink that carries the pattern of Mandela’s famous shirts, and a seven-bar circle that frames Mandela’s portrait image. This aims to represent the bars seen on the post-apartheid South African national flag, and the seven bars on the door of Mandela’s prison cell at Robben Island. These bars also contain ultraviolet (UV) light technology, another security feature. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank". The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "10" at left center and on the right of the portrait of Nelson Mandela along the bottom side of the note, and in words: in English "TEN RAND" along the right side of the banknote. A commemorative inscription "Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018" along the right side of the bank note. Signature: Lesetja Kganyago - Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. Coat of arms of the Republic of South Africa at upper left. The White Rhinos on the background at center. Across all field of banknote are ornaments and leaping antelopes. A commemorative inscription "Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018" at right. Reverse: A "youthful" portrait of Mandela dressed in traditional attire. The vignette of the life events of Mandela - "Birth" - Mvezo. The 10 Rand note portrays the humble rural hamlet of Madiba’s birthplace, Mvezo. The small Eastern Cape village solidified its place in the history books by being the official hometown of Nelson Mandela. While Mandela spent most of his childhood in the nearby town of Qunu, a time he describes as the “happiest moments of his childhood”, the honour bestowed upon Mvezo is commemorated by the Madiba Birthplace Museum. Mandela grew up in Qunu after his father was ousted as the chief of Mvezo. The bank's name South African Reserve Bank are translated into two official South African languages: iBhangle Lombuso laseNingizmu Afrika (Zulu) and Banka ya Risefe ya Afrika Borwa (Sotho). A commemorative inscription "Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018" at right and "Madiba" at left. Watermark: Portrait of Nelson Mandela and electrotype 10. Size: 128 × 70 mm. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South Africa Currency 20 Rand Commemorative banknote 2018 Nelson Mandela Centenary South Africa Currency 20 Rand Commemorative banknote 2018 Nelson Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018 South African Reserve Bank The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has issued the release of limited edition commemorative banknotes in honour of Nelson Mandela’s legacy, celebrating the liberation icon’s centenary in July 2018, which look to show “the journey of a nation as of the man”. The honorary ‘randelas’ are an ode to the former president’s struggle saga, which ultimately led to the liberation of South Africa and an end to apartheid oppression. Different imagery has been designed for each of the five notes, which look to chronologically “tell the story of Mandela’s life from a young boy through to president of South Africa”. Obverse: An image of Nelson Mandela, considered by most South Africans (both black and white) to be the father of the post-apartheid new South Africa. He is held in deep respect within South Africa, where he is often referred to by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba, and described as the "Father of the Nation". Despite spending 27 years in jail, Mandela's presidency (1994-1999) was marked by a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness. The denomination of the bank note in the lower-right-hand corner, printed in a special, colour-changing security ink that carries the pattern of Mandela’s famous shirts, and a seven-bar circle that frames Mandela’s portrait image. This aims to represent the bars seen on the post-apartheid South African national flag, and the seven bars on the door of Mandela’s prison cell at Robben Island. These bars also contain ultraviolet (UV) light technology, another security feature. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank". The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "20" at left center and on the right of the portrait of Nelson Mandela along the bottom side of the note, and in words: in English "TWENTY RAND" along the right side of the banknote. A commemorative inscription "Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018" along the right side of the bank note. Signature: Lesetja Kganyago - Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. Coat of arms of the Republic of South Africa at upper left. The African bush elephants on the background at center. Across all field of banknote an ornament and Prehistoric hunting scenes. A commemorative inscription "Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018" at right. Reverse: A "youthful" portrait of Mandela dressed in traditional attire. The vignette of the life events of Mandela - "Life" - Soweto. Nelson Mandela moved into his Soweto home in 1946. The 20 Rand note depicts the humble home at 8115 Orlando West, on the corner of Vilakazi and Ngakane Streets. The story of Mandela’s Soweto home is bittersweet; following his marriage to Winnie Madikizela, the struggle leader was in constant state of flux, evading the apartheid police and intelligence agencies, while being consumed by his commitment to the liberation struggle. In those years, Madiba seldom saw the inside of his Soweto home. Mandela returned here for a brief 11 days after his release from Robben Island in 1990. The house now operates as a museum, honouring the legacy of Madiba, managed by the Soweto Heritage Trust. The bank's name South African Reserve Bank are translated into two official South African languages: iBhangle Lombuso laseNingizmu Afrika (Zulu) and Banka ya Risefe ya Afrika Borwa (Sotho). A commemorative inscription "Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018" at right and "Madiba" at left. Watermark: Portrait of Nelson Mandela and electrotype 20. Size: 134 × 70 mm. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South African Currency 50 Rand Commemorative banknote 2018 Nelson Mandela Centenary South African Currency 50 Rand Commemorative banknote 2018 Nelson Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018 South African Reserve Bank The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has issued the release of limited edition commemorative banknotes in honour of Nelson Mandela’s legacy, celebrating the liberation icon’s centenary in July 2018, which look to show “the journey of a nation as of the man”. The honorary ‘randelas’ are an ode to the former president’s struggle saga, which ultimately led to the liberation of South Africa and an end to apartheid oppression. Different imagery has been designed for each of the five notes, which look to chronologically “tell the story of Mandela’s life from a young boy through to president of South Africa”. Obverse: An image of Nelson Mandela, considered by most South Africans (both black and white) to be the father of the post-apartheid new South Africa. He is held in deep respect within South Africa, where he is often referred to by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba, and described as the "Father of the Nation". Despite spending 27 years in jail, Mandela's presidency (1994-1999) was marked by a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness. The denomination of the bank note in the lower-right-hand corner, printed in a special, colour-changing security ink that carries the pattern of Mandela’s famous shirts, and a seven-bar circle that frames Mandela’s portrait image. This aims to represent the bars seen on the post-apartheid South African national flag, and the seven bars on the door of Mandela’s prison cell at Robben Island. These bars also contain ultraviolet (UV) light technology, another security feature. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank". The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "50" at left center and on the right of the portrait of Nelson Mandela along the bottom side of the note, and in words: in English "FIFTY RAND" along the right side of the banknote. A commemorative inscription "Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018" along the right side of the bank note. Signature: Lesetja Kganyago - Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. Coat of arms of the Republic of South Africa at upper left. The Transvaal lions on the background at center. Across all field of banknote an ornament and Prehistoric hunting scenes. A commemorative inscription "Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018" at right. Reverse: A "youthful" portrait of Mandela dressed in traditional attire. The vignette of the life events of Mandela - "Capture" - Howick. The 50 Rand note represents a place of pain in the life of Mandela. While the area is now a site for celebration, featuring a commemorative steel sculpture revealing a portrait of the struggle icon, on 5 August 1962 it became the site of Mandela’s capture. Mandella was travelling in disguise as the chauffeur of the car he drove and was on the R103 road between Durban and Johannesburg. Apartheid police and intelligence agencies had been on his trail for 17 months, eventually catching up to him on this stretch of road near Howick in KwaZulu-Natal. Then Nelson Mandela Capture Site is now home to a mammoth steel structure, comprised of 50 steel columns, which reveal a portrait of Madiba when viewed from a certain angle. The bank's name South African Reserve Bank are translated into two official South African languages: iBhangle Lombuso laseNingizmu Afrika (Zulu) and Banka ya Risefe ya Afrika Borwa (Sotho). A commemorative inscription "Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018" at right and "Madiba" at left. Watermark: Portrait of Nelson Mandela and electrotype 50. Size: 140 × 70 mm. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South Africa Currency 100 Rand Commemorative banknote 2018 Nelson Mandela Centenary South Africa Currency 100 Rand Commemorative banknote 2018 Nelson Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018 South African Reserve Bank The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has issued the release of limited edition commemorative banknotes in honour of Nelson Mandela’s legacy, celebrating the liberation icon’s centenary in July 2018, which look to show “the journey of a nation as of the man”. The honorary ‘randelas’ are an ode to the former president’s struggle saga, which ultimately led to the liberation of South Africa and an end to apartheid oppression. Different imagery has been designed for each of the five notes, which look to chronologically “tell the story of Mandela’s life from a young boy through to president of South Africa”. Obverse: An image of Nelson Mandela, considered by most South Africans (both black and white) to be the father of the post-apartheid new South Africa. He is held in deep respect within South Africa, where he is often referred to by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba, and described as the "Father of the Nation". Despite spending 27 years in jail, Mandela's presidency (1994-1999) was marked by a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness. The denomination of the bank note in the lower-right-hand corner, printed in a special, colour-changing security ink that carries the pattern of Mandela’s famous shirts, and a seven-bar circle that frames Mandela’s portrait image. This aims to represent the bars seen on the post-apartheid South African national flag, and the seven bars on the door of Mandela’s prison cell at Robben Island. These bars also contain ultraviolet (UV) light technology, another security feature. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank". The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "100" at left center and on the right of the portrait of Nelson Mandela along the bottom side of the note, and in words: in English "ONE HUNDRED RAND" along the right side of the banknote. A commemorative inscription "Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018" along the right side of the bank note. Signature: Lesetja Kganyago - Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. Coat of arms of the Republic of South Africa at upper left. The African buffalo on the background at center. Across all field of banknote an ornament and Prehistoric fishing scenes. A commemorative inscription "Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018" at right. Reverse: A "youthful" portrait of Mandela dressed in traditional attire. The vignette of the life events of Mandela - "Struggle" - Robben Island. A pile of rocks on Robben Island, where the great liberator was imprisoned from 1964–1982. Mandela spent 18 years on the stark island, working in a lime quarry, busting rocks as part of his forced labour. While on the island, he was permitted one visit and one letter every six months. While enduring physical and psychological torture at the hands of white warders, at night he persevered with his studies for an LLB degree which he was obtaining from the University of London. In April 1982, Mandela was transferred to Pollsmoor Prison in Tokai, Cape Town. The bank's name South African Reserve Bank are translated into two official South African languages: iBhangle Lombuso laseNingizmu Afrika (Zulu) and Banka ya Risefe ya Afrika Borwa (Sotho). A commemorative inscription "Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018" at right and "Madiba" at left. Watermark: Portrait of Nelson Mandela and electrotype 100. Size: 146 × 70 mm. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. South African Currency 200 Rand Commemorative banknote 2018 Nelson Mandela Centenary South African Currency 200 Rand Commemorative banknote 2018 Nelson Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018 South African Reserve Bank The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has issued the release of limited edition commemorative banknotes in honour of Nelson Mandela’s legacy, celebrating the liberation icon’s centenary in July 2018, which look to show “the journey of a nation as of the man”. The honorary ‘randelas’ are an ode to the former president’s struggle saga, which ultimately led to the liberation of South Africa and an end to apartheid oppression. Different imagery has been designed for each of the five notes, which look to chronologically “tell the story of Mandela’s life from a young boy through to president of South Africa”. Obverse: An image of Nelson Mandela, considered by most South Africans (both black and white) to be the father of the post-apartheid new South Africa. He is held in deep respect within South Africa, where he is often referred to by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba, and described as the "Father of the Nation". Despite spending 27 years in jail, Mandela's presidency (1994-1999) was marked by a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness. The denomination of the bank note in the lower-right-hand corner, printed in a special, colour-changing security ink that carries the pattern of Mandela’s famous shirts, and a seven-bar circle that frames Mandela’s portrait image. This aims to represent the bars seen on the post-apartheid South African national flag, and the seven bars on the door of Mandela’s prison cell at Robben Island. These bars also contain ultraviolet (UV) light technology, another security feature. At the top are the name of the bank in English "South African Reserve Bank". The face value of the banknote in arabic numerals "200" at left center and on the right of the portrait of Nelson Mandela along the bottom side of the note, and in words: in English "TWO HUNDRED RAND" along the right side of the banknote. A commemorative inscription "Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018" along the right side of the bank note. Signature: Lesetja Kganyago - Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. Coat of arms of the Republic of South Africa at upper left. The African leopards on the background at center. Across all field of banknote an ornament and Prehistoric hunting scenes with dogs. A commemorative inscription "Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018" at right. Reverse: A "youthful" portrait of Mandela dressed in traditional attire. The vignette of the life events of Mandela - "Destiny" - Union Buildings. This 200 Rand note represents the moment Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa’s first democratically elected president in 1994. The image on the note is that of a bronze statue situated at the Union Buildings, unveiled to close the official 10-day mourning period for the much loved former state president, who died at his Johannesburg home on 5 December 2013. South African sculptors André Prinsloo and Ruhan Janse van Vuuren were responsible for creating the statue. According to Prinsloo, the sculptors considered various poses like the Raised Fist Salute, but in the Spirit of Reconciliation, the current open arm pose was suggested. The bank's name South African Reserve Bank are translated into two official South African languages: iBhangle Lombuso laseNingizmu Afrika (Zulu) and Banka ya Risefe ya Afrika Borwa (Sotho). A commemorative inscription "Mandela Centenary 1918 - 2018" at right and "Madiba" at left. Watermark: Portrait of Nelson Mandela and electrotype 200. Size: 152 × 70 mm. Printer: South African Bank Note Company Ltd, Pretoria. BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

The best safaris in South Africa South Africa's best safari parks, and some hidden gems Kruger is South Africa’s most celebrated safari park , and deservedly so. Kruger and the surrounding private reserves are home to all of southern Africa’s iconic mammal species, including the endangered African wild dog. Its varied habitats support more than 500 bird species and many of the private reserves offer top quality specialised photo safaris. But a park as good and easy to visit as Kruger attracts a lot of visitors, and in high season the main routes can be busy. The highly-developed park doesn’t always feel that wild in places. If this sounds off-putting, fear not: head to northern Kruger for wild beauty, smaller crowds and a palpable sense of adventure. You may have to work a little harder for your sightings up here, but that’s because the animals are less habituated to vehicles. In other words, it feels like a safari of yesteryear. Oh, and the birdlife is exceptional in the north, with species you just don’t find elsewhere in the park. Another way to avoid the Kruger crowds is by visiting one of the superb private reserves that fringe the park itself, where limited numbers and no self-drives keep things peaceful. At a glance Destinations Kruger National Park Activity Safari Physical Level Easy Season January - December Kwazulu-Natal is South Africa’s cultural heartland, an essential immersion for those seeking to understand this glorious country in all its complexity. Networks of private reserves, plus big-ticket Hluhluwe-iMfolozi range across habitats and landscapes that are quintessentially South African. Second only to Kruger National Park, the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is a nearly thousand square kilometre slab of wilderness surrounded by private game reserves. With its soaring hills and mountains, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is scenically much more inspiring than the sometimes drab scrub-scape of Kruger. It is thanks to an innovative and wildly successful breeding programme here that the southern white rhino exists at all, and rhinos from Hluhluwe-iMfolozi have been used to re-populate parks and reserves across southern Africa. Today, it would be a rare game drive that didn’t bump into at least one of these prehistoric looking creatures. Elephants are common as are buffalo, zebra, giraffe and wildebeest. Much harder to find are the big cats. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is easily accessible and has great facilities for people on all budgets. This makes it a good family-safari destination, but it also means it’s the most popular park in KwaZulu-Natal and during the holidays it can get very busy with holidaying locals. At a glance Destinations Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park Activity Safari Physical Level Easy Season January - December Madikwe Game Reserve I’ve never quite understood why Madikwe isn’t mentioned in the same breath as Kruger and South Africa’s other elite parks. Then again, I like it that way: whenever I visit, it’s never crowded. All of the big cats are here, as are elephants, rhinos, buffalo – I once saw rhino, elephant and buffalo all sharing the same waterhole. I’ve also seen African wild dog, two bull giraffes fighting, and lions on the hunt, all on the same afternoon game drive. Madikwe is unusual in that it is owned by the state in partnership with local communities and the private sector. However, it is run in the same manner as one of the exclusive private game reserves. There are no self-drive safaris here and only people staying in one of the upmarket (but slightly more affordable than normal) lodges are allowed into the reserve. This gives the reserve, which has been formed out of old farm and ranch land, a real air of tranquillity and the wildlife obviously appreciate this as well. With lower prices than somewhere like Sabi Sands in the Kruger region, but with a similar exclusive vibe, Madikwe suits those who want all the advantages of a prime private reserve but who don’t have quite enough cash to splash out on those big names. The mix of accommodation is just about right, too, with an affordable choice and a handful of perfectly placed luxury options. At a glance Destinations North West Province Activity Safari Physical Level Easy Season January - December Tswalu Kalahari Private Reserve Claiming to be South Africa’s largest private reserve, Tswalu, in Northern Cape, is a shining example of what can be done when conservation and tourism combines. Built around a model of sustainability, the reserve takes a holistic approach to conservation with deep ties to the local community. And with, at last count, 85 mammal and 264 bird species, the Kalahari wildlife is magnificent, with everything from black-maned Kalahari lions, oryx and meerkats to brown hyenas, African wild dogs and pangolins. At a glance Destinations The Kalahari Activity Safari Physical Level Easy Season January - December Phinda Game Reserve Of all the private reserves of KwaZulu-Natal, it’s Phinda that most rivals Sabi Sands and the other world-famous reserves that fringe Kruger. With its winning combination of attractive scenery, large numbers of mammals (including all the big five), more than 400 bird species, stupendously beautiful accommodation and a real sense of exclusivity, a range of exciting visitor activities and a forward-looking conservation and community programme, it’s easy to see how it garners endless accolades. I'd say this is perhaps the best place in South Africa to see the cheetah, and sightings here are consistently excellent. And to combine safari with marine wildlife watching, visit the Sodwana coast which rivals the Great Barrier Reef for marine birds. Fabulous accommodation adds to the appeal, visitor numbers are far fewer than in the Kruger reserves. A stay here doesn’t come cheap and you can only enter the reserve as a guest of one of the six very upmarket lodges. But if your budget stretches to it then, in our opinion, Phinda is one of the very best places for a short safari and you’re almost guaranteed to see all the flagship animals. At a glance Destinations Kwazulu-Natal Activity Safari Physical Level Easy Season January - December Timbavati Private Game Reserve By Anthony Ham Sabi Sands and Mala Mala may get all the attention among the private reserves west of Kruger. And make no mistake: both offer world-class wildlife experiences. But for something a little more low-key, I always choose Timbavati, where my wildlife sightings have always been exceptional and intense. There’s no fence between Timbavati and the national park, visiting here is like a concentrated version of the best of Kruger without the hype. A good mix of accommodation also makes it a touch more affordable than the others. At a glance Destinations Kruger National Park Activity Safari Physical Level Easy Season January - December Kwandwe Game Reserve By Anthony Ham This 220-sq-km reserve is larger than most in the eastern Cape, and yet has just two small lodges in which to stay: overcrowding at wildlife sightings just doesn’t happen here. I’ve often had big cat and rhino sightings to myself here; the rhinos in particular seem oblivious to vehicles and I’ve been so close, I could have leaned out to touch them. And I just love the night drives: there’s nothing quite like seeing a porcupine waddling along a night road, confusing the hell out of lions. At a glance Destinations Eastern Cape Activity Safari Physical Level Easy Season January - December Sabi Sabi Game Reserve By Stuart Butler A collection of former rangelands, Sabi Sabi is the discerning (and very well-heeled) safari goer’s choice. This stupendous reserve has all the wildlife drama and beauty that is to be expected of the Sabi Sands area, but the whole package is just that much more luxurious and exclusive than most of the other Sabi Sands camps and reserves (and let’s face it, you’re hardly slumming it in any of them). With just four uber up-market but radically different places to stay, and traversing rights given to only one outside lodge, Sabi Sabi is exclusivity redefined. At a glance Destinations Sabi Sands Game Reserve Activity Safari Physical Level Easy Season January - December Is going on safari dangerous? Is going on safari dangerous? If you spend time on the Internet, then you may have come across videos of safari attacks on humans by animals. You may even have read or heard grizzly stories about tourists killed in African safaris. Of course, this can raise concerns about ticking off this bucket list adventure. Feeling concerned or fearful about safety on safari is natural. After all, you’d be venturing into the vast wilderness (likely with companions), where dangerous beasts roam free, and there have been accidents. That being said, the experience isn’t nearly as hazardous as some would have you believe. Is Going on Safari Dangerous? Whenever human beings expose themselves to wild, unrestrained animals in nature, there will always be an element of danger. This is partly what makes safari expeditions exciting. However, on safaris in Africa , game reserves take every precaution to ensure the safety of guests during game drives and walks. The key to remaining safe on game drives and safari walks is to listen to your safari guide. This is of great importance, as not following instructions can result in accidents and injuries. Respect your surroundings and the fact that you are in the wild. Do this and you will enjoy a safe, unforgettable experience. Do Animals Attack Safari Vehicles? Wild animals rarely attack or even approach or acknowledge safari vehicles. They are used to the traffic of safari-goers and have adapted to seeing them outdoors. When animals do approach the trucks, it usually because they are seeking shade or camouflage for prey that they are stalking for food. Now, is going on safari dangerous? It can be, but it seldom is. Safari trucks and tourists are scenery to bush animals, and safari game rangers are experienced and well trained. Should an animal approach, then your driver will tell you how to behave (close windows, sit, stand, etc.) and interact with it. An African rhino doing his thing as safari tourists look on. What Is the Safari Death Rate? It is quite difficult to find information related to fatal safari incidents. This is because all deaths caused by wild animals in Africa are categorised into one group. The deaths that do occur normally do not involve tourists, though. They involve locals and villagers while farming and going about their daily lives. Deaths that have occurred while on safari are very few, so few that they do not even feature on country statistics for safari destinations. Every year, millions of people go safariing in Africa . On average, perhaps one tourist dies as a result of harmful interactions with wild animals in the bushveld. What Is the Most Dangerous Animal on Safaris? Lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, hippos and buffalo… You’ll encounter them all in Africa, depending on when and where you go, and they can all be dangerous. The biggest threat to your health and life, however, is not a member of the Big Five or some other large creature. Rather, it is the pesky mosquito. Although the tiny mosquito looks far less impressive than Africa’s many sizeable beasts, it can be extremely dangerous. Mozzies carry many potentially deadly diseases, including malaria. The good news is that the risk of contraction is miniscule. Moreover, bites can be prevented if you know what to wear on safari . The most deadly animal (insect) in Africa, the mosquito! Is It Safe to Go on Safari? So then, is going on safari dangerous or is it safe to go on a safari in Africa? African safaris, if you plan well and follow the rules, are not only safe but also incredibly enjoyable. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget, and statistically, you are much safer on safari than you are driving to work in the mornings. Is Going on Safari Dangerous? Every safari has an element of danger; that's what makes it exciting. While many of the animals you'll encounter can be dangerous , the four that you really have to watch out for are—elephant, lion, buffalo , and hippo (add crocodiles to that list if you're near water). Most safari operators and guides at the various lodges and game reserves will stress basic precautions you need to take while game viewing. It will also help if you follow basic safari etiquette. If you are on safari in smaller, more remote game parks or encounter wildlife outside of game parks, here are some general rules to follow: If You Are in a Vehicle Always stay in your car. When driving in a game park remain in your vehicle. Only get out at designated "hides" and follow the rules that will be posted. There have been several fatalities that occurred because a hapless tourist has wandered out of their vehicle, camera in hand, to get a closer shot of an elephant or lion. It may sound silly, but it happens. Don't stand up or stick anything out of the car. Many safari vehicles are open-topped, and the wildlife is generally accustomed to these. But, if you stand up or wave something around on the side, some animals will get annoyed and consequently aggressive. You also have to remember that poaching is rife in many areas, and anything that looks like a gun can trigger a very nasty response from a wild animal. Drive slowly and carefully. During the wet season, the grass can get quite high, and it's not always possible to tell when a large buffalo or elephant will decide to step into the middle of the road. Remember, you have to stop if this happens. Buffalos and elephants are not in the least bit afraid or impressed by you or your car. Keep your windows up. If you are in a car with windows, it's better to keep them closed. You could end up being harassed by baboons as you drive through the more popular game parks. They are so habituated to cars they are not afraid to leap upon them and dent the roof. You don't want one inside your vehicle. If You Are on Foot If you are on a walking safari, you will no doubt be briefed on safety by your guides. But, there are times when you'll be walking in Africa and encounter wildlife without a guide. You could run into elephants even in the middle of town. Baboons are also a menace in many places and a lot larger than you think. Here are some basic tips if you encounter wildlife eye to eye: Try and stay downwind from the animal. If the animal catches your scent, it will know you are there, and you have no idea whether this will make it angry or afraid. If an animal you approach looks hostile, make sure you are not in the way of its escape route. Give the animal a clear birth and don't make any noise to aggravate the situation further. Walk away slowly. If you encounter an animal that doesn't like your presence move back slowly and quietly. More Tips Avoid swimming in rivers or lakes unless you are absolutely sure there are no hippos or crocodiles. Hippos are the most dangerous of all the big animals. They feed on the banks of the river, and if they sense danger will charge and attack whatever lies in their path in order to get back to the safety of the water. If you are camping out in the open, always make sure you have something covering you even if it's just a mosquito net. Hyenas like to check out camps for leftover food and are especially attracted to protruding objects, so keep your feet and nose inside that tent or net. Always wear boots and socks when walking around the bush. There are plenty of venomous snakes and scorpions around that could bite you. Don't walk around at night in areas where you know there is wildlife present that can be potentially harmful to you. That includes the beaches and around lakes where hippos graze between tents on a camping safari. Also, be careful in towns. Hyenas wander around freely in the capital city of Lilongwe in Malawi, so always be cautious. DANGERS ON SAFARI TOURS - 5 Most Dangerous Spiders In South Africa To Know If you’re wondering about dangerous spiders in South Africa, then wonder no more. This guide to the eight-legged critters in the home of the safari plains and the surf-washed beaches of J-Bay has you covered. It’s got info on five of the deadliest and most fearsome crawlies around, with details on what they look like and what you can do to avoid them. The good news is that there has never been an official case of a human fatality from a spider bite in South Africa. Nope, not one! There are regularly reports of dogs and cats and other domestic pets falling prey to the venomous arachnids listed below, but, for the most parts, us homo sapiens don’t have to worry too much. Of course, it pays to be wary and aware, since a whole bunch of the spiders in South Africa do possess venom or bites that can cause pain and complications. At the very least, there’s a chance that an attack from one of these guys will ruin that once-in-a-lifetime adventure down the stunning Garden Route, the wild lands of Kruger, or the wine fields of Stellenbosch. So, whiz up before you go, folks… Table of Contents Blue-footed baboon spider (Idiothele mira) Photo by Unsplash The blue-footed baboon spider is a classic tarantula-style spider. It’s relatively common across South Africa, known to live right around the state of KwaZulu-Natal and surrounding regions. Capable of growing to around 30mm, they aren’t the largest of their genus but are also nothing minuscule. As the name suggests, they have distinctly blue feet. Yep, the ends of the legs glow a dull, cobalt-style blue from the penultimate segment to where they meet the floor. There’s also a clear black line running down the central part of the abdomen. Largely nocturnal, these guys prefer to live in heavily to lightly wooded areas. They’ll conceal themselves in the undergrowth, under large rocks or rotting tree trunks, creating protective nests that can pierce nearly 30cm beneath the surface of the earth in some cases. Blue-footed baboon spiders – like most types of baboon spiders in South Africa – are far more active in the summer months, which is their main mating season, so expect to spot more in the wild between November and March. Most people believe that this type of spider does have some sort of venom, however a lack of studies into the blue-footed baboon spider means that it’s still an unknown quantity. What is for certain is that there are definite risks to their population numbers, mainly thanks to the boom in demand for them from exotic pet owners and habitat destruction on account of climate change. King baboon spider (Pelinobius muticus) Photo by Federico Faccipieri/Unsplash If you thought that the blue-footed baboon spider was bad, just wait until you meet the royal version! In fact, the king baboon spider is a totally different genus of spider to the plain old baboon spider – this one comes from the Pelinobius tree of crawlies, while the one listed above hails from the Idiothele group. Nope, that means very little to us either! What we do understand is that this one is a tarantula! Yep, a proper tarantula! King baboon spiders live all across East Africa and are more common in hotter countries closer to the middle of the continent. As such, they are regularly found in Kenya and Tanzania . They were first described in those parts by the European entomologist Ferdinand Karsch way back in the 1880s, who was known as documenter of arachnids across much of Africa, but also the Pacific and even Germany. Anyway…back to the king baboon. Capable of hitting a leg span of over 20cm (nearly 8 inches) in total, these critters are pretty hefty. They have the trademark, multi-segment leg of a tarantula, only they don’t have noticeable urticating hairs that can be used to attack. Instead, king baboons will vibrate their bodies to create a warning sound to fend off potential victims, before choosing to rush in and bite. The bite itself is no walk in the park. It’s venomous and moderately so to humans. No deaths have been recorded to date on account of the king baboon spider, though scientists believe some have a venom that’s powerful enough to cause both localized and holistic symptoms for over 40 hours! The other thing to note about these guys is that they’re VERY temperamental. Anyone who’s ever owned one as a pet will tell you that they are moody and quick to get defensive. Black widow (Latrodectus) Photo by Jonatan Lewczuk/Unsplash The black widow isn’t just one of the most dangerous spiders in South Africa, it’s also one of the most dangerous spiders around the whole world. Mhmm, today, the feared Latrodectus brand of arachnid can be found all over the globe. It’s known to reside on the islands of Japan and the mainland of the Americas, throughout Europe and much of Asia. It’s also here in the land of safari parks and shark-swimming coves… The main type of black widow found in SA is the Latrodectus indistinctus. Are you sitting down? Good. These guys have garnered themselves a rep for being one of the most venomous types of black widow on the planet. They can cause severe and prolonged symptoms in human victims, including – but not limited to – slurred speech, out of control blood pressure, muscle cramps, sweating and fever, and breathing difficulties. Yikes! Hard to spot, the Latrodectus indistinctus are rarely more than 16mm across. The women are the dangerous ones, but also the largest of the bunch (males only make it to 5mm across on average). You can identify them thanks to their jet-black, matte coloring and clear red markings that span out from the center of the underside. The only saving grace here is that they are known to be shy and non-confrontational, often preferring to play dead than bite. Violin spider (Sicariidae) Don’t confuse the South African violin spider with the spider of the same name that dominates over in the southern USA. Both are potentially dangerous to humans, but they are very different. While the latter is known for its violin-shaped body, this one’s got a distinctly bulbous thorax and a smaller head. Its coloring ranges from dusky black and grey to a light blueish color, while there are some specimens with bold reddish and ruddy markings striking down the back. Predominant in the northern highland parts of the country, they mainly live between the Kruger National Park and the borderlands with Botswana, covering a whole cut-out of the nation north of Pretoria and Johannesburg. Unfortunately for would-be safari goers, that’s one of the most coveted places to go spotting the Big Five game! The South African violin spider is known to have a strong neurotoxic and cytotoxic venom. That means it can cause some serious harm to human victims in the form of necrosis of the flesh and even interference with the nervous system. The good news is that they tend to like living in wilder parts of the nation, in forests and caves, rarely straying into built-up areas. What’s more, they are known to be particularly shy and will always try to avoid confrontation. Rain spider (Palystes superciliosus) Photo by Nathan Dumlao/Unsplash Behold one of the largest species of spider in South Africa: The rain spider. Named for their habit of entering human homes just before the rains come, these guys regularly inspire fear in the populations of SA because of their sheer dimensions. They can grow to have a full body span of nearly 50mm, which is made up of elongated legs and limbs, along with a bulbous lower thorax colored in beige and darker brown hues. They’re often mistaken for tarantulas but are actually a sub-member of the huntsman family. The rain spider is so big that it’s known to prey on small lizards and geckos around the Western Cape and Eastern Cape of South Africa. In fact, they are also known as the lizard-eating spider in those parts. Most active in the summer months, rain spiders will mate in November, as evidenced by the appearance of their unique egg sacs around the countryside – look out for the large bundles of silken web suspended between bushes and trees. You don’t want to get too close, as the more-aggressive females of the species are often nearby and ready to pounce to defend their young. Although rain spiders aren’t known to be venomous, they are known to be confrontational. What’s more, they are so big that they can often do physical damage to humans if they decide to attack. It’s rarely more than localized tissue rupturing with some bleeding, but it could require medical attention. Dangerous spiders in South Africa – our conclusion This list homes in on just five of the most dangerous spiders in South Africa. Its aim? To showcase the arachnids that could pose a potential threat when you go to explore the penguin-spotted beaches of the Garden Route or the lion-stalked hinterlands around Kruger. Don’t be too put off by the thought of being attacked by a black widow or tarantula here, though – there have, to date, been zero recorded cases of death from spider bite in these parts. SPIDERS in South Africa! Many people are terrified of spiders and find them extremely creepy. This is unfortunate because not only are most spiders completely harmless, they benefit our environment by controlling the insect population. In fact, without spiders, our food supply would be in serious jeopardy. Before we begin, I want you to know that the list below is just a fraction of the spiders in South Africa. Because of the sheer number of these arachnids, it would be impossible to cover them all. For example, some estimates claim over 50,000 kinds of spiders on the planet (and the list is still growing)! Brown Widow Latrodectus geometricus Also known as the brown widow, brown button spider, grey widow, brown, black widow, home button spider, or geometric button spider. Identifying Characteristics: The coloring is mottled tan and brown with black accent markings. On the sides of the abdomen, there are three diagonal stripes. This species has an hourglass similar to the black widow, but it’s often orange or yellow. The striped legs are usually dark brown or black with light yellow bands. The Brown Widow employs a neurotoxic venom, causing pain, muscle rigidity, vomiting, and sweating. However, while deadly to their prey, the bites of the Brown Widow are often much less harmful to humans than the infamous Black Widow. Females create webs in isolated, safe locations near houses and branch-heavy woods. Brown Widows frequently choose empty containers like buckets, planters, mailboxes, and entryway corners. So, checking these places thoroughly before disturbing them is a good idea! One of the easiest ways to identify these spiders in South Africa is to look for their egg sacs. They have pointy protrusions and are frequently referred to as “fluffy” or “spiky” in appearance. Common Rain Spider Palystes superciliosus Identifying Characteristics: The upper parts are tawny brown and covered in hair. Females’ legs can reach 110 mm (4.3 in). They have yellow and brown banding on the undersides, and their body length ranges from 15 to 36 mm (0.5-1.4 in). Males are smaller in size but have longer legs. The Common Rain Spider is part of the genus known as Huntsman Spiders due to their speed and method of hunting. Instead of weaving webs, these arachnids hunt for insects found in plants and foliage. Additionally, before it rains, they frequently enter houses where they prey on geckos or lizards, thus the common name. The females defend their egg sacs aggressively, and humans are frequently bitten during breeding seasons. When threatened, the Common Rain Spider raises its legs to intimidate predators. They also release toxins when they bite. Thankfully, their venom isn’t very dangerous for humans, but it does cause burning and swelling. Despite their fearsome appearance, Common Rain Spiders have a very unusual predator – the Pompilid Wasp. These wasps paralyze Rain Spiders with their bite and then drag them to their nests. They lay their eggs on the paralyzed spider and close the nest, and the small larvae feed on the paralyzed Rain Spider as they grow up. Gray Wall Jumping Spider Menemerus bivittatus Identifying Characteristics: This species has a flattened torso and short, thick, greyish-white hair. Tufts of dark brown hair grow close to the eyes. The male has a brownish-white stripe on each side of the abdomen and a black dorsal stripe. The female has a larger abdomen and is typically lighter brown. In addition, her abdomen is rimmed with broad black stripes that come together at the end. Both sexes are about 9 mm (0.3 in) long, but males are usually slightly smaller. The Gray Wall Jumping Spider is native to South Africa but has since spread throughout the world. It frequently appears on the exterior of buildings or tree trunks in gardens. Instead of weaving a web around their prey, the Gray Wall Jumping spider stalks the prey before springing on it to attack. Their wide eyes and visual acuity allow them to easily focus on objects and distinguish between different colors. And, using their exceptional jumping ability, they can seize their prey in the blink of an eye. Southern Baboon Spiders Subfamily Harpactirinae Note: Baboon spiders are a subfamily of tarantulas broadly present on the African continent. Around nine genera and over one hundred species are present in South Africa. This section gives general information on the entire group. Identifying Characteristics: This species reaches a maximum length of 15 cm (5.9 in), including the legs. Their coloring varies from light brown to dark brown or black. Some species can also have grey, beige, orange, or light yellow colors. Hair covers the legs and body. Southern Baboon Spiders are members of the Tarantula family. These ground-dwelling spiders use their fangs and chelicerae (pincer-like mouth appendages) to dig burrows that they line with silk. Their natural habitats are savanna forests, arid scrublands, and grasslands. They are vicious hunters, preying on insects, small rodents, reptiles, and just about anything else they can take down. Baboon Spiders lift their front legs to appear bigger and more intimidating when disturbed or threatened. If the threat continues, they will bite and release venom. The fangs of a Baboon Spider can be more than a centimeter long! As you can imagine, a bite from one can be very painful, and their venom can cause localized swelling. However, it doesn’t pose a major health concern to humans. With around 150 described species of scorpions in southern Africa (and new species still being described) scorpion identification is no easy task. All scorpions are venomous, however, stings from a number of species are mild and are not of medical importance. They may be painful for a few hours but are not potentially life-threatening. There are several old and incorrect stories about scorpions and scorpion identification. One such story is that only black scorpions are dangerous. There is no rule of thumb for determining whether a scorpion is dangerous or not based on colour alone. Highly venomous scorpions come in a variety of colours ranging from black, brown, yellow, light