THE RAINBOW NATION!
South Africa was governed by Holland from 1672 to 1810, and then as two British colonies plus several independent republics until 1901. It then became a self-governing member of the British Commonwealth - 1910 to 1961, and finally in 1961 South Africa became an independent republic. After an additional 33 years of rule by a white minority Apartheid government, South Africa became a true democracy in 1994.
About South Africa
South Africa is located at the southernmost tip of the African continent (22° - 34° south, 16° - 32° east), and borders Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique in the north and east The coastline is surrounded by the cold Atlantic ocean in the west and the warm indian ocean in the west. South Africa can be described as the powerhouse of Africa, and it is most definitely the most advanced country of the continent, with a first world economy and infrastructure. South Africa is home to over 47 million people of different cultures, religions, languages and beliefs, making it one of the most diverse countries you will ever visit.
South Africa is a large, expansive country, therefore exploring this fascinating country by self drive tours will be impossible in just a week, let alone one day! From the vibrance of the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town and the majesty of the Cape Winelands, to the bustling business city of Johannesburg, the wildlife of the Kruger Park and the beauty of the Panorama Route, there is so much to discover in South Africa during a self drive vacation.
A self drive holiday is indeed a cost efficient way to explore the area, but also affords the chance to do so at your own leisure, taking in as much of the country as you like. The route you take is largely dependant upon the part of South Africa you would like to explore. Self drive tours allow you to fulfill your personal interests at your own pace and choose a tour itinerary to suit your individual needs.
Exciting places to visit in various provinces of South Africa are:
Western Cape Province
- The Cape Peninsula
- Table Mountain
- Table Mountain National Park
- Kirstenbosch Gardens
- Fort de Goede Hoop (Castle of Good Hope)
- Cape point
- Robben Island
- Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
- The wine routes
- White Shark cage diving
- The Garden Route
- Tsitsikama National Park
- Knysna National Lake Area
- Wilderness National Park
Situated on the southwestern tip of Africa, Cape Town and the Western Cape is recognised as one of the most beautiful places on earth. Offering a range of attractions, breathtaking sights and endless activities, it is a year-round holiday destination with friendly people, a mild climate and rich cultural heritage.
The heart of the Western Cape is without doubt the City of Cape Town. With a distinct flavour of its own, affected in no small part by the
cultural melting pot of Indonesian, French, Dutch, British and German
settlers who each indelibly stamped their mark upon the foundations of
the city, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world
today. The inner city is an eclectic mix of architectural styles
that combine the past with the present in a mishmash of high-rise
office blocks, Edwardian and Victorian buildings and narrow,
cobblestone streets that give rise to fine examples of Cape Dutch
design. It is also home to a blend of corporate and independent
business that lends it a striking aliveness, particularly at lunch time
when the streets spill over with a combination of lunch time diners and
consequent entertainers and market stalls. Then of course there is the Fort de Goede Hoop, 
Constantly engulfed by the vast maternal presence of Table Mountain, the inner city combines with an effortless choice of white sandy beaches, must-visits like Robben Island, Cape point and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront,
magnificent green areas with rivers, vleis and dams, a floral kingdom
that is wholly unique to the Cape and an effortlessly warm climate that
makes the Western Cape a logical destination throughout the year.
Marvel at the
ancient rock art in the Karoo
and explore the completely preserved historic mission stations at Elim
and Genadendal. Then join the boisterous, mad-cap minstrels dancing in
the Cape Minstrel Carnival and dont even think of missing out on a
township tour and the opportunity to experience traditional Cape Flats
life and African culture and cuisine, for yourself.
Eastern Cape Province
- Addo Elephant National Park
- Coastal holiday resorts
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The Eastern Cape is strikingly varied in it's scenic beauty. It's landscape ranges from pristine forest to arid desert, from looming sandstone cliffs to unspoilt emerald green coastline.
The national parks and game reserves are home to
a wealth of wildlife including the rare mountain zebra. Over 200 
elephants inhabit
the Addo Elephant Park and most unusual, are the signs erected in the park entreating
visitors to yield to the flightless dung beetle found almost exclusively in Addo. In
addition, the black rhino, buffalo, eland and warthog have been reintroduced to the
park.
There are various hiking trails that traverse the valleys and cliffs of the mountainous regions with breathtaking views. The Eastern Cape also has some of the finest displays of prehistoric art in the form of rock paintings.
