You Know You’re in South Africa When . . .

By On September 7, 2012 · 8 Comments · In Africa, South Africa

South African roadsigns
South Africa was once described to us as “Africa Light,” but when baboons dart across the roads, sharks fill the surf beaches, and circumcisions are done by medicine men, we initially doubted this comment. South Africa has its wild side to be sure, but after traveling around southeastern Africa, we now know this description is oh-so true. With a fantastic road system, super backpacker-friendly accommodations, and world-class tourist attractions, South Africa is the perfect gateway to an otherwordly continent.

From depths of the bushveld to the Cape of Good Hope, you know you’re in South Africa when . . .

- (Above) Your country gets independence in 1961 but the penguins refuse to give up their colony
- You have 11 official languages (not counting the dozens of dialects)
- Everything is named after Nelson Mandela

 

Wild Spirit Backpackers
- There is such a backpacker circuit it gets their own public transit system (aka the Baz Bus)
- Before a surfer checks the tides, he checks the great white shark report
- The Italian biscotti has an African cousin reborn in a softer and more scrumptious form…the rusk!

 

South Africa Road trip tips
- Mountains are so old they make the Himalayas look like the new kid on the block (260 million vs. 40 million)
- Even a roadside motel is embellished with Cape Dutch architecture
- There are so many vineyards lined up, the country qualifies for the Guinness Book of World Records

 

Funny travel stories
- A traditional pasttime amongst fathers and sons is seeing who can spit impala poop the farthest (Mike gave it a try, of course.)
- You not only find public trash cans in Africa, you find recycling bins

 

South African cuisine
- Kudu carts rival hot dog stands
- The worst road still feels smooth like butter compared to most in every other African nation
- The some of the world’s most amazing mountains, beaches, cultures, and wildlife merge in one country

SA Experience-it, Michelle Sibley liked this post
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  • http://twitter.com/AndiPerullo Andi Perullo, L.Ac.

    Ahhhh I miss SA so much! And I agree with everything you said. :)

  • http://www.facebook.com/kate.collins.549 Kate Collins

    Love the “you know you’re in…” posts – I learn so much!! All so very cool!

  • http://www.facebook.com/mikecburns Mike Burns

    what kinda distance gets respect in the impala poop spitting? ;-) love it!

  • David Carillet

    I thought that was fruit seed spitting when that photo was included in the previous article. The look on the tour guide’s face makes more sense now.

  • http://www.facebook.com/erin.colgan Erin Beattie

    Reason 1,266 why Mike Rules: Spit Impala poop in Africa.

    • http://HoneyTrek.com/ Mike Howard – HoneyTrek.com

      Well, I am glad you think that’s awesome–I have to kiss the guy! Sheesh! QBut I like this running list on awesomeness you’ve started, I can think of a few more to add : )