Panorama of South Africa

The beauty of South Africa is in the smiles of friendly faces, the mosaic of cultures, and the complex history that has shaped this land. Most of all, it is the natural splendor and wildlife that sets it apart. South Africa's landscapes are made up of valleys, mountains, forests, deserts, coastlines, and grassy savannas. The country truly is a natural wonder of fauna and flora; the perfect portrayal of the magic that is the African continent.

Many tourists start their trip in Cape Town. With the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain, it has been voted one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Within easy striking distance of the city are the winelands, where visitors can sample the vintages and admire the old Cape Dutch architecture set in the vine valleys.

To the north of Cape Town the semi-desert of Namaqualand is transformed into a vast carpet of multi-hued flowers after the rains. Here the barren earth erupts into a floral carpet of colors once every year.  

South Africa's Coast of Whales stretches from the West Coast to Hermanus where we holiday every year. Courting and calving whales can be seen, in winter from June onward. Often so close one is sprayed by their splashing in the water. 

Further along the Indian Ocean coast, is the picturesque Garden Route, which runs from the Storms River and includes the lush Tsitsikamma Forest. The tree canopies and deep river gorges make it a particular favorite for visitors. Here you get lost in the hushed silence of the forest and the flowing streams of rivers. 

The wooded Amatola Mountains of the Eastern Cape are ideal for hikers and climbers while the beaches along this stretch of coast, particularly Jeffreys Bay, offers excellent surfing. The beach runs wide for kilometers on and during surfing competitions, many onlookers sit in the soft sand enjoying the surfing maneuvers in the water. 

Further up the coast is the rugged coastline of bays, cliffs and beaches known as the Wild Coast. This part of the country is so remote, breathtaking and unspoiled, I include four photos. The world famous Otter Hiking Trail meanders down the coastline. Bookings are up to two years in advance. A walk on the wild side of Africa. 

Along a coastline dotted with resorts, Durban, with its "golden mile" of beaches, hotels, restaurants and promenades, has been dubbed South Africa's holiday playground. With warm and sub-tropical weather, many hotels to choose from, Durban beaches are a mecca for holiday makers all year round. 

Hluhluwe-Umfolozi National Park, founded more than 100 years ago, was the first wildlife reserve to be set up in Africa and is credited with saving the rhino from extinction. While still endangered, numbers have been increasing over the last years, in no part due to many who assist pro bono. 

Sodwana Bay is far up the east coast, the diving hotspot of the South Africa. The tropical climate underwater ensures scenic underwater access all year round. It is one of the few places in the world where the dive sites are reached by weaving a path through breaking waves, out to the teeming sea-life of the coral reefs. 

The Karoo is an arid and dry inland part of the country. One can travel here for miles and miles along dusty roads with no other soul in sight. At night it is not uncommon to see the lights of an oncoming motor vehicle, and only pass it twenty minutes later. Africa sunsets are spectacular; Karoo sunsets are unforgettable.

Striking scenery is to be seen in the southern part of the Drakensberg Mountains, a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts such as hikers and horse riders. This mountain range runs like a jagged spine down South Africa and is one of my favorite places to travel to. The fresh clean air and mountain vistas rejuvenate mind, body and soul. 

Mpumalanga edges with peaks spectacular and viewing points such as the aptly-named God's Window and Blyde River Canyon, the world's third largest canyon. Here one can stare into miles of warm and humid Bushveld air with clouds drifting above so close you can almost touch it. 

The Highveld drops dramatically to the Lowveld, location of the Kruger National Park, home to a vast array of animals and birds, with some 150 mammal species alone. Here, as in many of South Africa's private and public parks, there's the chance to see the Big Five - elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo. 

The desert reserve of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in Northern Cape Province is surprisingly rich in wildlife, including springbok, gemsbok and the black-Kalahari lion, with its distinctive black mane. The desert days are hot scorchers and at night it cools down to near freezing point. A campfire with the sounds of animals at night...serenity.   

Lovers of the great outdoors will revel in the wide-open spaces of the Free State. The Golden Gate National Park, with its spectacular sandstone formations, has a network of nature trails. Here I have walked for miles with savanna outstretched on each side and sat against a sandstone cliff watching the setting sun. 

South Africa is a great place for the activity enthusiast with a wide range of options. There are more than 300 hiking trails to be explored throughout the country, while mountain ranges such as the Cedarberg and the Drakensberg offer great challenges for climbers. The scenery can be explored on horse riding, camel or even ox-wagon safaris. Atop the mountains I have slept with the moon shining over a sparkling frost covered grassland. 

I have only touched on a only few spots in the panorama of one of the greatest tourist destinations on earth. There is so much more to see and experience. Come and see....

...my country, South Africa. 

Photo Sources: Google Images