South Africa sightseeing. Travel guide - attractions, sights, nature and touristic places

The Republic of South Africa offers a variety of entertaining activities to its guests, so there’s no wonder why every year more and more travelers come to visit this wonderful country. Gauteng region is considered the historical center of the country as the colonization of South Africa started from it. Travelers are continuously interested in visiting such cities as Pretoria and Johannesburg, which are already not separated cities anymore and have been united into one big metropolis.

National traditions and mentality of people in South Africa

South Africa is a country amazing in many ways. It has 11 official languages, including English, so most locals are fluent in it. The culture of the …
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There are several large culture centers here, with Market Feature complex being the most famous one. The complex includes art galleries, theatres and restaurants. Various exhibitions are not rare here, so travelers are welcome to see beautiful pictures and sculptures, and purchase the items they like. The building of the National Library provides space for two interesting museums – the Museum of Geology and the Museum of History. Besides that, travelers are recommended to visit the building of the old post and Oppenheimer Gardens located behind it. This is a beautiful and romantic place that is particularly charming in the evening.

Fans of shopping are very welcome in the city of Durban that is famous for its colorful oriental bazaars. This is a popular upscale resort that attracts visitors with its magnificent beaches and to hotels. The region of Maputaland is a wonderful destination for fans of active rest. This is a piece of untouched nature, where the desert meets impenetrable tropical forests. Safaris in giant dunes can be perfectly mixed with walks in shadowy forests here. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

South Africa cultural sights. What to see?

Multicultural and diverse South Africa is a country with a rich history, about which many of its museums and historical monuments tell. District Six …
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The western part of the country is famous for its nature parks and reserves. Don’t forget to include a visit to such beautiful parks as Madikwe Game Reserve, Faan Meintjies, Botsalano Game Reserve, Park of Reptiles and Animals, Pilanesberg National Park and “Golden Reef” Attraction Park into your excursion program.

Fans of nighttime entertainment will enjoy a short stay in Sun City that is sometimes called “the Las Vegas of South Africa”. Countless casinos, restaurants, bars and other entertainment facilities are open every night. Finally, it’s worth mentioning the beauty of Cape Town, one of the most visited cities in the country. This is a modern metropolis that has managed to keep the unique atmosphere of wild nature.

Things to do in South Africa - active leisure

South Africa can offer tourists a variety of adventures to meet the most sophisticated taste. Many South African agencies and companies offer tourists …
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History and Entertainment

The first settlements on the territory of South Africa were formed long time ago. At present, there are several important archeological districts in the country. One of the most interesting districts is Sterkfontein where the remains of ancient people’s sites had been found in caves. Little is known of the early history of the country. The first written references to the European settlements established here date back to the middle of the 17th century. In 1652, the first Dutch settlement was formed at the Cape of Storms that was later called the Cape of Good Hope.

The British colonization began in the late 18th century. For hundreds of years, European colonizers faced a serious aborigines’ resistance. In the 19th century, the country saw multiple Boer Wars. During that period, the situation of the natives deteriorated significantly because of finding rich gold deposits in the country. Due to this, the number of European colonizers had grown a lot and this provoked a conflict between Britons and South African Dutch. As a result, several independent colonies were formed and then, in 1910, unified into the Union of South Africa. Consequently, it became independent from Great Britain only in 1961.

What you need to know about South Africa prior to visit - advices

1. The Republic of South Africa is a developing country, and the quality of the water is far from ideal here. Tourists in South Africa must avoid …
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South Africa attracts travelers not only with various nature and historical attractions. The country is also visited by shopping enthusiasts. In local markets and shops, you can buy luxurious jewels with gems that are much cheaper here than in many European countries. The country is also notable for its high-quality textiles. Silk clothes are especially popular with tourists. Amazing accessories made of genuine crocodile leather are sold in markets and workshops.

The national cuisine is characterized by active use of spices that are some of the most demanding souvenirs in markets. For hundreds of years, the South African people have mastered handicrafts. In all cities and towns, there are workshops where beautiful wooden articles and decorations in national style are sold. Local markets resemble traditional eastern fairs where you always can find popular spices, picturesque handmade carpets and jewels in Eastern style.

