Allocating three cities in South Africa with the status of the capital at the same time was due to the fact that the country was originally a confederate state. The Union of South Africa was formed in 1910 from the Republic of South Africa, British possessions and the Orange Free State. For this reason, the authorities were distributed among the capitals of the countries included in it. Thus, South Africa, renamed South Africa in 1961, has three official capitals: Pretoria, Cape Town and Bloemfontein.

Pretoria

This city acts as the administrative capital of the Republic of South Africa, since it houses the government of the country. It is located in the northeast of the state and is the center of Gauteng province. Pretoria was founded in 1855 by the son of the commander-in-chief of the Boer settlers, Martinus Pretorius, after whom it was named.

During the infamous world of apartheid, Pretoria was considered the stronghold of this policy. Today it is a modern and large city, where luxurious green parks and skyscrapers contrast with the terrible slums. It is an important scientific, economic and commercial center of South Africa.

Cape Town

The second capital of South Africa, the city of Cape Town, is located right on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, next to the Cape of Good Hope. The history of the emergence of this city is not known for certain, since the first written evidence of it dates back to 1497. Cape Town received the status of the capital of the British colonies in 1814, and 50 years later it began to grow actively due to the influx of immigrants who went to the diamond deposits.

Currently, Cape Town is recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in the world and one of the most visited places in South Africa. It occupies an area of ​​almost 2.5 thousand square meters, and about 3.5 thousand people live in it, among which there are quite a lot of white people. There is the Parliament of South Africa, an international airport, several marinas and ports of international importance.

Bloemfontein

The judicial capital of South Africa is the city of Bloemfontein, located in the Free State province. It was officially founded in 1846 and 10 years later became the capital of the Orange Republic. Bloemfontein is a significant industrial sector in South Africa, in which enterprises of the food, glass, metalworking, leather and tobacco industries are concentrated.

Useful data for tourists about South Africa, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, the currency of South Africa, the cuisine, the features of visa and customs restrictions in South Africa.

• Capital: Pretoria (government)
• Territory: 1.220.430 sq. km
• Country code: +27
• Domain: .ur
• Network: 220V
• Time: from Moscow -1 hour.
• Visa required to enter

Information about South Africa

Geography of South Africa

The Republic of South Africa (SAR) is a state located at the southern tip of the African continent. It borders Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland. It is washed by the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean.

Most of the country is occupied by high flat plateaus "karru" and low (up to 2500 m) mountains, only a narrow strip of plains stretches along the coast, separated from the elevated regions by a ridge of the Drakens (Great Ledge) and Cape Mountains. The highest point in the country is Mount Mont-au-Source (3299 m).

State

State structure

Republic with a presidential form of government. Independent member of the British Commonwealth. The legislature is a bicameral parliament (the Senate and the National Assembly). Each of the 9 provinces of the country has its own parliament, legislature and government, accountable to the Prime Minister of South Africa.

Language

Official language: Afrikaans and 10 other languages

Afrikaans is spoken by Afrikaans (descendants of the Dutch) and most mestizos, English is spoken by almost all whites and Asians, some Africans. Most Africans speak their own languages.

Religion

Religion - Christians (mostly Protestants) - 68%, followers of local beliefs - 28%, Muslims, Hindus, Jews.

Currency

International name: ZAR

The South African rand is equal to 100 cents. In circulation there are banknotes of 200 (orange), 100 (magenta), 50 (pink), 20 (brown) and 10 (green) rand, coins in denominations of 5 (silver), 2 and 1 rand, as well as 50, 20, 10 , 5, 2 and 1 cent. In circulation are coins of both old and new issues, the denominations of which, with different denominations, are quite similar to each other. For cash payments, only the local currency is used.

Foreign currency can be exchanged at airports, train stations, hotels and numerous bank branches. It is relatively unprofitable to exchange money in hotels, as the exchange rate is usually somewhat overpriced and a commission fee is charged (approximately 1%). It is necessary to keep currency exchange receipts for reverse conversion when leaving the country.

