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South Africa is a tourist destination often billed
as "a world in one country" due to its rich diversity. This
is seen in our:numerous cultures - we have 11 official
language (English, Zulu, Sotho, Xhosa, Afrikaans, ) which reflect the majority of languages spoken in South Africa. Furthermore,
there are other languages and dialects that contribute to the colourful tapestry of cultures that
make up the people of South Africa
(Click here for more
information on languages spoken in the Drakensberg and Bush &
Battlefields region - opens in a new window).
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Fauna and flora - we have extensive
protected areas which support an astonishing variety of animals
and birds in their natural habitat. The 'Big 5' (elephants, rhinos,
lions, buffalos and leopard) can be seen in a number of game parks in South Africa. There are also numerous
areas dedicated to our indigenous vegetation which offers you a thrilling selection - from the fynbos
in the Kalahari to the Baobabs in Mpumalanga to the fern forests in the Drakensberg (Click to see
information about the fauna
and flora
in the Drakensberg and Bush & Battlefields region - opens in
a new window).
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Landscapes - from wide beaches along
the coast (with the warm Indian Ocean on the Eastern seaboard and the colder Atlantic Ocean on the West), haunting deserts (such
as the Kalahari), wild African bush (such as the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga), vast rural areas
(such as the Eastern Cape) and majestic mountains (such as this region's uKhahlamba-Drakensberg
Park) to the exciting African cities such as Johannesburg (better known on the streets as 'Jozi') and
Cape Town.
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History - from the 'first people'
in the Drakensberg region (the San or Bushmen who left their legacy
painted on hundreds of sites in Southern Africa - click
here to see more information about San Rock Art - opens in a new window), the mighty Zulu tribe led by King Shaka,
the arrival of the European settlers and the resulting struggles for land and gold (such as the Anglo-Boer
War) and the struggle against Apartheid, South Africa has had a troubled past. It has left a rich
legacy of stories and a strong people.
All this is supported by a modern infrastructure:
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a network of good roads - major cities
are linked with national highways (such as the N3 linking Johannesburg and Durban - the major access route to the Drakensberg
region).
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modern communication networks - telephone,
postal and electronic networks are available countrywide.There are also 3 cell phone / mobile networks with comprehensive
coverage in cities, national routes with only rural areas not covered - the Drakensberg and Bush &
Battlefields region is mostly covered. These networks support international roaming - enquire with your
service provider.
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strong local and international businesses
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a competitive currency - despite
an unstable global economy, the South African Rand has performed
exceptionally well with low interest rates. (Click
here to see a listing of exchange rates (forex) for major currencies - opens in a new window)
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services - South Africa offers modern
and professionally staffed hospitals, police stations, schools and
utilities such as electricity and water.
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