Seasons, weather and climate of South Africa. Climate of central africa Climatic conditions in different parts of South Africa

The climate of South Africa is tropical, in the south of the country - subtropical. South Africa is located in the very south of the African continent, and is washed by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other. At the same time, the western coast of the country is washed by the cold Bengal Current, and the eastern coast by the warm Mozambique Current. Sea currents have a huge impact on the formation of the country's climate. Thus, the eastern coast of South Africa has average air temperatures approximately 6 ° C higher (due to the warm Mozambique Current) than parts of the western coast located at the same latitude (in the area of ​​the Bengal Current, the water temperature does not rise above + 18 ° C all year round). WITH).

Climatic conditions in South Africa are very diverse and depend on the height relative to the ocean level and remoteness from it, while even neighboring areas can differ markedly from each other in air temperature. For example, the average annual temperatures in Cape Town and Pretoria are the same, although these cities are separated from each other by almost ten degrees of latitude (!).

A pronounced subtropical climate with high humidity is characteristic of the eastern province of KwaZulu-Natal, while the central part of the country is characterized by hot summers with occasional thunderstorms and cool winters. Central highlands characterized by large daily temperature amplitudes, and in winter, at night, even frosts occur. In coastal areas, the climate is more humid and is characterized by an abundance of tropical showers.

In general, the climate in South Africa is very comfortable and healthy. The country is free of malaria and yellow fever, which are present in many African countries. South Africa occupies one of the first places in the world in terms of sunny days(!). The sun shines here seven months a year! More than half of the solar energy of the entire earth is absorbed here per 1 m².

Since South Africa is located in the southern part of the hemisphere, climatic seasons here they replace each other on the contrary - when it is winter in the northern hemisphere, in South Africa - hot summer, when in the northern hemisphere it is summer - in South Africa - winter. Seasonal differences are more pronounced when comparing the northern part of the country with the southern. But, in general, climatic periods are replaced, almost imperceptibly.

Winter in South Africa

In early December, the hot tropical summer begins in South Africa. This is a very pleasant season of the year, when the weather is sunny and dry, the heat is moderate, if any, and the nights bring coolness. Day and night air temperatures rise to a comfortable mark for a beach holiday, and tourists can soak up the sun to their heart's content. It is during the summer period, from December to March, that the water temperature in the oceans reaches its maximum, while the Atlantic is never warm here and the water temperature warms up to only + 20 ° C. But the water temperature at Port Elizabeth reaches + 22 ° C in summer.

The main beach area of ​​the country can be called the coast of the province of Natal, south and north of Durban. On the coast of the Indian Ocean in South Africa, the sun almost always shines, clear weather prevails all year round, regardless of the season. The average daily air temperature in Durban in summer months is +28°C, at night up to +25°C. You can swim here throughout the year - the water temperature in the ocean reaches +24°C in summer and up to +20°C in winter.

In the region of Johannesburg and Pretoria, the summer is rainy, but it usually rains only in the afternoon, it is always sunny and dry before lunch. The average daytime air temperature in Pretoria and Johannesburg at this time of the year is +28°C, at night there is a slight cooling - up to +23°C. In the mountainous regions between Johannesburg and the Transkei, air temperatures fall in line with altitude (than more height - the lower the air temperature.

Cape Town is considered the windiest city in the world. The average daytime air temperature in Cape Town during the summer months is +26°C, at night it drops to only +20°C. At this time of the year, the east wind blows here, which is called the "cape doctor". Despite a slight discomfort (since the wind is strong enough), it repels insects and disperses industrial emissions. During the summer, clouds hang over Table Mountain and it is considered one of the landscape attractions of this country.

Despite the seemingly low air temperatures for Africa, the sun is very hot here, and burns very quickly. From the end of February you can see birds gathering in flocks and circling over the beaches and villages. Many birds (for example, swifts and swallows) make a long journey and fly to South Africa from the northern hemisphere to spend the winter, and at the end of the summer (winter) are going to return home. So, do not be surprised if on the other side of the globe, thousands of kilometers from home, you meet such familiar and dear birds…

Spring in South Africa

March is the last hot month in South Africa, the end of the month can be described as the beginning of autumn. The average daily air temperature in Cape Town is +25°C, dropping to +19°C at night, in Pretoria and Johannesburg during the day, on average, +26°C, and at night up to +19°C. The warmest in March will be in Durban - up to + 28 ° C during the day, + 25 ° C at night. And if March is still quite suitable for a beach holiday, then starting from April it will be already cool to swim. But, it is at this time that the hunting season opens - all hunting grounds. Hunting for baboons, which are widespread in South Africa in large numbers, is especially common, because these monkeys are predators and exterminate young antelopes.

