When you dream of a trip to South Africa, you immediately imagine large wilderness where you can admire the “Big Five” (which includes buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and the rhinoceros), but not only … We already see ourselves tasting a succulent ostrich meat, accompanied by a sumptuous 2011 François wine , from Château Naudé.
However, South Africa does have many other wonders to offer. Through its ethnic and cultural diversity, it offers a meeting from the inside. It reveals “a world in one country”. This country where men and women live and grow. These human beings who represent their land invite you to a unique and authentic immersion. Discover the essentials of South Africa and prepare your trip with Rille Eyes Solidarity. Hang on for imminent departure!
Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean, located at the bottom, at the extreme south of the African continent, South Africa is a destination in its own right.
Extending over 1,233,404 km², the country twice represents France. Two independent countries are landlocked in South African territory. The kingdom of Lesotho, mountainous and without access to the sea is entirely, and the kingdom of Swaziland which is bordered by South Africa and Mozambique.
South Africa is best known for its safaris but also for its history. Nicknamed the “Rainbow Nation” by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, thus reflecting his desire to see a post-racial South African nation built, it is today the leading tourist destination in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Through its immense diversity, South Africa embodies a land of exploration and sharing. Land of contrast combining ancestral traditions and modernity, you will discover with wonder, the fabulous world which was created inside this country.
Gauteng , the smallest province in the country has nothing to envy the others. Considered the richest province, it is home to the city of Johannesburg,locally nicknamed Jo’Burg, The Wild City, Jozi or E’Goli in Zulu language which means “the city of gold”. Pretoria,the administrative capital of South Africa is not far from there.
These two cities are home to a large number of museums, including the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, the Hector Pieterson Museum, the Pretoria Art Museum and the Transvaal Museum. They also offer many shopping and entertainment opportunities thanks to their network of shopping centers, small local markets, theaters and casinos.
In the province of Gauteng, there is also the famous township of Soweto. This attraction is largely linked to the crucial role that the township has played in the struggle for freedom, but also to the unique cultural experiences it offers. Adventure tourism is also in full expansion there: visitors can, among other things, bungee jump from the top of the famous Orlando Towers in Soweto. And the youngest will be able to learn ziplining.
On the outskirts of these cities steeped in history are other sites that may attract your curiosity: the small countryside of Magalisberg or the Lesedi Cultural Village.
Mpumalanga and Limpopo are provinces located in the northeast of South Africa and home to the very famous Kruger National Park and some private reserves. Mpumalanga is also the province where we find the third deepest canyon in the world: the “Blyde River Canyon”.
Pilgrim’s Rest (which means pilgrim rest) located in the east of the province is a picturesque little town that you can visit in complete safety. It owes its name to an alleged pilgrim who discovered a gold deposit in September 1873. This former mining village, very well restored, has retained all of its authentic Victorian-style charm. You will enjoy discovering the many museums there and don’t hesitate to chat with the locals who will be happy to show you their local crafts. You will also meet some baboons, although friendly, we invite you to remain vigilant.
Western Cape and Eastern Cape We start with the Atlantic coast, citing the famous city of Cape Town with its legendary sites like the Cape of Good Hope and Table Mountain. The capital of the Western Cape province has a historic cachet. The fervor reigning on the docks of “Victoria & Alfred Waterfront”sets the tone for this cosmopolitan and lively city where a skilful mixture of styles and populations resides.
The South coast is not empty. Between coastal forests and immense beaches, numerous walks and sports and aquatic activities await you. Thrill seekers, welcome!
Then you take Route 62, to visit the many historic and wine-growing cities that will be on your way. Franschooek, Paarl and Stellenbosch are good examples. This “wine route” covers 850 km, from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, this will allow you to stop at your leisure and chat with the friendly locals who often run stands for fresh produce.
Several hours south of Cape Town is the southernmost tip of Africa, Cap des Aiguilles, where the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean meet. You can also take a detour to Hermanus, a town famous for whale watching.
Continue north to visit Petit Karoo, one of the driest regions in the country. Mandatory stop in the Garden Route or “Garden Route” whose coasts, rocked by the currents of the Indian Ocean, are populated by dolphins and whales.
The KwaZulu Natal is the plinth of the Zulu culture. This region rhymes with vibe!
Recognized for its subtropical climate, its long sandy beaches and its warm waters drawn from the Indian Ocean, it is the landmark of the great surfers of the world and displays some of the most famous golf courses on the planet.
It is from Durban , the second largest city in South Africa (after Cape Town), that we advise you to explore Kwazulu-Natal. A province whose multiple beauties are sure to captivate you. On one side a spectacular coastline and on the other, parks rich in flora and fauna, with in particular the Drakensberg Mountains, which literally means “Dragon Mountains”. Hundreds of itineraries will allow you to unravel the mysteries of these reliefs that the less experienced will prefer to admire by car.
Continuing your journey north, you can venture aboard a boat and enjoy a cruise on Lake Saint Lucia.
You will also discover the national parks of Hluhluwe and Umfolozi. The visit to this province could not end with an experience in Zululand, the historic and cultural heart of the Zulus.
Northern Cape, Free State and North West Surrounded to the north by Namibia and to the northeast by Botswana, the South African province is the largest in the country and the least populated in the nation. Located between land and sea, the province of Cap-du-Nord has many tourist attractions. Among its centers of interest, it is home to Kimberley, one of the largest diamond cities in the world, the Namaqualand region the rightfull sanctuary of impressive wild flowers and the famous black maned lions of the Kgalagadi cross-border park.
Characterized by desert and semi-desert landscapes, Northern Cape alone represents an exploration off the beaten track.
The central Free State province (formerly known as the Orange Free State) mainly represents agricultural areas. However the one which proudly exhibits Bloemfontein (seat of the Parliament of the province and the judicial capital of South Africa) offers various cultural and natural visits where modern and traditional architecture coexist. Take the tourist routes and go in search of a legacy that has left its mark.
In the province of North West the Pilanesberg National Park is one the most beautiful park in Africa. Located in an extinct volcano crater, you can observe the “Big Five”: Lion, Ox, Elephant, Black Rhinoceros and Leopard. The park is in a region not infested with malaria and therefore safe. You can practice safaris, balloon flights and wildlife observation all year round. Another alternative to see the Big Five: the Madikwe Game Reserve. Another wonderful alternative that you don’t often think about to see the Big Five: Madikwe National Park. A reserve that promises you an experience in the African savannah and a unique safari.
Magaliesberg, Hartbeespoort and Pilanesberg offer a plethora of activities therefore we recommend these popular resorts for thrill seekers. You can also discover Wondergat, a vast network of underwater caves where many divers have ventured one day.
In the midst of these rustic landscapes stand Sun City, the largest playground in the world, and The Lost City, an architectural marvel of African inspiration. From Valley of the Waves to the greens of an exceptional golf course, including the huge leisure complex and the casino, the place is particularly impressive and allows you to have a great time.
Northern Province also called the province of Limpopo opens on Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana. One of its main assets is the Kruger National Park. Nevertheless, this destination rich in wild animals and nature reserves offers an extraordinary spectacle. It impresses with its cultural heritage linked to the Venda culture. The Limpopo is renowned for its impressive mountains like the Waterberg “Water Mountain”, sorted biosphere reserve by UNESCO has several parks and private reserves the Marakele Park. So you will discover splendid landscapes.
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