South Africa
An Enchanting Land

It is a land of enchantment and captivating beauty filled with charm.
Nature played on the strings of its regions, territories, plains, mountains, rivers and plateaus,
bringing out the sound bytes of its cities, hills, mountains and
rivers into melodies of tradition and originality.

By: Rehab Abbas

Its rich indigenous African culture became harmonious with the inherited traits of German, French, Dutch, and British cultures brought by the settlers hundreds of years ago, calling themselves Afrikaans. It is South Africa, the land of natural beauty.

Natural Habitats
The Republic of South Africa is at the southern tip of the continent of Africa. It is famous for its wildlife and world-class tourism, providing ideal and diverse opportunities to see the wild animals of the African continent in their natural habitats. There are many programs and trips that enable tourists to wander into the nature reserves and be in direct contact with the diverse and rich culture of its people.
The golden beaches, modern shops, sports, adventure parks and specialized playgrounds for children have become benchmarks, characterizing the country, and making it a magnet for tourists.
South Africa is known as the country that has the entire world in its veins, having many communities with diverse ethnic components. Its nature is rich in diversity, a continuity of deserts, mountains, plains, and tropical climate with its rainforests, yet congregating with the touches of a Mediterranean climate.
There are special touristic programs for families with different needs wishing to spend their holiday there. One can get for instance Halal meat, prepared in Islamic manner, easily and conveniently.
The population of South Africa topped 40 million with 11 official languages, consisting of nine provinces, territories of the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga Cape, Limpopo, Kwazulu-Natal, Free State, Eastern Cape, Gauteng and the North West. These have a varied natural terrain, beginning with the vast deserts in the north through the Savanna plains, and ending the snow-capped mountains.

People of the Rainbow
South Africans are called the people of the rainbow consisting of Africans who account for 76.7 percent of the population, the whites for 10.9 percent, coloreds 7.9 percent and the descendants of Asian Indian origins accounting for 2.6 percent of the population.
The people of South Africa come from the following ethnic groups: First, the Nguins that is made up of the Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele and Swati tribes, two-third of the population. Second, the Tswana who exist in the northern, southern and the western region of Sotho (Tsawane). Third, there is the Tsonga and Vanda tribe. Fourth, the Afrikaans, English, Indians and Métis as well as the groups that migrated from other parts of Africa, Europe, and Asia and still retain their cultural identity of origin. Despite the fact that Muslims make up only 2 % of the population, the Muslim community in South Africa draws from a diverse mixture of ethnicities.

The Gauteng Region
Most visitors and tourists, coming to South Africa, begin their journey at the International Airport in Johannesburg, the capital of the Gauteng province which is considered the richest province in South Africa, comprising the city of Pretoria, the administrative capital of the country.
Pretoria is the administrative center of the executive, legislative, and judicial powers of government. Its population has reached a million and is considered as the country’s university and academic hub with the two most important universities located there, namely Pretoria University and University of Technology. Pretoria also has the African Institute for Industrial and Scientific Research and Institute of Islamic Studies.
The city is well-known for its game of Rugby and it is also one of the cities that will host the World Cup which will take place in South Africa in 2010.

Johannesburg
Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa with more than six million people, including the suburb of Soweto, the hometown of former president Nelson Mandela, spending his childhood days there. During the Apartheid era, Soweto was separated from Johannesburg to become the suburb of black mining workers. The city is the economic capital of the country, controlling the gold and diamond trade, due to its proximity to the largest mines of gold and diamonds in South Africa.
The O.R. Tambo airport is also in Johannesburg, the largest in the African continent, and the most crowded and is the tourists gateway to South Africa. Most of the tourists travelling to other regions and cities as Cape Town, Durban or the Kruger National Park Reserve pass through Johannesburg that is considered as a transit point for them.
The city also has many museums such as the Apartheid Museum, the Hector Peterson Museum and the Nelson Mandela Museum as well a multitude of art museums including the Johannesburg Art Gallery and the Theater compound which displays classical local and international plays.
The Gold Reef City is a large recreational facility located to the south of the city’s business district and the Johannesburg Zoo is considered the largest closed Zoo in South Africa.
Johannesburg in particular is the business capital of South Africa and one of the most advanced financial centers globally. It is the business hub of South Africa. Those, who are interested in business and in the financial world, will find their goals in the city of modern technologies.

