 |
 |
 |
 |
| Phone: |
021 421 8787 |
| E-Mail: |
 |
| Skype: |
 |
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
 |
| Home / Articles / Nature and Leisure / Nature and Leisure in South Africa |
| Nature and Leisure in South Africa |
|
|
South Africa is a country of incredible diversity, in many respects: people, culture, natural beauty, sports and leisure to mention a few. Table mountain with its almost perfectly flat top, the majestic Drakensberg mountains, sparkling beaches of Cape Town and Durban, South Africa has everything in terms of natural beauty.
One of only 17 countries considered to be mega-diverse, South Africa host about 10% of all known species of plants, (20,000 different plants) a testament of the country’s rich biodiversity. South Africa has greater biodiversity than any country of similar size.
Besides the natural beauty of the country, South Africa is also a land of leisure activity. Sport is a national religion in South Africa. Transcending social boundaries, sport like music unites the country. When a South African team wins, an explosion of hooting, cheering, blowing on vuvuzelas (horns, pronounced ‘voo voo zair la’- look out for it at the FIFA World Cup 2010) resounds across the country.
There are numerous world-class sporting events on South Africa's calendar every year, and the country has proved that it can successfully pull off the really big events. Thus, the next big one, and easily the most anticipated an globally watched sports event, the FIFA World Cup 2010.
The major sports in which South Africa excels are rugby and cricket. For more than a century, the country has consistently produced world-class teams, challenging and often beating arch-rivals Australia, England and New Zealand. However, football or soccer, as it is known locally, is the people’s sport especially amongst the black majority. Local and international soccer are fervently supported, with an increasing number of South Africans playing for big European and British clubs. Bafana Bafana, the national team is extremely unpredictable, defeating reputable teams but losing to minnows!
If you’re a sportsperson, and prefer playing rather than watching, South Africa has endless attractions for you. For surfers, Jeffrey’s Bay hosts year-round host to the “perfect waves”, and Zululand’s remote Sodwana Bay is a snorkelling and scuba-diving paradise, in the world’s southern-most coral reef. Also, many lakes and lagoons to experience
Besides the ‘big 3’ in South African sports, this is a country of magnificent golf courses. This is indeed a Golfers Paradise, and you are definitely spoilt for choice. Thus, it is not surprise that South Africa has produced world class golfers the likes of Bobby Locke, Gary Player, Ernie Els, and Retief Goosen to mention a few.
South Africa has some of the world’s challenging endurance races, including the Comrades Marathon and the Two Oceans. There are several breath-taking (literally!) canoe marathons, such as the most important Duzi in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
For those here on business and unlikely to stray far from the cities, there are plenty of fine places to walk, run or cycle.
So whether you’re here to just relax or if you’re looking for an active holiday, South Africa has countless attractions on offer, sure to surprise you at every turn! |
| Articles in this Category: |
Best Star Gazing Spots in South Africa
World Heritage Sites in South Africa Overview
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Top Ten Beaches in South Africa
Lakes, Lagoons and Rivers of South Africa |
|
|
 |
|