brown, orange and a mixture of all of the above. Another story is based on the size of the scorpion, with many people incorrectly telling us that smaller scorpions are far more venomous than larger scorpions. The size of a scorpion makes little difference as to how dangerous it is. A baby Thicktail Scorpion of a few centimetres long will deliver a painful and potentially dangerous sting compared to the mild prick delivered from a large (up to 20cm) Rock Scorpion. The main rule for identifying potentially dangerous scorpions is based on the size of their tail in relation to the size of their pincers: those with thick tails and small pincers being far more venomous than those with a thin tail and large pincers. The genus Parabuthus (A) is known as our Thicktail Scorpions and some of them are considered potentially deadly in southern Africa. There are two species that are potentially life-threatening and the other species may deliver a painful sting. Note the ratio of small pincers to thick tail in Parabuthus. Nomads (Hottentota sp.) and Pygmy-thicktails (Afrolychus sp.) are not represented on this chart as they are not commonly encountered in Southern Africa. These two genera are small scorpions and are not life-threatening but have a nasty venom that causes intense pain. The genus Uroplectes (B) are known as Lesser-thicktails or bark scorpions. These are generally small scorpions of a couple of centimetres in length. They too have thick tails and small pincers and a sting from one of these may be very painful, although not life-threatening. The Burrowers (C) and Creepers (D) are made up of three genera: Opistophthalmus (C) and Opisthacanthus and Cheloctonus (D). These genera have large pincers and medium to small tails. The pain from the sting of these scorpions can be compared to that of a bee sting. They can also pinch pretty hard with their large pincers. The Plain Pygmy-thicktails in the genus Pseudolychus (E) are small scorpions that usually live in leaf litter and are commonly encountered in houses, especially in Gauteng. The sting burns for a few minutes and then fades away and is less than a wasp sting in pain. Lastly, we get the Rock Scorpions (F) in the genus Hadogenes. These large scorpions often exceed 20cm in length and are gentle giants, their sting is barely noticeable. It is comparable to the thorns of an Acacia tree, where there is a slight tingling feeling and then becomes itchy. If the scorpion is upset however, those pincers give a good pinch! The two potentially life-threatening species in southern Africa are: The Rough Thicktail Scorpion (Parabuthus granulatus) is one of the largest scorpions in the region, reaching 18 cm in length with the tail extended. Individuals can be black in colour, dark brown or yellow, sometimes with lighter legs and a darker back segment. It occupies karoo and bushveld habitat on the drier western side of the country, occurring in the Western Cape, Northern Cape, North-west and Limpopo in South Africa. It occurs throughout Namibia and Botswana, extending into western Zimbabwe. It has one of the largest distributions of the Thicktail Scorpions and overlaps with a number of other species. It is therefore often confused with the Cape and Transvaal Thicktail Scorpions. This is the most venomous scorpion in southern Africa and accounts for a few fatalities every year. There is an effective antivenom for the sting of this species. On lab tests, this species is three times as venomous as the Transvaal Thicktail Scorpion (Müller et al. 2012). Bergman (1997) showed that of the ten Rough Thicktail Scorpion stings they examined, 30% were severe. The Transvaal Thicktail Scorpion (Parabuthus transvaalicus) is a large scorpion in southern Africa reaching a length of around 15cm with the tail extended. It is dark brown to black in colour, often with lighter pincers. It occupies bushveld habitat and can be found under rocks, logs and other debris. It often ventures into houses and can also be found under outdoor lights at night, hunting insects and other prey. It occurs from north of the Magaliesberg into Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the North West province and north into south-eastern Botswana and southern Zimbabwe as well as parts of Mozambique. It is often confused with the Rough Thick-tail Scorpion as their size and colour can be similar. The venom is medically important and antivenom is effective for stings. Excessive sweating and ptosis (drooping of the eyelids) are common symptoms of envenomation. Bergman (1997) showed that of the 184 Transvaal Thicktail Scorpion stings they examined, 10% were severe. In the recorded stings, deaths have occurred, taking between 12 hours and six days. The Cape Thicktail Scorpion (Parabuthus capensis) is a medium-sized scorpion of around 10cm with the tail extended. They are usually a pale orange or yellow in colour, often with a darker last segment of the tail. Pitch black individuals are common around Lambert’s Bay on the west coast. This species is known from the Western and Northern Cape provinces, usually sheltering under rocks and logs. It is easily confused with the Rough Thicktail Scorpion and the Drab Thicktail Scorpion. The venom of this species causes intense pain and generally isn’t considered life-threatening, although there is one unconfirmed death by this species mentioned in Müller et al. (2012). As far as we know, antivenom is not effective against the sting of this species. Most southern African scorpions are not life-threatening to humans. Only the Thicktail Scorpions (Parabuthus sp.) are considered dangerous, and of the 22 species of Thicktail Scorpions, only two have accounted for confirmed human fatalities. Most victims are stung on the foot between sundown and midnight. Most stings happen outside, although a number have been reported in houses, especially with the Transvaal Thicktail Scorpion and Lesser-thicktail scorpions, which often enter houses and may hide in bags or clothes (Müller, 2012). Scorpion stings are immediately painful. This pain may last from a few minutes to hours or even days depending on the species. Local paraesthesia (pins and needles) is often experienced. There is usually very little swelling and often the sting site is difficult to locate (Müller, 1993). In stings from Thicktails, hyperaesthesia (sensitivity of the skin) is often experienced with the nerves being hypersensitised. This results in the victim experiencing pain if the skin is touched or if ice is placed on the sting site. Victims also talk of a feeling of vibration of the skin similar to an electric current (Müller, 2012). The venom of the Thicktail Scorpions is a neurotoxic venom that affects potassium and sodium channels in the cells of the body. This may cause hyperexcitability of certain muscles and often results in jerks and twitches of the body as well as tremors and spasms of muscles, especially in the face. Children are often excessively restless. Other symptoms include extreme pain at the site of the sting that may spread throughout the body. Excess salivation, a slow heart rate, high blood pressure and gastric distension (enlargement of the stomach which may cause abdominal pain) is also noted. Muscle weakness often follows, and victims may struggle to walk, or walk as if they are drunk. Bulbar paralysis causes the victim to struggle to swallow, reduces the gag reflex and may restrict the ability to pronounce words. The final symptom, and most dangerous, is difficulty with breathing which may lead to respiratory failure. In stings to children where the species is not known, it is advisable to monitor the child for at least 12 hours (Müller, 1993; Müller, 2012). Symptoms are directly related to the size of the victim, the amount of venom injected and the physical health of the victim. Unfortunately, children and the elderly are often at a higher risk and may show symptoms rapidly (within one to two hours), whereas in healthy adults, symptoms may be delayed for up to 8 hours (Müller, 1993). Pain killers are not recommended as they are often ineffective against scorpion venom and may reduce the breathing rate of the victim (Müller, 1993). In hospitals, they may inject local anaesthetic around the sting site to help with pain control (Müller, 2012). In severe cases, 10 - 20 ml of SAVP Scorpion antivenom is delivered via an intravenous drip. An additional 10 ml is advisable if there are no improvements after six hours. Respiratory support is vital during these times. Patients who receive antivenom and treatment in a hospital generally make a full recovery within a few days. Patients who do not receive antivenom may take up to seven days to recover (Bergman, 1997). In the event of a sting from any of the above three species: Try get a photo of the scorpion (this can be sent to ASI for identification) Get the victim to a hospital as soon as possible. Immobilize the affected limb to slow the spread of venom. If the victim stops breathing, apply artificial respiration or use a bag valve mask reserve. Call the Poison Information Centre helpline 0861 555 777 DO NOT: Apply a tourniquet Cut or suck the wound Use ice or very hot water Give the victim anything to eat or drink (especially not alcohol) Apply electric shock Inject antivenom randomly (antivenom, if required must be administered by a trained medical professional) “Antihistamines are very commonly given, these have no beneficial effect and should be discouraged” Bergman, 1997. Opioid painkillers such as pethidine and morphine are ineffective and create a low breathing rate in the patient which may cause respiratory distress. Check out or range of great quality scorpion torches here. How to avoid scorpion stings: Scorpions are nocturnal and caution should be taken when out and about at night. Wear closed shoes when outside at night. Use a scorpion torch when out a night (scorpions fluoresce under ultraviolet light and are easy to see at night) Be cautious when collecting firewood as many species hide under branches or bark. Be careful when packing up tents, as scorpions like to hide underneath them. Shake out shoes before putting them on. We have a number of links on our website that can assist with the quick identification of common scorpions for each province: Eastern Cape Free State Gauteng KwaZulu - Natal Limpopo Mpumalanga North West Province Northern Cape Western Cape You can also make use of the scorpion information on our free app, ASI Snakes. As well as our free downloadable poster on the Common Scorpions of Southern Africa . Prolific Big 5 Game Viewing Encountering Africa’s iconic Big 5 (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo) is a major item on any safari goer’s bucket list. Kruger National Park is one of the very few places on earth where you’re able to tick off all five in one day. A Trip for Every Traveller Multi-generational broods will love the Kruger National Park’s variety of family-friendly accommodation. Couples will find the perfect trip to celebrate a special occasion, and adventure seekers will relish in a plethora of outdoor activities. Sabi Sands Game Reserve Home to several of Africa's famous safari brands including Singita, Londolozi, MalaMala and the eponymous Sabi Sabi, this reserve features the most exclusive and luxurious safari accommodation in South Africa. Not only is this private reserve a pioneer of the luxury safari concept, but it also delivers the best Big 5 game viewing in all of Africa. Thornybush Game Reserve Sharing a fenceless border with the equally famous Timbavati Game Reserve, Thornybush Private Game Reserve is 11 500 hectares of prime big game habitat: open savannah woodland with patches of tangled thicket and thorny scrub. Game viewing in the reserve ranks as some of the best in Southern Africa, and visitors to Thornybush are virtually guaranteed to encounter the Big 5. Highlights Phenomenal game viewing Guided nature walks to experience the intricacies of the African bush Your whole safari experience can be tailored to meet photographic safari desires Rare species of wildlife including the Pangolin Kapama Game Reserve Easily accessible from nearby Hoedspruit Airport, Kapama is 13 000 hectares (32 000 acres) of open woodland and tangled riverine forest. Besides Big 5 game viewing, guests at Kapama's lodges can enjoy hot-air balloon flights and sleep-outs under the stars. Highlights Dream honeymoons with private plunge pools, romantic dining and spa treatments Adventurous walking safaris Ideal for first time travellers Up-close sightings of the Big Five all year round KRUGER NATIONAL PARK Where nearly 2 million hectares of unrivaled diversity of life forms fuses with historical and archaeological sights – this is real Africa. The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. Truly the flagship of the South African National Parks, this enormous and magnificent park is one of the most popular public-entry game parks in the world. Few visitors leave South Africa without visiting the Kruger National Park or one of the private reserves along its borders but it is also frequented by locals in their own vehicles, as you can drive yourself around and stay overnight in one of the many public rest camps . There are also a few exclusive private lodges that have been granted concessions within the Kruger National Park. Kruger has 12 main rest camps, 5 bushveld camps, 2 bush lodges and 4 satellite camps. The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld, this national park is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies. Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. Man’s interaction with the lowveld environment over many centuries – from bushman rock paintings to majestic archaeological sites like Masorini and Thulamela – is very evident in the Kruger National Park. These treasures represent the cultures, persons and events that played a role in the history of the Kruger National Park and are conserved along with the park’s natural assets. BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

About Me My Radio Station in Germany Radio SAM Broadcasting Studios Tune-Into Hi, thanks for dropping by! I Was Born On the 15 November 1960 in Germany and was Brought up in South Africa,Have Three of my Own Children and One child that I brought up as my Own Child,Two staying In South Africa and Two Staying with me in Germany. My Nick Name is Andy,and have a Profile on Facebook My Face book Profile Andy Willi Dezius | Create your badge I Speach - English / German and Africans , and also read and wright the 3 Languages , I am at the moment a Truck Driver in Germany. To my Profiles , here are a few things to tell you about me , I was Born in Germany, and was brought up in South Africa. My Homepages are about South Africa and South African Music, I have had Goodtimes and also Bad times when I lived in South Africa. I created this Homepage to Remember me , of my life , and the Wonderfull things I got to see in my Life . And to share it with people and friends on the Internet , So I say thankyou to WIX .com in Germany, and people who supported me to with my Homepage, the southernstar-africa.de.tl..... Get to Know Us Southernstar-africa is a Homepage and Website based on South Africa,The Life and Culture and Wildlife and as Well of our Lives ,when we were still Liveing in South Africa .This Homepage has Information on South African History,on the Wildlife and the Big Five Game of South Africa. You Can find Pictures ,Links ,News,Recipes,Joke ,South African Ghost Stories and many other things that mite Intrest you,and also for School Projects,Some Pages are not for childrens View. You will find link banner on top of the webpages,at the bottom of the website,and on the left side of the page,you will also see alot of pages are link to other sites ,on the Net,and as well linked to partner and our own websites and Homepages... Let’s work together BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

THE BIG FIVE In Africa , the Big five game animals are the lion , leopard , rhinoceros , elephant , and African buffalo The term was coined by big-game hunters to refer to the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot but is now more widely used by game viewing tourists and safari tour operators.They are examples of charismatic megafauna , featuring prominently in popular culture, and are among the most famous of Africa's large animals. The 1990 and later releases of South African rand banknotes feature a different big-five animal on each denomination. Countries where all can be found include Angola , Botswana , Eswatini , Kenya , Malawi , Mozambique , Namibia , Rwanda , South Africa , Tanzania , Uganda , the Democratic Republic of the Congo , Zambia and Zimbabwe . Species Elephant African bush elephant The African bush elephant and the African forest elephant are the largest extant land-based animals. Elephants are herbivores with thick, almost hairless skin; a long, flexible, prehensile trunk; upper incisors forming long, curved, ivory tusks; and large, fan-shaped ears. Elephants are difficult to hunt because, despite their large size, they are able to hide in thick bush and are more likely to charge than the other Big Five species. They become aggressive when their young are threatened. Rhinoceros Black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) The black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) and the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) are large herbivores with two upright horns on their nasal bridge. The black rhino is classified as critically endangered and the white rhino as near threatened , and both are subject to extensive poaching. Among big-five game hunters, the black rhinoceros is more highly prized. The current existing rhinos throughout the savanna are southern white rhinoceros , eastern black rhinoceros , south-western black rhinoceros and south-central black rhinoceros . African buffalo African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) The African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is a large horned bovid . It is the only animal among the Big Five that is not on the "endangered" or "threatened" list. The Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer) is considered by many to be the most dangerous of any of the Big Five:[12] buffalos have reportedly been known to ambush and attack humans: Lion Lion (Panthera leo) The lion (Panthera leo) is a large, carnivorous feline found in both Africa and northwestern India . It has a short, tawny coat; a tufted tail; and, in the male, a heavy mane around the neck and shoulders. As a large and charismatic apex predator with cultural significance, lions are among the most popular species to view on safari tours. Leopard African leopard (Panthera pardus) The leopard (Panthera pardus) is a large, carnivorous feline. Its fur is generally tawny with dark rosette-shaped markings. The leopard is the most seldom seen of the Big Five because of its nocturnal habits (it is most active between sunset and sunrise, although it may hunt during the day in some areas), and because it is wary of humans and will take flight in the face of danger. Leopards can be located in the grasslands, dense brushes, deserts, and forested areas of African savannas. Conservation status Africa's Big Five have become major concerns for wildlife conservationists in recent years. The African lion and African leopard are both classified as vulnerable . The African savanna elephant is listed as endangered by the IUCN as of 2021. The southern white rhinoceros and African buffalo are classified as near threatened while the black rhinoceros is classified as critically endangered . Lions are majestic creatures that are known for their strength and courage. They are the kings of the jungle and are admired by many for their beauty and power. Lions also social animals that live in groups called prides, they work together to hunt and protect their territory. The African buffalo, also known as the Cape buffalo, is one of the Big Five game animals in Africa. They are known for their unpredictable nature and are considered one of the most animals in Africa. In Africa, the buffalo a significant role in the's history, particularly the colonial era. They were hunted extensively for their and hides, and population declined significantly. Today, the buffalo is protected species in South, and conservation efforts have to increase their numbers The elephant is one of the most fascinating creatures on earth. These gentle giants have been around for millions of years and have played an important role in many cultures religions. From their impressive size to their unique physical features, there is no denying the awe-inspiring nature of the elephant Let's take a closer look at the history of these magnificent animals. The rhinoceros has been an integral part of South Africa's wildlife centuries. These majestic creatures have roamed the savannas and grasslands of the country for thousands of years, and have played an important role in the country cultural and ecological heritage. However, in recent years, the rhino population has been threatened by poaching and habitat loss, making conservation efforts more important than ever. Despite these challenges, South Africa remains committed to protecting its rhino population and ensuring that these magnificent animals continue to thrive for generations to come. The leopard is one of the most fascinating animals in South Africa. It is known for its beautiful coat and elusive nature. Leopards have been a part of South African history for centuries, with many stories and legends surrounding them. From ancient rock art to modern-day conservation efforts, the leopard continues to capture the imagination of people all over the world. THE BIG FIVE Why are the Big Five animals on South Africa’s Banknotes — Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo and Elephant? For many tourists and travellers, South Africa’s banknotes are a colourful and beautiful surprise when visiting the country for the first time. And, in 2023, the South African Reserve Bank released new banknotes and coins , showcasing the country’s ‘family bonds’ and ‘deep ecology’. Although some design changes were made (with the big five getting a “family-makeover”), South Africa’s banknotes continue to proudly feature each of the big five animals on the back and former president, Nelson Mandela, on the front — earning the paper currency the locally-coined ‘Randela‘ nickname. “The upgraded banknotes continue to pay homage to South Africa’s first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela, with his portrait featured on the front of all five denominations while the Big 5 animals are depicted as a family.” The South African Reserve Bank, 2023 South Africa’s new banknotes, released on 3 May 2023. Picture Supplied: The Reserve Bank The Big Five on South Africa’s Banknotes But Why are the Big 5 Animals on South Africa’s Banknotes? 1. Tourism 2. National Pride 3. Cultural History The Rhinoceros (Featured on South Africa’s R10 Banknote) The Elephant (Featured on South Africa’s R20 Banknote) The Lion (Featured on South Africa’s R50 Banknote) The Buffalo (Featured on South Africa’s R100 Banknote) The Leopard (Featured on South Africa’s R200 Banknote) But Why are the Big 5 Animals on South Africa’s Banknotes? The the Big Five animals are easily recognised on the back of South Africa’s paper currency. Their first appearance on the South African Rand (ZAR) banknotes in the early 1990s, between 1992 and 1993 with the introduction of the fourth issue of the Rand currency, marked a significant redesign following the end of apartheid. But why are the big five animals on South Africa’s money? Well, the Big Five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) are featured on South Africas banknotes for a few reasons: 1. Tourism The Big Five are a major draw for tourists visiting South Africa. Their presence on the currency highlights the importance and contribution of safaris parks and game reserves to the country’s economy. In Africa, wildlife tourism employs more than 25 million people. Tourism also drives 8.6% of South Africa’s economy, and continues to grow. The Big 5 animals contribute so much to the country’s economy, it’s no surprise to see them featured on South Africa’s paper currency. 2. National Pride The big five animals are a source of national pride for South Africa. Having them on the currency showcases a part of what makes the country unique. The Big Five animals are something nearly every South African knows — with even children learn about them in school. The big five have become entwined with South Africa’s national identity and its people are proud to be a nation blessed with such incredible wildlife. 3. Cultural History South Africa has a rich and diverse wildlife heritage, and the Big Five on the country’s banknotes pay homage to the importance of the nation’s wildlife throughout the history of our country and its people. Many iconic African animals, for example, like the leopard and lion, are prized for their status and symbolism in traditional African dress and ceremony. The Rhinoceros (Featured on South Africa’s R10 Banknote) The White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) is featured on South Africa’s R10.00 (ten rand) banknotes. The ‘green note’ features two rhinos, a mother and its calf, signifying the strength and unity of familial bonds in South Africa. This is only fitting as these large and sturdy animals represent strength and resilience and are a prominent member of South Africa’s Big Five animals. Sadly, rhinos are critically endangered due to poaching for their horns. Despite various anti-poaching efforts, these sturdy creatures are surprisingly vulnerable. During 2023, 499 rhinos were poached across South Africa . Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these magnificent creatures, and their depiction on the R10.00 banknote serves as a solemn reminder to protect South Africa’s wildlife. The Elephant (Featured on South Africa’s R20 Banknote) The African Elephant is the largest land animal in the world. Featured on South Africa’s R20 (twenty rand) banknote, the African Bush Elephant (a sub-species of the African Elephant) is a highly social and intelligent creature. Growing over 4 metres tall (13 feet) and weighing between 3 to 6 tonnes (5000 to 13,000 pounds), these impressive animals really put the ‘big’ in the big five. Most famous for their long trunks and ivory tusks, African elephants are a proud and prominent figure in South Africa’s wildlife heritage. Did you know that South Africa’s National Coat of Arms , first introduced on Freedom Day, 27 April 2000, features two pairs of elephant tusks curving inwards — forming the sides of the shield or “coat of arms”. Elephants are known for their matriarchal social structures and complex emotional behaviours, making them a symbol of love, wisdom and strength. The Lion (Featured on South Africa’s R50 Banknote) The African Lion (Panthera leo) is featured on South Africa’s R50 (fifty rand) banknote. The ‘King of the Jungle” is the apex predator in South Africa’s wild and represents courage, strength and loyalty. Lions are usually at the top of everyone’s safari bucket list and are a major draw for tourism and Big Five safaris tours in Southern Africa. These majestic animals live in prides and are best known for their impressive manes (hair) and powerful roars that can be heard up to 8 kilometres away. Their presence on South Africa’s banknotes is a testament to their importance and national symbolism of power, family bonds and leadership. The Buffalo (Featured on South Africa’s R100 Banknote) The African Buffalo, a formidable-looking herbivore, is featured on the R100 (one-hundred rand) banknote. The Southern Savanna Buffalo and Cape Buffalo, which are both sub-species of the African Buffalo, are found in South Africa. Hardy and able to survive in the country’s harshest terrains, these grazing-machines live in large herds of up to 1000 or more buffalo. Did you know that buffalos are the most feared of all the Big Five animals? They are said to have killed more hunters in Africa than any other animal. Known for their unpredictable nature and impressive horns, buffalo are symbols of tenacity and survival in the wild. Their inclusion on South Africa’s R100 paper currency highlights their role in the natural ecosystem and the respect they command within the Big Five. The Leopard (Featured on South Africa’s R200 Banknote) The African Leopard is a stealthy and nocturnal big cat, featured on the R200 (two-hundred rand) banknote. Easily recognised for their incredible ‘rosette’ spotted coats, leopards possess incredible strength and can drag large prey (weighing up to three times their own body weight) up trees over 6 metres (20 feet) tall. Although leopards are agile tree climbers, capable of hunting and napping in trees, they do not live in trees. Leopards are solitary and elusive animals with expansive territories, making them one of the most challenging Big Five animals to see in the wild. Their depiction on the highest denomination banknote pays homage to their elegance, symbolism and high value in traditional South African cultures. See South Africa’s Big Five Animals Up Close and In Person Wildlife travel seekers, tourists and local South Africa’s have the incredible opportunity to see South Africa’s Big Five animals not only on the country’s banknotes, but within national parks and game reserves all over the country. As Cape Town’s closest Big Five safari destination , Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa is proud to be on the frontlines of conservation and wildlife rehabilitation in the Western Cape . For the ultimate Big Five day trip safari or overnight safari adventure that fits perfectly in your Cape Town city itinerary, book now or browse our seven different day tour options — from early morning safaris , horseback trails , quad bike safaris and sunset game drives through Aquila’s wild and stunning 10 000 hectare reserve. What are the Big 5 animals What are the Big 5 animals of Africa and where to find them? What are the Big 5 of Africa? The Big Five animals of Africa Fall in love with Africa\'s Wildlife, savannah plains, Baobab Trees, magical African sunsets, and find the Best Safari Destinations in Africa + tips to plan your Best Safari Tour! , in short, 'The Big 5' include the African elephant, rhinoceros, lion, leopard, and Cape buffalo. These five big game animal species are found on the African continent in the Southern and Eastern parts of Africa. As the name suggests, they are not the heaviest or the 5 biggest safari Embark on a transformative journey with a safari in Africa. Witness iconic wildlife, explore diverse landscapes, and immerse yourself in the rich cultures of the continent. From the majestic Serengeti to the renowned.. animals. If it was about the size or weight of the African animal Interesting facts about African animal species you can find on safari in Africa including the possibility to book a wildlife course to learn everything about animal behavior in the African bush. Read everything you.. , a gorilla or hippo could also easily fit in. A hippo is for example three times heavier than a Cape buffalo and a male gorilla and male lion can both weigh up to 225kg. Why are they called the Big Five animals? The Big Five game refers to the 5 African animals Interesting facts about African animal species you can find on safari in Africa including the possibility to book a wildlife course to learn everything about animal behavior in the African bush. Read everything you.. that big game hunters in the late 1800s, during Africa's colonial period, considered the most dangerous and difficult wild animals to track and hunt on foot. Hunting these African game animals got them the biggest prices and trophies. Dangerous, because of their behavior when they feel threatened or get injured. Sadly, this wildlife is still hunted today but luckily there are also a lot of conservation initiatives to protect these threatened species that are decreasing in population and struggling because of habitat loss. Nowadays, the term 'Big Five' is more a commercial term used by safari companies to sell their 'African Big 5 Safari trips' and to describe the Top 5 safari animals Interesting facts about African animal species you can find on safari in Africa including the possibility to book a wildlife course to learn everything about animal behavior in the African bush. Read everything you.. to see on a game drive The definition of a game drive on safari is: ‘a guided excursion or self-drive by (preferably 4 wheel drive) open-sided safari vehicle in a National Park, reserve, or conservancy to spot and observe African.. . This made them also the most famous large African animals to look for on a safari trip to Africa. Ticking off the Big 5 is therefore on many travelers’ bucket lists. However, there's much more wildlife worth seeing roam freely in their natural habitat, like the cheetah, a tall elegant giraffe, a spotted Hyena, or a pack of African wild dogs. Even smaller creatures, like Dung Beetles or all the colorful birdlife, play an important role in the ecosystems. So, with this article, I also want to raise awareness about the fact that there's more to Africa than spotting the Big Five, which is a hunting term after all. That is also the main reason for setting up the New Big Five project, an international initiative to create a new Big Five of wildlife: the Big Five of wildlife photography Welcome to our comprehensive guide on wildlife photography , where we delve into the art, techniques, and equipment required to capture stunning images of wildlife in their natural habitats. Whether you're an.. where it's about shooting with a camera instead of hunting with a gun. The aim of this project is to raise awareness about the crisis facing the world's wildlife from threats, including habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and climate change. Big Five animal facts 1. African Elephant: a gentle giant The African savanna elephant is the largest land mammal in the world and can reach up to 3 meters in height and can weigh up to 7 tons. The African forest elephant is 3 feet shorter. Elephants communicate across a large distance at a very low frequency through their feet and the soil that cannot be heard by humans. Elephants live in a herd that is led by the 'matriarch' female. The elephant is threatened by ivory poachers for their tusks. 2. Rhino: most endangered species of the Big 5 The Rhinoceros is the most endangered species of the Big Five due to rhino poaching and illegal trade in rhino horns. There are two species of rhino in Africa: the White Rhino and the Black Rhino and five subspecies. The names of the rhino don't have anything to do with color as both species are grey. The name of the 'white' rhino is a corruption of the Dutch word 'wijd' (wide), which refers to the wide mouth or square lip of the white rhino. A rhino can weigh up to 5000 pounds and its horns can grow up to 5 feet long. Rhinos have poor eyesight but excellent hearing and sense of smell. 3. African Lion: courageous King of the jungle An African lion is the largest predator on land. Preys of the lion include zebra, impala, giraffes, and other herbivores like wildebeest. A group of lions is called a pride and males are easily distinguished from females because of their large manes. The darker the lion's manes, the older he is. A male lion is sometimes referred to as the king, but in reality, lions don't have a permanent social hierarchy. The dominant male in a lion pride can change at any time. The females hold the territory and stay with the pride in which they were born. They also do most of the hunting and take care of the cubs. Lions use their roar as a form of communication and can be heard up to 5 miles away. 4. Leopard: sneaky and excellent tree climber The African leopard is the most solitary and elusive animal of the big 5, staying hidden during the day. They are the least seen of the Big 5 and on most occasions found alone. The leopard is nocturnal and mainly hunts at night. Their kills include zebra and antelopes like Thompson Gazelle. The elusive leopards hide their prey in a tree to prevent lions and hyenas from stealing it. A lion and a leopard both belong to the African big cats, but they can't get along. A lion will kill a leopard if it has the chance. A leopard is also a good swimmer and occasionally eats fish. 5. Cape Buffalo: most dangerous to humans The African buffalo is very territorial and protective and is probably the most dangerous animal of the big five to humans. If this cow-like animal feels threatened it can become very aggressive and charge with astonishing speed. Buffaloes are mostly found in groups and large herds and spend a lot of their time grazing. Both male and female buffaloes have horns, but the males' horns curve and come together in the center, forming a big bony plate called a boss. The primary predator of the buffalo is the lion. A buffalo will try to protect and rescue another member of the herd and they have even been seen killing a lion after the lion had killed a member of the group. Although the African buffalo and water buffalo resemble each other, they are not closely related. Where to find the Big Five in Africa? The Big 5 animals live on the African continent. You can find all of the Big 5 in Southern Africa and East Africa. The African countries where you can see the Big Five are: Angola Botswana Visit Botswana, Africa’s last great wilderness. Find exclusive safari experiences, eco-lodges, the Kalahari desert, and Okavango Delta with free-roaming wildlife. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Kenya Kenya is Africa\'s Top Safari Destination! This Kenya Travel Guide features The Best Places to visit for a Kenya Safari and Wildlife Photography, such as the Masai Mara and Amboseli Malawi Malawi Travel Guide featuring ✓ Lake Malawi ✓ Safari in Liwonde National Park ✓ Majete Wildlife Reserve ✓ Zomba Plateau ✓ Satemwa Tea Estates ✓ Lusaka and ✓ Nkhotakota Mozambique Namibia Travel to Namibia and experience the country\'s amazing wildlife, tribes, and endless horizons. From red dunes and deserts to canyons and coastlines. Explore Namibia with my helpful Ultimate Namibia Travel Guide and.. Rwanda Rwanda Travel Guide featuring ✓ Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes NP ✓ Nyungwe Forest ✓ Big Five Safari Akagera National Park ✓ Kigali Genocide Memorial ✓ Best time to visit Rwanda South Africa Travel to South Africa and fall in love with its free-roaming wildlife, stunning landscapes, warm-hearted people, the City of Cape Town, and stunning views. Explore South Africa with my helpful Ultimate South Africa.. Tanzania Tanzania Travel Guide featuring ✓ Serengeti ✓ Balloon Safari Tanzania ✓ Ngorongoro ✓ Tarangire ✓ Arusha ✓ Maasai & Hadzabe ✓ Zanzibar Island ✓ Tanzania Safari Tours and more! Uganda Uganda Travel Guide featuring ✓ Gorilla trekking Bwindi ✓ Kibale Chimpanzees ✓ Safari in Murchison Falls ✓ Tree-lions in Ishasha ✓ Kampala ✓Sipi Falls and ✓ Kidepo National Park Zambia Discover Zambia\'s remote wilderness! Plan your safari in Zambia with this helpful guide featuring Victoria Falls, Lower Zambezi, Kafue, South Luangwa, North Luangwa and Lusaka. Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Travel Guide featuring the best places to visit for safari in Zimbabwe, things to do including Victoria Falls or a walking safari in Hwange and Mana Pools, and the best time to visit Zimbabwe! Not all of the above countries where the Big 5 live are ideal for a safari trip in terms of safety and existing numbers of the Big Five species. What are the best Big Five safari destinations? The best countries to see all the big five on safari are South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Uganda, and Namibia. However, in Namibia, you can't find all of the Big 5 in one place. In Etosha National Park you can only see 4 of the African Big Five. You can't find the buffalo there, but it's the best place in Africa to see the black rhino. They often concentrate around a water hole where tourists can sit to observe these critically endangered animals. In Uganda, you can't see rhinos in the wild, but you have a chance of seeing all the Big 5 when you visit them up close at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary where they roam freely but are protected by rangers A game ranger , or simply ranger, is responsible for a wide range of duties related to the management and conservation of wildlife. This includes veterinary care, population control and breeding, as well as more.. 24/7. In Uganda, you can also see the endangered mountain Gorilla and our closest relative on a chimpanzee trekking Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is one of the exciting activities that will turn your Uganda safari into an experience of a lifetime. Did you know that Chimpanzees are our closest genetic relatives, sharing over.. or chimpanzee habituation. South Africa is one of the most reliable Big Five safari destinations to spot all the Big 5. South Africa even honored the importance of the Big 5 animals by putting each of the 5 animals on their bills. What are the best places to see all of the Big 5? The best chance of seeing the Big Five on a single safari or even on a single game drive is at the following places: Kruger National Park and the surrounding Kruger Game Reserves The Kruger Game Reserves neighboring Kruger National Park in South Africa are renowned for hosting Africa's most iconic wildlife species. Greater Kruger Park is a prime destination for African safaris, where.. . Kruger is one of the best places to go for a safari in South Africa Travel to South Africa and fall in love with its free-roaming wildlife, stunning landscapes, warm-hearted people, the City of Cape Town, and stunning views. Explore South Africa with my helpful Ultimate South Africa.. for both beginner safari travelers and seasoned wildlife viewers. Jock Concession within Kruger NP or Sabi Sands Game Reserve and Thornybush, host luxurious safari lodges with an abundance of wildlife roaming around freely. Sabi Sands and Thornybush are also known for its high number of leopard sightings, but they are not the only reserve famous for that. Read more about the best Private Game Reserves and Concessions in Kruger to spot the Big Five Safari animals. Shamwari Private Game Reserve When planning a safari in Africa, especially for first-timers, it's good to know the difference between a private game reserve and a national park. This article will give an answer to the question ' what is a.. is a great place to find the Big 5 in South Africa. A beautiful high-end reserve with luxurious lodges and an exclusive feeling. You're often the only safari vehicle at an animal sighting. Shamwari is also well-known for its wildlife conservation initiatives, like the born-free Foundation. Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania is a perfect place to find all of the Big Five in one day! You can combine your trip to the Ngorongoro Crater with for example the Serengeti Without a doubt, Serengeti National Park is the best place to visit for a safari in Tanzania. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is unique for many reasons, but especially because of the Great Migration, the incredible.. , famous for its wildlife sightings including the great migration The Great Migration in Africa is an annual event that sees millions of wildebeest, zebra, and other ungulates migrate across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in East Africa. This migration involves the movement of large.. of wildebeest and zebra. Want to plan a safari to Tanzania? Read the best places to visit in Northern Tanzania. Maasai Mara The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most popular safari destinations in East Africa. Without a doubt, a Masai Mara safari in Kenya guarantees a memorable experience with spectacular game drives and.. National Park and the Mara Conservancies are also one of the best places to find the Big 5, although seeing rhinos roaming freely is a challenge. Some conservancies have a rhino sanctuary, but these rhinos are protected by rangers 24/7. An example is the Enonkishu Conservancy A conservancy is a protected area of land that is set aside for the conservation of natural resources, such as plants, animals, and ecosystems. The purpose of a conservancy is to preserve and protect the natural.. on the northern boundary of the Maasai Mara Conservancies. Another great place in Kenya to see rhinos is at Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Read everything you need to know about safari in the Masai Mara. Of course, there are much more places and national parks to see the Big Five. Not all national parks have all of the Big Five and when they do have them, it can be harder to spot all of them on a single safari in Africa. When is the best time to see the Big Five in Africa? The high season for a safari in Africa is from July to October. It's the cooler dry winter which makes a Big 5 sighting easier because of the thin and dried-up vegetation. The lack of rain also means animals congregate around flowing rivers or larger lakes to drink. However, the shoulder seasons are also perfect to find the big 5 in Africa and it's less touristy. The African Big Five and wildlife conservation status Africa's Big Five are of great concern for wildlife conservationists due to trophy hunting, poaching, and habitat loss. Most of the Big 5 animals are listed as vulnerable or (critically) endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Hunting is sadly still allowed to some degree, but Africa now also has strict laws to protect and conserve many African animal species. The black rhinoceros is classified as critically endangered and the southern white rhinoceros is near threatened. Mostly due to poaching because of the rhino horn. Two species of the African Big Cats, the African lion, and the African leopard are classified as vulnerable. The African savanna elephant is an endangered species, mainly because of the poaching crisis and habitat loss. The African buffalo is of the least concern of all the Big Five animals. Learn about the Big 5 on safari in Africa Did you know I'm a qualified Field Guide A field guide or nature guide is a trained and experienced professional who leads tours and provides education and interpretation about the local flora, fauna, and natural heritage, history, folklore and beauty of an.. (also known as a nature guide A field guide or nature guide is a trained and experienced professional who leads tours and provides education and interpretation about the local flora, fauna, and natural heritage, history, folklore and beauty of an.. or safari guide A field guide or nature guide is a trained and experienced professional who leads tours and provides education and interpretation about the local flora, fauna, and natural heritage, history, folklore and beauty.. Join my Africa Safari Tours and experience the real African Wilderness in an ethical and authentic way, while learning more about wildlife, culture, and safari photography. to Africa with me where you will learn even more about the Big Five and all other flora and fauna. As a photographic tour leader and Dutch/English/German-speaking tour guide, I work closely together with local African tour operators and local drivers/guides. Get in touch to enquire about the possibilities. Guide to the Big 5 Animals of Africa I hope this article was helpful to learn more facts about the African Big 5 animals, including why they are called the Big Five, in what countries these Big 5 safari animals are found, and the best time of spotting them with a side note that there's more to Africa than spotting the Big Five. Smaller creatures play an important role in the ecosystems as well. People who are going on a safari in Africa shouldn't be disappointed when they don't tick off the Big Five. Try to appreciate every single animal, big or small. Even trees, plants, and flowers. Every sighting is a gift of nature. Everything is connected and we should appreciate this more. You would help me a lot by sharing this guide to the Big 5 in Africa on your social media or pinning it on Pinterest for later use. Want to keep up to date with my travels? . If you are inspired to go on a safari to Africa, you can find all of my writing about Africa and its countries in my Africa Travel Guide.

