regions south africa
SOUTHERN AFRICA: STATES
South Africa
1’219’921 km2 (24th)
Population: 47.9 million (25th). Density 39/km2. (163rd). GDP per capita $13’300 (56th).
Industry: Mining, culture, cattle, sheep, ostrich, poultry farming (tourism is the 9th income industry)
The immense contrasts that typify South Africa's natural scenery are repeated in her cities
From Cape Town’s all but European atmosphere to vast and dynamic Johannesburg. The tranquil dignity of the capital Pretoria sharply contrasts with the accelerated pace of Durban, on the Indian Ocean.
Port Elizabeth and East London are ports and industrial centres. Bloemfontein, further inland, is the seat of South Africa’s Supreme Court. And a medley of smaller towns each with its own distinctive characteristics completes the picture.
South Africa´s great cities
The immense contrasts that typify South Africa's natural scenery are repeated in her cities
From Cape Town’s all but European atmosphere to vast and dynamic Johannesburg. The tranquil dignity of the capital Pretoria sharply contrasts with the accelerated pace of Durban, on the Indian Ocean.
Port Elizabeth and East London are ports and industrial centres. Bloemfontein, further inland, is the seat of South Africa’s Supreme Court. And a medley of smaller towns each with its own distinctive characteristics completes the picture.
Johannesburg - City of gold
Centrally situated on the north-west plateau, 1,800 metres above sea level, lies the heavyweight, Johannesburg. The city dates back one hundred years, founded when rich gold deposits were discovered near Witwatersrand.
Jo’burg or Egoli — the city of gold — is considered the economic locomotive of South Africa and perhaps even of the entire continent, as far as banks, finance and industry are concerned. Johannesburg is also the transport hub for most of South Africa and neighbouring countries.
Jazz, gold mines and the Apartheid Museum
Downtown Johannesburg means business, skyscrapers and the rush of traffic, while still preserving a rich cultural life in the form of theatre, music, art, museums and jazz clubs of international standard.
To be on the safe side, however, visit places to which transport is guaranteed door-to-door.
Gold Reef City, a reconstructed prospector town where you can descend two kilometres underground to view old mining shafts, is located close to Downtown.
A little touristy in approach perhaps but the site does boast a music hall and the recently opened Apartheid Museum, which provides an awesome if sober picture of South Africa’s recent history.
The Northern Suburbs
Johannesburg’s affluent green suburbs are situated to the north of the city, Sandton is a notable example.
A number of businesses have moved out here and restaurants, bars and more exclusive shopping centres flourish in this far more friendly and suave milieu.
And if you feel the itch to swing the clubs you will not be disappointed at exclusive Wanderers or the beautifully situated Glendower Golf Club.
Soweto
On the edge of town a visit to South Africa’s most famous township, Soweto, should not be missed. With a population of roughly two million it is in fact a city within a city and a telling monument to the Apartheid system. Guided tours of the area are a grave but optimistic experience. Soweto must be seen to understand Johannesburg as a complete city. And Johannesburg must be seen to understand South Africa!
Pretoria - Capital of Souths
Pretoria is perturbed neither by its official status nor the country’s turbulent history. The city is peaceful, almost provincial in atmosphere, placid with prim boulevards and hundreds of blue-flowered jacaranda trees also known as Brazilian rosewoods.
The city boasts many historical legacies such as the Voortrekker monument and President Kruger’s home in Church Street; the seat of government, Union Buildings, built by the British empire’s famous architect, Sir Herbert Baker and The Old Museum, home to a unique collection of traditional African art.
Rovos Rail to Cape Town or Victoria Falls
Pretoria is home, too, to Rovos Rail’s exclusive old steam trains from which you can watch the landscape pass by from viewing carriages or spacious coupés en route to Cape Town, Kruger Park or indeed right up to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Hemingway’s will take care of all reservations.
Durban – City And Seaside Resort
Again, in Durban, situated on the Indian Ocean, contrasts abound. The modern city of skyscrapers dwelling side by side with British colonial architecture. Many of Durban’s one million or so inhabitants are of British extraction, although a large Asian minority, brought to the country originally as cheap labour for the sugarcane plantations early in the last century, have left their mark on the city.
Visit the temples, The Indian Market, and don’t turn down a Zulu rickshaw driver if he offers you a drive along the promenade. Remember these people are the largest population group in the Kwazulu/Natal province and South Africa’s single largest language group.
Golf, beaches and spices
But, ultimately, the beaches are the main attraction, among them the famous Golden Mile Beach. Beaches north and south of the city are the finest, attracting busy business people who enjoy swimming or sailing after a hard day at the office, holidaying families and colourful hawkers selling all sorts, from traditional handicrafts to fresh herbs and spices.
Some of South Africa’s finest golf links are located in and around Durban. The exclusive Durban Country Club, provocative Zimbali, or perhaps Selborne Park — are among the finest golf courses in Southern Africa.
Botswana
581’726 km2 (41st)
Population: 1.639 million (147th). Density 3/km2. (220th). GDP per capita $11’400 (56th).
