Experience South Africa Travel National Parks Cities and Towns Map

At the southern top of Africa, the Republic of South Africa is situated famously known as "A World in One Country" which boasts the cosmopolitan nature of its society and diverse geography. It is the world's fastest-growing tourism destination. In South Africa are found the worlds' strangest and most dramatic landscapes. A unique wealth of animal and plant life, a treasure collection of diamonds and other minerals, and a kaleidoscope of fascinating cultures.

Natures tool of creation, the wind, sun, ice and rain, have worked a special magic. There are extremes of deserts, mediterranean, mountains (snow covered sometimes), grasslands, high forests and tropical mangrove swamps. Within these climatic zones, Earth's most diverse plant population thrives, South Africa is also home to big game, a host of beautiful birds, which thrive on vast range of habitats and foods that nature has preserved for them.

South Africa is the only country outside Europe that was granted the right to implement the well-known European Blue Flag environmental and tourism campaign that provides visitors with proof that awarded beaches adhere to international safety, cleanliness and other tourist standards. Eight beaches along the South African coast have received this award to date.

South Africa's key conference industry is becoming more popular in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) fraternity. This is because of its stunning venues, professional service, a range of diverse exciting attractions just waiting to be explored and the excellent infrastructure.

South Africa has also an excellent transport system. Although it may be far from Europe, it is still one night sleep away with no jet lag.

The natural travel carrier is South African Airways, which is a subsidiary of Transnet, a dominant player in the South African transport infrastructure.

Travel by bus is both safe and efficient linking the major cities. It provides time for tourists to appreciate the beautiful view of nature and culture of South Africa.

Rental car agencies are situated at most airports.

Tourism Between South Africa and Finland 

For the Finns South Africa boasts the climate, scenic qualities, cultural diversity and unparallel eco-tourism.

South Africa has a seasonal advantage because the beautiful sunny summer coincides with the long Finnish winter. In fact, South Africa is beautiful and lively throughout the whole year. The time zone is the same as in Finland, thus travellers do not experience a jet lag.

South Africa is a very safe country to visit. However, visitors are advised to take the same precautions as elsewhere in the world.

It is easier to fly to South Africa; there is only one change of flights in Central Europe when travelling from Finland to South Africa.

Everybody is welcome to visit the South African Stand at the MATKA Travel Fair to be held in the Helsinki Fair Centre on 21-23 January 2005.