1Affordable
During these tough times, who doesn’t want an affordable holiday? In South Africa, you can even afford luxury and have spending money for shopping and other treats!
2Natural beauty
South Africa’s scenic wonders are legendary. From Table Mountain to God’s Window, our mountains, forests, coasts and deserts will sooth your soul and delight you.
3World-class facilities
Whether you opt for Afro-chic or authentic Africa, you’ll find it easy to get around, find a comfortable place to stay, have a great meal, connect.
4Adventure
South Africa is the adventure capital of the world. With over 130 adventures and counting, there is something for everyone from mountain walks to shark cage-diving!
5Good weather
In sunny South Africa, our great weather invites you to enjoy the outdoors, play golf year-round and take advantage of the nearly 3000km coastline…
6Rainbow Nation
The Rainbow Nation celebrates all its African and immigrant cultures. We're known for our friendliness across the country.
7Diverse experiences
Go almost anywhere in South Africa and experience the ultimate combination of nature, wildlife, culture, adventure, heritage and vibe – you’re spoilt for choice, so pack it in!
8Wildlife
Warning! Watching wildlife is addictive. First you start with the Big Five, then you'll soon be looking for whales, penguins, meerkats, wild dogs, birds, dung beetles…
9Freedom Struggle
Discover a nation’s struggle for freedom whilst following the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, Hector Pieterson and many other celebrated revolutionaries.
South Africa’s freedom struggle
The South African freedom struggle is a compelling story of the sacrifices made by the people in overcoming the oppression of colonialism and apartheid. The freedom struggle of South Africa began soon after the arrival of Dutch settlers in 1652 and continued until 1994.
The South African freedom struggle is a fascinating aspect of our history. There are struggle heritage sites all over the country – for example you can follow Nelson Mandela's long walk to freedom or visit where Mahatma Gandhi lived while in South Africa.
The South African freedom struggle began when the KhoiKhoi resisted the establishment of a refreshment station at Table Bay by the Dutch East India Company in 1652. But until January 1912, when the forerunner to the African National Congress (ANC) was established, the battle against growing oppression was localised. And even then it would remain fairly passive until the advent of apartheid in 1948, which ushered in a period of repression infinitely worse than anything experienced before.
At the behest of young activists like Nelson Mandela, the ANC began to change its direction to a mass-based movement intent on liberation from apartheid. Growing resistance culminated in the Sharpeville Massacre in March 1960 in which 69 protestors were killed by police. In panic the government declared a state of emergency and banned the ANC and other liberation movements.
The ANC responded by taking the struggle in South Africa underground and establishing an armed wing, Umkhonto weSizwe (Spear of the Nation), which was at the forefront of the freedom struggle. The government, in turn, tightened its repressive measures and attempted to crush the movement, forcing those leaders who were not incarcerated on Robben Island to flee overseas. With the ANC inactive in the country, movements such as the Black Consciousness Movement grew in popularity, particularly among students.
Student involvement in that movement culminated in the 16 June 1976 Soweto uprising. On that day, the youth staged protests against the government's attempts to change the medium of instruction at black schools to Afrikaans. The uprising was violently crushed, with many of the students shot dead by the police. Many who survived left the country to join the struggle. The famous image of a shot Hector Pieterson being carried by Mbuyisa Makhubo during that uprising became the symbol of youth resistance in South Africa.
Meanwhile, the ANC in exile and internal underground structures were able to bring such pressure to bear on the apartheid government during the freedom struggle of South Africa that it unbanned all liberation movements in 1990, freed imprisoned leaders and entered negotiations, which culminated in the first democratic elections being held on 27 April 1994.
10Responsible Tourism
In South Africa you can travel with care as you explore our protected areas, contribute to social and conservation projects, buy recycle art and stay green.
Responsible tourism in South Africa
South Africa is one of the foremost responsible tourism leaders in the world, with dozens of gorgeous destinations where communities are uplifted and the environment is protected. You’ll return home with a higher awareness of the interconnection between people and the earth. Plus memories of a really great time.
Responsible tourism in South Africa is a marvelous way of making a positive difference through travel. You return home refreshed, carbon-neutral and culturally enriched, with memories to last a lifetime.
Broadly speaking, here are some responsible tourism guidelines:
- Avoid waste and overconsumption
- Use local resources in a sustainable way
- Maintain and encourage natural, social, economic and cultural diversity
- Be sensitive to the host culture
- Involve the local community in planning and decision-making
- Assess the environmental, social and economic impacts before embarking on tourism developments
- Ensure that communities are involved in, and benefit from, tourism.
One of the first environmental issues people think of these days is the impact of the flight. In South Africa you can offset carbon emissions while uplifting communities at the same time, through Food and Trees for Africa. After calculating your carbon footprint via their calculator, your donation will help plant fruit and indigenous trees in schools, clinics and the backyards of impoverished areas.
Another South African responsible tourism initiative allows you to check whether the seafood item you're eyeing on the menu is endangered or not. The South African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI) gives you the simple option of texting your choice to a mobile number. Within minutes, you'll have your reply. The fish may be labeled ‘green' (feel free to order), ‘orange' (in trouble, but legal to eat) or ‘red' (kindly desist).
Becoming a responsible tourist can also be a matter of choosing the right accommodation. And there are plenty of choices, as you'll find wherever you find the RT icon on this website. Just by staying at these destinations, you can ensure minimal impact on the environment, maximum positive social spinoff, and a feel-good factor all round.
Similarly, responsible voluntourism (or volunteer tourism) is now also underpinned by standards that aim to ensure valuable input by volunteers and tangible benefits for the communities involved. As a volunteer, check that possible programmes adhere to this code. Fair Trade Tourism has an accreditation programme for volunteer projects. A list of accredited programmes is available on its website.
South Africa's environmental tourism initiatives have great social resonance so make use of them if you can..
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