With more than 20,000 different plants, approximately 10% of all known plant species in the world, South Africa is the country of choice for every botanist. In the Cape region alone one can find about 8,000 plant species. Thus it is one of the six floral kingdoms on earth. The diverse flora colony is also known as “Fynbos”, which translated to English means “fine bush”. These are predominantly Sclerophyllous with fine, needle-like leaves. The fynbos, which is especially rich in splendid flowering plants. Best known are the wonderful proteas, of which there are only 130 species. A special feature among the Proteas is the King protea which has beautifully colored, large flower heads. It is also the national flower of South Africa.

The vast majority of South Africa, especially the inland, is grassland. In these areas various grasses, low shrubs and acacia trees are predominant. Despite the numerous plant species only one percent of South Africa is forest area. The original native forest was cut down by the first farmers who came to South Africa. The remaining forest is now protected.

In addition to the diverse plant life the variety of wildlife is one of the biggest highlights the land is offering . South Africa is home to more than 300 mammal species, more than 500 bird species, more than 100 species of reptiles as well as for numerous species of insects. There are many species of antelope including springbok, kudu and impala as well as flamingos, zebras or the world’s largest ratite, the ostrich. But even the largest mammal in the world, the blue whale, can be observed every year during the period from mid July to early December off the coast, particularly in Hermanus (near Cape Town). Anyone traveling to South Africa, will often hear the term “Big Five”. This stands for the five largest mammals: elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo and leopard. Most of the Big Five live in the National Parks of South Africa and are strictly protected. The most popular and the largest National Park in South Africa is the Kruger National Park (covering an area of approximately 20,000 square kilometers which is equivalent to the size of Wales). Thanks to the continuing work of conservationists in the past and the present the threat by wildlife poaching could be successfully combated. Thus South Africa is still blessed with an incredible diversity of species and allows many visitors to experience a unique wildlife.