We for you South Africa!

Wild animals do not roam around free in the streets; you can not pick up gold in the streets of Johannesburg!

In South Africa you will find an enriching diversity of cultures, attractions, politics, environments and even climates that would be hard to match in any other one country in the world.

South Africa made headlines for the last 50 odd years. Firstly because of the racial policies of the apartheid government, where apparently all whites dominated all other races and then in 1994 when the first democratic elections were held and won by the ANC. The "new South Africa" has still not settled after 11 years.

We have 11 official languages, a mixture of race, creed, culture and colour. 9 of the official languages are from the Bantu tongues showing the different backgrounds of the Black people. SA is the most southerly country on the African continent and economically and politically one of the most important and influential. From the north to the south is nearly 2 000km and from east to west 1 500km.

Our country is blessed with much sunshine! The main river system is the Orange which has its origins in the Maluti in Lesotho. The Vaal River is the country's second most important river.

Footprints discovered at Langebaan have been dated back to 117 000 years ago and are the worlds oldest traces to modern man.

South Africa's got the most blue flag beaches outside Europe. A Blue Flag is an international award given to beaches that meet standards of excellence in safety, amenities, cleanliness and environmental practice. South Africa now has 23 Blue Flag beaches. Each one has something special to offer.

If water activities are your thing go white water rafting or quietly paddle along deep pools where there is always the promise of sighting a fish eagle in search of its lunch.

• Blyde River Canyon

See the unspoilt magnificence of the Blyde River Canyon from the inside. Gashing through Limpopo Province and Mpumalanga, it offers river rafters everything from the gentle to a physically taxing 8 hour run over 14 sets of rapids ranging in toughness to grade IV.

• Gariep River

Relax as you drift for four days on the Gariep River as it winds through the Richtersveld National Park, which protects South Africa's only mountain desert. Here there is no limit to the view, with striking displays of canyons, reefs, escarpments, pinnacles, mazes and lakes of stone.

• Umkomaas River

Expect an exhilarating trip through the Umkomaas Valley as the river churns around giant boulders on its rush from the Drakensberg to the sea. Here novices and experts alike can enjoy scenic rural KwaZulu-Natal with anything from a 1km tube ride to a 24km adrenalin rush over grade III rapids.

• Tugela River

Confront this savage creation which starts life as the world's second highest waterfall. Wrestle and splash your way through the heart of Zululand country as the river thunders down a 30km canyon with rapids from grade I to V.

Rivers are to be treated with the utmost respect. The more ferocious rapids will test your training, skill, fitness and safety equipment, so if you're a beginner, use an established operator with experienced guides. They'll provide all the essentials including watercraft and life jackets (and helmets for the serious stuff).

Even in winter the South African sun burns. So make sure to cover yourself with sunscreen!