South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa, is a country located at the southern tip of the African continent. It borders the countries of Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland, and Lesotho (an independent enclave entirely surrounded by South African territory). South Africa is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.

South Africa has experienced a significantly different history from other nations in Africa as a result of two facts. Firstly, early immigration from Europe that started shortly after the Dutch East India Company founded a station at (what was to become) Cape Town in 1652. Early and later European interest followed from the second fact, the strategic importance of the Cape Sea Route. The closure of the Suez Canal during the Six Day War exemplifies its significance.

The country's relatively developed infrastructure made its mineral wealth available and important to Western interests, particularly throughout the late nineteenth century; then, with international competition and rivalry during the Cold War. South Africa is an ethnically diverse nation. It has the largest white, Indian, and racially-mixed communities in Africa. Black South Africans, who speak nine officially-recognized languages and many more dialects, account for slightly less than 80% of the population.

Racial strife between the white minority and the black majority has played a large part in the country's history and politics, culminating in apartheid, which was instituted in 1948 by the National Party (although segregation existed prior to that date). The laws that defined apartheid began to be repealed or abolished by the National Party in 1990 after a long and sometimes violent struggle (including economic sanctions from the international community) by the Black majority as well as many White, Coloured, and Indian South Africans.

Two philosophies originated in South Africa: ubuntu (the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity); and Gandhi's notion of "passive resistance" (satyagraha), developed while he lived in South Africa.

Regular elections have been held for almost a century; however, the vast majority of black South Africans were not enfranchised until 1994. The economy of South Africa is the largest and best developed on the continent, with modern infrastructure common throughout the country.

South Africa is often referred to as "The Rainbow Nation", a term coined by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and later adopted by then-President Nelson Mandela. Mandela used the term "Rainbow Nation" as a metaphor to describe the country's newly-developing multicultural diversity in the wake of segregationist apartheid ideology. The country's socially progressive policies are rare in Africa. By 2007, the country had joined Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, and Canada in legalising same-sex marriage.

South Africa will be the host nation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It will be the first time the tournament is held in Africa.

There are so many different fantastic ways of touring South Africa that it can be very difficult to choose just one for your holiday.

Expore the Major Cities
Jet-setters of all ages and from all countries love to back-pack from city to city, staying in each for a week or more. It can prove to be a truly fantastic way of exploring South Africa. This is especially true if you are fond of "retail-therapy" since there are beautiful, safe shopping centres in every city. Some of the large shopping centres in South Africa have gained international acclaim, for example: The V&A Waterfront in Cape Town was the very first five star shopping centre to be built in a fully functional harbour. The Randburg Waterfront is also famed for being the only inland waterfront shopping centre in the world.

• Cape Town is called the "Mother City" for many reasons. This was the first 'modern' city to be founded on the South of the African continent. The city also has a tremendous nurturing power when it comes to creative talent. Many of South Africa's most famous creative names are from Cape Town. Among the most well known are Pieter Dirk Uys (actor and political satirist) and Beezy Bailey (artist).
• Johannesburg - a city with many names - is an urban hub of activity, nightlife and dynamic business. If you want something done in South Africa, go to "Jozie". The City was founded in the gold rush that gave South Africa's economy one of its initial sparks. The atmosphere of commerce still gives the "City of Gold" its unique vibe and energetic spirit.
• Durban is famed for its beaches and eastern cuisine. If you want a taste of the east, try taking a traditional Indian rickshaw along the beachfront and stopping along the way for some of the finest curry, bobotie and bredie in the world!
• Pretoria is not really a major tourist destination unless you have a fascination with South Africa's political history. This was the high seat of the apartheid bureaucracy. Many famous buildings and statues are found throughout the city and there is a copious volume of information available on the transformation of this country. 

Backpacking is also ideal for nature lovers since you can get up close and personal with Mother Nature if you opt to travel with a tent!

Every major city in South Africa is chock-full of back-packers' lodges and simple bed & breakfast accommodation. There are strict laws regarding safety and hygiene so it is rare to have an unpleasant experience at any established lodge. Clean rooms, simple fare and interesting people are the things you should expect from a backpackers' lodge. Never the less it is always a good idea to let word-of-mouth guide your decision on where to stay. What better recommendation could you have than the good experiences of a fellow traveller?

Packaged Tours
These are a hassle free way of discovering the beautiful and diverse country of South Africa. It's also great if you have only a small amount of time to devote to travelling. Everything you could possibly want is laid out for you and you get to devote every waking moment to experiencing the magnificent scenery and fantastic wildlife. There are also township tours in all major cities. These guided tours allow you to experience life in the townships safely as a group. You even get to visit a genuine shebeen.

Packaged tours can be simple and easy or quite adventurous, depending on what your interests are. For those in need of an escape from city life, there are many straight-forward safari tours with great food and accommodation provided. For the adventurous, activities could range from white-water rafting to diving with sharks (from the safety of a big, metal cage of course)! Overland 4x4 drives are a great way to let out some city-born frustration and get close to nature at the same time. 4x4 adventures are run by ecologically sensitive companies and wildlife is strictly respected at all times. Ecologically sensitive areas are out of bounds for any self-respecting 4x4 tour!

One at a time
There are many other options available and the best way to find out more is to explore websites of companies that offer different options. Perhaps the best idea is not to choose at all but rather to enjoy each style of travel, one at a time! South Africa is a friendly place and you will be welcomed year after year after year.