Photographs courtesy of South African Tourism

  For many people the African Continent represents heat, wild animals and jungle. Therefore, I have often wondered how first-time visitors see South Africa and what they expect of it. From that, I have come to realize that South Africa is a whole world represented in one country.
  On our coastline you can experience the warm waters and ideal diving conditions of Kwazulu Natal, the arctic clear waters in the Cape and the rolling mists on our West Coast, caused by the intense heat of the desert meeting the sea.
  South Africa's mountain range, the Drakensberg, is a paradise for nature lovers, walkers and climbers and, in winter, for skiersayes, we have snow in Africa.
  In contrast, there is the Karoo, South Africa's desert region, where in some places it has not rained in ten years or more. Driving through the Karoo, one can easily imagine and wonder at the endurance and hardship of the early settlers forging their way inland.
  The northeastern region of South Africa is subtropical, where exotic vegetation grows in abundance and most tropical fruits are commercially cultivated. Waterfalls, strange rock formations and wide vistas add to the uniqueness of the region.
  Added to the vastly differing landscapes in this country, we also experience great differences in elevation. Johannesburg lies at approximately 2,000 m, and should you drive out of this region, the changing landscape makes you aware of the decent from a plateau.
  Diversity is also apparent in South Africa's population, which has quite rightly been named the "Rainbow Nation." People of many nations have come and added some of their home culture to the make-up of this land, which again confirms my belief that South Africa is indeed a whole world in one country.