South Africa combines a unique range of attractions amidst one of the world's most dynamic nations. Cape Town is widely recognized as one of the world's most beautiful cities. The Victoria and Albert Waterfront is the site of many stylish restaurants, galleries and cafes. The South Africa Museum has fascinating galleries devoted to the cultural diversity of the nation, as well as fine displays of traditional arts and crafts. A cable car - or an energetic hike - takes you to the top of Table Mountain, whose silhouette dominates the city skyline. The mountain offers magnificent views of the city and seafront, and is a highlight of any visit to Cape Town. On the eastern flank of Table Mountain are the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, whose thousands of indigenous plants attract botanical scholars, and casual visitors drawn by the delightful settings. The gardens are a popular venue for open-air concerts and other cultural events. The Two Oceans Aquarium is devoted to the unique coastal ecosystem of Africa's southern coast, while Hout Bay's World of Birds is one of the world's largest, and best, bird parks. Cape Town's political and cultural history can be explored with guided township tours, and trips to Robben Island, the notorious prison that held Nelson Mandela, and others. The winelands surrounding Cape Town are highly recommended, for the chance to sample some of the world's best wines, and enjoy the elegant architecture of many of the estates. This region is also increasingly popular for its internationally-influenced fine cuisine. Stellenbosch is the heart of the region; the town's Dutch Colonial architecture and oak-lined avenues make it a lovely place for exploring on foot, and a lovely base for exploring the region. Franschhoek is now considered the culinary center of the region, with many of its French-inspired restaurants attracting fans from around the world.

The Western Cape is considered by many to be the most beautiful of South Africa's provinces, with a broad range of attractions for visitors. A self-drive journey along the Garden Route is an easy, attractive way to explore an area where local names reflect the landscape: Garden of Eden, Wilderness and other evocative titles. Here, hardwood forests lead down to sheltered bays along a lush and verdant coastline. The area is also becoming the place for active vacations: bungee-jumping, horseback riding, water sports, hiking, cycling and more can all be enjoyed in the area. Knysna has become the hub of the garden route, offering scenic journeys along the lagoon and fine hiking amongst the forest to the north. Plettenberg Bay's fine beaches attract local and international visitors, drawn by the pleasures of relaxing in waterfront cafes while watching breathtaking sunsets over the bay. Plett, as it is popularly known, is a superb spot for watching whales from June to December, with the peak time being from August to October. Another fine whale-watching spot is Hermanus, where a stroll along the shore provides fine views of whales who are attracted to the warm sheltered bay. Nearby, Tsitsikamma National Park combines deep river gorges, lovely mountain walks amidst hardwood forests, and fine snorkeling and diving opportunities in South Africa's first marine national park. The semi-desert realm of the Little Karoo is a vast mountainous realm, with dramatic mountains and valleys.

Continuing on to the Eastern Cape, Port Elizabeth makes a fine spot to start or finish a drive along the Garden Route. Nearby, Addo Elephant Park is home to hundreds of elephants: there are plans afoot to expand the size of the park, making it the third-largest, and the most bio-diverse, in the country. The Shamwari Game Reserve offers fine safari activities, and has no malaria at any time of the year. The Eastern Cape has many political associations, being the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, and Steve Biko. Many of the key battles against apartheid took place in the province. In the northern corner of the Eastern Cape are the Drakensberg mountains, flanking Lesotho's southern borders. The mountains continue north into KwazuluNatal and Mpumalanga, and are rich in San cave paintings. These are some of the world's oldest examples of art, and are believed to record experiences of shamanic trance states.

KwaZulu-Natal is considered South Africa's most African province, and offers all the continent's best features: fine beaches, vast herds of wildlife, stunning mountains, and local cultures who still preserve a strong, proud distinct ethnic identity. The beaches are amongst the most popular of the country, with year-round warm waters. Durban has one of the most ethically diverse make-ups of any South African city, with Zulu, Indian, and white communities. Its African Arts Center is an excellent place to purchase traditional arts, such as elaborate beadwork, sculptures, paintings and wood carvings. The Durban Art Gallery was the first gallery in the country to devote a collection to black South African art. Today, it has an outstanding collection of basketry, and is a must for all afficionades of traditional arts and crafts. The Kwa Muhle Museum is devoted to the 20th century urban history of the country: its exhibits on the Pass System, and photos of men's working hostels, provide a powerful insight into the current state of South African domestic affairs. The Hibiscus Coast gains its name from the riot of wildflowers that come into their own in the spring - September and October. Magnificent displays of orchids and lobelias flourish throughout the region. The North and South coasts of Durban are popular beach resorts, running the full gamut from glitz to remote getaway. The north coast is commonly known as the Dolphin Coast, due to the many dolphins attracted to these warm waters. Inland, KwaZulu abounds with natural and cultural attractions. The Drakensberg mountains, known as the Berg, is a wild realm of towering spires, rock buttresses, waterfalls and pools. Amongst this natural grandeur are over 600 sites of San rock art - the most accessible sites are at Giant's Castle, Imjusuti, and Kamberg. This region is superb for day hikes.

Central Zululand is the heart of Zulu culture, and the location of the famed Battlefields. Here, some of the key battles that shaped the region's history took place, notably the British-Zulu battles at Rorke's Drift and Isandlwana. Guided tours bring the region's dramatic history to life. The region is one of silent, ethereal beauty, with steep valleys that are home to a myriad of birdlife. Even those who are not inspired by history will be moved by the natural beauty of the area. Towards the coast, traditional culture thrives. Here live the highest concentration of traditional healers and spirit mediums (sangoma) in the country. This is also a region of game reserves and stunning coastline. The Hluhluwe-Umfulozi Game Reserve is the province's most outstanding game reserve, known for its relaxed, wild atmosphere. Once the province of Zulu kings, the reserve is now particularly known for its thriving population of rhinos. The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park encompasses a series of reserves, parks, and the country's largest inland body of water. Part of the park is the Mkuzi Game Reserve, which stands out for its varied landscape, and hundreds of species of birds. To the north, Rocktail Bay is a divine stretch of pristine sand, offering superb snorkeling and diving.

On the far west of the country, Namaqualand comes into its own from August to September. This otherwise desolate region comes into life after the winter rains. The spring is marked by carpets of daisies, aloes, gladioli, lilies and more. This is one of the world's most glorious sights, and an inspiration to photographers who might like to partake in one of the photography courses that focus on the botanical splendor of the area.