South Africa is the southernmost country on the African continent, known for its cultural diversity, history marked by apartheid and extraordinary natural landscapes. The country ranges from savannahs and deserts to mountains and Atlantic/Indian coastlines. Destinations such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, the Kruger Park and the Garden Route are world famous.
Climate
Very varied: Mediterranean in the Cape region, subtropical in Durban and the east coast, arid/desert in the interior and temperate in the mountains.
Languages
There are 11 official languages, including Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English. English is used in government, business and tourism, but many African languages are predominant in various regions.
Driving
Drive on the left. Many highways have tolls, paid in manual booths or electronic systems (e-tags).
Camping
Wild camping is not recommended for safety reasons. There are well-equipped campsites, especially in nature reserves and national parks.
Biker Zones
Iconic routes include the Garden Route, Chapman’s Peak Drive and the Drakensberg mountain roads.
Special Zones
Large cities like Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town have areas with heavy traffic, pedestrian areas and controlled parking.