By J. Clark
Travel in South Africa
South
Africa has a well-developed tourism industry that expects to attract 10 million visitors in 2010 when it hosts the World Cup of soccer. However, there are many more reasons to visit South Africa than just soccer.
Attractions
Cape Town seen from Tale Mountain (Andy Carter: Flickr.com).
Kruger National Park is a great place to spot the so-called Big Five---lions, leopards, elephants, Cape buffaloes and black rhinos, while Royal Natal National Park features the nation's most rugged mountain scenery. For urban action,
Johannesburg and Cape Town are both buzzing, cosmopolitan cities.
Climate
Because South Africa lies in the Southern Hemisphere, its warmest months are September through March, while its coldest months are April through August.
Visas
Citizens of nations such as Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and United States do not need a visa if traveling to South Africa for 90 days or less. Citizens of some other countries do.
Transportation
Tambo International Airport near Johannesburg is the country's principal international airport. Within South Africa, budget airlines--such as Kulula.com, Mango and 1time--connect cities around the nation. There are also bus lines like Greyhound, Trans-Lux and Baz Bus, and there are long-haul train services including Shosholoza Meyl, Blue Train and Premier Classe.
Security
The U.S. State Department notes that, "Although the vast majority of visitors complete their travels in South Africa without incident, visitors should be aware that criminal activity, often violent, occurs routinely."
Resources
About the Author:
J. Clark is a freelance journalist who has written news and feature stories for a number of newspapers and magazines in the United States and Mexico since 2004. He has covered topics ranging from politics and business to sports and entertainment. He has a Master's degree in history and a special interest in Latin American cultures.
Photo Credits:
Chris Eason