Cradle of Humanity
The Gauteng region is considered the local cradle of humanity. It is ranked by the United Nations as one of UNESCO’s world heritage sites, located 25 kilometers north of Johannesburg. It has one of the oldest discovered fossils of human skeletons dating back to millions of years ago. Along with that is the village of the Issidi heritage site in the region of Magaliesberg and the Hartbeespoort Dam, which are the most visited areas by the residents of Johannesburg for rest and recreation as the region enjoys a subtropical climate characterized by mild sunny summers with the possibility of occasional drizzles.

A Natural Charm
Visitors get the chance to enjoy visiting the outskirts of Johannesburg, such as Melville, Newtown Park, Hurst and Norad characterized by its enchanting nature. Johannesburg has plenty of restaurants and modern cafes. During their stay in the city visitors should go on a shopping spree in the scattered shopping malls. The Sandston Center is the largest mall in the city while the Hyde Park Business Center is the most luxurious. There are plenty of other centers such as Roozbak, West Gate, East Gate, North Gate and Krista.

Mpumalanga Province
A tourist should not miss the chance of visiting the territory of Mpumalanga after Gauteng. This region has features that make it one of the most attractive destinations for tourists. Mpumalanga means the place of the rising sun, located in the north east of South Africa occupying 6.5% of the area of the country. Its capital is Nelspruit and it is characterized by its open Kruger Park, a special place for Safari lovers and wildlife watchers who enjoy seeing animals in their natural habitat. The Park was established in 1898 in Lovald to preserve wildlife and is on an area of 20,000 square kilometers with eight main gates to enable visitor access from different places and is characterized by the presence of the Big Five—the African bull (Buffalo), rhino, lion, tiger and the elephant—as well as other mammals making it more so than any other open zoo in South Africa. Inside the Park visitors can also enjoy watching giraffes, zebras, hyenas, rhinoceros as well as many other animals living in the open and in their natural habitats.

Available Activities
There are other touristic attractions in the region such the ancient Caves of Sdwala, silk farms, and the African coffee farms. Tourists can practice various sport activities such as bungee jumping, biking, mountain climbing, horse riding and river boating in addition to other sports activities. Before leaving the region, the tourist should not forget eating at one of the excellent restaurants situated there as they reflect the South African culture and cuisine. There are many high quality restaurants such as Summerfields, Olives Restaurant and the Orange Restaurant.

Northwest Province
After enjoying the beauty and the scenery of the Mpumalanga province, a tourist can go to the nearby Northwest province to spend time in what is known as the “resort of the city of the sun” or “resort of the lost city”. It is one of the finest and most luxurious frequented resorts in South Africa, due to its proximity to Johannesburg and Pretoria and distinctive services it provides. It was opened in 1979 and has four hotels; Cabana Hotel, Palace of the Lost City, Cascades Hotel and Sun City Hotel. The resort contains golf and other entertainment facilities.

Limpopo Province
Lovers of landscape and agriculture should visit the Province of Limpopo, north of Mpumalanga in north east South Africa. It has fascinating scenery and charming nature. Its capital is Polokwane and there are organized hunting trips in the province, in addition to tropical fruit farms as bananas, pineapple, and mango as well as vast tea and coffee farms.

Western Cape Province
The Western Cape Province is the jewel of tourism in South Africa. Cape Town, its capital, is ranked as the most famous and frequented destination and the largest tourists attraction on the African continent. Cape Town, besides being the provincial capital, is the legislator capital of the country, where the National Parliament is seated in addition to many government institutions. Cape Town is famous for its Table Mountain, witnessing the meeting of the two oceans, Atlantic and Indian, at the Cape of Alrajaa Alsaleh. Cape Town is the largest city in South Africa in terms of area and second largest in terms of population after Johannesburg. It is the most developed city in the African continent in terms of industry and infrastructures and contributes a third of South Africa’s gross national product. The region is characterized by growing textiles and clothes industry in addition to the food industry. Most tourists and vacationers choose to travel to Cape Town, because of its moderate climate and its geographical location with beautiful natural landscape and because of its developed infrastructure and advanced facilities.

