South Africa is an attractive travel destination with its sunny beaches, wildlife safaris, Cape winelands and diverse landscapes, which range from wetlands, deserts, bushveld, grasslands and mountains to mountains. Additionally, its national animal is the Springbok antelope which serves as a symbol for its rugby team.
1. The Bloukrans Bridge is the highest commercial bungee jump in the world
The Bloukrans Bridge boasts the world’s highest commercial bungee jump, drawing adventure seekers from across the world. Situated along South Africa’s Garden Route, this breathtaking 216m bridge allows thrill-seekers to descend headfirst into its gorge below for one of the most exhilarating experiences imaginable!
As the gorge beneath the bridge is deep, jumping from this location requires using a full body harness – providing maximum safety for jumpers! In addition, pendulum bungee technology makes for a smoother and more comfortable jump, perfect for all adrenaline junkies!
As well as offering breathtaking scenery, the area also features plenty of wildlife to be seen – including elephants – as well as an abundance of birds, reptiles and other creatures – making this region a nature lover’s dream! No wonder it has earned itself the moniker “Nature Lover’s Paradise!”
South Africa is also home to some of the world’s most accomplished people, such as Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu (freedom fighter and activist Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu), Tesla inventor Elon Musk and playwright Athol Fugard. Cape Town is widely renowned as being “The Cradle of Humankind”, due to the discovery of fossils of Taung child, Mrs Ples and other hominid specimens found there.
South Africa boasts 11 official languages! This diversity speaks volumes for South Africa’s rich history and multiculturalism.
The 451m long and 216m high concrete arch bridge of the Bloukrans Bridge stands in Nature’s Valley near Bloukrans River and connects both Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces – it serves as an invaluable transport link. No wonder then that this world-class destination for bungee jumping has become such an incredible feat of engineering!
2. South Africa is the largest producer of macadamia nuts in the world
Macadamia nuts originate in Australia but have been widely cultivated in Southern Africa since the 1960s, thanks to a subtropical climate which makes their cultivation ideal. Nuts are harvested when mature – typically between March and July – from their trees before being crushed open for processing into kernels that release their insides. The macadamia nut industry plays a pivotal role in South African rural areas as it provides many jobs while contributing significantly to economic development of this part of Africa.
South African macadamia nut production is almost exclusively exported, with 95% of annual production going abroad – to the US, China and Europe in particular. Market penetration in Africa is growing quickly; industry experts project annual expansion at around 8%.
Nuts are used locally both as snacks and in food processing applications. Nuts are highly nutritious and contain numerous antioxidants; they’re low in fat while being an excellent source of protein, magnesium, calcium and potassium – not forgetting B1 and E vitamins as well as selenium!
South Africa is an extraordinary nation filled with many adventures for visitors. Boasting a vast array of diverse landscapes and climates, South Africa provides plenty of activities ranging from world-class game parks and reserves to vibrant city centres – not to mention home to some incredible wildlife such as the world-record-holding Cheetah!
South Africa is an eclectic melting pot, providing an ideal opportunity to learn about African history and culture. You will also find many fantastic restaurants and cafes serving traditional African fare or European-influenced fare – especially Johannesburg – the country’s vibrant capital, home of some of its top attractions such as Apartheid Museum and Nelson Mandela Square.
3. The first human heart transplant was performed in 1967
South Africa is home to some of the largest land mammals on earth: African elephants and cheetahs. Furthermore, South Africa boasts abundant wildlife and stunning natural beauty that are sure to take your breath away – whether or not you love animals. The incredible sights in South Africa will leave you mesmerised.
Christiaan (Chris) Barnard made history on December 3rd 1967 at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town when he performed the world’s first human heart transplant surgery using Denise Darvall’s heart, who had been declared brain-dead following an automobile accident the day prior. This groundbreaking surgery used Denise Darvall as a donor.
This groundbreaking operation gained massive global media coverage. Journalists and photographers flocked to Groote Schuur, while radio and television networks broadcast updates on Louis Washkansky’s progress throughout each day. Unfortunately, Louis Washkansky passed away 18 days post transplant due to pneumonia; however, Barnard soon performed additional transplants, and many of his patients lived longer than anticipated.
At that time, apartheid was in full effect in South Africa and many were skeptical as to how Barnard could possibly find donors, given his restrictions on who could donate organs. At first he used hearts from people of mixed-race background (known in South Africa at that time as “coloureds”) before later making a switch and using one from white people instead.
Success of the first transplant led to further advancements in surgical techniques and organ donation. Barnard’s junior research colleague Winston Wicomb pioneered hypothermic perfusion for donor hearts which allowed for long-term storage allowing transplantations at locations far removed from Cape Town.
South Africa was the first African country to recognize same-sex marriage in 2006 and since has been seen as an advocate of LGBT rights. Unfortunately, however, discrimination against LGBT individuals still remains prevalent within rural areas, and homophobic attacks continue.
4. South Africa has three capital cities instead of one
South Africa boasts many attractions; its diverse landscapes, sprawling beaches and abundant wildlife being only some of its offerings. Home to vibrant cities, rich history and diverse cultures alike – South Africa also stands out for having three capital cities instead of just one – due to its complex history and political system.
South Africa’s three capital cities of Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative), and Bloemfontein (judicial) result from historical events, compromises, and agreements that led to its formation in 1910 from four British colonies and two Boer republics. This arrangement fosters unity while acknowledging each city’s individual role in shaping South Africa’s governance landscape.
Johannesburg serves as South Africa’s economic and transportation hubs. Boasting one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s busiest train stations, Johannesburg also enjoys major commerce and industry in Gauteng. Cape Town serves as its legislative heart while Cape Town Port on Indian Ocean plays a vital role. Bloemfontein serves as its judicial capital while Boemfontein remains its commercial center of commerce and industry.
South African capital cities represent its diversity, commitment to progress and commitment to inclusivity. Their flag features the springbok (the only southern African gazelle) in V-shape as an illustration of this sentiment; symbolizing how different elements of society come together while moving forward together as one nation.
South Africa stands out as an impressive melting pot with more than 11 languages being spoken. These include isiZulu, Afrikaans, siSwati, isiXhosa and Sesotho as the most widely spoken, though South Africans may use multiple tongues simultaneously due to culture, politics and empire. South Africa stands as one of the most linguistically diverse countries worldwide.