an essay of why i love south africa

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Descriptive Essay: Why I Love South Africa

As an avid traveller, I’ve discovered several countries that got under my skin but the one I’ll always call home, where the heart is, is South Africa. I know that as a Saffa I’m being subjective but then again, I’ve seen the aspects that visitors to the country don’t usually see and I still love the place, warts and all. There is much to love about the land at the southern tip of Africa but for me its biggest strength is its diversity.

Having grown up under apartheid, I used to think that ‘diversity’ was only a good thing when it referred to the varied South African landscape. Of course the many worlds in one country is wonderful: You can drive only a couple of hours from Cape Town’s Mediterranean climate to the coastal forests of the Tsitsikamma or the arid, desolate Karoo; or from bustling Johannesburg to the tranquillity of the Drakensberg, the subtropical Lowveld or the wild Bushveld with its mopane and baobab trees.

However, the diversity that really gets my heart racing is that of the South African people. It used to be our curse but under the leadership of people like Nelson Mandela, it has come to be our blessing. Like so many of my countrymen, I had to learn to embrace difference but now I never want to live in a place where everyone looks the same, speaks the same language and holds the same beliefs. How, for instance, can I fear Islam when I’ve walked around a predominantly Muslim neighbourhood during Eid al Futr and felt the palpable sense of excitement and community in the air?

I once was in a train carriage where everyone, complete strangers, spontaneously started to dance to the music of a guitar-playing busker. I can’t imagine this happening in New York or London or Berlin. It made me realise how privileged I am to be part of the Rainbow Nation.

Of course there is a lot wrong with South Africa. The economic inequality makes me want to cry, as do the unacceptably high rates of crime and corruption. But then I look at where we were and how far we’ve come. A taxi driver in Nicaragua, upon hearing where I was from, said to me, ‘Oh, yes, you guys forgave one another.’ That’s been our salvation: That we can acknowledge the past but instead of being crippled by it, we can use it as a guide in making the world a better place for all.

I now try to live according to Ubuntu, the idea that ‘I am because you are’. I hope that this philosophy will come to be the greatest South African export. Meanwhile, I’ll keep carrying my beloved country in my heart and in my veins, no matter where I go.

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7 Reasons to remind us why South Africa is the most beautiful country in the world

Amidst its challenges it is sometimes easy to forget that South Africa has the prestigious reputation of being the most beautiful country in the world. An article by Buzzfeed said this about South Africa, ‘ Unsurpassed wildlife and mountains, whales and waterfalls, architecture and antiquity, the world’s most beautiful city, and the world’s most stunning Spring, plus a host of natural treasures make South Africa “The Most Beautiful Country In The World”, and a must-see traveller’s dream .”  Even when making an impact through the projects we do and the smiles we get to see we sometimes forget the amazing country that so many tourists experience. A country we sometimes fail to appreciate. In this blog post we take a step back and remember 7 things that make South Africa the most special country in the world.

• It is full of beauty, both natural and man-made. Cape Town as a whole encompasses both of these, with the amazing oceans and views as well as the gorgeous architecture and culture.
• Our coastal drives are above the rest . Chapman’s Peak and the Garden Route are a sight to behold, one that every South African needs to see at least once in their lifetime.
• Our diverse ecosystems and wildlife. Much of our wildlife can be see in our national parks, which protect them and aid in maintaining their ecosystems. Not only is South Africa home to the Big Five and number of endangered animals, such as the African Wild Dog and the Pangolin, but we also have a superb variety of marine life as well. Where else in the world could you view a whale from the shore and an elephant grazing with its herd?
• Our diverse floral kingdom . Even though there are number of alien plant species in South Africa, there are also numerous indigenous plant species. Our plant kingdom is diverse and home to incredible flowers, such as the King Protea.
• Our unique mountains and what they hold . Our most famous mountain is Table Mountain, named as one of the new 7 wonders of nature, but there’s more. The Drakensberg holds its own beauty, such as the Amphitheatre, and the Swartberg displays technicoloured sandstone cliffs and houses the Kango Caves, one of the most astonishing cave systems in the world. Our country is full of history and a lot of it has come from the earth, where we have found fossils and minerals that expand our knowledge.
• We are one of the world’s most colourful countries . Our flag and our people are not only the only reason we should be called “The Rainbow Nation”. In Spring, there are thousands of different types of flowers that bloom, transforming  the harshest environments, such as Namaqualand into beautiful, natural gardens.
• Our sunsets are truly spectacular . No matter where you are in South Africa, our skies share the same beautiful hues and colours of sunset, reminding us that we are in Africa and that our country is beautiful.

With all of this being said, each person sees South Africa differently but we all call it home. So what do you find beautiful about our country?

113 responses to “7 Reasons to remind us why South Africa is the most beautiful country in the world”

South Africa has the same Human Development Index ranking as Palestine, India, and Egypt. Yet, it’s cities manage to look so good that I can compare them to ones in Australia and the United States. This is proof that you don’t need to achieve Western European levels of wealth to have pretty looking cities and in it, houses and shops that don’t look bad but on the contrary.

I’m completely blown away by all the good positive messages from all you guys, it has changed my outlook. We all need to spare a thought for the people in this country who live in terrible conditions and have no hope of anything better, we need to do what ever is possible to pick up and help someone who needs it. Even the smallest gesture goes along way, do ten good deeds and when one comes back to you do another ten, this will pick you up as a south african and help others who struggle to survive.

here in SA we have the most beautiful wild animals and many friendly people that can put you through onto what you are looking for.we have many tourist here in CAPE TOWN in Table Mountain, Water Front e.t.c

Die without visiting other contries,I’m cool with that becoz my mzanzi rockz.#thers no such place lyk afrika borwa I’m Nicholas Gran Mokoena

Indeed our country is beautiful together with the people that live in it.We have been given democracy since 1994 and people have been given houses (RDP) regarding education we have exemption for junior face (primary education).It will take me the whole day is i can talk about our country.We thank our leaders who fought for the feredom we are in at the moment.Phambili ngo mzalabazo phambili!

Came here as a young girl in 1959 – went back to the UK and applied for immediate emigration. Never, ever wanted to return to Europe. Encourage visits from family/ex-school mates and they arrive a little scared on the first visit, our ridiculously bad press – but they often return every year. Yeah! I have visited all continents – enjoyed them – but kissed the ground when I arrived back at ORT. Definitely the friendliest people in the world. We will sort out all problems. Please help to uplift those less fortunate than yourselves.

I really believe we are the most beautiful country in the world.The country has an amazing wild animals and the fact that we are a diverse country. basically our nature is too beautiful. lets pray to God to help us do away with tribalism , racism and afrifobia. we are what we are and what we have because of other nations , South Africa alone cannot stand and develop itself, lets learn to appreciate non- south Africans. God bless you

On a positive note re our beautiful South Africa: During work-travels and holidays, I’ve seen everything from rugged mountains in North-west and Cape, fantastic red sunsets in the dusty plains, blue seas rippled by fresh coastal breezes, icy cold snowstorm in Drakensberg (brrr!!) 🙂 Busy scanning all the best 35mm prints & slides to keep the photographic memories. By nature a genial person, I don’t tolerate racism, racial hatred or xenophobia. When working in the rural areas of Nongomna, KZN, found people very friendly and helpful. Same when working in Mali, West Africa, where hardly anybody has TV or newspapers. Respect earns respect. Just ignore hatred – it will get bored and fade away.

