South Africa - Useful information for your trip

Welcome to South Africa, the land of safaris, vineyards and excellent wines, whale- watching and fusion between European and native culture. South Africa, located in the southernmost tip of Africa, faces the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other. According to modern studies and thanks to the ancient fossils found, South Africa is thought to be the cradle of civilization.

If you love pristine nature, during your trip and vacation in South Africa you will fall in love with the landscapes, from the majestic highlands (reach the top of the Table Mountain, the giant domninating Cape Town and enjoy the view), to the spectacular mountain ranges (don't miss a stop at Drakensberg mountains or the Swartberg and Langeberg regions). The most arid areas, from savannah to the desert, are those where you'll find the great African animals, the famous Big Five, unique creatures attracting millions of visitors every year to experience safaris and see them in their natural habitat. We are talking about elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, rhinos and leopards. You will find them in world-famous Kruger National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, Tsitsikamma National Park and in many other beautiful protected areas. The beaches will leave you breathless, from the endless coastline of Cape Town to those of Durban, kissed by a climate which is almost Mediterranean. Drive along the coast following the panoramic Garden Route and appreciate the genuine beauty of this country.

The South African population is very heterogeneous, here you will find several ethnic groups, Bantu blacks, white and Asian people, subdivided into more subgroups. This diversity is also reflected in the languages spoken, at least eleven, even though the two mostly spoken are English and Afrikaans, a language of German origin once spoken by Boer settlers. In the great cities you'll still perceive the memory of a tragic history of colonialism and especially the legacy of the apartheid, with many statues dedicated to Nelson Mandela, who promoted the emancipation of the black people. Visit the South African cities and have a chat with the locals, always friendly and hospitable, not just in Cape Town, but also in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Outdshoorn (the ostrich capital), Port Elizabeth, Knysna, Hermanus (famous for whale watching). This will be the best way to really understand the history and culture of this faraway land.

Taste the South African cuisine and you'll be surprised: there are many typical dishes worth to be tried during a holiday here.  Try the daaltjes, spicy meatballs, the samoosas and rootis, as well as the traditional curry of Cape Malay, Cape Town's colorful multiethnic district. South African wines also need to be mentioned: if you travel to Elgin Valley, a region which is famous for the vineyards, you will discover why. Stop over in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, in the so called Winelands, for a wine tour that will be just as glamouros as the most famous European ones.

Vivitravels offers you the chance to travel in South Africa escorted by local experts, this is why your tour will be much more than a vacation, it will be a journey of discovery: you will be amazed by a foreign culture, admiring fiery sunsets and living thrilling adventures in close contact with nature.