Is South Africa Safe? 10 Essential Travel Safety Tips t's true, crime levels are high in South Africa. But, as a born-and-raised South African, I can tell you that the media doesn't always paint an accurate reflection of the safety situation that's relevant to travelers specifically. So, don't let the news or social media frighten you from visiting this unique destination. If you keep these safety tips in mind, you will experience South Africa at its best. COVID-19 safety measures in South Africa How bad is crime in South Africa? Crime hot spots in South Africa Public transport safety Hiking safety LGBTQ+ travel safety Safety for solo women travelers Nightlife safety Politics and civil unrest Drug laws COVID-19 safety measures in South Africa A nationwide lockdown began in South Africa on 26 March 2020, based on a risk-based, five-level approach. It was considered one of the strictest lockdowns in the world. Not only were people told to stay at home, but the government also shut down all non-essential businesses and banned cigarettes, alcohol and outdoor exercise. Since 21 September 2020, the country has been on Alert level 1 , and most normal activities have resumed, with precautions and health guidelines in place. And, while new cases are identified on a daily basis, those who have contracted COVID-19 in South Africa have had a 90% recovery rate . South Africa partially opened its borders to international tourists on 1 October 2020. However, travelers arriving from these high-risk countries will not be permitted. While visiting South Africa, be aware of the following: To enter the country, you must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test (PCR) taken within 72 hours of your arrival. Without the test, you’ll be put into government-appointed quarantine at your own expense It’s mandatory to wear a face mask indoors and in all public places, except when doing vigorous exercise Countrywide, restaurant, supermarket, airports and hotel staff are required to wear face masks Hand sanitizers are widely available, and you must sanitize your hands before entering a restaurant, public building, shopping mall, etc Hotels, restaurants and bars can only operate at 50% capacity, so book ahead to make sure you get a room or a table Nightclubs are closed, and a curfew is in place from midnight to 4am Alcohol is only sold Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, excluding public holidays. You can buy alcoholic drinks from licensed restaurants and bars on the weekends You need to practice social distancing of 5ft (1.5m) in all public spaces, including beaches, public park, museums, galleries, and hiking trails. Travel Insurance Simple and flexible travel insurance You can buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world. With 150+ adventure activities covered and 24/7 emergency assistance. Get a quote How bad is crime in South Africa? Recent years have seen a steady increase in crime in South Africa, both violent and non-violent in nature. According to the UK Government travel advisory, the majority of South Africa’s violent crime statistics come from the townships – the poor, densely populated neighborhoods on the outskirts of major cities. Among the crimes to look out for during your stay: Minor theft, fraud, and scams Muggings and armed robbery are sadly common; theft is typically the motive Protests can turn violent, resulting in clashes with the local police, and people ending up injured or killed. South Africans hold protests frequently, and most remain peaceful Food and drink spiking have been reported, with victims often assaulted and robbed following the incident – always keep an eye on your drink while out, and never accept a drink from a stranger There have also been some reports of foreigners being carjacked. Click here to read about common travel scams in South Africa. Crime hot spots in South Africa Perhaps more important than knowing the type of crimes committed in South Africa is knowing the areas where they're more likely to occur – that way, you can steer clear of troubled areas. The general rule of thumb is that crime increases when the sun goes down, particularly in the major cities. Carjackings, however, can occur at any time of the day or night. When driving, always be aware of your surroundings and look out for any suspicious activity, especially at red traffic lights and highway off-ramps as this is where carjackings tend to happen. If you’re driving late at night, slowly approach a red light, so by the time you reach the intersection, the light is green. Read our road safety tips here for more advice on driving in South Africa. Townships in South Africa Townships in general experience a higher crime rate than other areas, and while they're certainly not off-limits, it's recommended that you only explore them as a part of an organized tour group. Additionally, day or night, always avoid isolated picnic areas or beaches. Johannesburg If you're planning to visit Johannesburg, be aware of but not panicked by the high levels of crime in the city. Not all suburbs in Joburg are dangerous, though caution should be taken at night, when muggings are common, especially in the city center, so it's best not to walk anywhere. Joubert Park, Hillbrow, and Berea are hot spots for criminal activity and are best avoided. However, other areas of Joburg, such as Vilakazi Street in Soweto, Maboneng and Newtown and have undergone a revitalization, and crime has reduced. Hillbrow, Johannesburg. Photo credit: iStock/THEGIFT777 Cape Town Cape Flats sees a large proportion of the crime in Cape Town, and gang violence has been on the rise. Salt River, Sea Point, Mowbray, and Observatory also tend to see more criminal activity than other areas. Visitors are unlikely to visit Salt River or Mowbray, however, it is worth knowing these are not safe areas regardless. Watch out for scammers in the V&A Waterfront and pickpockets in the City Bowl. Sea Point’s promenade is popular among walkers and joggers and is generally a safe place to go – however, you should avoid walking here at night. Most tourists do not visit Observatory, however, you may be interested in going here if you are looking for alternative live music venues with a bohemian cultural vibe. If you're out at night, stick to the more crowded, well-lit locations, and don't walk alone. Table Mountain is a favorite destination for hikers and outdoor adventurers however there have been multiple attacks, including muggings, on the trails. You're advised to avoid (or at least be extra vigilant in) the more deserted areas of the park, particularly during early morning hours and shortly before the park closes. Apply the safety-in-numbers theory, stay to the more popular trails, and stick with a group. Durban Be cautious while traveling in the city center, or better yet, avoid it altogether. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and muggings are still a problem along the beachfront but have declined since the area's redevelopment, which first took place in 2010 for the FIFA World Cup, and again in 2019. Stay street-smart by remaining vigilant and sticking to well-lit areas at night. Instead of Durban’s city center, stick to the beachfront area and visit the promenade, Golden Mile Beach, and apply usual safety measures. Ice cream vendor on the Durban Promenade. Photo credit: iStock/wildacad Public transport safety in South Africa As with many destinations around the world, public transport facilities are often the scene of unwelcome criminal activity. Johannesburg and Cape Town airports have experienced frequent luggage theft. Never place items of value in your checked luggage. If you have to, consider using a service that will wrap your baggage in plastic to keep it from being tampered with. Criminals have also been known to wait outside the Johannesburg airport, then follow unsuspecting tourists to their accommodation to rob them. Pay close attention to your surroundings at all times, and whatever you do, don't accept a ride from the airport to wherever you are staying, unless it's from a reputable company. In Johannesburg, the high-speed Gautrain connects the northern suburbs with the city center and Pretoria. The train has a good reputation for safety, but robberies and assaults have been known to happen around the station. The Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit system is a safe bus network that runs between Johannesburg's city center and outer suburbs, including Soweto. Local commuter rails and metro trains have also been the locations of several assaults and robberies. Trains that travel between Johannesburg and Pretoria are especially risky, as well as the commuter trains in Cape Town. If you plan to take the train in Cape Town, always travel in first class, during the day, and in a cabin with other people. Avoid traveling to Cape Flats. When traveling by train, use common sense and always remain alert. Keep an eye out for general lurkers and suspicious characters at Central Station. Similarly, if you plan to do any shopping at local malls, be aware of your surroundings as armed robberies are on the rise in these locations. Alternatively, the MiCiTi Cape Town Integrated Rapid Transit bus system is a safe and reliable mode of transport that operates between the airport, Blouberg, Century City, Cape Town Central, V&A Waterfront, the suburbs of the City Bowl and Atlantic Seaboard to Hout Bay. Is it safe to go hiking in South Africa? South Africa is blessed with an abundance of beautiful mountains and hiking trails. It’s rare for hikers to experience any incidence of crime on the majority of hikes around the country, including multi-day trips. As mentioned above, there has been an increase in attacks and muggings on Table Mountain. To stay safe take note of these hiking safety tips: Never hike alone; four or more in a group is ideal Tell someone (could be the person at the front desk of your hotel, another traveler, or a local friend) your up-and-down routes and expected return time Plan your route and stick to the designated paths to avoid getting lost. Allow for ample time to finish the hike before it gets dark Don’t take risks or shortcuts, and always respect restricted areas; there’s a good reason the sign says ‘no entry’ Bring a fully-charged cellphone with local emergency numbers saved on it Be discreet with your valuables; only take them out when you need to Be wary of everyone you come across, especially suspicious ‘hikers’ who aren’t wearing hiking clothes or carrying a backpack. If you are confronted by a mugger, hand over your stuff without resistance or retaliation Pack sufficient water and snacks Dress appropriately and pack a warm jacket, no matter the season – the weather on the top of a mountain can change in an instant. Is South Africa safe for LGBTQ+ travelers? According to a 2019 study , South Africa is the 15th safest country for LGBTQ+ travelers, with Cape Town among the top gay travel destinations in the world. Despite the progressive and liberal laws, homosexuality remains culturally unacceptable in some parts of South Africa. LGBTQ+ individuals living in Black communities in the townships are more likely to be victims of discrimination and homophonic attacks. Be aware if you travel outside city centers. Ahead of your arrival to a particular city, check online forums where you can chat with members of the local LGBTQ+ community to get information about gay-friendly hotels, bars and tour agencies. Always practice safe sex, as HIV is prevalent throughout South Africa. Is South Africa safe for solo women travelers? While gender-based violence and femicide are a widespread problem in South Africa, it mostly takes place away from tourist destinations, in isolated areas and townships. However, solo women travelers might find themselves in vulnerable situations when they’re alone. If you use common sense and are vigilant you’ll have a fantastic time. Here are my top safety tips: Don’t walk alone at night and avoid isolated beaches, parks, streets and parking lots. Instead stick to more crowded, well-lit places When you’re walking around during the day, act confident and walk with purpose. Looking lost makes you an easy target. If you feel you are being followed, head to a nearby mall or restaurant and alert the security on site Do go out and socialize. But, like any other city in the world, watch your drink and never accept drinks offered by strangers (no matter how good looking they are) as spiking does happen. Always practice safe sex When you’re sitting at a café or restaurant, especially outdoors, don’t leave your handbag (or valuables) on the table, underneath your chair, or hanging off the back of your chair. Petty thieves may be watching and can quickly run past and grab it. I prefer to keep my bag on my lap or looped around the leg of my chair Don’t be flashy – leave your expensive jewelry at home, and keep your pricey things like your phone or camera hidden from pickpockets. If you need to check something on your phone, walk into a nearby store to do it. Is it safe to go out at night in South Africa? Travelers to South Africa should experience the country’s diverse and vibrant nightlife. You must, however, take safety precautions when going out at night, as you would when visiting any foreign country. While the popular party hotspots of Long Street in Cape Town and Melville, Rosebank and Sandton in Jo’burg are generally safe, it’s not uncommon for petty thieves and muggings. Avoid walking around these zones at night, especially if you’re alone or you’ve been drinking Keep your valuables in a safe place – in zippered pockets or a handbag strapped across your body – and be aware of people around you as pickpocketing does occur Drunk driving in South Africa is a very serious offense . Just don’t do it. e-Hailing apps such as Uber and Bolt are cheap, safe, reliable ways to get around town Carry a copy of your passport and leave the original safely locked up at your accommodation Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Nearly all bars and restaurants around the country accept debit and credit cards Never leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers. Politics and civil unrest in South Africa Political demonstrations and strikes can occur anywhere in South Africa. While the majority of protests are peaceful, they can turn violent. Stay away from the areas of demonstrations and monitor local media for information and updates. If you suddenly come across a large gathering of protesters, exercise caution and follow the instructions of local authorities. Don’t attempt to cross protester roadblocks. In September 2019, riots broke out in Johannesburg. Several people were killed, and the riots were allegedly xenophobic in nature, targeting foreign nationals from the rest of Africa. These types of events may happen again, so be extra careful if you are traveling to South Africa while riots are taking place. Here are a few tips on what to do if you are traveling in a country experiencing civil unrest . Drug laws in South Africa Taking drugs in any country isn’t a smart idea, and it’s no different in South Africa. You’re not only placing yourself at risk with the law, but also your safety. Drug offenses carry severe penalties, including lengthy jail terms in grim conditions. It’s illegal in South Africa to smoke dagga or zol (local names for marijuana) in public places, in a car or in the presence of a child. However, a new cannabis law allows for the use of the drug in private residences only. Bear in mind that buying and selling marijuana remains illegal. So, is South Africa safe for travelers? After reading this, you may question whether it's worth it to travel to South Africa. Rest assured, there are plenty of safe areas to visit with enough beauty, friendly people, and adventure to go around. As long as you avoid unsavory areas, act wisely and remain alert for petty thievery, your experience will far outweigh any fears you may face as a traveler to the country. 10 things to know before traveling to South Africa Let’s not beat about the bush: South Africa has a bit of a scary reputation. Much is said about the country’s unenviable crime rate, but so much more can be said about all the things that make this diverse destination so magnificent. You shouldn't let anxiety about possible dangers put you off visiting this amazing African country. Huge and diverse, South Africa never stops doling out gifts to the traveler – world-class surf breaks , eclectic local cuisine , mountains to climb, cities to visit , tiny towns to hide away in, desert landscapes to photograph and, of course, plenty of wildlife to watch . The country’s extraordinary variety is both its biggest draw and its biggest challenge, at least when it comes to planning a trip. Much research is needed to decide where to go, what to do and how long to stay. Visiting for less than two weeks is not ideal – three weeks or more would be a better bet if you can manage so much time away. With tips to help you plan as well as information on health, safety and etiquette, here's what you need to know for a successful trip to South Africa. If you come to South Africa as a family, bring the right paperwork. Getty Images 1. Carry the relevant paperwork if you’re traveling with kids If you’re entering or leaving South Africa with a child under the age of 18 , you’ll need to have a few extra bits of paper in your carry-on bag. In a bid to stamp out child trafficking, all minors need to have an "unabridged" birth certificate – that is, one that lists both parents’ names. If only one parent is traveling with the child, you’ll need an affidavit from the other parent confirming that they give consent for the child to travel. The rules keep changing and papers are not always checked, but it’s wise to have the documents on hand just in case. 2. Carry cash, just not too much While credit and debit cards are widely accepted, there are still a few places in South Africa that only take cash. It’s best to keep a small stash of notes and coins for purchases at corner stores, buying things from market traders and for the various tips you’ll be expected to give throughout the day (more on tipping below). Of course, it’s not wise to walk around with large wads of cash on your person, so keep the bulk of your money hidden away in the hotel safe, or withdraw modest amounts from ATMs while you are out and about. Be wary of using ATMs on the street; theft and card scams are common, so it’s best to stick to machines inside malls or banks. 3. Buy a South African SIM card and use local Wi-Fi Public Wi-Fi is fairly easy to find in larger cities and more touristed towns, but if you’re planning on wandering far from the main population centers, it’s worth picking up a South African SIM card on arrival at the airport. The card costs just a few rand, but like pretty much everything in South Africa, it does come with a bit of paperwork. You’ll need to “RICA” your SIM card – a fairly simple registration process that requires a photo ID and confirmation of your address in South Africa (a simple booking confirmation will suffice). Book a car with one of the major rental companies to see more of the country. Ilyas Kalimullin/Shutterstock 4. If you really want to see SA, you need to rent a car There's no sugar-coating it – public transport in South Africa often falls short. Long-distance bus services exist but routes tend to bypass many smaller destinations, and fares can be expensive for shorter hops. Long-distance trains are unreliable, and hitchhiking is most definitely not recommended. If you really want to see the country, you’re going to have to rent a car. Fortunately, there are plenty of fantastic road trips to choose from, and all the big car hire companies are represented in South Africa – just be sure to book ahead, especially if you’re traveling in the November to March peak season . 5. Be more cautious when driving in cities When I first moved to South Africa, there was so much talk of carjackers that I expected to find balaclava-clad people lurking at every intersection waiting to appropriate my vehicle. I remember panicking at the gas station because I had to lower the window to pay, then passing my cash through an inch-high gap before driving away, stressed and sweating. These days I often drive with the windows down, but I do approach "robots" (the local term for traffic lights) with caution, always leaving a car-length gap in front of me just in case I need to make a quick escape. Be cautious while driving, but not paranoid. Keep your doors locked and be extra vigilant when driving at night, keeping your windows up and your wits about you. 6. Listen to the locals (but be ready for a little exaggeration) Local advice is always important, particularly in countries that have a reputation for crime and social problems. In South Africa, the host at your accommodation is a good person to ask about the best bars or restaurants, how to get around and which areas to avoid. Just be aware that there are many awesome attractions found in areas that South African locals – particularly older locals – wouldn’t consider visiting. Once, while staying in a guest house in suburban Durban, I asked the owner if there were any places to avoid and she replied “The CBD” (city center), which would have cut my sightseeing rather short. South Africans have a tendency to exaggerate the danger posed by crime – it’s almost a part of the national psyche, and a favorite topic of conversation. You might have to do a bit more research to sort out the worthwhile warnings from the sometimes-inevitable scaremongering. Expect to tip at restaurants, gas stations and even parking lots. Shutterstock 7. Be prepared to tip South Africa has a strong tipping culture. In many customer-facing industries, salaries are low and workers make much of their money from tips. Restaurant staff will expect a top of around 10%, but leaving 12–15% will generate bigger smiles. Drivers never pump their own gas in South Africa; you’ll be expected to pay at least R5 to the person filling your tank, or R10–20 if the attendant also checks your tires, oil or water. Then there are South Africa’s informal parking attendants. While larger cities and towns have areas with pay-as-you-go street parking, in most places, you can park at the side of the road for free… sort of. Ubiquitous car guards will offer to keep an eye on your car while you’re away, and they come in a range of helpfulness levels. Some will go the extra mile, stopping traffic to help you back out into a busy street. Others are opportunists who approach as you pull out your keys, claiming they were keeping a close eye on your car while you were shopping. Reward car guards according to the service they provide – a R5 coin is the standard thank you but R10 is more appropriate for someone who provided a more useful service. 8. South African English takes some getting used to While there are 11 official languages in South Africa, you’ll almost always find someone who speaks English, unless you’re in a remote rural area. There will still be a few local phrases that trip you up. One thing that often baffles foreigners is the (extremely liberal) use of the word “shame.” It’s a versatile word in South Africa. A cute child fell asleep in the car? Shame. A close family member passed away? Shame. Busy week at the office meaning you couldn’t make Friday drinks? Shame. The word is often preceded by the utterance "ag" and followed by the word "man." So the phrase "Ag, shame man" can mean anything from “awww” to “Oh no, that’s terrible!” Also frequently used is the word “hectic.” While it can be used to discuss a particularly busy intersection, it could also be used to describe a ridiculously tall building, a very long line at the bank, an insanely windy day or a particularly large baby being born. In South Africa, hectic doesn’t really mean busy – it usually means "wow." The bright lights don't stay on all day in many parts of SA. Zach Louw/Getty Images 9. Expect lots of talk about politics and power outages Certain subjects are off-limits in every country, but in South Africa, politics is not one of them. Everyone has an opinion on the government’s latest endeavors, whether that’s discussing the abundance of potholes, the latest corruption scandal or – more often than not – the government's failure to provide (electrical) power to the people. You'll very quickly become familiar with the inconvenience of what locals call "load-shedding." Basically, load-shedding is a never-ending series of planned power outages designed to take pressure off the ailing electricity grid. Cities and towns are split into zones, and depending on the severity of the load-shedding, you might end up without power for anything from two to 12 hours a day. There are eight "stages" of load-shedding, broken up into two-hour slots. Larger hotels won’t be affected thanks to backup generators, but if you’re staying in a guesthouse, hostel or private home, you are bound to encounter load-shedding at some point in your stay. Many places come equipped with fail-safes such as emergency lights, backup power for fridges and Wi-Fi hubs, and sometimes generators big enough to power the whole property. Your host will likely give you daily updates on when the power will be off, or there’s a handy app – EskomSePush – that has all the details and comes with a handy warning notification. 10. Driving in the emergency lane is standard practice While greetings, table manners and general day-to-day etiquette in South Africa should largely be familiar, the way South Africans drive can be a bit of a culture shock for visitors. One of the most idiosyncratic rules of the road is “yellow line driving” – many roads are single-lane highways, and enterprising drivers often use the emergency lane (hard shoulder) as a backup. If you’re on a highway and a driver behind you indicates that they want to get by, you'll be expected to briefly move across the yellow line into the emergency lane to let them pass. If you don’t, you’re likely to find yourself privy to another favorite local driving habit: tailgating. Drivers will usually flash their hazard lights in thanks as they pass, but be aware that obliging drivers aren’t the only thing to be found on the hard shoulder. Always make sure there is good visibility before you pull over, for around the next corner you might find a troop of baboons, a stray cow or a bunch of school kids walking home. South Africa Travel Advisory Exercise increased caution in South Africa due to crime and civil unrest. Country Summary:  Violent crime, such as armed robbery, rape, carjacking, mugging, and "smash-and-grab" attacks on vehicles, is common. There is a higher risk of violent crime in the central business districts of major cities after dark. Using GPS navigation can lead to unsafe routes. GPS navigation may suggest shortcuts through townships as the quickest preferred route but can lead to increased risks of crime. There have been incidents in which tourists traveling in Cape Town while using GPS navigation apps have been routed through residential areas with high rates of violent crime. The safest approach to return a rental car to Cape Town International Airport is to take the N2 highway and follow signs to Airport Approach Rd (exit 16). Alternatively, request the rental car company to collect your vehicle and subsequently arrange an airport transfer from established taxi companies or established ridesharing services to reach the airport. Demonstrations, protests, and strikes occur frequently. These can develop quickly without prior notification, often interrupting traffic, transportation, and other services; such events have the potential to turn violent. Please see our Alerts  for up-to-date information. Read the country information page  for additional information on travel to South Africa. If you decide to travel to South Africa: Research your route in advance, stay on major highways, avoid shortcuts through townships, and avoid reliance on GPS navigation apps. Avoid walking alone, especially after dark. Avoid visiting informal settlement areas unless you are with someone familiar with the area. Do not display cash or valuables. Drive with doors locked and windows closed. Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable). Keep original documents in a secure location. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  (STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Follow the Department of State on Facebook  and Twitter . Review the Country Security Report  for South Africa. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist . Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information  related to your travel. DANGERS ON VISITING SOUTH AFRICA Is South Africa Safe for Tourists in 2024? (Solo & Family Travel Guide) If you’re thinking of visiting Africa, chances are South Africa is at the top of your list. But you probably have some safety concerns and questions, which is how you ended up here. We created this guide to address all of your concerns and give you practical advice so you can enjoy a safe and memorable trip to South Africa in 2024 – let’s go! Is South Africa Safe? South Africa is generally a safe place to visit. Most tourists visit Cape Town, go on a safari, and enjoy a beach break either in South Africa or nearby, like Mauritius, which, fun fact, holds the title of the safest place in Africa ! These trips usually follow safe routes. However, South Africa does have a high crime rate and poverty, so stay alert! Most crime happens in the outskirts of bigger cities, townships, or isolated areas, whereas the main tourist spots, like Cape Town’s city center and inner suburbs, the Cape Winelands, the Garden Route, and safari areas, are usually safe during the day but become risky after dark. Theft is the main crime visitors are prone to. For hiking or safaris, always go with a guide. Popular beaches have lifeguards but avoid late-night beach strolls as they can be riskier when deserted. Overall, visiting South Africa takes some preparation. A good tip is to ask your hotel or accommodation staff about places you want to visit—they’ll know if it’s safe and can recommend a guide if needed. Travel advisory for South Africa: Level 2, practice increased caution Crime rating: Moderate but approaching high, 74,80 Most common crime that affects tourists: Public transportation safety: Public transport is prone to crime – taxis and ride-shares are the safest option Beach safety: The coast is generally safe – pick beaches that have lifeguards on duty Safety walking alone during the day: Moderately safe Safety walking alone during the night: Not safe Common natural disasters: Floods, droughts, wildfires, severe storms, earthquakes, tsunamis, and landslides Carbon monoxide poisoning: Possible, so a carbon monoxide detector is a must Police presence: ~180,000 police personnel Medical care quality: Good healthcare, but limited in rural areas Tap water: Safe to drink, but opt for bottled water just in case Best time to visit: June to October Travel Advisory for South Africa The US, UK, NZ, Canadian, and Australian travel advisories rate South Africa at Level 2, meaning it’s generally safe but requires a “High Degree of Caution.” The travel advisories confirm that South Africa’s tourism industry is well-regulated. Hazardous areas are marked, pro guides ensure safety in nature, and tourism police patrol tourist spots. Medical help is available if you get injured, but it might take longer outside big cities. For added peace of mind, visitors should consider medical evacuation insurance. Here’s where to be extra careful: Berea (after dark) Hillbrow and Yeoville in Johannesburg (after dark) Sunnyside in Pretoria (after dark) The beachfront and Victoria Wharf in Durban (after dark) Cape Town downtown hotels to the waterfront (after dark) Secondary roads near Cape Town International Airport Numbi Gate entrance to Kruger National Park and R538 road Hiking trails like Table Mountain, Lions’ Head, Signal Hill Commuter and metro trains between Johannesburg and Pretoria and in Cape Town Key precautions from the advisories: Demonstrations, protests, and strikes can pop up quickly, often turning violent and disrupting services. Crime can happen anytime, anywhere, even in broad daylight. Scams are common, including online dating, money transfers, lucrative sales, gold purchases, fake contracts, and more. GPS navigation might lead you through unsafe areas. For instance, returning a rental car to Cape Town International Airport is safest via the N2 highway. Be cautious when using ATMs outside banks and reputable hotels to avoid skimming. Terrorist attacks are possible, so always stay aware of your surroundings. Xenophobic attacks can occur without warning, targeting refugees and immigrants. Wild animals can be dangerous in game parks, so stay in your vehicle except in designated areas. On beaches, watch out for sharks and rip tides. Don’t swim alone in isolated spots. Hikers should be prepared for rapid weather changes and summer brush fires in the Western Cape. Power outages (load shedding) and water supply interruptions are common, causing inconvenience. A Comprehensive Look at South Africa Crime Rates South Africa has a high crime rating of 74.80. According to the 2023 Organized Crime Index , it ranks third in Africa for organized crime. The South African cities with the highest crime rates are Pretoria, Durban, and Johannesburg. Major issues fueling this include corruption, poverty, unemployment, and lack of public services. From October to December 2023, property-related crimes saw a 2.9% drop . Theft at non-residential places went down by 5.9%, and residential theft decreased by 4.4%. Here are some arrest highlights from that period: 32,229 people were arrested for assault 6,383 for DUI 3,747 for dealing drugs 16,942 for drug possession 2,581 for having illegal firearms and ammunition Safety ConcernsCrime RateStatus Overall Crime Level82.12Very High Crime Increasing in the Past 3 Years82.17Very High Home Break-Ins and Thefts74.88High Mugging and Robbery76.59High Car Theft70.80High Theft from Vehicles75.77High Personal Attacks70.17High Verbal Insults59.83Moderate Racial, Ethnic, Gender, or Religious-Based Attacks59.05Moderate Drug Use and Dealing72.32High Property Crimes (Vandalism and Theft)77.20High Violent Crimes (Assault and Armed Robbery)79.91High Corruption and Bribery83.26Very High Safety Walking Alone in Daylight41.62Moderately Safe Safety Walking Alone at Nighttime15.08Unsafe Source: Numbeo , 2024 data based on 3,943 contributors. Personal Crime in South Africa South Africa has a moderate to high presence of personal crime, mostly concentrated in Johannesburg Central and Nyanga . That said, crime can happen anywhere, so staying cautious is key! Here are some tips to keep you safe: Always lock your hotel door and don’t open it for strangers. Stick to well-lit streets and avoid shortcuts. Skip the late-night walks! Don’t accept rides from strangers. If a driver asks for directions, keep a safe distance. If you think someone is following you, switch up your route, change your pace, and head to a busy, well-lit area. Property Crime in South Africa Property crime is a big issue in South Africa. However, as a tourist, you’re more likely to face someone picking your pockets or snatching your purse rather than something more violent. Either way, you need to keep your belongings safe: Wear a money belt. Leave flashy jewelry and valuables in your hotel safe. Don’t leave cameras, phones, or wallets unattended on public transport or restaurant tables. Only carry the cash you need for the day. Use ATMs inside banks or malls for withdrawals. Hide extra cash in less obvious spots, like your sock. Stay alert to avoid distractions that thieves can exploit. If you do fall victim to a crime, stay calm and don’t resist. Cooperate to ensure your safety. Police Presence in South Africa South Africa has just under 180,000 police personnel . Over 90,000 are involved in visible policing, followed by detective services with nearly 37,500 staff members. Additionally, the country has over 2.7 million registered private security officers , with more than 580,000 actively employed—outnumbering the police and army combined. The government is even considering a special policing unit dedicated to protecting tourists. Travel Safely! Join 30,000 Mother Earth Travel readers that get Travel Alerts, News, and Giveaways! If you need help, your first call should be to the South African Police (call them on 10111). If they approach you for a check, be respectful and cooperate. Public Transportation Safety in South Africa Tourists should avoid using public transport in South Africa due to frequent criminal activity. In cities, you’ll find city buses that operate similarly to those in other countries. In Cape Town, the best bus service is MyCiTi. For intercity travel, go with Intercape—it’s your safest bet. Just avoid the central bus station in Johannesburg. Avoid traveling by train in second or third class. The Gautrain (between O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and Pretoria), the Blue Train, and Rovos Rail are known as the safest for tourists. Taxis are your safest option for getting around in South Africa. The safest way to get a taxi is to call one. You’ll likely get a better-quality vehicle than those at taxi ranks. Ask your hotel, a restaurant, or a bar to call a reputable taxi company for you, and always wait inside until your taxi arrives. Uber is also available. Medical Care Quality in South Africa South Africa has good healthcare, but keep in mind that remote areas may have limited medical facilities, and air evacuation might be your only option in an emergency. If you need to see a doctor, do your homework first and pick a reputable facility. Here are some of the best hospitals in South Africa: Cormed Private Hospital, Gauteng (+27 169818080) Zuid-Afrikaans Hospital, Gauteng (+27 123430300) Midvaal Private Hospital, Gauteng (+27 164546000) Netcare Jakaranda Hospital, Gauteng (+27 124216700) Mediclinic Louis Leipoldt, Western Cape (+27 86155 5511) Mediclinic Milnerton, Western Cape (+27 86 122 4555) Life Bay View Private Hospital, Western Cape (+27 446913718) Visitors should definitely get medical travel insurance to avoid big bills in case of any health issues. Is It Safe to Travel Solo in South Africa? South Africa isn’t the safest place for solo travelers, so keep your eyes peeled and make sure your valuables are tucked away securely. Solo female travel to South Africa is doable, but extra caution is a must. Whatever you do, avoid wandering alone after dark. It’s not a good idea for anyone, but especially not for solo female travelers. When picking where to stay, don’t just go for the cheapest option. Do your research, read reviews, and choose a place that’s secure and recommended. Spending a bit more on a well-reviewed resort or a social hostel can be worth it. You might even find some travel buddies! A great way to stay safe on the streets is to join a tour, just make sure to check out the reviews and pick a reputable company. And for transport, opt for Uber—it’s got extra security features like driver facial recognition and GPS tracking to keep you safe. Is It Safe to Travel to South Africa as a Family? Traveling with your family in South Africa is generally safe, but keep your kids close and stay aware of your surroundings, whether you’re in the city, rural areas, or nature. If you’re