South Africa

South Africa is located at the southernmost region of Africa, with a long coastline that stretches more than 1,500 miles along the South Atlantic and the Indian Ocean. Two major ocean currents, the South flowing Agulhas current and the cold Benguela sweep the coast. The contrast in temperature between these two currents partially accounts for important differences in climate and vegetation between the east and west coasts of South Africa and the huge differences in marine life.

South Africa has a great variety of climatic zones due to the varied topography and oceanic influence. The climatic zones range from the extreme desert of the southern Namib in the farthest northwest to the lush subtropical climate in the east along the Mozambique border and the Indian Ocean.

South Africa is a multi-ethnic nation of approximately 52 million people. It has diverse origins, cultures, religions and languages. Eleven official languages are recognized, two of which are of European origin, Afrikaans, a language which originated mainly from Dutch and English. Though English is commonly used in public and commercial life, it is only the fifth most-spoken home language.

Activity Details

SCUBA DIVING

South Africa has dive sites spread along its coast that are perhaps better known for sharks and other large marine life, but they also have a wide range of endemic smaller fish and invertebrates. The coastal sites range from tropical coral reefs in the north of KwaZulu-Natal, where the fish are very colorful, Indo-pacific tropical species, to cool temperate rocky reefs on the West Coast, where the fish life is not as brightly colored, but the invertebrates provide the color.

Sodwana Bay is the most southerly coral reef in the world. Here you can find pretty colorful fish, nudibranchs, whale sharks, turtles, dolphins and ragged tooth sharks. As you head down the coast the underwater environment changes gradually until, you reach Cape Town. The diving here is chilly with beautiful kelp forests. There are three major types of kelp and a short portion of the Western Cape coast is the only place in the world that they all grow together.

South Africa is famous for the annual sardine run. It is a phenomenon that usually happens any time between the last two weeks in May and the first two weeks in July. Unfortunately this amazing experience is impossible to predict. If you are in the right place at the right time you can experience the diving gannets, hundreds of dolphin, sharks, whales, seals, penguins, game fish and more.

SAFARI

South Africa's immensely varied terrain supports a rich diversity of animals, birds, and plant life offering an incomparable range of experiences and things to do.

Traditionally the term safari was used for a big game hunt but today the term often refers to a trip taken not for the purpose of hunting but to observe and photograph animals and other wildlife. One of the continent's top safari destinations, South Africa has a scattering of diverse parks and reserves known the world over for superb big game viewing and luxurious lodge accommodation. With more than 20 National Parks including one of the world's most renowned wildlife reserves, the Kruger National Park, there is a wide range of experiences that can suit all tastes and budgets. Travelers can find remote escapes in tented bush camps or luxurious 5 star lodgings in private game reserves.

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 of nearly 2 million hectares is unrivaled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies. Home to an impressive number of species including 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals, there is something to excite everyone.