Visit South Africa

South Africa is a diverse landscape with nine beautiful provinces offering a range of spectactlar natural landscapes and lively cityscapes. Discover some little known facts about our country at the most Southern tip of the African continent.

Landscapes

South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique are working together on creating The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park - at 35 000 square kilometres (3.5 million hectares or around 7 million acres) the largest conservation area in the world.

South Africa greenlands have 30 species per square kilometer, greater than the biodiversity of the rainforests.

Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world - and the largest green one. The Grand Canyon in the US is the biggest, and the Fish River Canyon in Namibia the second, but both are dry as bones.

More about canyons and waterfalls

South Africa and its neighbours are some of the most generously endowed geographic solar hotspots in the world, soaking up just over half of the world's highest category of solar wattage per square metre of land.

Rocks & meteors

South Africa has the oldest meteor scar in the world, just over the Vaal River near Parys, called the Vredefort Dome. The meteor plummeted to Earth nearly two billion years ago (Earth is said to be 4,5 billion years old), predating the heady days of oxygen and multi celled life. More about Geotourism

The rocks around Barberton in Mpumalanga are some of the most ancient in the world - over three billion years old. Because they are also the most accessible such formations, NASA scientists come here to gain an idea of how life might form on distant planets.

Water & waterfalls

The Tugela Falls is the second highest waterfall in the world, where the water tumbles down 850 metres. First place goes to the Angel Falls in Venezuela at 979 metres. More about waterfalls

There are only 12 countries in the world that supply tap water that is fit to drink, and South Africa is one of them. Our tap water quality is about third best overall in the world.

South Africa has the world's most progressive and admired water legislation, and it is making a real difference on the ground. Since 1998 when the so-called "Blue Revolution" began, four million more poor people have access to clean water.

Find out what our nine provinces can offer you:
Eastern Cape
Free State
Gauteng
KwaZulu Natal
Limpopo
Mpumalanga
North West
Northern Cape
Western Cape

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Great Train Journeys in Southern Africa

Rovos Rail

Step aboard the pride of Africa—the world's most luxurious train. Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. Step aboard the wood-panelled coaches - classics remodelled and refurbished to mint condition - and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows.

Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a by-gone era, when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion. In a series of journeys lasting from 24 hours to a fortnight, the Pride of Africa links some of Africa's greatest destinations from Cape Town at the tip of Africa to Dar-Es-Salaam in Tanzania, from scenic splendours as diverse as the game reserves of Mpumalanga to the Victoria Falls, from the desert landscapes of Namibia and the stark beauty of the Karoo to the lush canefields of KwaZulu-Natal and the magnificent Garden Route along the Cape South Coast.


The Blue Train

The ultimate luxury rail cruise experience—The Blue Train is unique, it is not merely a train but combines the luxury of the world's leading hotels with the charm of train travel. Think of it as an all inclusive luxury rail cruise with an opportunity to view South Africa's spectacular landscapes and visit interesting tourist attractions along the way.

Take a journey into a timeless world of grace, elegance and romance, where spectacular scenery stirs your imagination and luxurious comfort soothes your body and soul. Sit back, de-stress and relax. This unique luxury recreation and business experience takes you where you want to go in an endless, five-star splendour. It pauses only to pick up prestigious World Travel awards for being a cut above the rest and the Diner's Club accolade for its connoisseur selection of South African wines. The Blue Train cuisine puts sheer good taste on a plate while butler personal attention puts you on a pedestal. It's a journey of a lifetime for those who appreciate finer things in life.


The Shongololo Express

When the indigenous people of the southern continent observed the first trains in Africa, the lines of rolling stock passing on the distant horizons recalled the profile and sinuous movement of a creature, they called Shongololo – the millipede.

Shongololo Express began operations in 1995 to provide a very special touring experience for visitors to Southern Africa. Shongololo tours traverse seven countries on the southern African continent: South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, Botswana, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Just as the ocean cruise, our very special rail cruises take care of our guests’ every need. All your requirements for a superb holiday are provided: transport, accommodation, meals, recreation, sightseeing and – what a pleasure – you need to unpack and only pack once.The trains travel comfortably and securely during the night to the next stop on the itinerary and you awake each morning to a fresh vista on Africa and the anticipation of new and exciting adventures. In this way Shongololo guests can make the most of every precious holiday hour.

Each train carries a fleet of air-conditioned Mercedes Benz touring vehicles with professional guides on board (English, German, Dutch or French speaking) who are ready to take guests on inclusive scheduled off-rail activities to experience the unique sights of the area. For the more adventurous there are also specialized activities from ballooning, to elephant riding to scuba diving available at many locations.

The chefs offer South African menus that include Cape Dutch and Malay recipes as well as authentic African dishes. Meals are complemented by a selection of delightful and distinguished South African wines. It is the aim and the pleasure of every staff member on board to provide you with friendly and efficient service.