Industry: Mining, cattle, tourism. (17% of the country is dedicated to national parks)
Namibia
825’418 km2 (34th)
Population: 2.031 million (144th). Density 2,5/km2. (225th). GDP per capita $ 7’478 (77th)
Industry: Mining, fishing, tourism. (2/3 of the population leaves between the Etosha Pans and the Angola border)
Zimbabwe
390’757 km2 (60th)
Population: 13.01 million (68th). Density 33/km2. (170th). GDP per capita $2’607 (129th) (2005)
Zambia
752’614 km2 (60th)
Population: 11.668 million (71st). Density 16/km2. (191st). GDP per capita $931 (168th) (2005)
Malawi
118’484 km2 (99th) (20% is water)
Population: 12.684 million (69th). Density 109/km2. (91st). GDP per capita $596 (181th) (2005)
Industry: agriculture : Tea, tobacco and sugar (exports)
Mozambique
801’590 km2 (35th)
Population: 21.397 million (52th). Density 25/km2. (178th). GDP per capita $1’389 (158th)
Industry: Exports of cashews nuts, shrimp, fish, copra, sugar, cotton, tea & citrus fruits. Tourism takes a big development.
Geography, climate and people
Africa's most southern country shares its borders with Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland, and stretches to the Indian and Atlantic oceans
South Africa is 1,221,040 square kilometres in area (more than five times the size of the UK or 18 times that of Ireland) and embraces an incredible variety of landscape, from desert and rugged mountains to luxuriant forests and long, white sandy beaches.
Several high plateaus, ranging from 500 metres above sea level near the Limpopo River in the north to over 2,000 metres at their highest points, largely define South Africa’s geography and particularly its climate, which although mild all year round can be as varied as the landscape.
It is important therefore to know the best times of the year to visit South Africa, whether your passion is golf, observing wild animals — which move with the seasons — Cape Town’s cultural and night life, or choice beaches.
The highveld
The air in the highveld is dry and temperatures in summer (November to March) can top the 30s. Nonetheless the heat is rarely uncomfortable, despite the fact that this is usually the rainy season with violent thunderstorms not uncommon.
The mornings can be cold, below zero even, in the highlands in winter (June to August). On the plus side, the sky is clear and when the sun rises temperatures by mid-morning can easily reach the 20s or higher.
Humid lowveld
The air is quite humid in the more low lying lowveld and eastern coastal regions. Temperatures here range from 24 to 32 degrees centigrade although not prone to the same seasonal variations as the highlands.
Rainfall, like in the highlands and the rest of the country with the exception of south western Cape, is largely confined to the summer months.
Famous winds
Along the coast monsoon winds moderate the impact of summer’s humidity and the dry winter months are pleasantly warm.
Cape Town is famous for its wind, which blusters from the top of Table Mountain blowing dust and heat around the city. The winds can be particularly severe on summer afternoons.
The dry summers of the Western Cape
In contrast, the area from the Garden Route to Cape Town, unlike the rest of the country, enjoys dry warm summers. So, here they pray for rain to fill the reservoirs during the winter, enough to bring snow to the mountain tops around Winelands.
Population
South Africa’s population is roughly 45 million. 35 million Africans, 4,5 million of European extraction, 1 million Asians and 4 million of mixed ethnic origin.
South Africa has eleven official languages. English, Zulu, Xhosa and Afrikaans are the most widespread, with Pedi, Tswana, Sotho, Tsonga, Swati, Ndebele and Venda.
The majority of the population are Christian, Roman Catholic and Protestant including the Dutch Reformed Church. Among major African Christian communities the Pentecostal Church is quite strong. Other major religious communities include Hindus, Muslims and Jews.
Practical details worth knowing
Passport and visas
Visas are not required for citizens of the EU staying in South Africa for no more than three months (all other nationalities must check the current regulations). Passports must be valid for a period of at least 30 days subsequent to your return journey and must contain at least two blank pages.
Vaccination and health
No vaccinations are required for South Africa. However, if you have recently visited other African countries a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required.
Malaria prevention is advisable if you intend to visit the north-eastern lowlands. You would also be well advised to take the precaution of a tetanus jab before departure if you intend to go hiking, on safari or any other close encounter with nature.
Consult your GP or local vaccination centre for advice.
Exchange
Most international credit cards are accepted in South Africa.
Hotels accept $US, Sterling, Euro and other major currencies.
Time difference
+ 2 hours GMT
Voltage
Ordinarily 220/230 volts. 3 round-point plugs.
Security
As elsewhere, there are areas in South Africa that the tourist would be well advised to leave be. As a general rule of thumb, don’t go out after dark, do not venture into "unchartered" territory, and confire with the hotel reception when planning the days activities.
Your personal safety when on safari is not an issue as long as you follow your guide’s recommendations, to the letter. Do not leave your lodge or camp at any time of day without proper authorisation.
Liberty International is on hand to advise you further on safety when organising your holiday.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in South Africa, but, of course, it’s entirely voluntary and up to the individual. At restaurants a 10% gratuity is usual. On safari tally ZAR30-50 per person for the ranger. He then shares with the trackers.
If you would like to read more
Travelling around South Africa, published by Insight Guides, 2nd edition, 2000
South Africa Handbook, 5th edition, 2000
”South Africa Handbook”
Footprint 5. udg. 2000