Need more Info?
South Africa is located at the southern tip of Africa. The icy Atlantic Ocean lies on the west coast, and the warm Indian Ocean lies on the east and south coasts, meeting at Cape Agulhas, officially the southernmost tip of Africa. Many people believe the two oceans meet at Cape Point, and for tourism purposes, attractions in the region often promote the “Two Oceans” concept.
South Africa shares its borders with six countries: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), and Lesotho. The Kingdom of Lesotho is an enclave entirely surrounded by South Africa. It’s an independent state and part of the Commonwealth of Nations, although it relies heavily on South Africa.
South Africa’s total surface area is 1.22 million square kilometers. It’s the 24th largest country in the world and the 9th largest in Africa, which comprises 54 countries. To put it into perspective, South Africa is twice the size of France and five times bigger than the United Kingdom. It’s also larger than any European country except for Russia.
South Africa has nine provinces:
Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Northern Cape.
In 2019, the estimated population of South Africa was just over 58 million.
South Africa covers an area of 1.2 million square kilometers, and the population density is approximately 48 people per square kilometer.
South Africa’s population is considered young, with a median age of 26.3 years.
1994 was a turning point for South Africa, marking the year the first free and fair elections were held, and the country became a democracy for the first time. The African National Congress (ANC), led by the iconic Nelson Mandela, was voted into power. The country’s constitutional law was re-established with the hope that the people of South Africa would never again experience such struggle and division.
Leading up to this milestone election, South Africa was a divided nation, and many of its inhabitants suffered greatly under the oppressive rule of apartheid. Initially, it was under British and Dutch rule that many experienced discrimination and inequality, followed by the National Party (NP).
The National Party was the governing party of South Africa from 1948 until 1994 and was disbanded in 2005. Its legacy included apartheid, the establishment of a South African Republic, and the promotion of Afrikaner culture. When F.W. de Klerk became South African president in 1989, he began dismantling apartheid, lifted the ban on the ANC, and ordered the release of Nelson Mandela from prison.
Mandela led the ANC in negotiations to end apartheid and establish a democratically elected government. Both Mandela and de Klerk were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 in recognition of their roles in facilitating a smooth transition to democracy during this turbulent period.
Mandela was elected South Africa’s president after the country’s first free elections and served as head of state until 1999. He retired from politics after serving one term but remained a global advocate for peace and social justice until his death in December 2013. The ruling party of South Africa is still the ANC, currently under the leadership of Cyril Ramaphosa, who succeeded Jacob Zuma, whose presidency was marred by allegations of corruption and economic mismanagement.
“Rainbow Nation” is an affectionate term for South Africa coined by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Tutu used it to describe post-apartheid South Africa after its first fully democratic election in 1994.
“Rainbow Nation” captures the unity of a multicultural nation once divided along racial lines. The rainbow symbolism, drawn from Xhosa culture, is also associated with hope, peace, and a bright future.
“Rainbow Nation” captures the unity of a multicultural nation once divided along racial lines. The rainbow symbolism, drawn from Xhosa culture, is also associated with hope, peace, and a bright future.
Though unintentional, the “Rainbow Nation” is represented in the colors of South Africa’s flag. Designed and adopted in 1994, the bright and instantly recognizable flag symbolizes unity with its six different colors: The red, white, and blue were taken from the old Republic flag.
The yellow, black, and green were taken from the ANC flag. Black, white, and red symbolize the people of South Africa; green represents the fertility of the land; blue represents the surrounding oceans and rivers; and gold represents the mineral wealth.
According to the latest census, the population of South Africa comprises:
The Black population consists of Zulu, Xhosa, Basotho, Bapedi, Venda, Tswana, Tsonga, Swazi, and Ndebele people.
The White population is typically descended from Dutch, German, French, and British immigrants.
The Coloured population is of mixed race, descended mostly from the indigenous Khoisan, Black, White, Malay, and Indian people.
The Asian population is mostly Indian, with some Chinese people.
As a result of its diverse population, South Africa has 11 official languages: English, Afrikaans, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu.
South Africa has the strongest economy in Africa and is the continent’s powerhouse, thanks largely to its mineral wealth, incredible natural resources, and tourism. Its GDP represents about 30% of the entire continent’s GDP. South Africa is renowned for its well-developed financial, legal, communications, energy, and transport sectors, and the rand is the world’s most actively traded emerging market currency.
However, South Africa faces many challenges, mostly stemming from corruption and economic mismanagement, a legacy of the previous
administration. The country officially entered a recession in the latter quarter of 2018, its first since 2009.
Challenges that South Africa must address to recover its growth potential include declining agricultural and mining output, as well as rampant corruption and mismanagement in government and state-owned enterprises.
Another significant challenge is poverty and unemployment, particularly among young people. Declining healthcare and
education standards are a concern, as are high crime levels, a consequence of unemployment.
South Africa has one of the highest crime rates in the world. Murder, carjackings, violent domestic crime, and rape are a blight on what is otherwise a vibrant and cosmopolitan country. Most violent crimes occur in deeply neglected and impoverished communities—areas
that tourists generally don’t visit unless on a tour with a reputable operator.
