is-south-africa-the-most-beautiful-country-in-the-world

Yes, travelling abroad is always very exciting and as one of the things you must do before you kick the bucket, I would highly recommend it. So when you travelling abroad, what is the most important aspect of your travels that ensures a good trip? Care to hazard a guess?

For me, good weather is a serious factor! With an average of three hundred days of sunshine in most parts of this beautiful country, South Africa offers the best weather conditions of any other country in the world. There is nothing worse than planning a day trip for sightseeing only to be disappointed by the weather, no thank you! Thinking back of my trip to the Netherlands a few years ago, I was completely mesmerised by the culture and the people (think this is because I made a point of speaking Afrikaans to all the locals) the history and in a way the beauty of the place. What I did not like though was for the entire time that I was over there, it bloody well rained! With a rainy season of more than six months of the year I can understand why South Africa, for the Dutch and other European citizens, is such an attractive destination.

Europe for me is far more interesting than say the United States of America, but is Europe more interesting and appealing than South Africa? As a proudly South African hell no, but then ask yourself the following question. Do you believe that every individual from abroad that attended the 2010 Soccer World Cup was completely bowled over by South Africa?

Yes, there is a great deal to see and experience when travelling abroad, but nowhere in the world can you experience so much in one country. With over 2500 kilometres of coastline stretching from the Namibian border to the border of Mozambique, you guaranteed to find a seaside holiday experience catering for your specific need. From whale watching in Hermanus, sailing around the Sentinel in Hout Bay visiting Seal Island, diving with Sharks in False Bay, enjoying a feast of the world’s best oysters whilst watching a view of The Heads in Knysna, visiting the southernmost tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas or just soaking up the sun at the many beautiful beaches, no other country on the African continent, or for that matter the world, can offer such variety. Shall I mention the wildlife and beautiful scenery?

We have the big 5; we have giraffes, zebras, buffalo and so much other wildlife. Do you have to travel all the way to the Kruger National Park to see this wildlife? Well simply put, NO. When it comes to viewing wildlife, the bush is never far away especially when living on the Highveld. Fear not though, closer to the coastal regions you may not necessarily see a lion, but you will be able to see a variety of other type of wildlife. Take for example the world renowned Otter hiking trail on the Garden Route near Plettenberg Bay, a strenuous yet exhilarating five day hike in the Tsitsikamma National Park, which combines the viewing of so many different types of animals and birdlife complimented with majestic scenes of mountains and waterfalls. I’m talking about viewing whales and dolphins swimming close to the shoreline, indigenous birdlife nestling in the tree tops whilst consuming scenery that defines this part of the world.

Yes, South Africa is an absolute gem, but there is one more thing that defines South Africa and makes it completely unique – the people that inhabits this land!

As the great Archbishop Desmond Tutu once referred to South Africans – we are the rainbow nation. South Africa is what it is not only because of what she has to offer in terms of scenery and wildlife, but because of her people, our history and what the future holds for us as South Africans. South Africa is a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicity backgrounds, but yet we live together, enjoy our sport together, enjoy our different cuisine together, and generally just getting along no matter how different we may be. I love this country and the people that inhabit this land. I love the fact that people from other countries around the globe chooses South Africa as a preferred travelling destination to other more popular world destinations. I love the fact that many South Africans that left this country before is now returning again.

Yes, the world is a big place. There is a great deal to see and lots to experience, but no other country in the world comes remotely close to South Africa in terms of her beauty and her people.

I’m a proud South African and this is my home.

Is South Africa the most beautiful country in the world? You better believe it!

VIVA South Africa.