Indeed SA is bleesed country weather its awesome

indeed south africa is blessed

SA is A WORLD IN ONCE COUNTRY Check this out – we get racial slurs and racial FB comments and even a fight in SPUR etc. But, when we heard of the one month old baby went ‘missing’ in Dbn – we all (races) got angry and threw our toys out off the cot. We rallied we prayed . . . We have a LOVE/HATE relationship – but LOVE always come first. Enjoy SA while you have the strength and cash . . .

Politicians just to your best neh!

I just realized recently what a protective country this is about its own people/citizens when one of the oversaes wanted to come but was making hate speeches about some of the people that we live with as a result he was not allowed to enter the country simply to protect their people. I just love the diversity of this country and how we embrace each other as different cultures. As for me, I believe this is the most powerful country ever but not yet seen cause if there had to break a world war-Chinese, Indians,Nigerians,Zimbabweans,Africans, Whites etc,we’ll all stand together to protect each other as we’ve become one big family. am proudly South African,

Well written positive article for a change! Me and my wife recently visited Los Angeles, USa, and said we’ll never complain again about South Africa…..Holywood was dirty and some of the roads in LA looked worse than those in Joburg..Some streets were so dirty (Were the Stars are) ..Not to mention the homeless people..We once again realized, yes we do have our challenges, but we are not alone, and we have much to be grateful for..It was so refreshing to come home!

I love your points guys that’s true this country is very special indeed…

Is the place suitable for living for some years there ?? willing to visit before move at least to know some friends and finding some good location … whats your recommendation guys . how long which locations to visit thanks

I fully agree that we live in a beautiful country with unequalled biodiversity. However, to say that we live in the most beautiful country in the world ? There are several more beautiful than SA. Independent surveys don’t even place us amongst the top twenty. Beauty is also a matter of opinion.

well indeed a lot has been said about our beautiful country and it is true and correct what a lovely country with a democratic human rights to accommodate everybody from everywhere I like it indeed it is a place to call home thank u everybody.

Colors on our S.A flag, multiple languages, friendly people, landscapes, i can carry on. These are just a few things that makes our country different, a home indeed. As one of our leaders once said in short “i am an Afrikan” – but not ‘cos of the language i speak, but of course this being our land. In all of our 11 languages i say to all S. Africans “God bless Afrika”.

True that Sthembiso and the Fact that there are no wars happening in the country like in Afghanistan(No offence) is something really to cherish about in South Africa. Till this day i thank God for making me part of this amazing country #LoveSA

Well said. i personally love our weather patterns, I feel we have the best weather patterns across our cuntry that are the best in the world. I hope we can unite in all races, ethnic groups and make it the 8th reason why SA is the best in the world.

The diversity of our is in a class of its own when it comes to the production of super humans that stand out in the world .We have geneticlly the most perfect human in the form of Jean Phillis Wolmarans who gave life to 7 perfect children 5 girls 2boys she comes from n family of 7. 5 girls 2 boys and her mother came from n family of 7 .5 girls 2 boys.Then the list continous to name a few Elon Musk .Gary Player Mark Shuttelworth to name a few.

the beauty of our country, diversity & culture. i love SA.

When flying over the country from the Indian Ocean it starts bring flat at the coastal areas and you get the first mountains facing the sea. After that you again get more or less a flat plain before you get to the Drakensberg mountains. After these mountains you get the very flat area of the Free State. Thereafter you see the whitish hills which shows you the mines. The Free State area is green and the rivers show a snake like picture. The Drakensberg show cliffs, vegetation, forests on the sea facing side. The flat plain shows forest patches and vegetation with lots of river gorges. The montains facing the sea are covered by forests while the seaside flat area is green with grass and is interfered by estuaries. The sea is holding the country to be in its place. This country is beautiful explore it on land and in the air.

Thank you Harold! I love the way that you have explained the beauty of South Africa from the sky!

Whoow, thank you all beautiful people of my South Africa with all these awsome comments that you have made, I love South Africa with its rainbow nation of diverse people, diverse natural vegitation, animals, natiral resources , mountains with different heights, sorounded with beautiful coastal lines, beautiful beaches and nice developments in most areas. The country that does not experience any major natural disasters like other countries in the world. Most peole in the world are currently visiting South Africa because of its beauty. Lets focus on retaining, protecting and increasing what God has given us as people of South Africa, Thank all and God Bless

Thank you Mthimkulu!

WOW!, thank you for such a beautiful article, 🙂 i am sold and want to experience all the things you mentioned, i am n=more in to trees and water, last year i visited Capetown for the first time and i was blown away by the Mountains i saw the karoo omg… the ocean and the beautiful table mountain. i love nature and i want to get to know South Africa before exploring other beautiful places. Thank you for this beautiful artistic piece 🙂 I recently fell inlove with a beautiful tree at Wits university. that tree is very beautiful and strong, lol… it looks like its not going anywhere 🙂

Thank you so much Tsholofelo! I am so happy to hear that you have fallen in love with South Africa!! 🙂

When you see the beaming faces of our brothers and sisters in this country, you know you live in the best country in the world

Thank you Steve, very well said!

We HAVE to instill this pride and patrionism into our children as so many see the “grass is greener” on the other side. in addition to our beautiful nature,we also have open wide roads for travellers and friendly smiles where ever you go. Celebrating diversity is important but let us not forget that our different cultures have all contributed to this beautiful country – let us not minimize some groups in order to create universal group. This is enusure that everyone feels welcome and a happy person is a person who will give their own time and money to preserve the area they live in.

Thank you Natashia! You are clearly proudly South African and I applaud you for it.

i love soutaffrica

Thank you Kashif!

this reminds me of the former president Thabo Mbeki of his famous speech of “I am an African ” which shows the rivers, mountains, seas and the wonderful people that we have in this country that no other country have !!!

Thank you Sakie!

Indeed a great country which produced great scholars, leaders, sports heroes/heroines, artists, thinkers and purely just versatile people who can do whatever to inspire all of us despite any odds/challenges/difficulties they may face in their journey of self discovery. I thank God for being a South Africa,

Thank you Themba. You have made some very true points.

thank you so much guy you all have really good points

It’s a pleasure Marti.

While Melbourne may be the most “livable city”, I found that it had non of the vibe & pulse that is Africa & South Africa. This place we call home is truly unique and most beautiful. Our Creator has excelled in all His creations; with S.A. definitely not being the least. When I flew back over Cape Town my heart sang…my pulse quickened…at the sight of Table Mountain and the warmth of her family & friends. I am home!!!

Thank you Leona!

The RIVERS ,MOUNTAINS AND THE BIRDS TELLS ALL -LET US KEEP OUR BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY SMILING AS IT IS AND I KNOW TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE THIS WORK-PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN

Thank you Loyiso.

Thank you Lesa for reminding us of what we have

It’s an absolute pleasure, Adam!

Yes ,the country is a beautiful gift,the challenge is to keep it that way,through sustainable lifestyles,and remember it can take one person to change the world,be the positive change needed.The trouble is we get agitated quickly and start to focus on those who come with hate speeches etc,let those who are not positive learn from positive deeds of the rainbow nation!

