Why South Africa should be on your 2025 Travel List!

1. South Africa is the third most biodiverse country on the planet

A true paradise for nature lovers, South Africa is home to three global biodiversity hotspots and nine distinct biomes. Depending on the source, it also hosts four of the five fastest land animals—cheetah, springbok, wildebeest, and lion! With such incredible wildlife diversity, every safari promises something extraordinary.

2. The world’s longest wine route is in South Africa

Stretching 850km from Cape Town to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), South Africa’s wine route is a dream for wine lovers. As the world’s seventh-largest wine producer, the country is known for award-winning varieties, beautiful vineyard landscapes, and an ever-growing reputation for sustainable winemaking.

3. The Cradle of Humankind holds some of the world’s oldest human fossils

Located near Johannesburg, the Sterkfontein Caves are home to some of the earliest recorded human fossils, supporting the "Out of Africa" theory of human evolution. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this area is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and those fascinated by our shared origins.

4. South Africa now has 12 official languages

Known as the 'Rainbow Nation' for its cultural diversity, South Africa officially recognized South African Sign Language as its 12th official language in 2023. The other 11 include Afrikaans, English, isiXhosa, isiZulu, isiNdebele, Sesotho, Sepedi, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, and Xitsonga.

5. Afrikaans is the world’s youngest language

Developed in the 17th and 18th centuries from Dutch, German, and French settlers in the Cape, Afrikaans also incorporates influences from Malay, Portuguese, Indonesian, and indigenous Khoekhoe and San languages, making it one of the most unique linguistic blends in the world.

6. South Africa is home to one of the highest commercial bungee jumps

The Bloukrans Bridge bungee, at a staggering 216 meters, is not for the faint-hearted! Located along the Garden Route, the area is also home to the ancient Outeniqua Yellowwood trees of Tsitsikamma Forest—some of which are over 800 years old.

7. South Africa has three capital cities (and none of them are Johannesburg!)

Despite being the country’s largest city, Johannesburg isn’t a capital. Instead, South Africa divides its government across three cities: Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative), and Bloemfontein (judicial).

8. Table Mountain is one of the oldest mountains in the world

Towering over Cape Town, this iconic flat-topped mountain is estimated to be over 260 million years old—far older than the Himalayas! It’s also home to over 8,200 plant species, making it a biodiversity hotspot. Visitors can take a cable car or hike to the top for some of the most breathtaking views in the world.

9. Vilakazi Street is the only street in the world to have housed two Nobel Peace Prize winners

Located in Soweto, this historically significant street was home to both Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Today, it remains a vibrant cultural hub, offering visitors a deep insight into South Africa’s history and resilience.

Experience South Africa for Yourself

There’s something about South Africa that stays with you long after you’ve left. Maybe it’s the feeling of standing under a vast African sky, watching elephants pass by. Or the warmth of a shared meal, paired with a glass of local wine and a great conversation. Or the stories—both ancient and modern—that shape this country’s identity. Whatever it is, it’s worth experiencing for yourself. So, if South Africa isn’t on your 2025 travel list yet, maybe it’s time to change that.