RARE SIGHT: African black rhino in Kruger National Park. PICTURE / THINKSTOCK
There are some great sporting rivalries throughout the world. Take England v Australia in cricket or Brazil v Argentina in soccer for example, and among these are New Zealand v South Africa in rugby, which has fostered a unique bond between the two countries.
However, South Africa is not just rugby
- it's also a great tourist destination, home to stunning coastal scenery and big game parks.
Cape Town, famous for Table Mountain, also offers a wonderful waterfront, diamond works, the Malay Quarter and Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for many years.
High on the must-see lists is the Garden Route, and with good reason: you can't help but be seduced by the glorious natural beauty. The distance from Mossel Bay in the west to just beyond Plettenberg Bay in the east is less than 300km, yet the range of topography, vegetation, wildlife and outdoor activities is remarkable. The coast is dotted with excellent beaches, while inland you'll find picturesque lagoons, lakes and rolling hills .
Another highlight of the country is the rail journey between Cape Town and Pretoria. The distance between the two cities is more than 1600kms and can be travelled by the luxurious Blue Train, or the usually steam hauled five star Rovos Rail.
But the crowning glory of South Africa is the wildlife. There are a number of places for big game safaris, but perhaps the best known is Kruger National Park. This world-renowned park is home to an impressive number of species. With some of the best game viewing in Africa, you can spot the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino) on a thrilling game drive, or enjoy a walking safari. You can stay in Game Lodges, Tented accommodation, or in hotels - the choice is yours.
While in Southern Africa a visit to the magnificent Victoria Falls is a must, and a river safari on the Zambesi is another option to consider.
The tours, safaris and independent holidays are too numerous to list, and with regular flights to Johannesburg or Cape Town via Sydney or Perth your visit to the Rainbow Nation is easy to plan.
Colin Thompson is a Freelance Travel Consultant with New Zealand Travel Brokers - colin@nztravelbrokers.co.nz
