South Africa has one of the continent’s biggest and most developed economies. It is renowned for its great natural beauty, and cultural diversity, all of which have made the country a favoured destination for travellers since the legal ending of apartheid.
Until 1994, it was ruled by a white minority government, which enforced a separation of races with its policy called apartheid.
The apartheid government eventually negotiated itself out of power after decades of international isolation, armed opposition and mass protests.
The democratically-elected leadership encouraged reconciliation and set about redressing social imbalances, but the economy has struggled.
- Capital: Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial)
- Area: 1,221,037 sq km
- Population: 60.6 million
- Languages: Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, English, Sepedi, Swazi, Sesotho, Setswana, Xitsonga, Tshivenda, Ndebele
- Life expectancy: 60 years (men) 67 years (women)


Regions | |||
Eastern Cape | Free State | Gauteng | Kwazulu-Natal |
Limpopo | Mpumalanga | North-West | Northern Cape |
Western Cape |
Major Cities | ||
Johannesburg | Cape Town | Pretoria |
Durban | Bloemfontein | Port Elizabeth |
Blog Posts
South Africa: Eshowe – Fort Nonquai
The Zululand Historical Museum is housed at Fort Nongqayi. The Fort was …
South Africa: St Lucia – hippos and beach
Surrounded by an UNESCO World Heritage Site, this town is at the heart of …
South Africa: iSimangaliso Wetland Park
A World Heritage Site, iSimangaliso Wetland Park (the former Greater St. …
South Africa: Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park
Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park, formerly Hluhluwe–Umfolozi Game Reserve, is the …
South Africa: Camdeboo National Park
The 19 400-hectare Camdeboo National Park is unique in South Africa …
South Africa: Addo TiPi Bush Camp
Tipi Bush Camp, on a private reserve adjoining Addo Elephant National. …
South Africa: Addo Elephant Park
Addo Elephant National Park is a diverse wildlife conservation park …
South Africa: Knysna – Two Angels
Situated at the water’s edge of the Knysna Lagoon, this magnificent 6 …
South Africa: Mossel Bay – Dias Museum
The Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex was officially opened on 3 February …
South Africa: Point of Human Origins
Mossel Bay is at the centre of some of the most significant …
South Africa: Mossel Bay – Santos Express
Sleep on “The Train” as it is known by locals situated next to Santos …
South Africa: Oudtshoorn – Cango Caves
The Cango Caves is a cultural and natural landmark in South Africa. The …
South Africa: Cape Agulhas
Cape Agulhas or the \”Cape of the Needles\” is a rocky headland in …
South Africa: Gansbaai and shark cages
Gansbaai is a fishing town and popular tourist destination in the Western …
South Africa: Gansbaai – Platbos Forest Cabins
Platbos Forest offers self catering accommodation in an indigenous forest …
Load More