Get down again, again! You're almost there! Go all the way to the tip, really to the end. Bravo! Here you are at your destination: South Africa was just waiting for you to reveal all its treasures. Despite a tormented and sometimes violent history, South Africa has been able to flourish and open itself to the world to become a great democratic and multiracial nation synonymous with peace and beauty.

The very nicely named Rainbow Nation is located at the southern tip of the African continent. Enjoying a privileged geographical situation with to the west the Atlantic Ocean and to the east the Indian Ocean, this country with multiple charms covers a large area: 1 221 000 km².

Border on its northern part of Namibia, Botswana, and Mozambique, South Africa encloses Lesotho and Swaziland. Because of its size, it is rich in nine provinces as its Northern Cape, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, North-West, Mpumalanga, Kwazulu-Natal, Free State, Gauteng and Northern Province.

The country attracts by its rainbow aspect with its inhabitants of all colors and its multitudes of landscapes made up of imposing mountains (with the presence of three chains: Nuweveldberg, Stormberg and Drakensberg which culminates at more than 3 400 m), arid deserts, native forests and a long coastline rich of very beautiful beaches of fine sand with turquoise waters and a very beautiful biodiversity.

The fauna and flora occupy a large place in the heart of Africans who dedicate to them large national parks and many animal reserves where we find species that seem to us very exotic Western like elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, hippopotamuses, rhinos...

Although nature is omnipresent in South Africa, it does not prevent its cities from growing and showing a very great modernity which is however accompanied by a great poverty. Here the New York skyscrapers rub shoulders with the shantytowns.

Located in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are reversed compared to Europe. With a generally dry and sunny climate, the country sees its climate more or less vary from one region to another. For your discovery, fly to South Africa during the period from November to March, when the climate is mild and pleasant. South Africa is a safari destination of choice, with a wealth of wild animals left in their natural habitat but also protected in parks. Spending time in South Africa without discovering the beautiful animal reserves is simply inconceivable! The diversity of animals as well as the wild landscapes make the country a pure jewel of raw beauty. The largest and most illustrious of the reserves is undoubtedly the Kruger National Park which covers no less than 20 000 km²! You will meet the famous Big Five (the five mammals feared and respected by hunters) that are buffalo, rhino, elephant, lions and leopard. Symbolic animals for the country that makes them appear on its banknotes.

If the landscapes and the animals hold a predominant place in South Africa it is not necessary to forget its cosmopolitan and welcoming population to whom it owes nickname of Rainbow Nation. The black population is divided into different ethnic groups, the largest of which are the Zulu and Xhosa. But the country also has a very international face with cities with high ethnic concentrations. In Durban you will find many Indians and in Cape Town many Dutch. The French are gathered in Franschhoek. This pluralism pleasantly affects South Africa's architecture and culture in general. South Africa reveals to you all its facets and its breathtaking landscapes going from the coast to the bright colors, to the heart of the bush where live the wild animals. Take advantage of the kindness of its people to learn more and more about this fascinating culture from the ends of the earth.

Art and Culture in South Africa
Sundays and public holidays in South Africa are an opportunity to gather around a good barbecue. Braai is a moment of sharing, a custom that is only practiced in this part of the world. Around 4 pm, the head of the household begins to prepare the braai and meat while his male guests gather around the fire, a beer in hand and the women discuss among themselves. Around 6pm everyone gathers around the table to start enjoying the food that each participant will have previously brought with him.

What to visit in South Africa
Dominated by the impressive Table Mountain at the flat summit culminating at 1,086 meters, Cape Town is impressive in beauty with its cliffs that plunge steeply into the Atlantic Ocean and its long beaches with turquoise waters. Wine region par excellence you can reach it with a rental car in South Africa and find good wines to taste in the restaurant or on a café terrace. Because Cape Town is modern and trendy. Located only one hundred and twenty kilometres from Cape Town is Hermanus, an ancient fishing village, today a seaside resort which, because of its privileged position, allows the naked eye to see the southern whales that come to winter from June to November.

Gastronomic specialities in South Africa
A cosmopolitan country, cuisine with various influences! South African cuisine is mainly influenced by the Dutch, Indians, Malay and British. Whether you are a carnivore, vegetarian or fish lover, you will enjoy all South African restaurants and hotels in South Africa. Cooking is often served with a caramelized sauce so don't hesitate to tell the waiter if you don't like it. The cuisine of Cape Malay , true ambassador of South African gastronomy will make you discover the flavor of the animals of the bush like the crocodile, the antelope, the buffalo or the ostrich. Lebobotie, a real specialty of the country is a dish made with minced meat, d´œufs and curry. Koeksisters are traditional sweet doughnuts.