Some people think it’s too urbanized. Others feel it is too western. Perhaps a little bit too boring? Far from it! Having lived in Swaziland made me appreciate the beauty and diversity that South Africa offers its travelers. So what is it that makes the rainbow nation South Africa an alluring place to visit?

South Africa is a wonderful malaria-free self-drive destination

Are you worried about taking anti-malaria pills in order to see the Big Five? The good news: there are many great nature reserves and national parks in South Africa that are malaria free. Enjoy observing big game without these little annoying creepy crawlies! Isn’t that awesome? This is also a plus if you are traveling with kids. South Africa is a worry-free self-drive destination. Well-maintained roads with good infrastructure. A self drive holiday South Africa provides flexibility and a great level of freedom: Take a break wherever you’d like to stop and for however long. And a grande South Africa Tour is a very rewarding and cost-effective experience. It allows you to get a real feel for South Africa…

South Africa offers an immense variety

You can’t decide between a safari and a beach holiday? You can’t make up your mind to do a city tour or a hiking trip through the Drakensberg Mountains? South Africa is the ideal solution for you. You don’t need to decide – you simply combine all of it in one smashing holiday.

One day, you enjoy the wilderness of the African bush. Listen to safari stories at a crackling campfire in the world famous Kruger National Park, watch out for shooting stars in the star-lit night sky over the Madikwe Game Reserve or listen to a trumpeting elephant in Addo Elephant Park.

While a few days later, you relax at a wonderful beach. Again, you are spoilt for choice. Do you prefer the remoteness of iSimangaliso, the popular seafront in Durban or romantic lagoons along the Garden Route? Whatever you prefer, you will find it in South Africa. Keep in mind though that the Indian and Atlantic Ocean in South Africa is quite chilly. Perhaps it’s just me who prefers to swim in bath-tub-warm water?

At some point you might want to explore metropolitan cities offering mouthwatering culinary experiences and western lifestyle. Stroll through bohemian Long Street in Cape Town. It’s lined with antique stores, cafes and bookshops. During a culinary travel you learn how to fold Samoosas or how to balance the delicate flavors of a curry. Laid-back Durban will surprise you with grandiose colonial buildings and fascinating art deco architecture. It’s characterized by a rich ethnic mix that reflects the sights, sounds and scents of India. South Africa’s diversity will not disappoint.

South Africa offers hundreds of activities

The offer is simply mind blowing. Explore the wilderness on traditional game drives and bush walks. Check out crocodiles and hippos on your river cruise in iSimangaliso. Try a microlight flight over the coastline of Durban. Go on a ziplining adventure and canopy walk in Tsitsikamma. If you are not faint-hearted or claustrophobic, explore the Cango Caves in the Little Karoo. If you love the thrill go shark-cake diving in Overberg. If you prefer the smaller things in life, then visit the cute little penguins at Boulder’s Beach. And if you love fine dining and wine – then visit award-winning wineries in Franschoek and Stellenbosch. One thing I can guarantee: You will not get bored in South Africa.

South Africa offers world-class accommodation for all budgets

What I love the most about South Africa is its wide choice of accommodation. Stay in tented camps with a touch of luxury. Feel at home in family-friendly safari lodges. Indulge at a plush spa in award winning 5-star wine farms. Or reminisce about old times in classic colonial boutique hotels with a stylish interior design! South Africa offers everything from pampering to glamping to basic chic – all within your budget expectations. I find that South Africans are putting a lot of thoughts into the design of their accommodation and are fabulous hosts always making sure that you feel comfortable and have a memorable stay. It would surprise me, if you were not to find the right accommodation…

South Africa is rich in culture
We all know about South Africa’s history known as apartheid. It’s great to see how a nation has transformed. A visit to the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg is a very moving but also very educational experience. It starts as soon as you enter through the gates – with a separate entrance for whites and blacks! See the homes of Nobel peace prizewinner Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, the ex wife of Nelson Mandela during your South Western Townships Tour – short Soweto Tour – in Johannesburg. Explore Robben Island in Cape Town to learn more about Nelson Mandela and the Rainbow Nation. But don’t just focus on the legends. Experience the African vibe and culture while driving through little towns. Talking to locals. Buying fruit at little street stalls. Or admiring women in traditional dresses decorated with colorful beats. A lot of lodges are also working closely with local communities giving you an authentic insight into village life. South Africa is rich in history. It’s fascinating cultural diversity will bring depths to any holiday…

Why are you fascinated about South Africa? Tell me more about it…