South Africa is the continent’s trump card. Energetic and brimming with self-confidence, no other country can match it for sheer variety. It holds some of Africa’s very best attractions, neatly linked by an efficient, visitor-friendly infrastructure with good onward connections to other countries, making this an ideal place to start or finish a trip. You could, of course, make this one country your sole focus. If your idea of the perfect African adventure boils down to a spot of Big Five game-watching, a few days on a glorious beach and a quick taste of history and heritage, then South Africa will fit the bill nicely. However, you’d be doing the place an injustice if you left it at that. . .
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Links we like
Coast to Coast Crammed with handy travel info for backpackers.
Getaway South Africa’s best travel magazine, with excellent features on home as well as regional destinations.
Mail and Guardian Award-winning site from one of Africa’s most respected newspapers.
Music.org.za The inside track on South Africa’s buzzing music scene.
South African National Parks The full lowdown, including entry fees, activities, accommodation and internships.
South Africa Tourism Superbly comprehensive official visitor info.
Rage Online magazine with its finger on the pulse of urban culture, covering South African music, art, nightlife and street style.
Wavescape Where to surf, with webcams to keep an eye on the action.
This page last edited 9 June 2011 © Richard Trillo and Emma Gregg
First-Time Africa: know before you go 