South Africa is one of the most diverse and beautiful countries to travel in the world. Aptly nicknamed the Rainbow Nation, its spectacular and varied land and its friendly people never fail to captivate those who travel in South Africa.

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South Africa is the economic powerhouse of Africa with first world infrastructure and a thriving economy. The road and rail network is well developed making travel around South Africa easier and the country is open to investment and development.

Such is the faith in the future of South Africa; it was awarded the rights to host the world's largest sporting event, the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

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South Africa lies below the Tropic of Capricorn and is bordered in the north by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique and surrounds Lesotho and Swaziland.

South Africa is a heady mix of third and first world cultures – along with the best and least crowded beaches in the world.

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Throw in wildlife parks such as the Kruger Park, beautiful natural scenery, a great infrastructure, and a stable post-apartheid environment and you have a great travel destination waiting to happen.

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Getting Here
There are three main airports in South Africa: OR Tambo International Airport (formerly Johannesburg International), Durban International and Cape Town International.South Africa has many regional airports throughout the country that makes travel between cities affordable and easy. Travelling to South Africa by cruise ships is another option with Princess Cruise Lines offer itineraries with stops at Cape Town and other ports of call.

Accommodations
South Africa offers visitors a wide choice of accommodations. In the larger cities such as Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg, there are a number of internationally recognized hotels such as the Westin and Radisson. Throughout the country many local and family owned hotels offers excellent accommodations that are luxurious, and well appointed with the main difference being the local charm and less formal setting.

Attractions
South Africa offers many exceptional destinations to explore and which span a vast landscape from warm sunny oceans to impressive savannas to wilderness areas situated amongst impressive mountain ranges. Cape Town, often ranked amongst one of the world’s best holiday cities is known for its sophisticated life style as well as beautiful scenery, wonderfully charming waterfront location and stunning views from Signal Hill. Durban, also on the coast but approximately 1600km (1000 miles) northeast from Cape Town, is one of South Africa’s holiday playgrounds and the country’s busiest ports. Durban has a number of exceptional museums as well as the famous Durban Botanical Gardens. Situated about half-way between cape Town and Durban lies Port Elizabeth with its warn water beaches, famous Opera House, public aquarium, game reserves, and Feather Market Hall is a must see. As most international flights arrive in Johannesburg, visitors have a number of local sites to see in the capital such as the Johannesburg Zoo, Gold Reef City and the Planetarium. (CCNPIC bobo)