1. Blyde River Canyon

The Blyde River Canyon is a place of spectacular views, soaring peaks, caves, waterfalls and a challenging hiking trail.

Some of South Africa's finest scenery can be found along the escarpement in Mpumalanga, where the interior plateau (called the Highveld) drops away dramatically to the subtropical plains below (Lowveld). The Blyde River has carved its way through the escarpement over the past 60 million years to form the canyon 300 to 800 metres deep.

The canyon is a nature reserve offering bird-watching, numerous walks and riding trails, and restaurants and camping in designated areas.

2. Cape Peninsula

The Cape Peninsula offers an extraordinary variety of - beaches, mountains, wild animals - all in the middle of a major city, Cape Town.

The best beaches for swimming from are on the eastern side of the peninsular where the water is several degrees warmer are on False Bay at Muizenberg, Fish Hoek and The Boulders. The beaches at Clifton and Camps Bay, where the water is colder, are scenic and ideal for sunbathing.

The Cape is home to an amazing variety of plant life internationally classified as the sixth Floral Kingdom known as Fynbos.

Walkers will enjoy the network of paths that criss-cross the mountain chain.

For more detailed information see CAPE TOWN and WEST CAPE.