10 fun and interesting South Africa facts

1. South Africa's Penguins thrive in the cold currents

South Africa is home to an incredible colony of Penguins, which is made possible by the cold Antarctic currents that flow near the Cape on the west coast. These currents provide the perfect environment for the Penguins to thrive, allowing them to feed on the abundant fish and krill that are found in the area. The colony is a popular tourist attraction, with visitors coming from all over the world to witness the majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

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2. South Africa's Deepest Gold Mine

South Africa is home to the deepest gold mine in the world, the Western Deep Levels Mine. This remarkable mine descends to an astonishing 11,749 feet, a depth that is far greater than the 3,300 feet that most mines reach. This incredible feat was achieved in 1977, and since then, the Western Deep Levels Mine has remained the deepest gold mine in the world.

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3. South Africa's Tugela Falls is the world's second highest waterfall

South Africa is home to some of the world's most impressive natural wonders. Tugela Falls, located in the Drakensberg Mountains, is the second highest waterfall in the world, with a total height of 948 meters (3,110 feet). The country also boasts the third largest canyon in the world, the Blyde River Canyon, which is located in the Mpumalanga province and stretches for 25 kilometers (16 miles). The canyon is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Cape vulture, and is a popular tourist destination.

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4. South Africa's Tiny and Largest Succulent Plants

South Africa is home to the world's tiniest and biggest succulent plants, with the smallest being less than 0.39 inches in height and the largest being the iconic Baobab tree. This majestic tree can reach heights of up to 98 feet and can live for thousands of years, making it one of the oldest living organisms on the planet. The country's other succulent plants are equally impressive, ranging from the tiny Lithops, which is barely visible to the naked eye, to the Aloe, which is a popular medicinal plant. South Africa is truly a unique place, where the world's smallest and largest succulent plants can be found side by side.

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5. 2 Nobel Winners From Soweto, South Africa

Vilakazi Street in Soweto, South Africa is a unique street in the world, as it is the only street to have the homes of two Nobel Prize winners - Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. Both of these influential figures have made a lasting impact on South Africa and the world, and their homes on Vilakazi Street serve as a reminder of their legacy.

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6. South Africa's Top-Ranked Water Quality

South Africa is one of the few countries in the world where you can drink water straight from the tap, and it's water quality is among the best in the world - ranking third overall. This is due to the country's stringent water quality regulations, which ensure that the water is safe to drink and free from contaminants.

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7. Excl. RHD BMW, Benz, VW Made in SA

South Africa is the exclusive manufacturer of right-hand drive BMW 3 series, Mercedes Benz C Class, and VW Golf/Jetta vehicles, producing them for distribution to markets around the world. This production process is a major source of economic growth for the country, providing jobs and income to many South Africans. The vehicles are renowned for their quality and reliability, making them a popular choice for customers in many countries.

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8. South Africa's Bold Conservation Efforts Help Save Great White Shark

In South Africa, conservation efforts have been taken to a new level, as it was the first country in the world to protect the great white shark, a species that was on the brink of extinction. This bold move has been praised by conservationists around the world, as it has helped to ensure the survival of this majestic creature. The South African government has implemented a number of measures to protect the great white shark, including the establishment of protected areas, the implementation of fishing regulations, and the enforcement of strict penalties for those who violate the laws. These efforts have been successful in helping to ensure the survival of the great white shark, and have set an example for other countries to follow.

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9. South Africa's Table Mountain is a popular tourist destination

South Africa is home to one of the world's oldest mountains, the majestic Table Mountain in Cape Town. This iconic landmark has been around for millions of years, and is estimated to be around 600 million years old. It stands at an impressive 1,086 meters tall, and is a popular tourist destination, offering breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding area. It is also home to a variety of unique flora and fauna, making it a must-see for any visitor to South Africa.

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10. 1,500 Species of Plants Found on South Africa's Table Mountain

South Africa's Table Mountain is home to an incredible 1,500 species of plants, a number that surpasses the total number of species found in the entire United Kingdom! This remarkable mountain is a biodiversity hotspot, boasting a wide variety of endemic species, including the iconic Protea flower. It is also home to a number of rare and endangered species, making it a vital conservation area.