Top 10 places to visit in South Africa

South Africa is a beautiful and exciting country. And 'home to a wonderful mix of beaches, mountains, nature and the incredible 2500 km of coastline. The famous gold and diamonds and also the preference of sport - particularly rugby. If you have the chance to see the Springboks in operation, it gives you a real understanding of the passion. As with all state the size of South Africa, for travel to South Africa can be difficult. In order to avoid any problems make sure you plan your trip well. This is my personal Top 10 Places to Visit in South Africa:

1. Table Mountain

Plate over the mountain that overlooks Cape Town is a major tourist destination for all visitors to South Africa, and when here you are probably going to want to get to the top. There are a couple of options you can take a cable car, or if you're more the adventurous type, you can hike to the summit. Climb is definitely worth it when you reach the summit views are spectacular. Table Mountain is also home to the rock hyrax (which looks like a mixture of squirrel and mouse), porcupine, mongoose, snakes and turtles and some of the playful monkeys, which are always in search of food.

2. Robben Island

The infamous prison where Nelson Mandela was held as a political prisoner for 18 years (1964-1982) is located on Robben Island. The prison is a place to visit and poignant and moving tour here, you can see how the prisoners lived. When you get to 7 feet of Nelson Mandela by cell 7ft can find a copy of the chair, carpet, bowl and blanket.From outside the cell is a list of food once served in prison and also a separate menu for South Africans of mixed race blacks / Asian and white South Africans. Robben Island ferries depart from the V & A Waterfront in Cape Town six times a day. While sure to book a ferry to the island for visitors is limited to 1,800 people a day and the queues can get long. Robben Island is located 7km off the coast of South Africa, it’s 3.3km long and 1.9km wide.

3. Garden Route

Garden Route is a very scenic stretch of the southeast coast of South Africa, from Mossel Bay and Storms River paint. There are a number of excellent stop along the way, the two cities on this list - Knysna and Oudtshoorn. Garden Route has ten different types of protected areas that is home to dolphins, seals and whales endangered southern right. In addition, the ocean is nearly 300 species of beautiful multi-colored birds to live here. To see the area you can rent a car or travel in Africa, the last passenger steam train Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe. Even if the train does not stretch the entire length of the Garden Route is still worth checking out. Baz Bus is also a good economic alternative.

4. Knysna

Knsyna is a picturesque town in the heart of the Garden Route, which deserves a special mention. It 'definitely worth a stop here because it is an ideal place to have fun, relax and enjoy good food. Kynsna attracts many artists, because of the beautiful views and relaxing atmosphere bohemian atmosphere of the city. An area that appeals to both artists and lovers of water sports and Knysna Heads. Here you will find the lagoon, which is perfect for a fun hobby, "jumping wave", and is also known for its incredible sunsets. I found the perfect place to sit and relax for Knysna for a few days, when the South Africans, as I always tell them what I liked in Knysna, and all agree that it is definitely one of the real jewels.

5. Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is South Africa's second oldest city, established in 1679th Highlight of the city is amazing the wine route, which boasts 44 cellar. A wide variety of wines produced in the region, and while it is classified as my "country Cabernet" Pinotage is preferred (but each with their own!) As you travel from the cellar in the basement you will find the area very friendly visitor. Each entry in the cellar is clear, and most wineries offer tours and fabulous lunch in the beautiful gardens or restaurants. Of course, you have the chance to enjoy one or two bottles of wine produced locally!

6. Oudtshoorn

Oudtshoorn perhaps an unusual choice, but I think it's worth stopping for a trip to South Africa. If you've always dreamed of riding an ostrich in Oudtshoorn, is therefore the place to visit. And 'known as the ostrich capital of South Africa and here you can run one or only a sample of their eggs. Many hotels serve ostrich eggs for breakfast and the eggs are naturally quite large and very rich flavor. Carnivores can try a fancy sausage and ostrich steaks, which are also readily available. Although it is not only Oudtshoorn ostrich. Its great scenery make it popular with cyclists and people want to relax after the madness of Cape Town.

7. Durban

Durban is the third largest city in South Africa, but is also more friendly. Durban is known as the "Golden Mile", which is a series of beaches filled with surfers. It also has a shark-free zone, which is always a bonus. After a moment of relaxation at the beach, the main promenade on the seafront in Durban where there are many hotels, pubs, restaurants, shops and Marine World Aquarium. Durban is the largest Indian community and the Victoria Street Indian Market is very popular. Here you can see mosques, temples, exotic shops and restaurants where you can try delicious Indian cuisine.

8. Kruger National Park

South Africa would be total without visiting the Kruger National Park. The Park is Africa’s oldest national park and was originally discover in 1898. The Kruger is located five hours north of Johannesburg and is home to a huge variety of wildlife including the famous “Big Five” buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino. When visiting you can hire a 4*4 to explore the park and choose to stay in either a bungalow, caravan, chalet, cottage or campsite. Personally I opted to go on a tour. This allowed me to be taken around by professionals who knew every aspect of the park and the resident wildlife as opposed to me heading into the park on my own-where I could potentially be eaten by a lion.

9. Soweto

Although Soweto is not the best location in the search is considered one of the most important and education in the country. Soweto is a big city, where 3.5 million people call home expansion 90 square miles. The area is divided into three distinct areas - the rich, the middle class and poor. There are vast areas covered by the slum huts, most of which were made by people who occupy them. A visit to Soweto is very humbling and it's the safest way to visit a town. On my trip I was introduced to one of the residents at home and taken to a shebeen (drinking once a hole illegal in South Africa), where I sat and talked with people of the countries. I also led to the former home of Nelson Mandela and the Hector Pieterson Memorial.

10. The Drakensberg Mountains

Drakensberg Mountains extending about 600 km along the entire length of the western border of KwaZulu-Natal. It 'an amazing place where you can hike, bird / wildlife viewing, horseback riding or take a safari. It 'can also follow the 4 × 4 trails, quad go rock climbing or rafting. I also recommend the Royal Natal National Park, which is ranked as one of the most beautiful areas of the Drakensberg. It is home to the Mont-aux-Sources (one of the highest in the Drakensberg mountains) and the spectacular Tugela Falls. There are many eco-tours are also available that offers Karkloof Canopy Tour is located in SWR 30metres above the forest floor. This allows you to see the amazing landscape and birdlife.