Top5 Amazing Facts About South Africa That Will Shock You

In this article we will explore amazing facts about South Africa. South Africa is located at the southern tip of Africa, bordered by the Atlantic and Indian oceans and neighboring several countries including Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Eswatini. Although it covers over 1.2 million square kilometers, making it five times larger than the United Kingdom, it ranks only as the ninth largest country in Africa. Algeria holds the title of the largest country on the continent. So let’s begin.

5) Multiple Capitals

One of the amazing facts about South Africa is that it has three capitals. Most countries have one capital city, like the United States, France, and Germany. Some have two capitals, such as Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and the Czech Republic. However, South Africa is unique because it has three official capitals.

Pretoria is the administrative capital, where the government and embassies are located. It is also a cultural center known for its beautiful tree-lined streets and the blooming Jacaranda trees. 

Cape Town is the legislative capital, home to the South African Parliament and important institutions. It is recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, featuring stunning beaches, the iconic Table Mountain, and extensive vineyards. 

Cape Town is known as the jewel of Africa, located between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. It is South Africa’s second largest city and is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The city features stunning ocean views, mountains, and the famous Table Mountain, which stands at 3,558 feet. Table Mountain is flat-topped, resembling a giant table, and offers breathtaking views of Cape Town, including its blue beaches and busy harbor. 

In addition to its natural beauty, Cape Town is a hub for culture and the arts. Long Street is a lively central area packed with traditional South African restaurants, hotels, bars, and pubs, making it an ideal spot to enjoy local food and vibrant nightlife. Another essential visit is Woodstock, a lively suburb that highlights Cape Town’s artistic spirit with over 100 colorful street art pieces. These murals decorate the area and showcase the skills of local artists while also sharing important political, social, and environmental messages.

Bloemfontein serves as the judicial capital, hosting the Supreme Court and key judicial bodies. This city is notable for its lively atmosphere and is also regarded for its safety and low living costs. Each capital in South Africa has a specific role, which raises the question of why the country needs three capitals instead of one, especially when some nations have no capital at all. 

4) Shark Cage Diving

Shark Cage Diving is one of the amazing facts about South Africa. South Africa offers a unique and thrilling experience called shark cage diving, where tourists can swim with great white sharks in a sturdy metal cage. This activity allows participants to see the massive sharks up close, making it one of the most dangerous and exciting tours in the world. Although these sharks have been trained to be more docile, many people still find the experience frightening. 

3) Mining Hub

One of the amazing facts about South Africa is that South Africa is the third largest economy in Africa, after Nigeria and Egypt, with a per capita income of $7,000 in 2022. It holds 40% of the world’s gold reserves and is one of the top gold producers globally. The Witwatersrand Basin, discovered in the late 19th century, is among the richest gold mines. 

Additionally, South Africa produces nearly 70% of the world’s platinum and is known for its diamond resources, including the Cullinan Diamond, the largest rough diamond ever found. Because of this wealth, many locals dig for gold or diamonds using simple tools like shovels and hoses. 

Apart from its natural resources, South Africa has a strong industrial sector, with cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria serving as major manufacturing hubs. These cities produce a variety of goods, including automobiles, chemicals, food, and textiles. Notable car brands such as BMW, Ford, and Volkswagen have factories in South Africa, making it a leading automotive manufacturing center in Africa. 

2) Wine Hub

One of the amazing facts about South Africa is that South Africa is the seventh-largest wine producer in the world and is home to the longest wine route, making it a key player in the global wine industry. The Cape Winelands region features beautiful towns like Franschhoek and Paarl, housing over 500 award-winning wineries known for their quality and flavor. South African wines are recognized for their perfect balance of acidity, sweetness, and tannin, providing a rich finish. 

Visitors are encouraged to try Pinotage, the country’s signature grape, which offers bold flavors with hints of smoke, chocolate, and ripe fruit. The highlight is Route 62, stretching around 528 miles, dotted with numerous wineries. For those who prefer not to travel far, suburban areas like Durbanville and Constantia, close to the city center, also offer excellent wineries to explore.

1) Wildlife

One of the amazing facts about South Africa is that South Africa is a wildlife paradise offering thrilling adventures with its diverse animals. Picture yourself on a safari vehicle traveling through vast grasslands, where you can spot elephants, lions, and leopards in their natural habitats. Despite being only 1% of the Earth’s surface, South Africa is rich in biodiversity, hosting 10% of the world’s bird, fish, and plant species, as well as 6% of reptiles and mammals. 

The country features large nature reserves, like Kruger National Park, where you can see the “big five” iconic African animals: lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards. Additionally, at C Point, you can watch baboons climbing cliffs and seals lounging in the sun at Hout Bay.