Travel
To South Africa: Modern Nation, Ancient Origin
by
Frank Johnson
South
Africa is an extraordinarily unique sub-Saharan African nation jutting
formidably - for sailors who have planned to round its cape - into the
Atlantic and Indian Oceans at the southernmost top of Africa. The archeological
evolution of humanity has been documented in South Africa, with a history
as old as any on the planet. Even more, the wildlife and biodiversity of
South Africa's semi-arid plateaus, bush and coastline are possibly the
most thrilling and rewarding in all of Africa. Explore the vibrancy of
a multiethnic, forward thinking democracy interlaced with the splendor
and community of traditional Africa!
The
South African Identity - 11 Languages Strong South Africa stands apart
from the rest of Africa with its unique colonial origin that carried over
to modern day. Those who travel to South Africa are often drawn by the
fascinating multicultural immersion found in a modern country that is confronting
racial issues head on. Dutch navigators and settlers occupied the area
for much of the 17th and 18th century, importing slaves from India, Madagascar
and Indonesia to make up for a labor shortage. The descendents of the resulting
interracial marriages make up a large population of the Western Cape today
("Cape Malays") and displaced much of the local Xhosa and Bantu people.
The British ultimately colonized South Africa when the Dutch could no longer
fight their own battles against native resistance.
After
independence, the European minority remained in political control and apartheid
ensued until 1994 when black Africans finally gained full political rights
and enfranchisement. Interestingly, South Africa is the only African nation
to be ruled by a continuous democracy and the first and only nation in
the world to build nuclear weapons only to voluntarily dismantle the weapons
program altogether.
Whales,
Wine and Wetlands Since the end of apartheid, it has been much easier to
enjoy the spectacular sights of South Africa. From the busting city of
Cape Town, hike the iconic Table Mountain National Park when the flat top
is covered in an eerie layer of clouds or travel west to the Shipwreck
Coast of the Cape of Good Hope where a graveyard of unfortunate naval expeditions
are well preserved and add character to the stunning coastline. Also signature
of South Africa's coastline is the abundance of whales. Spend an afternoon
in the seaside town of Hermanus, famous for whale watching, or take a guided
boat trip to catch a closer glimpse of the majestic creatures. From here,
a trip along the popular Garden Route winds through hidden nature reserves,
tucked-away coastal towns, national monuments, indigenous forests, sea
caves and borders the peaceful desert highlands of the Karoo. The Greater
St. Lucia Wetlands Park to the north is worth a visit to see the massive
hippos rummaging quietly through the marsh. Unwind from your expeditions
in South Africa's prosperous and productive wine region northeast of Cape
Town. Arrange for a stay on an estate in Stellenbosch and treat yourself
to a tour of some of the world's best wine, introduced by Europeans in
the 17th century.
Most
of the popular areas are in the Western Cape and along the coast, although
more pristine wilderness and less urbanized indigenous culture will be
found inland. Also, the commercial capitals of Johannesburg, Durban and
Pretoria (the administrative capital) are exciting for their urban juxtaposition
to the African wilderness at large. South Africa is a wondrous and historic
land of global culture that has never been more accessible or enjoyable.
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to explore the gem of the
oldest and most diverse continent on earth!
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