Thank you, Elizabeth! We need to focus on the positive and try to live sustainability in order to care for our beautiful country.

I have been around the world 4 times already…No place as wonderful as South Africa to me. the rest of the world holds some awe but that’s short lived. We are a fortunate nation..

Thank you! We are a very fortunate nation indeed!

I interact a lot with the private and public sector in South Africa and have traveled to some very beautiful countries, not much though to make a substantive judgement. BUT I must confess the hospitality, the warmth and humaneness of the South African citizens is what sets it apart from that which I have visited. The people compliment the character of the county, its hills and its valleys, its oceans and the animals. The Bill of rights and the human rights record of the country since the advent of democracy sets the tone for the character of its people. South Africa! an amazing grace!!

Thank you so much for saying that, Logan. As South Africans, I think it important for us to be welcoming and warm towards all.

Recently discovered the beauty of the Midlands Meander in KZN. Wow…

It is little treasures like the Midlands Meander that make our country all the more special. Thank you for sharing, Nhlanhla.

This is very impressive and something we should be very proud of. Lesa: is there some international rating system that is used to rate the beauty of countries which indicate that indeed we are the most beautiful country in the world or it is a personal point of view that brought you to this conclusion to say we are the most beautiful country in the world. If there is can you please share it with us as some of us have never travelled through out the world and rate our country, but we will appreciate to know what the system is called and how to access it so see which country is second and which is the least beautiful in the world

Hi Phumudzo. Thank you for your comment. This is a personal opinion of mine that we live in the, if not one of the most, beautiful countries in the world. I have been blessed to have been able to travel to many countries and to have even lived overseas and, from what I have seen, South Africa has some of the most extraordinary natural beauty, as well as cultural. Thank you for your interest and I hope that I have answered your question.

i agre with you lesa, South of Africa is the best country to be, its nature is different from that of other country’s, i am telling you i enjoy having some fresh air from the mountains at moletjie where i stay, the natural melodi there is refreshing, the view of the villages, lakes there, i mean we are rich naturally thats why, jan van reberg, had this great expirience here, loved it and end up staying for longer, now this beautiful land of our must be conserved so that we will have an ever lasting natural experience.

Indeed we are blessed with this beatiful country, all we have to do is to take care of it.

That is very true, Zamani. Together, we can look after it.

This is really true , i’m come from bangladesh but i stay in south africa really it is very nice country in the world …

Thank you so much Milo. I’m glad you are enjoying staying in South Africa.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Let us work towards a South Africa in which all of its population may be able to see its natural beauty!

That is very true, Jeff, and it is a goal that we need to strive towards.

I have been around in almost all the provinces and would like to stress that South Africa is one of the best country in the world.

Thank you Sipho. We are very lucky to be able to call South Africa home.

Has anyone of you been to the most livable city in the world ? Melbourne,Australia ?

Hi Marcs, I have been to Melbourne before, as well as a couple of other cities in Australia. Melbourne, in particular, is a beautiful city filled with lovely and friendly people.

Guys, I am so gratefully to hear the comments about our beautiful country. I am glad that we don’t call our country ” Christian country or muslam country. etc’ but we call South Africa because it belongs to all who live in it regardless of gender, race and beliefs .We have eleven officially languages which we all respect and try by all means to learn them. Lets learn from each other and keep our country as it is for the generation to come to come. love you all south Africans.

Very well said, Mishack. Learning from each other and respecting each others culture is important, as it helps us grow as a nation.

9 provinces 11 languages 12 cities Exquisite cuisine,grand architecture,sleek cars,first world lifestyle,world class safaris,beautiful people,blooming history and chief of AFRICA!!!!!!!Can’t touch this…..

So true, Lincoln. Thank you for insight on our beautiful country.

Indeed, South Africa is the greatest and most beautiful country you’ll ever find. People are so friendly and caring……Love it

Thank you Thembeka. That is very true.

All honour to our Living God

I’m sure you would love South Africa Oluwafemi.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Zwi!

Just wish am gona join you guys soon there!

How I miss it, living in a tropical island in Indonesia its just not home.

Living on a tropical island sounds like a fun adventure Donovan, but it is true that if South Africa is your home, there is no place like it.

It is by his Grace and love that we are livining in a beautiful healthy country as south Africa, that is fertile with Mountains, Oceans, Nature, Gold and Minerals and as well as the beautiful weather condition we have. Let us cherish and love our country.

Thank you Kim, our country needs to be cherished and cared for, in order for its beauty to remain.

Very true, thank you for high lighting all the beauty our country, I’m sure if we look we will find beauty in all of creation around us. Negative thoughts breeds a negative outlook on life, lets focus on the good and you will find yourself in a better state of mind.

It is my pleasure to be able to share my thoughts, Nyx, and you are right about positive thoughts leading to a better state of mind. Thank you.

Thanks God for giving/allocating us in such a beautiful place like this, so now it on our hands to fight for peace in our land. Woooow come to Port St Johns you will see what we call beauty of the nature.

Thank you so much Sandiso. We have been gifted with beautiful country and need to protect it for future generations.

we thank god for the beautiful nature we have apart from crime,poverty and other economic issues our country is the most peaceful one

Thank you, Anna. Unfortunately, we see those issues daily but to see the beauty through all of it is what makes living in South Africa so special.

wow indeed our country is beautifull, we all should be greatfull and stop focusing on negative things.

Thank you Anele, I couldn’t agree more with you. We should try to focus on the positives in life everyday, even though somedays are harder than others.

Agree with you 100% Lesa regarding crime as you can see that we do have people coming from other countries and commit crime here whereas we can’t go to theirs and do as we want since we are rainbow nation, but we are truely blessed.

We are truly blessed to have this country and all of its natural beauty to call home. Thank you Simon.

South Africa’s peaceful and stable transition to democracy, universally recognized as one of the major achievements of the 20th Century, is not a coincidence or a mere short-term success: the realities in South Africa, which made this miraculous transition possible, are still in place and guarantee future stability. Political stability is the key to investor confidence, especially in today’s world. It is, therefore, essential to take a closer look at those factors, external and internal, which are guaranteeing continued political stability in South Africa.

That is true, Waqas. Thank you.

It is true we are very blessed, let us cherish our beautiful country and not focus on the negative that way we can be happy people

Thank you Victor. We need more happiness, and focusing on negatives things takes that away from us.

All true but crime is going to ruin this

You make a fair point Dudley, but, unfortunately, crime is a battle that we face anywhere in the world. We can appreciate South Africa for its natural beauty and be thankful that this is the country that many of us get to call home.

We give God all the glory for blessing us with such magnificent piece of artistry like South Africa!

We are all very blessed to live in our beautiful country. Thank you Molefi.

Well KUJANI ,YEBO , i would like to thank South Africa for the peacefull enviroment it has provided to me and my family , The protection of its nature and the traditional sanctuaries , i appreciate the wonderfull work of the Creator , Since am A strong traditional healer by nature . I like exploring in the wild looking for muthi and herbs and my studies . I really found work to be easy here and i recommend all those who have visited South Africa to do so . Yours sincerely Omar , +27839662696

beautiful country indeed, lets us fight rhino poaching with intergrity because is killing one of the big five, whereas 80% of population is in S A. Let us protects the protected species of animalie and plantae, leave politics behind

Thank you so much Moshiti. We do need to care and protect our beautiful, unique nature.

