It’s pretty difficult to choose one thing that stands out as brilliant about South Africa, simply because the list of things that make it exceptional is so long.
But now that the country has been crowned “Favourite Country in the World” by readers of The Telegraph we should really delve into a few things that make the Rainbow Nation a must-visit for foreigners…
Affordability
As far as value-for-money goes, South Africa is right up there. The local currency, the Rand, isn’t as strong as it was historically, so Pounds, Euros and the US Dollar go a long way here. Dinner and wine at one of the country’s top restaurants might only set you back $75, and the spectrum of accommodation options is as wide as the imagination. There’s literally something for everybody.
Wildlife
Obviously our favourite part of the equation.
South Africa is one of the world’s top game-viewing destinations, but it is by no means limited to just the Big 5. Its diversity of habitats mean a stunning array of wild creatures, so all you have to decide is what you want to see, and go there. The Kruger Park and surrounds tend to steal the show, but they are just the tip of the iceberg…
Beaches
Along its more than 2550 kilometres of coastline, South Africa has some truly stunning beaches, many, many miles of them remote and without a building in sight. From the harsh Atlantic coastline near the Namibian border round to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, there are wild experiences to be had, from watching turtles laying their eggs to surfing some of the best waves on the planet.
Scenic Splendour
South Africa really is many worlds in one. Expect stunning coastlines, dramatic mountainscapes, huge areas of untamed bushveld, starkly beautiful semi-deserts, lakes, waterfalls, spectacular canyons, forests and wide plains, plus Cape Town, undeniably one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Friendly People
The ‘Rainbow Nation’ has 11 official languages. People from all races make up a wonderful array of cultures, and visitors can expect a friendly welcome wherever they go. The hospitality of South Africans is unrivalled, whatever culture they are from.
Excellent Infrastructure
South Africa has excellent major transport networks, good tourist facilities, some of the cleanest drinking water in the world, a great banking system with numerous ATMs countrywide, good accommodation for all pockets, and mouth-watering eating options. Whether you’re a back-packer or coming in on your own private jet, there is something for you
Though South Africa sits at the far end of the continent, it is one of the most accessible of the other African countries featured in the top 20; you can fly to two South African cities (Johannesburg, Cape Town) directly from the UK and from the US, and those coming from Europe arrive free of jet-lag due to a near-identical time-zone.
Your reward for 12 hours in the air is a place of true beauty – Cape Town a supermodel at the foot of Table Mountain, the Garden Route a ribbon of road-trip nirvana, the wineries of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch crafting fine vintages, the landscape thrilling to the peaks and troughs of the Drakensberg range and Motlatse Canyon, Kruger National Park a roaring wildlife zone.
This coronation has been coming. South Africa was third in this poll in 2017, second in 2018, and now it’s top of the pops.
With Namibia, Botswana and Kenya all featuring in the top 20 Favourite Countries in the World (16th, 10th and 7th respectively), it’s clear that the readers of The Telegraph love the rest of Africa too.
All those countries feature on bespoke itineraries we have created for our guests, so if African Travel is what you’re after get in touch with one of our sales representatives through info@iconicafrica.com, and let’s start planning your trip of a lifetime…