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SWAZILAND
The Kingdom of Swaziland and South Africa are two countries situated in the very southern area of the African Continent. Learn the history and culture of these countries as you explore some of the world's most beautiful scenery. Be mesmorizied by the breathtaking landscapes. See picture galleries of the magical animals that inhabit these lands. Discover the amazing post apartheid metamorphisis in South Africa. Visualize the incomparable natural beauty of Swaziland; one of Africa's best kept secrets. Listen to the National Anthems of these countries and watch travel videos; all from the comfort of your chair. I am positive that after you visit this site, you will understand why millions of people around the globe are drawn to this area.
SOUTH AFRICA
Geography
South Africa is the most southern country in the continent of Africa. To the West is the Pacific Ocean and to the East lies the Indian Ocean. South Africa is a country with great geographical diversity. There are the mountainous regions of the Drakensberg and the rolling fertile hills of the highveld. There's the dry flat desert regions of the the Karoo as well as the moderate and most southern region of Cape Town; which receives more rain than any other region in the country. Cape Point in Cape Town, is the where the two oceans meet. This is the very tip of the African Continent. The capital city of South Africa is Pretoria. The entire country is 472,000 square miles, and the estimated population is 43 million. What many people do not know is that South Africa is known as the "Rainbow Nation" The reason it has earned this nickname is because there are people represented from almost every country in the world. Some of the biggest cities with the most tourist attractions are Johannesburg (now known as Gauteng); Durban; Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.
History
It is no secret that South Africa has had a painful history. This country has been in the media for many years due to it's racial and political struggles. A political icon named Nelson Mandela is well known throughout the world. He was one man among many other great men, who perservered through horrific conditions to uphold their fight against apartheid. Due to their brave diligence, apartheid was abolished in 1994. One of the earliest explorers from Holland was a man by the name of Jan Van Riebeck. He first landed on the Cape of Good Hope back in 1652. In the 1700's, trekboers (farmers from Holland) began immigrating into South Africa. In 1795 the British took over the Cape, from the Dutch. This area switched hands a few times. The first Boer War of 1880-1881 was a war between the British and the Boer`s (Dutch settlers). The second Boer War was in the year 1899-1902. Gold and diamonds were discovered in South Africa which led to further interest in this region; and as a result, further conflict. After much bloodshed and tears; apartheid was finally abolished in 1994 and South Africa is free today.
Currency
The South African Rand is what is used. Credit cards are widely accepted as well as ATM machines which are available almost anywhere; even in remote litte towns.
Languages Spoken
There are 11 official languages in South African. These are English; Afrikaans; Zulu; Xhosa; Ndebele; Sepedi; Sesotho; Setswana; SiSwati; Tshivenda and Xitsonga.
Here are some common phrases in Zulu
Hello - Sawubona
How are you - Unjani
I'm fine, thanks! - Ngikhona, ngiyabonga! / Ngiyaphila, ngiyabonga!
And you - Wena unjani
Good - Ngisaphila
Thank you - Ngiyabonga
Goodbye - Hamba Kahle
Listen to this wonderful National Anthem brought to you by YouTube. This is a combination of the new South African Anthem as of today; the old version and an English version. Many of you may have heard it if you have ever watched some of the movies about South Africa, like "Cry Freedom". There is also an awesome picture gallery of South Africa while you listen. Hope you enjoy it.
National Anthem
An Outstanding Tourism Video brought to you by the South African Tourism Board.
Tourist Hotspots:
There are an endless amount of unbelievable things that should be on your "MUST SEE" list, when travelling to South Africa. I will mention quite a few of the most popular ones for now and keep updating the list. Here are some for starters, which are just TOO GOOD to miss out on. Hope you enjoy.
Sun City
Just outside of Johannesburg this resort is unlike anything in the entire world. Sun City has multiple hotels. It offers a huge casino; a wave pool; golf course; horseback riding; safari's; elephant rides; sunset cruises; and so much more. Some of the biggest musical celebrities have performed at this resort. To mention a few are Frank Sinatra; Queen; Elton John; and Bryan Adams. The most unique hotel in this resort is the Palace of the Lost City. It is truly something out of this world. It is indescribable. This main tourist attraction is worth the drive. One should not leave South Africa without a visit to Sun City. Here is their website. SUN CITY Go straight to their picture gallery at this site PICTURE GALLERY
Cango Caves
Closer towards Cape Town (29km from Oudtshoorn), this tourist attraction is worth the drive. These spectacular caves have been a tourist attraction since the 17th century. The gorgeous stalactites and stalagmites are a colourful splendour. These caves were first discovered by a farmer by the name of Jacobus Van Zyl; whom one of the main halls is named after to this day. There is a restaurant; interpretive centre and a gift shop on the premises. Find out what is drawing in tourists by the busloads. See their website here and be sure to have a look at their picture gallery.
CANGO CAVES
Kruger National Park
Kruger Park is one of the largest game reserves in South Africa. It is a few hours drive outside of Johannesburg; yet offers safari's beyond your wildest expectations. There are a variety of safari's and accomodation options within all price ranges. There are very modest accomodations and the very ultra luxury which include a private patio with bbq pit overlooking a valley; private swimming pool; sunken living room; three or more bedrooms and all fully air conditioned. Be cautious of the monkeys that can be very mischevious. When on a trip there with my family, we were in the process of unpacking and had left some grocery items in the vehicle with the window slightly open. The monkeys got in and juggled the eggs all over the vehicle and the windshield. Needless to say, it was quite the mess to clean up; yet an unforgettable experience. Don't worry the monkeys are one of the few harmless animals that have access to where visitors stay overnight. On a safari, it would be very easy to view all of the "Big Five" animals. This term means the five main animals found in this area of Southern Africa. They are the wild buffalo; the elephant; the leopard; the rhinocerous and the lion. On an open vehicle safari, you can be in awe as a majestic towering giraffe walks casually by you. You can also have great appreciation for the lions who peacefully sit only a mere few feet away from your open safari vehicle. Don't worry though; the guides are all professionally trained and you are never in any real danger. Check out their website here for all the details.
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Gold Reef City Johannesburg
This tourist attraction is built around an old 19th century gold mine and mining town. Here you can learn everything there is to know about gold. Gold Reef City is much more however. There is a casino; the apartheid museum; there are tonnes of amusement park rides; a four, not three dimensional imax theatre; many shows; traditional dancers; lots of restaurants and all with an old gold mining town theme which includes an old victorian hotel. This is their website.
GOLD REEF CITY
Beaches of Durban & Durban Highlights
Durban is situated southeast of Johannesburg on the Indian Ocean. This city is the second largest in South Africa. Durban is the mecca for resorts and tourism in the country. Some people in Johannesburg have time sharing in Durban, so this is where they would travel for their holidays. The beaches are spectacular for swimmers and surfers. There is no end to the amount of things you can find to do on the Durban coast. After spending a day in the sun, or dining in one of many seaside restaurants along the waterfront, you can check out popular attractions like UShaka Marine World; The Natural Science Museum; the Durban Art Gallery; the Casino's; or The Botanical Garden. The list goes on and on. Watch this YouTube Video which accurately depicts the pulse as well as the amazing beauty of the Durban coast.
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