WHAT TO SEE IN SOUTH AFRICA

The Namaqualand National Park
The Namaqualand National Park is one of the most appreciated attractions in South Africa by both local population and international tourists.
Namaqualand is an extended, dry region in the north-west corner of the Republic of South Africa; during most of the year, the area’s temperatures oscillate between 40° during the day and -8° during the night.
Once a year, after the rain season, a wondrous show takes place in Namaqualand – but unfortunately it is for a limited time, approximately from the beginning of August to the middle of September: a natural miracle transforms this desert area into a big, marvellous and colourful flower carpet.
The park is open to the public: circular and naturalistic paths with vista points have been created for the visitors to appreciate the bloom at its best.

WEATHER IN SOUTH AFRICA

Because of the extended surface, weather in South Africa changes according to the diverse elevations and vicinity to the ocean. Generally, the weather is dry and temperate; there is a remarkable difference between the west and east parts of the country, due to the ocean currents. Here is a prospectus for the seasons in South Africa:

• Summer falls between November and February
• Fall is between March and April
• Winter occurs between June and August
• Spring, one of the most beautiful seasons in South Africa, occurs between September and October

One of the most rare and beautiful natural occurrences can be seen during spring in South Africa. Once a year between August and September – and sometimes until October - the Namaqualand, a desert area situated between South Africa and Namibia turns into a marvellous blooming meadow, with thousands of colourful flowers.

You can visit this page to view our special Spring Break Deals. You will find lots of ideas for a truly flowery holiday.

LANGUAGE

South Africa has eleven official languages: the three most used are Zulu, Xhosa and Afrikaans. English is the fourth most used language and everybody speaks and understands it. The reason of such variety of languages is due to the presence of the various ethnic groups in the country, which all have maintained their own language.

CURRENCY

South Africa uses the Rand (ZAR). They don’t accept Euro, US Dollar or any other currency. If you plan on visiting the Republic of South Africa you must convert your money into the local currency. The best thing to do is to convert it once you arrive in the country, at any ATM. One Euro corresponds to 12/13 Rand.

RELIGION

South Africa is for the most part a Christian country, with a prevalence of protestant doctrines. Some local spiritual traditions hold on, with healers and holy men as spiritual guides. There is also a strong Hebrew presence.

GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa – officially the Republic of South Africa – is an independent state of Southern Africa. It is situated in the southern point of the African continent; the north borders on Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe and the north-east borders on Mozambique and Swaziland. It overlooks both the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans: Cape Agulhas is the farthest point at south on the African continent and marks the division between the two oceans. The coastline extends for more than 2500 km, while mountains between 1000 and 2000 meters characterize the most part of the inland. A small archipelago of islands – the Prince Edward Island – is also part of the Republic of South Africa; it is about 1800 km at south-east of Port Elizabeth, halfway between South Africa and Antarctic. Within its borders, South Africa includes the Kingdom of Lesotho, an enclaved landlocked country with no access to the ocean.

Oddity: it is the only country in the world with three Capitals. Pretoria, seat of the Government; Cape Town, seat of the Parliament; and Bloemfontein, seat of judicial power. Internationally, Pretoria retains the title of main representative, because it is seat of Presidency.