All major shops, hotels and restaurants accept major credit cards. Only cash is used for payments at gas stations. Traveler's checks can be cashed at banks and tourist offices (commission approx. 1%).

History of South Africa

The territory of South Africa in ancient times was inhabited by Bushmen, Hottentots and Bantu peoples, but after the discovery in 1488 by the Portuguese of the southern tip of Africa, colonization of the country began. In 1652, the first European settlement was founded by the Dutch East India Company. The history of South Africa is marked not only by the conquest of territory by aliens, but also by a fierce struggle (especially after the discovery of diamond deposits) between the descendants of the Dutch settlers, who formed a special ethnic community - the Boers, and England. The struggle ended with the formation on the basis of two Boer republics in 1910 of the Union of South Africa (since 1961 - the Republic of South Africa) as part of the British Commonwealth.

South Africa Map

Popular Attractions

South Africa Tourism

Where to stay

South Africa is a country of contrasts: here you can enjoy wonderful nature, excellent hunting and gorgeous beaches. The main tourist destinations are national parks, major cities and the coast. It is there that hotels of world hotel chains and national hotel brands are located - Southern Sun Hotel Holdings, Inns and Protea Hotels, Sun Hotels International and Karos Hotel.

The hotel infrastructure is diverse - from economy hotels to luxury five-star hotels. All of them are quite high-class, even three-star hotels are prestigious and offer tourists quality service, cleanliness and comfort.

In South Africa, there is no traditional European hotel classification, but most hotels have a star classification, depending on the quality and quantity of services provided. Most motels, boarding houses, hostels and beach cottages are not classified at all.

One of the most budgetary types of accommodation is camping in national parks, which, in addition to tent accommodation, can offer a shower, a kitchen and a shop. The so-called "hotels on wheels", which offer a fairly high level of service, are unique for this country and are in great demand.

An ideal option for unpretentious tourists would be accommodation in youth hotels (hostels). Usually they offer multi-bed rooms with a bathroom on the floor. Meals are not included in the room rate.

African safari lovers can stay in camps - tarpaulin chalets on wooden platforms.

Guesthouses - family hotels are scattered throughout South Africa. The cost of accommodation in such hotels depends on the number of services provided.

On the coast and nature reserves, most hotels are so-called bungalow complexes or loggias. The presence of a restaurant and a bathroom in the room is a must. Meals are mainly organized according to the "all inclusive" system, or - full board.

Popular hotels

Tips

It is advisable to tip waiters in restaurants (up to 10% of the bill), porters at hotels and airports (up to 5 rand for each suitcase or bag), taxi drivers (up to 10% or rounding the amount on the counter to the nearest integer), tour guides and etc.

Visa

Office Hours

Banks are open on weekdays from 9:00 to 15:30, on Saturday - from 8:30 to 11:00. ATMs operate around the clock, as well as bank offices at airports.

Purchases

Value Added Tax (VAT, 14%) is included in the price of all goods and services. VAT refund is possible at the airport at the "VAT REFUND" counter upon presentation of a refund receipt (issued in the store). At the same time, tourists must also present a valid passport, all required forms of documents and cash receipts, as well as the goods themselves, and the minimum purchase amount must exceed 250 rand. In the event that the amount of VAT itself exceeds 3 thousand rand, compensation is often issued non-cash, by bank transfer to the account.

Medicine

Yellow fever vaccination certificate required. It is recommended to take action against malaria. International health insurance is required.

Drinking water and most local soft drinks are generally safe to drink, but it is still recommended to use commercially packaged mineral or drinking water. The quality of food in the vast majority of cafes and restaurants meets sanitary standards. Street stalls and bistros are also considered safe.

Safety

All reasonable precautions should be taken, both in regard to things and in regard to personal safety. Traveling alone is frankly dangerous. You should always gather a company before you go swimming, walking in the mountains or going hiking. It is not recommended to travel alone in buses, fixed-route taxis and trains in the evenings.

Credit card fraud is very common in South Africa.

Emergency Phones

Police - 10111.
Criminal police - 0800-111-213.
Ambulance - 10117 or 999.
Rescue Service - 1022.

