Country Information South Africa

This impressive stretch of land runs from the great Limpopo River in the north, down to the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Agulhas on the southernmost coast - a distance of nearly 2.000 km. South Africa has common boundaries with the Republics of Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, while the Republic of Mozambique and the Kingdom of Swaziland lie to the northeast. Isolated 1.920 km southeast of Cape Town in the Atlantic, lies Prince Edward and Marion Islands. Completely enclosed by South African territory in the southeast is the mountain kingdom of Lesotho.

South Africa is known for its abundant wildlife as well as its fantastic birding and eco-tourism possibilities. However, the real heart of this vibrant country is the diversity of people and cultures. South Africa´s family tree goes way back to the start of time. The country has been touted as the Cradle of Humankind, because it was here where archeologists discovered 2.5 million year old fossils as well as the 100.000 year old remains of modern humankind. Many of South Africa´s cultures have their roots in an ancient world, whilst some of the cultures are relatively new - and others are a fascinating mix of both.Many visitors come to South Africa in search of its abundant wildlife, vigilantly tented in the country´s numerous game reserves and conservation areas. Africa´s big cats - lion, leopard and cheetah still prowl the ranges of their ancestors, together with gigantic elephant, rhinoceros and hippopotamus.

Yet wildlife exists not only in the bushveld: South Africa´s coasts afford some of the best dolphin and whale-watchings anywhere in the world, together with huge colonies of seal, penguin and countless water-birds. For those with an interest in the wondrous world of marine life, it was in the Indian Ocean off South Africa´s shores where the prehistoric Coelacanth, thought long extinct, was discovered.

Washed by the bracing Atlantic Ocean on the west and the warm Indian Ocean on the east, South Africa has 3.600 km of coastline, ensuring no shortage of stunning beaches for lovers of sunshine and water-sports. This coastline is swept by two major ocean currents - the warm south flowing Mozambique-Agulhas current and the cold Benguela. The former skirts the east and south coasts as far as Cape Agulhas, while the Benguela current flows northwards along the west coast as fas as southern Angola.

Travel Videos South Africa

South Africa is a magnificent country blessed with extraordinary natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage. As one of the most diverse and enchanting countries in the world, exotic combinations of landscapes, people, history and culture offer a larger-than-life experience for the traveller in search of a truly unique and inspiring experience.

• General Videos (National Parks)

• Cape Area
• Kruger N.P.
• Addo Elephant Park
• iSimangaliso Wetland Park
• Johannesburg