South Africa is one of the most diverse countries. Cultural, landscape, environment, culinary and natural history-wise - it has everything to offer. The Cape is known to have the richest population of flora with 70% of the total number of all plant species found in this region, while the environment of South Africa includes grasslands, bushveld, mountainous as well as dry desert-like regions. The climate varies but overall it is considered sub-tropical making it a lush and productive country. Early European settlers realised that South Africa had the perfect climate for wine production and established the earliest non-European vineyards. Geologically some of the oldest features in the planet can be found in South Africa - with Table Mountain believed to be the oldest in the world, the oldest meteor crater in the world near Parys - the Vredefort Dome - along with the third largest canyon - Blyde River - which unlike the first two is lush and green and packed with wildlife. Culinary-wise, the country is well known foe its biltong, boerewors and wide variety of meat dishes
- Cape Town and the surrounding peninsula are well known to tourists and often a first calling point. The modern city is beautifully laid out, cosmopolitan and set against the back drop of Table Mountain which provides a fantastic, but accessible, panorama of the city below. The major wine producing regions of South Africa lie not far from the city and the stunning landscapes of Stellenbosh, Franschhoek and Paarl shouldn't be missed.
- The Drakensberg Mountains are a must on the itinerary for those who enjoy an active, outdoor holiday. These mountains, which stretch for hundreds of miles are characterised by spectacular scenery and high peaks. The area is also home to numerous resorts. The name Drakensberg translates as "the Dragon mountains" although the Zulu "uKhahlamba" or "barrier of spears" gives you a clue to the terrain.
- A trip to the Eastern Transvaal will guarantee some great game viewing, although less visible during the summer months. The thick lush vegetation at that time of the year screens animals away from human sitings - although if accompanied by a game warden they will take you to where the animals are 'hanging out' for the day! The Kruger National Park offers a chance to meet the "Big 5" at close quarters. In addition to these must see creatures - the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and Cape buffalo - you'll also encounter many of the creatures - these include many different species of antelope, including Kudu, the Ostrich and many other attractive animals.
For those hankering for a taste of South African cuisine while dreaming of a sunny holiday in the country,
biltong is available to order from Cruga Biltong. We make
biltong for the UK market to a traditional family recipe using the best cuts of meat and the finest herbs and spices.