Introduction

Despite the past 15 years of human drama, South Africa remains a place of fascination and intrigue for people from all walks of life and from all the corners of the globe. With the warm Indian Ocean to the east and the Atlantic Ocean’s icy waters to the west, this huge and remarkable land is filled with a staggering variety of landscapes, climates, wildlife and wonderful people. Table Mountain, Cape Point and the fertile valleys of the wine-makers in the south make way to the beautiful and timeless desert wastes of the Kalahari and the arid Karoo, while to the east lies the magnificent and ragged Drakensberg Mountains. To the north the African bush invites the wildlife enthusiast and nature lover to the bushveld, home of the Big Five.

South Africa offers an abundance of adventurous activities for the not so faint hearted. From shark diving, surfing and kite-boarding, rock climbing and abseiling, bungee jumping, kloofing and great mountain swings are just a few of the many options available. Those looking for something milder however, don’t have to look very far as there is an abundance of outdoor activities for all fitness levels. Scenic hikes ranging from just a few hours to over a week or longer can be made in any of the 9 provinces. Hot-air balloon rides over spectacular landscapes and safari trips at some of the world’s most beautiful safari destinations within an abundance of both national and private game reserves.

Our capital cities of Cape Town, Pretoria and Bloemfontein all tell their own unique story and portray the history stories of our land and culture.

The weather and climate are fabulous almost all year round and even when the thunderstorms in Gauteng are raging it just adds to the beauty of this wild land which man has attempted to tame for all this time.

Even with our raging history South Africa still stands strong, its vast cultures and people united closer together than ever.

I would like to welcome you to South Africa, to the land of the rainbow nation.