As indicated also by its name, the Republic of South Africa is a country in the southern Africa formed by the merger of Transvaal Republic, Orange Free State and the British Colony of the Cape of Good Hope. As a country with three different capitals; Pretoria as the executive, Bloemfontain as the judicial and Cape Town as the legislative capital, South Africa is situated at the crossroads of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans where the nature offers numerous charms.

If you are also interested in exploring this colorful country by its vast beaches, marvelous nature and cultural diversity, take a look at the flights to South Africa now to set your travel plan without delay, making use of the privileged opportunities offered by Turkish Airlines.

South Africa flight details

Turkish Airlines flies to three different destinations in South Africa: Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. Flights from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in the legislative capital of the country take 11 hours and 10 minutes in average. Another international airport in South Africa is King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban. This airport, which can be reached via a flight of nearly 12 hours from Istanbul is the second busiest airport countrywide. Flights to Johannesburg Airport (JBN) in the city of Johannesburg, on the other hand, take approximately 10 hours.

South Africa can be visited at all seasons, thanks to the wide range of opportunities it offers for all its guests, as well as its perfect geographical location. Those interested in observing the natural life may prefer visiting the country in the months of winter, during the migration season of the animals. The ideal time for enjoying the deep blue sea and crystal sands would be between December and March, when it is summer in the country. You may plan your travel in line with the festivals taking place in the country as well, so as to observe the local culture.

Knysna Oyster Festival held in July at Garden Route town, shines out as one of the largest events taking place countrywide. You may have utterly delightful moments during the festival where more than 100 events are organized, including but not limited to oyster eating competitions and bicycle races, and enjoy tasting the oysters from two different oceans.

South Africa hosts numerous music festivals as well. International Cape Town Jazz Festival organized in March ranks among the top crowd-pulling events in the country. AfricaBurn Festival which is equally good as the American Burning Man is held in April at Protoria and Johannesburg. Moreover, Oppikoppi Bushveld Festival where you can watch the concerts of any genre from jazz to hip hop is another notable event, together with Up The Creek Music Festival spreading across four days near Breede River.

It would be advisable to keep in mind that South Africa also has a large number of festivals to get to know the local art and culture. You may attend Art Alive in September, which focuses on dance, music, poem and visual arts and gain an insight into the country’s perspective on art. Prickly Pear Festival would be another alternative to try the local tastes where the contest of traditional dishes is organized. It is possible to enliven your stay by joining the Royal Reed Dance Festival, which is one of the traditional celebrations of the Zulu warriors.

South Africa sightseeing and attractions

As one of the most charming port towns of South Africa, Cape Town is a cosmopolitan center of attraction, serving as one of the capitals countrywide. You are likely to encounter a mountain of 600 million years during your stay at this breathtaking city which is known to be one of the oldest settlements in the continent. This Table Mountain which used to be a home to the inhabitants thousands of years ago serves as one of the most noteworthy icons of the city today with all its glory. Offering a chance to swim with the penguins, Table Mountain National Park and Boulders Beach, and the Cape of Good Hope, which is famous for its lighthouse, rank among the top attention-grabbing attractions in the city. On the other hand, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is the most vibrant spot with countless shopping opportunities and refreshment places.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, which was established in Cape Town to preserve the country’s outstanding plant diversity, hosts stone statues made by the famous Zimbabwean sculptor Arthur Fata. This national park extending over a wide area of 528 hectares on the way out of many valleys and mountains ranks among the top favorite passageways of the mountaineers as well. Furthermore, Kruger National Park as one of the largest national parks in the continent would be an ideal destination for the safari lovers planning to see the wildlife closer. Hosting many species like lions, zebras, elephants and antelopes, Kruger, which has been declared by UNESCO as “Biosphere Reserve” brings in many safari lovers to the country every year.

Another capital of South Africa, Bloemfontein is truly fascinating for enjoying the country to the fullest with its museums and natural habitats. Anglo Boer War Museum, which is the sole museum worldwide dedicated to Anglo-Boer Wars, and the Oliewenhuis Art Museum arousing interest by its enthralling architecture and as home to the city’s most glorious gardens surrounded by olive trees, would be the top must-see spots you should definitely visit in Bloemfontein. Besides, you may climb up to the Naval Hill to watch the city’s spectacular landscape from above; meet the country’s captivating flowers and trees in Free State National Botanical Garden; or witness the Africa’s virgin nature by visiting Bagamoya Wildlife Estate.

Ranking among the top visited destinations countrywide, Durban shines out by many artifacts remaining from the colonial period. The City Hall built in Neo Baroque style is truly the most attractive building in the city. You may watch a performance or enjoy your time at its pretty garden covered with broad-leaved palm trees in this building which plays host the notable events today. Moreover, the art gallery in the building is also worth-seeing.

Johannesburg would be the best city to feel the country’s spirit closer. Make sure to witness the city’s background by visiting the museums lined up in Nelson Mandela Square or gain a further insight into the city’s history of racism in the Apartheid Museum. It would be recommendable to see the country’s protected vegetation in Johannesburg Botanical Gardens; and join safari tours with lions at the beautiful Lion Park. Do not also forget to explore the Sterkfontain Caves, known as the cradle of history, or enjoy the today’s modern Africa in Gold Reef City Park.

South Africa offers numerous attractions for its guests of every taste by its utterly colorful and vibrant cities. It would therefore be advantageous to rent a car for visiting comfortably every must-see spot and broadening your route during your stay at this enchanting country.