South Africa's splendour is evident in it's contrasting environments: the Western Cape and Garden Route have spectacular mountains, a prodigious floral kingdom and endless white beaches. Dominating the northern end of the Cape Peninsula is Table Mountain, landmark of Cape Town, the beautiful "mothercity". Near Johannesburg lie the Sterkfontein Caves, a site of international palaeoanthropological renown, and the Kruger National Park. Namaqualand is splendid when the semi-desert is transformed into a blaze of colourful daisies. Kwazulu Natal is famous for its beaches, the Greater St Lucia wetland, the Drakensberg mountain range and the Zulu and Indian cultures. Pretoria is the administrative capital, while Cape Town is the legislative capital. English, Afrikaans, Zulu and Xhosa are widely spoken. 

Cultures include Afrikaans, English, Zulu, Xhosa, Tswana, Sotho, Indian and Malay. The currency is the South African Rand, and credit cards are widely accepted. Please consult your local embassy with regard to visa requirements. South Africa is 2 hours ahead of GMT. 

Seasons: Wildlife viewing is exceptional all year. The northern regions (Kruger Park, Gauteng, Limpopo) are best enjoyed during winter (May-Sep). The temperatures are mild, the bush is dry and less dense and the widllife viewing superb. The southern parts (Cape Town, Garden Route and Eastern Cape) are most pleasant during summer (Oct-Mar). Days are hot and sunny. The best time to see the flowers of the Cape is in Spring. Whales arrive along the Cape Town coast from July onwards. 

Precautions: Compulsory vaccine: None Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tetanus Malaria prophylaxis: Indicated for travel to the Kruger Park and North Eastern tip of Kwazulu Natal (St Lucia wetlands) The highest risk lies in the months of October to May. Medical information supplied by Medi-Travel International