South Africa

The Republic of South Africa is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Indian Ocean to the east. It occupies the southern end of the African continent and is bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland and encircles Lesotho. Gold was first discovered near Johannesburg in 1886 and today, the area remains the richest gold reef in the world. As a result Johannesburg has become a thriving, bustling centre. South Africa's other major cities include Cape Town, the picturesque city that peers out to the Atlantic Ocean at the foot of Table Mountain, Pretoria, the administrative capital of the country and Durban, a city reflecting the country's' mix of cultures. With more native plants than the entire British Isles, one of the world's six floral kingdoms and an endless variety of both bird and wildlife, South Africa is a natural haven as well as a progressive nation.

Nearing the very southern tip of South Africa is one of the world’s most beautiful cities, captivating Cape Town. Setting itself apart from other parts of South Africa is its lack of tension and unrest. It is a westernised city with a sense of freedom and open-mindedness not easily found in African nations. The top of Table Mountain provides some of the most spectacular views quite possibly worldwide whereas the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is a tourist haven heaving with restaurants, bars and shops. Other outstanding features of the city include the Castle of Good Hope, Cape Muslim Quarter, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Long St Baths and Pool.

Blessed with an organized system of incredible, well maintained national parks, South Africa is a great eco-tourism leader. With parks and nature reserves ranging from elephant parks to tropical bird sites, vehicle safaris to over-night trekking spots, South Africa’s flora and fauna is more of a highlight than it's towns and cities. The Zulu heartland has perhaps the highest concentration of national parks and is the finest example of Zulu culture and history.

Thanks to it's rich viticulture, South Africa has also been put on the map as one of the world's great wine producing regions. There are over 50 declared wine districts producing over 340 vintages. Some of the more popular ones include Stellenbosch, a great red-wine producing district, Constantia, one of the first viticultural areas in the Cape and Robertson, white wine country.

Home to freedom fighter Nelson Mandela, South Africa is a nation born of pride. From it's local handicrafts to immaculate parklands, solid traditions to expanding ideas South Africa is more than just proud, it’s overflowing with a new sense of energy and revitalization.

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