South Africa Vacations

Summary - South Africa Vacations
Overall rating: ★★★★☆ - 4+ adventure travel stars

The recurring theme throughout South Africa is diversity. You'll find it in the people, the culture and the landscapes. The diversity of South Africa certainly extends to its adventure travel experiences where you'll find all kinds of activities to be enjoyed on the land, in the water and in the air.

Safaris are one of the biggest reasons people explore South Africa vacations, and you'll find some of the best safari experiences in the world here.

There is a vibrant mix of cultures and lifestyles starting with the indigenous influences and then blending in the contributions from Europe and Asia. You'll experience the fusion of these cultures in the music, art and cuisine, and it's this interesting mixture that shapes and inspires this amazing country.

As you travel through this wide-open country you'll also enjoy breathtaking scenery from the grass filled plains and the rolling hills to the gold-sand beaches and stately mountains.

If you're a meat lover you're sure to enjoy the cuisine of South Africa where much of the socializing is done at a 'braai' (barbecue). And the South African people are a delight to be with because they are kind, upbeat and hospitable, and they have a great sense of humor.

The bottom line: There's a reason South Africa vacations have been growing by leaps and bound. It's due, no doubt, in large part to the exceptional mix of incredible adventure travel experiences. And the South Africa safari holidays are among the best in the world.

Exotic Adventure Travel Factor
Rating: ★★★★☆ - 4 adventure travel stars

With the diversity inherent in South Africa comes an exotic atmosphere as you'll hear many different languages spoken, an interesting mix of tasty and unusual foods placed before you and strange, extraordinary animals roaming the national parks.

Imagine driving along in your Land Rover, fumbling with the CD player and then looking up to see a pride of lions shading themselves under a tree almost oblivious to your presence. As you make your way by a body of water you see crocodiles on the shore, hippos in the water and giraffes off to the side waiting to get a cool drink of water.

When you take a South Africa safari vacation in one of the many national parks -- like the well-known Kruger National Park -- you can make that adventure dream come true.

South Africa vacations are full of unique, exotic treasures from the many interesting cultures to the mystery and allure of incredible wildlife. And you'll also find gorgeous beaches along deep blue waters filled with fierce and exotic creatures.

Cultural Adventure Travel Factor
Rating: ★★★★☆ - 4 adventure travel stars

Other countries can boast of their diverse cultural experiences, but few have the depth of you'll see in South Africa. In fact, this land of many peoples is referred to as the 'Rainbow Nation.'

The most common indigenous cultures include the Nguni, Sotho, Shangaan-Tsonga and Venda. There are also two large sub groups of the Nguni, which are the Zulu and Xhosa. For those who enjoy cultural tours you're going to have a field day in South Africa.

The diversity of South Africa also applies to the cuisine. There's the Cape Dutch cuisine loaded with spices and known for the hot peppers. The Indian cuisine will satisfy your craving for curried dishes, and the Afrikaners contribute delicious stews with lamb or mutton with tomato and onion sauce.

You'll also find excellent restaurants for most of the major international cuisines, and South Africa has developed an excellent wine industry as well.

Adventure Travel Activity Factor
Rating: ★★★★★ - 5 adventure travel stars

South Africa safari tours top the list with some of the finest in all of Africa. And if you're in the market for luxury, try a South Africa luxury safari. You'll be amazed at the amenities you can have while out in the wild.

For those looking for adventures in the air you can paraglide, bungee jump or go on flying adventures. Scuba diving, sea kayaking and white water rafting are popular water activities, and there are plenty of eco tours, trekking excursions and quad biking tours for the landlubbers.

Just take a look below for a list of more thrilling Africa adventure travel experiences.

Resources for South Africa Vacations

Online travel guides: Click here for online travel guides.

Money: The currency in South Africa is the rand. Click here for the current exchange rate.

Language(s): There are 11 official languages in South Africa: English, Afrikaans, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu. English is the most common language for business and official purposes.

Passports & visas: Check with the country where you are a citizen before you book your tickets. Click here for overseas adventure travel passport and visa information.

Your personal safety: Click here for overseas adventure travel advisories.

Your health: Make sure you have received all the necessary vaccinations and medications regarding your travel plans. Click here for travel and adventure travel health information.

Adventure Travel Time zone(s): Click here for a world clock to check the time in South Africa.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is highly recommended for your South Africa vacations. Click here for overseas adventure travel insurance information.

Weather: Click here to check the weather for South Africa vacations.

Are there other adventure travel countries or activities you'd like to check out?

Click on one of the links in the upper left hand navigation column for more idea-inspiring adventure travel destinations and things to do.

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South Africa Vacations Experience?

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Recommended resources for South Africa vacations

• Before you finalize your plans, make sure you've reviewed all your South Africa tours and travel information so that you don't miss out on your favorite adventures.
• Enjoy the beauty of Cape Town South Africa and experience a real BIG 5 Cape Town Safari adventure at the same time.

Photo credits
Mother elephant and child: Chris Eason