by Lisa Parris

Created on: December 05, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2010

Spectacular South Africa

With its exciting and invigorating mix of culturally diverse people, tranquil wildlife reserves, vibrant cities, and sparkling coastline South Africa is simply unforgettable.

The "Rainbow Nation" of South Africa is a vast country, stretching from the Western Cape with its Mediterranean climate through the semi-desert interior to the subtropical coast. Tourism in South Africa has boomed since the end of apartheid, and for good reason. It is the ideal "Africa" vacation experience. Where else can you visit a vineyard, admire prehistoric rock art, go down a goldmine, take a trail through a game reserve and then go penguin watching? And don't forgetting the spectacular view from God's Window and Table Mountain. They truly do have it all.

What to do?

Since it was opened by Nelson Mandela in 2002, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg has become a major attraction. It offers an unflinching insight into the country's segregated past, right up to the first democratic elections of 1994.

The Kruger National Park is another must see. It's one of the most famous game reserves in the world and is home to nearly 150 types of mammal and 500 different species of bird. Plan ahead for this one. Kruger Park is a Malaria area. Anti-malarial medication must be taken at least two weeks prior to arrival. It is well worth the inconvenience.

Take a drive along the Garden Route from Mossel Bay, and the breathtaking Plettenberg Bay. Detour after crossing Bloukrans River Bridge to a fascinating forest with an eight hundred year old tree.

Take the Blue Train. Voted "The World's Leading Luxury Train" four years in a row, you can from Pretoria and Cape Town in the lap of absolute luxury. Think of it as an inclusive holiday with the opportunity to view the spectacular South African landscape while visiting several interesting attractions along the way. Guests spend one night on the train, travelling approximately 994 miles dining on five star cuisine under the watchful eye of a personal butler. Now that's a vacation.

What to eat?

South African cuisine is truly unique. Seafood lovers should visit Knysna, renowned for its oysters, while Durban is famous for it's shrimp. Be sure to try biltong dried seasoning beef or game), too and the sweet peeled fruit of the prickly pear frown in the eastern Cape.

Stellenbosch and Groot Constantia are fabulous 400 year-old wine estates well worth a tour to sample the local produce. And if wine isn't your beverage of choice, try tswala, a beer made of fermented sorghum, or amasai, a traditional yogurt-type drink that tastes delicious.

Currently, for a stay of 90 days or less, most countries do not require a visa prior to entry. Visa rules fluctuate from time to time and it's always best to check with the South African Consulate website for the latest information.

Learn more about this author, Lisa Parris.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.