National features of South Africa. Traditions

Since the autumn of 2006, the country has been implementing an extensive and consistent program to limit smoking.

The history of the Republic of South Africa as a country began with the landing of European settlers on April 6, 1652. On this day, a group of colonists who arrived from Holland founded the first settlement on the Atlantic coast, at this place is now the city of Cape Town. By that time, sailors from Europe, starting with Vasco de Gama, had circled the southern tip of the African continent many times, and needed a base to repair ships and replenish supplies. The Dutch East India Company created such a base and began to attract immigrants from different countries. Having merged into a single nation, the colonists began to be called Boers, their language "Afrikaans" became one of the branches of the Dutch.

A new stage in the life of South Africa came with the arrival of British troops. Having seized the territories mastered by the Boers, England declared them to be its colonial possessions. In response, the Boers migrated into the depths of the continent. After a fierce struggle with the local tribes, they were able to conquer new lands and equip them. Two Boer countries appeared on the world map at once - the Free Orange State and the Transvaal. They existed quietly for about forty years, until reserves of gold and diamonds were found on their territory. The beginning of the "gold rush" prompted the UK to try to take rich deposits under its control. Two Anglo-Boer wars followed, the second conflict, which lasted from 1899 to 1902, was especially difficult; the British were able to break the resistance of the Boers only with great efforts. On the conquered lands, Great Britain created the Union of South Africa, giving the new colony self-government.

Over time, an apartheid regime was created on the territory of South Africa. All residents were divided by race into whites, blacks, Asians and coloreds. Each race was granted a certain set of rights, institutions, places in transport, even beaches were divided. The black population, if possible, settled in places of compact residence, the so-called "bantustans". The authorities diligently limited the number of Negroes needed to work in the cities and introduced bans on their living in white houses, even as personal servants. As more African countries gained independence, the apartheid regime began to cause great resentment throughout the world. The United Nations imposed sanctions against South Africa, most of the economically developed countries interrupted trade relations with South Africa. The apartheid regime was abolished only in 1994, when representatives of the black majority came to power as a result of general elections.

Now in South Africa, all citizens enjoy the same rights, but the country has lost many qualified specialists who have emigrated abroad; according to various sources, every fifth representative of the white community left. Because of this, the economy was seriously undermined, although the Republic of South Africa continues to outpace all other states on the African continent in terms of development.

Current time in Pretoria:
(UTC+2)

Citizens of the Russian Federation need a visa to stay in the country. For information on what needs to be done to obtain it, read the section "Visa to South Africa".

How to get to South Africa

Weather in South Africa

Sights of South Africa

Given the historical belonging of the Republic of South Africa to both the Dutch and the British, plus the presence of its own history and a high level of development relative to other African countries, the country has something to see. See the links below for more information on each attractions in South Africa - a general description, location on the map, ways to get there, photos, opening hours, ticket prices and much more.

Along the southern coast of South Africa stretches the "Garden Route", a set of paths, paths and roads through an extremely picturesque and diverse area. It extends over a very considerable distance, the journey on foot through the most outstanding points takes five days, even with porters (provided to those who wish for a fee, including the trip back by steam locomotive). Although the name mainly provides for the kingdom of flora, since 24 thousand species of vegetation are represented here, on the “path” there are not only the “gardens” declared in the name, but there is enough of everything - both untouched nature and landscapes created by human activity that delight the eye, forests smoothly flow into picturesque plantations that give way to the mountains, overlooking the virgin beach and the endless ocean! The two combine to provide a myriad of possibilities, from visits to ostrich farms to the famous Klein Karoo with its stunning scenery. Yes, some Kango caves with the famous "organ pipes", which were sculpted in stone by inventive nature, what are they worth! This is the paradox of the "garden path" - on a 30-kilometer beach stretching along the coast, you can find a place where you will not meet a living soul, but besides, quads, canoes, trips on a surfboard through the dunes, skydiving, canopy tours, voyages to the open sea in order to look closely at sharks and whales.