traveling with kids under 18, you’ll need to show an unabridged birth certificate (UBC) along with a passport. This is a safety measure against child trafficking. Make sure everyone is up to date with vaccinations and be extra cautious in malaria-prone areas. Pick a family-friendly resort or hotel where everyone can unwind and have fun with all the essentials within reach. When planning your trip, remember that distances can be vast and travel times longer than expected, so renting a car can be a lifesaver for bigger families. If you’re considering safaris, know that older kids will likely enjoy them more. If you’re traveling with younger children, safari experiences can be hot and exhausting, so Kruger National Park might be a better option with activities designed for little ones. Perils of Nature: The Risk of Natural Disasters in South Africa South Africa’s force of nature is varied and plentiful. Here are the main natural hazards. Floods Flooding in South Africa usually happens when a series of heavy rains hit coastal areas, river basins, and low-lying spots. KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and the Eastern Cape are often in the flood zone. For example, a storm surge on January 7, 2024 , caused flooding in KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State, impacting about 6,418 people across 1,226 households. To stay safe: Be up to date with the weather. Steer clear of flooded areas. Droughts Droughts mean extended dry spells with not enough rain. In places like the Western Cape, they usually hit during the winter months, from May to August. The interior areas, such as parts of Gauteng, the Free State, and the Northern Cape, are more prone to summer droughts from December to February. If you’re in a drought-affected area, get ready for potential water shortages. Stock up on water and stay tuned to the news for any restrictions. Wildfires Wildfires are a common sight in South Africa during the dry season. These fires can be sparked by long dry spells and high temperatures or by human activities like clearing land for farming. The Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and parts of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal are hotspots for these blazes. For example, in July 2024, huge wildfires swept through KwaZulu-Natal , burning 14,000 hectares of land. If you come across a big fire, get out of the area quickly and keep up with local news for the latest updates and evacuation info. Severe Storms Severe storms are a summer staple in South Africa, especially in the interior regions like Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and the Free State. KwaZulu-Natal also gets its share of stormy weather. However, stormy weather may happen at any time of the year. In July 2024, a storm in Cape Town displaced at least 4,500 people . The good news is that storms are usually forecasted well in advance, so you can plan your visit accordingly. If you’re caught in a storm while already in South Africa, your best bet is to hunker down indoors and wait for the weather to clear. Earthquakes South Africa isn’t right on top of major tectonic plate boundaries, but it does get its share of minor quakes and tremors. The hotspot for seismic activity is around Johannesburg and other mining areas in Gauteng. The Western Cape can also suffer tremors from time to time. The most recent earthquake in South Africa was on July 20, 2024—a light magnitude 3.0 quake about 15 miles (25 km) from Bethal in Mpumalanga. It was pretty shallow but was still felt by a few locals near the epicenter. If you feel the ground shaking, here’s what to do: Drop down. Take cover under something sturdy. Hang on until it stops. Tsunamis South Africa has recorded a total of three tsunamis . The most recent one was in 2006, causing minor damage and thankfully no casualties. Watch or listen to the local news following a major earthquake. If you’re near the coast after a strong tremor, keep an eye on the ocean. If it suddenly pulls away from the shore, that’s a major tsunami warning. Don’t wait—evacuate immediately and head to higher ground. Landslides Landslides can happen in hilly or mountainous areas, especially in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal. For example, between April 8 and 21, 2022, Storm Issa drenched KwaZulu-Natal with heavy rain, causing mudslides in Durban and nearby areas. Avoid hiking after heavy rain or earthquake—that’s when the mountainous areas are mostly prone to landslides. Do your homework on past landslide activity in the area and avoid it if it’s known to be unstable. Beware the Silent Threat: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in South Africa When heading to South Africa, don’t forget to pack a portable carbon monoxide detector or book a room with one installed. In 2023, this gas poisoned four South African family members . Carbon monoxide has no smell or color and often leaks from faulty stoves, ACs, or heaters. It can mimic flu symptoms—like itchy eyes, headaches, nausea, and dizziness—but at high levels, it can be deadly in minutes. Other African countries have also faced issues with this dangerous gas. For instance, a study in Kenya revealed that between 2005 and 2018, 905 guests fell ill due to CO exposure. So, if your detector starts beeping, open the windows, get out of the room, and breathe some fresh air ASAP! Serenity by the Shore: The Safety of South Africa Beaches South Africa has 47 Blue Flag beaches —these are top-rated spots recognized for outstanding environmental care, safety, and amenities. Before you hit the waves, get local advice on tides and currents—conditions change from beach to beach and day to day. Stick to beaches with lifeguards and swim in the designated safe zones marked by red-and-yellow flags. South Africa uses flags to keep you informed about the presence of sharks. A green flag means the water’s clear, a black flag means it’s too murky to spot sharks, a red flag indicates a shark was seen earlier, and a white flag with a black shark means a shark’s currently in the water. Listen for sirens, as they are also used to indicate shark presence. If you hear one while swimming, get out quickly but calmly. Watch out for blue bottles and jellyfish. If there are warnings, skip the swim. Even stepping on jellyfish stings washed up on shore can be a real pain. Never swim alone, after eating a big meal, or if you’ve been drinking. Follow lifeguard instructions, layer on SPF, and drink plenty of water. And, of course, keep an eye on your belongings. South Africa Weather Patterns: What to Expect South Africa’s terrain is mostly a high plateau and comes with a full spectrum of weather patterns. Overall, it has a subtropical climate with dry, sunny winters that can be chilly at night and hot, thunderstorm-heavy summers. The west is arid and has more of a desert climate, while the eastern part, including Johannesburg and Pretoria, sees more rain. The western coast is cool and dry, especially around the Namib Desert. Cape Town enjoys mild, rainy winters and warm, sunny summers. On the southern and eastern coasts, the climate is more Mediterranean. The Weather in Cape Town In Cape Town, temperatures usually range from 48°F (9°C) to 76°F (24°C). The warm season kicks off in early December and runs through the end of March, with daily highs above 74°F (23°C). January is the hottest month, averaging highs of 76°F (24°C) and lows of 63°F (17°C). The cool season stretches from late May to mid-September, with daily highs below 65°F (18°C). July is the coldest month, with average lows of 48°F (9°C) and highs of 63°F (17°C). The rainy season runs from March to the beginning of December. June is the wettest month, averaging 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain. The dry spell lasts from December to March, with February being the driest, seeing just 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain. Cape Town gets windy from October to mid-March, with average speeds over 12.2 mph (19.6 km/h). January is the windiest, averaging 13.7 mph (22 km/h), while May is the calmest with winds averaging 10.8 mph (17.4 km/h). For warm water, visit between late December and March, when temperatures are above 65°F (18°C). February enjoys the warmest water at 66°F (19°C) and the clearest skies—perfect for beach days. On the other hand, August has the coldest water, with an average temperature of 59°F (15°C), and May is the cloudiest month, with overcast skies 43% of the time. Monthly Average Temperatures in Cape Town MonthFahrenheit (°F)Celsius (°C) January6920.5 February6920.5 March6719.4 April6317.2 May5915 June5613.3 July5512.7 August5613.3 September5814.4 October6116.1 November6417.7 December6820 Source: WeatherSpark , 2024 data When Is the Best Time to Visit South Africa? The best time to visit South Africa is from June to October when dry days make for perfect safari wildlife spotting. For beach lovers, the sizzling summer months of December to February are unbeatable. Or, try March when the crowds thin out while the weather is still gorgeous, ideal for a peaceful beach escape. If whale-watching along South Africa’s Whale Coast is on your list, visit between June and November, with September being the peak time for sightings. How to Stay Safe in South Africa Hiking Tips Never hike alone—four or more is the way to go (always with a professional guide). Tell someone (hotel front desk, another traveler, or a local friend) your trail plans and expected return time. Stick to the paths to avoid getting lost. Finish your hike before dark. Respect those “no entry” signs—they’re there for a reason. Carry a fully-charged cell phone with local emergency numbers saved. Be cautious of everyone, especially “hikers” without proper gear. Pack enough water and snacks to keep you energized. Dress right and pack a warm jacket—mountain weather can change in a snap. Public Wi-Fi is easy to find in bigger cities, but if you’re venturing into nature, grab a South African SIM card for the best cellular and mobile data service. Safari Tips Respect the guide’s instructions—they know best! Keep your voice down around animals. Stay in the car during game drives—no standing up, hanging out of windows, or sitting on the roof. On self-drive safaris, don’t get too close to the animals. Give them space. Never drive between elephants in a herd, especially mothers and their young. No running or jogging in wildlife areas—predators might think you’re prey. Keep food out of your tent to avoid attracting wildlife. Use insect repellent to fend off mosquitoes. Wear a hat, use sunscreen, and drink plenty of water to stay cool and hydrated. Avoid bright colors and strong perfumes. In tsetse-fly areas, skip the dark clothes—they attract the flies. Bring warm clothes for those chilly morning game drives in open vehicles. Steet Tips Local advice is gold! Ask your host about the best bars and restaurants, how to get around, and which areas to avoid. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but some places only take cash. Keep a small stash of notes and coins handy. Withdraw modest amounts from ATMs and always go to the ones inside malls or banks. Keep your car doors locked and keep windows up. Leave a car-length gap at traffic lights for a quick escape if needed. Always take a taxi at night. Watch how much you drink. If you’re tipsy or drunk, you’re more vulnerable. Other Tips Check passport and visa requirements. Get all required vaccinations. Use booking sites like TripAdvisor or Booking and read reviews carefully. Pay attention to frequent safety complaints. Follow online news before your trip to check for any issues at your destination. Make copies of important travel documents or keep them online. Store your valuables, copies of your documents, and extra money in your hotel’s safety deposit box. Be polite and respectful to police and military personnel. If asked for a bribe, a light attitude and a joke might help you out. Even with progressive laws, homosexuality can be culturally unacceptable in some areas. Check online forums and chat with local LGBTQ+ community members for info on LGBTQ-friendly spots. Useful Apps/Sites to Enhance Your Experience Navigate the streets with Waze or Google Maps Order a ride-share with Uber Catch your train on time with Gautrain Hop on the bus through the MyCiTi bus Stay ahead of the weather with AfricaWeather Track your location, request emergency help, or report suspicious activity through Buzzer Keep track of everyone’s location and chat in-app with Life360 Learn some Zulu with Duolingo Order food through Mr. D Food Explore everything South Africa offers with the South Africa GuideWithMe Emergency Numbers Nationwide Emergency Response: 10111 Ambulance: 10177 Disaster Management Center: 012 848 4602 Safe Travels! Sure, South Africa has a reputation that might make you think twice. But as a tourist, you’ll likely have a great time if you plan carefully. Choose your spots wisely, keep common sense (like avoiding certain areas after dark), and you’ll be all set. Travel smart, plan well, and enjoy your adventure! BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

THE NINE PROVINCE OF SOUTH AFRICA The nine provinces of South Africa South Africa has nine provinces, each with its own history, landscape, population, languages, economy, cities and government. South Africa’s nine provinces are the Eastern Cape, the Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, the Northern Cape, North West and the Western Cape. Before 1994, South Africa had four provinces: the Transvaal and Orange Free State – previously Boer republics – and Natal and the Cape, once British colonies. In 1910 these four states were united into a single country, the Union of South Africa, under British rule. This became the Republic of South Africa in 1960, under apartheid rule. In the 1970s and eighties, under the apartheid doctrine of “separate development”, the map of South Africa was spattered with the odd outlines of the “homelands”. These unsustainable states were set up on disjointed parcels of land with no economic value. Laws were passed to make black South Africans citizens of these barren regions, denying black people’s citizenship of South Africa as a whole. In 1996, under South Africa’s new democratic constitution , the homelands were dismantled and South Africa consolidated into today’s nine provinces. The land area of South Africa’s nine provinces, from smallest to largest: Gauteng: 18,178 square kilometres (1.5% of total) Mpumalanga: 76,495 square kilometres (6.3%) KwaZulu-Natal: 94,361 square kilometres (7.7%) North West: 104,882 square kilometres (8.6%) Limpopo: 125,755 square kilometres (10.3%) Western Cape: 129,462 square kilometres (10.6%) Free State: 129,825 square kilometres (10.6%) Eastern Cape: 168,966 square kilometres (13.8%) Northern Cape: 372,889 square kilometres (30.5%) South Africa: 1,220,813 square kilometres (100%) Population of the provinces The population of the provinces also varies considerably. Gauteng, the smallest province, has the largest number of people living there – over a quarter of South Africa’s population. The Northern Cape, which takes up nearly a third of the country’s land area, has the smallest population: just over 2% of the national total. The population of South Africa’s nine provinces in 2017, from smallest to largest: Northern Cape: 1.2 million people (2.1% of South Africa’s total population) Free State: 2.9 million people (5.1%) North West: 3.9 million people (6.8%) Mpumalanga: 4.4 million people (7.9%) Limpopo: 5.8 million people (10.2%) Eastern Cape: 6.5 million people (11.5%) Western Cape : 6.5 million people (11.5%) KwaZulu-Natal: 11.1 million people (19.6%) Gauteng: 14.3 million people (25.3%) South Africa’s population South Africa has 56.5-million people, according to 2017 estimates. The 2011 census puts it at 51.5-million. Black South Africans make up around 81% of the total, coloured people 9%, whites 8% and Indians 3%. Census counts of provincial populations South Africa has held three censuses in its recent democratic history: in 1996, 2001 and 2011. Over those 15 years, the population of the provinces shifted.Gauteng’s population grew dramatically, overtaking that of KwaZulu-Natal – which saw significant growth of its own. Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and the Western Cape also had notable increases in population. By contrast, the populations of the Eastern Cape, Free State and Northern Cape remained fairly static, as people migrated to other provinces. Population density in the provinces The variation in land area and population among South Africa’s population translates into huge differences in population density. Gauteng has an average of 785 people per square kilometre, while the Northern Cape has only three people for each square kilometre. Population density in South Africa’s nine provinces in 2017, from smallest to largest: Northern Cape: 3 people per square kilometre Free State: 22 people per square kilometre North West: 37 people per square kilometre Eastern Cape: 38 people per square kilometre Limpopo: 46 people per square kilometre Western Cape: 50 people per square kilometre Mpumalanga: 58 people per square kilometre KwaZulu-Natal: 117 people per square kilometre Gauteng: 785 people per square kilometre Provincial migration South Africans migrate away from poverty to where the jobs are, moving from poorer provinces to the richer ones. Gauteng is South Africa’s wealthiest province, mostly a city region and the centre of the country’s economy. It has the largest population, constantly swelled by migration. The province’s net migration rate (the number of people moving in minus people moving out) was nearly a million between 2011 and 2016. The Eastern Cape is the poorest province. Between 2011 and 2016 nearly half a million of its people migrated to other provinces, while only 170 000 or so moved into the province. Province and race There is also a wide variation in the racial composition of the different provinces’ populations. Census 2011 figures reveal that black South Africans are the majority population group in seven of the nine provinces, comprising from 75% to 97% of the provincial total. Yet they make up less than a third of the population in the Western Cape (26.7%) and under a half in the Northern Cape (46.5%). The distribution of a population group can reflect that people’s history in the country. Coloured South Africans are to be found mainly in the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape (respectively 61.1%, 12% and 10.7% of South Africa’s total coloured population) because they are descended from a mixture of slaves brought to what was then the Cape Colony, white immigrants to the colony, and indigenous Africans, particularly the Khoisan. The majority (71.6%) of Indian South Africans live in KwaZulu-Natal because their ancestors were brought to Natal in the early 20th century to work on sugarcane plantations. And only 0.3% of Indians live in the Free State (0.1% of the total Free State population), as they were forbidden by law to enter what was then the Orange Free State during the apartheid era. Provincial distribution also reflects a group’s socioeconomic position. White South Africans, the beneficiaries of the apartheid system, are largely found in the more developed and urbanised provinces of Gauteng (40.4% of the total white population, and 18.9% of the total Gauteng population) and the Western Cape (19.4% of the total white population, and 18.4% of the Western Cape population). Languages of the provinces There’s considerable variation in home languages between the provinces, according to Census 2011. IsiXhosa, for instance, is spoken by almost 80% of people in the Eastern Cape, while around 78% of those in KwaZulu-Natal speak isiZulu. IsiZulu is also the most common home language in Gauteng, but at a much smaller percentage. In the Western Cape and Northern Cape, Afrikaans comes into its own. READ MORE: The 11 languages of South Africa The main languages in each province, according to Census 2011: Eastern Cape: isiXhosa 78.8%, Afrikaans 10.6% Free State: Sesotho 64.2%, Afrikaans 12.7% Gauteng: isiZulu 19.8%, English 13.3%, Afrikaans 12.4%, Sesotho 11.6% KwaZulu-Natal: isiZulu 77.8%, English 13.2% Limpopo: Sesotho 52.9%, Xitsonga 17%, Tshivenda 16.7% Mpumalanga: siSwati 27.7%, isiZulu 24.1%, Xitsonga 10.4%, isiNdebele 10.1% Northern Cape: Afrikaans 53.8%, Setswana 33.1% North West: Setswana 63.4%, Afrikaans 9% Western Cape: Afrikaans 49.7%, isiXhosa 24.7%, English 20.3% Economy of the provinces Gauteng dominates almost all industries in South Africa, except agriculture and mining. In 2016 the main industries in each province were: Eastern Cape: government services 21%, trade, catering and accommodation 18%, finance 16% Free State: government services 15%, finance 14%, trade, catering and accommodation 13% Gauteng: finance 23%, government services 19%, manufacturing 14% KwaZulu-Natal: manufacturing 16%, finance 15%, government services 15% Limpopo: mining 25%, government services 18%, trade, catering and accommodation 13% Mpumalanga: mining 20%, trade, catering and accommodation 13%, manufacturing 13% Northern Cape: mining 19%, government services 15%, finance 12% North West: mining 30%, government services 12%, finance 12% Western Cape: finance 23%, trade, catering and accommodation 15%, manufacturing 14% The province’s share of South Africa’s economy Population size correlates with each province’s contribution to the national economy, with Gauteng having the biggest. The tiny province punches way above its weight, making up 33.8% of South Africa’s gross domestic product in 2016 and around 5% of the GDP of Africa as a whole. Next is KwaZulu-Natal with 16%, followed by the Western Cape with 13.7%. These three provinces together contribute nearly two-thirds to total economy of South Africa. In 2016 the value of each province’s economy, and its share of the total GDP of South Africa, was: Northern Cape: R91 billion (2.1% of South Africa’s GDP) Free State: R218 billion (5%) North West: R280 billion (6.4%) Limpopo: R312 billion (7.2%) Mpumalanga: R324 billion (7.4%) Eastern Cape: R331 billion (7.6%) Western Cape: R596 billion (13.7%) KwaZulu-Natal: R692 billion (15.9%) Gauteng: R1.5 trillion (34.6%) Government of the provinces South Africa’s provinces are governed, in different ways, on a national, provincial and local level. National government On the national level, South Africa has two houses of parliament: the National Assembly, and the National Council of Provinces. The second exists to ensure that the interests of each province are protected in the laws passed by the National Assembly. Each one of South Africa’s nine provinces sends 10 representatives to the National Council of Provinces. Six of these are permanent members of the council, and four are special delegates. Provincial government Each province has its own provincial government. The provincial legislature has the power to pass laws in certain limited areas. The legislature has between 30 and 80 members depending on the province’s portion of the national voters’ roll. The premier – the head of government in the province – governs the province together with other “members of the executive council”, known as MECs. Each MEC has a specific responsibility, such as health, education, tourism and transport. Local government The nine provinces are each further divided into municipalities. Metropolitan municipalities are densely populated urban areas with major cities – such as Johannesburg or Durban – at their core. District municipalities are larger, less urban regions centred on one or more town or small city. District municipalities are further divided into local municipalities. The cities of the provinces Each of the nine provinces has a provincial capital, the seat of provincial government. These are usually the largest city in the province – Johannesburg in Gauteng, for example, or Mahikeng in North West. The exceptions are the Eastern Cape (Bhisho) and KwaZulu-Natal (Pietermaritzburg), which have smaller cities as their capitals for reasons of history. Cape Town in the Western Cape and Bloemfontein in the Free State also stand out for being both provincial capitals and two of the three capital cities of South Africa. The provincial capitals and major cities of South Africa’s nine provinces are: Eastern Cape: Bhisho (capital) and Port Elizabeth (major city) Free State: Bloemfontein (capital and major city) Gauteng: Johannesburg (capital and major city) KwaZulu-Natal: Pietermaritzburg (capital) and Durban (major city) Limpopo: Polokwane (capital and major city) Mpumalanga: Mbombela (capital and major city) – also known as Nelspruit North West: Mahikeng (capital and major city) – formerly known as Mafeking, then as Mafikeng Northern Cape: Kimberley (capital and major city) Western Cape: Cape Town (capital and major city) Sources Census South Africa public database Statistics South Africa Census 2011 Statistics South Africa Community Survey 2016 Statistics South Africa mid-year population estimates 2017 Statistics South Africa gross domestic product, fourth quarter 2017 United Nations Statistics Division World Statistics Pocketbook 2017 World Bank Open Data Media Club South Africa South African Provinces “If I have ever seen magic, it has been in Africa” – John Hemingway. These words continue to be true across the African continent and more especially in the country of South Africa where the magic resides and its people and the very land which they stand on. A country of true hospitality and “Ubuntu” meaning humanity. People come far and wide to this land for its colorful rainbow nation, tasteful cuisines, beautiful scenery, history, Overland Tours, culture, and so much more. The South African country is one that comes from far with its complex history and cultural dynamics. For a truly South Africa experience, one would have to visit the 9 provinces of South Africa. These 9 South Africa provinces were established on the 27 April 1994, the date of the first non-racial elections and of the adoption of the Interim Constitution, born under the new democratic of South Africa favoring all people. These 9 provinces include the Western Cape, known for its beaches and offering the best Cape Town Safari experiences, Gauteng which is the smallest province in terms of size but the largest in terms of population as a prominent economic hub, the Northern Cape which is the largest in size known for its impressive desert landscapes and great Pilanesberg Safari opportunities, the Eastern Cape which is a natural paradise and perfect for those seeking Safari Cape Town adventures, the North West is known prominently as a Tswana speaking province, one of the 11 official languages of South Africa, Kwa-Zulu Natal which is the province of the great Shaka Zulu who appears in many historical pages when speaking about Chiefs of South African tribes and offers fantastic Kruger Safari tours , Mpumalanga which means “where the sun rises” and is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts with its Kruger Park Safari tours, Limpopo which borders Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique and is known for its cultural heritage and Kruger National Park Packages , and lastly but definitely not least the Free State is known for its farm life and wide horizons, perfect for small group tours to South Africa. These provinces individually contribute to the image and package that is South Africa, offering unique experiences that capture one’s attention through architecture, history, natural scenery, landmarks, and so much more. The collective attractions found in these provinces create packages for any traveler to be impressed from the get-go. Different elements ensure that one’s trip is not only educational but also entertaining, leaving one feeling enlightened enough that they want to return to the South African soil time and time again. Below is what each province offers and what makes it unique. Gauteng Province Gauteng Province The Gauteng Province, though the smallest in South Africa, is one that carries its weight with its population density, making it a unique province. This tiny area offers people from all walks of life in a vibrant and colourful city, offering urban life on a beautiful African platter. The City of Gold, as it’s known, offers various attractions that speak for themselves on culture and urban life and everything in between of the Gauteng province. Gauteng is home to the most famous township in South Africa, the Soweto Township which showcases authentic South African lifestyles in dances, cuisines, and so much more. Vilakazi street, the Hector Pieterson Memorial Museum, as well as the Mandela house, are also found in Soweto where one can get a taste of history and heritage. Johannesburg is also found in Gauteng where one gets to see the busy city life. Johannesburg or Joburg as it is known houses attractions such as the Constitutional Hill which also sheds light on the apartheid era and the Apartheid Museum. The Gauteng province is also home to Pretoria, which is, in fact, the capital city of South Africa. In Pretoria, one can visit the Union buildings as well as the Voortrekker Monument for more South African history and heritage. One may also drive past the Jacaranda trees in Pretoria for a uniquely beautiful floral display. Gauteng is also host to the Cradle of Humankind which is a World Heritage Site offering displays of human evolution and discoveries. While there one can also visit the Sterkfontein Caves. While in Gauteng one should not forget the city life aspect where one can go enjoy Gold reef city for a day of amusement park entertainment as well as Monte Casino for those who like to win big amongst other entertaining activities. Most of the History sites in Johannesburg can be visited by booking Johannesburg Day tours if you would like specific tours. Also, check out the Overland Tours starting from Johannesburg as they give a good start to learn the long history of Apartheid and its scars. Johannesburg Soweto Tours can be found on our website and last from 5 hours to 8 hours depending on the day tour one chooses. A Soweto Tour allows visitors to delve into the rich history and culture of South Africa, particularly during the apartheid era. Northern Cape Province Northern Cape Province The largest province in South Africa, also known for its desert terrain, is a true African gem. The famous desert terrain of this vast area can be attributed to the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve known for its safaris and game drives with the viewing of meerkats and pangolins and so much more, Richtersveld with its mountains and plains in very remote settings for quiet wilderness, Goegap Nature Reserve for camping, as well as the Mokala National Park where one can get to lodge among endangered species. The Northern Cape also offers various waterfall settings for those who love this type of setting. The Augrabies Falls National Park and the Augrabiesvalle offer one dramatic and beautiful waterfalls in the backdrop of rocky terrain. While still on nature, the Northern Cape continues to offer nature’s best in the form of biodiverse parks for flower lovers at the Namaqua National Park. For those who love technology and advancements, the Northern Cape is also home to the largest telescope in Southern Africa which can be visited for one’s pleasure. Lastly, one cannot leave any South African province without a little cultural or heritage stimulation, hence why the McGregor Museum is an extremely popular attraction when in the Northern Cape. The Northern Cape is also known for its capital Kimberly. This city is home to the Big Hole which is a manmade hole. This open-pit and underground mine in Kimberley, South Africa, is claimed to be the deepest hole excavated by hand. What makes the Northern Cape appealing to any traveler is its remoteness and the purely natural element where one can just experience the world as it is with extremely limited human touches, but rather nature in its purest form. Mpumalanga Province The Mpumalanga Province is truly a place where the sun rises, as everything the sun touches is pure gold. The scenery in this province is reason alone for one to visit this province. Mpumalanga first and foremost is home to one of the largest game reserves in Africa, the Kruger National Park, offering fantastic Kruger National Park Safaris . This National Park stretches across the province and is home to various big 5 animals that draw large crowds in their sheer sizes alone. A true Kruger National Park Safari Experience. This National Park is, however, not a one-trick pony type of destination but rather offers various activities for everyone. The Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve is also another destination which one can go enjoy when in Mpumalanga for nature’s gifts with various waterfalls that will take one’s breath away. These waterfalls include the Berlin Falls and Lisbon’s Falls. These can also be booked under a day tour called Panorama full Day Tour offered by our sister company Kruger Safari Africa. While in Mpumalanga one should also go visit Nelspruit and Hazyview which are a city and town that offer a lot of activities and attractions for travelers, including visiting the Sudwala Caves and Ostrich farms amongst other entertaining activities. Mpumalanga might be home to the largest game reserve in South Africa but that does not mean there are not various options for one’s wildlife needs. One can visit various game reserves such as the Sabie Sands Game reserve and the Timbavati Game Reserve amongst many others. Lastly, while in Mpumalanga one can enjoy the view of the Sabie River. As one of the most biologically diverse rivers in South Africa, it’s no wonder Mpumalanga made the cut for one of South Africa’s provinces. Western Cape Province The Western Cape is nothing short of breathtaking. One of the most popular places that travelers tend to visit when in South Africa and it is easy to see. This vibrant province offers everything from culture and heritage to beaches and sun. So why the Western Cape? Firstly, Cape Town which is a great city hosting world-renowned attractions. As a port city on a peninsula beneath Table Mountain there is nothing not to love about this beautiful destination. While in Cape Town one can visit Table mountain for the most beautiful scenery overlooking the ocean, the Cape of Good Hope is also another scenic spot to visit as well as the tip of the Cape Peninsula where one can enjoy the beautiful scenery and feel like they are on top of the world. All these attractions can be booked under Cape Town Day Tours with Africa Moja Tours. Beaches in Cape Town are in abundance so a visit to one is exactly right up the alley when in the Western Cape. While still in Cape Town one can visit the Boulders Beach and have a day with the penguins. Robben Island is also on offer while in this city for a day of culture and the heritage of South Africa. One can wind down in Cape Town at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden for a picnic and a day of beautiful indigenous plant life. No wonder Cape Town is the gem of the Western Cape. However, the Western Cape is jam-packed with attractions. If you like wine then the Western Cape is just the place with its Winelands based in Stellenbosch, Franshoek, and Paarl for those who enjoy a glass or two. If one likes to surf, then the Muizenberg area is just the place. Knysna is also offered when in the Western Cape known for its beautiful gorgeous lagoons, tasteful oysters, elephants for the wilderness lovers as well as forest for more of nature’s best. The town of George can also be found here where the Garden route can be found. The Western Cape is full of destinations for places to go and visit that travelers will fully enjoy. One of our South Africa Overland Tours called the 15 Days Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, and Cape town will cover the provinces of Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and the Western Cape, including incredible Kruger Safari experiences. We will also get to visit all the tourist attractions in Cape Town. If you do not have 15 Days and would still like to visit and learn about South Africa’s history and present, then the 10 Days Johannesburg and Cape Town Overland Trips will cover the two provinces. Gauteng Province with its rich Apartheid history and Cape Town with its lovely and out-of-the-world attractions like Table Mountain and the Cape Winelands. Limpopo Province Limpopo Province The Limpopo province is just the place for everything old and traditional. With most of its attractions untouched and still having remnants of the past, it is no wonder this place stands out. Limpopo is one of the provinces which the Kruger National Park crosses, therefore, offering travelers the Big 5 wilderness experience speaking again of its size. The National Parks or Nature Reserves in the Limpopo area, however, have grown substantially over the years and now offer unique experiences to different markets. Moving on from the wilderness and getting in touch with remnants of the past Limpopo offers travelers the opportunity to visit the Mapungubwe National Park which was home to now-lost civilization and is now a protected habitat. While in Limpopo one can also visit the town of Thohoyandou which is home to the Venda people of South Africa who take pride in their culture and can be seen when visiting this area. Bela Bela is another popular hotspot when in Limpopo for one to visit with various museums and lodges for a beautiful Limpopo experience. Kwa-Zulu Natal Province A Coastal city known for its beaches, mountains, and unmatched hospitality. Kwa-Zulu Natal is a province that is well versed in the language of traveler’s needs. This begins, of course, in Durban which is the most popular destination when in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Durban is known for its Addington Beach, Surfing, and the Golden Mile Beach. While still on the topic of beaches Kwa-Zulu Natal has an array of famous beaches such as the Umhlanga Beach with its surfing and lighthouses, Margate area with its country clubs for a more private beach experience, and so much more. Continuing with the trend of water this province also offers an array of wetlands for one’s enjoyment, including Saint Lucia known for wetlands, hippos, and safaris as well as the Isimangaliso Wetland Park which is a World Heritage Site showcasing the appeal of wetlands in this province that cannot be found anywhere else. While in Kwa-Zulu Natal the big 5 or safaris are also not in short supply with the Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park and the Maloti-Drakensberg Park just to mention a few for one’s wilderness experience. While in Kwa-Zulu Natal one can also visit the Dolphins Coast for the viewing of dolphins amongst other things. The Royal Natal National Park is another area to visit when in this province for the most beautiful scenery when one is taking a hike. A few other hotspots to check when in this area include Richards Bay, Kokstad, and New Castle just to mention a few. The Kwa-Zulu Natal area is one drenched in culture and heritage but most importantly it’s one that knows its way in getting people to visit its shores. North West Province Sun City, the Palace of Lost City, South Africa If you have ever wondered where in South Africa, you can experience a manmade beach then North West is the province you’ve been