South Africa is home to some of the largest land mammals on earth, the highest commercial bungee jump and one of the world’s most luxurious trains: Rovos Rail. Furthermore, South Africa features one of the longest wine routes and is the main producer of Rooibos tea.
South Africa would fit snugly between Chile and Argentina on Pangea; it is widely recognized as the ‘Cradle of Humankind’ with some fascinating caves that helped determine our evolution.
1. The Bloukrans Bridge is the highest commercial bungee jump in the world
The Bloukrans Bridge is world-famous for its thrilling 216-meter descent – it is the highest commercial bridge bungee jump ever constructed and attracts thrill-seekers from across the world to its Garden Route location. Operated by professional adventure company Face Adrenalin and with all equipment meeting international safety standards. Furthermore, this adventure operation also offers other activities, such as bridge walking and Flying Fox zip slides (or foefie slides as they’re commonly known).
Bungee jumping boasts a 100 percent accident-free record and has attracted the likes of daredevils like eight year-old Veronica Dean-Boothoff, as well as world record holder Scott Huntley for making the leap 96 times in one day! It has even been coined “the world’s most extreme adrenaline pump”.
Doing a tandem jump can provide an ideal gateway for those not quite feeling brave enough for solo skydiving, making the plunge less daunting while taking advantage of breathtaking aerial views from above. Harnesses will secure around your feet and waist, taking all of the weight off your legs so that you can just focus on enjoying the view from up high!
There’s also the SkyWalk, a guided tour that explores both the bridge structure and history, including bungy operations. As you stand on its suspended catwalk above the gorge and marvel at its engineering marvel, this experience is truly awe-inspiring!
Documenting your experience? No worries; The Jump Shop at the jump site offers a selection of cameras from GoPros to top-of-the-range digital SLRs that can be rented. Plus, they can transfer it all on DVD or USB so that you can share it with family and friends back home!
2. The oldest human fossils were discovered in South Africa
South Africa made headlines last year when they made an extraordinary discovery that could alter our understanding of human evolution. Fossils found at Sterkfontein near Johannesburg are believed to be over one million years older than “Lucy,” suggesting that humans evolved from another species than great apes. These discoveries provide vital clues into understanding where early humans resided and who their closest evolutionary relatives might have been.
Skeletons were discovered in Rising Star cave system, part of Cradle of Humankind UNESCO world heritage site. Scientists involved with this excavation, led by paleoanthropologist Lee Berger and led by paleontologist Jonathan Good, identified these finds as Homo naledi; most likely the oldest human burials ever discovered. Their bones displayed both human- and ape-like traits and were smaller than modern humans; with well-preserved fossils suggesting their grave may have existed for over 100,000 years!
Berger and his team had to put in tremendous hard work to reach the skeletons deep within the cave system, crawling through tight spaces, descending steep rock falls, using harnesses to lower themselves into cave chambers where fossils were located, as well as wearing breathing masks to decrease infection risks and protect their bones from further harm.
Other noteworthy characteristics of these fossils were its curved spine, suggesting Australopithecus africanus likely walked upright like humans do today. Furthermore, animal remains at the site indicated they likely hunted these creatures by predators.
South Africa is famed for its variety of wildlife, from its tallest land mammal (giraffe) to the fastest land animal (cheetah). But South Africa is famous for more than just animals: wine, diamonds and macadamia nuts are also prized commodities here.
South Africa has witnessed many record-setting feats, from Christiaan Barnard’s groundbreaking heart transplant operation in 1967 to having the world’s largest luxury trains (Rovos Rail and Blue Train), the Cape Town Cycle Tour being its longest timed race, as well as other remarkable records being broken there! You will surely discover many more incredible records throughout Africa!
3. The country has three capital cities instead of one
South Africa stands out among world countries in its distinctive structure of three capital cities instead of just one, which are Pretoria, Cape Town, and Bloemfontein. Each capital serves as the headquarters of different branches of government: Pretoria houses the Union Buildings where President Jacob Zuma lives; Cape Town serves as legislative capital where Parliament meets; while in Bloemfontein the Supreme Court of Appeal sits. These three capital cities were set up so as to prevent power from becoming concentrated in one location.
South Africa is well known for its breathtaking wildlife and scenic beaches, but the country also has an intriguing past. Once part of the British Empire and suffering through apartheid – an anti-skin color system of segregation – Nelson Mandela played an instrumental role in ending it and becoming the first black president of South Africa.
Today, South Africa is an active and diverse society. South Africans love music and express themselves with song and dance; they’re also widely respected for their expertise in sports such as rugby, cricket, golf and soccer – it even hosted the 2010 World Cup!
South Africa boasts a rich and varied culture and boasts several different languages – English, Afrikaans and Zulu among them – while Table Mountain is believed to be one of 12 energy centres that emit magnetic, electrical or spiritual energies.
South Africa is a leader in human rights and democratic governance, offering religious freedom, no restrictions on same-sex marriage, and one of the most tolerant gay cultures worldwide. South Africa became one of five countries globally to recognize same-sex marriage; also making its mark as an HIV/AIDS leader by providing free treatment services for all citizens; in 2006 becoming the first ever nation that permitted same-sex couples adopt children together.
4. The country’s national animal is the springbok
The springbok is an exquisite and agile antelope species native to South Africa that serves as its national animal. The term’springbok’ derives its name from Afrikaans words meaning “to jump” or “run,” as this species is famous for leaping high into the air in a jump called pronking; intended to scare away predators or attract potential mates, this mesmerizing jumping display mesmerizes viewers every time it occurs! Additionally, the springbok serves as the official emblem for South African rugby; its national team known as Boks or Springboks wear this symbol on their jerseys every time they take the field!
The springbok, known for its agile agility, has long been considered a symbol of South African resilience and unity. Easily identifiable with black stripes, white markings, and its distinctive horn shape – its black stripes, white markings, and unique horn shape make it easily recognizable; widely used to represent diversity within South Africa as well as strength. Furthermore, this animal was the source of inspiration behind South Africa’s flag design made official after apartheid was officially over in 1994.
South Africa is a multiethnic and multicultural nation with eleven official languages – isiZulu, Afrikaans, siSwati, Sesotho, Xitsonga Sepedi Setswana Tshivenda as well as English being used in business, politics and media settings. This diversity stems from having been affected by Dutch and British colonial legacies respectively over its long history.
South Africa is home to some breathtaking natural landmarks, including the second highest waterfall on earth: Tugela Falls can be found in the Drakensberg Mountains and stands an astonishing 948 meters tall, producing mist that can be seen for miles around. Furthermore, Tugela Falls are home to a herd of springbok that live and feed off nearby vegetation as they consume succulent plants with moisturizing properties; their members even form harems, or groups of females and males that share breeding territories together.