South Africa

Here, a vista reminiscent of Scotland, California, or the Australian outback; there, an East African-style savanna panorama, or a vineyard scene straight out of Italian wine country. From the sandy wilderness of the Kalahari to the Cape of Good Hope, vast South Africa feels like a continent unto itself—one reason it’s such a world-class travel destination.

South Africa’s not just diverse from a scenic point of view, as the “Rainbow Nation” nickname reflects: No fewer than 11 languages are officially recognized here, and the ethnically heterogeneous citizenry includes Africa’s largest mixed-race populations. Obviously few modern countries have endured such a troubled and intense history of racial segregation, but post-apartheid South Africa—though still certainly grappling with social and economic equality—is offering a much more progressive and proudly multicultural face to the world.

Of South Africa’s big cities, none is quite so tourist-friendly as Cape Town, which occupies one of the most dramatic physical stages of any urban area. From its irresistible urban beaches to the instantly recognizable backdrop of Table Mountain, the capital of the Western Cape is a visual stunner and also a hub for entertainment, nightlife, and dining. Durban (on the KwaZulu-Natal coast) and Johannesburg (in the interior province of Gauteng) are grittier, but full of subtle marvels: the Indian markets of Durban, for instance, and the museums and art galleries of revitalizing Johannesburg.

South Africa is also a famous hotspot for wildlife. In the far east, the enormous Kruger National Park, one of the world’s oldest, is internationally celebrated for its big game; it’s one of the premier destinations in Africa for observing the so-called “Big 5”—the elephant, rhinoceros, Cape buffalo, leopard, and lion. True Kalahari wilderness invites adventurous safari-goers in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park swaddling the Botswana border, while Karoo National Park provides an important wildlife refuge encompassed in semiarid grasslands. If you’re not content with the regal lions, wild-eyed leopards, and big-eared painted hunting dogs you’ve been spotting in the South African bush, you’ve also got almost unparalleled opportunities to come face-to-face with a marine heavy hitter—the great white shark—on cage-diving expeditions off the coast.

While it’s not all as postcard-shiny as Kruger’s herds or Cape Town’s waterfront, South Africa offers virtually the complete lineup of African experiences: from bush-camping amid the serenades of bellowing lions to top notch wine in a hip big-city restaurant. Here, at the tapered foot of the Africa, you'll find some of the continent's most dynamic destinations and out-of-this-world beauty.