GENERAL
INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
TO SOUTH AFRICA
After many years of international isolation,
the world is discovering South Africa outside of politics
and gold. Travellers are surprised and captivated by its natural
scenic beauty, cultural melting pot and excellent food and
wine. The opportunity to view abundant wildlife, flora and
birds in extremely comfortable, even luxurious conditions,
are unequalled. For those interested in ecotourism, it is
an ideal destination with 3000 km of white sandy beaches,
mountains, savannas, forests and many adventure activities.
South Africa also boasts sophisticated
cities, 21st century technology and remote villages where
time seems to have slowed. The cultural diversity is unique,
European ancestry mixes with the traditions and legends of
Africa and the mysticism of the East.
TRANSPORT
60 international airlines connecting South
Africa with the world, countless domestic and regional flights
and an excellent road network ensure that your South African
tour will be comfortable and stress free. Apart from the scheduled
flights, there are numerous charter companies.
A unique and unforgettable
experience is a trip in the luxurious Blue Train or Rovos
Rail.
In general, taxis are not
easily available in the streets. Always ensure that the counter
is set to zero.
Our tours are conducted in
comfortable, air conditioned vehicles.
GEOGRAPHY
South Africa lies in the extreme south of the
continent. It is divided into 9 provinces, covering a surface
area of 1 219 099 km2, or more than twice the size of France.
The coast line stretches 2945
km from the cold Atlantic Ocean in the west to the warm Indian
Ocean in the east. The sandy beaches are surrounded by forest
in the east and desert in the west.
GOVERNMENT
AND POLITICS
The government follows a British inspired parliamentary
system. However, it differs from those of other Commonwealth
countries. The president of South Africa is the Head of State
and the Head of Government. He is elected by a bicameral parliament
consisting of the National Assembly and the National Council
of Provinces. In practice, the president is the leader of
the majority party.
The National Assembly has
400 members, elected through a proportional representation
system. The National Council of Provinces has 90 members who
represent each of the 9 provinces and also have representation
in the major cities.
Each of the provinces has
a Provincial Legislature and an Executive Council headed by
the Premier.
PEOPLE
The cultural diversity corresponds to the wealth
of other aspects of South Africa. There are at least 20 ethnic
groups who have enriched. There are 11 official languages,
two of European origin: English is used as the common language
of communication between all South Africans. Afrikaans, derived
from Dutch, is used by the boers and coloureds. The other
official languages are: Ndebele, South Sotho, North Sotho,
Tswana, Swazi, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu.
Christianity is the dominant
religion, traditional African religions, Islam and Hinduism
are also practised.
At the beginning of the 21st
century the population count was around 45 million inhabitants,
75% black, 14% white and the rest mostly coloured and Indian.
ECONOMY
South Africa is the economic power house of
Africa, producing 28% of the continent’s GDP. It is
also the dominant force in terms of infrastructure and the
financial sector, the banking system is amongst the 10 most
developed in the world. The modern industrial and financial
sectors are supported by power stations and a sophisticated
communications and transport network.
Since the beginning of democracy
in 1994, the government has instituted and followed a policy
to reduce inflation, the budget deficit, taxes, interest rates
and unemployment whilst endeavouring to increase investment
and the GDP. Whilst they have been successful in many areas
the growth of the GDP and foreign investment has been slow.
In order to stimulate growth
and create new jobs, the government needs to attract foreign
capital. At present, the high cost of transport, labour and
communication is discouraging investment. Furthermore, high
crime, whilst having decreased, does not inspire confidence.
In the past, the South African
economy has been based in the mining and agricultural sectors.
Today, industry and finance are the front runners contributing
twice as much as mining to the GDP. However, the country’s
mineral wealth is still of vital importance to its economy
and responsible for 30% of foreign earnings.
HISTORY
Hominoid fossils, found in
the Kromdraai and Sterkfontein, caves prove that the prehistoric
ancestors of man lived here 3 million years ago. This has
led to scientists labelling the region as the Cradle of Humanity.
Until 1000 AD, Southern Africa
was inhabited by scattered populations of hunter-gatherers
known as the Khoisan of the Stone Age.
The Bantu cattle herders and agriculturalists descended from
Central Africa, settling permanently in the region from 1200.
This more advanced people displaced the more ancient khoisan.
When the first Europeans arrived
in the Cape, they encountered the Khoisan. Not wanting to
submit to European domination, nor to the Bantu tribes, the
peaceful khoisan moved to the arid deserts of the Kalahari
and Namibia.
1488 The Portuguese explorer,
Bartholomieu Dias circumnavigates the Cape for the first time
opening a sea route between Europe and the East.
1652 The Dutchman, Jan van Riebeck, establishes a permanent
refreshment station at the Cape of Good Hope for the Dutch
East India Company marking the arrival of the first white
colonists.
1910 The Union of South Africa is established.
1948 The National Party wins the general elections and implements
a series of racist laws known as apartheid, segregating the
country along racial lines.
The anti-apartheid movements,
in particular the African National Congress (ANC), initiate
campaigns of resistance, strikes and sabotage in response
to the oppressive regime.
1990 The National Party government
lifts the ban of the ANC and other left wing organizations
and liberates Nelson Mandela after 27 years in prison. The
apartheid legislation is gradually abolished.
1994 The first multiracial democratic elections are celebrated.
The ANC has a landslide victory and has remained in power
since.
FAUNA
South Africa is home to about 5.8% (300 species)
of mammals in the world, including the 3 largest: elephant,
rhinoceros and hippopotamus, the tallest: giraffe, the fastest:
cheetah and the smallest : the pygmy shrew.
The wildlife is preserved
in approximately 30 national parks and countless private reserves.
Consequently, the country protects the last major population
of black and white rhinos. It is also the best place to see
the big five: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, buffalo and elephant.
The reserves are located in diverse habitats varying from
dunes to subtropical forests. The Kruger National Park has
more species then either other park on the continent.
FLORA
South Africa’s floral wealth represents
10% of the total number of species worldwide. With 22 000
species, it has more then the United States which is seven
times larger. The blend of tropical and temperate climates
has created 5 major habitat zones: fynbos, forests, Karoo,
pastures and savannah. The fynbos of the Western Cape is one
of the six floral kingdoms of the world, furthermore, in proportion
to its size, it is the most prolific with 8600 species, including
the large Protea family.
BIRD
WATCHING
With more than 900 species, over half of which
are found in the Kruger National Park, the country is truly
a birding paradise. Nysvlei is one of the most amazing places
in the world for birds. An impressive number of species can
be found in the Drakensberg Mountains and the Nature Reserves
of the Cape. 8% of the world’s bird population is found
in South Africa.
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