Thank you Moshiti. I agree with you

I can even die without visit other countries because my mzansi rockz.

definitely the fact that we don’t struggle with the extreme natural disaster such as Tsunami’s and earthquakes. Great reason to love and preserve South Africa.

I didn’t think about that, but it is a very true fact. Thank you Fezile.

Excellent article. We focus too much on negative things and forget how blessed we are as a country. Ours is a truly beautiful country and the weather is awesome.

Thank you Xolani! Couldn’t agree more about everything, especially the weather.

indeed south africa is blessed and the weather is awesome!!!

The diversity unequaled by any other country – our wildlife, our plant kingdom, our marine life, our scenery (from white beaches, across coastal forest, through green rolling hills, over craggy mountains, between giant desert sand dunes, endless plains and then to gaze in awe from God’s Window), the multitude of outdoor sports, the wonderful mild weather all year round and above all the diversity of our people, living diverse lives in diverse homes making us truly a Rainbow Nation.

That is so true and you make some wonderful points! Thank you so much Rodney.

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Descriptive essay: why i love south africa

• Published: October 26, 2022
• Updated: October 26, 2022
• University / College: Ulster University
• Language: English
• Downloads: 34

As an avid traveller, I’ve discovered several countries that got under my skin but the one I’ll always call home, where the heart is, is South Africa. I know that as a Saffa I’m being subjective but then again, I’ve seen the aspects that visitors to the country don’t usually see and I still love the place, warts and all.

There is much to love about the land at the southern tip of Africa but for me its biggest strength is its diversity. Having grown up under apartheid, I used to think that ‘ diversity’ was only a good thing when it referred to the varied South African landscape. Of course the many worlds in one country is wonderful: You can drive only a couple of hours from Cape Town’s Mediterranean climate to the coastal forests of the Tsitsikamma or the arid, desolate Karoo; or from bustling Johannesburg to the tranquillity of the Drakensberg, the subtropical Lowveld or the wild Bushveld with its mopane and baobab trees. However, the diversity that really gets my heart racing is that of the South African people. It used to be our curse but under the leadership of people like Nelson Mandela, it has come to be our blessing.

Like so many of my countrymen, I had to learn to embrace difference but now I never want to live in a place where everyone looks the same, speaks the same language and holds the same beliefs. How, for instance, can I fear Islam when I’ve walked around a predominantly Muslim neighbourhood during Eid al Futr and felt the palpable sense of excitement and community in the air? I once was in a train carriage where everyone, complete strangers, spontaneously started to dance to the music of a guitar-playing busker. I can’t imagine this happening in New York or London or Berlin. It made me realise how privileged I am to be part of the Rainbow Nation. Of course there is a lot wrong with South Africa.

The economic inequality makes me want to cry, as do the unacceptably high rates of crime and corruption. But then I look at where we were and how far we’ve come. A taxi driver in Nicaragua, upon hearing where I was from, said to me, ‘ Oh, yes, you guys forgave one another.’ That’s been our salvation: That we can acknowledge the past but instead of being crippled by it, we can use it as a guide in making the world a better place for all. I now try to live according to Ubuntu, the idea that ‘ I am because you are’.

I hope that this philosophy will come to be the greatest South African export. Meanwhile, I’ll keep carrying my beloved country in my heart and in my veins, no matter where I go.

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Descriptive Essay: Why I Love South Africa

As an avid traveller, I’ve discovered several countries that got under my skin but the one I’ll always call home, where the heart is, is South Africa. I know that as a Saffa I’m being subjective but then again, I’ve seen the aspects that visitors to the country don’t usually see and I still love the place, warts and all.

There is much to love about the land at the southern tip of Africa but for me its biggest strength is its diversity.Having grown up under apartheid, I used to think that ‘diversity’ was only a good thing when it referred to the varied South African landscape. Of course the many worlds in one country is wonderful: You can drive only a couple of hours from Cape Town’s Mediterranean climate to the coastal forests of the Tsitsikamma or the arid, desolate Karoo; or from bustling Johannesburg to the tranquillity of the Drakensberg, the subtropical Lowveld or the wild Bushveld with its mopane and baobab trees.However, the diversity that really gets my heart racing is that of the South African people. It used to be our curse but under the leadership of people like Nelson Mandela, it has come to be our blessing.

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Like so many of my countrymen, I had to learn to embrace difference but now I never want to live in a place where everyone looks the same, speaks the same language and holds the same beliefs. How, for instance, can I fear Islam when I’ve walked around a predominantly Muslim neighbourhood during Eid al Futr and felt the palpable sense of excitement and community in the air? I once was in a train carriage where everyone, complete strangers, spontaneously started to dance to the music of a guitar-playing busker. I can’t imagine this happening in New York or London or Berlin. It made me realise how privileged I am to be part of the Rainbow Nation.Of course there is a lot wrong with South Africa.

The economic inequality makes me want to cry, as do the unacceptably high rates of crime and corruption. But then I look at where we were and how far we’ve come. A taxi driver in Nicaragua, upon hearing where I was from, said to me, ‘Oh, yes, you guys forgave one another.’ That’s been our salvation: That we can acknowledge the past but instead of being crippled by it, we can use it as a guide in making the world a better place for all. I now try to live according to Ubuntu, the idea that ‘I am because you are’.

I hope that this philosophy will come to be the greatest South African export. Meanwhile, I’ll keep carrying my beloved country in my heart and in my veins, no matter where I go.

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Reasons to love South Africa and 7 random facts

Photo by Lauren Melnick of Wanderlust Movement

South Africa is epic in so many ways. To honour of Tourism Month and Heritage Day this month, I asked local and international travel bloggers what they love most about South Africa. Here’s what they said, along with a few interesting facts, you may not have known.

Lauren Melnick of Wanderlust Movement

What I love about travelling in South Africa are the limitless options – from arid desert landscapes to lush forests and pristine, rugged coastlines. You don’t need to go far to find a destination that suits your needs.

With such a variety of landscapes, you aren’t short on exceptional experiences either. How many other countries can boast such a high volume of things to see and do? Hike up Table Mountain, see the Big 7, learn about ancient traditions and experience a fusion of cultures on your taste buds. South Africa lives up to its nickname “the rainbow nation” in every way possible.

Random fact #1

Anje Rautenbach of Going Somewhere Slowly  

The thing that gets me in that state of “damn, I love this country,” every single time I travel in South Africa is that there will always be a surprise waiting just around the next corner; it’s a bubbling fountain of diversity, whether it is the terrain, climate, cultures, vegetation, people, wildlife or landscapes, I’m constantly jaw-on-the-floor amazed! And this excites me, knowing that I can go to the same place twice and still learn something new, meet someone else and have a completely different experience.

Random fact #2

According to the African Tourism Monitor 2016, published by AfDB, South Africa welcomed 8.9 million tourists in 2015, making it the third most visited African country after Morocco and Egypt.

Sarah of The Winged Fork

South Africa is a country with so much to offer – from serene landscapes and stunning coastlines to rugged mountains, fascinating forests and much more. It’s nature at its best along with lively cities and charming towns.

Table Mountain in the heart of the Cape Town is also national park because of the diverse flora and fauna. We also visited the stunning winelands, with their beautiful scenery and awesome variety of wines and cheeses.

