Tourism & Communications
Third deepest canyon, second highest waterfall in the world
South Africa is renowned for its stunning landscapes. With ochre-coloured deserts and large savannahs, verdant rainforests and wetlands and long stretches of rugged coastline and beaches, visitors are drawn by the country’s natural beauty.
- Canoeists on the Crocodile River, outside Johannesburg
Ecotourism increasingly popular
Tourism is important to South Africa’s economy, with ecotourism increasingly popular, as well as visits to historic sites and villages which provide learning about Africa’s traditional cultures.
UNESCO World Heritage sites include Robben Island, the location of a penal colony and infamous prison (where Nelson Mandela was kept for 18 years) and Mapungubwe, which was home to an important settlement area from the Iron Age (third century CE) onwards.
Celebrations and festivals
A wide range of celebrations and festivals also draw large numbers of visitors each year. These are often linked to the harvesting of food, such as the Prickly Pear and Cherry Festival, or to the country’s flowers (the Hibiscus and Wildflower Festivals) and wildlife.
Whale watching
Considered the best land-based spot in the world for seeing the ocean’s largest creatures, there is also a good chance of spotting humpback, minke, Bryde’s and even killer whales.
One of the most impressive wildlife spectacles is celebrated in September with the Whale Festival at Hermanus on the southern coast. Here, Southern Right whales and their calves swim close to shore in and around Walker Bay.
Roads and railways
South Africa’s road and railway network (the most extensive on the continent) provide reliable links between the towns and cities. Access to many rural areas relies on unpaved roads, though driving to popular tourist destinations is usually straightforward.
With water levels which are highly seasonal and shallow river beds, South Africa’s rivers are only navigable for a few miles from the sea and then only for small boats.
Mobile networks extensive
Telecommunications systems are well-developed, if uneven with regards to landline services. However, several phone companies run mobile networks which provide coverage over many parts of the country and internet connection is available in all the major towns and cities.
