Where to start, when you begin talking about South Africa? The country almost defies description. Staggeringly diverse in terms of population, landscape, and languages, it’s less a country as it is a melting pot of hundreds of different factors. This, of course, makes it an ideal place to explore. If you’re one of those travellers who love to dive into a destination and see all that it has to offer, there are few better countries on earth than South Africa. Below, we take a look at just a sample of what it offers the traveller who makes a trip to the southern tip of Africa.

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Cape Town

Cosmopolitan, scenic, full of interesting attractions: it’s no wonder that Cape Town is one of the country’s most popular destinations. If you only have time to do one thing here, make it the iconic ‘Tabletop Mountain’, which is by far the most photographed attraction in South Africa. Of course, you’ll want to give yourself time to see more. The beaches, for starters, are worth sticking around for, as is the ever popular Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. And if you’re really brave, you can even come face to face with a great white shark.

Johannesburg

You can’t take a trip to South Africa and not visit its biggest city. Johannesburg is now home to a vibrant arts and cultural community, who are making it an increasingly popular destination within the country. And, of course, there are all the usual fantastic attractions. Set up camp at the Protea Hotel Johannesburg Wanderers, and you’ll have The Apartheid Museum, Soweto & the Mandela Museum, and the Maboneng Precinct all to look forward to. And don’t forget to make the short trip northwest to see the Cradle of Humankind!

The National Parks

You can’t talk about South Africa without mentioning its staggering beauty. We’re already talked about Tabletop Mountain, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Take a trip out to one of the National Parks, and you’ll find a level of beauty that few other countries can match. The most famous and celebrated park in the country is Kruger National Park, which is located in the northeast of the country. It’s beautiful by itself, of course, but the park does have one special advantage: it’s home to the big five of wildlife animals, the collective name given to lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinos, and elephants. If you’re hoping to see these creatures during your trip, make sure you visit the park.If you want to explore the country’s beauty at your own pace, make sure you take a drive along the famed ‘Garden Route,’ which stretches for some 190 miles along the southwest coast.

To the Beach

Finally, don’t forget that South Africa has many, many outstanding beaches! Camps Bay in Cape Town is one of the best, if only because it doubles up as a fantastic photo opportunity, while Durban’s North Beach has to come a close second; it’s a great beach in itself, but also a fantastic people watching space!

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