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South Africa is a country as geographically and culturally diverse as its 11 official languages. Situated at the southernmost tip of Africa, South Africa borders the Atlantic and Indian oceans. Apart from the magnificent scenery, favourable climate, affordability, good food, friendly people and many iconic tourist attractions, South Africa is also home to 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites. |
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How to get to there
South African Airways has a code share arrangement with Emirates Airlines and Etihad Airways on 65 weekly flights to South Africa. Within South Africa, SAA, British Airways and other low-cost airlines can be used for the domestic routes. |
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Where to Go
Safari - To see the Big Five – buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhino or the Small Five - elephant shrew, ant lion, rhinoceros beetle, buffalo weaver and leopard tortoise and visit the Kruger National Park or head for any of the private lodges or parks in South Africa.
Wine country - The Cape Winelands offer unexpectedly scenery and the opportunity to sample excellent wines and superior dining in well-regarded restaurants.
History and culture - Follow in the footsteps of the greatest freedom icons in modern history, such as Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo and Mahatma Gandhi. Visit the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, Robben Island in Cape Town. Spend time in Soweto or a city township; visit a Zulu cultural village; admire the intricate beadwork and unique geometric mural art of the Ndebele people; enjoy the hospitality of a South African farm. South African rock art is among the best in the world and easily accessible, especially in the Drakensberg. |
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Garden Route - This route takes visitors along the east coast from Cape Town, past spectacular coastal scenery and through indigenous forests. End your Garden Route trip with a visit to the Addo Elephant National Park near Port Elizabeth.
Soak up the sun - South Africa has some of the most beautiful, pristine beaches in the world, and Cape Town’s famous beaches, such as Clifton and Muizenberg, along with Durban’s glorious beaches are extremely popular. If you travel farther down the West Coast to Langebaan in the Western Cape you will be able to sample some of the freshest seafood around. If you take yourself off to the Eastern Cape’s aptly named Wild Coast, or northern Zululand’s remote coast, you could well find yourself all alone with just surf, sand and sea to keep you company. |
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What to do
Adventure - Bungee jump from the Bloukrans Bridge, the highest commercial bungee jump at 216m, try shark-cage diving in Gansbaai or whale-watching in Hermanus, hike the Drakensberg Mountains in KwaZulu Natal , swing through the Karkloof Forest Reserve in the scenic KwaZulu-Natal Midlands with a canopy tour and surf in Jeffreys Bay with some of the best waves in the world.
Shopping - South Africa’s shopping centres provide world-class shopping, plenty of entertainment, the latest movies and delicious food in conveniently situated and safe surroundings. Whether you are looking for something specific, have time on your hands to browse around or just love to shop, the boutiques, chain stores and specialist shops in the country’s malls have it all. |
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Outdoor Activities |
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Golf - South Africa boasts a number of world class golf courses each in their own unique setting, from fairways in the bush where zebra roam freely, to the greens of the coast where welcoming breezes blow off the ocean or tee off on a mountain top. Tee off in South Africa!
Cycling - South Africa is full of exciting and beautiful cycling routes that anticipate your discovery. So on your next trip to South Africa, make sure to bring your bike (or hire one when you are here) and take part in some exciting South African cycling.
Sailing - With thousands of kilometers of coastline, South Africa’s sailing locations are countless and each one more incredible than the next.
Bird watching - The grasslands and wetlands of South Africa are prime areas for bird watchers to catch a glimpse of endangered bird species like the Blue Crane and the African Black Oystercatcher. Whilst the south-western interior regions of South Africa are known for their high density of birds, spectacular bird watching can be experienced almost anywhere in the country.
Power Boating - South Africa’s extensive rivers, dams and coastlines provide an excellent playground for power boating enthusiasts. South African power boating offers fantastic opportunities to view whales, dolphins and seals that grace South Africa's shores. The combination of mountains, sea, rivers, wind and fantastic climate is the complete recipe for power boating in South Africa. |
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Quick links
www.southafrica.net
www.home-affairs.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/apply-for-a-south-african-visa |
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Explore South Africa!
The Republic of South Africa is situated at the southern top of Africa, famously known as "A World in One Country". It boasts a cosmopolitan society and diverse geography. It is one of the world's fastest-growing tourism destinations. In South Africa are found the worlds' strangest and most dramatic landscapes. A unique wealth of animal and plant life, a treasure collection of diamonds and other minerals, and a kaleidoscope of fascinating cultures. |
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The wind, sun, ice and rain have worked a special magic in the landscape. There are extremes of deserts, mediterranean, mountains (snow covered sometimes), grasslands, high forests and tropical mangrove swamps. Within these climatic zones, Earth's most diverse plant population thrives, South Africa is also home to big game, a host of beautiful birds, which thrive on vast range of habitats and foods that nature has preserved for them.
South Africa's key conference industry is becoming more popular in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) fraternity. This is because of its stunning venues, professional service, a range of diverse exciting attractions just waiting to be explored and the excellent infrastructure.
South Africa has also an excellent transport system. Although it may be far from the Middle East, it is only one night’s sleep away with no jet lag. Travel by bus is both safe and efficient linking the major cities. It provides time for tourists to appreciate the beautiful view of nature and culture of South Africa.
Rental car agencies are situated at most airports. |
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Tourism between South Africa and the UAE
For Emiratis and expatriates living in the UAE, South Africa boasts an ideal climate, extraordinary scenic beauty, cultural diversity and unparalleled eco-tourism.
South Africa has a seasonal advantage because the beautiful temperate sunny summer coincides with the local winter. In the hot summer months in the UAE, South Africa’s moderate winter offers an ideal escape. In fact, South Africa is beautiful and lively throughout the whole year. |
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South Africa is a safe country to visit. However, visitors are advised to take the same precautions as elsewhere in the world.
You are invited to visit the South African national pavilion at the Arabian Tourism Market, which takes place in the first week of May each year. |
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A world in one country!!
Travel Information
Suggested tourism spots in the Provinces
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