Dorling Kindersley Limited - DK Eyewitness Travel Guide South Africa

Inspire / Plan / Discover / Experience

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t The skyline of Johannesburg at night

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t Picturesque Camps Bay, just outside Cape Town.

Abundant wildlife, spectacular scenery and vibrant city life: South Africa has it all. Whatever your dream trip to this captivating country includes, this DK Eyewitness Travel Guide is your perfect companion.

Nestled at the southern tip of Africa, this vast land is a natural paradise of rugged vistas, beautiful beaches, and kaleidoscopic flora and fauna. From the curvaceous, rust-coloured dunes of the Kalahari to the verdant plateau of Table Mountain, the pull of the outdoors is impossible to resist. Whether its coming eye to eye with an elephant in Kruger National Park, standing amid a colourful carpet of spring wildflowers in Namaqualand, or hiking across the craggy peaks of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg, youll find plenty of experiences worthy of any bucket list.

Peppered throughout this landscape is an endlessly appealing assortment of cities and towns, infused with a unique blend of colonial and indigenous influences. Cosmopolitan Cape Town exudes coastal cool, while glittering Johannesburg pulsates with entrepreneurial energy. An old-world charm endures in smaller towns, like Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, many of which are unexpected havens of world-class wine and gourmet cuisine. A strong sense of history is palpable throughout, from the prehistoric origins of our earliest ancestors to the inspirational legacy of Nelson Mandela.

With so many things to see and do, any visit to South Africa packs a punch. Weve broken the country down into easily navigable chapters, with detailed itineraries and comprehensive maps to help plan the perfect visit. Add insider tips, a Field Guide and a Need To Know section with all the practical essentials to be aware of, and youve got an indispensable guidebook. Enjoy the book, and enjoy South Africa.

The City Hall building in central Durban.

A lion in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

Traditional baskets for sale at a crafts market.

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Immense swathes of savannah teeming with fearsome beasts and colourful birds. A coastline as varied as it is beautiful. Ancient rock-art sites and world-class vineyards. Here are just some of the reasons why we love South Africa.

t Lions lazing in the sun, a family of elephants parading through the bush, vivid sunbirds flitting between branches: enjoy close encounters with some of natures most majestic animals.

Discover Reasons to Love South Africa

t Whether its the rolling dunes of the , South Africas scenery is truly unforgettable.

Discover Reasons to Love South Africa

t South Africas vibrant cities not only house an appealing array of cultural attractions, but thrive with buzzing markets, trendy restaurants and lively nightlife.

Discover Reasons to Love South Africa

t From family-friendly beaches to land-based whale-watching, South Africas epic coastline spanning the warm Indian Ocean and chillier Atlantic has something for everyone.

Discover Reasons to Love South Africa