Welcome to South Africa

South Africa is commonly called the Rainbow Nation, a name given to it by those appreciating and understanding the absolute miracle birth of a nation with a diverse people, languages and colourful cultures.  An African nation doomed to conflict, but against all odds, in 1994 South Africans rose above all expectations and a great nation was born of peace and reconciliation.

The release of Nelson Mandela was a historic event witnessed by all nations and Madiba,as he is fondly known, stole the hearts of the entire world.

As people, we are known for our humanity - we may have come from a past filled with separation and struggle but our future is one of unity and possibility. In true African spirit, we understand the value of a warm South African welcome, and we can't wait to welcome you to our Rainbow Nation - in 11 official languages.

There are nine spectacular provinces for you to explore - nine incredible diverse parts of the country that will open up your sense of possibility in ways you never thought possible. Oh, and by the way - we do have a sensational climate (with over 300 days of sunshine per year in some parts). We are also extremely proud of our superb infrastructure - excellent roads, a great variety of accommodation options and world-class service. 

South Africa is unmistakeably African, with a natural African beauty so breathtaking it needs to be seen, as it cannot simply be described. The unique culture and landscape of the central regions are distinctly different to the colourful coastal and mountainous regions of the Cape winelands in the Western Cape, as is the culture and landscape of the Northern regions or Mpumalanga different to the renowned South African Garden Route and Little Karoo.   

South Africa as a nation comprises of many different peoples, like the San (or Bushman), Sotho-Tswana, Nguni, Tsonga, Venda, Indian, Afrikaner, as well immigrant communities from all corners of the globe, hence the name: Rainbow Nation. Officially South Africa’s population exceeds 40 million people and as a people, South Africans are considered resourceful, hard working and patriotically passionate.   

With its democracy firmly established, South Africa is a growing and thriving nation, even as a country in transition. South Africa’s economy is highly regarded as the leading economy in Africa, with a GDP of 7 Million (2008). South Africa is rich in mineral wealth and apart from world leaders in mining, South Africa also continues to thrive in many industries including, agriculture, construction, manufacturing, medical research, finance, tourism and more.

South Africans are not only passionately about their country, they are also very passionate about sport. South Africa is a great sporting nation and well known for their sportsmen and women, who have won the hearts of many sports lovers around the world. From Gary Player and Ernie Els in golfing, Graeme Pollock and John T. Rhodes in cricketing, Henry Hauser and Lukas Radebe in soccer to Francois Pienaar in rugby. South Africa as a sporting nation made history by becoming the first African Nation to be elected to host the Soccer World Cup in 2010.