South Africa in Focus

South Africa is one of the few places in the world where elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, and African buffalo all are frequently seen. In addition to 17 national parks and one national lake area, the country is also dotted with more than 300 provincial and private wildlife reserves. The southern coast is lined with sunny beaches.

Kruger National Park, in the northeast part of the country, stretches from the border with Mozambique to Malelane. The southern section of the park consists of grassy plains and hills covered by lush vegetation, whereas the northern part is primarily rain forest. The park is the home of 137 mammal species--including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, impala, and zebras. The park is also a habitat for 49 fish species, 112 reptile species, and 493 bird species. Day and night game viewing is conducted in open four-wheel drive vehicles and walking safaris under the guidance of experienced rangers and trackers.

Fine examples of Khoisan rock art can be viewed along the Bushman Trail. The Olifants Trails provides the opportunity to glimpse zebras, wildebeest, buffalos, and elephants. The Nyasaland Trail is recommended for bird watchers, whereas the Sweni Trail leads through lion country. West of the Kruger National Park are several privately owned game reserves, including Timbavali and Sabi-Sand. The gateway to Kruger and the nearby wildlife reserves is the landing field at Skukuzu (SKZ), where flights arrive daily from all major cities in South Africa.

Karoo National Park, on the northern tip of South Africa, consists of low-lying hills and open veld (thinly forested, grassy plains). The park is known for its diverse vegetation, including a small herb known as the karoo bush, and its grazing animals, including mountain zebras and rate black wildebeest. Addo Elephant National Park north of Port Elizabeth, has block rhinos, buffalo, and antelope, along with a large elephant population.

The wetlands of Wilderness National Park provide a sanctuary for exotic waterfowl. Itala Game Reserve, in the Pongola Valley, is one of the most scenic wildlife parks in South Africa, with grassy hills, deep valleys, granite outcrops, sheer cliffs, and rivers safe for swimming. The park is inhabited by black and white rhinoceros, impala, giraffes, baboons, and cheetahs.

Johannesburg is a modern metropolis with a varied selection of hotels, restaurants, and night clubs. The Africana Museum inside the public library has exhibits depicting the history of early South African settlers. The J. G. Strijdom Tower in the Hillbrow district is one of the tallest monuments on the African continent. A the Gold Mine Museum, visitors can view molten gold poured into ingots. On Sunday, native miners perform tribal dances for tourists in the museum's amphitheater. The best (and most secure) hotels are in the suburb of Sandton, a twenty minute drive from Johannesburg International Airport (JNB).

Pretoria is a scenic city of tree-lined boulevards and picturesque gardens. The centerpiece of the city is Church Square and its statue of Paul Kruger, a pioneer who was elected president four times in the late 1800s. The National Zoological Gardens have more than 3,500 species of plants and animals.

The entertainment capital of South Africa is Sun City, a gaudy fortress of casinos and highrise hotels with sprawling golf courses, an artificial lake, and an interesting wildlife reserve. Here, visitors can gamble, watch bawdy performances, water-ski, or bask in the sun.

Country Profile

On the southern tip of the African continent, South Africa is the most densely populated country in southern Sub-Subharan Africa. The population centers are Johannesburg in the interior, Cape Town on the southwest coast, and Durban on the east coast. The capital, Pretoria, located north of Johannesburg, is commercial, financial, and industrial center of South Africa. Diamonds are the country's leading export, but leisure industries are also important to the South African economy.

The Bantu people, including the Zulu and Xhosa tribes, migrated to South Africa in the 15th century and established large kingdoms. The Portuguese explorer Bartholomew Diaz was the first European to visit the region in 1488. The Dutch East India Company established a settlement at Cape Town in 1652. Many Dutch colonists took up farming and became known as Afrikaners. When Britain began to exert influence in the region, most Afrikaners migrated to lands that were not controlled by any European powers. These immigrants became known as Boers and came into conflict with the Zulu people. South African became a British colony in 1841 and did not gain independence until 1910.

English is the official language, but most Afrikaners speak a colonial Dutch dialect called Afrikaans. Zulu, Xhosa, and other native languages are the most widely spoken.The Zulu and Xhosa are gentle but noble peoples known for their friendliness and curiosity.

Traveling in South Africa alone is inadvisable, but traveling with a tour group or private guide is generally safe. In Johannesburg, police escorts can be arranged for business travelers, students, and shoppers. Away from the cities, the wildlife parks and safari lodges are among the most secure in Africa. Business travel to South Africa is focused on diamonds, gold, and the leisure industry. South Africa is the most developed country of Sub-Saharan Africa and has one of the most prosperous leisure industries in the world, with numerous luxury resorts, casinos, golf courses, and amusement parks.