Southern Africa

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Eco-friendly travel guide to Southern Africa advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to travel in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Southern Africa, Africa.

Cape Town viewed from Lion's Head, South Africa


  • Air quality: 3.1 - 3.7 / 5
  • Bus connections: 2.7 - 3.9 / 5
  • Train connections: 3.0 - 3.8 / 5
  • Hitchhiking: 2.5 - 3.9 / 5
  • National parks: 3.7 - 4.5 / 5
  • Outdoor activities: 3.3 - 4.1 / 5
  • Locals' English level: 3.9 - 4.8 / 5
  • Safety: 2.1 - 3.8 / 5
  • Accommodation: US$16 - $193
  • Budget per day: US$27 - $250

Responsible Travel

Traveling responsibly not only benefits the environment alone but also benefits us in one way or another. For example, when we decide to walk more, we would be reducing the unnecessary use of vehicles which as we all know release exhaust fumes which are toxic to the environment, thus only a small amount of toxic exhaust fumes will released to the air. At the same time, when we walk, we will be exercising our bodies. Walking has been voted for as being the most eco-friendly way to travel. Also, when we embrace using public transport more, we will be reducing the number of vehicles that converge at a single point in time. As we all know, vehicles emit a lot of toxic exhaust fumes to the air thus the lesser the number of vehicles at a single point in time, the lesser the amount of toxic emissions that will be released into the air. At the same time we will be reducing the amount of time spent on traffic jams thus saving time which is an important resource for us. We also need to reside more in environmentally friendly accommodations. By doing this, we will be directly part of the initiative of going green.


Air Quality and Pollution

The southern region of Africa is home to the most developed country in the entire continent, South Africa. Thus it has partnered with her neighbors in an effort to curb illegal accumulation of waste which is the main threat to pollution in this region. Also, foul smell from the waste is among the threats to air quality in the region. Overall, the air quality in the region has improved according to the internationally required standards.


Respect the Culture

South Africa has been known to be the most diverse country on the continent. A majority of the country's local population still live in poverty in informal settlements. The cultural beliefs and customs are highly upheld by these people despite influence from the western countries. South Africans living in urban areas speak English or Afrikaans in addition to their native languages. There exists a small group of Khoisan speakers who are not among the official languages in the re-known eleven official languages.

Literature has since time immemorial taken root in South Africa. One of the most popular novel writers was Solomon Thekiso Plaatje's Mhudi, a black author who wrote his novel in 1930. Among the white South African authors, Nadine Gordimer takes center stage. She was the seventh woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1991. Her novel was released in 1981.

Music in South Africa has continued to evolve as time has gone by. The majority of African artists who sang in English during apartheid have now embraced the traditional African languages, and have developed a unique style called Kwaito. One of the most re-known musicians in South Africa is Brenda Fassie, who rose to popularity with her song "Weekend Special", written and sang in English.

Towards the north of Botswana, you will find the villages of Gumare and Etsha where the women here are known for their expertise in making baskets using Mokola Palm and local dyes. The basket sizes usually vary, i. e, large lidded baskets, open baskets, and smaller baskets.


