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South Africa - a world class travel destination
Often described as 'a world in one country', South Africa offers the visitor a breathtaking variety of scenery, from desert and lush forest, to soaring mountains and vast empty plains. Culturally as diverse as the landscape, many visitors are drawn to experience for themselves the miracle of the peaceful overthrow of apartheid. Others are attracted by the endless golden beaches, big game, diving or snorkelling, or bird watching. Visitors will find South Africa positively inviting, with world-class infrastructure, transport and accommodation.
A country of contrasts
Whilst boasting cosmopolitan and sophisticated cities such as Pretoria, Johannesburg and Cape Town, the country also has a striking natural beauty. South Africa has some of the world's most breathtaking scenery, and features an amazing display of bird and wildlife species, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino). The country is ranked as the third most biologically diverse in the world. There are numerous game reserves, parks and nature trails that offer a taste of Africa's natural appeal.
Due to the diversity of peoples and cultures in South Africa, the country offers a variety of cultural experiences. The history of the country also holds strong appeal for tourists, from the discovery of gold in Johannesburg to the Robben Island prison where icons of South Africa's political struggle against apartheid, such as Nelson Mandela, were detained.
Tourism in South Africa is a thriving sector, with millions of tourists from around the world entering the country annually. The country boasts a wide selection of restaurants, hotels, guesthouses, shopping centres and other tourist facilities.
World heritage sites
South Africa has seven world heritage sites proclaimed by Unesco, namely Robben Island; the hominid sites at Swartkrans, Sterkfontein and Kromdraai (known as the Cradle of Humankind); the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park (a mixed natural and cultural site); the Mapungubwe Heritage Site; the Cape Floral Kingdom; and the Vredefort Dome.
The Cradle of Humankind, encompassing the region of Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, Kromdraai and environs, has one of the world's richest concentrations of hominid fossils, evidence of human evolution over the last 3,5 million years. Found in the provinces of Gauteng and North West, the fossil sites cover an area of 47 000 hectares. The remains of ancient forms of animals, plants and hominids - our early ancestors and their relatives - are captured in a bed of dolomite deposited around 2,5 billion years ago. Although other sites in south and east Africa have similar remains, the Cradle has produced more than 950 hominid fossil specimens.
Transport infrastructure
South Africa has the largest and most developed road infrastructure in Africa and most parts of the country are accessible by road. The country has a substantial rail network, the largest in southern Africa, and nine major airports for domestic and international air travel. As part of South Africa's commitment to hosting the best World Cup ever, government has earmarked funding for the upgrading of transport and other infrastructure in the country. The Airports Company of South Africa is also investing millions of rands in the upgrading of airports for 2010. Since democracy, South Africa has successfully hosted among others the Rugby World Cup in 1995, the African Cup of Nations in 1996, the All Africa Games in 1999 and the Cricket World Cup in 2003 and is ready to host a world-class FIFA World Cup™ in 2010.