The Republic of South Africa is located at the southern tip of Africa, covering an area of 1,219,912 square kilometres. Thus, South Africa is about 3.4 times the size of Germany.
Of the total 49.3 million inhabitants, around one million live in Pretoria, the country’s capital.
Pretoria is therefore only the fifth-largest city in the country, after Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Soweto. South Africa is home to people of the most diverse ethnic backgrounds. For this reason, the country is often referred to as the Rainbow Nation. Due to its ethnic diversity, South Africa has eleven official national languages. These include isiZulu, isiXhosa, Afrikaans, English, xiTsonga, sePedi, seTswana, siSwati, isiNdebele, seSotho and tshiVenda. In addition, South Africa has 14 other languages that are promoted under the country’s constitution. These include German. The majority of South Africa’s population, over 75 percent, adheres to Christianity. The country is also home to Hindus, Muslims and Jews.
Attractions in South Africa
South Africa’s diverse landscapes offer a wealth of attractions. Visitors can go fishing in the many lakes, birdwatching, hiking, swimming or diving in the Atlantic Ocean, or explore the rich variety of wildlife and flora found in the country’s numerous national parks and nature reserves. The Kruger National Park is one of South Africa’s most popular attractions. Here, visitors can observe species such as buffalo, zebras, leopards, lions and elephants in a vast expanse of African savanna.
South Africa also boasts many fascinating cities, such as the capital Pretoria, home to the Union Buildings, the Melrose Building from 1886 and the 198-metre-high John Vorster Tower. Cape Town is another popular tourist destination, thanks to its many attractions, including Table Mountain, Nobel Square, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and Robben Island prison island.
Location and Climate of South Africa
South Africa forms the southernmost tip of Africa. The country borders Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Eswatini, as well as the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Since South Africa is located in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons are the opposite of those in Europe.
South Africa’s climate varies by region. Some areas have a dry desert climate, while others enjoy a subtropical climate. Most of the country, however, has a predominantly dry and sunny climate, making South Africa a year-round destination. The best climatic conditions for a holiday are found around Cape Town from September to May and in the KwaZulu-Natal region from June to August.
Entry and Travel to South Africa
South Africa’s main international airports are in Cape Town and Johannesburg. These airports can be reached directly from Germany, for example from Frankfurt Airport. Upon arrival, travellers can choose from taxis, minibuses and shuttle buses to continue to their hotels. South Africa can also be reached by cruise ship, via ports such as Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.
German tourists require a passport valid for at least one month to enter South Africa. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days. There are also no mandatory vaccinations when entering directly from Germany.
