If you are looking for a fascinating and unique place to visit, South Africa is for you! It is home to a wide range of climates, landscapes, and a very diverse population. This destination is world famous for its gorgeous national parks, abundance of gold and an emerging wine industry.  South Africa is one of those rare destinations that offer something for everyone who has a sense of adventure.

The major problem with visiting South Africa is the abundance of things to do. Among all of the great activities available, one of the first things you will want to do is eat. South African cuisine is every bit as diverse as its people. You will notice various influences from indigenous tribes, as well as German, Dutch, British, Malay, Portuguese, and Indian cultures.   If you enjoy meat-based dishes, definitely try the Braaivleis or the spicy Boerewors. No South African meal is complete without a fine glass of South African wine to compliment it.

If you are a fan of wine, you will definitely want to pay a visit to Stellenbosch or Constantia. Constantia is home to gorgeous views, relaxing breezes and of course, delicious wines.  The white wine offerings of Constantia include Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay and Semillon. If you are more of a red wine lover, you will be delighted by the selection of Bordeaux, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. The experience of the South African wine regions is something that your taste buds will never forget.

Once you are done wining and dining in South Africa, what is left to do? Many Things! If you are an animal lover, you will fall in love with the parks, private reserves, and farms of South Africa. They are all home to a huge variety of wildlife. For instance, Kruger National Park is home to 114 species of reptiles, 507 species of birds, 34 species of amphibians and 147 species of mammals.

When traveling to South Africa, you will definitely want to give yourself enough time to take in everything it has to offer. Food, wine and wildlife all come together to form the romancing essence of South Africa.

The Kalahari Desert is a vast desert that is majorly located in Botswana, but also extends into smaller areas in Namibia and South Africa. While one would think that a desert is devoid of life, the Kalahari is home to antelope, lions and meerkats. These animals have specially adapted to live in the unforgiving Kalahari and are a sight to see! There are various viewing platforms in which you can safely view these incredible animals up close and personal. This is a wonderful experience for anyone who marvels at African wildlife.

In order to stay comfortable in the Kalahari, it is ideal to stay in a camp for travelers. There is a luxury tented camp called Jack’s Camp, which is located on what once was one of the world largest super-lakes, the Makgadikgadi. This prehistoric lake dried up thousands of years ago due to the continued shifting of the Earth’s crust, so staying at Jack’s Camp provides a unique opportunity to camp out in the Kalahari and still stay comfortable as its accommodations include ten Bedouin-style canvas tents with en suite bathrooms and spacious bedrooms with Persian rugs and cool cotton sheets. It is a mix of old world and new.

For those interested in traveling to Africa, the Kalahari in Botswana is a must see destination. This is one of the few places in the world that will allow you the opportunity to have personal experiences with African wildlife and stay at the edge of a thousand year old super-lake. Make sure you bring your camera, as there will definitely be moments that others will have to see to believe!

Everyone knows that Africa is a premiere destination for travelers who are hoping to see the Big Five and explore some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. A lesser known fact is that South Africa is becoming more popular as a luxury destination. Wine lovers from all over the world travel to South Africa to tour vineyards and sample wine. This is not a new fad as South Africa has been cultivating grapes and making wine for over 350 years!

When you hear about the South African winelands, this refers to the vast vineyards which are located approximately 45 miles from Cape Town.  Over 97% of the wine produced in South Africa comes from the area. If you are interested in excellent wine, food and culture, the Cape winelands are definitely worth the trip.

A particularly special region you might want to consider visiting is the Franschhoek region. Here you will find a wide selection of reds, whites and sparkling wines. To go with this vast wine selection, there are also many fine restaurants as well. After visiting Franschhoek, you also might want to consider paying a visit to Paarl and Stellenbosch. Paarl is home to a wide selection of wines but is renowned for their Shiraz. Stellenbosch also has some great wine and boasts excellent Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

It’s possible to visit the Cape winelands all year long, however many tourists elect to visit in the summer months. Visits can be tailored to your needs. A trip to the winelands can be a fun family getaway or a romantic retreat.

One major reason why South Africa continues to grow as a tourism destination is because it constantly defies perceptions. One might expect wildlife in this area to be bout wild game and nocturnal animals, but South Africa has so much more to offer. Cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg offer visitors a more modern take on nightlife.  Bars, clubs, restaurants and live music are all available for travelers on a nightly basis.

New York might be considered the city that never sleeps, but Johannesburg is a close competitor. Its bars, pubs and clubs are open until the early morning hours. You can find both live music and DJs at these venues. Stop by the trendy Movida, where the Moulin Rouge meets South Africa. This popular place is known for its full-throttle parties and private VIP lounges. If the upscale crowd is not your scene, consider stopping over to St. Tropez where the clientele is younger and the music is louder. From bohemian to R&B to jazz, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.

If you are among the elite jet set,  then you will want to visit Cape Town as it is home to a number of excellent, upscale options. Here you can sunbathe during the day and enjoy cold drinks while dancing at night.

Port Elizabeth is another great city you will want to check out. It is known as “the Friendly City”, and you will see why once you experience its great nightlife. Hotspots like Aqua, News Cafe’ and 9 Yards are all places you will definitely want to go.

Africa has an abundance of natural beauty that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world, but its man-made attractions can be just as exciting. To see a different side of South Africa, investigate the nightlife. You definitely won’t be disappointed