In April, the autumn period begins throughout South Africa. Despite the fact that there is very little rainfall in autumn, at night and in the morning, almost throughout the country, thick fog rises. Autumn in South Africa is not much different from autumn in European latitudes. Many turn yellow deciduous trees, and the vineyards are covered with golden colors of autumn.

The air temperature drops by 2-3 degrees everywhere, and the daily fluctuations become larger. The average daytime air temperature in Cape Town in April reaches +22°C, and at night it drops to +17°C. In Pretoria and Johannesburg in April in the daytime around +24°C, at night up to +19°C. It is still warm in Durban - +25°C during the day, up to +21°C at night.

In May, rains become more frequent in South Africa, cloudy weather begins to prevail, many trees turn yellow. This time is associated with the harvest, so many farmers can be seen in the fields harvesting corn, cotton and sugar cane.

In May, it gets even colder throughout South Africa. The average daytime air temperature in Cape Town barely reaches + 19 ° C, and at night it does not exceed + 14 ° C at all, and all because of strong and cold winds. A little warmer in Pretoria and Johannesburg - up to + 22 ° C during the day, but at night it is also cool - no more than + 15 ° C. It is also windy in Durban, but it is warmer here - the average daytime air temperature is +24°C, at night up to +20°C.

Summer in South Africa

In June, the winter period begins in South Africa. The weather is very unpredictable throughout the day. Also, climatic conditions vary from location - in some regions in winter time year it is very comfortable, in others it is very cold. On the territory of the savannahs and plains, precipitation is extremely rare, but in the mountains it often snows and the air temperature can drop below 0°C. When moving north from Cape Town along the Atlantic coast, the climate becomes drier and hotter - the Namib Desert approaches. Here the coast is inhabited by large colonies of birds (gulls, gannets, pelicans, flamingos and many others), and the cold Bengal current significantly lowers the temperature of the Atlantic waters. With a cold current, sardines come to the shores and remain for spawning. And they are followed by predators - sharks, seals, dolphins and others, therefore, the winter period is considered the best time for diving in these places. Those who are lucky enough to find a flock of sardines underwater will be very impressed. Everywhere sharks and dolphins are circling, which are seized by a thirst for easy money, and birds crashing into the water.

In winter, the coasts of South Africa are very cool, the winds blow and it rains from time to time. The average daytime air temperature in Cape Town in winter is about +17°C, at night it is very cool, only up to +12°C. In Pretoria and Johannesburg during the day +19°C, at night, too, up to +12°C. In Durban, it is a little warmer - +21°C during the day and up to +17°C at night, not at all a beach weather. In the mountains in the midst of winter, you can see snow, and not a little. Sometimes there is snow in major cities, but there it quickly melts.

Tourists wandering into South Africa in the middle of winter are in for a stunning sight. In July, whales come to the coast en masse and stay close to the coast until October. Off the coast of South Africa, whales give birth and raise their young. At this time, they approach the shore so close that they can be seen with the naked eye. Therefore, ships full of tourists often go out to sea, who want to see a huge whale up close!

August is the last winter month in South Africa. This is the best time to visit the southern Kalahari Desert. From mid-August to mid-September, the desert is covered with millions of flowers. The entire desert burns with orange fire, occasionally diluted with yellow or blue glades.

Autumn in South Africa

From the very first days of September, spring begins in South Africa! At this time, the air temperature begins to rise everywhere, precipitation becomes less, and the sun shines more and more often. Water in rivers and lakes is getting warmer, its temperature is about +15°C. The vegetation of plants is actively developing, everything around blooms and smells. This is the best time to visit national parks and travel to outlying areas of the country.

Perhaps only in South Africa you can see so many flowers at the same time. Literally all lawns inside cities and fields outside of civilization are covered with them. In spring, the Kalahari desert continues to bloom, where there are 3,000 species of flowers (!), Of which about 1,500 are unique (!), Which are not found anywhere else on earth. And in Namaqualand, another 4,000 types of flowers (!) bloom, 1,000 of which are unique. Here the flowers dry up with the onset of summer, and the place turns into a desert.