Top 10 Places to Visit

  • Table Mountain: It is located in Cape Town, South Africa. It has a flat top. You can scale this mountain either by cableway or by hiking. It is part of the Table Mountain National Park. Majority of the plants and animals found here are usually endemic to this place. The Table Mountain has a long plateau flanked by cliffs on both ends. It is bordered by the Lion's Head and the Devils Peak.
  • Maiombe Forest: It is usually referred to as the "Amazon of Africa". It is located in Angola. It sits on a total area of 400 square kilometers. Wildlife enthusiasts will feel the most at home at this nature reserve. Some of the amazing animals that you will get to see here include elephants, chimpanzees, and gorillas among others.
  • Khama Rhino Sanctuary: It is a source of revenue generation for the country as it attracts many foreigners. Have you ever seen a rhino before? If no, you should make plans to visit this place before leaving the country. It also houses other animal species.
  • Hoy's Koppie: It is located in South Africa. It was named after Sir William Hoy, who headed the south African railways during the 1920s. Sir William Hoy was born and raised in Scotland and was very intrigued by this koppie along the South African coastline. Both him and his wife were buried at the peak here. It is dotted with fynbos, one of the endemic plants here in the country.
  • Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village: Here, you will get to enjoy the services of a restaurant, an amphitheater, and a museum on-site. At the museum here, you will be able to learn about the history of the area here and its people. From here, you may choose to scale the Thaba Bosiu Mountain, believed to be the resting place of King Moshoeshoe I. You will be able to enjoy tasty delicacies from the restaurant here and also both hot and cold drinks. The entrance here is fitted with a wheelchair ramp and there is free Wi-Fi throughout the entire property.
  • Dombo Hippo Pools: This lake is located in Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana. It is lined with some of the most scenic tracks. The roads that lead towards this lake usually vary depending on the amount of rainfall received which determines the flood levels that are experienced. Hippos usually converge along the shores, some several kilometers from the North Gate.
  • Deadvlei: It is a white clay pan which is situated close to the salt pan of Sossusvlei, inside the Namib-Naukluft Park in Namibia. The name Deadvlei translates to mean "dead marsh".
  • The National Marine Aquarium of Namibia: This aquarium is located in Swakopmund, Namibia. Here, you will be able to enjoy amazing fauna which emanates from the cold Benguela Current in the southern Atlantic Ocean.
  • The Robberg Marine Protected Area: It is located in Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape province in South Africa. It is close to dandy beaches and subtidal rocky reefs.
  • Kgale Hill: It is also known as Setswana which translates to "The Place that Dried Up". It is located in Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana. It is also locally referred to as the "Sleeping Giant". It reaches a height of 1,287 meters.
Table Mountain from Table Bay


Explore

The countries that make up the Southern Africa region are South Africa, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Angola, Malawi, Zambia, Eswatini, Namibia, Botswana, and Mozambique. You can visit some of the most iconic attraction sites in the region where you can make memories. Some of these sites include Dombo Hippo Pools located in Botswana and the Table Mountain which is located in Cape Town, South Africa. You can also visit some of the most amazing national parks in the region where you will get to appreciate the wild animals found in this region as well as learn more about them. National parks found here in this region include Chobe National Park located in Okavango, Botswana and the Kissama National Park located in Angola. You can also visit the various museums in the region to learn about the history of the country and the culture of its people.


City Parks

  • Mouille Point Park: It is located in Cape Town, South Africa. This is one of the best parks where children can play and have fun safely. It is close to several restaurants and also various attraction sites. Activities are available for all ages with the most dominant being for children. Clean and adequate washrooms are also available here.
  • Kgale Hill Public Park: This park is located in Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana. It is among the most enjoyable places to visit in the country. The management here has arranged for nature trails where you can engage in hiking and other exercises. The most interesting challenge here is the one of climbing a very high hill here in this park.


National Parks

  • Kissama National Park: It is also referred to as Parque Nacional da Quissama. It is located on the northwest area of Angola. It covers a total area of 3,845 square miles. Majority of the vegetation here is comprised of Baobab forests and savannah grasslands. It has partnered with the Lion Conservation Unit program aimed at increasing the total number of lions in Africa. Other animals that you will also find here in this national park include giraffe, zebra, Buffalo, waterbuck, elephant, eland, antelope, and ostrich. You will be able to enjoy amazing hiking experiences that is part of the walking tours being held here.
  • Sehlabathebe National Park: This beautiful park located in Lesotho has beautiful rock arts and ancient stone huts. You will be able to engage in hiking activities when you visit this place. The roads here are well paved with the friendliness and professionalism of the staff being a plus. You will also be able to see various wild animals here. The prices offered here are usually very reasonable.
  • Chobe National Park: It is located in Okavango, Botswana. Here, you will be able to enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding landscape. You will also be able to see various animal species roaming the lands here. The management here has stressed on cleanliness thus this park is usually immaculate. Boat rides are available here in this park.
  • Table Mountain National Park: It is located along Tafelberg Road in Cape Town, South Africa. It stretches from the city to the Cape Peninsula and Cape of Good Hope. The most predominant feature here is Table Mountain. One can scale the mountain using cableway, cycling, or hiking. It is among the national parks in the world with the richest floral species.
Early Morning view from Sehlabathebe House


