South AfricaSouth Africa

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Capital City

Pretoria (executive and semi-official), Bloemfontein (judicial) & Cape Town (legislative)

Languages

English, Afrikaans, Zulu & other local languages widely spoken

Currency

South African Rand

Time Difference (GMT) + 1 hour

Climate & average temperatures

Western & Eastern Cape - May-Sept cooler than Oct-April.

The north sees warm days but cooler nights in the winter while summer of Oct-April are hotter but wetter.

Airlines

British Airways, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, South African Airways

Flight time from UK

11 hours

 
Visa requirements

Not with a UK passport

Health requirements

Contact your GP for information


South Africa could be described in many ways; wide open spaces, natural beauty, spectacular mountain ranges, pristine beaches and incredible wildlife. The southern gateway to a vast continent, a safari in South Africa has it all.

Our modern human origins are in Africa and more so in Southern Africa. Tens of thousands of years ago our early ancestors evolved here and very slowly began to move away from their origins, eventually spreading out across the world. There is some trace of our genesis in the collective memory that stirs the sense of familiarity when looking over vast plains toward the distant mountains, or in the thrill of a close encounter with the wild animals that still roam free in some parts of the country. Whether it is in a tour of the Winelands of the Western Cape, immense Karoo landscapes, dramatic Drakensberg Mountains, wild game or the vibrant cities built on the mineral riches of South Africa that spark these emotions, one will find oneself drawn back to a subconscious feeling of belonging. 

South Africa’s recent history, going back up to 500 years, is one of ever changing influences, a meeting of vastly differing cultures and sometimes bitter, drawn out conflicts that have had a major impact not only on Africa but the entire world. The miracle of its society and the transformations that have taken place, unique on the world stage, are a result of this turmoil.....

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South Africa could be described in many ways; wide open spaces, natural beauty, spectacular mountain ranges, pristine beaches and incredible wildlife. The southern gateway to a vast continent, a safari in South Africa has it all.

Our modern human origins are in Africa and more so in Southern Africa. Tens of thousands of years ago our early ancestors evolved here and very slowly began to move away from their origins, eventually spreading out across the world. There is some trace of our genesis in the collective memory that stirs the sense of familiarity when looking over vast plains toward the distant mountains, or in the thrill of a close encounter with the wild animals that still roam free in some parts of the country. Whether it is in a tour of the Winelands of the Western Cape, immense Karoo landscapes, dramatic Drakensberg Mountains, wild game or the vibrant cities built on the mineral riches of South Africa that spark these emotions, one will find oneself drawn back to a subconscious feeling of belonging. 

South Africa’s recent history, going back up to 500 years, is one of ever changing influences, a meeting of vastly differing cultures and sometimes bitter, drawn out conflicts that have had a major impact not only on Africa but the entire world. The miracle of its society and the transformations that have taken place, unique on the world stage, are a result of this turmoil and the resolve of the people to make change and look forward to a future common to all.

It is possible to travel around this amazing country in utmost luxury on Rovos Rail.

 

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