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South
Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa, is a country located
at
the southern tip of the African continent. It borders the countries of
Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland, and Lesotho (an independent
enclave entirely surrounded by South African territory). South Africa is
a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
South
Africa has experienced a significantly different history from other nations
in Africa as a result of two facts. Firstly, early immigration from Europe
that started shortly after the Dutch East India Company founded a station
at (what was to become) Cape Town in 1652. Early and later European interest
followed from the second fact, the strategic importance of the Cape Sea
Route. The closure of the Suez Canal during the Six Day War exemplifies
its significance.
The
country's relatively developed infrastructure made its mineral wealth available
and important to Western interests, particularly throughout the late nineteenth
century; then, with international competition and rivalry during the Cold
War. South Africa is an ethnically diverse nation. It has the largest white,
Indian, and racially-mixed communities in Africa. Black South Africans,
who speak nine officially-recognized languages and many more dialects,
account for slightly less than 80% of the population.
Racial
strife between the white minority and the black majority has played a large
part in the country's history and politics, culminating in apartheid, which
was instituted in 1948 by the National Party (although segregation existed
prior to that date). The laws that defined apartheid began to be repealed
or abolished by the National Party in 1990 after a long and sometimes violent
struggle (including economic sanctions from the international community)
by the Black majority as well as many White, Coloured, and Indian South
Africans.
Two
philosophies originated in South Africa: ubuntu (the belief in a universal
bond of sharing that connects all humanity); and Gandhi's notion of "passive
resistance" (satyagraha), developed while he lived in South Africa.
Regular
elections have been held for almost a century; however, the vast majority
of black South Africans were not enfranchised until 1994. The economy of
South Africa is the largest and best developed on the continent, with modern
infrastructure common throughout the country.
South
Africa is often referred to as "The Rainbow Nation", a term coined by Archbishop
Desmond Tutu and later adopted by then-President Nelson Mandela. Mandela
used the term "Rainbow Nation" as a metaphor to describe the country's
newly-developing multicultural diversity in the wake of segregationist
apartheid ideology. The country's socially progressive policies are rare
in Africa. By 2007, the country had joined Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain,
and Canada in legalising same-sex marriage.
South
Africa will be the host nation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It will
be the first time the tournament is held in Africa.
There
are so many different fantastic ways of touring South Africa that it can
be very difficult to choose just one for your holiday.
Expore
the Major Cities Jet-setters
of all ages and from all countries love to back-pack from city to city,
staying in each for a week or more. It can prove to be a truly fantastic
way of exploring South Africa. This is especially true if you are fond
of "retail-therapy" since there are beautiful, safe shopping centres in
every city. Some of the large shopping centres in South Africa have gained
international acclaim, for example: The V&A Waterfront in Cape Town
was the very first five star shopping centre to be built in a fully functional
harbour. The Randburg Waterfront is also famed for being the only inland
waterfront shopping centre in the world.
Cape Town
is called the "Mother City" for many reasons. This was the first 'modern'
city to be founded on the South of the African continent. The city also
has a tremendous nurturing power when it comes to creative talent. Many
of South Africa's most famous creative names are from Cape Town. Among
the most well known are Pieter Dirk Uys (actor and political satirist)
and Beezy Bailey (artist).
Johannesburg
- a city with many names - is an urban hub of activity, nightlife and dynamic
business. If you want something done in South Africa, go to "Jozie". The
City was founded in the gold rush that gave South Africa's economy one
of its initial sparks. The atmosphere of commerce still gives the "City
of Gold" its unique vibe and energetic spirit.
Durban
is famed for its beaches and eastern cuisine. If you want a taste of the
east, try taking a traditional Indian rickshaw along the beachfront and
stopping along the way for some of the finest curry, bobotie and bredie
in the world!
Pretoria
is not really a major tourist destination unless you have a fascination
with South Africa's political history. This was the high seat of the apartheid
bureaucracy. Many famous buildings and statues are found throughout the
city and there is a copious volume of information available on the transformation
of this country.
Roughing
It The
exact opposite of the South African shopping spree would have to be backpacking.
This is the most popular form of travel for students since it brings you
into contact with all the ordinary people of South Africa, making it a
valuable learning experience as well as a great opportunity for some pretty
wild parties!
Backpacking
is also ideal for nature lovers since you can get up close and personal
with Mother Nature if you opt to travel with a tent!
Every
major city in South Africa is chock-full of back-packers' lodges and simple
bed & breakfast accommodation. There are strict laws regarding safety
and hygiene so it is rare to have an unpleasant experience at any established
lodge. Clean rooms, simple fare and interesting people are the things you
should expect from a backpackers' lodge. Never the less it is always a
good idea to let word-of-mouth guide your decision on where to stay. What
better recommendation could you have than the good experiences of a fellow
traveller?
Packaged
Tours These
are a hassle free way of discovering the beautiful and diverse country
of South Africa. It's also great if you have only a small amount of time
to devote to travelling. Everything you could possibly want is laid out
for you and you get to devote every waking moment to experiencing the magnificent
scenery and fantastic wildlife. There are also township tours in all major
cities. These guided tours allow you to experience life in the townships
safely as a group. You even get to visit a genuine shebeen.
Packaged
tours can be simple and easy or quite adventurous, depending on what your
interests are. For those in need of an escape from city life, there are
many straight-forward safari tours with great food and accommodation provided.
For the adventurous, activities could range from white-water rafting to
diving with sharks (from the safety of a big, metal cage of course)! Overland
4x4 drives are a great way to let out some city-born frustration and get
close to nature at the same time. 4x4 adventures are run by ecologically
sensitive companies and wildlife is strictly respected at all times. Ecologically
sensitive areas are out of bounds for any self-respecting 4x4 tour!
One
at a time There
are many other options available and the best way to find out more is to
explore websites of companies that offer different options. Perhaps the
best idea is not to choose at all but rather to enjoy each style of travel,
one at a time! South Africa is a friendly place and you will be welcomed
year after year after year.
About
the Author - Excape
Tours and Travel is a fully fledged inbound tour operator specializing
in personalised African safaris and travel itineraries of South Africa
to suit your specific needs and preferences.