Beaches

  • Boulders Beach: It is located in Cape Town, South Africa. This beach comprises inlets percolating through granite boulders, thus this beach acquired the name boulders beach. It is located in one of the suburbs of Cape Town. The most outstanding attraction here is the African penguins that have been here since 1982. This beach is also part of the Table Mountain National Park. It has an indigenous bush on one end of the beach and False Bay on the other end. The boulders are believed to date back up to 540 million years.
  • Camps Bay Beach: It is located in Cape Town, South Africa. At this beautiful beach, you will be able to take magnificent photos that you can keep as a memory. People who come here are always charming and fun to hang out with. Changing rooms are available here thus you are assured of your privacy when changing into your swimming costume. Lifeguards are stationed in different parts of the beach to ensure everyone has a safe experience while swimming. You will also get to enjoy the breathtaking view of the sunset. Restaurants are within the vicinity of the beach and ample parking is always available which is a plus.
Boulders Beach


Landmarks

  • The Christ Church: It is also referred to as Christuskirche. This ancient landmark is located in Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. It is a beautiful historic landmark that was designed by an architect called Gottlieb Redecker.
  • The Three Dikgosi Monument: It is located in Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana. Statues on this monument portray three dikgosi which are Bathoen I of the Bangwaketse, Khama III of the Bangwato, and the Sebele I of the Bakwena. It is among the most famous landmarks in the country. It was constructed in 2005.
  • Fortress of Sao Miguel: This Portuguese fortress is located in Luanda, the capital city of Angola. It was constructed in 1576 and is among the most popular monuments in the country. It was built by Paulo Dias de Novais who was a Portuguese governor. It was turned into an administrative capital for the adjacent colony.
Fortress of Sao Miguel


Museums

  • Angola Natural History Museum: It is located in Luanda, the capital city of Angola. Majority of the traditional artifacts used by the communities here in Angola can be found in this museum. Interestingly enough, you will also be able to see several plants and animal species here in this museum.
  • Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum: It is located in Cape Town, South Africa. This museum was initially referred to as the Malay Quarter. It was a town area and is located along the slopes of Signal Hill. It is comprised of brightly colored homes and cobblestoned streets. The majority of the population living here are Muslims making up more than half of the population. Concerning the South African Heritage Resources Agency, this area is believed to be home to most pre-historic structures dating back to 1850 and is the oldest residential neighborhood in Cape Town that still stands.
Angola Natural History Museum


Eat

  • PRIMI: This restaurant is situated in Maseru mall, Maseru. The ambiance generated here is quite warm and is a very nice place to hang out with your family and friends. They have a menu that has both vegan and non-vegan options. The delicacies found here are amazing. Be prepared to spend money here as the prices are quite high. It is the only restaurant in Maseru where you can get gluten-free pasta or pizza. It is usually open all through the week from 9 am to 5 pm. You can get in touch with the management here using this number, +266 5250 5205.
  • Bebe Rose Restaurant: This restaurant is located along 78 Church Street in Cape Town, South Africa. You will get to enjoy tasty African delicacies and wines. The staff is friendly and professional; it is usually open from Monday to Saturday between 8:30 am to 10 pm, while it is closed on Sundays. You can contact the restaurant management using this number, +27 21 422 2525.
  • The Sunshine Food Sprouting Co Vegan Café: It is located in Cape Town, South Africa. This cafe pays very close attention to cleanliness. You will be able to enjoy healthy and vegan dishes at very reasonable prices. The staff is quite friendly and professional n their interactions with clients. Some of the tasty delicacies that you will get to enjoy here include sushi rolls and charcoal burgers and not forgetting the amazing smoothies and juices.
  • Yindee's: best traditional Thai food in Kloof Street dining district. It is located in Cape Town, South Africa. This place creates a very relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere. They offer both floor and table seating arrangements. The staff is professional and charming in their interactions with clients. The tasty delicacies are usually served in generous portions. You are assured of enjoying amazing views from this restaurant.


Drink

  • Skybar: It is located in Cape Town, South Africa. This is a rooftop bar where you will get a chance to enjoy the amazing views of Table Mountain. A swimming pool is also present where you can get to swim and have fun. The staff here interacts with clients professionally.
  • Twisters: This bar is located in Maseru, the capital of Lesotho. It is most suited for those who prefer to eat in groups as adequate seating arrangement is available here. There is a wide selection of beers and wines to choose from. It is usually open all through the week from 10 am to 11 pm.


Tap-water

Please do drink bottled water more than tap water while you are in this region. You should only drink tap water after you have ascertained that it is portable for drinking.