Where to go in South Africa

Interesting places in South Africa

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and recreation areas

Leisure

Transport

Shops and markets

Private guides in South Africa

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with the Republic of South Africa in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Traveling in South Africa

Aircraft in South Africa

The most convenient flights in the Republic of South Africa are provided by the national air carrier "". Its flights link Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pietermaritzburg, Kimberley, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Nelspruit and other major cities. Prices for flights within the country are approximately $100-150 one way. More favorable offers can be found with the airlines "" and "" - with the help of these discounters you can save about 25-35 percent of the cost of the South African airways flight. You can find out the current price of flights on the websites of airlines.

Buses in South Africa

For budget travel in South Africa, it is recommended to use intercity buses. The bus network is extensive and includes all cities of interest to tourists. On most routes there is competition between carriers, this allows you to choose the best prices for transfers.

The services of the Intercape bus company, which operates flights not only to the territory of the Republic of South Africa, but also to neighboring countries - Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, are very popular. you can buy tickets online. Intercape buses are mostly new, comfortable, with TVs, air conditioning, toilets. Between Johannesburg and Cape Town and on a number of other long routes, special sleeping buses of superior comfort run with 150-degree folding seats. Ticket prices are slightly higher than those of other carriers, but there are often special offers that allow you to save a lot. For example, a standard ticket from Johannesburg to Cape Town costs 750 rand, but a special offer can be purchased for 560 rand.

Another popular carrier, "", also allows you to book tickets online on the site. The company has an extensive fleet of modern buses, and its route network reaches the most remote corners of the country. Also, good offers are found at the company "".

An interesting option for travelers is offered by the company "". Its multi-day pass is beneficial for those who expect to make stops along the way to explore cities. For example, by purchasing a weekly ticket from Johannesburg to Cape Town, you can visit about a dozen large settlements, stopping at each desired time. A one-week ticket that allows you to ride the entire Buz Bus network costs 1,700 rand, a two-week ticket costs 2,700 rand, a three-week ticket costs 3,300 rand. Clients of this bus company also receive discounts at inexpensive hotels and hostels.

Railways in South Africa

Rail transportation in South Africa is much less developed than bus transportation. Traveling by train usually takes more time and costs about the same as traveling by bus. For example, a voyage in a sleeping car on the Johannesburg-Cape Town train will cost 620-740 rand depending on the season and take more than a day versus 18 hours by bus. The trip between Johannesburg and Durban will take more than 10 hours instead of 6 by bus. In addition, safety is ensured only in intercity trains; commuter trains are categorically not recommended. You can check the details of the trip at.

Car rental in South Africa

Car rental in South Africa is well developed, but for travelers from continental Europe, left-hand traffic is a serious obstacle. Because of this, many are afraid to rent a car, and if they do, then with an automatic transmission. Knowing this, South African rental companies keep prices for cars with "automatic" 30 percent higher than for "mechanics". Renting an economy class car for a week costs about $250-300 from a large international company such as Avis or Hertz, local rental offices give better prices.

South African cuisine

The cuisine of South Africa does not have a pronounced national color: Africans have never been distinguished by culinary arts, and European settlers brought with them the traditions of their own countries. The specialties of South African cuisine are mainly associated with the interweaving of these traditions, for example, Indian or Asian spices are added to meat with vegetables. One of the most famous South African dishes is braai, a kind of barbecue. Grilled meat is served with vegetables and spices, sometimes very spicy.

In everyday life, inexpensive chicken dishes are in demand, fish cuisine is developed, especially in Cape Town and other seaside cities, where, in addition to fish, mussels, lobsters, and shrimp are also served. Tourists can taste fairly common game dishes, including exotic ones; the menu of large restaurants constantly meets the meat of crocodiles, ostriches, hippos. There are also more exotic varieties, such as larvae and locusts, but they are not common.

The opportunity to eat inexpensively in South Africa is provided by fast foods, represented by both international chains such as Mc'Donald's and local establishments. Indian cuisine establishments are popular, where you can eat inexpensively, if you do not pay attention to the spiciness of the food.

