Flag of South Africa

Flag of South Africa

Republic of South Africa

Facts

  • Population » 50.7 million
  • Languages » 11 official languages including English, Afrikaans, Sesotho, Setswana, Xhosa and Zulu
  • Religions » Christianity, Islam, indigenous beliefs
  • Life expectancy » 53 years (men), 54 years (women)
  • Currency » Rand

Geography

  • Area » 1.22 million sq km (470,693 sq miles)
  • The most southern country in Africa, it is bounded to the south by 2,798 kilometres (1,739 mi) of coastline by the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans, to the north by Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, and to the east and northeast by Mozambique and Eswatini.
  • South Africa surrounds the landlocked country of Lesotho.
Map of South Africa

Map of South Africa (Source » France)

Maps

Tourism

  • Cape Town
    • Hiking Table Mountain
      • Probably the most popular tourist attraction in the area
    • Top of Lions Head
    • Beaches  » Clifton, Camps Bay, Llandudno
    • Local to Cape Point and the scenic peninsula
    • Local markets » Bay Harbour, Mojo, Neighbourgoods, Watershed, Oranjezicht
    • Note: Cape Town is on the verge of over-tourism (World Travel & Tourism Council, 2019)

National Parks

Adventures

  • Sani Pass
    • Narrow, winding, very steep, dirt and gravel road with steep drop offs.
    • Not serviced above the South African border in Lesotho.
    • Challenging even for motorcycles

Overland

  • Drive » Left side

Vehicle Shipping

  • Ports
    • Gqeberha (previously named Port Elizabeth) » RoRo and Container
    • Durban » RoRo and Container
  • Agents
  • TIP is possible at land border crossings.
  • Carnet de Passage is preferred when container shipping into South Africa however TIP is possible after 3 estimates and paying a deposit with the government based on those estimates. Deposit is refundable after vehicle is out of the South Africa.

Weather

Notes

  • South Africa is the second most popular African tourist destination after Morocco.
  • The sailing conditions around the southern tip of Africa, the Cape of Good Hope, are among the most dangerous in the world.

Security and Safety

  • Security in the cities and urban areas is a concern. Call the police (10111 or 112 from a mobile phone) at the first sign of danger.
  • You may judge the amount of much crime in a many areas by the amount houses and businesses protect themselves with fences, barbed wire, guard dogs, security guards, and electronic alarm systems.
  • It is not advisable to walk anywhere at night. Even during the day, it is advisable do so in groups. Avoid isolated beaches and picnic spots.
  • When driving, keep to main roads. Avoid driving at night when visiting Northern KwaZulu Natal, and Zululand. Hi-jacking and robbery, particularly on isolated secondary roads, is common. Be vigilant on the approach roads to and from Kruger Park where there have been cases of car hijacking.
  • Due to thefts at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, consider vacuum-wraping or shrink-wraping luggage where regulations permit. Keep all valuables in carry-on luggage.
  • Hikers should stick to popular trails. There have been violent attacks on hikers and tourists on Table Mountain.

Government Tourism Advice

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Media

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This page was updated May 11, 2023