Where in the world can you see lions, elephants, zebras, whales, and penguins in the wild? There is only one correct answer: South Africa. For the wildlife enthusiasts out there, you can't go wrong with this country. Penguin colonies are located close to Cape Town, and you can't resist the quintessential African safari where you'll see big cats, elephants, and giraffes. The brave traveler may want to go great white shark cage diving as well!
With a troubled history, South Africa is filled with fascinating stories of heartache and triumph. The recent tribal/racial issues associated with Apartheid and the townships (segregated communities), which still exist, the country remains a recent history lesson of society can fail; and how people can overcome. On a lighter note, the popular and continually growing wine industry has led to delicious wines and sweeping views of wine country.
Cape Town is rated as "The Best City in Africa/Middle East" and is a top ten city in the world. The reason for this spans from the variety of nightlight and cultural activities, to the natural beauty this coastal city benefits from. A must-do activity is going to the top of Table Mountain which is a World Heritage Site with plenty of endemic flora growing atop.
Johannesburg is not just a gateway to the majority of South Africa, but to the southern part of the continent of Africa as well. Check off your sixth or seventh continent with a direct flight from one of three U.S. cities, which is about as convenient as flying halfway across the world can be. From JoBurg you can take a 45-min flight to start a safari, 2-hr flight north to see Victoria Falls, or head 2-hr west to Cape Town and the wine lands. The relative convenience of South Africa helps you make your African dreams come true.