South Africa is deservedly renowned for its majestic scenery and abundant wildlife. A safari will likely be the focal point of your trip, but set aside several days to explore cosmopolitan Cape Town and the lovely adjacent Winelands. The restaurants in both places are reason enough to hop on a plane. South Africa’s main roads are generally smooth, well maintained and well signed, so renting a car is not out of the question, especially for Garden Route itineraries. But keep in mind that people drive on the left, as in Britain. Crime is a problem chiefly in major cities like Johannesburg and certain neighborhoods of Cape Town. Although many of the economic, social and political problems associated with the apartheid era remain unresolved, for the most part, South Africa is a friendly and beautiful country in which it is a delight to travel.

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