Page 25 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - South Africa

A POR TR AIT OF SOUTH AFRIC A  23

A PORTRAIT OF

SOUTH AFRICA

Blue skies, fabulous beaches, game parks, wilderness areas, and the promise
of a sun-drenched holiday are what attract most visitors to South Africa. Then
there are its cosmopolitan and fast-paced cities, intriguing mix of friendly
peoples and cultures, and its compelling museums and historic sites. In short,
it is an inspiring and fascinating place to explore, and the choice of
destinations, activities and itineraries is virtually inexhaustible.

South Africa, roughly the size of Spain and buffalo, ele phant, leopard, lion and
France com bined, encompasses an rhinoceros – while the wetlands and
astonishing diver sity of environments: marine reserves along the East Coast teem
from the dramatic arid moon scapes with sea creatures and colourful birds,
of the northwest to the forest -fringed great and small, that are often overlooked.
coastline of the Garden Route; from And then there are the beaches –
the flat, dry Karoo interior to the craggy favourite holiday destination of the locals
Drakensberg in the east; and from the and perfect for boardsailing, swimming,
manicured vineyards of the Cape to the surfing, angling, or simply relaxing in
spring flower fields of Namaqua land. the sun.
South Africa is the only country in South Africa has no fewer than 11 official
the world that can lay claim to an languages and numerous ethnicities and
entire floral kingdom within its bor ders. religions, but its people have experienced
Centred on a small area in the Western a great sense of reconciliation since the
Cape, fynbos (literally “fine-leaved bush”) end of apartheid. Today, the South African
comprises a unique mixture of proteas, nation is a conglomeration of beliefs,
ericas and grasses. The many wildlife parks traditions, and heritages living within a
further north are home to the “Big Five” – country of breath taking natural wonders.

Acacia trees survive along the parched fringes of the Kalahari Desert
Carved wooden masks from the Western Cape

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