Destinations

South Africa

Table Mountain in Cape Town (photo: Natasha von Geldern)

South Africa offers a huge range of opportunities to tourists, from expansive game reserves to stunning beaches and spectacular mountain ranges.

Capital – Pretoria
Major cities – Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban
Major resorts – Kalahari, and Kruger and Zululand game parks.
Time Zone – GMT +2
Languages – Eleven official languages including English, Afrikaans, Sesotho, Setswana, Xhosa and Zulu
To learn the basics of Afrikaans visit www.afrikaans.us
South Africa currency - South Africa uses the Rand. One ZAR is worth around nine pence. For up-to-date exchange rates see: www.xe.com/ucc.

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Holiday ideas

Travel blog: Local cuisine with the tribes of South Africa
As bowls of corn pap and cabbage were handed round, it was as if I was caught in the scene of the latest television documentary on Africa. 'Mama Joseph', the mother of our guide, watched with eager anticipation to see the reaction on the faces of her latest guests.More...
South Africa's Pilanesberg National Park
If you don't have time to travel to visit Kruger on your South African holiday, Pilanesberg national park offers an affordable safari holiday where you can see the big five in a beautiful setting within two hours drive of Johannesburg.More...
Go on safari in Kruger Park
A trip to Kruger National Park seems to epitomise most people's idea of a South African holiday, and if you are interested in wildlife, it would be an absolute tragedy to miss out on this exciting experience.More...
Hippo watching in South Africa's wetlands
The St Lucia Wetland Reserve, on the border with Mozambique is one of South Africa's best kept secrets.More...
Enjoy the world's most epic rail journeys
If you are excited by the prospect of luxury, long-distance rail travel on some of the world's greatest railways then there are plenty of holidays to choose from.More...
Early summer African eco-holidays
If you are looking for an early summer holiday and want your trip to be about more than just having a great time, there are some great eco-holidays to enjoy in June.More...
Get active in the South African mountains
For active holidays where you can also get the safari and wilderness experience, South Africa is one of the best destinations to head for.More...
Ashes-inspired breaks around the world
With the Ashes series being hotly contested all the way up to the start of 2007, cricket fever is set to grip the nation.More...
See South Africa's wildest animals from the water
South Africa's evocative Elephant Coast is one of the country's great natural attractions, boasting 21 different eco systems, adventure holidaymakers to explore.More...
Top destinations and hotels worldwide revealed
British Airways, the London Eye and a Scottish golf resort are among the award winners from the UK at this month's World Travel Awards.More...