South Africa is renowned for Table Mountain, safari getaways, and its tumultuous past, but there is so much more to our beautiful country that makes it a worthwhile destination. From friendly people, to excellent accommodation, you’ll surely vow to return time and again. Carry on reading to find out why South Africa promises a holiday to remember!

 

  1. Diverse people

Rainbow Nation by Richard of England (Flickr)

South Africa is not known as the “Rainbow Nation” for nothing. We offer a fascinating mix of race, culture, religion, and creed, each with its own fascinating characteristics.  Picture a place where white, coloured, black, Indian, and Asian people all live together in harmony. What’s more, South African women are widely considered to be some of the most beautiful in the world!

 

  1. Cultures and traditions

Gooderson DumaZulu Lodge & Traditional Village  (TG)

South Africa offers countless opportunities to experience other cultures and traditions first hand. Plan a trip to a township (we recommend Soweto), visit a sangoma (witch doctor), have drinks at a shebeen (pub), or visit a cultural village to enjoy tribal dancing, bone throwing, and stay overnight in traditional African huts.

 

  1. Wildlife

Wildlife by BBM Explorer (Flickr)

We can’t help but boast about our wildlife opportunities. Book a Big Five safari or do a self-drive through one of the game reserves to sight elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino, and leopard, along with plenty of other plains game! Don’t forget the whales who visit the coastline during the winter months!

 

  1. Affordable

Tafelberg Inn (TG)

If you’re coming from overseas, you’ll likely benefit from a great exchange rate. You’ll enjoy a whole lot more than you could at home, from luxury accommodation to more spending money! Find your affordable accommodation now.

 

  1. We love our sport

SA Rugby by mikegeorge (Flickr)

Be it rugby, cricket, or soccer (football), you’ll find South Africans of all different backgrounds to be very passionate and patriotic about their favourite teams. Golf lovers will also be catered for with some of the best golf courses in the world.

 

  1. Accents

Talking by Akk rus (Flickr)

South Africa has a variety of fascinating accents that have to be heard to be believed, from the Afrikaner to the Cape Coloured.

 

  1. Food, glorious food

Fire

South Africa has a fantastic reputation as a foodie destination with an emphasis on tasty game meats, including ostrich, Kudu, and springbok. Look forward to a good old South African braai (barbeque), biltong, as well as traditional and international cuisine! Plan a trip to Franschhoek, South Africa’s “Gourmet Capital”.

 

  1. Great infrastructure

Joburg by BBM Explorer (Flickr)

South Africa has well developed infrastructure and modern facilities, and is one of the most established countries in Africa.

 

  1. No language barriers

Accent by Pedrosimoes7 (Flickr)

Despite having 11 official languages, English is widely spoken throughout the country. That means you won’t have much trouble ordering food at a restaurant or asking for directions no matter where you are.  Brush up on your language skills with these greetings in the 11 official languages.

 

  1. Blue Flag beaches

Blouberg Table Mountain by Lauren Morling

South Africa’s coastline is one of the most beautiful in the world. With a large number of Blue Flag beaches, you can look forward to azure waters, white sands, trendy beachfronts, and bronzed people along nearly 3,000km of coastline.

 

  1. Fascinating history

Apartheid Museum by nagarjun (Flickr)

Learn about our nation’s struggle for freedom whilst following in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, Hector Pieterson, and many other renowned revolutionaries. We offer an array of museums depicting our fascinating past, such as the Apartheid Museum and the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History.  

 

  1. Wine tourism

Constantia Glen by Lauren Morling

South Africa’s winelands are one of the major draw cards for visitors, offering exquisite views, endless vineyards, and exceptional wines. You will find most of our wineries in the Western Cape, with reputable areas such as Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Robertson, and the Constantia Valley.

 

  1. Hot climate

Clifton 4th by Lauren Morling

South Africa prides itself on its sunshine, with many areas experiencing over 300 sunny days per year! With hot summers and mild winters, South Africa is a great year round destination!

 

  1. A taste for adventure

Canopy tours by bbmexplorer (Flickr)

If you’re looking for adventure on your holiday, South Africa is your playground! Think crocodile and shark cage diving, bungee jumping, canopy tours, bridge swings, sky diving, abseiling, water parks, hiking, hot air ballooning, and a whole lot more!

What are your favourite reasons to visit South Africa?

Main image by framesofmind (Flickr)

3 images by BBM Explorer (Flickr)