This vast country is undoubtedly one of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth. Fondly known by locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', South Africa has 11 official languages and its multicultural inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of African, Asian, and European cultures.
Spend your days: discovering the gourmet restaurants, impressive art and nightlife scenes and fine beaches of Cape Town; enjoying a typical local braai (barbecue) in the Soweto township; browsing the bustling Indian markets in Durban; or sampling some of the world’s finest wines at the myriad wine estates dotted around the picturesque Cape Winelands.
Due to its rich and turbulent history there are plenty of historical attractions to explore including the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town.
Above all else, South Africa’s attraction lies in its remarkably untamed wilderness with its astonishing range of wildlife roaming freely across massive game reserves such as the world famous Kruger National Park.
With all of this variety on offer, it is little wonder that South Africa has fast become Africa’s most popular tourist destination.
The Northern Cape is South Africa’s largest and least densely populated province, characterised by wide open spaces and mostly dry terrain, though the Orange River meandering along the northern border creates a compelling contrast to the arid desert landscape. It is home to several prominent national attractions, including the majestic Augrabies Falls, the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and, in spring, the Namaqualand wildflowers. Visitors can also look forward to exploring the red dunes of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, visit the Big Hole in Kimberley and adventure along the Orange River. (ITT)
Rising from the beautiful Drakensberg Mountains in Lesotho, forming part of the international border between South Africa and Namibia, the Orange River is the longest river in South Africa. The Orange River Basin extends into Namibia and northern Botswana. The river snakes its way through one of Southern Africa’s harshest environments bringing life to an area of sheer rugged beauty. Aside from vineyards in the desert the river also creates a mobile playground from which to explore the area. This spectacular river created the diamond dune fields along Namibia's coast, by washing diamonds downstream from the Kimberly region over millions of years. Visitors can look forward to excellent whitewater rafting, canoeing, and kayaking, as well as wonderful river cruises which allow excellent views of the surroundings.