Already in September in the west of the country there are more and more sunny days, and it rains even less often - only 2-3 rains can pass in a month. Cape Town at this time is very picturesque - its botanical gardens and flower gardens are considered among the most beautiful in the world! average temperature air in Cape Town in September + 18 ° C, at night up to + 14 ° C, but the ocean off the coast of the city at this time of the year is very cold - no more than + 15 ° C. It will be very warm in September in Pretoria and Johannesburg, here the average daily air temperature rises up to + 26 ° C, at night, as a rule, about + 20 ° C. But in Durban, it is still not hot - the air temperature warms up only to + 23 ° C during the day, falling to + 20 ° C at night. But the ocean on this side of the coast is a little warmer, and in September it warms up to + 18 ° C.

In October, it gets even warmer in South Africa. This month the most beautiful city country, is considered to be Pretoria. The fact is that the whole city is planted with trees called "Jacaranda". In October, these trees begin to bloom, turning all the streets purple and emitting an incredible fragrance everywhere. The smell of these flowers makes women all over the world look for perfumes that are at least a little like it.

In October, the average daytime temperature in Cape Town already reaches +21°C, at night it drops to +16°C. In Pretoria and Johannesburg in October there are wonderful air temperatures - during the day, on average, + 27 ° C, at night + 22 ° C, and in Durban during the day + 23 ° C, at night + 20 ° C. In some mountainous regions of the country, strong daily temperature fluctuations when the air cools down below 0°C at night. Most a large number of rainfall in the mountains falls at this time.

November is the last spring month- a great time to travel around the country. It is especially pleasant this month to visit Blyde River Canyon. At this time, in good spring weather, a view of 120 kilometers around opens here, it seems as if the whole earth is visible. This place is nicknamed "God's Window".

The November air temperature in the country is beautiful: the average daytime temperature in Cape Town is +22°C, although at night it drops to +17°C. In Pretoria and Johannesburg in November it is very comfortable during the day - about + 27 ° C, at night up to + 22 ° C. In Durban during the day, on average, +23°C, at night about +21°C.

Rainfall in South Africa is unevenly distributed and fluctuates significantly from west to east. In the northwest of the country annual amount precipitation does not exceed 200 mm of precipitation per year. The eastern regions of South Africa receive between 500 mm and 900 mm of precipitation per year, and sometimes the amount of precipitation there exceeds 2,000 mm of precipitation per year. The central part of the country receives, on average, 400 mm of precipitation per year, and this figure increases as you approach the coast.

When is the best time to go to South Africa? You can go to South Africa in any month, here the best time to visit the country depends only on your desires. If you dream of visiting the extraordinary Cape Town - the best time to travel is the summer months - from December to March. At this time, it is usually warm and sunny here, only occasionally it can rain with thunder and lightning and get a little colder. But remember: high season in South Africa starts from December 20 to January 5, when most people take their annual vacation, prices for accommodation, air tickets and car rentals will be very high. And although Cape Town is beautiful at any time of the year, it will be most comfortable here in the summer.

If you are going to South Africa for a beach holiday, then feel free to go to the vicinity of Durban for a good wave and the most warm sea in the country. Beach holidays here are possible in the summer months - from December to March, this time is considered the warmest and most comfortable. Here you can relax on the gorgeous beaches, swimming, sunbathing, surfing, canoeing, snorkeling, diving or fishing. But the rest of the months are of little use for a beach holiday - it is cold, windy and sometimes very rainy.

The spring months - from September to November - are the best time to visit the Western Cape, the time when magnificent wild flowers and daisies bloom in the Namaqualand Valley. In addition, it is in spring that everything around blooms, every flower, every plant in the country blooms and emits a fragrant aroma. Even the big cities of South Africa and those cannot resist the spring mood, and even here all the streets bloom with a colorful carpet. Therefore, if you need really colorful photos, go to South Africa in the spring months.

Numerous national parks in South Africa can be visited at any time of the year, but, for example, reserves in Zululand, in the north of Natal, it is preferable to visit during the winter months between July and September. At this time, here you can see large numbers of hippos, crocodiles and white rhinos.But one of the best reserves in Africa and the most famous park South Africa - Kruger National Park - best to visit from May to October, when there is a dry season, and the months of September and October are especially favorable. At this time, you can see the maximum diversity of the local fauna, because most of the animals gather at this time of the year near the reservoirs.

The autumn months - from March to the beginning of June - are the hunting season in the country, and if you are a big fan of hunting, you can try your hand at the expanses of Africa.

The time from July to October is excellent for whale watching. It is during this period that they massively sail to the coast of South Africa, there are a lot of them here, at the same time they begin to breed here.

