The Rainbow Nation

Cricket swings into action again! This time the centre stage is South Africa where the ICC Twenty 20 World Championship commences on September 11. South Africa a rising star on the travel map, attracts tourists from around the globe to enjoy the magnificent scenery, abundant wildlife, local culture and sunny shores.

South Africa is a dramatic and diverse country with a colourful, if controversial history. Fondly known as "the rainbow nation" due to its diversity of cultures and natural scenery, South Africa comprises people of San (or Bushman), Nguni, Sotho-Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Indian, Afrikaner and mixed origin, as well as immigrant communities from all corners of the world.

Since gaining international acceptance, the nation has become a magnet for foreign visitors. Enjoy the sweeping beaches of golden sand where you can walk for miles and not see another soul, and visit the wildlife reserves with large numbers of the Big Five (the lion, the leopard, the elephant, the rhinoceros and the buffaloa). Or tour a township and absorb some of the local culture.

South Africa consists of nine provinces, each with its own unique attractions, but for most visitors on a short break, time is usually spent in just a handful.

Cape Town

The "Mother City" of Africa and the Western Cape, Cape Town is the undoubted jewel in South Africa's crown, situated on the far South Western tip of Africa, about 1,600 km from Johannesburg.

With stunning beaches and a picturesque centre overlooked by its famous mountain, it has deservedly gained a reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

And Cape Town is unique. Its architecture and lifestyle are broadly cosmopolitan, yet quintessentially Capetonian. But that's just the physical base. The city has grown a soul.

With a diversity of people and landscapes - from the mountains and the lush indegenous gardens to the sandy beaches, the Mother City is the perfect place for the adventurous spirit.

In the summer time, you could spend days lazing on the white sands of Clifton Beach watching bronzed bodies soak up the sun. But leave some time to wander through Greenmarket Square, a lively flea market in the heart of the city where you can buy everything from African drums and masks to funky clothing and second-hand books.

Albeit a tourist spot, The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is still a bustling retail hub, replete with hip fashion stores and craft shops selling a plethora of African curios, woodcarvings and souvenirs. Trendy restaurants offer local cuisine and fresh seafood like juicy Cape lobster.

By night, Cape Town is a party city. The place to head is Long Street, with its surplus of atmospheric bars and music clubs. Or spend an evening at the Drum Cafe where you can join in the fun and dance the night away to the infectious African rhythms.

There's much to do in Cape Town, but topping the list is an outing to Table Mountain. Take a revolving cable car to the upper station and stroll along the walkways as you gaze over the city and out into the shifting mists of Table Bay.

Other attractions include numerous historical buildings still standing among the new skyscrapers, such as the Castle of Good Hope, Cape Point - the place of the Meeting of Two Oceans and Robben Island - which houses the old prison for political figures convicted during the apartheid era, including Nelson Mandela. It's a moving experience standing in front of the famous prison cell.

For another glimpse into South Africa's history, visit the District Six Museum, filled with artefacts and reminders of an era when African slaves living here were forcibly resettled to barren outlying areas and their homes destroyed by bulldozers.

For a feel of the warmth of the people, a trip along the False Bay coast takes you to the friendly village of Kalk Bay, where the harbour is alive with colourful characters and the salty smell of fish.

Weary fishermen offload their catch, which is then cleaned and expertly gutted on the quayside. "Yellow tent, nice and fresh, caught just this morning!" shouts David Groenewald, his weather-beaten bearded face breaking into a toothy smile. "We lead a hard life here, but I'm a fish hunter, and if the weather permits, I'll be out on the ocean every day".

Johannesburg

Johannesburg is the economic and industrial heart of South Africa, but there's also a wealth of history to be explored. Unlike most other major cities, Joborg, as it is affectionately called, was not founded near water.

Inland and perched on the 80 km - long rocky outcrop of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg's existence and growth came from the financial waters left behind - gold.

Its discovery hidden below the plains of the Highveld sparked off one of the fastest urban developments of the modern era.

And in just over a century the ramshackle congregation of prospector's tents and crude digging devices near the farm of Langlaagte has spread for more than 30 km in each direction into a metropolis of sky scrapers.

Today, this fast paced city is a mix of first-world luxury and traditional Africa. In the business district, modern skyscrapers stand in harmony alongside muti (medicine) shops where traditional healers and Sangomas (African witchdoctors) still practise their ancient craft. Joburg is the technological and financial forerunner of Africa, South Africa's premier business destination and home to more than five million people.

Famous or notorious Soweto is a teeming township from the times of apartheid. Starting about 15 km away from the centre of Johannesburg, it is a must-see for the visitor to Johannesburg.

In Vilakazi Street you get to visit the former homes of Nobel Peace Prize winners Nelson Mandella and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

South Africa, is inevitably, synonymous with safaris, and wild life enthusiasts have several world-class options. A five hour drive or a short flight from Johannesburg, the renowned Kruger National Park in the Mpulmalanga province is one of the country's top attractions.

This wilderness area has over 140 species of mammals, including the Big Five. Early morning game drives are a memorable African experience. Dust rises from the dirt tracks as you amble along, admiring the red sun rising. Zebras and giraffes graze contentedly next to a herd of prancing wildebeests.

For a state of unadulterated luxury, stay at one of the exclusive camps bordering the Kruger Park. Top of the pile is Singita, a multi-award winning collections of five luxury lodges in Sabi Sand Reserve when you are almost guaranteed great leopard sightings.

Singita's accolades include 'World's Best Hotel', as nominated by both Travel & Leisure magazine and Conde Nast Traveller in 2004.

Another wildpark within easy reach of Joburg is Madikwe Private Game Reserve, one of the best places to see the wild dog, the second most endangered animal on the continent. These ferocious predators hunt in packs led by the alpha male and are the most successful hunters in the wild.

To complete your wildlife safari, be adventurous and take a guided walking trail to experience the bush from ground level. "You can drive through a game reserve in a 4x4 and see amazing sights and animals, but the only way you really feel the pulse of Africa is through the soles of your shoes" game guide Jan Erasmus once remarked.

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