South Africa is an exhilarating mix of purple mountains, white-sand beaches, delicious green vineyards and scattered bushveld. Spot the Big Five in South Africa’s fabulous game reserves, or watch as the spring rains transform the desert into a carpet of sweet-smelling flowers.

Shop in cosmopolitan Cape Town, experience fine vintages and excellent cuisine in the Cape Winelands, or take a ride on the legendary Rovos Rail (or the Blue Train).

Beach resorts beckon, too, as do marine spectacles such as the annual sardine migration off the South African coast, which attracts a frenzy of sharks, seals and whales from August until the end of October.