In the winter months, it is better to exclude the coastal cities of South Africa from visiting - it is damp, dank, cold and rainy here. The mountainous region of the country is also famous for its special climate - in winter it can be very cold here and knee-deep snowdrifts.

Tours in South Africa – specials of the day

South Africa is located in the subtropical and tropical (to the north of 30 S) belts. Of decisive importance for the climate of South Africa is the subtropical belt of high atmospheric pressure with permanent oceanic maxima - South Atlantic and Indian - and intercontinental pressure centers that intersect seasonally.

In winter (in July), the center of the high pressure area is located above the Central Plateau. At this time of the year it is cold there, and the winds blowing from there contribute to the establishment of dry cold cloudless weather in many parts of South Africa. However, in the extreme south (Cape and Southern Coastal Regions), winter is a season of frequent cold heavy rains, and there almost always the sky is covered with clouds.

In summer (January) the center of low pressure is above the Central Plateau. Humid air is drawn in from the Indian Ocean. At the same time, moisture-bearing winds contribute to rainfall in the southeastern and eastern parts of the Great Escarpment and on the Central Plateau. However, in the Cape region, dry and hot weather sets in in summer.

Precipitation amounts decrease to the west from 1900 mm on the eastern slopes of the Drakensberg Mountains to less than 25 mm on the coast of Namaqualand. Due to the uneven topography, the Cape and Southern Coastal Regions show large local differences in rainfall.

Temperatures in South Africa decrease from east to west. Under the influence of the cold Benguela current, following along the west coast, temperatures drop significantly. The average annual temperature in Port Nollot is 14°C, however, on the east coast, under the influence of the warm Indian Ocean, temperatures are high, and in Durban the average annual temperature is 22°C. On the other hand, the temperature difference between the northern and southern regions is small, as the altitudes increase north. The southern tip of the mainland (Cape Agulhas) and Johannesburg (located 1450 km to the north, but at an altitude of 1740 m above sea level) have an average annual temperature of approx. 16° C.

The central plateau differs sharply continental climate with pronounced contrasts of daily and annual temperatures. In summer the weather is hot with blindingly bright sunlight and occasional severe thunderstorms. Kimberley, at an altitude of 1220 m above sea level, in January has an average maximum temperature of 32 ° C and an average minimum temperature of 17 ° C. On the other hand, during the winter there is pleasant warm weather (the average maximum temperature in July is 19 ° C) due to the bright sunlight, but the nights are cold (the minimum temperature in July is 2°C). Winters are very dry, with little to no rain in June, July and August.

Namaqualand is a very dry area: the amount of precipitation ranges from a maximum of 200 mm in the mountains of the interior to a minimum of less than 25 mm on the coast. On the coast, the weather is cool and temperatures are fairly constant. Outside the zone of influence of the coastal breeze, temperatures rise strongly in summer.

The Cape region has the same favorable climate as the Mediterranean coast of Europe and southern California. Installed in winter rainy weather and dry in summer. Precipitation occurs in May-September. On the coast, they usually fall in the form of rain, but in more high mountains(for example, on Table Mountain near Cape Town) there are occasional snowfalls. Their number varies greatly depending on the nature of the relief. In Cape Town, the average annual rainfall reaches 630 mm, while some high mountains usually receive 2540 mm. Temperatures in Cape Town vary greatly throughout the year. In July (winter) the average minimum temperature is 9°C and the average maximum is 17°C; in January (summer) the average minimum temperature is 16°C, and the average maximum temperature is 27°C. Within the region, however, large temperature contrasts are observed, which depends on exposure to the moderating influence of the ocean; in the interior valleys, summers are hotter and winters colder than on the coast.

The Southern Coastal Region receives as much precipitation in winter as the Cape Region and in summer as much as the Southeast Coastal Region.

The Southeast Coastal Region receives most of its rainfall during the summer months, but no month is truly dry. In Durban, 1140 mm of liquid precipitation falls annually, with an average of 150 mm in March and only 40 mm in July. In summer, very warm, humid weather with an average maximum temperature 28°C and an average minimum of 21°C in January. Winters are mild and pleasant with an average maximum temperature of 22°C and an average minimum of 13°C in July.

The Transvaal Low Weld receives a high amount of precipitation in summer, up to 2030 mm in some places. Winters are dry and sunny. All year round high temperatures prevail.

South Africa- a highly developed country, a piece of Europe on the African continent. A well-thought-out tourist infrastructure, a high standard of living for the population and a stable economy are not quite typical for Africa, are they? But in South Africa, it's all real. And even the climate here is conducive to itself: comfortable air temperature almost all year round, warm ocean, and even opportunities for extreme skiing create optimal conditions for recreation. It would seem like heaven on earth? But even in paradise there are weather quirks that you should prepare for before the trip.

