Johannesburg is also known by its Zulu name 'Egoli', which means 'place of gold'. Rich gold deposits were found in the area in the 19th century and the city quickly grew around the mining industry.

Africa's biggest city and South Africa's economic powerhouse, this vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis is home to many attractions, including the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill, and also offers world-class shopping. While many visitors do not expect to be wowed by Johannesburg, most are surprised by the vibrant charm of the city.

As one of Africa's top South Africa safari destinations, the Kruger National Park offers visitors the iconic African safari - a dramatic production rich in lion prides, elephant herds and thousands of other animals, played out against shifting backdrops of savannah, forest, river and mountain.

Travelers arrive from all over the world for a taste of the Kruger National Park safari experience - a safari holiday characterized by un spoilt wilderness, a huge density and diversity of animals, and private luxury Kruger Park accommodation that rivals (and often surpasses) the world's best hotels.

Visit This Region | All Safaris to Kruger National Park

Down at the southern end of Africa, the continent is anchored by this unique city. Rapidly becoming one of the 'must visit' destinations in the world, Cape Town holidays are a hard-to-beat experience.

While Cape Town's most popular attractions such as Table Mountain, Robben Island, Cape Winelands and Cape Point draw the most attention.

South Africa's Garden Route, spread out along the coast like a giant natural theme park, is a rich tapestry of very large trees, freshwater lakes and deep gorges.

Whether you're paragliding over sandy white beaches, spotting dolphins and whales from the air or exploring the deep indigenous forests; it's a place where nature rules, and it does so beautifully.

While outdoor activities take centre stage on a Garden Route holiday, fine food and drink are always at hand - this is South Africa's oyster capital.

Sun City is internationally renowned as one of the world's most exotic and extravagant holiday resorts. By day, Sun City is a year-round holiday paradise - with golf courses, paragliding, an artificial beach and water park, and a neighboring safari reserve.

At night it's a glitzy hub of restaurants, a casino and spectacular shows. What's more, Sun City is a year round destination, so there's no stressing over choosing when to go to Sun City.

Over the years, Sun City has provided a holiday haven in which parents can unwind on a Sun City holiday as their kids are run about in a safe and secure environment. If you're looking for a few relaxing and uncomplicated days away, then Sun City is a must-do.

From the magnificent peaks of the Drakensberg mountain range, across velvet hills and African bush, to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean - the province of KwaZulu Natal (KZN) has long held the enviable position as the most popular holiday destination for South Africans in search of relaxation and a bit of adventure.

On a KwaZulu Natal holiday you can enjoy big game safaris in renowned parks and reserves, learn about South Africa's rich and bloody history at infamous battlefields, experience sensational scuba-diving, surfing or fishing along a 600km coastline, and indulge in gourmet cuisine and luxurious spa treatments in the emerald green hills of the Midlands.

Some of South Africa's most exciting historical regions lie waiting to be discovered in KwaZulu-Natal, an area better known for its dramatic scenery and quaint towns. This region holds the largest concentration of Anglo-Zulu battlefields in South Africa, and every town, field and hill has a fascinating story to tell.

See where the army of the famous British Empire was defeated on several occasions, first by the proud Zulus and later by the impervious Boer armies. Walking the mist-covered plains where thousands of British, Afrikaner and Zulu soldiers lost their lives is a deeply moving experience.

Phinda Private Game Reserve is situated in subtropical northern KwaZulu-Natal, with close proximity to the warm Indian Ocean. It is an award-winning game reserve with a strong focus on conservation and community involvement. In 1991, Phinda undertook the biggest game relocation in a private reserve in the world at the time, restoring 14 000 hectares (34 600 acres) of degraded farmland to pristine wilderness.

Referred to as "Seven Worlds of Wonder", Phinda is home to seven unique ecosystems that can be explored on two-daily game drives from each of the Reserve's six luxurious lodges.

The Cape Winelands is a scenically enchanting region. Dramatic mountains and fertile valleys are planted with vines stretching across rolling fields. Here farmers enjoy perfect conditions and produce some of the best wines in the world.

The winelands are a wonderful combination of small historic towns, beautiful scenery and wine estates producing delicious wines and brandies. There are literally hundreds of wine estates, all offering the chance to sample their unique blends in a beautiful setting.

Stellenbosch is the de facto capital of the Winelands and was the second town to be established by the Dutch settlers. It is very attractive and full of old thatched and whitewashed Cape Dutch buildings and historic national monuments.

The wine estates of Stellenbosch are also most impressive, with grand manor houses and beautifully laid out grounds.

Madikwe Game Reserve, situated adjacent to the Botswana border and only 3 hours' drive from both Johannesburg and Pretoria, is one of South Africa's largest game reserves and best-kept secrets.

The reserve is located in South Africa's North-West Province and is today considered one of our country's prime safari destinations.

Madikwe is an excellent place for a South Africa safari with magnificent vast plains of open grasslands and woodlands bordered by rugged mountain ranges and rocky hills. Of course, it's only an hour and a half drive from the funfest at Sun City allowing you to get the best of both worlds.

Many Travelers stay at Sun City and visit Madikwe Game Reserve for a half-day, however, we believe that you'd need at least a full day, and ideally a couple of nights at this spectacular reserve to fully experience its magic.

The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is situated in the southwestern corner of the world-famous Kruger National Park and is world renowned for having some of the best Big Five game viewing in South Africa. There are no fences, so the animals roam freely through this pristine African wilderness.

The Sabi Sand region is particularly well known for its incredible up-close leopard sightings, allowing for dramatic photography. The reserve boasts many extraordinary safari lodges, such as Exeter River Lodge, Dulini Lodge, Leadwood Lodge and Kirkman’s Kamp, where luxury accommodation and private plunge pools provide an elegant contrast to the rugged bushveld.

Hermanus is one of South Africa's most popular coastal villages. Set in charming surroundings on the Western Cape coastline, Hermanus is a mere 2.5 hour drive from Cape Town along the breathtakingly beautiful Garden Route. From exquisite beaches to boutiques and cosmopolitan cafés and thrilling activities like shark-cage diving and hang gliding.

Hermanus has something for everyone. It is often referred to as the best place in the world for land-based whale watching, as the southern right whales come right into Walker Bay to mate and calf on their annual southern migration.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve is a great destination for Travelers in search of a malaria free safari in South Africa. Famous for its incredible landscapes and luxury accommodation Shamwari Private Game Reserve covers an area of 180km2.

Shamwari boasts all of the Big Five (lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino and leopard) and it's highly trained bush savvy rangers know each animals territory intimately so sightings are commonplace.

Complementing the Big Five are large herds of different antelope species, hippo, zebra and wildebeest you will spot on your South African safari at this magnificent destination. Night drives at Shamwari Private Game Reserve are an exciting addition to a normal game drive as this safari destination has an interesting range of nocturnal wildlife.

The elusive aardvark is always a highlight and caracal, genet and grysbok are often spotted.