looking for. Home to the Sun City Resort with its casinos and beautiful hotels as well as the Valley of the Waves, the North West province is a true gem. We offer Sun City Day Tour and also packages to Sun City Resort. With landscape defined by mountains in the northeast and bushveld scattered with trees and shrubs, the North West is safari, beach, and luxury destination. For the ultimate safari or wilderness experiences, two places stand out when one is in the North West and those places are the Pilanesberg National Park Safari and the Madikwe Game Reserve offering one all their big 5 needs. Hartbeespoort is another attraction or destination to visit when in this area for a visit to the Crocodile river as well the Hartbeespoort dam for scenery and everything in-between. For history and heritage, one should visit Potchefstroom for museums. Brits is another area which people visit when in the North West for Cheetahs and hunting amongst other activities. This very remote area is one that draws large numbers to its land, and it is hard not to see why with its inventive and unique selling point of a luxury resort in the middle of nowhere. Still, in North West, a Pilanesberg National Park 2 Days 1 Night Magical Safari will allow you to stay at Sun City resort for one night while giving you an opportunity to experience a morning BIG 5 experience and afternoon Pilanesberg National Park Safari. Free State Province Free State Province Sharing its borders with the Lesotho Kingdom and situated in the heart of South Africa between the Vaal River and the Orange river, it is no wonder this area is a province of South Africa. Known mostly for its natural beauty, open farmlands, and uninterrupted skies, towns and villages, interesting road routes, and the vast rocky mountain area of the East Highlands, the Free State is a province to be reckoned with. So, what attraction can one visit when in the heart of South Africa? Firstly, one can visit the Basotho Cultural Village for a day of cultural enlightenment where one gets to immerse themselves in the lives of 16th century to date Sotho customs and traditions. While at this province the Free State Botanical Garden is also another place to visit for natural beauty for one’s delight amongst 400 different plant species some of which are indigenous to the South African soil. One would also enjoy the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State with its wide accommodation of varies species and identified with its golden sandstone cliffs. If you like resorts this is definitely the province for you as the Free state is also home to the Forever Resorts Gariep which is nestled between the largest dam in South Africa giving this resort an almost Caribbean feel on the South African soil. A true paradise for relaxation and luxury. Among st other attractions, the Free State is also known for its Museum in Bloemfontein established in 1877 as well as the Naval Hill. A must-visit South African province. Eastern Cape Province As the second-largest province in South Africa, the Eastern Cape is the home of former president Nelson Mandela who became the first democratically elected president in South African in 1994, but not only that, it is also the place of many struggle heroes such as Steve Biko. With its cultural and heritage firmly rooted from the Xhosa people of South Africa, this province stands out for its beautiful scenery and various other destinations that appeal to travelers. These include the wilderness with the Addo Elephant Park which is dedicated to the protection of elephants as well as the Mountain Zebra National Park which is dedicated to the protection of the Zebra. The wilderness can be found in the Eastern Cape in their numbers not just for select species but for all animals. The Eastern Cape is also home to various beaches with places like Port Elizabeth, Jeffrey’s Bay, East London and so much more offering one beach experiences to last a lifetime. Coastal Parklands with forest and trails can also be found in this province and these include the Garden Route National Park, Cape Saint Francis, Port Alfred and so much more where one can enjoy various water activities. The Eastern Cape is also home to the Wild Coast with places like Coffee Bay and the Hole in the Wall where a warm ocean meets green hills and rocky coastline. With these types of coastal attractions, one would not be wrong to say that these attractions are indeed the wild coast. For natural beauty, one can visit Hogsback for its beautifully landscaped and cloud-wrapped mountains. Small Group Tours to South Africa Small group tours to South Africa offer an intimate and personalised way to experience South Africa. Traveling in small groups allows for more interaction with guides and fellow travellers, creating a close-knit and immersive experience. These tours often focus on specific interests, such as wildlife photography, culinary adventures, or cultural exploration, ensuring that participants can tailor their South African journey to their preferences. The home language of most people in KwaZulu-Natal is, unsurprisingly, isiZulu. In the Eastern Cape it’s isiXhosa. Around half the people of the Western Cape and Northern Cape speak Afrikaans. In Gauteng and Mpumalanga, no single language dominates. The main languages of each province are: Eastern Cape – isiXhosa (78.8%), Afrikaans (10.6%) Free State – Sesotho (64.2%), Afrikaans (12.7%) Gauteng – isiZulu (19.8%), English (13.3%), Afrikaans (12.4%), Sesotho (11.6%) KwaZulu-Natal – isiZulu (77.8%), English (13.2%) Limpopo – Sesotho sa Leboa (52.9%), Xitsonga (17%), Tshivenda (16.7%) Mpumalanga – siSwati (27.7%), isiZulu (24.1%), Xitsonga (10.4%), isiNdebele (10.1%) Northern Cape – Afrikaans (53.8%), Setswana (33.1%) North West – Setswana (63.4%), Afrikaans (9%) Western Cape – Afrikaans (49.7%), isiXhosa (24.7%), English (20.3%) South Africa’s constitution recognises 11 official languages: Sepedi (also known as Sesotho sa Leboa ), Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa and isiZulu. For centuries South Africa’s official languages were European – Dutch, English, Afrikaans. African languages, spoken by at least 80% of the people, were ignored. In 1996 South Africa’s new constitution gave official protection to all of the country’s major languages. South Africa has about 34 historically established languages. Thirty are living languages, and four extinct Khoesan languages. English is an urban language of public life, widely used in the media, business and government. Out of the 4.9-million South Africans who speak English as a first language, a third (33%) are white, a quarter (24%) are black, 22% are Indian and 19% are coloured South Africans. English is widely used as a second language and common language of communication, mainly in the cities. Afrikaans is a version of Dutch that evolved out of a South Holland dialect brought here in the 1600s. Over the centuries it has picked up many influences from African languages, as well as from European colonial languages such as English, French and German. More than half (50.2%) of Afrikaans speakers are coloured, 40% are white, 9% black and just 1% Indian. Click to enlarge South Africa’s nine African official languages all fall into the Southern Bantu-Makua subfamily, part of the broad and branching Niger-Congo family of languages. The languages arrived here during the great expansion of Bantu-speaking people from West Africa eastwards and southwards into the rest of the continent. The expansion began in around 3000 BCE and was largely complete by 1000 CE. Like all languages in the Niger-Congo family they are tonal languages, in which either a high or low tone gives a word a different meaning. The nine African languages can be broadly divided in two: Nguni-Tsonga languages: isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, siSwati, Xitsonga Sotho-Makua-Venda languages: Sesotho, Sesotho sa Leboa, Setswana, Tshivenda Within the first group Xitsonga alone falls into the Tswa-Ronga subfamily, while isiZulu, isiXhosa, isNdebele and siSwati are Nguni languages. Similarly, Sesotho, Sesotho sa Leboa and Setswana are closely related Sotho languages, and Tshivenda something of a standalone in the Sotho-Makua-Venda subfamily. Multilingual South Africa South Africans are more than bilingual. A rough estimate based on Census 2001 first-language data and a 2002 study of second-languages speakers is that the average South African – man, woman and child – uses 2.84 languages. Obviously, many people are limited to one, and many others able to speak three, four or more languages. Click to enlarge English- and Afrikaans-speaking people (mostly coloured, Indian and white South Africans) tend not to have much ability in African languages, but are fairly fluent in each other’s language. Multilingualism is common among black South Africans. For this reason, South African censuses ask people which two languages they speak. The question in the 2011 Census was: Which two languages does (member of household) speak most often in this household? Thirteen options were given: South Africa’s 11 official languages, plus Sign Language, and “Other”. If a person did not speak a second language, that too was recorded. The contrast between first language and second language is shown in the maps at right. While the geographical pattern of dominant first languages neatly conforms to the facts of history and urbanisation, the picture of second languages is more complicated, more of a mess. The second map reveals a couple of things. The first is how few South Africans speak just one language. The second is that while English is the dominant first language only in the cities – Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban – it is widely used as a second language across the country. English is spread by the media and used as a common language of communication. But many South Africans are compelled to learn English, and often Afrikaans as well, simply to get a job and to work. These are often poorer people denied an adequate education. Elsewhere in the world the ability to speak many languages is a sign of sophistication. In South Africa, multilingualism – a complex undertaking, especially in languages from very different families – is a common achievement of the poor. Code-switching South Africa Language is fluid, especially in South Africa. Our languages are and have been for centuries in a constant swirl , mixed by work, migration, education, urbanisation, the places we live, friendship and marriage. Because of this, South Africans are a code-switching people. “Code switching” simply means using more than one language in a single conversation. Every adult South African does this at some time, even if they aren’t aware of it. Here’s an example overheard at a football match. IsiZulu is in regular type, Afrikaans in bold and English in italics: “I-Chiefs isidle nge-referee’s ngabe ihambe sleg. Maar why benga stopi this system ye-injury time?” A rough translation: “Chiefs [the football club] have won because the referee favoured them. Otherwise, they would have lost. But why is this system of injury time not stopped?” Influenced by the other languages spoken around them, all of South Africa’s languages change and grow all the time. Who speaks what? Watch: South Africa’s most recent census was in 2011. The following table gives a breakdown of first-language speakers, as recorded by the census. The languages Unless otherwise indicated, all figures below are from Census 2011 and refer only to first language – the language spoken at home. Afrikaans Also known as: isiBhuru (isiNdebele), isiBhulu (isiXhosa), isiBhunu (isiZulu), siBhunu (siSwati), Seburu (Sesotho sa Leboa), Xibunu (Xitsonga) First-language users: 6,855,082 (13.5% of South Africans) Second-language users: 10,300,000 (2002 estimate) All users: 17,155,082 (estimate) Afrikaans evolved out of a 17th-century Dutch dialect introduced to South Africa in 1652 when the Dutch first colonised the Cape of Good Hope. Today it is the majority language of the Northern Cape. Afrikaans became an official language in South Africa with the Official Languages of the Union Act of 1925, which retroactively dated the language’s official status to 1910. The 6,855,082 South Africans who speak Afrikaans as a first language make up 13.5% of the country’s total population. More than half (50.2%) of these Afrikaans speakers are coloured, 39.5% white, 8.8% black, 0.9% Indian or Asian, and 0.6% other. More than three-quarters (75.8%) of coloured South Africans speak Afrikaans, as do almost two-thirds (60.8%) of whites. It is the home language of 4.6% of Indian or Asian people, and of 1.5% of black South Africans. Afrikaans and South Africa’s population groups BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll Total population41,000,9384,615,4011,286,9304,586,838280,45451,770,560 Afrikaans speakers602,1663,442,16458,7002,710,46141,5916,855,082 Share of population1.5%75.8%4.6%60.8%15.2%13.5% Most Afrikaans speakers (41%) live in the Western Cape, and 21% in Gauteng. Ten percent of all Afrikaans speakers live in the Eastern Cape, 8.8% in the Northern Cape, and 5% in the Free State. Within the provinces, Afrikaans is the majority language in the Northern Cape (53.8%) and the Western Cape (49.7%). It makes up 12.7% of languages spoken in the Free State, 12.4% of Gauteng’s languages, 10.6% of languages in the Eastern Cape, 9% in North West, 7.2% in Mpumalanga, 2.6% in Limpopo and 1.6% in KwaZulu-Natal. English Also known as: Engels (Afrikaans), isiNgisi (isiNdebele and isiZulu), isiNgesi (isiXhosa), Senyesemane (Sesotho), Seisemane (Sesotho sa Leboa), siNgisi (siSwati), Xinghezi (Xitsonga) First-language users: 4,892,623 (9.6% of South Africans) Second-language users: 11,000,000 (2002 estimate) All users: 15,892,623 (estimate) English is a prominent language in South African public life, widely used in government, business and the media. As a first language it is mainly confined to the cities. In 1910 English and Dutch were declared the official languages of the new Union of South Africa. English has retained this official status ever since. The 4,892,623 South Africans who speak English as a first language make up 9.6% of the country’s total population. Among first-language English speakers, 32.8% are white, 23.9% black, 22.4% Indian and 19.3% coloured. The majority (86.1%) of Indian South Africans speak English as their home language, as do over a third (35.9%) of whites. It is the first language of 20.8% of coloured people, and of 2.9% of black South Africans. English and South Africa’s population groups BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443 English speakers1,167,913945,8471,094,3171,603,57580,9714,892,623 Share of population2.9%20.8%86.1%35.9%29.5%9.6% The largest number of English speakers are in Gauteng – 1.6-million people, or a third (32.8%) of all English-speaking South Africans. Over a quarter (27.3%) live in KwaZulu-Natal, 23.5% in the Western Cape, and 7.4% in the Eastern Cape. English is a minority language within all nine provinces. It is the second-largest language in both the Western Cape (after Afrikaans) and Gauteng (after isiZulu). In the Western Cape it is spoken by 20.2% of the population, and in Gauteng by 13.3%. English is minimally spoken in the other provinces. Read more: The online dictionary of South African English isiNdebele Also known as: Ndebele, Southern Ndebele, Ndzundza, isiKhethu First-language users: 1,090,233 (2.1% of South Africans) Second-language users: 1,400,000 (2002 estimate) All users: 2,490,233 (estimate) IsiNdebele is the least spoken of South Africa’s 11 official languages, and confined mainly to Mpumalanga and Gauteng. It is an Nguni language, like isiZulu, isiXhosa and siSwati. Also called Southern Ndebele, it is not to be confused with Northern Ndebele, more commonly known as Matabele, which is closer to isiZulu and an official language of Zimbabwe. The 1,090,223 South Africans who speak isiNdebele as a first language make up just 2.1% of the country’s total population. Among first-language isiNdebele speakers, 97% are black, 0.9% Indian or Asian, 0.8% coloured, 0.8% white and 0.5% other. IsiNdebele is spoken by 2.6% of black South Africans – fewer than the 2.9% who speak English at home. It is barely spoken by other population groups, being the home language of 0.2% of both the coloured and white population, and 0.8% of Indian or Asian people. It is also spoken by 2.1% of people who describe themselves as “other”. IsiNdebele and South Africa’s population groups BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443 IsiNdebele speakers1,057,7818,2259,8158,6115,7911,090,223 Share of population2.6%0.2%0.8%0.2%2.1%2.1% Most isiNdebele speakers (37%) live in Mpumalanga, followed by Gauteng (34.9%), KwaZulu-Natal (10.2%), Limpopo (9.6%) and North West (4%). IsiNdebele is a minority language in all the provinces. It is spoken by 10.1% of the population of Mpumalanga and 3.2% of Gautengers. isiXhosa Also known as: Xhosa First-language users: 8,154,258 Second-language users: 11,000,000 (2002 estimate) All users: 19,154,258 (estimate) The dominant language of the Eastern Cape, isiXhosa is also the second-largest language in South Africa after isiZulu. It is an Nguni language, like isiNdebele, isiZulu and siSwati, but also shows some influence from the Khoekhoe languages. The 8,154,258 South Africans who speak isiXhosa as a first language make up 16% of the country’s total population. Among first-language isiXhosa speakers, 99.4% are black, 0.3% coloured, 0.2% white and 0.1% Indian or Asian. Among the population groups, isiXhosa is spoken by 20.1% of black South Africans, the second-largest share after isiZulu. It is the home language of 0.6% of coloured people, 0.4% of Indians, 0.3% of whites and 1.9% of people who describe themselves as “other”. IsiXhosa and South Africa’s population groups BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443 IsiXhosa speakers8,104,75225,3405,34213,6415,1828,154,258 Share of population20.1%0.6%0.4%0.3%1.9%16% Close to two-thirds (62.4%) of first-language isiXhosa speakers live in the Eastern Cape, and 17.2% in the Western Cape. About a tenth (9.8%) of all isiXhosa speakers live in Gauteng. Within the provinces, isiXhosa is the majority language in the Eastern Cape, where its 5,092,152 first-language users make up 78.8% of the population. In the Western Cape a quarter (24.7%) of the population speaks isiXhosa. IsiXhosa is spoken by 7.5% of people in the Free State, 6.6% in Gauteng, 5.5% in North West, and 5.3% in the Northern Cape. isiZulu Also known as: Zulu First-language users: 11,587,374 (22.7% of the population) Second-language users: 15,700,000 (2002 estimate) All users: 27,300,000 (estimate) IsiZulu is the most widely spoken language in South Africa, the first language of close to a quarter of the population. It is the dominant language of KwaZulu-Natal. Like isiNdebele, isiXhosa and siSwati, isiZulu is an Nguni language. The 11,587,374 South Africans who speak isiZulu as their home language make up 22.7% of the country’s total population. A full 99.4% of first-language isiZulu speakers are black, 0.2% coloured, 0.1% white and 0.1% Indian or Asian. IsiZulu is spoken by 28.5% of black South Africans, more than any other language. It is the home language of 1.3% of Indian or Asian people, 0.5% of coloureds, 0.4% of whites and 4.1% of people who describe themselves as “other”. IsiZulu and South Africa’s population groups BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443 IsiZulu speakers11,519,23423,79716,69916,45811,18611,587,374 Share of population28.5%0.5%1.3%0.4%4.1%22.7% Over two-thirds (68.2%) of isiZulu-speaking South Africans live in KwaZulu-Natal, and more than a fifth (20.6% in Gauteng). Some 8.3% of all isiZulu speakers live in Mpumalanga, which borders KwaZulu-Natal to the northwest. The rest are thinly spread across the other provinces. Within the provinces, isiZulu is spoken by over three-quarters (77.8%) of the population of KwaZulu-Natal, and nearly a quarter (24.1%) of the people of Mpumalanga. Almost a fifth (19.8%) of Gautengers speak isiZulu. It is a small minority language in the rest of the provinces. Sesotho Also known as: Southern Sotho First-language users: 3,798,915 (7.6% of the population) Second-language users: 7,900,000 (2002 estimate) All users: 11,698,915 (estimate) Sesotho is the language of the Free State, and the first language of 3,798,915 South Africans, or 7.6% of the total population. It is one of the three Sotho languages, with Sesotho sa Leboa and Setswana. A full 98.7% of first-language Sesotho speakers are black, 0.6% coloured, 0.5% white and 0.1% Indian or Asian. Sesotho is spoken by just under a tenth (9.4%) of black South Africans. It is the home language of 0.5% of coloured people, of 0.4% of both white and Indian/Asian people, and of 1.7% of the people who describe themselves as “other”. Sesotho and South Africa’s population groups BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll South Africa’s population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443 Sesotho speakers3,798,91523,2305,26917,4914,6573,849,563 Share of population9.4%0.5%0.4%0.4%1.7%7.6% Most (44.6%) Sesotho speakers live in the Free State. The inner curve of this bean-shaped province fits around the northwest border of Lesotho, a country where Sesotho and English are the official languages. Over a third (36.2%) of all Sesotho-speaking South Africans live in Gauteng. Some 5.2% live in North West. Within the provinces, Sesotho is spoken by close to two-thirds (64.2%) of the population of the Free State, over a tenth (11.6%) of Gauteng, and by 5.8% of people living in North West. Sesotho sa Leboa (Sepedi) Also known as: Northern Sotho First-language users: 4,618,576 (9.1% of the population) Second-language users: 9,100,000 (2002 estimate) All users: 13,518,576 (estimate) Sesotho sa Leboa or Sepedi? The 1993 interim Constitution named the language Sesotho sa Leboa. It was then changed to Sepedi in the final Constitution of 1996 . Debate on the right name continues . Most language experts, as well as speakers of the language , consider Sesotho sa Leboa to be the correct name, and Sepedi to be a dialect. In a study of the language policy of six South African universities, five used Sesotho sa Leboa and one Sepedi. But both the Department of Basic Education and Statistics South Africa use Sepedi as the language’s name. Sesotho sa Leboa is South Africa’s third-largest African language (after isiZulu and isiXhosa), and mainly spoken in Limpopo. Like Sesotho and Setswana, it is a Sotho language. Sesotho sa Leboa is the first language of 4,618,576 people, or 9.1% of the total population. A full 99.7% of first-language Sesotho sa Leboa speakers are black, 0.1% coloured, 0.1% white and 0.1% Indian or Asian. Sesotho sa Leboa is spoken by 11.4% of black South Africans. It is the home language of just 0.2% of Indians, 0.1% of coloureds, 0.1% of whites and 0.6% of people who describe themselves as “other”. Sesotho sa Leboa and South Africa’s population groups BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443 Sesotho sa Leboa speakers4,602,4595,6422,9435,9171,6164,618,576 Share of population11.4%0.1%0.2%0.1%0.6%9.1% Nearly two-thirds of (61.2%) of all Sesotho sa Leboa speakers live in Limpopo, over a quarter (27.8%) in Gauteng and 8.1% in Mpumalanga. The rest of the language’s speakers are scattered around the country. Within the provinces, Sesotho sa Leboa is spoken by more than half (52.9%) the people of Limpopo, 10.6% of those in Gauteng, and 9.3% of Mpumalanga’s population. Setswana Also known as: Tswana, Sechuana, Chuana First-language users: 4,067,248 (8% of the population) Second-language users: 7,700,000 (2002 estimate) All users: 11,767,248 (estimate) The language of North West and its neighbouring country of Botswana, Setswana is the Tswanaic language in the Sotho-Tswana subfamily, which it shares with Sesotho and Sesotho sa Leboa. Its 3,996,951 speakers make up 8% of South Africa’s population. Some 98.3% of Setswana speakers are black, 1% coloured, 0.1% Indian or Asian and 0.1% white. Setswana is spoken by 9.9% of black South Africans, making it the third-largest language in the population group. It is the first language of 0.9% of coloured people, 0.4% of both Indians and whites, and 2.4% of people who describe themselves as “other”. Setswana and South Africa’s population groups BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443 Setswana speakers3,996,95140,3514,91718,3586,6714,067,248 Share of population9.9%0.9%0.4%0.4%2.4%8.0% Over a half (52.9%) of Setswana speakers live in North West, a quarter (26.9%) in Gauteng, and close on a tenth (9.2%) in the Northern Cape. Both North West and the Northern Cape lie on the border of Botswana, where 79% of the population speak Setswana. Within the provinces, Setswana is spoken by nearly two-thirds (63.4%) of the population of North West, a third (33.1%) of the Northern Cape’s people, by 9.1% of Gauteng’s population and 5.2% of the Free State’s. siSwati Also known as: Swati, Swazi First-language users: 1,297,046 (2.5% of the population) Second-language users: 2,400,000 (2002 estimate) All users: 3,697,046 (estimate) SiSwati is mostly spoken in Mpumalanga, which along its curved eastern border almost encircles the country of Swaziland. SiSwati is an Nguni language, like isiNdebele, isiXhosa and isiZulu. The 1,297,046 people who speak siSwati are just 2.5% of South Africa’s population, making it the country’s third-smallest language. Among first-language siSwati speakers, 99.3% are black, 0.3% coloured, 0.2% white and 0.1% Indian or Asian. In the population as a whole, siSwati is spoken by 3.2% of black South Africans, by around 0.1% of the other population groups, and by 0.5% of people who describe themselves as “other”. SiSwati and South Africa’s population groups BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443 SiSwati speakers1,288,1564,0561,2172,2991,320234,655 Share of population3.2%0.1%0.1%0.1%0.5%2.5% Most siSwati speakers live in Mpumalanga – 85.3% of its total users and the highest provincial concentration of any language. Another tenth (10.5%) live in Gauteng, and the rest are scattered mainly over the northern parts of the country. Within the provinces, sisSwati is spoken by 27.7% of the total population of Mpumalanga, and just 1.1% of Gautengers. Tshivenda Also known as: Venda, Chivenda First-language users: 1,209,388 (2.4% of the population) Second-language users: 1,700,000 (2002 estimate) All users: 2,909,388 (estimate) Tshivenda is something of a standalone among South Africa’s major African languages, falling into the broader Sotho-Makua-Venda subfamily but not part of the Sotho group. It is mostly spoken in the far northeast of Limpopo. The 1,209,388 South Africans who speak Tshivenda are just 2.4% of the country’s population, making it the second-smallest language after isiNdebele. A full 99.4% of first-language Tshivenda speakers are black, 0.2% coloured, 0.2% white and 0.1% Indian or Asian. Tshivenda is spoken by 3% of black South Africans, by just 0.1% of the other population groups, and by 0.5% of people who describe themselves as “other”. Tshivenda and South Africa’s population groups BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443 Tshivenda speakers1,201,5882,8478102,8891,2541,297,046 Share of population3.0%0.1%0.1%0.1%0.5%2.4 Three quarters (73.8%) of Tshivenda speakers live in Limpopo, giving the language the second-highest provincial concentration after siSwati. A further 22.5% of Tshivenda speakers live in Gauteng. Within the provinces, Tshivenda is spoken by 16.7% of the population of Limpopo, and 2.3% of the population of Gauteng. Xitsonga Also known as: Tsonga, Shangaan, Shangana, Vatsonga First-language users: 2,277,148 (4.5% of the population) Second-language users: 3,400,000 (2002 estimate) All users: 5,677,148 (estimate) Xitsonga is a minority language concentrated along South Africa’s northeast border with the country of Mozambique, where it is also spoken. Within the broader Nguni-Tsonga language subfamily which it shares with isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu and siSwati, it alone falls into the Tswa-Ronga group, while the other languages are Nguni. The 2,277,148 South Africans who speak Xitsonga as their home language make up 4.5% of the country’s total population. A full 99.1% of first-language Xitsonga speakers are black, 0.2% white, 0.1% coloured and 0.1% Indian or Asian. Xitsonga is spoken by 5.6% of black South Africans, 0.2% of Indians, 0.1% of whites, 0.05% of coloureds and 3.9% of people who describe themselves as “other”. Xitsonga and South Africa’s population groups BlackColouredIndian or AsianWhiteOtherAll Total population40,413,4084,541,3581,271,1584,461,409274,11150,961,443 Xitsonga speakers2,257,7712,2682,5063,98710,6161,209,388 Share of population5.6%0.05%0.2%0.09%3.9%4.5% Nearly two-fifths (39.8%) of Xitsonga-speaking South Africans live in Limpopo, over a third (35%) in Gauteng, 18.3% in Mpumalanga and 5.6% in North West. Within the provinces, Xitsonga is spoken by 17% of the population of Limpopo, 10.4% of Mpumalanga and 6.6% of the people in Gauteng. Sources and notes Glottolog – Comprehensive reference information for the world’s languages, especially the lesser known languages. Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 Statistics South Africa Census 2011 Adrian Frith: Census 2011 Ethnologue: Languages of South Africa , 20th edition data (2017) Pharos South African Multilingual Dictionary (2014) ISBN 9781868901975 Language in South Africa: The role of language in national transformation, reconstruction and development (2002) by Victor Webb. ISBN 9789027297631 “The twelve modern Khoisan languages” (2013) by Matthias Bretzinger. In Khoisan languages and linguistics, Proceedings of the 3rd international symposium . ISBN 9783896458735 Researched, written and designed by Mary Alexander. Updated 11 September 2024. Comments? Email mary1alexander@gmail.com A guide to South African Provinces A guide to South African Provinces South Africa Travel and Discover South Africa Information to help you choose where to go South Africa is on the southernmost tip of the African continent. It is still Africa. Many people have asked me where they should go when they want to visit and travel to South Africa. It is like asking how many grains of sugar is in a teaspoon. If you have never visited South Africa and you know very little about it, you will discover it is vast and diverse. One of the most important questions you have to ask yourself is what your goal is when you want to visit. The second question is the length of time you have for your travels. Then you can consider your budget and plan accordingly. Which province and region should you travel to in South Africa? South Africa might not be the largest country in the world but it certainly isn’t small. It is 9th on the list of largest countries in Africa. Did you know South Africa has nine provinces? They cover approximately 1,22 million km². That is a whole lot of space to explore. Sometimes you can flit around and get to places quickly; sometimes it takes you ages just to drive a couple of hundred kilometres. To give you an idea, South Africa is twice the size of France, 3 x the size of Japan and 4 x the size of Italy. South Africa is also about 5 times bigger than the United Kingdom. Safaris in South Africa - elephants will keep you entertained The most popular places to visit in South Africa Cape Town and Kruger National Park are the most visited areas in South Africa. Cape Town might have it all from beautiful mountains with glorious vistas, to delectable wines or splendid beaches. The Kruger National Park might have all the wildlife your heart desires, but there is an enormous variety to see between these two destinations. For instance, if you only visit Cape Town and its vicinity you will have missed out on many other parts of South Africa from its people, to varied scenery and even different animals. Delectable wines doing good! - Unite against poaching Facts about South Africa – Geographical, populace and environmental If you would like to visit South Africa it is advisable to know a bit about its size, its environment and its climate. South Africa’s provinces vary considerably in size. Each has its own attractions filled with historic information, unique landscapes and different cultures. 60’s Vibe in Stormsriver Village The Northern Cape, an arid and usually dry region is vast and therefore the largest of the provinces. Gauteng by comparison is tiny but contains the country’s largest city. The Northern Cape has approximately 1.3 million people living there whilst Gauteng (Place of Gold) has an estimated population of over 16 million. To put it into perspective, in Gauteng there are nearly 700 people per square kilometre whilst in the Northern Cape there are probably less than four people per square kilometre. Open spaces in the Kgalagadi, Northern Cape Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini (Swaziland) and Mozambique are South Africa’s neighbours and the mountain kingdom of Lesotho is completely landlocked by South Africa. Each province has its own Legislature, Premier and Executive Council. The country has common boundaries with Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, while Mozambique and Eswatini lie to the north-east. Bat eared fox Travel inspiration delivered directly to your inbox Subscribe here The 9 Provinces of South Africa: Eastern Cape Free State Gauteng KwaZulu-Natal Limpopo Mpumalanga Northern Cape North West Province Western Cape Scenic mountain passes South Africa boasts three capital cities: Cape Town in the Western Cape is the legislative capital where South Africa’s Parliament is. Pretoria in the City of Tshwane in Gauteng is the administrative capital, where the Union Buildings are. Bloemfontein in the Free State is the judicial capital where the Supreme Court of Appeal resides. Rugged landscape of the Northern Cape Four of South Africa’s provinces are situated on the coast. The coastline has two oceans, the cold Atlantic Ocean and the warmer Indian Ocean. Northern Cape: Situated on the western side of South Africa the Northern Cape has the cold and frequently rough Atlantic Ocean. Western Cape: Although it is in the western area of South Africa, it also shares some of the southern tip of Africa. It is the only province that features two oceans, the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean, where the two meet at Cape Agulhas. Eastern Cape: Still situated in a southern section of South Africa, the Eastern Cape has the warmer subtropical Indian Ocean. Kwazulu-Natal: Situated in the east of South Africa, Kwazulu-Natal has the subtropical warmer Indian Ocean. All the other provinces of South Africa, the Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West Province are landlocked. Richest Provinces In South Africa Richest Province In South Africa 2024: South Africa is one of the most prominent Countries in Africa. Situated in the southernmost part of the continent, it has about 60 million people as it’s population and prides itself as one of the few Countries yet to experience coup d’etat. It’s ability to resolve most of it national crisis has gone a long way in promoting it’s image in the international community. It has one of the largest wide life habitat and home for tourism and culture. South Africa is known to have about 80% of it population as Black South Africans while the other remaining population comprises of Africa’s largest communities of European, Asian and multiracial (Coloured South Africans). Most developed province in South Africa These accounts for its diversity in culture and heritage. With numerous languages spoken in the country, it is well categorized as a multiethnic society with a wide variety of cultures, and religious belief and worshipers. This peculiarity was aptly captured under the South African constitution whereby it recognized 11 official National languages. South Africa is known to have about nine provinces and has been recorded as one of the most beautiful Countries in Africa with lots of natural habitation for both humans and wildlife. It is also a very busy country with lots of economic opportunities for both citizens and foreigners alike. It is a very flourishing country in terms of infrastructural development and commercial activities. Top ten richest province in South Africa Recommended: Most corrupt countries in Africa and why Table of Contents Top 9 Richest Provinces In South Africa By GDP 2024 Unveiling Facts About South Africa Other Interesting Facts About South Africa Top 9 Richest Provinces In South Africa By GDP 2024 1. GAUTENG: The Gauteng province most times referred to as the ‘eGoli’ and ‘City of Gold’ is the richest province in South Africa. It is no news how gold was discovered in the province around 1886. This skyrocketed the economic status of the province from that time. With lots of big multinational corporations establishing their headquarter there to the seemingly advancement of commercial activities in the area. Richest province with minerals in South Africa It has been able to retain the position ever since as a commercial hub being one of the major exporter of over 40 percent of the world gold production. It is one of the province that contribute heavily to the GDP of the country. It is one of the most richest, infact, the richest province in South Africa operating a seperate GDP of about 18,259 US Dollars. Also see: Advantages And Disadvantages Of Privatization 2. WESTERN CAPE: Western Cape is the hub of tourism. It is one of the busiest province in South Africa. It has been listed as one of the most beautiful and richest province in South African. It has a lot of tourist sites, great nightlife and exquisite hotels. It is one of the best places to visit and have a great experience and adventure. List Of Richest Province In South Africa It is one of the province operating a high GDP and contributing to the economic growth of the country. Apart from being a hub of tourist attractions with a number of visitors coming in annually, it also has lots of establishment. Western Capeis recorded to have a GDP of over 15,673 US Dollars. Also see: Highest Paying Jobs in South Africa 2022 3. NORTH WEST: The province is also known as the ‘platinum province’ because of its many platinum mines. The North West remains one of the most richest and industrialized province in the country and accounts for about 94% of the country’s platinum. North West is also recorded as a major producer of platinum, producing more platinum than any single area globally. GDP per province South Africa North west is also home to Sun City Resort, one of the most amazing landscapes and a home of relaxation. It is one of the most visited resorts in the country with amazing sceneries to appeal to the onlookers. It is peaceful and quite. It is part of the tourist attraction contributing to the Economic Growth of the province. With a GDP of about 12, 829 US Dollars per capita, it ranks as one of the richest province in South Africa. 