Fun facts about South Africa

30 things you perhaps didn't know about the Rainbow Nation

KarienN

14-12-2021

  1. Did you know that South Africa is home to the longest continuous wine route on earth, located between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, connecting the east and west coasts of the country?
  2. Did you know Table Mountain is one of the oldest mountains on the planet? It is 360 million years old. 
  3. Did you know that the variety of flower species found on Table Mountain number more than those found in the entire United Kingdom? The Protea and Red Disa flowers being the most well-known.
  4. Did you know that the Cape Floral Kingdom is one of the world’s six floral kingdoms – the only one entirely contained within a single country? The other five are the Holarctic Kingdom, Paleotropical Kingdom, Neotropical Kingdom, Australian Kingdom and the Antarctic Kingdom.
  5. Did you know the Bloukrans Bridge in the Eastern Cape is the highest commercial natural bungee jump in the world? It is 216m high.
  6. Did you know that the Rovos Rail is the most lavish train in the world. The train meanders through Southern Africa’s most breath-taking scenic vistas as guests enjoy five-star facilities, service, and dining at its finest.
  7. Did you know that among the seven fastest mammals on earth are the lion, wildebeest, cheetah and springbok of South Africa? 
  8. Did you know that the South African Sardine Run that takes place from May through July in the KwaZulu Natal province is so massive you can see it from space? 
  9. Did you know that the world’s largest diamond, the Cullinan’ was found in the Premier Mine in Pretoria, South Africa, on 25 January 1905? It is a 3,106-carat diamond weighing 1.33 pounds.
  10. Did you know that the African elephant is the world’s largest land mammal, and they can live up to 70 years and weigh approximately 11 tons?
  11. Did you know that one of the oldest human remains were found in the Sterkfontein Caves in South Africa? It belongs to the genus Australopithecus, and it’s 3.67 million years old. 
  12. Did you know South Africa is the only country in the world to have played host to the rugby, soccer, and cricket World Cups? 
  13. Did you know that Cape Town ranks fifth in the United Kingdom’s National Physical Laboratory’s rankings of the best blue skies on earth? With Brazil, New Zealand, Australia and Fiji ranking above it.
  14. Did you know that sharks and dolphins are among the many marine species inhabiting the South African coastlines, with more than 2000 marine species visiting the area during the months of May to September?
  15. Did you know that one of the world’s largest themed resort hotels – The Palace of the Lost City – is found in the North West Province of South Africa. A 25-hectare artificial botanical jungle surrounds the palace, with almost 2 million plants, trees and shrubs.
  16. Did you know that mining and minerals are extremely rich in South Africa, and the country has nearly 90% of the world’s platinum metals and 41% of its gold?
  17. Did you know that the oldest meteor scar in the world is found in South Africa? The Vredefort Dome in a town called Parys. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  18. Did you know that the coast of South Africa has more than 2,000 shipwrecks.
  19. Did you know that South Africa is also referred to as the ‘Rainbow Nation’ due to its diverse people and languages? There are 11 official languages spoken here, one of the most out of every country in the world. 
  20. Did you know that South Africa’s Tugela Falls are the third-highest waterfall in the world? The Denmark Strait Cataract being the highest and the Angel Falls in Venezuela being the second-highest.
  21. Did you know that the Cape Town Cycle Tour is the largest timed cycle race in the world, with as many as 35,000 cyclists taking part? 
  22. Did you know that South Africa is home to the world’s longest underground cave series? The Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn measure about 4 kilometres in length and have frequently been described as one of the great Natural Wonders of the World.
  23. Did you know that the Kruger National Park is home to the most diverse range of wildlife on earth?
  24. Did you know that in 1967, the first human heart transplant was performed at a Cape Town hospital? Christiaan Barnard did it.
  25. Did you know that South Africa is a member of the United Nations? 
  26. Did you know that the coastline of South Africa stretches over 2,500 kilometres (1,553 miles)? 
  27. Did you know that the South African Rand had a greater value than the US Dollar for 21 years (1961-1982)?
  28. Did you know that South Africa is the only country that produces Rooibos Tea? It is sold in over 60 countries worldwide and is only grown in the Cederberg region of the Western Cape. 
  29. South Africa is one of the only countries in the world that produces biltong. Biltong is dried and spiced cured meat, made mainly from beef and game and can be bought in supermarkets and stalls. 
  30. Did you know that South Africans are the creators of a dish called Potjiekos? This is a dish made by mixing meat, vegetables, and potatoes. 

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Inside Scoop

Unique accommodation options in Southern and Eastern Africa - be inspired by some of the amazing adventures you do not want to miss.

