South Africa
Black-maned lions framed against
Kalahari dunes; powdery beaches lapped by two oceans; star-studded desert
skies; jagged, lush mountains – this truly is a country of astounding
diversity.
A top world-class tourist destination, the pearl guarded between white beaches joined by the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, the luxury embraced by magnificent flora and fauna; incomparable natural beauty and cosmopolitan infrastructures of its cities and the delicacy of its climate and its impressive typical Ecuadorian atmosphere make any outdoor experience pleasant, as well as its wide range of exquisite traditional gastronomy; ensuring endless opportunities for adventure, along with the enjoyment of a well-deserved and exclusive rest.
Culture
& History
It is totally
multiracial in their society and they have many sub-groups with various skin
colors. But you can never confuse the descendants of Afrikárners with British
descendants because they will dislike them a lot, but there are also other
majorities and minorities in the population.
This is definitely one
of the strongest characteristics of South Africa, which has created a complex
culture with pieces from many places and a community with a lot of structure
and ideas. You could say that this is the country with one of the most diverse
cultures that exists in the world.
Most are black, but
there are also other minorities of Caucasians, mixed race and Asian, mostly
from India. The black population is further divided into Nguni, Sotho,
Shangaan-Tsonga and Venda.
To visit South Africa without learning about its tumultuous history
would be to miss a crucial part of the country's identity. Museums from Jo'burg
to Robben Island, many including exhibits on the apartheid era, might not be
lighthearted but will help you to understand the fabric of South African
society and appreciate how far the country has come. Continue your history
lesson with a township visit to the likes of Soweto (Jo'burg) or Langa (Cape
Town), chatting to locals and learning that, despite the heart-wrenching past,
there is great pride here and an immense sense of promise for the future.
Flavors
South Africa is a country that is characterized mainly by its great cultural wealth, and how could it be otherwise, it is also a feature present in the typical South African food. As a result of ethnic influences (such as the Khoisan, the Xhosa or the Sotho), European (mostly British, the fruit of the colonial era) and slaves and servants from Asia, South Africa's cuisine is colorful and completely irresistible.
Boerewors: they are the most typical sausages
of South African gastronomy, and are usually made with minced beef, sometimes
mixed with pork and / or lamb, and seasoned with spices such as coriander, black
pepper, cloves or nutmeg . Stuffed in its own gut and preserved thanks to salt
and vinegar, it is usually presented in a spiral shape and accompanied with pap
Poetoepap
or pap: as we said, these are the porridge that is usually served as an
accompaniment to both Boerewors and other dishes typical of South African
cuisine. The pasta of the potatoes is made from white corn and meat, although
sometimes meat is dispensed with and only white corn is chosen
Urban Experience
In Johannesburg you
can find very interesting corners. The most important are located in Soweto, an
urban area made up of 29 neighborhoods located 24 kilometers from the country's
capital. The South Western Township, Soweto, emerged during apartheid times to
isolate black Africans living in designated white areas and was the ultimate
representation of the brutality of this regime. Nelson Mandela lived here
before being imprisoned on Robben Island and it is still possible to visit his
home.
In addition to learning about the history of
South Africa on the streets of Soweto, the Twin Towers or the Orlando Towers
are also located here. The old towers of the thermal power plant are now
covered in colorful murals that change about every 6 months. In addition to
contemplating them, it is possible to go bungee jumping from them or eat pap,
the typical South African dish, in the resort's restaurant.
On the other hand,
very close to Soweto is the Apartheid Museum, the museum that we most recommend
visiting in South Africa. Although tough, this museum will help you become
aware of this ancient South African reality.
In Cape Town, one of
the most vibrant cities on the continent. In addition to visiting the Kirstenbosch
Botanical Garden, spend a few hours discovering Bo-Kaap, the city's Malay
neighborhood. You will really enjoy its colorful houses and mosques, but be
sure to stop by one of its restaurants to enjoy South African cuisine with
Asian touches.
Very close to Bo-Kaap
is Long Street, the best known street in Cape Town and one of the most
interesting places. Filled with shops, restaurants and art galleries, perhaps
the most interesting thing about Long Street is appreciating the beauty of some
of the Victorian-style buildings that still stand.
Outdoor Adventures
South Africa is one of the continent's best safari destinations, offering the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino) and more in accessible parks and reserves. You can drive right into the epic wilderness at Kruger, Kgalagadi, and other parks, or join khaki-clad rangers on guided drives and walks. But it's not all about big-game sightings – wildlife watching here also teaches you to enjoy the little things: a leopard tortoise ambling alongside the road, a go-away bird chirping its distinctive chant in the trees, or an encounter with seals, whales or a great white shark along the coast.
South Africa's ever-changing scenery is the perfect canvas on which to
paint an activity-packed trip. Try rock climbing in the craggy Cederberg,
surfing off the Eastern Cape coast, abseiling from Cape Town's iconic Table
Mountain, bungee jumping from the Garden Route's Bloukrans Bridge, or swinging
into Graskop Gorge. If adrenaline sports aren't your thing, opt instead for a
hike: options include multi-day treks through wildlife reserves, dusty day
walks in the Karoo semidesert, 'slackpacking' trails along the Cape coast, or
an overnight hike into the sometimes snow-capped peaks of the Drakensberg.
South Africa's landscapes are stunning, from the burning Karoo and Kalahari semi-deserts to the misty heights of the Drakensberg range and the massive Blyde River Canyon. Even in urban Cape Town, you need only look up to see the beautiful fynbos (indigenous flora) climbing the slopes of Table Mountain, while nearby, two of the world's most dramatic coastal roads lead to Cape Point and Hermanus. Add the vineyards carpeting the Cape Winelands, old-growth forests along the Garden Route, wrinkly mountain ranges from the Cederberg to the Swartberg, and Indian Ocean beaches, and there's a staggering variety to enjoy.