4. MPUMALANGA: The province of Mpumalanga is not as large as other province but certainly not the poorest province either. It is one of the richest province in South Africa owing to the many economic establishments set up in the area. Which is the richest municipality in South Africa? It is known as the place of sunrise and home of tourists. It has some of the best National Park and other recreational parks and event centers that generate and contribute to bother the National GDP and the GDP of the province. It has a GDP per capita up to the tune of about 12, 585 US Dollars making it one of the richest province even though it is the smallest province in South Africa. Also see: Highest Paying law firms in Nigeria 5. FREE STATE: The Free State has shown to be the commercial hub for skilled artist and artistry. Apart from being a base and the Judicial capital, it has a very robust and functional economy that is targeted at growing a more productive economic system. The province is the base of real culture and art. The level of artistic engagement found in the area as well as the festivals of art and culture. It also has a diversified interest in agriculture with maximum participation producing more economic results. It has a GDP of about 12, 584 US Dollars per capita and has been instrumental to the growth of the Country’s overall GDP. Fastest growing province in South Africa 6. NORTHERN CAPE: The Northern Cape remains the country’s biggest province but has a relatively low population. It is quite a home for enterprise and commercial activities bringing the province to limelight as one of the richest province in the country. Although it is a relatively new province having been carved out in 1994 from the West and Eastern provinces. It has a GDP of about 11, 902 US Dollars which is is quite plausible for a young province with low human population. It has been a major contributor to the National GDP as well. Second richest province in South Africa Also see: Richest States In The US By Income 2022 7. KWAZULU-NATAL: The coastal region and province of KwaZulu-Natal is one of the most beautiful and warmth inducing province in the country and has been considered as one of the richest province in South Africa. It opens its doors to tourists and lovers of nature. Amongst many other diversified strategic enterprises boosting it’s economy, the province has some of the best tourist centers such as the King Shaka International Airport, Umhlanga and Ballito avails onlookers and tourists a wonderful experience to relax while glancing through beautiful sceneries. With a GD P of about 10, 406 US Dollars and ranks as one of the richest provinces in South Africa. 8. LIMPOPO: Limpopo is known for its openness and beauty. Covered in the natural embellishments of wildlife and has fast become a haven for both wildlife and tourists. The province has been able to harness it resources and infrastructures across the province, harnessing the potential that lies in other sectors other than depending on a streamlined source of income. The province is known to have some of the best tourist attraction centers which has been a boost to the economic trajectory of the province and the country at large. It has a commendable GDP of about 8,983 US Dollars, slightly above that of Eastern Cape. It is one of the richest provinces in South Africa. Recommended: Richest Provinces In Canada By GDP 2023 9. EASTERN CAPE: With the Eastern Cape contributing less than 8% to the total national GDP it ranks lower on the list as one of the richest province in South Africa. This is because it is riddled with a poverty that is clearly below the average level and it’s GDP totalling about 7, 893 seem to be the lowest when compared to the other provinces. Although more effort and plans are being put in place to revitalize the economy of the province by diversifying the economy, it has not been able to placate the deplorable standard of living in the area and has failed to profer a quick approach to alleviating the poverty rate in the area. Recommended: Oldest Universities In The World currently Unveiling Facts About South Africa Today, South Africa is made up of many different people, each with their own language and history. This country has 11 official languages, and many more unofficial languages. It has colourful mix of cultures which gives it a nickname “rainbow nation“. How many provinces in South Africa Today, most of the landscapes in South Africa are made up of high, flat areas called “plateaus”. These landscapes are covered with rolling grasslands (which are called “highveld”) and tree-dotted plains (which are called “bushveld”). Again, there is a mountainous region at the east, south, and west of these plateau lands (which are also called the “Great Escarpment”). The eastern range of the land is called the “Drakensberg” or “Dragon’s Mountain” and is filled with jagged peaks. Some of these jagged peaks reach 3,400 meters high! South Africa has another country within its borders. This country is called the “Drakensberg” and is the mountainous kingdom of Lesotho. The water in South Africa comes from the snow-capped peaks of Lesotho (it is also called “the kingdom of the Sky”). Today, Lesotho is the only country in the world that lie entirely over 1,000m above sea level. Recommended: Main Causes Of Unemployment In Ghana And Solutions South Africa has wonderful wildlife from aardvarks to zebras. Although South Africa only makes up about one percent of the land surface of the Earth, it is home to almost ten percent of the species of known bird, fish and plant in the world, and about six percent of the species of the mammals and reptiles in the world. Also, the seas around this country are full of incredible creatures. Over 2,000 marine species visit the waters of South Africa at some point during the year. The country enjoys one of the most spectacular underwater events of nature (which is called the “sardine run“). For instance, millions of sardines travel up the east coast of South Africa every June, creating a phenomenal feeding frenzy for thousands of hungry sharks, birds, and dolphins. Today, this country has 10% of the total species of birds on earth. About 900 different types of birds (such as peacocks, ostriches, vultures, and penguins) can be found all over the country. You can swim with Jackass penguins in South Africa. These Jackass penguins are located at Boulders Beach in Town of Simon near Cape Town, as well as further down the coast in Betty’s Bay. Recommended: Richest Musicians in Africa Currently Other Interesting Facts About South Africa 1. It has 11 Official Languages: The diversity of cultures found throughout the nation has earned South Africa the moniker “Rainbow Nation.” The fact that South Africa has eleven official languages—English, Afrikaans, Northern Sotho, isiZulu, isiXhosa, Sesotho, IsiNdebele, Setswana, SiSwati, Tshivenda, and Xitsonga—demonstrates the country’s reputation as a cultural “melting pot.” The majority of South Africans are multilingual in their native tongue. The most widely spoken first language is isiZulu, followed by isiXhosa. 2. South Africa has an abundance of Wildlife: Even though South Africa makes up only 2% of the planet’s land area, it is home to 10% of the world’s species of birds, fish, and plants, as well as 7% of mammals and reptiles! There are many different types of natural environments and wildlife in South Africa, even though you might not see lions, elephants, or giraffes strolling through the city. From vervet monkeys swinging through tree-lined suburban streets and baboons playing around Cape Point, to seals visiting the Hout Bay harbor in search of a fish snack and a multitude of bird species taking to the skies at any given time. There’s wildlife all around you! 3. There is evidence of human evolution: Some of the earliest evidence of human evolution has been found in the Sterkfontein Caves, northwest of Johannesburg. Archaeologists have discovered human remains here that go back more than two million years! The area, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is now referred to as “the Cradle of Humankind” because of the discoveries that were made there. In South Africa, fossils date back hundreds of thousands, if not millions of years, from both the natural and human past. Up to 80% of the mammalian fossils found to date have come from the Karoo, while early dinosaur fossil discoveries have come from the Western Cape. 4. It is a famous holiday destination: There are many different types of landscapes and biomes found in South Africa, such as wetlands, grasslands, mountains, subtropical forests, bushveld, and deserts. It’s a vacation spot unlike any other! South Africa offers golden beaches, sunshine, and the sea for your beach vacation. Game reserves and amazing wildlife can be found in South Africa if you’re looking for a safari experience. The Cape Winelands of South Africa are just waiting to be discovered if you’re itching to get away into wine country! In addition to all of this, you can find charming seaside towns and modern cities. Alternatively, take a drive along dusty roads in the desert and pass through beautiful mountain passes. BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

Page Title This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors. Small Title This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors. Small Title This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors. Small Title This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors.

We can’t find the page you’re looking for This page doesn’t exist. Go to Home and keep exploring. Go to Home BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

General

MEMBERS BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

SOUTH AFRICAN CULTURE - South African Culture, Customs, and Traditions The culture of South Africa is one of the most diverse in the world. The country boasts of an impressive eleven official languages and other several recognized languages, with each of the group having its own vibrancy and culture. A substantial majority of the South Africans still live in the rural areas where cultural traditions have survived. However, urbanization and adoption of new technology across the country have led to the decline in the traditional cultures. English and other foreign languages are slowly replacing the native languages. South African culture is not homogeneous but is rather a collection of cultures with different cultures being predominant in different regions. Some of the prominent cultures of South Africa include the Khoikhoi and San culture, Zulu, Ndebele, Xhosa , and Sotho cultures among other cultures. These cultures blend beautifully to give the country its unique identity on the globe. The People of South Africa South Africa has a population of approximately 55 million people comprising of diverse culture, religion, origin, and languages. Africans or South Africans and Bantu-speaking people form the major part of the population (approximately 35 million). Some ethnic groups are unique to South Africa while others like Basotho crossed the border into the country. Some of the major ethnic South Africans include Zulu, Basotho, Venda, Xhosa, Tsonga, Khoikhoi, Ndebele, and San. South Africa also hosts a number of refugees and asylum seekers, especially from Zimbabwe , Democratic Republic of Congo , and Somalia . The majority of refugees live in major cities including Pretoria, Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. View More South African Languages The population of South Africa is composed of people from different backgrounds, speaking different languages. Eleven languages are considered the country’s official languages. The first official languages were English and Dutch. The majority of South Africans can speak more than one language. The language spoken by the majority of the people, especially native South Africans is Zulu which is spoken by 23% of the population followed by Xhosa and Afrikaans at 16% and 14% respectively. Zulu is the language of the Zulu people who number 10 million. It is understood by 50% of the total population. The Zulu language became an official language in 1994. The Xhosa language is spoken by 8 million people as the first language and over 11 million as a second language. The majority of Xhosa speakers live in Eastern Cape Province. Afrikaans evolved from the Dutch language and has adopted some words from other languages such as German and Khoisan. English is the most popular second language of the South Africans and the most commonly spoken language in the country. South African Tradition South African tradition is not homogenous but a blend of different traditions and cultures practiced by different ethnic groups in the country. Here are some examples of traditions and cultures as practiced by major ethnic groups in the country. Khoikhoi and San Khoikhoi and San were the original inhabitants of present-day South Africa. The KhoiSan were known as the “Bushmen” and were skilled hunters and trackers. Their tracking skills are still necessary for the fight against poachers. They are mainly nomads who live in desert regions of South Africa Zulus The Zulus are known for their shield-bearing warriors under the leadership of Shaka. They are also famous for their beadworks, grass huts, and basketry. The belief of the Zulu people is based on ancestral spirits which appear mainly in dreams and a supreme being who is rarely involved in the activities of the mortal. Use of magic is common among the Zulus and any tragedy or illness is blamed on the evil spirit. Xhosa Xhosa culture is popular for the complex dressing that portrays a person’s social status, position in the society, and whether they are married or not. They also have a strong oral tradition with stories of ancestral heroes. Ancestral worship is a common practice and young men have to undergo a rite of passage. Stick fighting is a common sport among the Xhosa among the young men looking after the cattle. Women mainly tend the crops and look after the home. Ndebele Ndebele are known for the skilled women who decorate their houses in beautiful geometric designs. The skills are hereditary and women are tasked with the responsibility of teaching their daughters. The shapes used in the decoration are inspired by their fashioned beadwork. Ndebele women are distinguished from other South African women by the neck rings and the striking traditional blankets. Sotho The culture of the Sotho people differs from those of the Ndebele, Xhosa, and Zulus in several ways, especially on how they organize their villages. The Sotho homes are organized into villages rather than scattered settlements. The villages are further organized into age-sets. Each of the age-set is given a specific responsibility and the age-set graduate from one responsibility to another. They also allow their sons to marry from their kin, especially from the maternal side. Their traditional folk art includes pottery making, beadwork, decoration of houses, and weaving. Venda The Venda culture and tradition is built on mythical beliefs and water. They believe that lakes and rivers are sacred and that rains are controlled by Python God. Lake Fundudzi is one of the sacred places among the Venda and hosts the annual rites. Traditional healers known as Sangoma are believed to have access to the spirits and ancestors. Venda’s art has also been influenced by the belief in the spirit world. Cattle are considered a sign of wealth while agriculture is the main economic activity. Modern Day South African Tradition The younger generation from the above cultures is relocating to the city in search of a “better” life. However, in the city, they tend to abandon their traditions and culture for the western culture and lifestyle. Over time, a unique culture that combines the western culture and the traditional cultures have been developed. This new culture is evident in art, music, and food View More Culture of South Africa South Africa is known for its ethnic and cultural diversity. Almost all South Africans speak English to some degree of proficiency, in addition to their native language, with English acting as a lingua franca in commerce, education, and government. South Africa has twelve official languages, but other indigenous languages are spoken by smaller groups, chiefly Khoisan languages . Members of the middle class, who are predominantly white and Indian but whose ranks include growing numbers of other groups, have lifestyles similar in many respects to that of people found in Western Europe , North America , Australia and New Zealand . The Apartheid state legally classified South Africans into one of four race groups , determined where they could live , and enforced segregation in education, work opportunities, public amenities and social relations. Although these laws were abolished by the early 1990s, the apartheid racial categories remain ingrained in South African culture, with South Africans continuing to classify themselves, and each other, as belonging to one of the four defined race groups (blacks, whites, Coloureds and Indians) making it difficult to define a single South African culture that doesn't make reference to these racial categories View More Art Main article: Art of South Africa Eland , rock painting , Drakensberg , South Africa The oldest art objects in the world were discovered in a South African cave. Dating from 75,000 years ago, these small drilled snail shells could have no other function than to have been strung on a string as a necklace. South Africa was one of the cradles of the human species. One of the defining characteristics of the human species is the creation of art (from Latin "ars", meaning worked or formed from basic material). The scattered tribes of Khoisan peoples moving into South Africa from around 10,000 BC had their own fluent art styles seen today in a multitude of cave paintings. They were superseded by Bantu and Nguni peoples with their own vocabularies of art forms. In the 20th century, traditional tribal forms of art were scattered and re-melded by the divisive policies of apartheid . New great forms of art evolved in the mines and townships: a dynamic art using everything from plastic strips to bicycle spokes. The Dutch-influenced folk art of the Afrikaner Trekboer and the urban white artists earnestly following changing European traditions from the 1850s onwards also contributed to this eclectic mix, which continues to evolve today. One form of art developed during the period of apartheid. This new characterisation was termed "township art" and became common in the 1960s and 1970s. This art style tended to depict scenes from everyday life of poor black individuals in South Africa.[8] Common visual elements in this art style are dilapidated houses, women washing clothes, penny whistlers, and black mother-and-child tableaux. Oracles of the Pink Universe by Simphiwe Ndzube, 2021 Contemporary South Africa has a vibrant art scene, with artists receiving international recognition. The recent "Figures and Fictions" exhibition of South African photography at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London included the work of Mikhael Subotzky , Zanele Muholi , David Goldblatt , Zwelethu Mthethwa and Guy Tillim . Contemporary South African artists whose work has been met with international acclaim include Marlene Dumas , William Kentridge and John Smith. South African art is the visual art produced by the people inhabiting the territory occupied by the modern country of South Africa . The oldest art objects in the world were discovered in a South African cave. Archaeologists have discovered two sets of art kits thought to be 100,000 years old at a cave in South Africa. The findings provide a glimpse into how early humans produced and stored ochre – a form of paint – which pushes back our understanding of when evolved complex cognition occurred by around 20,000 – 30,000 years. Also, dating from 75,000 years ago, they found small drilled snail shells which could have no other function than to have been strung on a string as a necklace. South Africa was one of the cradles of the human species. The scattered tribes of Khoisan and San peoples moving into South Africa from around 10000 BC had their own art styles seen today in a multitude of cave paintings. They were superseded by Bantu and Nguni peoples with their own vocabularies of art forms. In the present era, traditional tribal forms of art were scattered and re-melded by the divisive policies of apartheid . New forms of art evolved in the mines and townships : a dynamic art using everything from plastic strips to bicycle spokes. In addition to this, there also is the Dutch -influenced folk art of the Afrikaner Trek Boers and the urban white artists earnestly following changing European traditions from the 1850s onwards, making for an eclectic mix which continues to evolve today. Paleolithic rock art Main article: San rock art San rock paintings, Perdekop Farm, (Mossel Bay , South Africa) The pre-Bantu peoples migrating southwards from around the year 30,000 BC were nomadic hunters who favoured caves as dwellings. Before the rise of the Nguni peoples along the east and southern coasts and central areas of Africa these nomadic hunters were widely distributed. It is thought they entered South Africa at least 1000 years ago. They have left many signs of life, such as artwork (San paintings) depicting hunting, domestic and magic-related art. There is a stylistic unity across the region and even with more ancient art in the Tassili n'Ajjer region of northern Africa, and also in what is now desert Chad but was once a lush landscape. The figures are dynamic and elongate, and the colours (derived probably from earthen and plant pigments and possibly also from insects) combine ochreous red, white, grey, black, and many warm tones ranging from red through to primary yellow. Common subjects include hunting, often depicting with great accuracy large animals which no longer inhabit the same region in the modern era, as well as: warfare among humans, dancing, domestic scenes, multiple images of various animals, including giraffes, antelope of many kinds, and snakes. The last of these works are poignant in their representation of larger, darker people and even of white hunters on horseback, both of whom would supplant the San peoples. Many of the "dancing" figures are decorated with unusual patterns and may be wearing masks and other festive clothing. Other paintings, depicting patterned quadrilaterals and other symbols, are obscure in their meaning and may be non-representational. Similar symbols are seen in shamanistic art worldwide. This art form is distributed from Angola in the west to Mozambique and Kenya , throughout Zimbabwe and South Africa and throughout Botswana wherever cave conditions have favoured preservation from the elements. Contemporary art in South Africa The contemporary art scene in South Africa is as diverse and vibrant as the population and vast cultures in the country. Contemporary artists in South Africa have adopted new media technologies to produce varied and creative bodies of work, as seen in the work of Dineo Seshee Bopape and CUSS Group. Their art gives insight into the pressing issues of South African society. On a global scale, contemporary South African art is relevant and sought-after. A charcoal and oil on canvas work by leading South African contemporary artist William Kentridge was sold on auction for R3,5 million in London in 2012. Black art post-apartheid The Bantu Education Act of 1955 barred Black South Africans from receiving formal art training during the years of apartheid and as a result, the artistic movements that had originated from this community have, until recently, been distinctly classified as “craft” rather than “art.” Informal art centers, that were funded by European states, became one of the few avenues in which Black South Africans could receive some form of artistic development. Throughout this time period from 1947 to the mid-1990s, the first practitioners to receive this informal training began passing down their knowledge to younger generations of practitioners. However, the traditional canon of African art, categorized as “fine art” had been formed in the 20th century by European and U.S. art audiences. South Africa's inequality gap is larger than that of other countries in the world so the audience for art is primarily the rich and not those who are subject to the artistic expression, giving these higher socio-economic groups a gatekeeper status in deciding what is classified as art. After the Soweto Riots of 1976, a new social consciousness emerged that retaliated against the government's policy of segregation and effectively reexamined the classification of certain Black South African artworks. One of the first artistic styles to receive critic attention was Venda sculpting because it aesthetically appealed to white patrons while also maintaining its “artistic manifestations of ethnic diversity.” These sculptures would be considered “transitional art” rather than “craft” and would gain access into fine art galleries. Other Black artistic expressions such as beadwork, photography, and studio arts have also begun to be slowly integrated into canonical South African art forms. The Johannesburg Biennale's Africus (1995) and Trade Routes (1997) had a significant impact on the cultural awareness of new South African art. These events were among the first exhibitions that revealed the “new South African art” to the international community, but also other local South Africans. This gave Black South African artists a new platform to express the effects to which apartheid had influenced society. In the post-apartheid regime, artists have now been given an apparatus to protest social issues such as inequality, sexuality, state control over the personal realm, and HIV/AIDS. However, the emphasis to embody many of these social issues within Black South African art has a led to a stereotype that many young artists are now trying to escape. International pressure has been said to once again demand a level of ‘authenticity’ within South African art that portrays discourse on the topic of apartheid. Scholar Victoria Rovine goes as far as to state that “these exhibitions represent a South Africa that seeks liberation not from apartheid itself but from apartheid as an already predictable subject for artistic production.” Furthermore, although South African art is not always political, conversations stemming from its interpretation are rarely apolitical and the high demand for apartheid symbols by private collectors have raised concerns over the collection of the art for the sake of nostalgia. See also Culture of South Africa List of South African artists South Africa Outline of South Africa View More Architecture See also: Architecture of Johannesburg and Cape Dutch architecture Gateway to the Castle of Good Hope , the oldest building in South Africa Old Dutch church in Ladismith The architecture of South Africa mirrors the vast ethnic and cultural diversity of the country and its historical colonial period. In addition, influences from other distant countries have contributed to the variety of the South African architectural landscape. Herbert Baker , among the country's most influential architects, designed the Union Buildings in Pretoria . Other buildings of note include the Rhodes memorial and St George's Cathedral in Cape Town , and St John's College in Johannesburg . Cape Dutch architecture was prominent in the early days (17th century) of the Cape Colony , and the name derives from the fact that the initial settlers of the Cape were primarily Dutch. The style has roots in medieval Holland, Germany, France and Indonesia. Houses in this style have a distinctive and recognisable design, with a prominent feature being the grand, ornately rounded gables, reminiscent of features in townhouses of Amsterdam built in the Dutch style . The rural landscape of South Africa is populated with traditional and European-influenced African architecture . View More Literature Main article: Literature of South Africa Olive Schreiner , the author of The Story of an African Farm (1883) There are 11 national languages in South Africa. South Africa's unique social and political history has generated a rich variety of literatures, with themes spanning pre-colonial life, the days of apartheid, and the lives of people in the "new South Africa". Many of the first black South African print authors were missionary-educated, and many wrote in either English or Afrikaans . One of the first well known novels written by a black author in an African language was Solomon Thekiso Plaatje 's Mhudi , written in 1930. Notable white English-language South African authors include Nadine Gordimer who was, in Seamus Heaney 's words, one of "the guerrillas of the imagination", and who became the first South African and the seventh woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1991. Her novel, July's People , was released in 1981, depicting the collapse of white-minority rule. Athol Fugard , whose plays have been regularly premiered in fringe theatres in South Africa, London (The Royal Court Theatre ), and New York City. Olive Schreiner 's The Story of an African Farm (1883) was a revelation in Victorian literature: it is heralded by many as introducing feminism into the novel form. Alan Paton published the acclaimed novel Cry, the Beloved Country in 1948. He told the tale of a black priest who comes to Johannesburg to find his son, which became an international best-seller. During the 1950s, Drum magazine became a hotbed of political satire, fiction, and essays, giving a voice to urban black culture. Afrikaans-language writers also began to write controversial material. Breyten Breytenbach was jailed for his involvement with the guerrilla movement against apartheid. Andre Brink was the first Afrikaner writer to be banned by the government after he released the novel A Dry White Season about a white South African who discovers the truth about a black friend who dies in police custody. John Maxwell (JM) Coetzee was also first published in the 1970s, and became internationally recognise in 1983 with his Booker Prize -winning novel Life & Times of Michael K . His 1999 novel Disgrace won him his second Booker Prize as well as the 2000 Commonwealth Writers' Prize . He is also the recipient of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2003. English writer J. R. R. Tolkien , author of The Hobbit , The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion , was born in Bloemfontein in 1892. Poetry Main article: South African poetry South Africa has a rich tradition of oral poetry . Several influential African poets became prominent in the 1970s such as Mongane Wally Serote , whose most famous work, No Baby Must Weep, gave insight into the everyday lives of black South Africans under apartheid. Another famous black novelist, Zakes Mda , transitioned from poetry and plays to becoming a novelist in the same time period. His novel, The Heart of Redness won the 2001 Commonwealth Writers Prize and was made a part of the school curriculum across South Africa. View More Cinema Main article: Cinema of South Africa While many foreign films have been produced about South Africa (usually involving race relations), few local productions are known outside South Africa itself. One exception was the film The Gods Must Be Crazy in 1980, set in the Kalahari . This is about how life in a traditional community of San (Bushmen) is changed when a Coke bottle, thrown out of a plane, suddenly lands from the sky. The late Jamie Uys , who wrote and directed The Gods Must Be Crazy, also had success overseas in the 1970s with his films Funny People and Funny People II, similar to the TV series Candid Camera in the US. Leon Schuster 's You Must Be Joking! films are in the same genre, and hugely popular among South Africans. Schuster's most successful film internationally is Mr Bones, which was also the best performing film locally at the time of its release, grossing 35m USD. This was surpassed by the sequel, Mr Bones 2: Back from the Past. The most high-profile film portraying South Africa in recent years was District 9 . Directed by Neill Blomkamp , a native South African, and produced by Peter Jackson , the action/science-fiction film depicts a sub-class of alien refugees forced to live in the slums of Johannesburg in what many saw as a creative allegory for apartheid . The film was a critical and commercial success worldwide, and was nominated for Best Picture at the 82nd Academy Awards . Another notable film that was produced in South Africa is Chappie . Other notable exceptions are the film Tsotsi , which won the Academy Award for Foreign Language Film at the 78th Academy Awards in 2006 as well as U-Carmen e-Khayelitsha , which won the Golden Bear at the 2005 Berlin International Film Festival . View More Music Main article: Music of South Africa Enoch Sontonga There is great diversity in music from South Africa. Many black musicians who sang in Afrikaans or English during apartheid have since begun to sing in traditional African languages, and have developed unique styles called Kwaito and Amapiano . Of note is Brenda Fassie , who launched to fame with her song "Weekend Special", which was sung in English. More famous traditional musicians include Ladysmith Black Mambazo , while the Soweto String Quartet performs classic music with an African flavour. White and Coloured South African singers are historically influenced by European musical styles. South Africa has produced world-famous jazz musicians, notably Hugh Masekela , Jonas Gwangwa , Abdullah Ibrahim , Miriam Makeba , Jonathan Butler , Chris McGregor , and Sathima Bea Benjamin . Afrikaans music covers multiple genres, such as the contemporary Steve Hofmeyr and the punk rock band Fokofpolisiekar . Crossover artists such as Verity (internationally recognised for innovation in the music industry) and Johnny Clegg and his bands Juluka and Savuka have enjoyed various success underground, publicly, and abroad. Don Clarke who wrote Sanbonani, a local hit for P J Powers , and Hotline in 1986 wrote much of the music for Leon Schuster 's films including Till You're Free Again which he recorded for the film Frank and Fearless in 2018. Rap-rave group Die Antwoord have also found international success. The South African music scene includes Kwaito and Amapiano , new music genres that had developed in the mid-1980s and late 2010s, and have since developed to become a popular socio-economic form of representation among the populace. However, some argue that the political aspects of Kwaito have since diminished after Apartheid, and the relative interest in politics has become a very minor aspect of daily life. Others argue that in a sense, Kwaito is in fact a political force that shows activism in its apolitical actions. Today, major corporations like Sony , BMG , and EMI have appeared on the South African scene to produce and distribute Kwaito music. Due to its popularity, as well as the general influence of DJs, who are among the top 5 most influential types of people within the country, Kwaito has taken over radio, television, and magazines. South African rock music is a very popular subculture, especially within the Johannesburg region. The alternative rock and metal band Seether gained international popularity in the early 2000s, with five of their albums achieving Gold or Platinum certification in the United States. Four other rock bands, KONGOS , Civil Twilight , Prime Circle , the Parlotones and have also achieved success abroad in the late 2000s. While metal bands such as Vulvodynia have achieved moderate success in the 2020s. View More Cuisine Main article: South African cuisine An array of traditional South African cuisine The cuisine of South Africa is heavily meat-based and has spawned the distinctively South African social gathering known as a braai . A variation of the barbecue, braais often feature boerewors or spicy sausages, and mielies (maize ) or Mielie-meal , often as a porridge, or pearl millet , a staple food of black South Africans. Pastries such like koeksisters and desserts like melktert (milk tart) are also universally popular. Meat on a traditional South African braai Indian food like curry is also popular, especially in Durban with its large Indian population. Another local Indian Durban speciality is the "bunny", or bunny chow , which consists of a hollowed-out loaf of white bread filled with curry. The Portuguese community has also made its mark, with spicy peri-peri chicken being a favourite. The South African Portuguese-themed restaurant chain Nando's now has restaurants in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Malaysia, Kenya and the United Arab Emirates. Bunny Chow Close-up view of a plate of Bunny ChoW No culinary journey in South Africa is complete without trying a “bunny”. Don’t worry, it’s not an actual rabbit. A bunny chow is a hollowed-out half or quarter loaf of bread filled with curry, typically served with a bit of salad, or sambal, on the side. It originated in Durban, South Africa, in the 1940s, and was created by Indian migrant workers as a convenient and transportable lunch. The loaf can be filled with various curries such as chicken, beef, mutton, bean, or vegetable, depending on personal preference. The bread serves as both a “container” for the curry and as an accompaniment to be eaten with it! Bunny chows are eaten throughout the country these days, and has become a street food classic that’s enjoyed by people from all walks of life. Bobotie Bobotie with some yellow rice served with a salad Considered by many to be South Africa’s national dish, there are many versions of bobotie, most based on treasured recipes that have been passed down through generations. It’s believed that the first recipe for bobotie dates back to a 1609 Dutch cookbook. After it made its way to South Africa, it was adopted and refined – or arguably perfected – by the Cape Malay community, ultimately turning it into a South African dish. Bobotie is made from savoury spiced minced meat (beef, lamb, pork, chicken, or even ostrich) that’s baked with an egg and milk topping. Various spices, curry powder, bay leaves, apricot jam, dried fruits, and nuts are added, depending on the recipe. You typically eat it with slightly sweet yellow rice with raisins added to it, desiccated coconut, blatjang (chutney), and sambals. Biltong Three different types of biltong on a wooden platter | Photo credit: Getty Images Biltong is a quintessential and hugely popular snack with meat-loving South Africans. In fact, it’s gained popularity worldwide for its delicious, salty taste. The word biltong is derived from the Dutch words “bil”, meaning meat or rump, and “tong”, meaning tongue, which is often the shape of the pieces of meat used to make biltong. The meaty snack has its origins in the Great Trek era, when Dutch settlers, or Voortrekkers, moved from the Cape Colony into the interior of South Africa. They needed a reliable way to preserve meat during their long journeys, and viola – biltong was born! It’s superficially similar to American beef jerky, but that’s where the common ground ends. To make it, skilled butchers marinate strips of beef in a mixture of vinegar, salt, sugar, and spices like pepper and coriander, depending on personal taste. The marinated meat is then hung out to air-dry. Today, biltong remains a beloved South African snack, cherished for its unique flavour and versatility. It’s available in every butcher shop, corner café, petrol station, and supermarket, and you can even try venison options like kudu and gemsbok (oryx). Potjiekos Top view of a pot of potjiekos | Photo credit: Getty Images Potjiekos is another dish that was developed by the