In the coastal town of Hermanus we watched the whales (as it was whale season) just off the rugged coast at Cliff Path. Then we road tripped along the beautiful Garden Route with its many varied activities and enjoyed the best game viewing at various national parks and game reserves. I loved South Africa because it’s a world in its own right and there was so much to see from every point of view.

Random fact #3

I love that travelling through South Africa offers so much variety – from city breaks, creative hubs and live music to safaris, adventure activities and unspoilt beaches. I love South Africa’s diversity. We have the most epic landscapes, warm people and a rich natural and cultural heritage. South Africa offers something for everyone. I think you can spend a lifetime exploring Mzansi and still get surprised by what the country has to offer. I love that we have so many stories to share with the world – stories of icons like Mandela and Biko, stories of ordinary people and our history and heritage. I love our melting pot of cultures, the energy of our cities and townships, our vibrant food scene and our wealth of creative experiences.

Random fact #4

South Africa has 2 798 kilometres of coastline .

Sara Essop of In Africa and Beyond

South Africa has so much to be proud of.  I love how diverse it is, and how I just need to decide what kind of holiday I want and will find it not too far away. It has some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, beautiful beaches and vibrant cities. It also has the friendliest people, the most lekker braais and the best weather. My personal favourite activity in South Africa, though, is going on safari. There are few experiences more exhilarating than driving through the African bushveld, on an open Land Rover, as the sun dips below the horizon and that feeling of being at one with nature.

Random fact #5

South Africa has nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Maria Aardal of Both Paths

  Earlier this year I left my home in Norway to travel the world for six months. I was nervous as this was my first trip travelling alone. My first impression of Cape Town was amazing. I fell in love with the country’s beauty, vibe and people. On my first night I made amazing friends, got to know people that would change my life, and met my now girlfriend. I had no idea how much these people would mean to me, especially the one I fell in love with and who I run a travel blog with. Cape Town stole my heart and it changed my life forever.

Random fact #6

In 2006 South Africa became the first country on the continent and the fifth country in the world to recognise same-sex marriage. That says a lot considering that same-sex marriages, and even just homosexuality, is illegal in a large number of African countries. In South Africa, same-sex couples can marry, adopt children and naturally also have equal access to IVF and surrogacy.

Verushka Ramasami of Spice Goddess

As someone who has returned home to South Africa after almost a decade away, I am seeing the land of my birth through the eyes of a tourist. South Africa is indeed a rainbow nation filled with so much to offer the world from the amazing UNESCO Heritages sites to the traditional food there is something for everyone.

I live in the beautiful province of KwaZulu-Natal in the bustling city of Durban. It’s a city full of life and food that sets ones tastebuds on a flavour journey. Living in Durban one gets to experience the best of both with fantastic weather all year round as well as fantastic beaches and the opportunity to escape inland to the mountains. I love my city and am exploring it all the time to find forgotten spaces and hidden gems. An hour out of Durban you may think you are in the middle of Africa on a safari, the province boasts several game parks with lots of opportunity for game viewing. Durban is home to the Sharks Ruby team, Moses Mabida Stadium, uShaka Marine World and some pretty awesome Art Deco buildings and not forgetting one of South Africa’s most loved foods – the Durban Bunny Chow. With great food, friendly faces and awesome weather all year round, it’s no wonder I have fallen in love with my city.

Random fact #7

Iga Motylska

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35 Reasons Why We Love South Africa

Have you noticed how fond people are of rubbishing the country every time something goes ‘wrong’? I find this particularly with those friends of mine who have left the country, for whatever reason, and are not wholly convinced that they’ve done the right thing (although they will never say as much).

The minute negative news hits the airwaves – take the Marikana mining fiasco, and consequent Lonmin share plummet, as an example (not that it is not worth the mileage it has received) – people cannot wait to paste the latest offense on FB or they send you emails filled with exclamation marks.

But there is a lot to love about South Africa. I spent time trawling the Internet to find out what others think.

Here is a list, in no particular order, of the reasons why South Africans (and Visitors) love South Africa…

1. sunshine.

And a lot of it…you don’t find blue skies like this in Europe, or Canada, or New Zealand (okay, maybe in Oz – we’ll allow that…)

2. Bushveld

Big 5 country, a vast expanse of acacia trees, dry sand, the occasional water hole, the sighting of elephant, buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, lion…

3. Afrikaner hospitality

No better place than round a braai with a beer in your hand, followed by pap en sous,  sugared sweet potato and maybe a four-bean salad (the vegetable afterthought)

4. Highveld thunderstorms

Nothing like that rolling, slate-grey approach, and the smell of the earth after rain

5. Bunny chows

Durban ‘s famous hollowed out half loaves stuffed with curry is half the reason people return home

6. We don’t have a nuclear weapons programme

We might have a nuclear power station or two, but we’re the only nation to voluntarily dismantle our nuclear weapons

7. Table Mountain

One of the most recognisable icons, and one of the oldest mountains in the world

8. Incredible landscapes

The Drakensberg , the Tsitsikamma , the Karoo , the Panorama Route , and innumerable mountain passes

9. Shosholoza

The one song we all love to get wrong

10. The kreepy crawly

… Pratley’s putty, cats-eyes and Dolosse blocks – we invented them all

11. Open roads and free parking

(most of the time)

12. The toyi-toyi

Because nobody dances quite like an oppressed or celebrating African

13. The price of coffee and petrol

Because, despite the hike in price of oil, both are still a lot more expensive elsewhere

Where would we be without all that bass?

15. SA English

… is peppered with bits and pieces of the other official language

16. Our flag

The only national flag in the world with six colours

17. Platinum

We produce 80% of the world’s platinum

We have over 17 ‘official’ wine routes countrywide, claim the longest wine route ( R62 ), and are among the top ten wine producing countries, in the world

19. Missing front teeth

… and horse drawn carts

20. Mrs Balls Chutney…

Biltong, Ouma rusks and Koffeehuis

21. Slap chips

(in the UK chips are crisps and slap chips are chips, but in USA they’re fries)

For its controversial marketing and for exporting the brand overseas

23. Flat vowels

where else in the world?

24. Jacarandas

in Pretoria

25. Nelson Mandela

We ♥ Madiba

26. Our constitution

One of the most liberal and free constitutions in the world

27. Kief, lekker, shweet

Nowhere else will you hear this except, maybe, on a tube in London

28. Cape Town

… cape town

on the coastlines of the country

30. World Heritage Sites

We have 8 of them

31. Windmills of the Karoo

SA has something like 290 000 windmills throughout the country, second only in number to Australia

We got the World Cup right!

33. Shopping at the robots

anything from hats to wire art up for grabs

34. We have 3 capital cities

Pretoria, Cape town and Bloemfontein

who else celebrates a national braai day?

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Further Reading...

Road Cycling Holidays in South Africa – See the Best of South Africa on Your Bike

15 Free and Cheap Cape Town Date Ideas

Fynbos Rocks at Good Hope Nursery

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Why we love south africa.

South Africa has been called “A world in one country”. It offers cosmopolitan cities, a rainbow nation of richly diverse cultures, spectacular scenery and of course the Big Five safari experience. South Africa has it all! 

Our Top 8 Game Reserves in South Africa:

Kruger national park.