Fascinating Region
The Table Mountain is one of the sites of natural beauty, forming the bulk of the Table Mountain Natural Park, located in the back of the city. One can climb the Table Mountain by using cable cars or through mountain passes. It is a panoramic view to see the Cape of Alrajaa Alsaleh where the two oceans, the Indian and the Atlantic, meet at the tip of the Cape Peninsula. There is a unique opportunity for tourists to cross the Chapman Peak which winds its way between Noordhock and Hout Bay; it is one of the most spectacular marine drives with stunning mountain views and many areas along the route. Tourists have the opportunity visit Cape Town’s magnificent beaches which attract many visitors. One can choose between the cold water of the Atlantic Ocean and the warm water of the gulf of False Bay. Along the coastline many wonderful and high class restaurants and cafes are located.
People who like surfing have the opportunity to practice their hobby on the shore of the city where the red bell surfing contest is held every year. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, at the top of the Cape Town harbor, is the most visited destination. It offers a variety of shopping and entertainment options to visitors. There is a marine life museum known as Ocean Aquarium. Tourists can watch the ships entering and leaving the port of Cape Town from this site.
At the Waterfront, the Gate of Nelson Mandela is located. One can visit the Robben Island, a touristic destination to visit the cell where former President Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for more than 26 years. The Robben Island’s prison is a touristic destination, frequently visited by many tourists. They can see some of the features of the harsh period of racial discrimination and apartheid that the country experienced in the past.
Tourists can take a cruise to see the Hout Bay and the town of Simon or the Cape Fear in the Island of Diocre. There are many tour operators that provide cruises for those wishing to see landmarks, such as Cape Flats, a town characterized by joyful colors as well to visit the town of Kalica, a town inhabited mostly by blacks. Those who like the landscape, they should visit the Stellenbosch region with its beautiful landscape and charming vineyards which produce the finest grapes in the world. In general the West Cape Province has astonishing plant life diversifications.

A Cultural and Architectural Pole
Cape Town is famous for its cultural and heritage manifested at all levels. Its buildings have a mixture of different cultural styles; Dutch, German and French in the form of inscriptions and drawings inspired by the fragrance of history. Throughout the year, many carnivals and festivals are held as thousands march the city, playing musical instruments or carrying multicolor umbrellas. During their stay in the city, visitors should seize the opportunity to enjoy watching the whales and dolphins’ shows that can be seen on the shore of the city most of the year.

Northern Cape Province
The Northern Cape Province with its capital Kimberley is a golden touristic opportunity with many touristic attractions including the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park, the Augrabies Falls National Park, the diamond mines in Kimberley and the capital of Alexander Bay, as well as the Orange River which forms the natural border of the province with the territory of the Free State. The province of the Northern Cape is the largest territory in South Africa in terms of area but the Kalahari Desert occupies most of its northern part.

Kwazulu-Natal Province
People who love the golden sandy beaches and the historical places should consider visiting the province of Kwazulu–Natal, called “Land of the Kingdom of Zulu”. Durban is the largest city in the province, characterized by marvelous and beautiful sandy beaches, where people enjoy water surfing and other water sports with the coastal line being the best waterfront in Africa. Many resorts, hotels and cafes border the coastal line overlooking the Indian Ocean. Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the tropical climate in addition to the sophisticated facilities and one of the famous landmarks is the marine museum known as Aquarium Ushacka located near the port of Durban, the largest port in the African continent.
The suburb Umhlanga is filled with resorts and hotels which provide an idyllic view of the Indian Ocean. Visitors to the city should satisfy their hobby of shopping. There are many popular markets with small shops in the old city. But there are also a large number of modern commercial centers, such as the Gateway Mall, which is the largest in the southern hemisphere. Durban is also famous for its mosques and Islamic centers. The Queen’s Park Mosque is also considered the largest mosque in the southern hemisphere.

Zulu Village
History lovers have the opportunity to visit the Zulu village, which lies about 40 kilometers from Durban. It is called the “Model Village” embodying all aspects of traditional life and heritage of The Zulu tribes which have inhabited the region for 100s of years and considered the largest racial and ethnic groups in the country.

The Eastern Cape Province
Before concluding the trip to South Africa, one should pay a visit to the Eastern Cape with its capital Bhisho. This region is the original home of the Xhosa tribes, the second largest in South Africa. Many of the top politicians have descended from this region namely former president Nelson Mandela, President Thabo Mbeki, Steve Biko, and Charles Coghlan.
The city of Port Elizabeth is the most famous city in the region with its virgin beaches and mild climate. The Addo Elephant National Park and the Tsitsikamma National Park are the most famous landmarks in the Eastern Cape. The Jeffreys Bay is well-known globally with its tropical rain forests and its waves suitable for surfing.