9 Fun Facts About South Africa

We gathered 9 interesting South Africa facts, highlighting its diverse wildlife, iconic landmarks and rich cultural heritage.

As a kid, I learned that South Africa’s landscape is beautiful, the South African coast is long and the country’s incredible wildlife is unmatched. Coming from Germany, where the largest animal I’ve encountered is the moose, it’s hard to imagine coming face-to-face with the majestic African elephant, the world’s largest land animal, in its own natural environment.

Visit South Africa and observe large herds of elephants in their natural habitat.

As a teenager, I found myself waving the South African flag, welcoming an exchange student from South Africa to my hometown of Bremen. During their stay with my family, I learned so much more about the so-called Rainbow Nation – from its rich diversity of languages to the linguistic links between Afrikaans and German.

Read on to explore 9 fun facts about South Africa.

1. South Africa has three capital cities

Breathtaking view overlooking Cape Town.

South Africa is the only country in the world with three capital cities, each serving a distinct role in its government:

• Pretoria: Administrative capital
• Cape Town: Legislative capital
• Bloemfontein: Judicial capital

Although Cape Town is the largest city in South Africa, the President’s offices are located in the Union Buildings in Pretoria. This landmark in northern South Africa is worth a visit to admire the grand statue of Nelson Mandela and its beautifully maintained gardens.

2. South Africa is smaller than it seems

Blyde River Canyon – lush green valleys and a winding river amidst dramatic cliffs

I am not saying South Africa is small, but it is smaller than it seems. Despite its vast 471,445 square miles (1.2 million square kilometers) – making it as big as France and Spain combined – it is only the ninth largest country in the African continent. For perspective, Algeria holds the title of the continent’s largest country, nearly twice the size of South Africa.

South Africa’s history involves a complex blend of colonization and union. Originally inhabited by the Khoisan and Bantu-speaking peoples, the Dutch began colonization in 1652, followed by the British in the 19th century. In 1910, the British united four colonies (Cape Colony, Natal, Transvaal and Orange Free State) and created South Africa.

3. South Africa’s biodiversity sets records

South Africa is a biodiversity hotspot, that sets records. Despite covering just 2% of the Earth’s land surface, South Africa is home to 10% of the world’s bird, fish and plant species, 15% of the coastal marine species and 7% of its mammal and reptile species – including the “Big Five”: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo. Visitors to the famous Kruger National Park can witness many of these animals in their natural habitats.

South Africa’s animals records include:

• African elephant: Largest land mammal
• Leatherback turtle: Largest reptile
• Ostrich: Largest bird
• Cheetah: Fastest land mammal

In addition, South Africa’s 1,770 miles (2,850 kilometers) coastline is rich with marine life, including great white sharks, African penguins and dolphins. Don’t just observe – make a difference by actively restoring marine and mountain habitats to support and protect local wildlife.

Penguins gather on the shores of Boulders Beach by the turquoise ocean.

Extra Fact: South Africa’s national animal is the springbok. It’s a symbol of national pride, resilience and unity.

4. The world’s longest wine route goes through South Africa

The world’s longest wine route, Route 62, spans 528 miles (850 kilometers) from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth in South Africa. This journey takes you through the heart of the Cape Winelands. Along the way, visitors can explore renowned vineyards, stroll through charming wine farms and enjoy tastings of South Africa’s finest wines.

5. South Africa is home to some of the Earth’s oldest mountains

South Africa is home to some of the Earth’s oldest mountains. The oldest rocks in the world, with 3.5 billion years of history, are found in the Barberton Mountains in Mpumalanga, making them older than the Himalayas or Alps.

We love seeing happy participants on our program, enjoying the view of Table Mountain after a rewarding hike.

Table Mountain in Cape Town, one of South Africa’s iconic landmarks, features rocks dating back around 600 million years. This flat-topped mountain is a tourist attraction, attracting 4.2 million visitors annually. Many reach the summit via the cableway, while others choose to hike.

According to Ultimate Kilimanjaro, these are the ten oldest mountain ranges on Earth:

6. The Bloukrans Bridge is one of the world’s highest bungee jumping spots

The Bloukrans Bridge, located along South Africa’s Garden Route between the Western Cape and Eastern Cape, is one of the world’s highest commercial bungee jumping spots. At 709 feet (216 meters) above the Bloukrans River, it offers adventurous individuals the opportunity to jump from one of the most iconic and extreme locations globally.

World Records at Bloukrans Bridge:

• Mohr Keet: Oldest person to bungee jump, at age 96, on April 6, 2010.
• Scott Huntly: Most bungee jumps in a day, with 107 jumps in nine hours on May 11, 2011.
• Veronica Dean-Boshoff: Most jumps in one hour, with 19 jumps on May 9, 2002.

7. South Africa has 12 official languages

South Africa stands out with its 12 official languages, reflecting the country’s rich cultural diversity and earning it the nickname “Rainbow Nation”. This linguistic variety shows the nation’s blend of traditions and identities. The official languages are English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa, Northern Sotho, Ndebele, Pedi, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda and South African Sign Language.

Many South Africans are multilingual. Zulu is the most widely spoken first language, while English is primarily used in government and parliamentary settings. However, all languages hold equal legal status. Notably, South African Sign Language was officially recognized by the National Assembly in 2023.

Extra fact: In Marvel’s Black Panther, the people of Wakanda speak Xhosa!

8. South Africa is the only country where a street has been home to two Nobel Prize winners

Vilakazi Street, located in Soweto, Johannesburg, is the only street globally to have been home to two Nobel Peace Prize recipients: Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. This street has become a symbol of the struggle for freedom and equality in South Africa. Both Mandela and Tutu resided here at different times in their lives

The colorful houses in Cape Town’s Bo-Kaap symbolize the freedom and the end of slavery.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his peaceful resistance against apartheid. Nine years later, Nelson Mandela, along with F.W. de Klerk, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for their efforts to end apartheid peacefully. Mandela’s former residence on Vilakazi Street is now a museum.

9. Nelson Mandela is known by six different names

Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first democratically elected president, is honored with six names that reflect the profound respect he commands. These names are:

• Rolihlahla (Mandela’s birth name)
• Nelson (English name given at school)
• Madiba (name of the clan Mandela belonged to)
• Tata (meaning “father” in Xhosa)
• Khulu (meaning “great” or “grand,” also a shortened form of the Xhosa word for grandfather)
• Dalibhunga (given at age 16 after undergoing the Xhosa initiation rite; it means “creator of the council” or “convenor of dialogue”)

Don’t let your next adventure wait!