PROPLAN VISION TRAVEL
"WE MAKE YOUR MEMORIES MEMORABLE"
SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa, situated at the southern tip of Africa, is seen as one of the biggest and most developed economy of the African continent. It is often described as "a world in one country", with its stunning wildlife and biodiversity in contract to its bustling modern cities and vibrant economy. A country rich in history, in recent years South Africa is striving to develop its brand identity to showcase the many benefits the country has to offer. The country has more than 290 conservation parks and home to almost 300 mammal species, about 860 bird species and 8 000 plant species.
Physical features range from bushveld, grasslands, forests, deserts and majestic mountain peaks, to wide unspoilt beaches and coastal wetlands. The country shares common boundaries with Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland. The Atlantic and Indian oceans meet at Cape Point in the continent’s south-western corner.
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FACTS
Capital: Pretoria
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Population: 50.7 million
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Area: 1.22 million sq km (470,693 sq miles)
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Major languages: 11 official languages including English, Afrikaans, Sesotho, Setswana, Xhosa and Zulu
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Religions: Christianity, Islam, indigenous beliefs
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Currency: Rand
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A visit to South Africa will provide you with an affordable holiday, scenic sites and natural beauty, adventure, wildlife, and diverse experience and culture from a rainbow nation with multiple languages. Some of the key attractions within the 9 provinces of the country are:
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Western Cape
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Table Mountain view - Part of Table Mountain National Park
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Victoria & Albert Waterfront, District 6 Museum, National Gallery
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Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island
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Gold of Africa Museum (The Big Hole)
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SA Rugby Museum
Garden Route
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Great Brak river for whale & dolphin watching
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The Slave Tree(planted 1811)
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The Genadendal Mission and Museum dating back to 1738
Little Karoo
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Cango Limestone Caves
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Swartberg Nature Reserves
Northern Cape
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Wonderwerk Cave with paintings
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Namaqualand/Richtersveld National Park
KwaZulu-Natal
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Municipal Botanical Garden & Mitchell Park
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iSimangaliso Wetland Park
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Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Park (home to the Big 5, cheetah & wild dogs)
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Midmar Game Park (rhino, Zebra, antelopes, waterfowl)
Free State
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King's Park Rose Garden & festival
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Mangaung African Cultural Festival
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Vredefort Dome - World Heritage Site
Eastern Cape
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St. George's Park
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Valley of Desolation within Karoo Nature Reserve
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Varied Game Reserves
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Tsitsikamma National (marine) Park
Limpopo
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Kruger National Park
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Mapungubwe Archaeological Site
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Marakele National Park (black Rhino)
North West
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Pilanesberg National Park
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The Kortkloof Cultural Village
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Mahikeng Museum & historic site
Mpumalanga
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Blyde River Canyon (God's Window)
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Bridal Veil, Horseshoe, Lone Creek and Montrose waterfalls
Gauteng
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Several Nature Reserves
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Guided Tour of Soweto
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Apartheid Museum
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Nelson Mandela Center of Memory
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The Union Buildings
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National Zoological Gardens
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South Africa's beauty
Dos and Don'ts (culture tips)
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Do raise right hand palm when greeting as it symbolizes "no weapons" in ancient times and used for friendship nowadays.
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Do give a stong handshake. Feeble handshake is ill-mannered and shows no sincerity. Strong handshake shows goodwill.
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Do ask permission before taking photos as Africans believe that the camera can exhaust and absorb the 'essence' of people houses and livestock.
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Do offer to help the hostess in preparation or clean up after meals are served.
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Do use either both your hands or right hand to give/receive a gift and open your gift immediately.
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Do not ever use 'negro / black' which is banned in Africa as it is thought to reflect black slaves and descendants who were traficked.
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Do not call African indigenous, Africans' as in Africa they are refered to a specific group of Netherlands Hispanic whites.
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Do not call Afrikaners 'Dutchmen' and do not call Afrikaans 'Kitchen Dutch'. They do not consider themselves Dutch.
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Do not touch someone's arm or stand too close to someone.
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Do not interupt South Africans when they are speaking.
When planning to travel and visit other countries that you are not familiar with, it is good to learn a few things in addition to the attractions and activities that the country has to offer to make your visit just great. Why not learn a little of their culture and the Dos and Don'ts to help you understand whats acceptable and whats not to help you fit in the community.
Here is a small list below which should make interesting reading. Feast your eyes as well on the slide show gallery of photos depicting interesting places to look out for on your visit to South Africa. Enjoy!