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The wild heritage of South Africa is remarkable for its wealth. The country has over 600 protected areas to preserve wildlife. Main attraction: the “big five”, including lion, leopard, rhinoceros, buffalo and elephant.

The Big Five
Remember that, thanks to a policy of protection in South Africa, there are more species of animals (900 species of birds) than in any other country in the continent. The Big Five, i.e. lions, leopards, buffaloes, rhinos and elephants, populate many reservations in South Africa. They are accompanied by numerous species of gazelles.

The shark cage
South Africa currently has the largest concentration in the world of white sharks. It is out of Gansbaai, a small town located 120 km from Cape Town, one discovers that the great wild predator.
A few kilometres from the coast, between Dyer Island and Geyser, is “Shark Valley”, canal narrow and shallow. This site is therefore deemed as the top venue of great white sharks. You can here bubbled with them, protected by a steel cage. The more adventurous will not be disappointed!

South Africa has as many forms of art and culture of ethnic groups. The tribe and clan of N’Debele Zulu are among the most important ones. Visitors will have rendezvous with history of tribes and local crafts. The most curious look at contemporary art South African also deserves a look.

The Ndebele tribe
The Ndebele live in the region of Eastern Transvaal, north-east and east of Pretoria and in the region and Middleburg in the province of Gauteng. Minority (400,000 persons) in a region populated by ethnic Sotho, this group has nonetheless gained international recognition through an art form altogether. The housing and clothing of the Ndebele tribe are distinguished by their effect on colours and geometric. Some women of the tribe can wear around their arms and their necks, over 20 kg of copper rings and multicolored beads.

The Zulu territory
To the east of the country, visiting the Kwazulu-Natal - the territory of the Zulus - you will discover the past people of this great warrior who has shocked and terrified armies Boer and English. A journey on the “triangle Zulu” in regions of Eshowe, Vryheid and Ladysmith will take you on the road battles “and on the trail, yet many conflicts Boers-Zulu and Anglo-Boer. This is the largest ethnic group: 8 million people. Many museums are devoted to its history and cultural heritage. (KwaZula Cultural Museum near Ulundi, Talana Museum near Dundee …)

The craft and contemporary art
Paintings, pottery and sculptures in wood or metal, South Africa is rich for its crafts. In large cities, you can easily get cards “arts and crafts” you will discover interesting galleries and shops. In terms of contemporary art, you can attend events and artistic activities from all corners of the globe, particularly in terms of theatre and music.

The Sotho
The borders of Lesotho, in the Free State, sothos are 300 000 southern and northern sothos, which have a majority, elected home north of Tzaneen, are 2.8 million. lls differ from others by their clothing: conical hats and kept the colors live. Whether they live in huts or houses, their facades are still decorated with paintings and inlays.

Les Sans
Initially, the first arts of South African is evidenced by cave paintings. These nomads are very numerous and more isolated in small groups. Some live by hunting and gathering in the Kalahari Desert, reproducing and lifestyle of their ancestors. They set little contact with the outside world, but it is possible to purchase their crafts in the city of Kimberley. Located in the province of Kwa Zulu-Natal, the reserves of rock paintings are an interesting curiosity to discover.

The Vendas
600 000 Vendas live in the northern province of Limpopo. Physically, their features are marked by a former miscegenation, with Arab merchants who were once trade in the region. Their ancestors were known for their incomparable work of the forge. They practice the same rituals and customs of their ancestors and are faithful (especially women) in traditional costumes. they sell and exhibit their crafts to the west of Thohoyando and it is possible to visit their villages and their markets.

The other peoples
South Africa has an impressive number of communities. In Durban, for example, Indians are extremely numerous and some neighborhoods give the impression of being in India and not in South Africa. There is a Dutch community in Cape Town where the architecture is imbued with this settlement, but there is also this influence in Stellenbosch, Swellendam or even Graaf Reinet. The Germans in East London, the French in Franschhoek, the British in Cape Town … a Jewish community also in Cape Town, Pretoria and Johannesburg. Chinese, Portuguese and Greeks also had an influence gastronomic this time.

In the cities of South Africa, only one word: the variety. A variety that we feel over the visits. The city administration, such Pretoria, the seaside resort, as Durban, via Cape Town: so many facets to discover throughout your journey.

Cape Town
Of all the major cities of South Africa, Cape Town (Kaapstad) is certainly the city that presents the greatest interest to foreign visitors. With a background the famous Table Mountain, “a relief summit flat side slopes, the city of South Africa has no doubt of one of the most beautiful scenery in the world. One can easily spend a week to visit this city, regarded as the most tolerant of South Africa, although apartheid has left a heavy legacy. It is also an opportunity to explore the peninsula of Cape of Good Hope - the most southern African continent. On the agenda: the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Simson’s Town and its colony of penguins, Cape Point and the island of seals. After an orientation tour of the city, do a cable car ascent of the “Table Mountain”. The panorama that offers the culmination of 1073 m and is very impressive. Walk on the sublime Camps Bay beach, just 15 minutes from downtown. From Cape Town, you go easily into a natural reserve on the Cape of Good Hope. It is also the Cape you to leave for the island cruise on the Seals. You come back only at sunset, a glass of champagne in hand, to enjoy the magnificent sight on the coast.