Activities

The countries that make up the Southern Africa region are South Africa, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Angola, Malawi, Zambia, Eswatini, Namibia, Botswana, and Mozambique. You can visit some of the most iconic attraction sites in the region where you can make memories. Some of these sites include Dombo Hippo Pools located in Botswana and the Table Mountain which is located in Cape Town, South Africa. You can also visit some of the most amazing national parks in the region where you will get to appreciate the wild animals found in this region as well as learn more about them. National parks found here in this region include Chobe National Park located in Okavango, Botswana and the Kissama National Park located in Angola. You can also visit the various museums in the region to learn about the history of the country and the culture of its people.


Accommodation

  • Road Lodge: It is located in Cape Town, South Africa. This lodge comprises 90 relatively large rooms.it is situated next to the Cape Town International Airport thus those who need to catch flights here are encouraged to seek accommodation at this lodge. It is also close to the city itself. You will be able to visit various mountains, beaches, wine lands and much more as this lodge is conveniently located to these sites. The rooms can accommodate a maximum of three people. Amenities that you will get to enjoy here include TV, 24-hour reception, complimentary breakfast, and free Wi-Fi.
  • Motebong Lodge: It is located in Lesotho. At this lodge, guests will get to enjoy amazing views of the lake nearby. Amenities that you will get to enjoy here include free Wi-Fi and ample parking. The rooms here are fairly large with a fully equipped kitchen with a bar and restaurant on site being a plus. Guests here will be entitled to a complimentary breakfast every day. The roads here favor cycling. Points of interest that are close to this property include the Katse Dam which is located 48 kilometers away while the Nkaobee pass is located 39 kilometers away.


Green Hotels

  • Atlantic view Cape Town Boutique Hotel: It is located in Cape Town, South Africa. Here, you are assured of enjoying stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It is also conveniently located for conducting hikes to scale Table Mountain. Restaurants and the beach are within walking distance from this hotel. The staff interacts with clients in a friendly and charming manner. You will get to enjoy comfortable beds with the tasty food and amazing wine offered here being a plus.
  • Afriski Mountain Resort: This restaurant is located next to the Maluti Mountains in Lesotho. It is the only ski resort in the country. The rooms here are very spacious and are fitted with a satellite TV, tea-and-coffee-making facilities, and a fully equipped personal bathroom. A complimentary breakfast is usually offered to the guests here every morning. Guests here will be able to enjoy various activities offered here including snowboarding, cycling, hiking, skiing, and 4x4 trails. You can rent the necessary equipment here at this hotel. There is a ski school on site. Points of interest close to this property include the Ficksburg Border Post which is 124 kilometers away and Maseru city which is 205 kilometers away.
  • iKhayalamafu: It is located in Drakensburg, South Africa. Its name is usually used to mean House in the clouds. The energy used here is usually sourced from solar energy and hydro-electric power. The management here has also installed environmental friendly waste disposal systems. They also source their food locally. The management here has also banned noise from within its premises.


Hostels and Guest Houses

  • MOY Guesthouse: It is located in Cape Town, South Africa. This guesthouse is conveniently located next to the CBD. The staff here portrays high standards of professionalism when interacting with guests. The rooms are tidy and professionally arranged. Various points of interest such as De Waterman, city stadium, and V&A Waterfront are within walking distance.
  • Phokeng guest house: This guest house is located in Molefis, Lesotho. It has a garden and a bar on-site. All units here are fitted with a flat-screen TV, a fridge, a wardrobe, and a personal bathroom. Guests will get to enjoy a complimentary breakfast every day. The point of interest that is close to this property is Clarens which is located 33 kilometers away.


Apartments

  • Savannah Park Luxury Apartments: These apartments are situated in Umhlanga in South Africa. The rooms here have air conditioning, a flat-screen satellite TV, a lounge area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a personal bathroom. Guests here will get to enjoy an outdoor swimming pool. Popular points of interest located close to this property include Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve which is located 3.5 kilometers away, the King Shaka International Airport which is located 17.6 kilometers away, and Durban city center which is located 19.2 kilometers from this property.
  • My Kasi Home: This apartment is located in Maseru, the capital city of Lesotho. There are a bar and ample parking at this property. The rooms here are fairly large and are come with a flat-screen TV. Guests will get to enjoy either an English or Irish breakfast every day. Points of interest that are close to this property include the Basotho Hat Tourist Information, Our Lady of Victories Cathedral, and New tourist info center.


Couchsurfing

Couch surfing has been embraced by most parts of this region. Several cities in South Africa have however experienced cases of kidnappings and insecurity thus the idea of hosting a stranger in their house is not an idea they are open to. Still, a majority of the countries here have embraced couch surfing.