Steeped in legend and history, the iconic Kruger National Park invites you to explore its vast landscapes and spectacular wildlife for the ultimate safari experience. It is the largest game reserve in South Africa that covers 7,523 square miles from north to south along the Mozambique border, offering a diverse range of terrain from mountains and rivers to savannah and tropical forests. On a safari through Kruger’s expansive savanna there is a strong likelihood of seeing Africa's Big Five and many other species such as giraffes and zebras.

Suggested Safari: The Pearl of South Africa

Kapama Private Game Reserve

Dubbed an African Eden, Kapama Game Reserve spans more than 37,000 acres, offering a rich habitat home to more than 40 different mammal species and 350 bird species. From epic elephant encounters to rare species sightings, such as the African wild dog, the variety of wildlife at Kapama satisfies both first-time safari goers and seasoned safari travelers. Featuring four magnificently luxurious lodges, Kapama is a 5 star destination offering spa and wellness options to complement your game drives and nature walks.

Suggested Safari: Best of South Africa

Madikwe Game Reserve

Traverse the vast open plains of grasslands, woodlands, rocky outcrops, and single mountains at Madikwe Game Reserve for an amazing South African safari. The reserve is one of the lesser- known parks, with a 95-mile perimeter fence to prevent the escape of the larger animals. It is situated against the Botswana border close to the Kalahari Desert and this hidden gem is commonly regarded as one of the best conservation areas in Africa with Big Five viewing opportunities.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

The Shamwari Private Game Reserve is in a malaria-free environment tucked away in the Eastern Cape where sightings of the Big Five are common, as well as cheetah and a wide variety of other animals and birds. This is an exclusive experience for a South African safari vacation while staying in luxury accommodation and taking open 4×4 vehicle game drives with knowledgeable guides. Expect to take away new insights and an appreciation for Africa after an unforgettable South Africa Safari experience at Shamwari Private Game Reserve.

Suggested Safari: Tented Safari in Style

Sabi Sands Game Reserive

The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is one of the best places to experience a safari in South Africa. It is a 250 square mile private game reserve that shares a border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park. Game viewing possibilities are simply unparalleled, resulting in extraordinary close encounters of the much sought after Big Five and the elusive leopard. Add a superb range of lodges and a luxury safari in South Africa is born.

Suggested Safari: Best of Cape Town and the Bush

Thornybush Game Reserve

Thornybush Private Game Reserve is located adjacent to the Kruger National Park covering 24, 710 acres of some of the most magnificent bushveld that Africa has to offer. It is home to an incredible variety of birdlife and other wildlife species including the Big Five. In addition, one can see giraffes grazing from the highest branches, dazzles of zebras and so much more. With a near perfect year-round climate this is an ideal destination for a South Africa safari.

Suggested Safari: South Africa in Absolute Style

Amakhosi Private Game Reserve

Found in Kwazulu-Natal on the banks of the Mkuze River, Amakhosi Private Game Reserve offers plenty of character and countless species of wildlife to get up close to with buffalo, lion, elephant, leopard and rhino resident to the reserve. Amakhosi also boasts wildebeest, hippo, crocodile and cheetah sightings along with a colorful array of birdlife which includes raptors like Whalberg's eagle and the Crowned eagle. Experience a variety of scenic landscapes from plunging valley bushland and thick grassland to distinctive umbrella thorn trees and river wetlands. Each offers a unique habitat in which a superb biodiversity can be found.

Pilanesberg Game Reserve

The Pilanesberg National Park, which covers 212 square miles, is the fourth largest game reserve in Southern Africa. This malaria-free park is in the crater of a long extinct volcano – one of only three such craters in the world. There is an abundance of birdlife (more than 360 species) along with virtually every mammal of southern Africa and is also home to healthy populations of the Big Five. Also found here is a wide variety of rare and common species, like the nocturnal brown hyaena, cheetah, majestic sable, as well as giraffe, zebra, hippo, and crocodile, to mention a few.

Suggested Safari: Classic South Africa

Why We Love The Major Cities of South Africa

This is a vibrant city with a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, beautiful beaches, fabulous shopping, never ending picturesque landscapes, botanical gardens, a penguin colony, the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. The Cape Peninsula offers awe-inspiring drives along the coast and over mountain passes, with the ever-present backdrop of the iconic Table Mountain. You will not be disappointed if you take a scenic tour to the quaint towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek to visit countryside wine estates. Cape Town is one of those cities that is the perfect starting point for an exciting South African vacation.

Johannesburg

Also affectionately called Jozi, this city is known as the “City of Gold” and is South Africa's biggest city and the vibrant heart of South Africa, where luxury hotels, shopping and dining are world class. There is a lot to see and do in Johannesburg. The city is filled with superb museums, such as the Apartheid Museum, offering deep insight into South Africa's troubled past. The sprawling Soweto township was once home to Nelson Mandela and his former residence is now the Mandela House Museum. The city is undergoing an amazing rebirth, where the hipster-friendly neighborhood of Maboneng is considered as one of the most successful urban-renewal projects in the world.

South Africa’s third largest city, Durban is blessed with balmy weather all year round. The beachfront is lined with 5 star hotels and luxury holiday accommodation, all of which have an idyllic view of the Indian Ocean. This city is often referred to as South Africa’s Miami Beach. This ocean-side city is the gateway to the Mkuze and Hluhluwe Game Reserves and the sandy beaches of St. Lucia where deep-sea diving is amazing and leatherback turtles come out to hatch.

Suggested Safari: The Pearl of Africa

• kook & wijn
• hier moet je eten
• reis & verblijf
• doe & ervaar
• stukjes enzo

20 reasons why I love South Africa – Part 1

People who never visited South Africa don’t always understand my endless love for this country. They don’t understand the hankering I feel to always go back there. “But you have seen it already, right? Why don’t you go and explore the mountains of Mongolia, visit Washington DC or go and smoke cigars and drive around in oldtimer cars in Havana (Cuba)?” In this new category ’20 reasons why I love South Africa’ I will explain you in 4 blog posts – 5 reasons each time – why South Africa is the country of countries, the “Miss Universe” of all beauties, the Rolls Royce of holiday destinations, and the best feeling of all. I will try to explain why it’s a place on earth you always want to come back to, over and over again, not just to tick off your travel bucket list, but just to be there again. To feel, smell, taste, touch, hear, see and experience this country again. My home from home. “My” South Africa .

Reason 20: The people

The people of South Africa always smile. Although most of them have nothing, or very little. They’ll smile. They are super friendly, warm hearted and funny. Hard workers? No, not really. In general. Pretty lazy, yes, most of them! But what they are most definitely: sweet at heart, warm in their soul and since a few years you’ll see more and more that the new generation want to learn and work hard for their own (better) future. I love you, people of South Africa. With your boerewors , your languages, your ‘African’ logica, your friendliness, your stupid solutions, your dancing, your food and wine, and your spiritual souls. In addition to that, a few of my very very best friends live in South Africa. I miss them and love them to bits. The moments, fun, laughter and also grief we shared over 5,5 years I will never forget.

Reason 19: Table Mountain is just awesome

Reason 18: wine tasting like nowhere else in the world, reason 17: quality and taste of fruit and vegetables.