Climatic zones of South Africa

The climate in South Africa is surprisingly mild. There are no extreme temperature peaks here. Although the country is located on the African continent, and there is a desert on its territory, unbearable heat is rare here.

The location in the southern hemisphere makes the climate of South Africa directly opposite to the European one: winter - in summer, summer - in winter.

Geographically, South Africa is located in the tropics, but the weather on its territory is determined more by the influence of oceanic air masses, and only partly by relief.

South Africa is the only country on the African continent with such a diverse population. 1/3 of local residents are ethnic Europeans.

In winter, dry, cool weather reigns in the country. The area of ​​high atmospheric pressure creates optimal conditions for visiting. In summer it gets hotter due to the influence of air masses from the Indian Ocean, which bring the rainy season.

The climatic zones of South Africa can be divided as follows:

• West Coast. The cold Bengal current in the Atlantic Ocean has the main influence on the formation of the climate in the western part of the country. Here is the Namib Desert and the city of Cape Town. There are very few rainfalls. For several years, not a single rain may fall in the desert area at all. This is due to the fact that even air masses and carry moisture to the continent, but because of the Great Ledge, their path inland is blocked.
• Central South Africa. These are predominantly mountainous areas, so daily temperature fluctuations are a common phenomenon that characterizes altitudinal zonality. Frosts are common in winter.
• East Coast. Unlike the western regions, in the east there is high humidity and a significant amount of precipitation - up to 1200 mm / year.

Climate by regions:

• Western Cape. It includes Cape Town. Here prevails subtropical mediterranean climate . dry summer(December-February), Cold winter(June August). Strong winds are typical.
• Houteng. Center - Johannesburg. Subtropical climate. May-April is the peak rainy season. But the city itself is located in the highlands, so there is dry comfortable weather all year round.
• Kazulu-Natal. Center - Durban. Climate - subtropical oceanic , suggesting hot summers (up to +34°C) and warm winters. Snow falls in the Drakensberg mountains.
• Eastern Cape. In Port Elizabeth - subtropical climate . You can go on a safari here all year round, and for a beach holiday, you should choose the time between November and March.
• Mpumalanga. Subtropical climate. The coolest area is Kruger Park, in other areas the weather is much friendlier.
• Northwest. Most of the territory is occupied by the Kalahari Desert. The climate is appropriate.
• Limpopo. tropical climate . The northern part of the Kruger Park, which is located in this area, is unfavorable in terms of climate in October-March (up to +45°C).

Water off the coast of South Africa warms up to a maximum of + 26 ° C. The exception is the Atlantic Ocean, where, due to the Bengal Current, the water rarely exceeds +18°C.

Tourist seasons in South Africa

The tourist peak of visits to South Africa falls on November-December. Interestingly, at this time - the rainy season. The fact is that during this period the weather is the hottest, and the water in the ocean is the warmest. So that the rains do not spoil your vacation, you should go away from the central regions - to the coasts, where there is less rainfall. By the way, thunderstorms and showers in South Africa are usually a matter of night hours, so the sun often shines during the day. The smallest amount of precipitation occurs during the rainy season in the south of the country.

A characteristic feature of the weather in South Africa is when it is sunny in the morning in the summer, and it rains with thunderstorms in the late afternoon. The exception is the west coast and Cape Town - there is a rainy period only in winter. The largest amount of precipitation falls in the north of the country.

The best time for nature watching and traditional safari is the period from May to August, when the grass is not so high, and there is maximum visibility around. For beach activities, it is better to choose the period from November to mid-March.

Tourism is one of the main sources of income for the budget of South Africa. Every year, due to the natural diversity, almost a million tourists visit the country.

What to bring

In Cape Town, located on the west coast of South Africa and washed by the cold Bengal current, it is rarely hot. But it is often cold. A long-sleeved sweater or even a sweater with a jacket will not interfere even in the African summer.

For a safari, you need not so much T-shirt shorts as a windbreaker, a warm pullover, a hat, or bondana, sneakers or boots. On a night safari, you need to dress even warmer. In the cold season, take with you: gloves, fleece hat, windbreaker, raincoat.

You should not take on a safari, or in general for a trip to South Africa, khaki clothes. There is an ambiguous attitude towards her here.

