Although it is only the approximate size of Texas,
USA, South Africa is known as “a world in one country” and certainly lives up
to its reputation.
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Map of South Africa |
Two-thirds of the borders consist of the Atlantic
Ocean in the west and the Indian Ocean in the east, with Namibia, Botswana,
Zimbabwe and Mozambique forming the other third to the north.
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Young male lion in Kruger National Park |
The vastness and richness of diversity in fauna and
flora as well as topography, the current currency rate of exchange and the
moderate climate for most of the year, makes South Africa a very affordable and
sought after destination by overseas visitors.
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Drakensberg Mountains |
In the north west, we have our largest game reserve,
Kruger National Park which was established in 1898 and this alone would be
worth a visit. It is the size of Israel, 19,633 square kilometres (7,580 square
miles) and boasts 145 mammal species, 505 birds and almost 2,000 species of
plants. Over 1.4m visitors are received there every year from every country in
the world. In 2004, the 300km border along Mozambique and the 30km with
Zimbabwe was opened to make this a Transfronteir Park. Iron Age artefacts have
been found in the region. Almost 80% of the northern region is bush, and game
farms/lodges abound. Waterfalls are found everywhere in the Mpumalanga region
and a smaller version of the Grand Canyon can be seen in the Blyde River Canon
with God’s Window and Bourk’s Luck Potholes a delight to behold.
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Augrabies Falls |
The eastern coast, KwaZulu Natal, is warm most of the
year due to the influence of the Indian Ocean with immense forests wherein
stunning wild orchids are to be found. A sunbathers paradise of beaches and
surfing destinations. The region is sub-tropical to tropical with farms of
sugarcane and fruit such as pineapples and bananas being mostly in evidence.
Off-shore is a divers paradise with towns such as Sudwana established for this
reason. Cage diving with sharks is quite an experience and is offered by
various companies for the more adventurous traveller.
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Bourk's Luck Potholes |
Inland from the Eastern Cape shoreline, is a haven for
the nature photographer with high mountain passes, fantastic winter flowers
such as species of Aloes and Proteas which are found nowhere else and forests. Ostrich
farming is the major industry and learning to ride one is a must. Ancient caves
such as Cango is not to be missed as well as some of the most beautiful Game
Reserves like Addo Elephant Park.
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Early morning sunrise in Kruger National Park |
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Black-bearded Protea |
South lies the iconic Table Mountain in Cape Town which was declared a World Heritage Site in 2012 and is surrounded by vineyards and fruit orchards. Here the two oceans meet and marine life abounds for diving enthusiasts. The Drakensberg Mountain range begins here and is 1,000km (620 miles) in length -almost the whole length of the country. In the winter the high altitude ensures slopes which are covered with snow for skiing and in summer, a myriad of hiking trails are to be found amongst the lush vegetation.
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Coastal town of Port Elizabeth |
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Old mining town of Pilgrims Rest |
Further north west, the arid, semi-desert regions of
the Kalagadi (Kalahari) reign supreme with undulating red and white sand dunes
to feast the eyes upon. Many animals have adapted to this dry environment and
can be found nowhere else. The area consists mainly of sheep farms who find the
low vegetation palatable. This is the region, Angora sheep are raised and a
large mohair industry has been build around it.
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Sudwala Caves |
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Blyde River Canyon |
The central regions consist of mainly maize and cattle
farms. It is flat terrain and in the centre lies Kimberley which in earlier
years, most of our diamonds came from. The museum in town has the largest
man-made hole ever dug. When mining operation ceased in 1914 over 14m carats of
diamonds had been extracted there.
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Pearl Emperor butterfly |
Although I am more of a nature lover and mostly do
tours to our wildlife sanctuaries, please join me in my travels in discovering
the natural beauty of this small and astounding country I call “home”!
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Golden Gate Nature Reserve |
2 comments:
I've enjoyed visiting most of these places with you as my guide.
Thanks you Gaelyn. It is always a pleasure to show you around this small world of mine. You are a wonderful client and friend.
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