Because of South Africa’s rich soil grounds, fruit and veggies are excellent in this country. A strawberry really tastes like a strawberry, a ripe avocado in this country needs nothing but a little sea salt, the chilli peppers are excellent and hot(!), salad, fresh herbs, lettuce everywhere, and the mangos and bananas taste just delicious . The quality of fresh fruit and vegetables is outstanding. Maybe the range of choice is a bit smaller than in Europe, but for sure the quality is better; most fresh groceries will stay nice in your pantry or fridge for a week or so! Great.

Reason 16: The South African weather

Stay tuned….  for 15 more reasons why one can easily fall in love with south africa.

*Note: I have not been asked paid or invited to write about South Africa. It was my own idea. All images are mine. 

Aukje Wouters - eatwelltraveloften.online

horeca-meisje. houdt van goed eten en fijne wijn, Zuid-Afrika, fotograferen, wielrennen, hardlopen, boeken, knisperende haardvuren, buiten in de natuur zijn en stukjes schrijven. Romantiseert het leven, soms iets te veel - maar het is dan tenminste nooit saai.

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Home » SA POEM: “Why I Love South Africa” by Ian Macdonald

SA POEM: “Why I Love South Africa” by Ian Macdonald

A poem written by the passionately South African former editor of SA Good News, Ian Macdonald, has been going viral this week as South Africans voted once more for the country they love, for hope, for a better future, for home… WHY I LOVE SOUTH AFRICA – by Ian MacDonald I love her for the […]

A poem written by the passionately South African former editor of SA Good News, Ian Macdonald, has been going viral this week as South Africans voted once more for the country they love, for hope, for a better future, for home…

Why i love south africa – by ian macdonald.

I love her for the perfection of her days The crisp Karoo morning The Joburg winter noon The late summer Cape Town sunset The star-filled Free State night I love her for her people For our warm smiles For our resilience For our I-am-because-we-are I love her because she delights my senses Highveld thunderbolts Jacarandas in bloom Sunday braais African sun Icy sea I love her raw power, her intensity, her strength I love her because of how she makes me feel Sometimes angry, sometimes joyous Sometimes fearful, sometimes love-filled Sometimes frustrated, sometimes hopeful Always alive I love her because she intrigues me And challenges me The Chinese have a curse: “May you live in interesting times” I see it as a blessing I love her because she helps me keep things in perspective By reminding me how privileged I am Every day I love her for being a microcosm of the world A world in one country For what we can teach the world About compromise And sharing And forgiveness And tolerance And hope I love her because she’s imperfect And full of opportunity And potential unfulfilled I love her because she has come so far And has so much further to go And whether we ever get there Will all depend on us I love her because she’s been so good to me And she inspires me to return the favour I love her because she’s my country No matter what I love her because she’s my home And where my soul is at rest

The poem first appeared on Facebook in 2009. Tragically Ian McDonald died in a car crash in February 2018… but his beautiful words will live on forever in the hearts of South Africans everywhere.

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There’s a New Covid Variant. What Will That Mean for Spring and Summer?

Experts are closely watching KP.2, now the leading variant.

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By Dani Blum

For most of this year, the JN.1 variant of the coronavirus accounted for an overwhelming majority of Covid cases . But now, an offshoot variant called KP.2 is taking off. The variant, which made up just one percent of cases in the United States in mid-March, now makes up over a quarter.

KP.2 belongs to a subset of Covid variants that scientists have cheekily nicknamed “FLiRT,” drawn from the letters in the names of their mutations. They are descendants of JN.1, and KP.2 is “very, very close” to JN.1, said Dr. David Ho, a virologist at Columbia University. But Dr. Ho has conducted early lab tests in cells that suggest that slight differences in KP.2’s spike protein might make it better at evading our immune defenses and slightly more infectious than JN.1.

While cases currently don’t appear to be on the rise, researchers and physicians are closely watching whether the variant will drive a summer surge.

“I don’t think anybody’s expecting things to change abruptly, necessarily,” said Dr. Marc Sala, co-director of the Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive Covid-19 Center in Chicago. But KP.2 will most likely “be our new norm,’” he said. Here’s what to know.

The current spread of Covid

Experts said it would take several weeks to see whether KP.2 might lead to a rise in Covid cases, and noted that we have only a limited understanding of how the virus is spreading. Since the public health emergency ended , there is less robust data available on cases, and doctors said fewer people were using Covid tests.

But what we do know is reassuring: Despite the shift in variants, data from the C.D.C. suggests there are only “minimal ” levels of the virus circulating in wastewater nationally, and emergency department visits and hospitalizations fell between early March and late April.

“I don’t want to say that we already know everything about KP.2,” said Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, the chief of research and development at the Veterans Affairs St. Louis Healthcare System. “But at this time, I’m not seeing any major indications of anything ominous.”

Protection from vaccines and past infections

Experts said that even if you had JN.1, you may still get reinfected with KP.2 — particularly if it’s been several months or longer since your last bout of Covid.

KP.2 could infect even people who got the most updated vaccine, Dr. Ho said, since that shot targets XBB.1.5, a variant that is notably different from JN.1 and its descendants. An early version of a paper released in April by researchers in Japan suggested that KP.2 might be more adept than JN.1 at infecting people who received the most recent Covid vaccine. (The research has not yet been peer-reviewed or published.) A spokesperson for the C.D.C. said the agency was continuing to monitor how vaccines perform against KP.2.

Still, the shot does provide some protection, especially against severe disease, doctors said, as do previous infections. At this point, there isn’t reason to believe that KP.2 would cause more severe illness than other strains, the C.D.C. spokesperson said. But people who are 65 and older, pregnant or immunocompromised remain at higher risk of serious complications from Covid.

Those groups, in particular, may want to get the updated vaccine if they haven’t yet, said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco. The C.D.C. has recommended t hat people 65 and older who already received one dose of the updated vaccine get an additional shot at least four months later.

“Even though it’s the lowest level of deaths and hospitalizations we’ve seen, I’m still taking care of sick people with Covid,” he said. “And they all have one unifying theme, which is that they’re older and they didn’t get the latest shot.”

The latest on symptoms and long Covid

Doctors said that the symptoms of both KP.2 and JN.1 — which now makes up around 16 percent of cases — are most likely similar to those seen with other variants . These include sore throat, runny nose, coughing, head and body aches, fever, congestion, fatigue and in severe cases, shortness of breath. Fewer people lose their sense of taste and smell now than did at the start of the pandemic, but some people will still experience those symptoms.

Dr. Chin-Hong said that patients were often surprised that diarrhea, nausea and vomiting could be Covid symptoms as well, and that they sometimes confused those issues as signs that they had norovirus .

For many people who’ve already had Covid, a reinfection is often as mild or milder than their first case. While new cases of long Covid are less common now than they were at the start of the pandemic, repeat infections do raise the risk of developing long Covid, said Fikadu Tafesse, a virologist at Oregon Health & Science University. But researchers are still trying to determine by how much — one of many issues scientists are trying to untangle as the pandemic continues to evolve.

“That’s the nature of the virus,” Dr. Tafesse said. “It keeps mutating.”

Dani Blum is a health reporter for The Times. More about Dani Blum

Meryl Streep Explains Why Her Love Scene With Robert Redford Was Her Favorite: 'I Didn't Want It to End'

M eryl Streep reflected, during a Cannes Q&A, on her famous scene with Robert Redford where he intimately washed her hair in the film "Out of Africa."

