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It’s the people and places that give a country its appeal – here are just some of the icons that make us who we are.
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Peacemaker, statesman and the world’s most famous political prisoner, Nelson Mandela is South Africa’s greatest asset and best-loved citizen.
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Nothing can prepare the traveller for that very first glimpse of Cape Town’s Table Mountain. This huge landmark is recognised as a symbol of South Africa all over the world, and the views from the top are nothing short of spectacular.
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The continent’s most famous national park, “the Kruger” offers a never-to-be-forgotten wildlife experience. This park covers nearly 2 million hectares of unrivalled natural landscape and is home to 507 species of birds, 336 types of trees, 147 mammals (including The Big Five) and 114 reptiles. A visit to this abundant national park is an absolute must on any itinerary to South Africa.
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Football fans the world over will remember Lucas Radebe (aka Rhoo and “The Chief”) for his style, skill and sportsmanship. He excelled as captain of a very successful Leeds United, and under his leadership, UK and EU football fans were treated to the consummate professional that South Africans had already known and loved. Radebe remains a local South African hero and spends much of his time encouraging children to play football in the township schools.
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South Africa boasts more than 3 000-kilometres of coastline and some of the best beaches in the world, from the desolate Wild Coast to the Blue Flag beaches of Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Durban. Thanks to our fantastic weather all year round, South Africa has a dedicated beach culture during winter months as well.
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Charlize Theron hails from the small East Rand town of Boksburg, in Gauteng province, and now rubs shoulders with Hollywood’s finest. This actress, who won South Africa’s first Oscar for her role in the film, Monster (2002), continues to carve out a successful career in Tinseltown.
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The majestical Drakensberg Ukhlahlamba Mountain Park was known as the Barrier of Spears by the Zulus and is still revered as a sacred place today by indigenous people. This awe-inspiring mountain range is extremely popular with those who have a penchant for the great outdoors, thanks to its waterfalls, streams and fantastic hiking trails.
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Sports lovers associate Francois Pienaar primarily with the 1995 Rugby World Cup, where he led South Africa to a victory that united our brand new democracy. We even had Nelson Mandela dancing in the aisles! Pienaar will always be remembered for his spectacular sportsmanship and courage, and he continues to inspire South Africans today.
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Something you won’t find anywhere else in the world is a bona fide township tour. Places like Soweto, Alexandra, Guguletu and Khayelitsha all offer a window into the lives of the ordinary people who make this country what it is. Visit a shebeen and get acquainted with true African jazz before feasting on traditional cuisine.
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