The San people were the first settlers in this beautiful country, followed by the Khoikhoi and Bantu-speaking tribes. The Dutch East India Company arrived with the first European settlers on the Cape of Good Hope in 1652, beginning a colony that by the end of the 18th century was only 15,000 strong. Known as Boers or Afrikaners, and speaking a Dutch dialect known as Afrikaans, the settlers as early as 1795 tried to establish an independent republic.
Diamonds were discovered in 1867 and gold nine years later brought an influx of “outlanders” into South Africa. South Africa is on the continent’s southern tip and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and by the warm Indian Ocean on the south and east. Its neighbors are Namibia in the northwest, Zimbabwe and Botswana in the north, and Mozambique and Swaziland in the northeast. The kingdom of Lesotho forms an enclave within the southeast part of South Africa, which occupies an area nearly three times that of California. South Africa is known for its diversity in cultures, languages, and religious beliefs. Eleven official languages are recognized.
The southernmost point of Africa is Cape Agulhas, located in the Western Cape Province about 100 mi (161 km) southeast of the Cape of Good Hope.
South Africa is one of the most diverse and beautiful countries in the world. It has exotic combinations of wide landscapes, people of all races, history and culture offer the traveller a unique and inspiring experience. South Africa is a mix of a third and first world culture – along with the best and least crowded beaches in the world. Throw in wildlife parks that stretch for mile after mile, beautiful natural scenery, a great infrastructure and a stable environment and you have a great destination waiting to happen. It also has everything from adventure sports, wine tasting, game-viewing, to simply relaxing on a stretch of golden beach.
Pride of Africa has several safari options on offer in South Africa.
