South Africa occupies the southernmost tip of the African continent and borders Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini and Lesotho. Flanked by the Atlantic and Indian oceans, the country encompasses an exceptional diversity of landscapes, from mountains, forests and wetlands to grasslands, deserts, bushveld and an extensive coastline.

The country is renowned for its outstanding wildlife and is home to some of Africa's premier safari destinations. Kruger National Park and the surrounding Greater Kruger private reserves, Madikwe Game Reserve, Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park, Pilanesberg National Park and Addo Elephant National Park offer excellent opportunities to see the Big Five and a wide variety of other wildlife.

South Africa is recognised for its rich cultural heritage, with 11 official languages and a history shaped by indigenous communities, European settlement and the struggle against apartheid.

Key attractions include Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, the Garden Route, the Drakensberg Mountains and the country's many national parks and private game reserves. The Cape Floral Region is distinguished by its unique fynbos vegetation, found nowhere else on Earth, while the coastline supports seasonal whale watching and abundant marine life. South Africa is also home to a variety of endemic bird species, making it a rewarding destination for birdwatching throughout the country.

special element do not touch entire section

EXPLORE RWANDA