With the advent of South Africa's democracy in 1994, tourism has blossomed into a thriving industry. Today South Africa is one of the world's most sought-after tourist destinations, and for good reason. Where else can a visitor experience the ancient beginnings of humankind, the magnificence of the "Big Five", kilometres of unspoilt beaches, exhilarating eco-adventures and the lively buzz of First-World city life - South Africa offers excellent infrastructure including world-class hotels, welcoming bed and breakfasts and comfortable guest lodges as well as a variety of travel options - making it easy to move around the varied landscapes.
From the starkly beautiful arid Karoo of the Northern Cape to the subtropical forests of KwaZulu-Natal; from the snow-capped mountains of the Drakensberg to the tranquil winelands of the Western Cape; from the rural villages of the Eastern Cape to the financial heart of Africa that is Gauteng - South Africa offers attractions that visitors will not find anywhere else in the world.
One of the most richly diverse and enchanting countries in the world, South Africa comprises exotic combinations of landscapes, people, history and culture all working together to welcome the traveller and share with them a unique and inspiring African experience. South Africa is a destination just waiting to be explored.
Most of the country lies to the south of the Tropic of Capricorn, with Cape Town almost on the same latitude as Sydney (Australia), and Johannesburg more or less on the same latitude as Brisbane (Australia).
The country occupies a little over four percent of the continent's total landmass. Covering an area of approximately 1 220 000 square kilometres, South Africa is larger than Germany, Italy, Holland and France combined. Put another way, South Africa is five times the size of Great Britain.