A separate issue is malaria. For its prevention, it is not a vaccination that is done (this is a big delusion), but special medications are taken orally. Before the trip, you should definitely consult a doctor and protect yourself from such an unpleasant ailment. But it is worth noting that South Africa is not included in the "malaria" zone, plus you need to take into account the travel season. If dry - there is nothing to be afraid of, if the rainy season - at your discretion. It is mandatory to have a yellow fever vaccination when entering the country. Unconditionally - the availability of medical insurance.

Be sure to bring repellents, sunscreen, sunglasses, closed clothing and hats.

The banking system is well developed in South Africa, but there are still places (gas stations, for example) where credit cards are not accepted, you need to pay in cash. It is better to have dollars with you than euros.

Of the must-have things for traveling in South Africa: comfortable clothes made of cotton materials for safaris and excursions, smart clothes for restaurants, a woolen sweater for night or evening walks, a windbreaker when visiting Cape Town.

Weather in South Africa by months

December-February

Summer begins in South Africa in December. There is not much precipitation, the air temperature is comfortable. In Cape Town up to +26°C and very cool at night - maximum +16°C. In the south up to +28°С, in the northeast +32°С. The temperature in the Indian Ocean is up to +25°С. The African summer continues in January-February. There is little rainfall, the average temperature in the country during the day is + 26 ° С. The water in the Atlantic Ocean is +19°C, in the Indian Ocean up to +25+26°C. In January, you should not go to Durban, there is a peak in rainfall.

December is the peak of the tourist season in South Africa, so prices at this time, especially for travel services, are marginal. Many people come here on Christmas Eve, which is celebrated on December 25th. On January 1, South Africa celebrates the New Year.

March-May

Since March, the air temperature begins to gradually decrease. The most cold weather on the west coast. The water temperature in the Atlantic Ocean is practically unsuitable for swimming - it is already cold (+17°C). You can swim in the Indian Ocean - up to + 23 + 24 ° С.

Human Rights Day falls on March 21st. The national holiday, Freedom Day, is celebrated on April 27th.

June August

The African winter has begun. Most of the area is quite cold. Snow falls in the mountains, frosts are frequent.

South Africa has the potential to ski holidays. Dragon Mountains and Veld are the focus of ski holidays in South Africa. Surprisingly, at the end of the world, on the African continent, there is everything for great skiing or snowboarding. The season in the Dragon Mountains is June-August. There is little natural snow cover here, therefore, taking advantage of the “minus” at night, snow cannons are launched at ski resorts. Thus, a two-meter snow cover and densely carved slopes create skiers good conditions for riding.

At this time, the safari season begins in the south of the Kruger Park. In August, you should go to Cape Town. There by the coast Atlantic Ocean whale season begins. It lasts until the end of March.

September-November

September is a great time for a safari in Limpopo. November is the rainy season.

Take a ride on the Rovos Rail retro train through the most picturesque corners! This is a historic train, the carriages of which were specially coupled in 1911 for the European royal family. If there is such an opportunity, be sure to use it and go on a several-day train tour! The season is from September to April.

September 24 is Heritage Day. The national parks of South Africa are a real natural treasure of the planet. The Kruger National Park is an amazing place where the animal kingdom reigns in natural environment their habitats over 350 km of primordial savannah. Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park is best visited from March to November. Mountain Zebra National Park is famous for its unique zebra population, and Addo Elephant National Park is famous for its elephants.

Weather in cities and resorts by months

Pretoria

Bloemfontein

Durban

East London

Total area: 1,219,912 sq. km. It is 5 times larger than Great Britain, 2 times larger than France and equal in territory to Germany, France and Italy combined. Border length: 4750 km. It borders on Mozambique, Swaziland, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Zimbabwe. Coastline: 2798 km.

Population: about 40 million people. Ethnic groups: blacks - 75.2%, whites - 13.6%, colored -8.6%, Indians - 2.6% Official languages: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Zulu, Xhosa, Swazi, Suto, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Pedi. Religion: Christianity (68%), Hinduism (1.5%), Islam (2%), animism, etc. (28.5%).

Capitals: Cape Town (parliament), Pretoria (government), Bloemfontein (Supreme Court). The population of Cape Town - 2,350,157 people, Johannesburg - 1,916,063 people, Pretoria - 1,080,187 people. Form of government: republic Administrative divisions: 9 provinces - Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Northwest Province, Northern Cape, Northern Province, Western Cape.