In the epic 1985 Sydney Pollack romantic drama, Streep starred as a Danish baroness who falls in love with a big game hunter, played by Redford, while running a coffee plantation in colonial South Africa. 

The movie's iconic moment features Redford tenderly washing Streep's hair by a river, while reciting lines from English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge's seminal poem, "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner."

"It's a sex scene in a way, because it's so intimate," the 74-year-old actress said during a Q&A Wednesday at the Cannes Film Festival.

She added, "We've seen so many scenes of people f–king, but we don't see that loving touch, that care. It's gorgeous."

The audience responded with applause during the conversation at Cannes' Théâtre Debussy.

Streep went on to explain that she, Redford and the crew had to be aware of the potentially dangerous animals in the area while filming the scene.

"I didn't want it to end that day, even in spite of the hippos," she continued.

"We had lions, but they were imported from California and they were supposedly fine -- tame. They were not," the actress said, setting up the tension in the background as she filmed with Redford.

"And the second thing we were told is the animal that kills the most people in Africa is the hippopotamus, if you get between the hippopotamus and the water," Streep continued. "So we were shooting in the river and the hippopotamus were right above it. I don't know if they show that in the movie, I can't remember, but I was aware of it."

Unfortunately Redford, now 87, was not initially a gifted hair stylist during the shampoo scene, Streep said. "It was not good."

So she got her longtime hair and makeup artist Roy Hellund to take Redford aside to give him a few pointers, she explained.

It worked. "Redford took the lesson, and he just really got into it, and he was great," Streep recalled. "By take five I was so in love," she said of her costar.

Streep was awarded an honorary Palme d'Or at Cannes' opening ceremony earlier this week for her expansive career.

Taking a look at the industry, as France currently goes through  its own #MeToo reckoning , Streep also discussed how significantly the film industry changed once women gained authority at the studios.

"Before there were women in greenlight positions at studios, it was very hard for men to see themselves in a female protagonist. It was not difficult for the women executives to see themselves in a male protagonist, but the hardest thing -- I've said this 150,000 times -- the hardest thing is for a male to live through the female in a movie who's the lead," Streep said during the Q&A, TheWrap reported . "They just didn't get it."

"Out of Africa" was based on Karen Blixen's 1937 autographical book. The film received 11 Academy Award nominations, including a best actress nod for Streep. The movie went on to take seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Pollack.

For all of TheWrap's Cannes coverage,  click here .

The post Meryl Streep Explains Why Her Love Scene With Robert Redford Was Her Favorite: 'I Didn't Want It to End' appeared first on TheWrap .

• International

The latest on the massive solar storm

By Angela Fritz, Elise Hammond and Chris Lau, CNN

Incredible lighthouse picture from Maine

From CNN's Chris Lau

Among a flurry of surreal images capturing the dazzling auroras is one taken by Benjamin Williamson of a lighthouse in Portland, Maine.

"It's one of the most incredible things I've ever seen, the awe and wonder," Williamson told CNN.

He said he used a long-exposure technique to snap the shot, but did not edit it.

Watch the full interview with Williamson here .

Things could be about to ramp up

If you still haven't seen the aurora, hold on for another 30 minutes to an hour, according to CNN meteorologist Chad Myers.

The next wave of coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, which cause the aurora, is about to arrive, he said.

"Just wait a minute because things are going to start to ramp up here," he said, adding that the increase could arrive "anytime now." "When it comes, get outside, get ready, put your coat on."

For those who are too busy to witness the phenomenon tonight, Myers said the aurora is expected to last three nights.

Why does the aurora last for a weekend?

By CNN's Chris Lau

Generally, it takes just eight minutes for light to travel 93 million miles to the Earth from the sun, but astrophysicist Janna Levin said the energized particles causing the current wave of aurora travel a lot slower, causing the phenomenon to last for the weekend.

"Some of these mass ejections are trillions of kilograms," she said. "They're slower. So they're taking longer, but still hours, maybe tens of hours."

Here's how the solar storm looks in the South and on the East Coast

The aurora was visible across the East Coast and in the South Friday.

Here's how it looked in Chester, South Carolina.

Down in Florida, waves of color swam through the sky.

Up north in New Jersey, a purple-ish haze could be seen in the sky.

Will solar storms get more intense and risky in the future?

The answer is probably not in the short term, according to astrophysicist Hakeem Oluseyi.

He said scientists study what is constantly happening on the surface of the sun and have found a pattern.

“Geological data shows us that in the past the sun was way more active than it is today. It has cycles where it goes very quiet ... and you have events that show that the solar activity was much, much greater,” he told CNN. “So there's no evidence that we're going to see those big maxima this cycle." 

But the astrophysicist also spoke of a caveat - the limitations of modern science.

“Even though it's predictable in the short term, we still don't quite understand what creates the magnetic fields in the sun,” he said, adding: “That's why NASA has so many satellites looking at the sun.”

In Pictures: Auroras light the sky during rare solar storm

From CNN Digital's Photo Team

A series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun are creating dazzling auroras across the globe .

The rare solar storm may also disrupt communications. The last time a solar storm of this magnitude reached Earth was in October 2003, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center.

See more photos of the aurora from tonight.

Behind dazzling aurora could lie “real danger,” Bill Nye the Science Guy says

The massive solar storm could present “a real danger,” especially with the modern world relying so much on electricity, according to Bill Nye the Science Guy , a science educator and engineer.

Scientists are warning an increase in solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun have the potential to disrupt communication on Earth into the weekend. Solar flares can affect communications and GPS almost immediately because they disrupt Earth’s ionosphere, or part of the upper atmosphere. Energetic particles released by the sun can also disrupt electronics on spacecraft and affect astronauts without proper protection within 20 minutes to several hours.

In comparison to tonight's event, Nye drew comparisons with another incident in 1859, known as the Carrington Event, when telegraph communications were severely affected.

“The other thing, everybody, that is a real danger to our technological society, different from 1859, is how much we depend on electricity and our electronics and so on,” Nye said. "None of us really in the developed world could go very long without electricity."

He noted that there are systems in place to minimize the impact, but “stuff might go wrong,” stressing that not all transformers are equipped to withstand such a solar event.

“It depends on the strength of the event and it depends on how much of our infrastructures are prepared for this the sort of thing,” he said.

Bill Nye breaks down significance of the solar storm | CNN

This post has been updated with more details on solar flares' impact on electronics.

Here's where clouds will block the view of the northern lights in the US

From CNN's Angela Fritz

After an incredibly stormy week, most of the Lower 48 has clear skies to see the northern lights. But there are some areas where clouds and rainy weather are spoiling the view.

A deck of clouds is blocking the sky in the Northeast, from parts of Virginia into Maine, as an area of low pressure spins off the East Coast.

In the Midwest, the aurora will be hard to see through thick clouds in parts of Wisconsin, Michigan — including the Upper Peninsula — and Illinois.

A stripe of clouds is tracking across Texas, including Dallas-Forth Worth, and into Louisiana.

And in the Southwest, patchy clouds across the the Four Corners region could make the northern lights difficult to spot.

Aurora seen at least as far south as Georgia

Barely visible to the naked eye, the aurora can be seen in Atlanta in the 10 p.m. ET hour. 

It is easier to see through photographs using a long exposure. The photos below, taken by CNN's Eric Zerkel and Emily Smith, used 3- and 10-second exposures.

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