Few holiday destinations currently offer the intuitive attractions of South Africa. The ‘Rainbow Nation’ has spent recent years busily transforming itself into not only a great holiday destination, but also a vibrant and exciting new country.

A Touch of History & Culture

The indigenous peoples of the area have left us a fascinating archaeological record that takes us back thousands of years at certain sites. From the late 15th century, Europeans (the Portuguese initially) began to record the sights of South Africa. Around 150 years later, the Dutch arrived in the area of what would become Cape Town and began a period of colonisation. During the period of the Napoleonic wars, much of the Cape area was taken over by Britain.

In the 19th century, some of the Dutch descendents (now called Boers) began the Great Trek to leave British controlled areas to found their own independent states. After the sad events of the Boer War (1899-1902) the entire region became part of the British Empire and began to take the shape that we recognise today as South Africa. During the 19th and 20th centuries, peoples from all over the world settled in the region and the latter part of that period was also when the non-European South Africans struggled successfully to achieve their integration into the society.

The African, Dutch, British, Indonesian, and Asian peoples have all contributed to the melting pot of the modern country and its many cultures. It’s all there – waiting for you to experience it.

The Countryside

No discussion of holidays here could possibly avoid mentioning the magnificent countryside. Hugely diverse, it ranges from grasslands to arid areas, pastoral farmlands to mining communities and the spectacular backdrop of Table Mountain at Cape Town. There are excellent opportunities for observing wildlife locally or in the game parks and reserves.

Sea and Sand

If beaches, coastline and the sea are more to your liking, you can choose from the Indian or Atlantic Oceans. This doesn’t just mean deciding where you place your sun-bed either. There are large areas of coastline that are undeveloped and a haven for wildlife. For example, one beach has a large colony of penguins and you can also stroll along the coastal paths looking at the exotic flora and fauna.

The Towns

South Africa boasts a number of famous cities including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban. Cape Town’s famous waterfront and the beaches and monuments of Durban are particularly worth visiting. Perhaps the major attraction of the cities is the cultural mixture that affects everything from shopping opportunities to architectural variations and, of course, the choice of cuisines when dining out.

Cutting Loose

If indulging yourself is something you enjoy, then many of the towns and cities offer fantastic opportunities to pick up high quality items and some bargains. If you’re also feeling lucky, South Africa’s Durban is famous for its seafront entertainment and casino, and there is Sun City – the vast purpose built entertainment complex in the countryside.

Getting About

It should be remembered that South Africa is a huge country. Try as you might, you’re unlikely to be able to see everything in a single visit. Therefore, you may wish to ensure that you’re seeing those things that really appeal and giving an amicable miss until ‘next time’ those things that don’t. Fortunately, there are companies that offer bespoke holidays to this great land.

Seeing South Africa may be a rare or perhaps even once in a lifetime experience. A custom-designed holiday may help you make the most of it.

Author Bio: Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made South Africa holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

Category: Travel
Keywords: South Africa