Ever since the announcement that South Africa was going to be hosting the 2010 World Cup of Soccer, interest in the country has increased.
The Politics
South Africa is the country that is located at the southern tip of the African continent. In the past century South Africa has proven to be a powerful world power. The country was one of the founding members of the United Nations and is always very vocal when it comes to expressing its feelings on political hot topics, Leaders, such as Nelson Mandela, had been very outspoken about topics like human rights and race relations. Several intelligent and organized presidents have turned the country into a great country to visit.
The Geography
One of the really great things about visiting South Africa is the geography. It doesn’t matter if you are someone who prefers flat lands or if you aren’t comfortable unless you are up in the mountains, you will enjoy the landscape. South Africa is divided into three regions. The center of the country is flat and appropriately called the African Plateau. The area with the highest elevations is called the Great Escarpment where the Drakensberg Mountains are located. South Africa’s third region is the fertile land coastal plains.
The Wildlife
Anyone who is a fan of wildlife should defiantly plan on taking a trip to South Africa. The country takes great pride in their native wildlife and is putting a great deal of effort into preserving the numerous species that call South Africa home. Currently there are 8 separate South African wildlife preserves. The most famous, the Kruger National Park is nestled against the South Africa/Mozambique border. Animals like giraffes, elephants, leopards, lions, and hippopotamus call Kruger home. In addition to large mammals, visiting South Africa provides a rare opportunity to see several different species of amphibians and endemic plants in their natural environment.
Fun Activities
One of the great things about South Africa hosting the World Cup of Soccer is that you don’t have to worry about getting bored between soccer matches. There are so many fantastic things to experience while in South Africa that there is no way you will be able to accomplish all of them in one trip.
South Africa has one of the most stunning coastlines in the worlds. Hikers are stunned, not just by the beauty, but also high numbers of isolated beaches, waterfalls, and rivers they see while on long hikes.
There is a small beach called Boulders Beach that is located near Cape Town. Visitors at Boulders Beach are given a once in a lifetime chance to get up close and personal with the penguins that call South Africa home. The Boulder Beach penguins are so friendly they will come right up to your beach towel.
South Africa is a beautiful country and one of the most relaxing ways to see most of it is by taking a ride on the Blue Train which makes a 27 hour trip from Pretoria to Cape Town.
South Africa is the perfect travel destination for families that want to explore the world.