Zulu dancers in Johannesburg

After decades of apartheid and political turmoil, South Africa has emerged as a Rainbow Nation brimming with optimism.

Aside from its stark natural beauty, travellers to South Africa are struck by its vastness.

Coming in at more than a million square kilometres, you're not going to see it all in a week or even a month. It's better to pick one or two areas and get to know them well.

South Africa is not a country to be explored frivolously; it can be dangerous, but with some solid planning, you can be guaranteed a sensational holiday.

And what sights there are: the thrill of seeing an elephant in the wild frolicking with its young; being submerged in the snow-white surf of the Indian Ocean; or enjoying a jazz concert in Johannesburg's chic clubs.

South Africa hasn't always been so enticing though. Before the release of ANC leader Nelson Mandela from prison, white power had ensured an apartheid state triumphed over a subjugated black population. Once Mandela was released however, the process of political change began, and old wounds could be healed. The country opened up to investment and in 1995 South Africa hosted the Rugby World Cup.

In 2010, it will again be in the international spotlight as the host of the soccer World Cup.

Survival guide

South Africa lies on the same latitude as parts of New Zealand and Australia and has some subtropical zones. In general the days are hot and dry with comfortable year-round temperatures between 25ºC and 30ºC the norm.

The wettest season is over summer (November to March), although in the southwest around Cape Town, rainfall is high in winter (June to August).

South Africa has 11 official languages, with English, Afrikaans (the language of the Dutch settlers), Zulu and Swahili the main ones. You can leave your phrasebook at home though - everyone speaks English to some degree.

While South Africa is relatively developed compared to the rest of Africa, much of its population still lives in poverty. And with poverty comes crime. Most crime is carried out by locals on locals but being streetwise is essential. Never wander off into a township or area outside city centres.

Before travelling, visitors are advised to receive inoculations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, typhoid, yellow fever, tetanus and diphtheria. HIV and AIDS, are major health concerns in South Africa so always practive safe sex.

There is simply a mouthwatering array of foods in this country reflecting a blend of many cultures. But be sure to try the selection of local dishes including boboti (beef pie), green bean bredie (lamb and green bean stew) or hoender pastei (boer chicken pie).

South Africa has an exceptional range of accommodation from hotels and B&Bs to self catering apartments. Many B&Bs have their own swimming pools, service is excellent and rates not at all expensive. You can easily find a good room for US$20 but middle range is around $40-$55.

South Africa's currency of the country is the rand: 10 rand is roughly equal to $1.35

South Africa's has a network of world-classy motorways and secondary roads that criss-cross the country and you will see road crews constantly upgrading stretches. Driving is on the left. Renting a car is relatively inexpensive. A Nissan Almera will set you back US$50 for two weeks. If you're driving to Kruger National Park you might want to consider hiring a 4WD, which hits the wallet a bit harder but is worth it.

If you're not used to driving long distances a bus may be a better way to travel. Check out Intercape or Greyhound and Translux, all of which offer a variety of national routes. Or if you want to go seriously upmarket, Compassline offer tailor-made, personalized tours in comfortable Mercedes buses. Train travel in South Africa ranges from the Shosholoza Meyl tourist and economy class trains which are safe and long-distance, to the audacious luxury of the Blue Train from Cape Town to Pretoria. The tourist trains have their own creature comforts - the sleepers even have hot showers at the end of the corridor. However, local commuter trains have been known to be flashpoints of violence so consider avoiding local commuter and metro trains, especially between Johannesburg and Pretoria. If you're short on time, flying between cities is also an option with airports in all major, and some smaller cities.