The magnificent shimmering coastline offers
splendid opportunities for fishing, swimming and sunbathing. Canoeing, rubber
ducking and windsurfing are a few of the many water sport attractions while surfers, in
search of the perfect wave, frequent the internationally known surfing spots. The
cities, known for their friendliness, are ideal for family holidays - beaches,
restaurants, theatres, cinemas, museums and summer entertainment programmes are sure
winners to make the holiday-maker's stay an enjoyable one.
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Northern Cape Province
- The Augrabies Waterfalls
- Big Hole - Kimberley
- Mokala national Park
- Augrabies Waterfall and National Park
- Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park (Shared with Botswana)
- Richtersveld National Park
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The largest province of South Africa, the Northern Cape is ideal for any type of outdoor adventure, from canoeing, to hiking, to hunting on the various private game ranches in the area.
The province can be divided into three distinct natural areas: in the south lies the high Wilderness Plateau - the Karoo, in the north one finds the Kalahari Desert and in-between are the fertile valleys of the Vaal and Orange Rivers.
Vast expanses of space and silence, drought and blazing summer sunshine.
Across the arid landscape, the Orange River flows, at places in a
sluggish tide, at others in a powerful explosion of sound and fury.
Were it not for the river, much of the region may well have remained
bleak and populated only by nomadic bands of Bushmen. Instead,
prosperous towns and villages have risen from its banks, and large
stretches of once-barren land have been transformed into fields of
cotton, Lucerne, dates and grapes. 
In addition to the fabulous diamonds discovered which catapulted the city of Kimberley to fame and fortune, and changed the course of history, a rich bounty
of alluvial diamonds is mined off the west coast. The wild and lonely
western coastline is also one of the world's most prolific fishing
grounds, providing yet another source of revenue. Wealth there is too,
in copper, but to some, the greatest gift of all lies in the
extravagant beauty of Namaqualand and its wild flowers in early spring.
The area is also notable for fine examples of Bushman art, abundant
deposits of semi-precious stones, and friendly hospitality. Four major
wildlife santuaries and a number of smaller reserves provide endless
opportunities for getting back to nature. They are the Mokala, Augrabies, Kgalagadi and Richtersveld National 
Parks.
Augrabies, 120km south west of Upington,
boasts the thundering 56m Waterfall when the Orange River is in flood,
the river dropping a total of 191m as the water cascades down into the
Gorge, which is 240m deep and 18km long.
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KwaZulu-Natal Province
- The Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park
- Spectacular Drakensberg mountain range.
- St Lucia Wetlands Park
- The North and South Coast resorts
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The Zulu Kingdom or the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal: enticing, spectacular and fascinating multi-cultural showpiece destination flanked by warm Indian Ocean and soaring peaks.
St.
Lucia Estuary, the town, is the Southern most entrance the
world-renowned Wetlands Park. Since 1822 St. Lucia was world renowned
as a wild life and fishing destination. British rule proclaimed it a
township and with the increase in hunting, the crown foresaw to
proclaim the Water area and Islands as a Game Reserve on 27 April 1895.
KwaZulu-Natal:
magnet for thrill-seekers in the great outdoors - from wave riders to
hang-gliders, and golfers to mountain bikers. KwaZulu-Natal South Coast: nature's annual extravaganza - the unforgettable cast-of-millions Sardine Run. KwaZulu-Natal North Coast: year-round frolicking dolphins plus majestic seasonal whale migrations. KwaZulu-Natal Elephant Coast: Big Five nature reserves of international repute amid Zulu customs in KwaZulu-Natal Zululand unbroken from antiquity, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands:
history-filled towns leading to adventure sports and game viewing,
along with outlets for unique arts and crafts. KwaZulu-Natal: Battlefields
of yesteryear where Zulu, Boer and British now make pilgrimages of
reconciliation. KwaZulu-Natal: hotbed of live performance creativity -
from progressive theatre to multi-genre music.
Established in 1895, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve is the oldest game park in Africa and is the only under formal conservation in KwaZulu Natal where the Big 5 occur.
KwaZulu-Natal is prominent in South Africa’s domestic tourism industry, highly popular among visitors from throughout continental Africa and increasingly on the ‘must-see, must- do’ lists of discerning travelers. These travellers from all points of the globe seek and find a unique blend of sophistication, cultural diversity and excitement – in the most breathtaking setting imaginable.
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North West Province
- Pilanesburg Game reserve
- The Sun City complex
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A
part from its enviable setting in the western Magaliesberg, there's
always plenty to see and do in the popular holiday resort of
Rustenburg. From there, less than half an hour's drive takes you to the
glamorous Sun City Resort and its enormous range of leisure options.
The Rustenburg region forms the hub of the extensive Platinum Mining industry. Hence the North West is called the "Platinum Provence".