Voortrekkers during the Great Trek. It’s a stew-like South African dish cooked outdoors over an open fire in a round, three-legged cast-iron pot, known locally as a potjie (little pot). It’s an extremely versatile dish that people adapt to personal preferences and tastes. As with many South African dishes, everyone has their own recipes and techniques. It’s also an efficient and delicious way of preparing a large amount of food with minimal effort. In essence, potjiekos is a slow-cooked stew, featuring a mix of vegetables, meat, and spices. It sits atop hot coals for hours, simmering to perfection in its own juices. A wide variety of meats are suitable for a potjie, but people often opt for less expensive cuts. Potjiekos is famous for the range of delicious and complex flavours it develops and the exquisite tenderness of the meat cooked this way. Enjoying a potjie with friends and relatives perfectly embodies the spirit of the communal sharing of food so integral to South Africa’s food culture and cuisine. The South African Braai: Pap en Vleis/Shisa Nyama Spread of a typical braai with meat, braaibroodjies, and corn | Photo credit: Getty Images In Afrikaans, “pap en vleis” means maize porridge served with meat. “Shisa nyama” is the Zulu equivalent, with “shisa” meaning hot or burnt (i.e. cooked over an open fire) and “nyama” meaning meat. However, no matter where you go in South Africa, people call it braai. Whether you try it at a friend’s house or at a shisa nyama restaurant, the essence remains the same: it’s flame-grilled meat. However, it’s also South Africa’s favourite excuse to get together for social gatherings. Depending on who’s cooking, the meat is served with pap, cornbread, or another starch, along with chakalaka, a spicy relish, or more conventional sides like potato salad and garlic bread. Another local favourite is mielies (corn on the cob). At any given South African braai, you might come across lamb, boerewors (South African sausage), beef, chicken, pork, kudu, springbok, eland, warthog, ostrich, or even seafood. Often, the meat is marinated beforehand in the braai chef’s secret basting. The South African braai is an indelible part of South Africa’s food culture, resonating perfectly with the country’s love of good food enjoyed with family and friends. Vetkoek Mini vetkoek with mince curry filling | Photo credit: Getty Images A delightful treat, vetkoek or “fat cake”, is a traditional South African pastry, it’s a South African dish that you absolutely must try. Originally made as a way to use up leftover bread dough, it’s become a much-loved dish on its own, similar to the Dutch oliebol and the Xhosa amagwinya. Vetkoek is essentially a deep-fried bread dough ball best served hot. It can be served on its own, often just sprinkled with sugar, but it’s also served cut open and filled with delicious toppings. These include savoury mince mixtures, curries, cheese, butter, tuna and mayonnaise, or jam for a sweet version. Ideally, vetkoek should be crispy on the outside and delectably soft inside! Umngqusho, Isitambu, or Samp and Beans Bowl of samp and beans on a wooden platter | Photo credit: Getty Images Umngqusho, a highly prized staple in traditional Xhosa culture, is extremely nutritious and packed with flavours. Reputedly one of Nelson Mandela’s favourite dishes, samp and beans is made from slowly cooked sugar beans and crushed maize kernels, known as samp. It’s flavoured with chilli, onions, leeks, stock blocks, and butter or fat, and is a comforting and satisfying meal. Often served as a meal on its own, it can also be paired with other dishes like chicken, beef, mutton, or lamb stews. It’s traditionally served with umleqwa, a “hardbody chicken”, or lamb curry. Chakalaka Traditional South African chakalaka, a popular spicy side dish or relish | Photo credit: Getty Images This spicy, delicious, and versatile vegetable relish is reputed to have originated in Johannesburg. As the story goes, migrant mine workers from Mozambique used various ingredients like tomatoes, beans, and chilli to create a flavoursome Portuguese-style relish to eat with their pap. Many variations of the dish exist, with different versions including carrots, green peppers, onions, cabbage, and even butternut and sweetcorn. Flavourings like garlic and curry paste are used to add some oomph, and it can be served hot or cold. Make sure to ask how spicy it is before you take a bite – some chefs can be a little too generous with the chilli! It can be served with bread, rice, pap, and other starches, and as an accompaniment to stews and curries, adding a spicy kick to every bite. Melktert Traditional South African melktert | Photo credit: Getty Images For many South Africans, traditional melktert or milk tart conjures up images of home and childhood comfort food enjoyed with loved ones. It’s a South African sweet pastry that can be served with tea or coffee, or as a dessert after a meal. Many South African bakers have jealously-guarded secret family recipes that originated in the Dutch colonial era in South Africa. The main components of a melktert are a sweet pastry crust and a deliciously creamy custard filling made from milk, sugar, and eggs. It can be served hot or cold, but is traditionally served cold with a generous sprinkling of cinnamon. Melktert is a much-loved staple at every church fête, home industries outlet, and supermarket in South Africa. We even have a National Melktert Day on 27 February! Koeksisters Sweet koeksisters covered in syrup | Photo credit: Getty Images This is a diabolically sweet and addictive treat for serious sugar fans only! Koeksisters are twisted or braided deep-fried doughnut-like pastries. After deep-frying, the pastries are soaked in ice-cold syrup that has been left in the fridge overnight, which includes cinnamon, lemon, and ginger. This process ensures maximum absorption of the syrup while the outside of the koeksister remains crispy. Koeksisters have a rich history dating back to the arrival of Dutch settlers in 1652. The name koeksister is derived from the Dutch/Afrikaans word “koek”, meaning cake. It’s interesting to note that another spicy and delicious, often coconut-covered version called “koe’sister”, exists in the Cape. This can be traced back to Indonesian, Malay, and Arabian culinary traditions. Both of these delectable sweet pastries have become deeply entrenched cultural icons in South African cuisine. Has this glimpse into South Africa’s cuisine and culinary traditions piqued your interest and awakened a desire to see – and taste – South Africa for yourself? We wouldn’t blame you. At Discover Africa, after all these years, we’re still amazed at the wealth of experiences South Africa has to offer its visitors. Whatever your dream safari holiday, rest assured that South Africa’s varied cuisine will enrich any South African trip. Wine Main article: South African wine South Africa has developed into a major wine producer, with some of the best vineyards lying in valleys around Stellenbosch , Franschhoek , Paarl and Barrydale . South African wine has a history dating back to 1659, and at one time Constantia was considered one of the greatest wines in the world. Access to international markets has unleashed a burst of new energy and new investment. Production is concentrated around Cape Town , with major vineyard and production centres at Paarl , Stellenbosch and Worcester . There are about 60 appellations within the Wine of Origin (WO) system, which was implemented in 1973 with a hierarchy of designated production regions, districts and wards. WO wines must be made 100% from grapes from the designated area. "Single vineyard" wines must come from a defined area of less than 5 hectares. An "Estate Wine" can come from adjacent farms, as long as they are farmed together and wine is produced on site. A ward is an area with a distinctive soil type and/or climate, and is roughly equivalent to a European appellation. View More Education Main article: Education in South Africa The heart of the Rhodes University campus Learners have twelve years of formal schooling, from grade 1 to 12. Grade R is a pre-primary foundation year. Primary schools span the first seven years of schooling. High School education spans a further five years. The Senior Certificate examination takes place at the end of grade 12 and is necessary for tertiary studies at a South African university . Public universities in South Africa are divided into three types: traditional universities, which offer theoretically oriented university degrees; universities of technology (formerly called "Technikons "), which offer vocational oriented diplomas and degrees; and comprehensive universities, which offer both types of qualification. Public institutions are usually English medium, although instruction may take place in Afrikaans as well. There are also a large number of other educational institutions in South Africa – some are local campuses of foreign universities, some conduct classes for students who write their exams at the distance-education University of South Africa and some offer unaccredited or non-accredited diplomas. Public expenditure on education was at 6.1% of the 2016 GDP. Under apartheid , schools for blacks were subject to discrimination through inadequate funding and a separate syllabus called Bantu Education which was only designed to give them sufficient skills to work as labourers. Redressing these imbalances has been a focus of recent education policy; see Education in South Africa: Restructuring . See also: Matriculation in South Africa ; High school in South Africa Scouting South Africa has also had a large influence in the Scouting movement, with many Scouting traditions and ceremonies coming from the experiences of Robert Baden-Powell (the founder of Scouting) during his time in South Africa as a military officer in the 1890s-1900s. Scouts South Africa (then known as Boy Scouts of South Africa) was one of the first youth organisations to open its doors to youth and adults of all races in South Africa. This happened on 2 July 1977 at a conference known as Quo Vadis View More Society Gender roles Main article: Women in South Africa Further information: Feminism in South Africa Sexual orientation Main article: LGBT rights in South Africa South Africa enacted same-sex marriage laws in 2006 allowing full marriage and adoption rights to same-sex couples. Although the Constitutional and legal system in South Africa theoretically ensures equality, social acceptance is generally lacking, especially outside of urban areas. Lesbian women from smaller towns (especially the townships ) are often victims of beating or rape. This has been posited, in part, to be because of the perceived threat they pose to traditional male authority. Although evidence of hatred may influence rulings on a case-by-case basis, South Africa has no specific hate crime legislation; human rights organisations have criticised the South African police for failing to address the matter of bias-motivated crimes. For example, the NGO ActionAid has condemned the continued impunity and accused governments of turning a blind eye to reported murders of lesbians in homophobic attacks in South Africa; as well as to so-called "corrective" rapes , including cases among pupils, in which cases the male rapists purport to raping the lesbian victim with the intent of thereby "curing" her of her sexual orientation. Science and technology Main article: Science and technology in South Africa Several important scientific and technological developments have originated in South Africa. The first human-to-human heart transplant was performed by cardiac surgeon Christiaan Barnard at Groote Schuur Hospital in December 1967. Max Theiler developed a vaccine against Yellow Fever, Allan McLeod Cormack pioneered x-ray Computed tomography , and Aaron Klug developed crystallographic electron microscopy techniques. These advancements were all (with the exception of that of Barnard) recognised with Nobel Prizes . Sydney Brenner won most recently, in 2002, for his pioneering work in molecular biology . Mark Shuttleworth founded an early Internet security company Thawte , that was subsequently bought out by world-leader VeriSign . Elon Musk was born in South Africa. South Africa has cultivated a burgeoning astronomy community. It hosts the Southern African Large Telescope , the largest optical telescope in the southern hemisphere. South Africa is currently building the Karoo Array Telescope as a pathfinder for the $20 billion Square Kilometer Array project to be built in South Africa and Australia. View More Sports Main article: Sport in South Africa The Springboks in a bus parade after winning the 2007 Rugby World Cup The Proteas at the Oval in 2008 The most popular sports in South Africa are association football , rugby , and cricket . Other sports with significant support are field hockey , swimming , athletics , golf , boxing , tennis , netball and softball . Although association football commands the greatest following among the youth , other sports like basketball , surfing , judo and skateboarding are becoming increasingly popular. Famous combat sport personalities include Baby Jake Jacob Matlala , Vuyani Bungu , Welcome Ncita , Dingaan Thobela , Corrie Sanders , Gerrie Coetzee , Brian Mitchell and Dricus du Plessis . Footballers who have played for major foreign clubs include Lucas Radebe and Philemon Masinga , (both formerly of Leeds United ), Quinton Fortune (Atlético Madrid and Manchester United ), Benni McCarthy (also first-team coach at Manchester United ) (Ajax Amsterdam , F.C. Porto , Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United ), Aaron Mokoena (Ajax Amsterdam, Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth ), Delron Buckley (Borussia Dortmund ) and Steven Pienaar (Ajax Amsterdam and Everton ). South Africa has also produced 1979 Formula One World Champion, Jody Scheckter , along with his son, two time Indycar Series race winner, Tomas Scheckter , who led the most laps in both his first two Indianapolis 500 starts during the 2002 and 2003 running of the race. In MotoGP , notable racers include Brad Binder and his younger brother, Darryn Binder . Durban Surfer Jordy Smith won the 2010 Billabong J-Bay competition making him the No. 1 ranked surfer in the world. Famous cricket players include Herschelle Gibbs , Graeme Smith , Dale Steyn , Jonty Rhodes , Jacques Kallis , JP Duminy , Quinton de Kock , Faf du Plessis , Keshav Maharaj , Kagiso Rabada , David Miller and AB de Villiers , etc. Most of them have also participated in the Indian Premier League . South Africa has also produced numerous world class rugby players, including Francois Pienaar , Joost van der Westhuizen , Danie Craven , Frik du Preez , Naas Botha , Bryan Habana , Siya Kolisi , Cheslin Kolbe , Duane Vermeulen , Eben Etzebeth and Makazole Mapimpi . South Africa hosted and won the 1995 Rugby World Cup and won the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France as well as the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, and the 2023 Rugby World Cup , again in France. It followed the 1995 Rugby World Cup by hosting the 1996 African Cup of Nations , with the national team going on to win the tournament. It also hosted the 2003 Cricket World Cup , the 2007 World Twenty20 Championship , and it was the host nation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup , which was the first time the tournament was held in Africa. FIFA president Sepp Blatter awarded South Africa a grade 9 out of 10 for successfully hosting the event. In 2004, the swimming team of Roland Schoeman , Lyndon Ferns , Darian Townsend and Ryk Neethling won the gold medal at the Olympic Games in Athens, simultaneously breaking the world record in the 4x100 freestyle relay. Penny Heyns won Olympic Gold in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games . Swimmer Tatjana Smith (née Schoenmaker) won gold and silver medals at both the Olympic Games and the Commonwealth Games. In golf, Gary Player is generally regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time, having won the Career Grand Slam , one of five golfers to have done so. Other South African golfers to have won major tournaments include Bobby Locke , Ernie Els , Retief Goosen , Trevor Immelman and Louis Oosthuizen . View More View More BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

History of South African Flags & Coat of Arms 1902–1910 The South African Republic Vierkleur The Second Anglo-Boer War between 1899 and 1902 ended with the Treaty of Vereeniging on 31 May 1902 and resulted in what is now South Africa falling under the British Union Flag . The former Boer Republics of the Orange Free State and the Zuid-Afrikaanse Republiek (Transvaal) became British colonies along with the existing Cape and Natal colonies. Each was also entitled to a colonial flag following in the British tradition. 1910–1928 Main article: South Africa Red Ensign On 31 May 1910 these four colonies came together to form the Union of South Africa and the individual colonial flags were no longer used and new South African flags came into being. Once again, as a British dominion the British Union Flag was to continue as the national flag and the standard British ensign pattern was used as a basis for distinctive South African flags. As was the case throughout the British Empire , the Red and Blue Ensigns were the official flags for merchant and government vessels at sea, and the British Admiralty authorised them to be defaced in the fly with the shield from the South African coat of arms .These ensigns were not intended to be used as the Union's national flag, although they were used by some people as such. Although these ensigns were primarily intended for maritime use, they were also flown on land. The South Africa Red Ensign was South Africa's de facto national flag between 1910 and 1928 and was flown at times from Government buildings. The design of the Red Ensign was modified slightly in 1912 when the shield was placed on a white disc so as to make it more distinguishable. The Red Ensign continued to be used as the flag of the South African merchant marine until 1951. A variant of South Africa Red Ensign with the full coat of arms of South Africa on a white disc. Commonly flown by civilians. The Blue Ensign was flown over the Union's offices abroad between 1910 and 1928. These flags never enjoyed much popular support due to the animosities lingering after the Anglo-Boer War – the Afrikaner descendants of the Dutch settlers from the former Boer Republics saw it as a British flag, and the English-speakers saw it was not the Union Flag alone 1928–1994 Main article: Flag of South Africa (1928–1994) Union of South Africa (1928–1961) Republic of South Africa (1961–1994) Oranje, Blanje, Blou Use National flag , civil and state ensign Proportion2:3 Adopted31 May 1928 RelinquishedApril 27, 1994; 30 years ago Three small flags on the flag of South Africa, used from 1928 to 1982. Three small flags on the flag of South Africa, used from 1982 to 1994. The three flags in the centre representing the former British colonies of Cape Colony and Natal with the Union Flag on the left, followed by the flags of the former Boer republics of Orange Free State and the South African Republic on the right. The Union Flag is shown with the hoist on the right . Due to the lack of popularity of these flags, there were intermittent discussions about the desirability of a more distinctive national flag for South Africa after 1910,: 70  it was only after a coalition government took office in 1925 that a bill was introduced in Parliament to introduce a national flag for the Union. This provoked an often violent controversy that lasted for three years based on whether the British Union Flag should be included in the new flag design or not. The Natal Province even threatened to secede from the Union should it be decided to remove it. Finally, a compromise was reached that resulted in the adoption of a separate flag for the Union in late 1927 and the design was first hoisted on 31 May 1928. The design was based on the so-called Van Riebeeck flag or "Prince's Flag " (Prinsenvlag in Afrikaans ) that was originally the Dutch flag ; it consisted of orange, white, and blue horizontal stripes. A version of this flag had been used as the flag of the Dutch East India Company (known as the VOC) at the Cape (with the VOC logo in the centre) from 1652 until 1795. The South African addition to the design was the inclusion of three smaller flags centred in the white stripe. The miniature flags were the British Union Flag (mirrored) towards the hoist, the flag of the Orange Free State hanging vertically in the middle and the Transvaal Vierkleur towards the fly. The position of each of the miniature flags is such that each has equal status. However, to ensure that the Dutch flag in the canton of the Orange Free State flag is placed nearest to the upper hoist of the main flag, the Free State flag must be reversed. The British Union Flag, which is nearest to the hoist and is thus in a more favoured position, is spread horizontally from the Free State flag towards the hoist and is thus also reversed. Although placed horizontally furthest from the hoist, to balance the British Union Flag, the Vierkleur is the only one of the miniature flags which is spread in the same direction as the main flag. This compensates for its otherwise less favourable position. In this arrangement, each of the miniature flags enjoy equal precedence.Note that the miniature flags of the Transvaal Republic and the Orange Free State both contain miniature flags of the Netherlands , while the miniature flag of the United Kingdom is a composition of the flags of England , Scotland and the Anglo-Irish people , making the old South African flag the only former national flag in the world containing five flags within three flags within a flag. The choice of the Prinsenvlag (which was believed to be the first flag hoisted on South African soil by Jan van Riebeeck of the VOC) as the basis upon which to design the South African flag had more to do with compromise than Afrikaner political desires, since the Prinsenvlag was politically neutral, as it was no longer the national flag of any nation. A further element of this compromise was that the British Union Flag would continue to fly alongside the new South African national flag over official buildings. This dual flag arrangement continued until 1957 when the British Union Flag lost its official status per an Act of Parliament . Following a referendum the country became a republic on 31 May 1961, but the design of the flag remained unchanged. However, there was intense pressure to change the flag, particularly from Afrikaners who still resented the fact that the British Union Flag was a part of the flag. In 1968, the then Prime Minister , John Vorster , proposed the adoption of a new flag from 1971, to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the declaration of a republic but this never materialised. Since 2019, public display of this flag in South Africa is considered hate speech (for being a potential symbol of apartheid and white supremacy ) and therefore prohibited, with exceptions for artistic, academic and journalistic purposes, as well as for museums & places of historical interest. Flag from 1928–1982 Flag from 1982–1994 1994–present South African Ambassador to the U.S. Harry Schwarz presenting the new flag to the U.S. president Bill Clinton and vice president Al Gore in May 1994. The present South African national flag was first flown on 27 April 1994,the day of the 1994 election . However, the flag was first intended to be an interim flag only, and its design was decided upon only a week beforehand. The choice of a new flag was part of the negotiation process set in motion when Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990. When a nationwide public competition was held in 1993, the National Symbols Commission received more than 7,000 designs.[16] Six designs were shortlisted and presented to the public and the Negotiating Council, but none elicited enthusiastic support. A number of design studios were then contacted to submit further proposals, but these also did not find favour. Parliament went into recess at the end of 1993 without a suitable candidate for the new national flag. In February 1994, Cyril Ramaphosa and Roelf Meyer , the chief negotiators of the African National Congress and the National Party government of the day respectively, were given the task of resolving the flag issue. A final design was adopted on 15 March 1994, derived from a design developed by the State Herald Fred Brownell , who had also claimed to have previously designed the Namibian flag . This interim flag was hoisted officially for the first time on 27 April 1994, the day when the nation's first fully inclusive elections commenced which resulted in Nelson Mandela being inaugurated as South Africa's first democratically elected president on 10 May 1994. The flag was well received by most South Africans, though a small minority objected to it; hundreds of Afrikaner Volksfront members in Bloemfontein burned the flag in protest a few weeks before the April 1994 elections. The flag flying at the Sydney Cricket Ground . The proclamation of the new national flag by South African President F. W. de Klerk was only published on 20 April 1994, a mere seven days before the flag was to be inaugurated, sparking a frantic last-minute flurry for flag manufacturers. As stated in South Africa's post-apartheid interim constitution, the flag was to be introduced on an interim probationary period of five years, after which there would be discussion about whether or not to change the national flag in the final draft of the constitution . The Constitutional Assembly was charged with the responsibility of drafting the country's new constitution and had called for submissions, inter alia, on the issues of its various national symbols. It received 118 submissions recommending the retention of the new flag and 35 suggesting changes to it. Thus on 28 September 1995 it decided that the flag should be retained unchanged and accordingly it was included as Section One of the Constitution of South Africa which came into force in February 1997. Proper display of the flag The South African government published guidelines for proper display of the flag at designated flag stations, in Government Notice 510 of 8 June 2001 (Gazette number 22356). These rules apply only to official flag stations and not to the general public. The Southern African Vexillological Association (SAVA), a non-official association for the study of flags, published their own guide for proper display of the flag in 2002. This guide has no official authority but was drawn up with generally accepted vexillological etiquette and principles in mind. Official description An addendum to the Transitional Executive Council agenda (April 1994) described the flag in pseudo-heraldic terms as follows: The National flag shall be rectangular in the proportion of two in the width to three to the length; per pall from the hoist, the upper band red (chilli) and lower band blue, with a black triangle at the hoist; over the partition lines a green pall one fifth the width of the flag, fimbriated white against the red and blue, and gold against the black triangle at the hoist, and the width of the pall and its fimbriations is one third the width of the flag. Schedule One of the Constitution of South Africa (1996) replaced the heraldic definition and described the flag in plain English as follows: The national flag is rectangular; it is one and a half times as long as it is wide. It is black, gold, green, white, chilli red and blue. It has a green Y-shaped band that is one fifth as wide as the flag. The centre lines of the band start in the top and bottom corners next to the flag post, converge in the centre of the flag, and continue horizontally to the middle of the free edge. The green band is edged, above and below in white, and towards the flag post end, in gold. Each edging is one fifteenth as wide as the flag. The triangle next to the flag post is black. The upper horizontal band is chilli red and the lower horizontal band is blue. These bands are each one third as wide as the flag. Historical flags (1652–1928) See also: South Africa Red Ensign Many flags were used in South Africa prior to political unification in 1910. The original Dutch East India Company colony at the Cape of Good Hope (1652–1795) flew the Dutch flag, with the VOC logo in the centre. This flag was also flown during the period of Batavian Republic rule (1803–06). The Boer Republics , i.e. the Orange Free State (1854–1902), the South African Republic (1857–1902), Stellaland (1882–85), Goshen (1883–85), the Nieuwe Republiek (1884–88), and the Klein Vrystaat (1886–1891) had their own flags. Several derived from the Dutch flag. The British colonies that existed in the 19th century flew the British flags, and from the early 1870s some, i.e. Natal , Cape Colony , and later the Orange River Colony and the Transvaal , added their own colonial flag badges. The Union of South Africa, formed in 1910, initially used a red ensign defaced with a badge depicting the Union coat of arms. The first South African national flag, introduced in 1928, superseded it. FlagDateUseDescription 1652–1795The Prince's Flag A horizontal triband of orange , white and blue . 1652–1795States Flag A horizontal triband of red, white and blue. The blue is a lighter shade than that of the current national flag 1652–1795, 1803–1806Flag of the Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie 1795–1801Flag of the Kingdom of Great Britain the Flags of England and Scotland superimposed. 1801–1803Union Jack The flag was used in the occupation of The Dutch Cape Colony until 1803, only to be reintroduced in 1806. 1803–1806Flag of the Batavian Republic A horizontal triband of red, white and blue with the Republic’s emblem in the canton. 1839–1843Natalia Republic 1857–1902Orange Free State 1857–74, 1875–77, 1881–1902South African Republic (Transvaal Republic)('Vierkleur') 1870–71Flag of the Diggers' Republic ('Diamond flag') 1870–71Flag of the Diggers' Republic ('Klipdrift flag') 1874–1875South African Republic (Transvaal Republic)('Thomas François Burgers 's Voortrekker flag'). A red saltire outlined in white on a dark blue field. 1875–1910Colony of Natal 1876–1910Cape Colony A blue ensign defaced with the shield-of-arms of Cape Colony 1883–1885State of Goshen 1883Stellaland 1883–1885Stellaland 1884–1888Nieuwe Republiek 1890–1891Klein Vrystaat 1902–1910Orange River Colony A blue ensign defaced with a springbok antelope in a disc 1904–1910Transvaal Colony A blue ensign defaced with a disc showing a lion lying on an African plain with palm trees. 1910–1912Union of South Africa (Merchant flag) 1912–1951Union of South Africa (Merchant flag) 1910–1928Union of South Africa (State Ensign and naval jack) National flags (1928–1994) See also: Flag of South Africa (1928–1994) The Hertzog administration introduced the flag after several years of political controversy. Approved by Parliament in 1927, it was first hoisted on 31 May 1928. The flag reflected the Union's predecessors. The basis was the Prince's Flag (royal tricolour) of the Netherlands, with the addition of a Union Jack to represent the Cape and Natal, the former Orange Free state flag, and the former South African Republic flag. Until 1957, the flag was flown subordinate to the British Union Jack. The flag remained unchanged when South Africa became a republic on 31 May 1961. Homeland flags (1966–1994) Nine of the ten Black 'homelands' which were created inside South African Federation under the apartheid system, had their own flags, i.e. Transkei (1966–94), Bophuthatswana (1973–94), Ciskei (1973–94), Gazankulu (1973–94), Venda (1973–94), Lebowa (1974–94), QwaQwa (1975–94), KwaZulu (1977–94), and KwaNdebele (1982–94). KaNgwane was the only homeland that never adopted its own distinctive flag, instead using the national flag of South Africa. All these flags became obsolete when South Africa reincorporated the homelands on 27 April 1994. FlagDateUseDescription 1966–1994Transkei 1973–1994Bophuthatswana 1973–1994Ciskei 1973–1994Gazankulu 1973–1994Venda 1974–1994Lebowa 1975–1994QwaQwa 1977–1985KwaZulu (1) 1982–1994KwaNdebele 1985–1994KwaZulu (2) Sporting flags (1992–1994) As a result of the sporting boycott of South Africa over its policy of apartheid , South Africa did not participate in the Olympic Games between 1964 and 1988. The country was re-admitted to the Olympic movement in 1991. As a result of a dispute over what flag and national anthem to use following readmission, the team participated in the 1992 Summer Olympic Games under the National Olympic Committee flag. The flag consisted of a white field charged with grey diamond, which represented the countries mineral wealth, three cascading bands of blue, red and green, which represented the sea, the land and agriculture respectively and the Olympic rings.This flag was also used to represent the South African team at the 1992 Summer Paralympics . Team uniforms included the emblem of Olympic Committee of South Africa , which depicted Olympic rings surrounded by olive branches, with the name of the country above. The team would use Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" as its victory anthem at these games. At the 1994 Winter Games , South Africa participated under the flag of its Olympic committee. Military flags Military flags South African Defence Force 1947–1981 1981–1994 South African National Defence Force 1994–2003 2003–present National Defence Department Joint Operations Division Department of Military Veterans South African Army 1951–1973 1973–1994 1994–2002 2002–2003 2003–present South African Air Force 1920–1940 1940–1951 1951–1958 1958–1967 1967–1970 (approved but not used) 1970–1981 1981–1982 1982–1994 1994–2003 2003–present South African Navy Main article: South African Naval Ensign Naval ensign, 1922–1946 Naval ensign, 1946–1951 Naval ensign, 1951–1952 (approved but not used) Naval ensign, 1952–1959 Naval ensign, 1959–1981 Naval ensign, 1981–1994 Naval colour, 1981–1994 Naval ensign, 1994–present Naval colour, c. 1998 Police flags South African Police until 1994 South African Police Service 1995–present Provincial flags 1910–1994 Between 1910 and 1994, South Africa was divided into four provinces, Cape Province , Natal , Orange Free State and Transvaal . These provinces had their own coat of arms but not their own flags. 1994–present In April 1994, South Africa was divided into nine provinces . Each province was granted a coat of arms, in most cases designed by State Herald Frederick Brownell . Currently only one province, Mpumalanga , has adopted an official provincial flag, doing so in February 1996. The other eight provinces can be represented by white banners charged with their coats of arms. Flag of South Africa Flag of South Africa For other flags of South Africa, see List of South African flags . Republic of South Africa Use Civil and state flag , civil and state ensign Proportion2:3 Adopted27 April 1994; 30 years ago DesignA horizontal bicolour of red and blue with a black isosceles triangle based on the hoist-side and a green pall, a central green band that splits into a horizontal Y, centred over the partition lines and was edged in both white against the red and the blue bands and yellow against the triangle, in which the arms of the Y ends at the corners of the hoist and embraces the triangle on the hoist-side. Designed byFrederick Brownell South African National Defence Force Use War flag Adopted25 April 2003; 21 years ago South African Naval Ensign Use Naval ensign Adopted16 March 1998; 26 years ago The national flag of South Africa was designed in March 1994 and adopted on 27 April 1994, during South Africa 's 1994 general election , to replace the previous flag used from 1928–1994 . The flag has horizontal bands of red (on the top) and blue (on the bottom), of equal width, separated by a central green band which splits into a horizontal "Y" shape, the arms of which end at the corners of the hoist side (and follow the flag's diagonals). The "Y" embraces a black isosceles triangle from which the arms are separated by narrow yellow or gold bands ; the red and blue bands are separated from the green band and its arms by narrow white stripes. The stripes at the fly end are in the 5:1:3:1:5 ratio. Three of the flag's colours were taken from the flag of the South African Republic , itself derived from the flag of the Netherlands , as well as the Union Jack , while the remaining three colours were taken from the flag of the African National Congress . Nicknames for the flag include the Seskleur (lit. 'six colour')and the Rainbow Flag. Colours At the time of its adoption, the South African flag was the only national flag in the world to comprise six colours in its primary design and without a seal and brocade. The design and colours are a synopsis of principal elements of the country's flag history. The colours themselves have no essential meaning. ColoursTextile colourPantone equivalentRGB hexadecimalRGB decimalSample Green CKS 42 c Spectrum green3415 c#007A4D0, 122, 77 Black CKS 401 c Blue black#0000000, 0, 0 White CKS 701 c National flag white#FFFFFF255, 255, 255 Gold CKS 724 c Gold yellow1235 c#FFB612255, 182, 18 Red CKS 750 c Chilli red179 c#DE3831222, 56, 49 Blue CKS 762 c National flag blueReflex blue c#0023950, 35, 149 Symbolism According to official South African government information, the South African flag is "a synopsis of principal elements of the country's flag history." Although different people may attribute personal symbolism to the individual colours or colour combinations, "no universal symbolism should be attached to any of the colours." The only symbolism in the flag is the V or Y shape, which can be interpreted as "the convergence of diverse elements within South African society, taking the road ahead in unity". Frederick Gordon Brownell who created the flag has said that the green Y-shaped part of the flag was influenced by the chasubles worn by Anglican priests, and stated that he was influenced to include it as he grew up Anglican. From time to time explanations of the meanings or symbolism of the flag's colours are published in various media, including official government publications and speeches by government officials. The flag consists of the four colours of the Vierkleur , expanded by the addition of black and gold signifying South Africa's mineral wealth. Three of the colours – black, green and gold – are found in the flag of the African National Congress . The other three – red, white and blue – are used in the modern flag of the Netherlands and the flag of the United Kingdom ; the colours white and blue were also found in the old flag of South Africa . Former South African President F.W. de Klerk , who proclaimed the new flag on 20 April 1994, stated in his autobiography, The Last Trek: a New Beginning, that chilli red was chosen instead of plain red (which Anglo-Africans would have preferred) or orange (as some Afrikaners would have preferred). Proposed flags Flags proposed in the 1910s 1910 proposal (white) 1910 proposal (red) Flags proposed in the 1920s Flags from the 1925/1926 Public Flag Competition The government of South Africa opened a competition open to the public. While the "Walker Flag" had some support, ultimately none of the designs were chosen. Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, 1926, Four-Color Version, the "Walker Flag" Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Boxes Version Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Orange Cross Version Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Southern Cross Stripes Version Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Southern Cross Circle Version Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Bordered Version Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Five Colors with White Stripes Version Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Five Colors with Boxes Version Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Six Stripes NL Version Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Checkered Version Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Six Stripes Version Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, Six Stripes with Box Version Flags from the 1927 Flag Commission In 1927, the government set up a flag commission, which came up with three designs, the "Cross Flags". Due to the opposition insisting on the Union Jack being featured, the commission created three more designs at the Flag Conference in April and May of 1927. Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, 1927, Red Cross Version Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, 1927, White Cross Version Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, 1927, Green Version Committee proposal 1 Committee proposal 2 Committee proposal 3 Flags put forward in 1927 by SAP, Government, and Senate In June of 1927, the South African Party proposed a flag with four elements divided by a white cross, and the government proposed a version with a shield defacing the Prinsenvlag . The Senate then combined elements from both into a third proposal. Finally, in October of 1927, a compromise was reached and the Flag of South Africa (1928–1994) was introduced. Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, 1927, Four Quadrants Version proposed by the South African Party 1927 proposal by the government 1927 proposal by the Senate Flags proposed in the 1960s In the 1960s, there was pressure to change the flag, particularly from Afrikaners who resented the fact that the Union Flag was a part of the flag. The then prime minister, Dr Hendrik Verwoerd , had his assistant secretary, HC Blatt, design a "clean" flag, comprising three vertical stripes of orange, white, and blue, with a leaping springbok over a wreath of six proteas in the centre, designed, but he was assassinated before he could introduce it, and the project died with him in 1966. Proposal for the Flag of South Africa, 1965, the "Verwoerd Flag" Flags proposed in the 1990s 1992 Contest by the "Natal Witness" The Natal Witness newspaper held a competition for a new flag design, which was won by Lalsingh Ramlukan with a design featuring four cupped hands and a blue dove. Designs shortlisted by the Commission on National Symbols The Commission on National Symbols proposed six designs in October 1993. Proposal 1 Proposal 2 Proposal 3 Proposal 4 Proposal 5 Proposal 6 Designs Proposed Graphic design studios A group of professional graphic design studios proposed several flag designs in November 1993. Designs shortlisted by the Joint Technical Working Committee The Joint Technical Working Committee shortlisted 5 designs in February 1994. A further design was proposed also by the African National Congress (ANC) based on a design shortlisted in October 1993. Proposal 4, designed by State Herald Frederick Brownell , was submitted to the Transitional Executive Council and approved as the final choice for the new flag. Proposal 1 Proposal 2 Proposal 3 Proposal 4 Proposal 5 Proposal by ANC The South African Flag – History, Meaning, Colour & Designer National Flag The South African flag is one of the National symbols that makes the country unique in its own way. A national flag is used to represent a country without having to use its name. The flag of South Africa is flown at the front of all government buildings. Individuals and private organizations like banks have also taken the liberty of flying the national symbol. Brief History of South African Flag The flag of South Africa was designed by the then State Herald of South Africa Frederick Brownell in March 1994 and was adopted on 27 April 1994, at the beginning of South Africa’s 1994 general election. This was done to replace the flag that had been used since 1928. The present South African national flag was first flown on 27 April 1994, which was the day of South Africa’s 1994 election. Choosing a new flag was part of the negotiation process that was set in place when Nelson Mandela was in 1990 released from prison. Who Designed South African Flag – Frederick Brownell For those of us who do not know and have been researching about this, the South African Flag was designed by Frederick Brownell who was the then State Herald of South Africa. It was designed in March 1994. Frederick matriculated from St. Andrew’s School in Bloemfontein in 1957 and was 54 years of age when he designed the flag. He has designed many coats of arms, badges and flags, including the arms and the flag of Namibia in 1990. Brownell was awarded the Order for Meritorious Service by President Nelson Mandela in 1999 for his role in designing the South African flag. Colours of Flag of South Africa The South African flag has six colours: Green, Black, White, Gold, Blue and Red. Green represents natural wealth, while white represents peace. The design and colours of the South African flag are a synopsis of principal elements of the country’s flag history. The colours actually do not have any essential meaning. Black, Green and Gold yellow are found in the flag of the African National Congress. Red, White and Blue are used in the modern flag of the Netherlands and the flag of the United Kingdom; the colours white and blue were also found in the old flag of South Africa. Description of Flag of South Africa The national flag is rectangular; it is one and a half times as long as it is wide. It is black, gold, green, white, chilli red and blue. It has a green Y-shaped band that is one fifth as wide as the flag. The centre lines of the band start in the top and bottom corners next to the flag post, converge in the centre of the flag and continue horizontally to the middle of the free edge. The green band is edged, above and below in white, and towards the flag post end, in gold. Each edging is one-fifteenth as wide as the flag. The triangle next to the flag post is black. The upper horizontal band is chilli red and the lower horizontal band is blue. These bands are each one third as wide as the flag . South African National Symbols and Their Meaning History No Comments Share Tweet 0 Shares South Africa uses a range of national symbols to identify the country which includes: National flag, National Anthem, National Bird, National Animal, National Fish, National Flower, Coat of Arms and National Orders. According to Wikipedia, a national symbol is a symbol of any entity considering itself and manifesting itself to the world as a national community: the sovereign states but also nations and countries in a state of colonial or other dependence, (con)federal integration, or even an ethnocultural community considered a ‘nationality’ despite having no political autonomy. Through this post, we will be taking a look at the South African National Symbols one by one. THE FLAG The flag of South Africa was designed by the then State Herald of South Africa Frederick Brownell in March 1994 and was adopted on 27 April 1994, at the beginning of South Africa’s 1994 general election. The South African flag has six colours: Green, Black, White, Gold, Blue, and Red. Green represents natural wealth, while white represents peace. The design and colours of the South African flag are a synopsis of principal elements of the country’s flag history. The colours actually do not have any essential meaning. Black, Green and Gold yellow is found in the flag of the African National Congress. Red, White, and Blue are used in the modern flag of the Netherlands and the flag of the United Kingdom; the colours white and blue were also found in the old flag of South Africa. The South African Flag - History, Meaning, Colour & Designer National Anthem , The national anthem of South Africa which was adopted in 1997 combines extracts from the Xhosa hymn Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika (“God Bless Africa”) with extracts from the former national anthem Die Stem van Suid Africa (“The Voice of South Africa”). The first verse is in isiXhosa and isiZulu, the second verse is in Sesotho, the third verse is in Afrikaans while the last and final verse is in English. Nkosi sikelel’ iAfrika Maluphakanyisw’ uphondo lwayo, Yizwa imithandazo yethu, Nkosi sikelela, thina lusapho lwayo. Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso, O fedise dintwa le matshwenyeho, O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso, Setjhaba sa South Afrika – South Afrika. Uit die blou van onse hemel, Uit die diepte van ons see, Oor ons ewige gebergtes, Waar die kranse antwoord gee, Sounds the call to come together, And united we shall stand, Let us live and strive for freedom, In South Africa our land. National Coat of Arms National Coat of Arms The National Coat of Arms is the highest visual symbol of the state. It is elegant and contemporary in design and distinctly egg-shaped. The national coat of arm can be interpreted as follows: The central image of a secretary bird with uplifted wings, The sun rising above the horizon is placed between the wings of the secretary bird and completes the oval shape of ascendance. Ears of wheat: This signifies the emblems of the fertility of the land. Tusks of the African elephant: This symbolizes wisdom, strength, and steadfastness. Shield: This signifies the protection of South African Spear and knobkierie: It visualizes the defense of peace rather than a posture of war Images of Khoisan people: This represents the first inhabitants of the land . National Orders South Africa’s current national orders were issued for the first time in 2002. Anyone is eligible for nomination, and nominees don’t have to be famous but must have performed an act of bravery or rendered exceptional service to the country. Order of Mapungubwe: this is awarded to South African citizens for excellence and exceptional achievement. Order of the Baobab: it is awarded for distinguished service in business and the economy; science, medicine, technological innovation; and community service. Order of the Companions of OR Tambo: it is awarded to heads of state and other dignitaries promoting peace, cooperation, and friendship towards South Africa. It is awarded in three categories to eminent foreign nationals and other foreign dignitaries for friendship shown to South Africa. Order of Luthuli: this is awarded to South Africans who have made a meaningful contribution to the struggle for democracy, human rights, nation-building, justice and peace, and conflict resolution. Order of Ikhamanga: this is awarded to South African citizens for excellence in arts, culture, literature, music, journalism or sports. This award is made in made in three categories. The exceptional achievement Order is awarded in gold, for excellent achievement, it is awarded in silver while it is awarded in bronze for outstanding achievement. Order of the Mendi Decoration for Bravery: this is awarded to South African citizens who have performed extraordinary acts of bravery. The act of bravery could have been performed in or outside the Republic of South Africa. National animal & National Bird The National Animal of South Africa is the Springbok. The scientific name of this animal is Antidorcas marsupialis. The South African national rugby team name fondly known as “the Boks” or “die Bokke” was derived from the name of this animal. Public holidays in South Africa The springbok is South Africa’s most popular antelope. This mammal is a vegetarian which can grow up to 75 cm in height. National Bird National bird of south africa The national bird of South Africa is the Blue Crane. The scientific name of this animal is Anthropoides paradisia. They are common in the Karoo and can also find them in the grasslands of KwaZulu-Natal and the highveld, usually in pairs or small family parties. They feed on seeds, insects, and reptiles. The Blue crane distribution is almost entirely restricted to South Africa. National Flower National flower of south africa The national flower of South Africa is the King Protea. The scientific name of this flower is Protea cynaroides. The flower can be found in the south-western and southern areas of the Western Cape, from the Cedarberg up to just east of Grahamstown. The Proteas is the name given to the South African national cricket team. National Fish National fish of south africa The National Fish of South Africa is the Galjoen. The scientific name of this fish is Dichistius capensis. It is found along the coast from Namibia to Durban, and nowhere else in the world. The fish feeds majorly on red bait (ascidians), small mussels and barnacles. National Tree National tree of south africa The national tree of South Africa is the Real Yellowwood Tree. The scientific name of this tree is Podocarpus latifolius. It is found from Table Mountain along the southern and eastern Cape coast, the Drakensberg up to the Soutpansberg and the Blouberg in Limpopo. This tree can grow up to 40 metres in height with the base of the trunk sometimes up to 3 metres in diameter. References: Brand South Africa South Africa Explorer Low Velder Image Sources: Gov.za Share Tweet 0 Shares Related Posts List of Minister of Basic Education Till Date List of Minister of Basic Education Till Date South African History – March 16 South African History – March 16 South African History Today – February 25 South African History Today . National Flower National flower of south africa The national flower of South Africa is the King Protea. The scientific name of this flower is Protea cynaroides. The flower can be found in the south-western and southern areas of the Western Cape, from the Cedarberg up to just east of Grahamstown. The Proteas is the name given to the South African national cricket team. National Fish National fish of south africa The National Fish of South Africa is the Galjoen. The scientific name of this fish is Dichistius capensis. It is found along the coast from Namibia to Durban, and nowhere else in the world. The fish feeds majorly on red bait (ascidians), small mussels and barnacles. National Tree National tree of south africa The national tree of South Africa is the Real Yellowwood Tree. The scientific name of this tree is Podocarpus latifolius. It is found from Table Mountain along the southern and eastern Cape coast, the Drakensberg up to the Soutpansberg and the Blouberg in Limpopo. This tree can grow up to 40 metres in height with the base of the trunk sometimes up to 3 metres in diameter. Small Title This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors. Small Title This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors. Small Title This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors. Coat of arms of South Africa The coat of arms of South Africa is the main heraldic insignia of South Africa . The present coat of arms was introduced on Freedom Day , 27 April 2000, and was designed by Iaan Bekker. It replaced the earlier national arms , which had been in use since 1910. The motto is written in the extinct ǀXam , member of the Khoisan languages, and translates literally to "diverse people unite". The previous motto, in Latin, was Ex Unitate Vires , translated as "From unity, strength". History Following the end of apartheid , the new constitution of South Africa initially retained the coat of arms granted to South Africa in 1910. However, they had been viewed as outdated due to being designed by the British and Afrikaner minorities and not being representative of the black majority. The design process for a new coat of arms was initiated in 1999, the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology requested ideas for the new coat of arms from the public. A brief was then prepared based on the ideas received, along with input from the Cabinet . The Government Communication and Information System then approached Design South Africa to brief ten of the top designers. Three designers were chosen to present their concepts to the Cabinet, and Iaan Bekker's design was chosen. The new arms were introduced on Freedom Day, 27 April 2000. The change reflected the government's aim to highlight the democratic change in South Africa and a new sense of patriotism. The coat of arms is a series of elements organised in distinct symmetric egg-like or oval shapes placed on top of one another. The completed structure of the coat of arms combines the lower and higher oval shape in a symbol of infinity. The path that connects the lower edge of the scroll, through the lines of the tusks, with the horizon above and the sun rising at the top, forms the shape of the cosmic egg from which the secretary bird rises. In the symbolic sense, this is the implied rebirth of the spirit of the great and heroic nation of South Africa. The coat of arms is also a central part of the Seal of the Republic, traditionally considered to be the highest emblem of the state.Absolute authority is given to every document with an impression of the Seal of the Republic on it, as this means that it has been approved by the president of South Africa. Since 1997, however, the use of the Seal of the Republic has not actually been required by the Constitution, but it continues to be used. Boer Republics Transvaal Republic Orange Free State Republic of Stellaland Nieuwe Republiek Klein Vrystaat Colonies Transvaal Colony Orange River Colony Colony of Natal Cape Colony Bantustans Bophuthatswana Ciskei Gazankulu KaNgwane KwaNdebele KwaZulu Lebowa QwaQwa Transkei Venda Blazon The official blazon of the arms is: Or , representations of two San human figures of red ochre , statant respectant, the hands of the innermost arms clasped, with upper arm, inner wrist, waist and knee bands Argent , and a narrow border of red ochre; the shield ensigned of a spear and knobkierie in saltire , Sable . Thereabove a demi-secretary bird displayed Or, charged on the breast with a stylised representation of a protea flower with outer petals Vert , inner petals Or and seeded of nine triangles conjoined in three rows, the upper triangle Gules , the second row Vert, Or inverted and Vert, and the third row Vert, Or inverted, Sable, Or inverted and Vert. Above the head of the secretary bird an arc of seven rays facetted Or and Orange , the two outer rays conjoined to the elevated wings. Upon a riband Vert, the motto ǃKE E꞉ ǀXARRA ǁKE in letters Argent. Issuant from the ends of the riband two pairs of elephant tusks curving inwards, the tips conjoined to the wings of the secretary bird, Or, therewithin and flanking the shields, two ears of wheat Brunatré . The oval shape of foundation The first element is the motto, in a green semicircle. Completing the semicircle are two symmetrically placed pairs of elephant tusks pointing upwards. Within the oval shape formed by the tusks are two symmetrical ears of wheat, that in turn frame a centrally placed gold shield. The shape of the shield makes reference to the drum, and contains two human figures derived from Khoisan rock art Linton Stone, which is housed and displayed in the South African Museum in Cape Town. The figures are depicted facing one another in greeting and in unity. Above the shield are a spear and a knobkierie , crossed in a single unit. These elements are arranged harmoniously to give focus to the shield and complete the lower oval shape of foundation. The motto Pronunciation of the South African Motto Duration: 4 seconds.0:04 Pronunciation of the South African Motto. Recorded September 21, 2024 The motto is: ǃke e꞉ ǀxarra ǁke, written in the Khoisan language of the ǀXam people, literally meaning "diverse people unite". It addresses each individual effort to harness the unity between thought and action. On a collective scale it calls for the nation to unite in a common sense of belonging and national pride – unity in diversity. The ears of wheat An emblem of fertility, it also symbolises the idea of germination, growth and the feasible development of any potential. It relates to the nourishment of the people and signifies the agricultural aspects of the Earth. Elephant tusks Elephants symbolise wisdom, strength, moderation and eternity. The shield It has a dual function as a vehicle for the display of identity and of spiritual defence. It contains the primary symbol of our nation. The human figures The Linton Panel , a famous San rock art displayed at the Iziko South African Museum ; used as inspiration for the human figures on the shield. The figures are depicted in an attitude of greeting, symbolising unity. This also represents the beginning of the individual's transformation into the greater sense of belonging to the nation and by extension, collective humanity. The spear and knobkierie A dual symbol of defence and authority, they in turn represent the powerful legs of the secretary bird . The spear and knobkierie are lying down, symbolising peace. The oval shape of ascendance Immediately above the oval shape of foundation, is the visual centre of the coat of arms, a protea. The petals of the protea are rendered in a triangular pattern reminiscent of the crafts of Africa . The secretary bird is placed above the protea and the flower forms the chest of the bird. The secretary bird stands with its wings uplifted in a regal and uprising gesture. The distinctive head feathers of the secretary bird crown a strong and vigilant head. The rising sun above the horizon is placed between the wings of the secretary bird and completes the oval shape of ascendance. The combination of the upper and lower oval shapes intersect to form an unbroken infinite course, and the great harmony between the basic elements result in a dynamic, elegant and thoroughly distinctive design. Yet it clearly retains the stability, gravity and immediacy that a coat of arms demands. The King protea The protea is an emblem of the beauty of our land and the flowering of our potential as a nation in pursuit of the African Renaissance. The protea symbolises the holistic integration of forces that grow from the Earth and are nurtured from above. The most popular colours of Africa have been assigned to the protea – green, gold, red and black. The secretary bird The secretary bird is characterised in flight, the natural consequence of growth and speed. It is the equivalent of the lion on Earth. A powerful bird whose legs – depicted as the spear and knobkierie – serve it well in its hunt for snakes, symbolising protection of the nation against its enemies. It is a messenger of the heavens and conducts its grace upon the Earth. In this sense it is a symbol of divine majesty. Its uplifted wings are an emblem of the ascendance of our nation, while simultaneously offering us its protection. It is depicted in gold, which clearly symbolises its association with the sun and the highest power. The rising sun An emblem of brightness, splendour and the supreme principle of the nature of energy. It symbolises the promise of rebirth, the active faculties of reflection, knowledge, good judgement and willpower. It is the symbol of the source of life, of light and the ultimate wholeness of humanity. 1910 arms The first coat of arms was granted by King George V by royal warrant on 17 September 1910.[6] This was a few months after the formation of the Union of South Africa . It was a combination of symbols representing the four provinces (formerly colonies) that made up the Union. The first quarter is the figure of Hope, representing the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope . The two wildebeests of the second quarter represent the Colony of Natal . The orange tree in the third quarter was used as the symbol of the Orange Free State Republic . The wagon in the fourth quarter represented the Transvaal . The supporters are taken from the arms of the Orange River Colony and the Cape Colony. The lion holds four rods, bound together, symbolising the unification of the four former colonies. The motto, Ex Unitate Vires was officially translated as "Union is Strength" until 1961, and thereafter as "Unity is Strength". Evolution Main article: Coat of arms of South Africa (1910–2000) Three official renditions of the arms were used. The original rendition (1910) was the only version used until 1930, and it continued to be used as the rank badge of warrant officers in the South African Defence Force and South African National Defence Force until 2002. The second version, painted in 1930 and known as the "ordinary coat of arms", and the third version, painted in 1932 and known as the "embellished coat of arms", were both used until 2000. The former was also used on the insignia of the South African Police until the 1990s. 191019301932 Provincial arms 1910–1994 Between 1910 and 1994, South Africa was divided into four provinces, Cape Province , Natal , Orange Free State and Transvaal . These provinces had their own coat of arms. Coat of arms of Cape Province Coat of arms of Orange Free State Coat of arms of Transvaal Coat of arms of Natal 1994–present In April 1994, South Africa was divided into nine provinces . Each province was granted a coat of arms, in most cases designed by State Herald Frederick Brownell . Coat of arms of Eastern Cape Coat of arms of Free State Province Coat of arms of Gauteng Coat of arms of KwaZulu-Natal Coat of arms of Limpopo Coat of arms of Mpumalanga Coat of arms of North West Province Coat of arms of Northern Cape Coat of arms of Western Cape Coat of arms of the Orange Free State Orange Free State coat of arms Adopted23 February 1857 Relinquished27 April 1994 1993 artist's recreation of the coat of arms of the Orange Free State The coat of arms of the Orange Free State was the official heraldic symbol of the Orange Free State as a republic from 1857 to 1902, and later, from 1937 to 1994, as a province of South Africa . It is now obsolete. History The Orange Free State was established as a republic in 1854. It needed official symbols, and its first state president, Josias Hoffman decided to have them professionally designed in the Netherlands. At his request, King Willem III of the Netherlands had a flag and coat of arms designed by the Hoge Raad van Adel [nl ] during 1855, and sent them out to South Africa. As the Orange Free State was named after the Orange River which, in turn, had been named after the Dutch royal family, the arms depicted a wavy orange fess (stripe) representing the river, and three bugle horns, which are the badge of the House of Orange. By the time the designs reached Bloemfontein , in January 1856, Hoffman had resigned and been succeeded by Jacobus Boshof . Apparently unaware that state symbols were being designed in the Netherlands, Boshof had had a Great Seal designed and manufactured, and approved by the Volksraad (legislature). The seal depicted a tree of liberty, sheep, a lion, and an ox-wagon. When Boshof placed the flag and coat of arms designs before the Volksraad on 28 February 1856, the legislators decided that The design of the flag sent by the King of the Netherlands shall be adopted, and to the coat of arms sent by the above shall be added the already existing arms in the Great Seal of the State, with omission of the orange stripe. The coat of arms, as actually adopted, then displayed the design of the Great Seal between the three bugle horns. This hybrid design was officially introduced on the republic's third anniversary, 23 February 1857, and was used until the republic ceased to exist on 31 May 1902. As the Orange River Colony (1902–10), the territory had a different coat of arms , granted by King Edward VII of the United Kingdom . When the colony became a province of the Union of South Africa in 1910, the provincial administration took over the Orange River Colony arms, which it used until 1925. In 1937, after a twelve-year period without official arms, the provincial administration adopted the old republican arms, and they were used as the provincial arms until the Orange Free State was reconstituted as the Free State Province in 1994. Blazon The arms were recorded at the College of Arms in July 1955, and registered at the Bureau of Heraldry in October 1967. The official blazon is:[5] On a shield Argent, between three bugle horns Azure, garnished and stringed Gules, a representation of the seal of the Orange Free State Republic as adopted in 1856 viz., on a white roundel, in chief a tree on an island, between dexter, three sheep and sinister a natural lion supporting the tree with his dexter paw, in base a voortrekker wagon on an island, all proper; on a ribbon draped fesswise, the motto GEDULD EN MOED, above the tree the word VRYHEID and below the wagon the word IMMIGRATIE; behind the shield, on two staves in saltire with ball and spear points Or, two flags of the same Republic draped on both sides, each with seven stripes visible, alternately white and orange and a canton of three stripes, red, white and blue. Coat of arms of the Cape Colony Coat of arms of Cape Colony Adopted12 May 1875, formally granted 29 May 1876 Crest The figure of Hope proper vested Azure, resting the dexter arm on a rock and supporting with the sinister hand an anchor Sable entwined with a cable also proper. Shield Gules, a lion rampant between three annulets Or; on a chief Argent as many hurts each charged with a fleur de lis of the second Or. Supporters Dexter a gnu and sinister an oryx both proper. Motto Spes Bona (Latin ) "Good Hope" The coat of arms of the Cape Colony was the official heraldic symbol of the Cape Colony as a British colony from 1875 to 1910, and as a province of South Africa from 1910 to 1994. History The adoption of the arms was a belated response to a British government request, in 1869, for a design for a flag badge to identify the colony. The laying of the foundation stone of the new parliament building in May 1875 was considered as a good opportunity to introduce it. A Cape Town attorney with a keen interest in heraldry , Charles Aken Fairbridge (1824-1893), was accordingly asked to design arms for the Colony. The foundation stone of the colonial parliament was laid on 12 May 1875. According to the Cape Argus newspaper, "among the conspicuous features of the spectacle was the new colonial flag, hoisted aloft above the cornerstone, with the heraldic shielding, surroundings and mottoes blazoned on the Union Flag and the Royal Standard floating in the breeze from the loftiest flagstaff in the centre". Queen Victoria formally granted the arms by Royal Warrant a year later, on 29 May 1876. After the Cape became a province of the Union of South Africa in 1910, the provincial administration took over the arms. They were used as provincial arms until the Cape was divided into three smaller provinces in 1994. Blazon The original blazon was: Gules, a lion rampant between three annulets Or; on a chief Argent as many hurts each charged with a fleur de lis of the second Or. Crest: The figure of Hope proper vested Azure, resting the dexter arm on a rock and supporting with the sinister hand an anchor Sable entwined with a cable also proper. Supporters: Dexter a gnu and sinister an oryx both proper. Motto: SPES BONA. The symbolism of the arms is straightforward. The lion is a South African animal, and also appears in the arms of the two colonial powers which ruled at the Cape, Netherlands and Great Britain . The rings were taken from the arms of the founder of the colony, Jan van Riebeeck . The fleur-de-lis represent the contribution of the Huguenots to the early history of the country. The crest is the Lady of Good Hope , grasping an anchor, first introduced as a symbol of the colony in 1715. The supporters, a gnu (wildebeest ) and an oryx (gemsbok), are two typical South African animals. The motto, "Spes Bona" simply means "Good Hope". Version with redesigned crest New artwork was introduced in 1952. Hope's dress was changed to white, and she was given a blue mantle. The arms were recorded in this format the College of Arms in July 1955 and registered at the Bureau of Heraldry in 1967. Coat of arms of Natal Coat of arms of Natal Versions Badge of the Natal Colony 1875-1907 Adopted1907 The coat of arms of Natal was the official heraldic symbol of Natal as a British colony from 1907 to 1910, and as a province of South Africa from 1910 to 1994. It is now obsolete. History As a British colony, Natal's first official symbol was a Public Seal, authorised by Queen Victoria in 1846, and also used as a flag badge from 1870. The seal was of a standard pattern[clarification needed ] which first came into use on the Great Seal of Newfoundland in 1839 and was described as follows: "Within a Chippendale-type frame, a on plain, two Wildebeest in full course at random (to sinister), with the words COLONY OF NATAL beneath the frame. The frame itself is ensigned with the Royal Arms and around the circumference appears the legend VICTORIA DEI GRATIA BRITANNIAR. REG. F.D." It depicted the British royal coat of arms in the upper half; in the lower half was an ornamental frame enclosing a scene of two wildebeest (gnu) galloping across a plain. The wildebeest became the popular symbol of Natal, and when the government decided in 1905 to obtain an official coat of arms, the wildebeest was an obvious choice for the design. The arms, designed by G. Ambrose Lee, the York Herald at the College of Arms , were granted by King Edward VII by Royal Warrant on 16 May 1907. After Natal became a province of the Union of South Africa in 1910, the provincial administration took over the arms. They were used as the standalone provincial arms until Natal was reconstituted as KwaZulu-Natal in 1994. However, they continued to be used officially jointly with the coat of arms of KwaZulu until 2004 due to the new province being unable to agree on a new coat of arms. Blazon In their original form, as used by the colonial government, the Arms of 1907 consisted only of a shield, blazoned as follows: Azure, in front of mountains and on a plain two black wildebeesten in full course at random all proper. The provincial administration embellished the arms by placing an imperial crown (so-called 'Tudor crown ') above the shield, and a riband inscribed 'Natal' below it. New artwork, introduced in 1930, altered details of the crown, by replacing the fleurs de lis with crosses and omitting the pearls from the transverse arch. This version appeared on the province's Official Gazette and other publications. The arms were recorded in this form at the College of Arms in July 1955, and registered at the Bureau of Heraldry in January 1969. Coat of arms of the Transvaal South African Republic (Transvaal) coat of arms Adopted1869 Crest Eagle Motto Eendragt maakt magt ('Unity makes strength') The coat of arms of the Transvaal was the official heraldic symbol of the South African Republic from 1866 to 1877 and again from 1881 to 1902, and later the symbol of the Transvaal Province from 1954 to 1994 in a simplified form. It is now obsolete. History The South African Republic was established in 1857. On 18 February 1858, the Volksraad (legislature) resolved that the new state should have the following coat of arms: On a silver field there shall be placed a wagon and a golden anchor, while an eagle shall rest upon the arms. On the right hand side of the arms a man in national costume with a gun and accessories. On the left hand side a lion. — National and Provincial Symbols, F.G. Brownell The earliest known appearance of the arms was on banknotes issued in 1866. The crudely drawn arms were depicted as a shield with a lion, an anchor, and a man in the upper half, an ox-wagon in the lower half, and the motto 'Eendragt maakt magt ' (sic, cf. Flag of the SAR ) on a riband across the top. This rendition also appeared on the Staatscourant (government gazette) from 1867. A better version, in which the shield was divided into sections, an eagle was perched on top, and three flags were draped down each side, first appeared on the postage stamps in 1869, and this became the preferred rendition. From 1871, this too appeared on the banknotes, and from 1872 it was on the masthead of the Staatscourant. The arms were in abeyance during the British occupation of the Transvaal, from 1877 to 1881. Revived in 1881, they became obsolete again when the republic ceased to exist in 1902. In 1950, the Transvaal provincial administration decided to adopt the old arms as provincial arms and commissioned chief archivist Dr Coenraad Beyers to investigate and report on the most suitable version. The arms were apparently introduced in 1954, and they were used until the province ceased to exist in 1994. Version used by the Transvaal Province Blazon The arms were recorded at the College of Arms in July 1955, and registered at the Bureau of Heraldry in October 1967. The official blazon is: An oval shield per fess, the chief divided per pale; dexter Gules, a natural lion contourne couchant gardant Or; sinister Azure, a bearded man in national dress wearing a hat and bandolier, and holding in the left hand a gun resting upon the ground; in base Vert, a Voortrekker wagon proper; on an inescutcheon Argent an anchor Sable, cabled Gules. Perched on the shield an eagle displayed Or. Behind the shield and draped below on both sides three flags of the South African Republic, green, red, white and blue. Motto: EENDRACHT MAAKT MAGT Coat of arms of the Orange River Colony Orange River Colony coat of arms Adopted10 December 1904 The coat of arms of the Orange River Colony was the official heraldic symbol of the Orange River Colony as a British colony from 1904 to 1910, and then of the Orange Free State province of South Africa from 1910 to 1925. It is now obsolete. History The Orange Free State republic became a British colony at the end of the Anglo-Boer War in May 1902. The republic's official arms were discontinued, and on 10 December 1904, by Royal Warrant, King Edward VII granted a new coat of arms to the colony. The springbok was chosen as the principal charge in the arms. Although it had made its appearance in heraldry nearly thirty years earlier (in the crest of the arms granted to Edward Randles of Port Natal in 1875), this appears to have been the first time that the animal was used as a charge on a shield. When the colony became a province of the Union of South Africa in 1910, the provincial administration took over the arms, which it used until 1925. In 1937, after a twelve-year period without official arms, the provincial administration adopted the old republican arms , which were used as the provincial arms until the Orange Free State was reconstituted as the Free State Province in 1994. Blazon The official blazon is: Argent, on a mound a springbuck and on a chief Azure the Imperial Crown all proper.

SOUTH AFRICAN LINKS INFORMATION ON TOURS & STAY OVERS -PLACES TO STAY SAFARI TOURS & CAMPS HISTORICAL PLACES & MONUMENTS CAMPING RESORTS & HIKING PLACES WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS & ZOOS & ANIMAL PARKS TOURIST SHOPS ATTRACTION PLACES TO VISIT SHOPPING MALLS & RESTURANTS TRANSPORT BY TRAIN & BUS WEBSITES & APPS