If South Africa could be described in a single word, it would be multi-faceted. This is a country where new scenery unfolds around every corner and where the descendants of dozens of cultures are united in a Rainbow Nation (the term coined by the much-loved former Archbishop Desmond Tutu to describe our multi-cultural, unified society).

Before we explore the myriad experiences on offer, let’s discuss the basics. First, South Africa is divided into nine provinces. Many international tourists are familiar with those provinces which are home to the country’s best known tourist attractions, such as the Western Cape (where you’ll find Cape Town - affectionately known as the Mother City, because it was the first city in South Africa - and the famed Cape Winelands), Mpumalanga, renowned for its spectacular scenery and the iconic Kruger National Park, and KwaZulu-Natal, where the balmy climate makes Durban a favourite year-round seaside destination and the battlefields draw the attention of history buffs from around the world.

However, the other provinces have just as much to offer and should not be overlooked – especially if visitors wish to have an immersive experience that showcases the many different sides of this diverse country. The Northern Cape, home to the world-famous Kalahari Desert, is a delight for nature lovers, thanks to its unique landscapes. The Eastern Cape is home to beautiful beaches, and, as the business centre of South Africa, Gauteng offers a fast-paced, sophisticated urban experience. Limpopo, meanwhile, stands out for its vibrant cultural heritage, while the North West is a favourite destination for adventure enthusiasts, and the Free State is a must for people wishing to experience the charm and authenticity of South Africa’s small towns (also known as dorps).

You’ll find that most South Africans, regardless of which province they live in, are able to speak English. That said, the country has 12 official languages (English, Afrikaans, Ndebele, Pedi, Sotho, South African Sign Language, Swati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu). This is a testament to the rich mix of cultures that make up South Africa’s 60.4 million-strong population.