South Africa revels in its diversity: A place where untamed wilderness meets lavish comfort, and a ‘Rainbow Nation’ of cultures rolls out a stunning variety of welcomes. From iconic safari lodges and breathtaking beaches, to sparkling coastal cities and world-class vineyards, South Africa really does have it all. South Africa shines with the iconic scenery of the African continent, mesmerizing visitors with golden savannahs, yawning gorges, and the quiet allure of secluded deserts. Luxurious lodges situated inside private game reserves and national parks offer views of Africa’s famous “Big Five,” which features lions, cape buffalos, leopards, rhinoceroses, and elephants. The coastline also provides access to the stunning perspectives of nature in the form of gorgeous beaches, coral reefs, penguins, and great white sharks along the Atlantic and the Indian oceans. South Africa is the only country on the planet with first-class safaris and world-class experiences focusing on national food and wine.
While known primarily for the wildlife, the cultural history of the country embodies centuries of European colonialization, from the Portuguese to the Dutch, and the Germans to the British. Apartheid remains a topic of conversation in the museums and art galleries around the country, promoting ways to hold the difficult discussion with others, whether residents of, or visitors to, South Africa. 2018 will see the first full calendar year of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art in Cape Town, which is the largest museum of Contemporary African art in the world spanning more than 102,000 square feet over nine floors. This year also marks Nelson Mandela’s Centennial, which the Nelson Mandela Foundation has chosen to celebrate with a two-year program honoring its founder in the form of educational, athletic, and artistic exhibitions around the township of Soweto. The township has evolved from a place of forced habitation to a symbol of pride brimming with historical significance adding to the important cultural makeup of South Africa.
Best Time to Visit South Africa: The popular country at the southern tip of the African continent remains predominantly sunny year-round, however, you quickly notice when the cold sets in. The southern hemisphere reverses the seasons of the northern hemisphere with midwinter occurring between June and July and midsummer happening between December and January. Tourists predominantly visit South Africa to view big game, which is best experienced between May to September during the dry season, while the northern regions receive ample amounts of rain between November and February. However, the rainy season is great for birding, while July to November offers the best opportunity to see whales. Essentially, South Africa is a year-round destination, whether you’re eager to experience the diverse culture of the different regions or interested in viewing the varieties of wildlife.
South Africa invariably wows visitors with its unique mix of improbable juxtapositions and beautiful contradictions. It starts with Nature’s beguiling spell. Stark mountain chains rise vertically from whale-ruled oceans; deserts and tropical rain forests are separated by slivers of rolling farmland; giant elephant herds wander through savanna that overlooks warm Indian Ocean rollers. South Africans themselves provide a marvelous celebration of individuality. This is a country with 11 official languages and a national anthem sung in four mother tongues. Meeting the locals is integral to the experience and it’s impossible not to be buoyed by their boundless resilience and laughter. Even the lion prides and rhinos seem to share this irrepressible enthusiasm.
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