When you dream of your next holiday, do you picture yourself lazing on a sunny beach? Indulging in some much-deserved pampering with spa treatments, decadent dinners and award-winning wines? Perhaps you crave excitement - a thrilling activity you've never tried before: shark cage diving? Bungee jumping? A walking safari through big game territory? Or do you long for quality family time? Whatever your wish list, here are my top reasons to pick South Africa for your next holiday: Wildlife Everybody's heard of the Kruger National Park, but not many people realise that South Africa is scattered with game-packed reserves from malaria-free Madikwe (a popular choice for a family safari) and Addo Elephant Park (a great option for an affordable self-drive safari) to the luxurious Sabi Sands or Phinda Private Reserve.
During our spring months (August to October) you can also experience the world's best land-based whale watching from the rugged cliffs lining Hermanus.
Best Beaches Recently voted one of the world's best beach cities; Cape Town has a beach for every occasion.
In fact all the way up South Africa's Indian Ocean coastline are beautiful stretches of soft white sand, with the ocean getting steadily warmer the further north you go: combine your tanning with trips to quaint seaside towns on the Garden Route, try your hand at surfing in Durban or snorkel colourful coral reefs and stroll footprint-free beaches off KZN's Elephant Coast.
Outdoor Activities For those with an adventurous spirit our mountains, rivers, beaches and oceans turn South Africa into a massive playground.
From hiking in the Drakensberg and rafting on the Orange River, to paragliding off Lion's Head and mountain biking through the Cape Winelands, there are so many ways to get out and enjoy all this country has to offer.
People It was Archbishop Desmond Tutu who coined the phrase "Rainbow Nation" and it's this mix of cultures that gives South Africa its soul.
South Africans are in general a friendly bunch; we enjoy meeting new people and sharing part of our lives so take the time to go on a township tour, a Cape Malay or African cooking tour, or even a jazz or drumming safari - it's sure to be a highlight of your stay.
Food & Wine The vine-covered valleys of the Cape Winelands produce some of the world's top wines: travel from farm to farm sampling crisp whites and full-bodied reds on the shaded patios of stately Cape Dutch homesteads.
Foodies gravitate to the top restaurants tucked away in the Franschhoek Valley, but wherever you go on your South Africa holiday you're sure to find delicious yet affordable meals that won't cause a sharp intake of breath as you reach for your wallet.
Sunshine While the northern hemisphere is shivering and snowbound, we're all heading to the beach.
On the whole South Africa has a wonderfully warm climate, in fact subtropical Durban averages over 300 days of sunshine a year - an excellent average by anyone's standards.
Then there's our diverse scenery (from the arid Karoo to lush Knysna forest), our fascinating history, our well-maintained infrastructure with pothole-free roads winding through farmlands and over mountain passes and our accommodation options ranging from top boutique hotels to family-friendly resorts.
By now even the skeptical will have to agree: a holiday in South Africa really does give you the chance to experience it all.