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Destinations: Cape Town   |   Johannesburg   |   Mabula   |   Knysna   |   Port Elizabeth   |   Suncity   |   Moselbay   |   Entabeni

South Africa at a Glance

South Africa, on the continent's southern tip, is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and by the Indian Ocean on the south and east. Its neighbors are Namibia in the northwest, Zimbabwe and Botswana in the north, and Mozambique and Swaziland in the northeast. The kingdom of Lesotho forms an enclave within the southeast part of South Africa, which occupies an area nearly three times that of California.
The southernmost point of Africa is Cape Agulhas, located in the Western Cape Province about 161 km southeast of the Cape of Good Hope.
Area1221040 Square KilometersCapitalPretoria, Cape Town, BloemfonteinPopulation52.98 MillionOfficial LanguagesAfrikaans, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsongo, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and ZuluCurrencySouth African randTime DifferenceIndia is 3 hours and 30 minutes ahead of South AfricaISD Code+27Boundarybordered by northern neighbours Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It encompasses the independent mountain kingdoms of Lesotho and Swaziland and is flanked by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and the warm Indian Ocean on the east – giving the country its spectacular range of biodiversity.
  • Visa Requirements

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    You will need:A valid passport or travel document with at least one unused page. A completed Form BI-84 (application for a visa if required)A yellow-fever vaccination certificate if your journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America

  • Overview

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    Hear the beat of a Zulu drum and the ululating of dancing Xhosa maidens. Feast on a traditional African braai. Explore the history of our freedom struggle. Visit Venda's sacred sites, or quench your thirst with a traditional African beer. These are just some of the culture and heritage aspects of our great country worth exploring

  • Cape Malay curry

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    In the 17th century, the Dutch and French landed and settled in Cape Town, bringing slaves from Indonesia, India and Malaysia, along with their spices and traditional cooking methods. When combined with local produce, the aromatic spices such as cinnamon, saffron, turmeric and chilli created fragrant curries and stews, which are still popular in the area today.

  • Bobotie

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    Another dish thought to have been brought to South Africa by Asian settlers, bobotie is now the national dish of the country and cooked in many homes and restaurants. Minced meat is simmered with spices, usually curry powder, herbs and dried fruit, then topped with a mixture of egg and milk and baked until set.

  • Boerewors

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    This is a traditional South African sausage made from beef, mixed with either pork or lamb and a mixture of spices. Boerewors are traditionally served in a coiled shape, similar to the Cumberland sausage and cooked on a braai (barbecue). The word boerewors comes from the Afrikaans and Dutch words boer (farmer) and wors (sausage).

  • Bunny Chow

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    This street food of Durban has become popular across South Africa and is now starting to hit our food markets back in London. Hollowed out loaves of bread, stuffed with spicy curry were originally created by the immigrant Indian community in the Natal area of Durban and served to workers for lunch. Try chicken, pork or vegetarian varieties containing lentils and beans.

  • Kaapse Klopse, Cape Town

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    The streets of Cape Town come alive on 2 January when the Cape Minstrels celebrate Tweede Nuwe Jaar in style wearing brightly coloured outfits, sporting umbrellas and singing traditional songs.

  • Namaqualand daisies in spring

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    The annual blooming of Namaqualand daisies is a major event on the Northern Cape’s calendar. In springtime millions of wild daisies sprout after the first rains, a sight to behold.

  • Comrades Marathon

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    This ultra-marathon that takes place between Durban and Pietermaritzburg has become known as the ‘greatest race on earth’. Great spectator value!

  • Grahamstown National Arts Festival

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    In July, the student town of Grahamstown comes to live during the National Arts Festival – a celebration of song, dance and creativity.

  • Pick 'n Pay Argus Cycle Tour

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    Known as one of the most popular cycling races on the planet. ‘The Argus’ takes place in and around the Cape Peninsula and attracts cyclists from all over the globe.

  • The Sardine Run

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    A race of a different kind! Thousands upon thousands of silvery sardines make their way to the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal, followed closely by sharks and dolphins.

  • Dusi Canoe Marathon

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    This multi-day canoe race between Pietermaritzburg and Durban is billed as the toughest in the world.

  • The Soweto Derby

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    This yearly clash between Kaiser Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at Soccer City is legendary and soccer fans around the country just love the event.

  • Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees

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    This fun festival takes place in Oudtshoorn and is a celebration of Afrikaner culture. Great food stalls, music concerts and live performance.

  • Knysna Oyster Festival

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    We South Africans just love our food festivals and one of the major highlights is the Knysna Oyster Festival along the Garden Route (March).