Travel Blog

South Africa is the gateway to Africa, offering a rich tapestry of heritage, culture, lifestyle, relaxation, and a vibrant fusion of urban and cosmopolitan energy. It's a destination where unforgettable experiences await.

Whether you're travelling for leisure, conventions, or incentives, South Africa boasts world-class hotel accommodations ranging from luxurious five-star resorts to exotic lodges. The warm hospitality of its people ensures that you arrive as a visitor and leave as a friend.

With nine provinces, South Africa is a mosaic of cultures, featuring 11 official languages and a national anthem sung in five of those languages. Among the diverse cultures, the Xhosa people, to which Nelson Mandela belonged, are known for their language that includes 15 distinct click sounds and their tradition of wearing blankets dyed with red ochre, earning them the nickname "Red Blanket People."

The history of South Africa is vividly represented through the life of Nelson Mandela, an international hero whose lifelong fight against oppression won him the Nobel Peace Prize, the presidency, and a multiracial democracy for his country. In Johannesburg, a visit to Soweto and the Nelson Mandela Museum offers a profound insight into his legacy and the enduring spirit of the South African people.

From wining and dining at Lekgotla in Mandela Square to exploring the stunning Cape Winelands, a taste of South Africa is an experience like no other. The country’s wine region produces 3.1% of the world's wine and is home to over 500 wineries. Unique to South Africa is Pinotage, a blend of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut, making up 7% of the South African wine market.

South Africa's wildlife and scenery are unparalleled, offering the greatest diversity of wildlife, the world's richest floral kingdoms, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant marine life, from whales to great white sharks. The landscape ranges from pristine coastal plains and bushveld to tropical forests, semi-deserts, magnificent wetlands, scenic winelands, and majestic mountains. Nature lovers will find endless opportunities for adventure, including hiking, bird watching, fishing, canoeing, sailing, swimming with dolphins, whale watching, tree-top canopy tours, and thrilling encounters with sharks. Not to mention, some of Africa's best game viewing can be found here, home to the Big Five: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, and Rhino.

From the vast spaces of Tsitsikamma National Park in the Eastern Cape to the renowned Kruger National Park spanning Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, or the North West province’s Pilanesberg National Park and Madikwe Private Game Reserve, South Africa offers incredible game viewing experiences. The country’s hotels and game lodges frequently earn prestigious international awards for excellence, luxury, and service, ensuring top-notch hospitality.

A standout attraction is South Africa’s golf scene. The diversity of courses, often set against majestic backdrops, adds a unique appeal. It’s not unusual to spot warthogs or giraffes on the green in game-country. Several world-renowned championship courses, designed by legends like Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, can be found here.

South Africa's beauty lies in its diverse offerings, showcased through a variety of accommodations, all officially graded by the Tourism Grading Council. Combined with the capacity of its international convention centers and an array of tourist experiences, South Africa promises a life-changing adventure.

With the Australian Dollar performing well against the South African Rand, travelling to South Africa is both affordable and enticing.

For more information on your next (or first) trip to South Africa, contact an Orbit World Travel Advisor.