Striking in it's natural beauty and cultural diversity, South Africa is home to over 45 million people comprising around 20 different ethnic groups. With almost 3000 kms of coastline and a surface area of 1 123 000 sq kms, the country is as large as Germany, France and Italy put together. The climate is moderate and the topography ranges from highveld grasslands to semi desert to subtropical swamps, which are home to some of the world's most diverse animal and plant kingdoms. South Africa is the only country with an entire floral kingdom - the Cape Fynbos - within it's borders. Almost a third of the country's population lives in and around the big cities of Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Port Elizabeth and East London. There are few countries in the world that offer such exceptional diversity to the international visitor.

A country with eleven official languages and many different yet intertwined cultures.

Amazing topography....from bushveld to semi-desert to coastal dune forests and pristine beaches to lush cultivated valleys to mountain ranges {including the awesome Drakensberg dating back over 200 million years}.

Some of the best protected and preserved wildlife areas in the world...from the massive Kruger National Park in the north to private game reserves like Shamwari in the south east {the top game lodges regularly feature amongst some of the best accommodation establishments in the world}.

Exceptionally good infrastructure, including a first class transport and road system, telecommunications and banking system.

High quality and great value for money tourism infrastructure, including accommodation {from low cost backpacker to 5 star hotels}, restaurants, experienced tour operators and qualified guides, well managed and maintained public facilities and tourism sites, efficient and safe transport {from luxury minivans and coaches to domestic airlines and private charters}.

A wealth of excellent facilities and establishments for leisure activities such as golf courses, health clubs, tennis and squash, river rafting, bungee jumping, rock climbing, mountaineering, hiking, fresh and salt water angling, scuba diving {including shark cage diving}, surfing, safe bathing beaches etc.

Above all, a country that emerged in 1994 as a new democracy and one which prides itself on being seen as the "rainbow nation" where it's people are working together to build a new future. It is to this country that many millions from around the world are flocking...to experience for themselves the miracle of South Africa.