South Africa is one of the most geographically diverse countries of the African continent and ranks among the world's finest adventure travel and safari destinations. South Africa's diversity is epitomised by the rolling, fertile plains of the highveld and the wide open savannahs of lowveld to the hot dry Kalahari desert and the peaks of the imposing uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Mountains and the miles and miles of beautiful beaches.
South Africa has an ecellent tourism infrastructure that is well complimented by its exquisite natural scenery; all blended with a heady mix of third and first world cultures.
South Africa is consideerd to be the best holiday destination in Africa. At the 2005 World Travel Awards ceremony in London in November, the country's airline, hotels, airports and more walked off with 16 of the 17 prize categories for the continent of Africa.
The Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg, Shamwari and Bushman Sands game reserves in the Eastern Cape and Rovos Rail were voted the best in the world in their categories.
South Africa's transport and accommodation infrastructure are such that if, once you've researched all the sites you'd like to see, you can easily do it yourself. However, guided tours are a great option if you want to enjoy a deeper learning experience and be assured of safe, hassle free experiences. By participating in small, organised tours expertly facilitated and organised by professionals who know their subject matter intimately, you not only remove all the hassle of planning, but also gain insightful interpretation of the places you visit.
If your fascination lies with history, architecture, cultural formations, geography and topography, the evolution of mankind, fauna and flora or indigenous cultures, South Africa has enough attractions to keep you occupied for a lifetime.
A very tiny taste of what might fill your itinerary include a tour of the Battlefields in KwaZulu-Natal, where you will relive the epic battles between the Boers and the British imperial forces.
You could spend days exploring the Namaqualand viewing the magnificent array of flowers that burst into colourful display every spring, wonder at the rock art of South Africa's earliest inhabitants, or visit the palaeontological sites at Cradle of Humankind, believed to be home to the world's earliest inhabitants.
Nature's bounty is truly abundant in South Africa, and you might wish to view whales, dolphins and birds or track a whole range of game in one of our magnificent National parks or private reserves. Once you've had your dose of the wilds you can touch the heart of the country in a number of cultural villages, or taste our history on a tour to Soweto, Robben Island and other heritage sites.
Furthermore, with its exceptional road and rail systems, South Africa's abundance of top-rated accommodation, allows visitors ample opportunity for more luxurious travel along with adventure filled excitement.
Johannesburg is the business and travel hub of South Africa. World-class hotels and the best access to the whole of the Southern African region give Johannesburg the status of the “Gateway to Africa”.
South Africa's sunny climate and provides for a wonderful outdoor lifestyle -- South Africa can be visited all year round, as it has mild winters. For game viewing Autumn to Spring is the best, as the big game areas can be very hot in summer. The winter months are excellent (June-August) as it is cool. For Cape Town, summer (October - February) is best, as this area experiences winter rains and chilly conditions in winter.
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