South Africa: Beautiful, diverse, wild, sprawling and unique

There are few countries in the world which are as diverse as Sotuh Africa. From the heavily urbanised province of Gauteng, to the mass desert landscape of the Northern Cape. Very few people are lucky enough to experience everything this beautiful country has to offer, either being unaware of it, or not having the required funds to whiz around in a car or plane due to the country's vast size (its 25th worldwide for land mass). If a trip to South Africa has been planned for the future, save up; a chance to visit such a country means the most must be made with the time available to see every pulchritudinous feature within.

Should South Africa only be a stopover destination, try booking a transit flight through Cape Town, the country's "most livable city." Built around the majestic Table Mountain, Cape Town offers many attractions which could entrap any uncanny tourist for weeks, even months. A trip on the Gondola up the flat mountain will leave many people marveling over how dulcet, along with soothing the ride is. Once the ascension is complete, a 360 degree view of the city allows for countless photos everywhere.

Perhaps among the finer photos which can be taken is the Indian and Atlantic Ocean merging together at the Cape of Good Hope, the concrete playground engulfing an ironically beautiful City Bowl, or the barren land surrounding the city, impeded by a meager long stretching road. Cape Town in not just dependent on mass hoards of crowds shooting up Table Mountain to keep it going tourist wise. Daily visits to Robben Island are made, where people can experience for themselves, the torrid life Nelson Mandela had to endure whilst imprisoned, from his microscopic prison cell to the courtyard where he baked under the sun performing hard labouring tasks. Inspiring and uplifting it leaves many people appreciative of how lucky they are. Former Springbok Captain Francois Pienaar said "It amazes me how someone could spend so long in here and come out so ready to forgive." Travelling further down, nothing is more intimidating than a small area near seal island. No, seals in masses isn't very scary but the lurking finned dangers which Steven Spielberg used to great effect in Jaws. Yes those Sharks have been known to put on a grandiose show whenever those helpless seals dare lurk out into their territory.

Spectacular and terrifying are the only words needed. Truly a gem of South Africa, the marvelous beaches full Golden sand, warm weather, great crowds and lively waves make them a must. Bear in mind, that if you're on the Atlantic side) going for a swim may prove a tad cool, with the water temperature often hovering between 14-18 degrees annually. Ratanga junction provides an amusement park of fun for the whole family, whilst the boardwalk provides shopping and dining experiences aplenty, bringing local culture to life.

The other cities have their attractions. Johannesburg by far, is the least interesting of the big cities, providing mere glimpses of mass poverty than anyth

ing else. It has its charms though. If history is what you seek, a trip to Apartheid museum provides an interesting glimpse into the racial segregation regime that oppressed non-whites. The northern suburb of Sandton is a must go for any serious shopping tourist, with Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square occupying 144,000 square metres of shopping space, making it one of the largest shopping centres in the southern hemisphere.

Aside from those attractions, Johannesburg or Joburg just lacks everything else (except a high crime rate of course, so be very wary). Should a more old fashioned cultural experience be required, bartering with the locals at the Durban market is definitely the place to go. Negotiations can be made over hand made crafts, conga drums and local cuisine. Durban, like Jozi, has also found itself with a monstrous shopping mall, with every single shopping store possible, including food court after food court after food court.

Being the southernmost coutnry on the African continent, and among the most western and urbanised, South Africa still carries some of the finest Wild Game parks in the world.

Kruger National park, the biggest and most popular of these, has far reaching tours and trips for all types of people and budgets. Whether that is the casual day visitor who wants to go game spotting, or the serious outdoors man/woman needing the full African experience, Kruger is very flexible. Chances of seeing wild game within the park are 100%; many animals develop an intriguing infatuation with the moving hunks of metal. Outside of Port Elizabeth is Scotia, another wild life park offering half day Safari tours.

Elephants, Giraffes, Rhinos, Lions, Springbok, Kudu, Wildebeest, Leopards, Hippos, Crocodiles, Hyenas, Snakes and many more animals lurk around both parks. Each different experience and encounter with the animals is fascinating and unique. Any predisposition about their wild, outrageous behaviour will be removed by careful observance and a well detailed by the tour guides about the nature and personalities with each animal. One good example is with Lions, who go through five different stages before making any such attack on a human. Also interesting to note is the deadly nature of the hippopotamus, who kill more people each year than crocodiles. Taking these Safari tours gives one a profound appreciation and respect for the natural environment and the animals which roam within it and once did so freely before man began urbanising vast spaces.

Are mountains more appealing? Take a hiking tour on the Drakensburg mountain range. Carrying a profound reputation for being largely untouched by human activity, these mountains remain as beautiful and natural today since when they first came into existence. Hiker Ian Shooter provides opportunities to spend days exploring this uniquely spread mountain range and even the chance to ascend up its highest peaks (provided you're crazy enough).

Prefer a more tranquil and relaxed rafting experience? Look no further than the Breede river, a river popular for holding river rafting tours. Tourists are able to spend the night camping in rooms right next to the river, with excellent service and local friendliness shown to every person.

The next day, in the morning the journey down the river begins; barring an hours pause for lunch, plain sailing with the current amazes and reveals the natural green and yellow desert and forest landscape. Small rapids come and go, which may relieve many sweating participant. Temperatures remain hot annually, making a wee dip refreshing and rejuvenating.

South Africa is the most diverse country in the world. Unlike New Zealand or Switzerland, where most of the major activities and attractions can be done within a four week holiday, someone could travel through South Africa for four months and still run out of time to do the major activities and sights.

The 2010 Soccer World Cup brought through a new generation of tourists, who have since returned home to tell their families about how diverse the country is. South Africa is the most diverse country in the world and should definitely be atop the list of places to visit in any tourists looking to experience a "unique" holiday.