South Africa is undoubtedly one of the continent’s and the world’s leading tourist destinations. It is a favorite holiday, travel, business and educational destination for visitors coming from the UK, US, France, Germany and a host of other African countries.
So what makes South Africa such a unique place for tourists to visit?
The Protea
Just a simple flower that has cemented its place as the nation’s heritage symbol. The Protea, also known as a sugarbush, is widely regarded in the country as a symbol of hope and change. Those were the exact two things needed in the early 1990s, when the country came through from a dark colonial and segregation period into the new era of the ‘Rainbow Nation.’
That the flower is endemic to the country makes it even more significant. Tourists marvel at the high regard given to the protea by the locals and can never hear enough of the hopeful stories behind it.
Game parks
South Africa is home to the expansive Kruger National Park, the world’s largest game reserve. The tough rail-post and mesh fence demarcates a home for a wide variety of plants and animals flowing all the way to Zimbabwe.
The Timbavati, Mala Mala, Manyeleti, and Djuma game reserves are other wildlife sanctuaries where tourist can enjoy South African offerings.
Beaches
The lengthy South African coast is dotted with over 20 beaches of all forms and characters- rocky, sandy, cold, and warm, you name it. There are beaches for quiet holidays and fun-filled loud activities. Beaches for calm retreats and beaches for tough sporting action.
The Gordon Bay, Clifton, South Beach, Stran, Ballito, North Beach and Camps Bay are some of the coastline’s most popular beaches.
Historical Monuments
South African history has been well recorded to tell a long tale of resilience and growth. The Nelson Mandela statue, The National Museum, The Robben Island Prison, The Voortrekker Monument, The Rhodes Memorial, the Samora Machel Monument, The South African War Memorial and The Peace Memorial are all famous mementos.