Johannesburg
Johannesburg is not strictly speaking a tourist town. It embodies yet the complexity of South Africa, in what it has better (the integration of a portion of the black community) and what to worse (to the townships, rampant crimes) . The city is inevitable important only for its international airport, crossing point required for all visitors arriving in the country. But frankly it is not necessary to visit it, unless you want better soak up the atmosphere prevailing in the country. It does little attractions: the site of Gold Reef City, the business district of Sandton and shopping malls.

Pretoria
Administrative capital of the country, Pretoria is located only 60 km from Johannesburg and seems almost incorporated into the suburbs of the latter. It is distinguished by its “mentality rather conservative” in the margins of social momentum that affects the rest of the country. The city has only limited attractions, but offers a peaceful atmosphere and a certain charm in the autumn, when the jacaranda are in bloom. If you stay, you can visit the home of Paul Kruger (60 Church St.), the zoo (St. Paul Kruger) and the Union Building (Struben St.)

Durban
Durban’s main interest is to offer a beautiful waterfront, lined with long jetties and near the bustling Golden Miles (to go in one of the many rickshaws pulled by Indians or Zulus). Other interests of this city very active: pleasant seaside suburbs (Umhlanga) and a large Indian community (the market Victoria, in the district of India).

Bloemfontein
In the Northern Cape province and in the Orange Free State, you could make a detour by the respectable city of Bloemfontein, cradle of Afrikaneer society. The city is the administrative capital of the country and has buildings of imposing sizes: judicial administration, university and military camp. There are around reserves and parks that deserve a look: Wildlife Franklin (on Mount Naval), Soetdoring Nature Reserve and the beautiful Maria Moroka National Park.

Kimberley
Kimberley is the “city of diamonds” and has developed mainly around the mining activity. It is here that the famous prospector Consolidated De Beers Mining Company and Cecil John Rhodes (who gave his name to Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe) has built his vast fortune. By visiting the board the “Big Hole”, you will see the largest hole ever made by man, and in which there has long extract precious stones. 800 m deep , the Big Hole is now filled with water (accessible via the Museum of Mining).

Bordered by two oceans, the coast of South Africa extends over 3 000 km long. The surfers are not the only ones who find their happiness on the coasts of South Africa. With a common denominator: the sandy beaches, remarkably straight beach and places of swimming with enjoyable pleasure.

The coast of the Indian Ocean
Generally, the coast of the Indian Ocean offers beautiful beaches, warm sea and a pleasant climate. Including around Durban, Port Elizabeth, Knysna or “road gardens”, the coastline is punctuated by a succession of resorts, beaches for surfing, lagoons, estuaries and rainforests. The coast north of Durban (between Umhlanga Rocks and Tugela Mouth) offers generally the most beautiful beaches on the south coast, but less lively than the latter (Sunshine Coast and Hibiscus Coast, a tourist).

The coast of the peninsula
The coast of the peninsula, a meeting point between the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean, has some beautiful seaside resorts, but water is much cooler, even rather cold. In the west, there are notably the National Park of the West Coast that offers a particular landscape and a coastline formed dunes carpeted with wildflowers. There are also very popular seaside resorts, at Yzerfontein and Langebaan.

Wilderness
Owned “road gardens”, one finds here the sandy beaches to the eye. Wilderness bears this title with a woman. At the end of the last century, this same woman marries a man who promises to him to live in the middle of nowhere. It is therefore this place and give him the name “Wilderness”, which means french wild place. Since then, the place became a small resort very nice. It is also not far from the Wilderness National Park: more than 2 612 hectares planted with rivers and swamps. Five trails traverse the site. But beware! According to rumours, and residents confirmed, this park is haunted …

From the border of Mozambique in the north-east to Cape of Good Hope, south-east, South Africa offers a succession of breathtaking scenery. Mountain Ranges, broad meadows, wide open spaces semi-desert, hills and lush valleys are all panoramas, witnessing the wealth of this vast country.

The Drakensberg
In the Transvaal, on the road from Johannesburg to the Kruger Park, do not miss the incredible panoramic view of the canyon of the Blyde River (Blyde River Canyon National Park: 26 000 hectares). This is one of the major attractions of the Drakensberg (Dragon Mountain, Afrikaner), stretching from Mozambique to Cape Province, which also has majestic peaks of more than 3 000 metres (Cathedral Castle Peak and Giant). The reserve Giant Castle and the Royal National Park Natal (grand amphitheatre rock) are attracting fans touring the world. The Drakensberg is known for his 5000 rock paintings and overlooks one of the largest canyons in the world.