Camping

Apostle Battery Campsite. This campsite was originally a military artillery base. Historians and nature lovers are guaranteed to enjoy the most at this camp. It is just a few kilometers from the ocean coastline where you can enjoy swimming and even surfing. There are many tunnels within the camp.


Regions

Southern Africa new map.png
Botswana
Famous for the rich wildlife of the Okavango Delta.
Eswatini (Swaziland)
A small landlocked country between South Africa and Mozambique.
Lesotho
The Kingdom in the Sky.
Malawi
The warm heart of Africa, around Lake Malawi.
Mozambique
Relax on the stunningly beautiful beaches and reefs or get into the backcountry and do some exploring.
Namibia
Namibia produces some of the world's highest quality diamonds.
South Africa
One of the richest countries in Africa has its share of wildlife and tourist-friendly sites.
Zambia
A landlocked country in the north of Southern Africa.
Zimbabwe
Once known as the breadbasket of Africa, widely known for its famous landmarks, tourist attractions and varied scenery.

A number of other countries are sometimes considered part of Southern Africa due to their accessibility from the countries listed above, such as Angola and some East African Islands such as the Seychelles and Mauritius. In some instances all of the countries south of the Equator are viewed as Southern Africa. For the purpose of this guide, these countries are described in other regions.


Cities

  • Cape Town: It is located in the southwest of South Africa. It is a Port city. Here, you will be able to see the majestic Table Mountain, forming a backdrop of this city. Most of the locals and tourists usually use cable cars to scale this mountain whereas some prefer hiking. You will also find a museum that was initially a prison where Nelson Mandela was held captive.
  • Luanda: It is the capital and the largest city in Angola. It is the main economic, manufacturing, and cultural headquarters in the country. It is also the principal port of Angola. It is situated towards the north of Atlantic coast. It is headquarters of the Luanda Province. It is the most densely populated Portuguese-speaking capital city in the world. It is believed to be home to close to a third of the country's total population.
  • Gaborone: is the capital city of Botswana. It is home to the Gaborone Game Reserve which harbors wild animals such as impala, wildbeest, and various species of birds. Also, the Mokolodi Nature Reserve is located here in the capital which is home to wild animals such as giraffes and rhinos. You can also scale the Kgale Hill where you can enjoy scenic views of the city. In the CBD, the National Museum and Art Gallery is located there.
  • Mbabane]: It is one of the two capitals of Eswatini, with the other one being Lobamba. Mbabane is the executive capital of the country. It is situated on the Mbabane River in the Mdzimba Mountains. It is the capital of the Hhohho Region in the country.
  • Maseru: It is the capital city of Lesotho which is a landlocked country. It is located on the Caledon River. Here, you will find the Basotho Hat, which is a store selling souvenirs. It is also an information center.
  • Lilongwe: It is the capital city of Malawi. It is the most densely populated city in the country. It is located in the central region of the country. It is the main economic, administrative, and transportation center in the country. It is named after the Lilongwe River.
  • Maputo: It is the capital city of Mozambique. Its initial name was Lourenço Marques but was later changed in 1976. It is the most populated city in the country. It is situated towards the south of the country, close to the borders of Eswatini and South Africa. It is the principal port of the country. It is also the headquarters for the administrative, economic, and cultural functions of the country. Here, you will find some of the most outstanding buildings in Mozambique.
  • Windhoek: It is the capital and the largest city of Namibia. It is situated in central Namibia in the Khomas Highland plateau area. It stands at around 1,700 meters above sea level.
  • Lusaka: It is the capital and the largest city of Zambia. It is among the fastest developing cities in the region. It is part of the central plateau, standing at about 1,279 meters above sea level. It is the administrative, economic, and cultural headquarters of the country.
  • Harare: It is the capital and the most densely populated city of Zimbabwe. It was initially referred to as Salisbury until its name was officially changed in1982. It covers a total area of 960.6 square kilometers. It is located in the north eastern part of the country. It rises to about 1,483 meters above sea level

Other cities located in South Africa are:

Alice

Butterworth

East London

Graaff-Reinet

Grahamstown

King Williams Town

Mthatha

Port Elizabeth

Queenstown

Uitenhage

Zwelitsha

Bethlehem

Bloemfontein

Jagersfontein

Kroonstad

Odendaalsrus

Parys

Phuthaditjhaba

Sasolburg

Virginia

Welkom

Benoni

Boksburg

Brakpan

Carletonville

Germiston

Krugersdorp

Randburg

Randfontein

Roodepoort

Soweto

Springs

Vanderbijlpark

Vereeniging

Empangeni

Ladysmith

Newcastle

Pietermaritzburg

Pinetown

Ulundi

Umlazi

Giyani

Lebowakgomo

Musina

Phalaborwa

Polokwane

Seshego

Sibasa

Thabazimbi

Emalahleni

Nelspruit

Secunda

Klerksdorp

Mahikeng

Potchefstroom

Rustenburg

Kimberley

Kuruman

Port Nolloth

Bellville

Constantia

George

Hopefield

Oudtshoorn

Paarl

Simons Town

Stellenbosch

Swellendam

Worcester

There are eleven cities in Lesotho. They are:

Maseru

Teyateyaneng

Mafeteng

Hlotse

Mohale's Hoek

Maputsoe

Qacha's Nek

Quthing

Butha-Buthe


Getting There and Moving Around

The countries that make up the Southern Africa region are South Africa, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, [[Angola, Malawi, Zambia, Eswatini, Namibia, Botswana, and Mozambique. All these countries can be accessed by air as the governments here have made the necessary arrangements to pave the main international airports in their respective countries. Road is also the most common mode of transport within this region. The countries have put in the effort to pave most of the roads leading to major destinations in the countries. Not all countries can be accessed by sea as some countries here in this region are landlocked.

The best way to move around this region is by road as majority of the major destinations in this region are connected by road. By air is also an option but it tends to lean on the most expensive mode of transport


Air

South Africa is known to have international airports in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, and Nelspruit. The country's official international Airport is located in Johannesburg. Nespruit's International Airport is usually used by flights heading to the Kruger National Park. Some of the international airlines which travel to South Africa are Kenya Airways, Air Mauritius, Ethiopian Airways, Air Botswana, Air Namibia, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Delta Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Air France, Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways, and Singapore Airlines among others.

Lesotho has a total of 28 airports within its borders. The only international airport in the country is the Moshoeshoe I International Airport. The runway for this airport is 3,200 meters long as is paved all through to the end. There are only two more airports in the country that have paved runways.

International check-in at Oliver Tambo International Airport


Bus

Buses are the safest modes of transport in the south Africa. However, bus services in the country are usually not easily available during off-peak hours. Buses also do not reach to certain destinations thus forcing travelers to use another means of transport to complete their journey. This puts a strain on the time they spend traveling and also the additional costs they incur.

Two Cape Town tour buses getting ready to tour around


Train

The national government has made sure that all the major cities in South Africa are connected by a railway line. The country's rail system is the most developed in the continent. It is owned and operated by the national government. Transnet is the most popular train company in South Africa. It operates various trains within the country with the most notable one being the Blue Train. It usually operates between Pretoria to cape Town.

Inside of The Blue Train


Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is usually an amazing experience where you can get to interact with locals at another level. Hospitality and friendliness are the major aspects that make hitchhiking a possibility in any region. The communities living Southern Africa region have been trying to instill hospitality as a virtue to every member of their clan. Hitchhiking is a very fun experience here in this region as a majority of the motorists will be willing to take you at least close to your destination if not directly to your stop.


Others

South Africa has several ports where ships can safely dock when coming in to the country from sea. These harbors include Durban, Port Elizabeth, George and Saldanha Bay, Mossel Bay, East London and even Cape Town. The port operations in the country are run by two companies under Transnet which are the Transnet National Ports Authority and South African Port Operations (SAPO).


Sustainable Shopping

Nude Foods. It is located along 5 Constitution Street in Cape Town, South Africa. This grocery sells products that are environmental-friendly as there are no genetically modified products. All these products are purchased from locals around. You are advised to bring your containers to minimize excessive packages. You can get in touch with the management using this number, 021 437 3003.


Recycling

Recycling is a venture that is taking root in this region with the main obstacle being the lack of resources. A lot of resources are required to install an effective waste recycling system but unfortunately only South Africa has reached this callibre. In other nations, many people have turned to more traditional recycling methods where they would scavenge in dumpsites collecting wastes that can be recycled after washing them such as metals and plastics.


