10 Cape Town
The Mother City never fails to impress with a diversity of things to do and places to stay. Top drawcards are that wonderful mountain, Kirstenbosch botanical gardens, Camps Bay, Robben Island, the Two Oceans aquarium and, if youre big on adrenalin, diving with great white sharks off Dyer Island. Visit www.tourismcapetown.co.za.
9 The Garden Route
Pack up the car and hit the road its the best way to experience the area. An ideal place to start is the Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River Mouth. Plettenberg Bay is a beautiful coastal destination, and Forever Resorts has a marvellous eco-tourism resort outside Keurboomstrand. On the way to Knysna, dont miss Monkeyland and Elephants of Eden. And if you want to experience Knysna in a truly different way, hire a house-boat on the lagoon. Visit www.gardenroute.co.za.
8 Magoebaskloof
Find out about Modjadji, the Rain Queen, and discover breathtaking scenery as you climb the high peaks of Magoebaskloof before descending again to picturesque Tzaneen. Theres the Pekoe tea plantations, the pretty village of Haenertsberg, the rolling hills around Agatha and Ebenezer Dam to visit. Check out www.magoebaskloof.com and www.tzaneen.co.za
7 The Drakensberg
Whether it be Champagne Valley in the Central Berg, or Cathedral Peak, the Didima Valley, Royal Natal National Park, Amphitheatre Valley or the Middledale Pass Valley in the Northern Berg, the spectacular scenery makes the Berg a hot spot for holidays all year round. If you love hiking, horse riding, fishing and fresh mountain air, visit www.drakensberg.org.za.
6 Mozambique
You dont have to dive to love Mozambique, but if you do, youre going to get the best of it. The beaches are incredible and, for the most part, deserted, the people are friendly and the ocean is magnificent. Try out Ponto dOuro and Ponto Malongane in the south, the capital of Maputo, Vilancoulos and Pemba and the Quirimba archipelago in the far north. You wont be sorry. Check out www.mozambiquetourism.co.za.
5 Sun City
Its not the cheapest, but for a short break it is still North Wests number one contender. The Cabanas are more than adequate for two or three nights R&R, and occasionally go for a song on seasonal specials. Go to www.suninternational.com.
4 Namibia
The land God made in anger is an awesome place to explore. From the lush Caprivi Strip in the north to the arid plains of Etosha and the dunes of the Namib Naukluft, Namibia is a 4×4 enthusiasts dream come true. The Namibian dollar is equivalent to the rand, making self-drive holidays affordable. For more info check out www.namibiantourism.com.
3 Durban
The year-round tropical climate, endless stretches of golden beaches and accommodation options for all budgets make the city a perfect holiday hot spot. Some of the countrys best game reserves are a few hours drive away, and theres culture aplenty. Check out www.durban.kzn.org.za.
2 Kruger park
The Kruger is the obvious choice for lovers of the bush. And its still affordable, with accommodation for all budgets. You dont need a 4×4 to enjoy it just time to do it justice. Spend a few weeks travelling from the extreme south (Lower Sabie or Berg en Dal) to the north (Shingwedzi and Punda Maria) to get the best of Kruger. Visit www.krugerpark.co.za.
1 Zambia
Whether its Livingstone and the Vic Falls or one of the national parks, Zambia is fast emerging as the next Botswana, and for holidaymakers represents the ultimate adventure, especially if you opt for a road trip. There are many accommodation options for budget-conscious travellers. Dont let distance put you off. Go to www.zambia tourism.com.