Travel throughout Botswana on a mobile safari
Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

Travel the Okavango Delta by houseboat
Okavango Delta, Botswana

Spend a night in a treehouse overlooking a private waterhole in the bush
Khwai Private Reserve, Botswana

Tracking elusive and endangered pangolins and aardvarks at a private reserve
Northern Cape, South Africa

Spend a night at a private castle set on a beach near Plettenberg Bay
Knysna, South Africa

Take part in a Guided Walking Expedition through a Private Game Reserve
Shamwari Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Explore the NamibRand Nature Reserve on a 3-day hiking trail
NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia

Get lost in the beauty of a lodge that resembles an ancient shipwreck
Skeleton Coast, Namibia

Spend the night in a quirky Airstream Trailer in the outskirts of Cape Town
Elgin Valley, South Africa

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Creating memories

We offer unmatched activity options when traveling to Southern or Eastern Africa. Read up here on a few highlights and check these off your bucket list.

Desert Elephant Sleep-Out
Get up close and personal with desert-dwelling elephants and the elusive black rhino because seeing both the elephant and rhino in the desert can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This is a truly amazing opportunity for anyone who gets the chance to participate and view these beauties up close. This ZULA Bucket List can replace any itinerary activity in the same area or add to any program as an additional activity.
Sesfontein, Namibia

Photographic Hides at Mashatu Lodge
Experience wildlife encounters and photographic opportunities like never before because this game reserve homes impressive big cats and giant Baobab Trees. There are also undulating plains that offer out of this world photographic opportunities for any level of photographer. This ZULA Bucket List can replace any itinerary activity in the same area or add to any program as an additional activity.
Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana

Overnight in a Dream Cruiser
Experience the African bush like no other while sleeping under the stars in a luxurious land cruiser because you can fall asleep to the sounds of Namibia’s bush, which is as vast and eerie as its surroundings. You can expect the usual amenities synonymous with safari luxury. This ZULA Bucket List can replace any itinerary accommodation in the same area or add to any program as an extended stay.
Onguma Game Reserve, Namibia

Pony Trekking in Lesotho
Experience a traditional and scenic Basotho pony trek on horseback because Lesotho has great pride in horses, and the Basotho people pride themselves on being great horsemen. These ponies have been bred for generations as an ideal form of transportation. This ZULA Bucket List can replace any itinerary activity in the same area or add to any program as an additional activity.
Nyane, Lesotho

Cheetah Tracking at Samara
Track the fastest land animal on foot in one of the most beautiful locations because tracking cheetahs in the Karoo is a thrilling experience that you will never forget. Unlike other activities, it is completely unique and offered by very few reserves. This ZULA Bucket List can replace any itinerary activity in the same area or add to any program as an additional activity.
Samara Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Walking Trails Camp in Kruger
Get the full safari up close to wildlife with a specialised walking experience through the African bush because walking safaris offered by Simbavati are led by the most knowledgeable guides. Four tents, each with an en-suite bathroom, make this an intimate and secluded experience. This ZULA Bucket List can replace any itinerary accommodation in the same area or add to any program as an extended stay.
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, South Africa

Cape Malay Cooking Safari
An authentic, traditional South African cooking experience in the Bo-Kaap district of Cape Town because the tour includes guided walking tours of historical sights in the centre of the Bo-Kaap, cooking demonstrations, a full course traditional meal, and hotel transfers. This ZULA Bucket List can replace any itinerary activity in the same area or add to any program as an additional activity.
Cape Town, South Africa

Helicopter Flight & Balloon Safari
Experience a bird's eye view on the African skyline in two very different and unique ways because the combination of an incredible helicopter flight, and the experience of an age-old Balloon Safari, in one of Africa’s great wilderness destinations, epitomises the very best of game viewing. This ZULA Bucket List can replace any itinerary activity in the same area or add to any program as an additional activity.
Okavango Delta, Botswana

Bushman Walk through the Desert
Explore the Kalahari's open plains with authentic descendants of the San Bushmen because most camp staff members in the Kalahari area are from San Bushmen clans in the region, which allows you to gain insight into their culture through their dress, their language and their activities. This ZULA Bucket List can replace any itinerary activity in the same area or add to any program as an additional activity.
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Botswana

Helicopter Flight over the Falls
Witness one of the seven wonders of the world at its most magical, with the flight of the angels because the helicopter flies over the falls in a figure of eight, giving you the best possible view. As you continue, you will be able to see game as you fly over the Zambezi National Park in Africa. This ZULA Bucket List can replace any itinerary activity in the same area or add to any program as an additional activity.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

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