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South Africa guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in South Africa

Reference information

Map of all parks

National and city parks of South Africa
♥ National Park 'Augrabies Falls National Park' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ National Park 'Bontebok National Park' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ National Park 'Camdeboo National Park' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ World Heritage Site 'Cape Floral Region Protected Areas' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ National Park 'Garden Route National Park' . On the map Show on the map

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Map of all castles

Castles of South Africa
♥ Castle 'Knoetzie Castles' . On the map Show on the map

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Famous and uniques places in South Africa from our review series

Jeffreys Bay

From the series “Top Beaches for Surfing on Huge Waves”

Surfers prefer the coast of Jeffreys Bay among the many beaches in South Africa. The uniqueness of this large beach is that it is suitable for surfers of various levels of training. There are areas where beginners train under the guidance of instructors here. The beach areas for experienced surfers are located nearby. There are also areas on the Jeffreys Bay coast suitable for professionals.

The picturesque beach has been a regular venue for international Billabong Pro surfing competitions for several years. The best surfers from different countries of the world participate in it. These competitions also attract a huge number of water sports fans. They have the opportunity to watch the competition directly from the coast. The best time for surfing fans at Jeffreys Bay is considered to … Read all

Robben Island Prison

From the series “Famous prisons of the world”

Robben Island is located off the coast of Cape Town. It also became famous for the prison located on its territory. It worked until 1991. This prison is known for the fact that the first president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, served his sentence in it. He ordered the opening of a thematic museum in the old prison building after he was elected president of the country. The Dutch colonialists were the founders of the very first convict prison on the island. Subsequently, the prison built by them continued to function under the control of the British.

The prison was converted into a leper colony in 1846. Not only the patients with leprosy but also the insane were kept in it. The prison operated in this status on Robben Island until 1931. The prison building was used as a fort during … Read all

BOS 400 Wrecks

From the series “The Surviving Remains of Shipwrecks You Can Observe Yourself”

Near the South African shores were buried the wrecks of BOS 400 ship. They have placed in Duiker Point not so far from Sandy Bay. In 1994 this French cargo ship transported the Russian tug-boat to the place of work because the ark didn’t have its own motors. If the transportation was successful, BOS 400 would be the hugest seahorse in South America.

However, these plans of the industrial application ship use did not materialize. During the transportation the tug-boat rope had broken down. The ark was thrown away by the stream and waves on rocks. After this, there were taken several tries to take the wrecked ship into the sea. But all were broken down because the ship got serious damages.

The seahorse was 100 meters long. After the shipwreck it was shipped from Kongo to Cape Town. The … Read all

All unique sightseeing South Africa

Sightseeing in popular cities of South Africa

Durban

Archaeologists discovered that the territory near modern Durban was already settled 100,000 years ago. The Khoisan peoples were the first settlers in the area. Later, Bantu tribes invaded the territory and killed them. At the end of the 15th century, Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama together with his crew visited this place in attempts to find a new sea route from Europe to India. He named the area “Natal”. First “white” settlers appeared in the region only in the 20s of the 19th … Read more

Cape Town

Those who like to stroll through unusual historical places should go to the Robben Island. It is located near the coast of Cape Town. The entire territory of the island is a World Heritage site. To many, this island is known for being where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. At various times on the isolated island, there was a military base, a prison and a hospital. On the island there were many interesting historical buildings. Among the variety of natural attractions, it is … Read more

Johannesburg

In the vicinity of Johannesburg is the ethnic village of Lesedi. It will be a great place to explore the culture and traditions of the indigenous population. On the territory of this village are the dwellings of the five main tribes of South Africa. Travelers in this open-air museum will have a lot of entertainment. They will be able to try on the national costumes of the leaders, learn how to play amazing musical instruments and take part in incredibly interesting rituals. Every day, there … Read more

Pretoria

Pretoria hosts one of the largest astronomical observatories in South Africa called the Radcliffe Observatory. It was founded in the late 18th century in Oxford. From England, the observatory was transferred to the territory of South Africa in 1970. Several times a week they held exciting excursions, during which you can see the technical equipment of the observatory and even try out some of its telescopes. Pretoria is famous for its picturesque gardens and parks. Khantam Garden is one of the … Read more

Stellenbosch

Many old mansions in the historic district have been transformed into interesting souvenir and antiquity shops. Some of these shops are no less exciting to attend than museums as they offer numerous artworks, beautiful woven baskets and bags, and unusual house decorations. Fans of thrilling experiences are usually in love with excursions to the local crocodile farm, Le Bonheur. At the farm, visitors can see one of the most dangerous reptiles in the world very close. Le Bonheur has been … Read more

South Africa sightseeing. Travel guide - attractions, sights, nature and touristic places

History and Entertainment

Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in South Africa

Famous and uniques places in South Africa from our review series

Jeffreys Bay

Robben Island Prison

BOS 400 Wrecks

Sightseeing in popular cities of South Africa

Map of travel guides to South Africa cities