If ever there was a world in one country, South Africa would be it. This sun-bathed southern tip of the African continent offers such a smorgasbord of experience layered with outstanding hospitality and natural beauty that it’s difficult to do it justice in a single holiday.

South Africa is full of colour and diversity which are woven into any exploration of this exciting country. Its coastline extends almost 3,000 kilometres. In part wild and jagged, in part sweeping white-sand beaches, it is spectacular from start to finish. On the western edge, the Atlantic Ocean laps the land from the desert border of Namibia down to the southern tip of the continent. Humpback and southern right whales are prolific here and the kelp forests along this part of the coast are home to seals and penguins which shore up in droves on Cape beaches.

At the Cape of Good Hope, the warmer waters of the Indian ocean which hugs South Africa’s eastern edge, collide with the Atlantic. Standing at the tip of the African continent is a wild and unforgettable experience. Heading eastwards, the ‘Garden Route’ delivers glorious surfing beaches, mighty gorges, teeming birdlife, and towns full of character. The coastline beckoning eastward takes you into the Eastern Cape, later becoming the ‘Wild Coast’, an untamed wilderness, where goats and cows are as common as cars and the multitude of untouched beaches hidden beneath rugged cliffs and behind lush forests make the bumpy ride worth it.

The eastern coast stretches up in long sandy beaches past Durban to the border with Mozambique. Here, away from the golden beaches of Kwa-Zulu Natal, the land rises slowly to create the Great Escarpment better known as the Drakensberg Mountains. This is the highest mountain range in South Africa and its caves contain an extensive collection of San rock art. Ancient battle sites dating back to the tribal wars of the Zulus, as well as Voortrekker-Zulu conflicts and the bloody Anglo Boer war dot the foothills. This region is a treasure trove for history buffs.

South Africa’s oldest and largest national park, The Kruger, occupies an immense area in the northern reaches of the country, touching the borders of Mozambique and Zimbabwe. This great space allows for at least four distinct types of bushveld which provides natural habitat for a wide range of wildlife including the highest population of white and black rhinos in Africa. The remaining four of the big five also roam here and the park is known for its portfolio of exquisite safari lodges.

South Africa’s cities, like its landscapes, are intriguing and diverse. Cape Town, wrapped into the folds of Table Mountain, is both edgy and elegant and is rated by many as the most beautiful city in the world. There is an endless list of activities to tap into but if nothing else, Cape Town’s spectacular beaches, world class cuisine, and giddy spirit will win you over. Heading out of town, be floored by the vineyards of Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek which blanket rolling hills, surreal in their perfection.

Johannesburg is a cultural cauldron where the friendliness of its inhabitants defies the bad press it receives. The energy of this economic hub is infectious. In Joburg, life is fast, furious, and fun. Hip neighbourhoods, an eclectic art scene and various museums offer a glimpse into South Africa’s fascinating past, evolving rainbow culture, and pitted journey toward democracy.

We recommend South Africa for those who have a passion for travel that is multi-layered. South Africa’s rich culture, outstanding beauty, diverse wildlife, riveting history, and inspiring personality will entice you back again and again. Prepare to be forever changed by this beautiful country of endless wonders.