South Africa: The Multitude Rainbow Country

The country of South Africa is a vivid proof that colors can exist harmoniously and productively. Also known as the “Rainbow Country”, South Africa is populated by a mix of heritage that is a product of its post-apartheid identity.

Travelers usually think of nature, wildlife and breathtaking sceneries when they hear South Africa. If you are after this kind of adventure, you won’t be disappointed with this country. Get your exploring shoes ready and see what is in store for you in the “Cradle of Humankind.”
Where to go
After the abolishment of apartheid, South Africa has been attracting more and more tourists each year. Also because of its rich culture heritage, its tourism industry has become one of the government’s main focus. In year 2005, there were 7.3 million tourists who visited the country. This number was up from 6.7 million in the year 2004.

To have an amazing South African experience, you can visit the following places:

Kruger National Park- This park is one of the several national parks in South Africa. It has approximately the same size as Israel. You can definitely have the greatest chance of seeing the Big Five, which includes the leopard, elephant, lion, buffalo, and rhino.

Table Mountain- This mountain is one of Cape Town’s most popular sights. It houses many breathtaking views such as the forest, mountains, and more greeneries. You can take a cable car and enjoy the world below you. You may also go for guided walk.

Soweto- If you would like something historical, visit Soweto. This city houses around two million people and is the largest township in the country. The homes of Nobel laureates Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela were once located here. You may also visit the “shebeen” or drinking hall and have a taste of their local beer and food.

Beaches- Do you wonder why many South Africans have perfect tanned skin? The country actually hosts a lot of beaches, with more than 3,000 kilometers of coastline. You can frolic in the pristine beaches and other marine spots of the country.

Cradle of Humankind- Have this listed in your itinerary as this is a World Heritage Site. It is here that the skull of the three-million-year-old hominid, Mrs. Ples, was found in 1936. She was considered the closest clue to the “missing link”.
What to do
You can dive! One of the hottest place to dive is at KwaZulu-Natal. You can also visit Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks for their great diving facilities. Also try wreck diving around the Cape, where you can explore shipwrecks for treasure hunting, or for simple curiosity satisfaction.

You can bumjee jump! Yes, this is for you adrenalin-seeking energy-pumped adventurer! You can jump off from one of the world’s highest points—the Blaukrans River Bridge located at West Cape.

You can watch the whales. Visit the Hermanus anytime from June to September. It is the best place in South Africa to watch whales dance and jump. There is a Whale Festival held every last week of September.

You can witness the flowers blossom. South Africa’s flowers are not just flowers, but wildflowers. In the West Coast or at Namaqualand, you can see these flowers blossom and form the breathtaking landscape during mid-August to mid-September.

You can hike. Take your pick from the many trails and routes through mountains like Table Mountain or through Drakensberg.

You can also simply take a tour of the township of Cape Town and Johannesburg.
What to remember
Let your hotel call the taxi for you, as this is the norm in this country. Remember not to ride mini-vans, as they at always “at war” when it comes to territory with other mini-van taxis and shoot at each other.

Be careful as abduction is a reality in this country. There are horror stories about being abducted especially in the city of Johannesburg. Stories have it that you will be taken to the township of Soweto and you’ll never be heard of again. (For more information, read 6 types of tourist that attract muggers)

On the other hand, when it comes to your health, it is always safer to have shots before you go to South Africa. If you are going to visit Victoria Falls or Kruger National Park, you need some malaria shots. Otherwise, you are safe in cities which are outside the malarial zones.

South Africa boasts of the uniqueness of its tourism places, as you can be in touch with nature, with early civilization, with wildlife, and with the diversity with racial tolerance. If you enjoy reading this article, you’ll surely learn more from reading the tips on how to travel cheaply.