Nearby, you have an excellent chance of spotting the "Big Five" at the Pilanesburg Game 
Reserve.
History buffs will be fascinated by Mafikeng, and in particular its
museum, which has exhibits relating to the Siege of Mafeking, the
Barolong people and the Bushmen. The towns of Lichtenburg, Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom are of interest from a historical point of view. Klerksdorp is the principle Gold Mining centre in the Province.
Sun City is internationally renowned as one of South Africa's
premier holiday resorts, offering a multitude of attractions and
activities to keep everyone occupied. With its combination of golf,
game and gambling, as well as world class hotels, Sun City is the
perfect choice for any holiday in South Africa. Sun City is
conveniently located about two hours' drive outside Johannesburg. Sun
City in South Africa has much to offer.
Sun City’s attractions are varied enough to appeal to the most divergent of tastes. The chance to win a fortune is a major drawcard for most visitors, who head straight for the Sun City Casino or the entertainment centre, a huge cavern that hums with feverish excitement as jingling slot-machines disgorge coins then gobble them up again at a ruthless rate.
seater Sun City theatre in the Sun City Hotel. Gourmets will
delight in exploring the many fine restaurants that offer everything
from haute cuisine to hamburgers, while those who prefer burning
kilojoules to consuming them can choose from a range of sporting
activities. The crater of a long extinct volcano is the setting of Pilanesburg Game Reserve - a fascinating alkaline complex produced by volcanic action some 1 300 million years ago. Pilanesberg is one of the largest volcanic complexes of its kind in the world. Its rare rock types and structure make it a unique geological feature. The area is fringed by three concentric ridges or rings of hills - the formation rises from the surrounding plains like a bubble. Pilanesberg has survived ages of erosion and stands high above the surrounding bushveld plains. The early presence of man can be seen in the numerous Stone and Iron Age sites throughout the park.
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Mpumalanga Province
- The Highlands Meander
- Kruger National Park (Transfrontier)
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Mpumalanga, which means 'the place where the sun rises', is a province of extraordinary natural beauty. Typical of it's landscape are forests, mountains, rivers, waterfalls and panoramic passes offering magnificent scenic views.
Mpumalanga is well known for it's wildlife parks. In particular, the world renowned Kruger National Park, with several luxurious private nature reserves on it's western boundary, are literally teeming with wildlife and is one of South Africa's top tourist attractions. This is big game country where visitors can see the 'Big Five' , namely the elephant, black rhino, leopard, lion and buffalo. 'Big Five' originated from trophy hunters who termed them as being the most dangerous to hunt.
Some of the popular attractions
include the panoramic Highlands Meander: The Blyde River Canyon, one of Africa's true scenic gems, and Bourke's Luck
Potholes.
The Bourke's Luck Potholes are a magnificent natural feature where the
combination of water and rock have succeeded over many centuries, in
carving huge cylindrical potholes into the rock-face. In this region
you will also discover the impressive Mac Mac Waterfall, the splendour
of God's Window which offers a magnificent view of the Lowveld 900m
below. Make a visit to the historic town of Pilgrim's Rest which is well worth the visit.
Nelspruit today is the capital of Mpumalanga, the commercial and administrative hub of the Lowveld, and the centre of a vast citrus-growing region. The streets of this large, modern town are lined with jacaranda and flamboyant trees and impeccably tended suburban gardens abound, flaunting flowering subtropical plants and shrubs. From Nelspruit, good roads radiate to many of the most beautiful and interesting parts of the Lowveld, including game sanctuaries, mountains and historic towns. Curio shops and wayside stalls offer excellent hand-woven rugs, carvings, leather goods and fresh farm produce. Hotels and caravan parks in the vicinity are convenient for stopovers, and several days can be profitably spent exploring the surrounding countryside. Hiking trails criss-cross this scenic area in every direction.
Apart from unsurpassed game viewing opportunities, visitors to Mpumalanga can enjoy bird-watching, fishing, and hiking. Other activities include canoeing, river rafting, sailing and windsurfing, not to mention, microlighting, paragliding, mountain and rock climbing. There are numerous golf courses, one of which is located within the borders of the Kruger National Park.
Mpumalanga has a fascinating artistic and cultural heritage from rock paintings to the modern colourful designs of the Ndebele people evident in their beadwork and house paintings. Two artists, the Masanabo sisters, were commissioned by the British Airways to create a design for the tail markings on one of its intercontinental jet aircraft.
For the climate, the scenic and wildlife diversity, the sporting opportunities, historical sites and the cultural heritage, a journey to South Africa would not be complete without a visit to Mpumalanga.