Natural resources of South Africa

The Republic of South Africa is located in the south of the African continent, in the tropical and subtropical latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere. The territory of South Africa is 4.2% of the area of ​​the continent (1221 thousand sq. km). Landscapes are the most typical for the country natural areas savannahs and light forests, semi-deserts and deserts, replacing each other from east to west. Plateaus and plateaus descend steeply to the coastal lowlands in the east and to the depression in the south. The windward slopes are overgrown with subtropical evergreens and deciduous trees and shrubs.

In the north, South Africa has land borders that run mainly through sparsely populated semi-desert and desert regions. It borders Namibia to the northwest, Botswana and Zimbabwe to the north, Mozambique and Swaziland to the east. The Kingdom of Lesotho is located on the territory of South Africa as an enclave. In the west, the country is washed by the waters of the Atlantic, and in the south and east - by the Indian Ocean. This location of the country predetermines the presence of various natural landscapes.

The relief of South Africa is characterized by the predominance of high flat plateaus. About half of the territory has an altitude of 1000 to 1600 m, more than 3/4 is located above 600 m above sea level, only a narrow strip of coastal lowlands in the west, south and east does not exceed 500 m.

V in general terms the relief is determined by the internal plateaus and coastal plains of the Atlantic and Indian oceans. The plateau slopes from the southeast to the northwest. Its most elevated parts are located on the border with Lesotho (more than 3600 m), and the least elevated parts are in the river basin. Mololo (less than 800 m).

Coastal plains stretch in a narrow strip in the east, south and west of the country. In the extreme south, the coastal lowlands are very narrow; to the north, it gradually expands to 65-100 km.

Statistical indicators of South Africa
(as of 2012)

The diversity of the geological structure, outcrops of ancient crystalline, often metamorphosed rocks, determined the exceptional wealth of the country in minerals. In total, 56 types of mineral raw materials were found on its territory. A truly unique set of a wide variety of minerals is found on a relatively small area: chromium, coal, iron, nickel, phosphates, tin, copper, vanadium; the world's largest supplier of gold (more than 15,000,000 troy ounces per year). South Africa occupies the first or one of the first places in the world in terms of reserves and production of platinum, diamonds, antimony, uranium and manganese ores, chromites, asbestos, andalusite, etc. The only drawback of the mineral resource base is the lack of proven oil reserves. In this regard, the main place in the fuel and energy balance of the country is occupied by coal.

Climate of South Africa

The country is located in the subtropical region, and north of 30 ° S. sh.-tropical climate. Average annual temperatures throughout the territory are positive (from +12° to +23°С). The difference in temperatures between the "coldest" and the "hottest" belts is about 10°C. This difference is determined not so much by latitude as by relief and fluctuations in absolute heights. As the height increases, so do the amplitudes of daily and annual temperatures, the possibility of frosts and their duration.

Rivers of South Africa

The lack of moisture in most of the country does not contribute to the emergence of large lake-river systems. The density of the river network is extremely uneven. Most of the permanent rivers belong to the Indian Ocean basin. The largest of them are: Limpopo, Tugela, Umgeni, Great Cay, Great Fish, Sandys, Gaurits, etc. In most cases, these are short, rapids rivers originating on the eastern and southern windward slopes of the Great Ledge. They are full-flowing, mainly rain-fed, with a summer maximum water flow.

The largest in South Africa, the Orange River (tributaries of the Vaal, Caledon, Brak, etc.) has a length of 1865 km and belongs to the Atlantic Ocean basin. It flows through arid inland plateaus and becomes very shallow in its lower reaches. A number of large hydraulic structures have been built on the river and its tributaries. To the north of the middle course of the Orange River, several seasonal rivers (Nosob, Mololo, Kuruman, etc.) flow, belonging to the area of ​​internal flow of the Kalahari Plain.

In conditions of lack of surface water special meaning acquire groundwater. They are used both by industrial enterprises and by many farms in the central and western regions of the interior plateau. Desalination plants operate on the West Coast sea ​​water, water purification for reuse at industrial enterprises.

Soils of South Africa

Chestnut and red-brown soils are the most widespread in the country. Etd two types of soils occupy almost half of the country's territory, from West coast to the foot of the Dragon Mountains (the Kalahari region, the Middle and almost the entire High Weld, the vast areas of the Bushveld, and in the south the Great and Little Karoo). The presence of these types of soils is determined by climatic conditions, primarily by the amount of precipitation. Light-brown and red-brown soils are characteristic of the desert-steppe regions, and chestnut - for dry steppes.

In the eastern part of the High Weld and in the Bushveld, black, chernozem, and chestnut soils are common. The black, ferruginous soils of the dry savannas, which farmers call "black peat," are fertile. In higher places, more leached red soils are often found.