The international media often portrays South Africa negatively, describing it as a dangerous place to visit. While this is understandable considering the country’s high crime statistics, violent crime is often a function of poverty and unemployment and is largely confined to impoverished and neglected townships where gangsterism and lawlessness are rife.
These are not areas that the average tourist visits on a trip to South Africa. Particularly if you’re traveling with a reputable tour operator like MoAfrika Tours, your safety is a priority. You should never be taken to these no-go areas and experience the uglier side of South Africa.
Poor neighborhoods, informal ettlements, and derelict inner cities are no-go areas for tourists. You’ll only visit these areas on a day tour with a reputable operator like MoAfrika Tours, which has been taking clients into places like Soweto and Johannesburg’s CBD for many years. A township tour is fascinating and a wonderful way to experience South Africa’s rich cultural heritage; however, it’s not advisable to visit these areas independently.
Political and service delivery protests are common during election periods and can sometimes turn violent. However, tourists can avoid these situations by staying away from public hotspots. A reputable tour operator in South Africa should stay up-to-date with the latest developments and make alternative plans to avoid potentially unsafe areas.
Most tourists visiting South Africa head straight to the game reserves in the north or travel south to the beautiful coastal towns and cities. As long as you’re traveling with a reputable tour operator in a reliable vehicle, you’ll be safe. The most important thing about a holiday to South Africa is to practice common sense, as you would anywhere else in the world where you might encounter petty crime or tourist scams.
Yes, malaria exists in South Africa, but it’s limited to certain low-altitude regions in three provinces: parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and northeastern KwaZulu-Natal. These areas experience summer rainfall and hot, humid summer temperatures, creating ideal conditions for malaria-carrying mosquitoes.
Not all mosquitoes carry the malaria parasite. The ones that do belong to the Anopheles group. The risk of contracting malaria is highest between May and September, but taking anti-malaria tablets on any trip to South Africa is advisable, regardless of the time of year.
Mosquitoes are most active—and bite more—between dusk and dawn, so take precautions. Wear long pants with socks, closed shoes, and a long-sleeved shirt in the evening. Liberally apply mosquito repellent to your skin and in your room. Always sleep under a mosquito net if one is provided.
If you experience any flu-like symptoms within 10–15 days of arriving in a malaria area, see a doctor immediately and insist on being tested for malaria. The disease is life-threatening and can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
Travel insurance is highly recommended for South Africa. It should cover theft, loss, medical emergencies, and evacuations. Check the policy details carefully, as some policies don’t cover dangerous activities like paragliding, scuba diving, helicopter rides, and even motorbiking, cycling, and hiking.
Medical insurance for South Africa is also very important. You can include it in your travel insurance or request additional coverage from your existing health insurance provider. If you need medical treatment in South Africa, you’ll likely be taken to a private hospital or clinic. State hospitals are not generally recommended unless it’s an absolute emergency.
Private hospitals in South Africa usually expect upfront payment in cash from foreigners. Find out from your insurance company if they make payments directly to medical providers or reimburse you upon your return home.
One crucial thing to ensure your insurance covers is transportation for
emergency evacuations, which might involve an ambulance or helicopter. If you need urgent medical help while far from a city or town, air evacuation might be the only option.
The list of places to visit and things to do in South Africa is extensive. It’s a vast country that offers something for everyone, whether it’s diving with sharks, going on a Big 5 safari tour, or drinking some of the world’s best wines in the beautiful Cape. The choices are endless!
Ask MoAfrika Tours to recommend a perfect tour package to suit your individual needs. Most South Africa tours are a combination of “safari and scenery,” featuring the best that the northern and southern regions offer.
South Africa can be divided into six main regions, each with something unique to offer travelers.
If you draw a line across South Africa, the vibrant city of Johannesburg and the majority of the popular safari destinations fall in the northern region. In the south, you’ll find South Africa’s bucket-list destinations, including the glorious Cape Peninsula, Cape Winelands, and magnificent Garden Route.
On the western side of South Africa, you’ll find quirky towns and fascinating nature reserves overlooking the icy Atlantic Ocean. On the eastern side, you’ll find the tropical splendor of KwaZulu-Natal and the magical Drakensberg Escarpment a bit further inland.
South Africa is also a gateway to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and the splendid national parks in Zambia and Botswana. It’s a friendly neighbor of Mozambique, Eswatini, and Lesotho, which offer fun
adventures and beach holidays for outdoor enthusiasts.
The choices are endless, but MoAfrika’s list of places to stay and things to do is a good place to start planning your holiday in South Africa.
MoAfrika offers the 20 Best South Africa Tours for you to choose from.
Some of the best South African tours and safaris include Kruger National Park, the Garden Route, Cape Town and the Winelands, Big Five wildlife experiences, and cultural tours in Johannesburg and Soweto.
Expect to experience breathtaking natural beauty, a rich cultural heritage, and opportunities to see diverse wildlife, including the Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, African buffalo, and rhinoceroses.
The length of your South African tour and safari depends on your interests and the areas you want to visit. Trips can range from a few days to several weeks.
The best time to book is during the low season for tourism in South Africa, from April to September. You’ll find more affordable prices and smaller crowds.
The cost varies depending on the tour type and level of luxury. Many tours and safaris include transportation, accommodations, meals, and guided tours or game drives. Be sure to clarify what’s included before booking.