From the vast deserts of the West Coast to the lush subtropical forests of the eastern seaboard, South Africa is renowned for its striking scenic contrasts. The country encompasses coastlands, mountains, rivers, lakes, lagoons, semi-deserts, rolling grasslands and bushveld. This phenomenal environmental spectrum supports a prolific and diverse number of plant and animal species.

South Africa's terrestrial mammals are among the most spectacular fauna on earth, numbering over 290 species, which range in size from the tiny pygmy shrew to the imposing African elephant. More than 800 bird species - one tenth of those known to man are found in the country. And of South Africa's 24 000 species of flowering plants, prodigious numbers are found in the Cape Floral Kingdom - one of the world's six floral kingdoms - unparalleled in natural beauty and variety. Man is the only creature that plunders the earth's resources, and his reckless disregard for his environment has caused the extinction of many species worldwide. In South Africa, three of the most tragic examples are the blue antelope, the Cape lion and the quagga (a zebra species), long since vanished from the veld. Nowadays, it is common knowledge that the disappearance of a single species in an area can ultimately contribute to serious environmental problems, and lead to the extinction of other species.

To protect a priceless heritage and to ensure the survival of vulnerable species and fragile ecosystems, large numbers of parks and game and nature reserves have been created in South Africa. They cover a total area of some 8,000,000 ha. Careful management ensures that the natural ecological balance is maintained, and tourist numbers are strictly monitored so as to ensure minimal impact on the relevant ecosystems.

South Africa is renowned for its wonderful scenery however, few are prepared for a diversity of terrain that ranges from lush, verdant forest to misty mountain ranges, from glorious golden beaches to wildlife-rich bushveld, from arid desert to fertile wine land - much of South Africa's charm lies in the breathtaking beauty of the its landscape. The visitor can easily see why it is known as the "world in one country". This diversity is not confined to geography. Ultra-modern Johannesburg skyscrapers contrast with elegant Cape-Dutch farmhouses, hi-tech agriculture co-exists with basic subsistence farming and the enlightened democracy that was fought for so hard has brought wealth to many but has not yet solved all of the country's problems. Each area of South Africa offers something of value and has fascinated travelers for centuries.

South Africa is justly known for the excellence of its wildlife and is one of the classic safari destinations. The big five - elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo - are all to be found here, as are a multitude of other animals and birds. National Parks such as Pilanesburg, near to Sun City, and of course the vast and magnificent Kruger, combined with a proliferation of private reserves and highly trained guides and rangers, offer a wonderful game experience to the visitor. Do try not to miss it! A word of caution: South Africa is a land where political upheaval has resulted in a turbulent society in some areas. Be careful while out and about. Consult the locals as to whether an area is safe or not and be very careful not to flaunt any obviously expensive goods such as jewelery or cameras.