Wines of South Africa

The traditions of South African winemaking were laid down three and a half centuries ago: for the first time, locally produced wine appeared in 1659. For a long time, the wine industry, for various reasons, was in the shadow of other sectors of the economy, mainly enthusiasts invested in its development. The cultivation of grapes and the production of wine reached significant volumes only in the 20th century, when the South African government developed certain rules. Areas with the most suitable climate for growing grapes were identified, and the order of wine production was streamlined.

International recognition of South African wine was achieved in the 1990s, after the fall of the apartheid regime and the lifting of economic sanctions from the country. Now the Republic of South Africa ranks eighth in the world in terms of wine production and these volumes are growing year by year.

Mostly grapevine varieties were imported to South Africa from Europe, France made a big contribution. South Africa produces white wines based on grown grape varieties Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, which occupy about three quarters of the market. For the production of red wines are used varieties "Merlot", "Sauvignon", "Cabernet". South African breeders in the 1920s managed to create a hybrid called "Pinotage" by crossing two varieties of French grapes, which became the hallmark of the wine industry. Red wine from this grape is distinguished by aroma, richness and balance. Due to the country's climatic features, South African wines are sweet and tart, connoisseurs put many varieties on a par with French wines.

Shopping in South Africa

The Republic of South Africa has been known throughout the world as the largest exporter of precious stones for many years, and in the country's jewelry stores you can buy magnificent diamonds, including unique colored ones. Also in South Africa, items made of garnets, sapphires, and emeralds are sold. Jewelry prices are somewhat lower than in Europe, and most importantly, many of them are real works of art.

It makes no sense to buy clothes and shoes in South Africa, unlike accessories: skillfully crafted handbags and crocodile leather belts have become a kind of hallmark of the South African industry.

It is better to make expensive purchases in large shopping centers, they are in all cities of South Africa. It is also better to buy groceries in supermarkets, although private shops run by Indians are often more conveniently located in central areas.

Souvenirs from South Africa

Souvenirs are sold in specialized shops, but they offer mostly a standard set - magnets, plates with views, etc. asphalt near places visited by tourists. From stalls and from stretched bedspreads, Africans sell national clothes, various decorations, statuettes made with their own hands, and masks. Various crafts in the African style are popular with tourists - figurines of animals and people made of wood, embroidery, pottery with ornaments. Of interest are bone key chains and other items made from the bones of African animals. The traditions of African beading go back to the deep past, and therefore each braid attracts attention with bright colors - such a souvenir is not so expensive, especially if you bargain, and then you can bring down the price, for example, from 80 to 50 rand. Trade between a buyer and a seller is appropriate, but only in private markets - if there is a price tag, then it is pointless to bargain.

Security in South Africa

However, according to local police, three-quarters of murders and other serious violent crimes occur in the same areas, covering about a quarter of the country. In other words, if crime-prone areas are avoided, the chances of falling into the hands of criminals are relatively low. Tourists who adhere to certain rules and do not leave large cities are likely not to be subjected to armed attack. It is also safe to be in national parks, small towns, and generally anywhere where there are no poor Negro neighborhoods nearby.

CCTV cameras have been installed in the central areas of Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, allowing law enforcement to quickly respond to the situation. City streets are systematically patrolled. In addition to the police, security is monitored by numerous private security guards: shopping centers, hotels, large condominiums, entertainment complexes must have their own security guards. Therefore, staying and moving in large cities is quite safe, although in any case you should not carry large amounts of cash with you, and even more so show them to sellers, bank employees and other local residents - they can give a tip to familiar bandits, and then neither the police nor the video cameras will not help to avoid robbery. It is not recommended to leave things in a parked car, at least in plain sight: thefts from vehicles make up the largest percentage of all non-violent crimes in South Africa.

The lower part of the continent, washed on three sides by ocean waves, where the southernmost point of Africa is located - Cape Agulhas in South Africa. In the north it is separated from other regions by the Congo River basin. This is South Africa, on the territory of which (according to different qualifications) there are from five to twelve states. The main "backbone", united in the customs union - South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana and Namibia.