The Western Cape
To the south, the Cape province, framed between Indian and Atlantic Ocean, offers a wide variety of landscapes. The climate is mild all year, making the visit this region very pleasant. The beaches on the coast, still wild, spread over about 1000 km.
The cities also bring their sights: Tulbagh and its 62 historic buildings, Kaaga Kamma and its traditions without the Victorian village of Matjiesfontein (monument historique), Worcester and its wines and spirits, without forgetting the mythical small fishing villages on the coast west.
Landscapes piling up, all more surprising as the others: the Valley of Wine and Roses at Robertson, the red hills of Calitzdorp or the Langebaan lagoon …

The Karoo
In the north-east of Cape Town and its province is the vast semi-desert Karoo, which covers almost one third of the total area of the country. It recalls some parks in the west, however, with American fauna and flora which is much richer. The province includes the main attractions as the beautiful National Park mountain zebras (one of the rarest animals in the world), the Karoo National Park (largest, with 33 000 ha and 61 species of mammals) and its magnificent botanical gardens. Do not forget to visit the beautiful city of Graff-Reinet and its superb architectural heritage.

La Route des Vins
In the Western Cape Province, 30 km from Cape Town, is the famous wine route. Landscapes mainly filled with wine grapes, this is where are cultivated some of the finest South African grapes. A historical reason for this: it is here, and especially in the Franschhoek Valley that have harbored the Huguenots who fled France after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes.

KwaZulu-Natal
In the middle-east and separated from the rest of the country by Lesotho, lies the province of KwaZulu-Natal. This area offers a wide range of landscapes, colours, sights and fauna and flora extremely rich. From North to South, you can in turn discover all its attractions. The Tembe Elephant Park is an impressive sanctuary elephants. Col Pongola offers a panoramic view of the river Pongolapoort, which is full of crocodiles, hippos and fish. A Hluhluwe-Umfozi is the largest concentration of white rhinos in the world. In Saint Lucia Park, hippos and crocodiles are released. The Zulu capital, Umgungundlovu, is inevitable. At the heart of this region in the Midlands, grasslands and forests stretch as far as the eye. And yet, many waterfalls Howick and resorts on the south coast part to the charm of the region. A Fort Sheptone, a small train offers a tour through banana plantations, dunes and planting sugarcane. Finally, on the other hand, the Sani Pass (2875 m summit altitude) overlooks the Drakensberg.
So, hikers, fishermen, nature lovers or curious traditions Zulu, KwaZulu-Natal awaits you …

The Northern Cape
The Northern Cape region is a vast and interesting because it allows mixing wide range of activities. Thus, there are cave paintings in large numbers, diamond deposits, carpets of flowers in the eye and impressive waterfalls. The bush contains y fauna of birds and mammals surprising. You can meet here black and white rhino, antelope, gemsbocks … The parks and reserves grouillent in this region: Vaalbos National Park (Barkly West), Richtersveld National Park (Springbrok, bordering Namibia), Spitskop Nature Reserve (Upington) and still Witsand Nature Reserve (Postmasburg) …

The Eastern Cape
The province of Eastern Cape adjacent to the Cape to the East. This region offers many activities: hiking, water sports, fishing, discovery of fauna and flora or mountaineering. All this in the middle of landscapes. Take for example the “Garden Route” to the west of Port Elyzabeth, where relay mountains and forests, cliffs and beaches. The Gamtoos Valley also between Port Elyzabeth and East London is an oddity in itself since there are 58 varieties of mammals and 293 species of birds. A river, the Great Fish River, crosses the region and allows sports whitewater. Here, we also visit many battlefields, the coast of the sun still wild and it appreciates all year a very mild climate.

The Free State
At the heart of South Africa, is the province of Free State. Between fields of sunflowers and corn, hiking, fishing and water sports, visits to national parks and wildlife discovery of atypical, the Free State promises many surprises. Among the multitude of other things to see and things to do, you can choose including: Bloemfontein or city of roses, heritage bird Springfontein, Gariep Dam and the mountain zebra Cape, the diamond mine Koffiefontein, and Rouxville his temple Protestant historic monument, the colony of vultures of Zastron, Caledon Nature Reserve and its 200 species of birds or Harrismith and sonarbre old petrified 250 million years …

The North
The northern part of South Africa is divided into four distinct regions: Gauteng, the centre, east appélée “region of gold” since one can discover the largest gold deposits. Johannesburg is the main attraction. The Limpopo province further north, contains, among mountains and bush, the biggest copper mines operated open pit but also many parks and reserves, archaeological sites, historical and ornithological. The region also offers a great diversity of landscapes and activities: the sanctity of vendras Lake, the river Levubu its waterfalls, forests, cliffs, its wildlife and its baobabs. In the north east, Mpumalanga province is famous for its bird reserves. You can also practise canoeing, horseback riding, hiking, cycling, fishing and mountaineering. Again, a multitude of places to see around Chrissiesmeer population of 270 lakes and ponds, Wine Region Loospruit, Marble Hall and its ostrich farms, Beslfast, its fields of tulips (September-October) and its 50 varieties of orchids, waterfalls Lone Creek … Finally, the North West province has its interest in its mountains, caves, its landscapes, flora and fauna surprising. Elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes and birds of all sorts have chosen to live. Again, you can practice riding, hiking and water sports.