Waste

Waste has been a menace here in the Southern Africa region emitting foul smell into the air and tarnishing the general appearance of the environment. However, countries such as South Africa, which is the most developed country in the continent, has had the waste situation under control within her borders. Countries such as Swaziland and Zimbabwe are still struggling with this menace as the waste generated always supersedes the waste that is disposed of thus creating that gap that is filled with illegal accumulation of waste.


Work and Study Abroad

United Nations Association of South Africa. It is located along Victoria Street in Cape Town, South Africa. It is usually open from Monday to Friday between 9 am to 4 pm. It is however closed over the weekends. You can get in touch with the management using this number, +27 21 850 0509.


Exchange Student

  • The University of South Africa (UNISA). It is the biggest university in South Africa. Research shows that almost a third of the local population in the country enroll at this university. Several foreign students from more than 130 countries have also enrolled in this university. The management here has arranged for both vocational and academic courses to be offered here. This university also brags about having some of the most notable people as their alumni. They include Nelson Mandela, who was the first democratically elected president of South Africa and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
  • The Catholic University of Angola (UCAN). It is located in Luanda, the capital city of Angola. It is a private university. Its construction began in August 1992 and was officially commissioned in February 1999. The university got the go ahead to begin its operations after receiving an approval from an Episcopal Conference that was held in the country.
  • The University of Botswana (UB). It is located in Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana. It is the pioneer tertiary institution in the country and was founded in 1982. It also has other campuses in Maun and Francis Town in the country. It is comprised of six faculties which are Engineering, Science, Education, Business, Humanities, and Social Sciences. This university also has the University of Botswana School of Medicine which has partnered with the University of Melbourne in Australia.
  • The National University of Lesotho It is located in Roma, Lesotho. It is the main and the pioneer university in the country. You will be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape comprising of rugged mountains towering over the Roma Valley. Temperate climate is usually experienced here. The two main aspects of the university, the administration and the academics is run by the council and the senate respectively.
  • The Catholic University of Mozambique (UCM). This university is located in Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique. It was established by the Mozambican conference of Bishops in August 1996. It also has campuses in other areas within the country such as Quelimane, Cuamba, Pemba, Beira, Tete, and Chimoio. It offers some of the best courses recognized across the whole continent and also the world.
  • The University of Namibia (UNAM). It is located in Namibia. This public university is a research institution and is the largest university in the country. It was commissioned in August 1992. It is considered as one of the best tertiary institutions in the continent. Interestingly, it is the only university in the world that offers a doctorate in the study of the Khoekhoe language.
  • The University of Eswatini (UNESWA). It was initially known as the University of Swaziland (UNISWA). It was established in 1982. Its construction was inspired by the University of Lesotho and the University of Botswana. It has 8 faculties situated in three campuses of this university. The three campuses are Mbabane campus, Luyengo campus, and Kwaluseni campus which is the main campus. Majority of the programs offered here are usually undergraduate programs. Several post-graduate programs are also offered here ncluding two Ph.D. courses.
  • The University of Cape Town (UCT). It is located in Cape Town, South Africa. This is a public research university. It was first commissioned in 1829 as the South African College. It is believed to be the oldest university in the whole country. It is the highest-ranked African university in the QS World University Rankings, the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and the Academic Ranking of World Universities. Some of its best courses include Law, Medicine, and Commerce. It is the only African member of the Global University Leaders Forum (GULF), within the World Economic Forum, which is made up of 26 of the world's top universities.


Au Pair

Au Pair Agency Cape Town, South Africa. It is found along 96 Circle Road in the city. You will be able to acquire AU pair services at this agency from Monday to Friday between 7 am to 7 pm. It is usually closed during the weekends. You can get in touch with the management here using this number, +27 73 248 3094.


Volunteering

Domestic Animal Rescue Group (DARG). It is located in Cape Town, South Africa. This is a non-profit organization that welcomes and accommodates dogs and cats that were abandoned and abused by their owners. This organization is situated in Hout Bay, one of the suburbs in the city. They work together with communities around on how to handle and take care of their pets. They are always on the lookout for passion-driven volunteers to join them as much of the work available is usually done by volunteers.

Etafeni. It is located in Cape Town, South Africa. This organization has been part and parcel of the young children in Nyanga Township in Cape Town for several years. They mostly cater to those who are infected with HIV/AIDS. The services they offer include nutritional guidance, counseling programs, and even offer preschool learning. The work they do here requires some level of expertise and thus, volunteers who feel they are qualified for this kind of work are encouraged to apply as this center is always searching for volunteers.


See Also