Things You Didn’t Know About South Africa

When you think of South Africa, Nelson Mandela and the history of apartheid may be the first things that come to mind. However, like other African nations, South Africa has a rich and complex history that extends far beyond its struggle against racial segregation.

Now almost twenty years removed from that part of history, the country at the bottom of the continent of Africa has taken up the place it deserves as one of Africa’s top tourist destinations.

But there’s so much more to discover, and analysts over at CNN explore what the country of South Africa has to offer.

Check out the list below.

1. KwaZulu-Natal province inspired one of the world’s best-selling albums in South Africa

Paul Simon brought international attention to isicathamiya, a traditional Zulu a cappella style, through his collaboration with Ladysmith Black Mambazo on the 1986 album Graceland.

However, Ladysmith Black Mambazo represents just one part of a much larger musical tradition. Hundreds of similar vocal groups perform throughout South Africa, competing in elaborate events that combine music, dance and spectacle.

These competitions can feature as many as 30 groups. They often draw large crowds in major cities such as Johannesburg and Durban. Performances typically begin Saturday night and continue into the early hours of Sunday morning.

2. Hippos eat lawns in downtown St. Lucia in South Africa 

Located within South Africa’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the coastal town of St. Lucia offers an unusual wildlife experience. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to an extraordinary population of hippos, making encounters with these massive animals part of everyday life.

The nearby estuary supports one of the world’s largest hippo populations. After sunset, the animals often leave the water and wander into town. They roam residential neighborhoods, grazing on lawns and sometimes appearing along streets where visitors are heading out for dinner.

3. Cape Point isn’t the southernmost tip of Africa

The Cape of Good Hope offers breathtaking views of the southern coastline, but its dramatic scenery has led to a popular geographical misconception. Many visitors believe they are standing at Africa’s southernmost point, with Antarctica as the next landmass to the south.

In reality, that distinction belongs to Cape Agulhas, located about 170 kilometers southeast of Cape Point. Its rugged coastline marks the continent’s true southernmost tip.

Cape Agulhas also holds another geographical distinction. Contrary to popular belief, the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet there, not at Cape Point.

4. There’s ‘summer’ skiing

South Africa offers an unexpected winter attraction: downhill skiing. The sport also draws visitors to neighboring Lesotho, where mountain resorts welcome skiers during the Southern Hemisphere winter.

Two destinations make this possible: Tiffindell Ski Resort in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Highlands and Afriski in Lesotho’s Maluti Mountains. Both sit within the greater Drakensberg mountain region.

The ski season generally runs from June through August. Although neither resort offers extensive terrain, each provides roughly one kilometer of ski runs.

Natural snowfall supplies the slopes when conditions allow. Both resorts also use snowmaking equipment to maintain skiing conditions when nature falls short.

5. One street, two Nobel Peace Prize winners

Vilakazi Street in Soweto has become one of South Africa’s most historically significant destinations. Its distinction comes from two former residents who helped shape the country’s history: Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Before South Africa ended apartheid, the street looked much like its neighbors. Modest homes lined the dusty road in the Johannesburg township. Yet Vilakazi Street held an extraordinary place in the struggle for freedom and equality.

Mandela and Tutu lived just a few houses apart, making it the only street in the world to have been home to two Nobel Peace Prize laureates.

Today, the street attracts visitors from around the world. Mandela’s former home operates as a museum and recognized historic site. Meanwhile, the neighborhood has undergone a dramatic transformation.

Paved roads and brick sidewalks have replaced the old gravel streets. Restaurants, bars and local craft vendors now bring new energy to the area. Still, Vilakazi Street remains a powerful reminder of South Africa’s history and the people who helped change it.

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