Coastal areas are characterized by a wide variety of soils. On the East coast fertile krasnozems and zheltozems of subtropical regions are developed in the lowest parts. The southwest coast is an area of ​​fairly fertile brown soils.

All soils require the application of mineral and organic fertilizers. Along with this, a constant fight against soil erosion is necessary. Improper plowing of slopes and excessive grazing lead to the destruction of soil structure and erosion. The arid climate creates a problem of artificial irrigation. Only 15% of South African land is suitable for agriculture.

Flora of South Africa

The flora of the country is rich and diverse. In total, there are about 15 thousand plant species that belong to two floristic regions - Cape and Paleotropic. The vegetation of the savannah zone and the zone of semi-deserts and deserts prevails.

The appearance of the savannas changes depending on the amount of precipitation. In the most humid areas grow various palm trees, baobabs, podocarpus, valuable breeds trees and grassy herbage; Low Weld-park savanna, or mopane savanna (from the name of the widespread mopane tree); Bushveld-Acacia Milkweed Savannah, dominated by different kinds acacias, evergreen shrubs and light groves of trees shedding their leaves in the dry season.

The zone of semi-deserts and deserts occupies the western coastal plain, vast expanses of the Upper, Greater and Lesser Karoo, and the most arid parts of the Kalahari.

Succulents, or "stone plants" grow in the northwestern regions of this zone; in the Kalahari, near the Namibian border, grasses predominate on sandy soils. In arid areas, karoo is an abundance of succulents various shapes. From leaf succulents, aloe, acacia are often found, from stem succulents, spurges are widespread, there are shrub succulents.

High Weld Occupies Zone grassy steppes(grasveld). More than 60% of the grasveld area is covered with grasses, in wetter eastern regions high temeda is widespread (up to 1 m), in more arid regions - low (not higher than 0.5 m) - This is the best feed for livestock on natural pastures. There are also various types of bearded vulture, fescue.

The Cape Floristic Region is the center of decorative flora of world importance. In a relatively small area - 800 km long and less than 10 km wide - more than 6 thousand plant species from 700 genera grow, and most of them are endemic. Evergreen hard-leaved shrubs and various perennial plants dominate here. The flora of the Cape has a number common families and childbirth with the flora of Australia, South America(family Proteaceae and genus sundew) and Europe (sedge, reed, flax, nettle, ranunculus, rose, feather grass, etc.).

About 2% of the country's territory is under forest. In light subtropical forests on chestnut soils, valuable species such as iron and fragrant trees grow. reserved coniferous forests made of yellow wood. On the East Coast, small areas of humid subtropical evergreen forests of ficus, Cape boxwood, Cape red and Cape ebony trees with a variety of lianas and epiphytes have been preserved. Significant afforestation work is underway on the slopes of the mountains, plantations of pine and cedar, Australian acacia and eucalyptus are being created. By 1990, artificial forest plantations amounted to more than 1 million hectares.

Fauna of South Africa

The fauna belongs to the Cape subregion of the Ethiopian zoogeographic region. It is represented by predators ( wild cats, hyenas, jackals, panthers, cheetahs, lions), numerous ungulates, elephants. Several species of civet, eared dog, several genera of golden mole rodents, 15 genera of birds are endemic. There are up to 40 thousand species of insects and 200 species of snakes, up to 150 species of termites in the country, in the northeast there is a center of distribution of tsetse flies and malarial mosquitoes.

During the colonization of South Africa, many species of animals were almost exterminated. Currently animal world well preserved only in reserves and national parks. The largest and most famous of them: Kruger National Park, Hluhluwe, Kalahari-Hemsbok. V national park Kruger you can see lions, leopards and cheetahs, elephants and hippos, giraffes, buffaloes and antelopes. Anteaters live here, feeding on termites, for which the Boers call them "earth pigs." In "Hluhluva", along with the listed animals, in the valleys overgrown with shrubs (rhinos, hippos and crocodiles are found in the rivers, white rhinos, which have become a rarity, have also been preserved. Flamingos, pelicans and various herons nest on the lakes, and African warthogs, waterbucks live among ungulates. There are many There are about 20 species of antelope preserved in the Kalahari-Hemsbok National Park, South Africa is home to many very rare species of these graceful, swift-footed animals. and the rare grey-brown nyala, and the dwarf antelope. Until now, in the Kalahari and the arid regions of the Welds, antelopes provide food and clothing to the tribes of the Bushmen and Hottentons.