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Kruger National Park, South Africa
The Park was established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld. This natural park of nearly 2 million hectares, is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies.
Truly the flagship of South African national parks, Kruger Park is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. Man's interaction with the Lowveld environment over many centuries - from bushman (San) cave rock paintings to majestic archaeological sites like Masorini and Thulamela - is very evident in the Kruger National Park. These treasures represent the cultures, persons and events that played a role in the history of the Kruger National Park and are conserved along with the park's natural assets.
Accommodation is available in a variety of units in large restcamps, bushveld camps and bush lodges. Caravan and camp sites are available in most of the large restcamps. Most camps have well stocked shops where food, drinks, general necessities and curios may be purchased.
In addition to the abovementioned, the Kruger National Park will eventually form part of the great LIMPOPO TRANSFRONTIER PARK, a joint venture between South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. When established the tourist will be able to experience the entire Park within the confines of the Park's borders.
This innovative first phase of the venture will increase the total Park area to approximately 35,000km2, eventually increasing to a staggering 100,000km2 of conservation area. This entire process will however still require a number of years to complete.
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Gauteng Province
JOHANNESBURG
- Sightseeing - Soweto, museums and historical buildings (Johannesburg and Pretoria)
- Gold Reef City
- Cradle of Humankind - Sterkfontein Caves
- Zoological Gardens
- Museum Africa
- Apartheid Museum
- Sightseeing - Soweto, museums and historical buildings (Johannesburg and Pretoria)
- Union Buildings
- Fort Klapperkop
- Voortrekker Monument
- President Kruger House
- Pretoria Art Museum
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The name
Whilst Gautengs history lies embedded in the discovery of gold, today Gauteng not only has one of the best infrastructures, but its population of over 9 million people form part of a vibrant mix of energy and diversity that make it one of the wealthiest provinces in Africa, and the entertainment epicentre of South Africa. The energy of the Highveld, with its intense summers broken only by intermittent electric storms, is echoed in the sheer buzz of the place. In Johannesburg people walk and talk fast, they drive at high speed too, and the ever increasing skyline - as glass and chrome structures rise like mushrooms seemingly overnight - reflects the rapid development that has taken place in the city in the last 10 years.
The Johannesburg Metro and the City of Pretoria - the two major cities in Gauteng - are diametrically opposed, and Pretoria provides a more laid-back, gentrified alternative - its Jacaranda lined, wide streets and lovely old buildings a more sedate choice for many who readily make the daily commute to Johannesburg.
Johannesburg was originally a mining camp, literally in the middle of nowhere. Today, it
is a major modern metropolis, and the commercial centre of South
Africa's economy. The museums in the centre of town provide
a valuable heritage of the history of the nation.
Museum Africa and the Apartheid Museums are the two most notable places to visit offering the
Pretoria
is a city of tree-lined avenues, fascinating architecture and many historic
monuments. The general lifestyle is part historic and conservative and part
young and creative. The Union Buildings
The Cradle of Humankind is a World Heritage Site first named by Unesco in 1999, about 50 kilometres northwest of Johannesburg. This site currently occupies 474 km² and it contains a complex of limestone caves including the famous Sterkfontein Caves, where the 2.3-million year-old fossil Australopithecus africanus (nicknamed "Mrs Ples") was found in 1947 by Dr Robert Broom and John Robinson, as well as the Wonder Cave.
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Free State Province
- Golden Gate National Park
- Vredefort Dome
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The Free State lies in the heart of South Africa, with the Kingdom of Lesotho nestling in the hollow of its bean-like shape. Lying between the Vaal River in the north and the Orange River in the south, the region is one of flat, rolling grassland and crop fields, rising to lovely sandstone mountains in the northeast.
The province is the granary of South Africa, with agriculture
central to its economy, while mining on the rich goldfields reef is its
largest employer.Bloemfontein is the capital, and home to South Africa's Supreme
Court of Appeal, the University of the Free State and the Central
University of Technology.
In the northeastern Free State, nestled in the rolling foothills of
the Maluti mountains, the Golden Gate Highlands National Park is the
province's prime tourist attraction. The park gets its name from the
brilliant shades of gold cast by the sun on the spectacular sandstone
cliffs, especially the imposing Brandwag or Sentinel Rock, which keeps
vigil over the park.
The sandstone of this region has been used for the lovely dressed-stone buildings found on the Eastern Highlands, while decoratively painted Sotho houses dot the grasslands. Some of South Africa's most valued San (Bushman) rock art is found in the Free State, particularly in the regions around Bethlehem, Ficksburg, Ladybrand and Wepener.
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