 The Republic of South Africa is situated on the southern tip of Africa and is bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland. South Africa is often referred to as the ‘Rainbow Nation’, which is used to describe the country's multicultural diversity in the aftermath of apartheid ideology.
 South Africa has evolved in an entirely different way to that of all other nations in Africa. This is primarily due to extensive European immigration and a wealth of minerals that ensured the country’s importance to the Western world. As a result of the immigration, South Africa is an incredibly racially-diverse nation.
Racial strife has played a large part in the country's history and politics. This culminated in the ultimate segregation - apartheid. The segregation lasted over four decades, finally being abolished in 1990.
 South Africa has evolved in an entirely different way to that of all other nations in Africa. This is primarily due to extensive European immigration and a wealth of minerals that ensured the country’s importance to the Western world. As a result of the immigration, South Africa is an incredibly racially-diverse nation. Racial strife has played a large part in the country's history and politics. This culminated in the ultimate segregation - apartheid. The segregation lasted over four decades, finally being abolished in 1990.
 Whether you are looking to stay in a top-class hotel in Durban, a game lodge within Kruger Park, a self catering destination in Kimberly or an apartment in Johannesburg, you will find something to suit your needs. There is an abundance of accommodation to be found in South Africa, allowing you to tailor your perfect holiday World-class hotel chains found in South Africa include the InterContinental and Mercure. If these are out of your budget range, Best Western is a good family hotel and there are numerous budget options found across the country that vary in price and quality.
 Wherever you decide to stay and however you decide spend your time, you will not fail to miss the beauty of the natural surroundings. From the awe-inspiring mountain ranges to the vast plains of desert, the scenery and wildlife should be taken advantage of. There are not many places in the world in which you can get so close to nature.
Weather
South Africa’s overall climate is very pleasant. Summers are hot and winters are generally mild, although the temperatures do vary quite significantly between east and west, with snow falling on the mountain ranges.
 In the southwestern region of the country, temperatures are Mediterranean-like. Throughout inland areas, temperatures are generally temperate year-round, while those in the northeast experience sub-tropical temperatures, with a small area receiving a desert climate.
 In the southwest, rainfall is experienced in winter (June through August), whereas in the rest of the country, rainfall generally occurs throughout the summer months of November to March. The rain often helps to cool the atmosphere, as the temperature on summer days can often be extremely high.
 South Africa experiences one of the highest amounts of sunshine per year in the world, making it a popular year-round destination. Many Europeans tend to travel to South Africa over Christmas and New Year to escape the cold winters and because of this, coastal areas can get very busy. Easter is another peak time of year. If you are looking for some peace and quiet, and the best deals, off-peak seasons such as September and October offer good weather and excellent discounts.
History
 European settlement in South Africa began in Cape Town and gradually expanded north. The British were the first to land here, but they decided against setting up a colony at the Cape of Good Hope, leaving it open for the Dutch. Holland realised both the strategic and economic importance of the area and in 1652, they sent Jan van Riebeeck, a successful merchant, to establish a settlement. Riebeeck, along with 82 men and eight women, made the Cape their new home.
 These new settlers rapidly developed the port, increasing the need for labour. Slaves were brought in to help out, but as word spread of this new colony, people regularly arrived from Holland and across Europe. These new arrivals replaced the slaves on the construction sites and it was not long before a thriving port was operational. By the beginning of the 18th century, the settlement had grown to such an extent that the Trek Boers (white farmers from Holland) had penetrated the surrounding areas looking for suitable land.
 The Trek Boers liked to roam around the country on their carts, but this often caused conflict among local tribes and frequently the natives were forced to fight for their land. This, however, was not the only conflict taking place. In towns and villages, local citizens opposed the corrupt and virtually bankrupt colonial government and demanded independence from the administration.
This conflict ended in 1795 when the British landed on the Cape and declared the colony British. The British continued their rule free from conflict until the mid-19th century. In 1835, over 10,000 Boers left the Cape and travelled northeast. This was largely due to economic problems and the discontent felt for the British who, in 1833, had declared the slave trade to be illegal and suggested equality between whites and non-whites. The Boers were fighting with a native tribe called the Xhosa and when the British refused to give the Boers sufficient military protection, the Dutch began to feel that the British were destroying their social order of racial separation, or ‘white superiority’. The Boers separated themselves from the British, but this only lasted until 1910, when the South African Union was founded. A democratic state was formed, but only white people had the right to vote.
 Racial separation was soon enforced, with the native people being forced to live in an area where no white people were allowed to purchase land and, likewise, they were forbidden to purchase land in the other 87 per cent of the country. In 1948, apartheid was born. This was not only about the separation of races in economic situations, but was increasingly about people’s private lives. Mixed race marriages and any mixed race relationship in general were strictly forbidden. Racial segregation in all public areas was introduced and a new education system was enforced to keep all non-whites at a very low standard. Subjects included dish washing and weeding. Resistance from the black people came in the form of the ANC party. Mass protests resulted in the government banning all opposition groups, forcing them underground. After the Soweto uprising of 1976, the ANC struggle became militant and South Africa became a police state.
 In 1989, FW de Klerk admitted the failure of apartheid policies and the old regime collapsed. This led to the first ever general elections in South Africa. The ANC was un-banned and Nelson Mandela was released from prison after 27 years. Both the ANC and the government agreed to work peacefully together and after two turbulent years, a new constitution was drafted.
 In April 1994, the first democratic elections were held, with the ANC gaining the overwhelming majority. Nelson Mandela became the first black president of the new South Africa. They won the next elections in 1999 and Thabo Mbeki was elected as the new president. Today, South Africa is an incredibly popular holiday destination, with focus being shifted away from conflict and racism towards the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. The country still has problems – both racial and political, but this is no longer what is at the forefront of people’s minds.
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