Climate and its impact on the natural world

Topographically, the subcontinent is dominated by numerous plateaus, plateaus and mountains, the entire territory is generously covered with a network of tectonic cracks and faults. Also South Africa dotted with rather full-flowing "blue arteries", the Orange River, Limpopo and Zambezi flow here with the world-famous tourist attraction - Victoria Falls.

The climate is predominantly tropical, on the east coast it is very humid - the trade winds reign here, bringing a large amount of precipitation from the expanses of the Indian Ocean. In the west, it is somewhat cooler - this is the merit of the winds from the Atlantic. From October to March, daytime temperatures rise to +35 °C, although it can be noticeably colder at night. Autumns are short and relatively dry, while winters are mild but remarkably erratic, warm in the valleys and quite snowy in the mountains.

Such climatic variability affects the richness of flora and fauna - the countries of South Africa boast an amazing diversity of flora and fauna. There are areas of sultry deserts, mountain ranges and meadows, palm groves and steppes covered with undersized shrubs, savannahs and even swamps. Safari enthusiasts can spot lions, rhinoceroses, buffaloes, giraffes, hyenas and leopards in these places, as well as a host of other large and small mammals.

Economic development and prospects

At the time of colonization South African countries actively settled by European settlers, who were primarily interested in the development of agricultural land and pastures. The entire region is covered with a dense network of small and large farms. Also, these lands are rich in minerals, the most important of which are gold and diamonds. However, the level of economic stability in the subcontinent is not uniform, with some states significantly dependent on subsidies.

The most developed and attractive country for investment is South Africa. Despite the pronounced racial discrimination and the monstrous poverty of the indigenous population, this state is considered the most promising on the entire continent. Botswana and Namibia (one of the largest uranium producers) are developing quite successfully.

List of countries in South Africa

Below is a list of countries in this region and more detailed information about them:

• Botswana
• Lesotho
• Namibia
• Swaziland
• Republic of South Africa

Republic of South Africa.

The name of the country is due to the geographical location of the country.

South Africa area. 1221000 km2.

Population of South Africa. 46,000 thousand people

Administrative divisions of South Africa. The state is divided into 9 provinces.

Form of government of South Africa. Republic.

Head of State of South Africa. The president.

Supreme legislature of South Africa. The bicameral parliament is the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces.

Supreme executive body of South Africa. Government.

Ethnic composition of South Africa. 77% are Africans, 12% are Europeans and their descendants, 11% are Asians.

South African currency. Rand = 100 cents.

Climate of South Africa. 20 are traced on the territory of the state. The region of the Natal province is characterized by elevated, which is inherent in the hot tropical. In the Cape Town area reigns, which is characterized by dry hot summers and mild winters. The rest of the state is characterized by a climate. The climate in South Africa is more than in other countries located at the same latitudes, this is due to the sufficient height above sea level and the proximity of ocean currents. more falls in the east (1000-2000 mm per year), the least - in (less than 100 mm).

Flora of South Africa. The flora of South Africa is rich - at least 20,000 species of plants grow here. From here, many flowers were once taken out, which are now common in - among them geranium, gladiolus, daffodil. There are more than 5,000 species of plants found in the Cape Town area that no longer grow in any other country in the world. A silver tree has been preserved, the flower of which is the national symbol of South Africa. The main part of the country -.

Fauna of South Africa. Among the representatives of the animal world of South Africa are elephant, rhinoceros, zebra, lion, giraffe, cheetah, aardvark, antelope, hyena, golden mole, tarsier, various types of birds. and lakes. The largest rivers - and. Attractions. In Cape Town - the Castle of Good Hope, the South African Museum, which presents the findings of archaeological excavations in the vicinity and samples of rock art of the Bushmen.

Useful information for tourists

Tips in a restaurant are 10-12% of the total order value (including drinks), porter service is from 2 to 5 rand per piece of luggage, a driver guide is 15-20 rand per person per day of work. No vaccinations are required, unless you are planning a trip to the northeastern regions (areas where the malaria mosquito is present). Along with taking antimalarial drugs, it is recommended to wear long sleeves and use insecticides. Malaria mosquitoes are most active at dusk. Air conditioners and fans also reduce the risk of mosquito bites.