South Africa

South Africa is a fantastic destination, which comes as no surprise once you consider its lively mix of African splendor and European charm. Whether you are traveling to get a taste of the wild side of the continent on a safari through one of the game reserves, to relax on one of the fine sandy beaches on the coast, or want to experience everything that the country has to offer on a more extensive tour, you will find the holiday of your dreams in South Africa.

For most people on a South Africa holiday, it is necessary to go for three weeks in order to see as much as possible, but don't worry if you don't have that much time, as even a shorter visit will give you the chance to pack in plenty of different experiences.

Perhaps the top destination in the country is Cape Town. Nestled on the Cape of Good Hope in the south west of the country, Cape Town has plenty for tourists to enjoy. The city itself is fairly compact and easy to explore, but has plenty of great sights to see including the famous Victoria and Albert Waterfront. Cape Town is a great place from which to explore many of the western attractions in South Africa including the beautiful Table Mountain, the famous Winelands that lie inland from Cape Town, and of course the Garden Route, which wends its way through historic towns and through stunning landscapes along the south coast of the country towards Durban.

South Africa Map

Durban itself is a fantastic tourist town with amazing beaches, and some of the best surfing on the continent. It is one of the most cosmopolitan places in the world, where the local Zulu population has been enriched with cultures from across Asia, as well as plenty of European people. If you want a South African Beach Holiday, then Durban should be high on your list.

Of course, the beaches are not for everyone, and many people want to visit South Africa in order to see the breathtaking sight of the wild animals of the country on a safari. The best area in South Africa in which to see the "Big Five" animals is in the Kruger National Park to the east of Johannesburg - the nation's largest city and main gateway.

Kruger is around an hour by air from Johannesburg, and perfect for anyone who wants to get up close and personal with a range of wildlife on a South African safari. The best way to see the park is to stay a few nights in one of the Kruger National Park game lodges. These are available in a wide range of standards from basic through to very luxurious, and most include a couple of game drives in the price every day. With an expert tracker you will be taken right up to animals including lions, giraffes, rhino, and many more. A truly memorable experience.

Beyond the wildlife, city and coast, there is still plenty more to experience in South Africa - historic towns and diamond mining communities, the famous and beautiful Drakensberg Mountains, and world class tourist resorts such as Sun City. Many people return to South Africa again and again, and after you've been, only one thing is certain: It won't be long until you want to go back.

South Africa contains the Big Five, two oceans, the Cape Winelands, the Garden Route, and Cape Town — which consistently ranks among the world's most beautiful cities. It has been called the world in one country, which is either marketing or geography, depending on when you arrive.