A range of jagged mountains thrusting into the splendid desolation of the southern Atlantic, the Cape Peninsula is one of the world's most beautiful places.
Pristine beaches, sheltered bays and secluded coves encircle the majestic might of Table Mountain, a World Heritage Site and home to some 8,500 species of flower.
Between the mountain's looming crags and Table Bay's deep blue sweep lies South Africa's Mother City and the cosmopolitan hub of the Western Cape Province - Cape Town.
The best way to revel in the Peninsula's unrivalled beauty is to travel to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve along one of two coastal drives, each dramatically different.
To the west, the famous Chapman's Peak route traverses Sea Point's cosmopolitan seaboard and the natural beauty of Clifton's famed beaches, leading one from the quiet rusticity of Hout Bay over the awe-inspring, cliff-hugging Chapman's Peak Drive to the endless, white expanse of Noordhoek's Long Beach.
The famous Argus Bicycle Race takes place on this spectacular road.
‘Jo’burg’, the capital of the region Gauteng, is a fascinating city with a modern centre, combining its ways with the older surroundings.
It is a very modern city with excellent shopping by any standards, but being a financial centre it does not hold as many attractions for tourists as other cities like Cape Town.
Sights in Johannesburg include the new Museum Africa which offers an honest and self-critical look at the nation’s sometimes troubled past and the Market Theater Complex which houses theaters and a Saturday flea market.
History buffs will be interested in the Smuts Library at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) where South African statesman Jan Smuts’ book collection is preserved. The university’s Gubbins Library has an extensive collection of books on Africa.
The Apartheid museum, next to Gold Reef City theme-park, is a fantastic architectural piece and a moving yet informative means of learning about Apartheid and the recent political history of South Africa.
Malawi, "the warm heart of Africa" is a small country with a diverse eco-systems, beautiful scenery, a variety of wildlife and an interesting culture.
Geographically the country is dominated by Lake Malawi, the third largest freshwater lake in Africa, a trough 360 miles long and 50 miles wide formed where the western arm of the Great Rift Valley cuts into southern Africa.
Major cities are the capital Lilongwe and the commercial center Blantyre. Most tourists head for Lake Malawi with its crystal clear waters surrounded by mountains has one of the greatest selections of freshwater fish in the world (between 600 and 1,000 species of which 350 are endemic).
Scuba and snorkeling are excellent, there are good sandy beaches and many activities including water sports, nature walks and drives and visits to local villages.
Zimbabwe could be a fantastic place for tourism. Only 20 years ago, it was the richest country in Africa. However, the present economical and political situation make it not a country you want to visit as a tourist. While the eastern parts of the country are strife torn, the western part is somewhat more safe for the traveller.
The most visited place are the spectacular Victoria Falls. They can be seen on a short trip from Botswana or South Africa but in doing so they are missing some fascinating areas.
Visitor to Zimbabwe can gaze upon hundreds of species of tropical wildlife, thrill to the experience of white water rafting, scale chilly mountain peaks and savour the history of a people that goes back tens of thousands of years.
Yet these pleasures are but a few of those waiting to be discovered by the traveller who plans to visit this gem in the heart of Africa. More highlights are the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, the beautiful Lake Kariba and also the two biggest cities of Zimbabwe are worth a visit: Harare and Bulawayo.
Last but not least, to the east are the so-called Eastern Highlands, fine walking and fishing country, so cool that at certain times of the year, the grass in the morning can be trimmed with frost.
In the west is the other-worldly jumble of granite rocks that make up the Matopos National Park. Zimbabwe's largest wildlife sanctuary is Hwange National Park, situated on the western border with Botswana.
The island of Madagascar, situated off the east coast of Africa, is often considered to be a wonderful vacationing spot.
The only drawback for tourists is a lack of infrastructure; however this also ensures that crowds of foreigners are not overrunning the country.
Madagascar is made up of six provinces – Antsiranana , Mahajanga , Toamasina , Antananarivo , Fianarantsoa and Toliara – the capital city of each lending its name to the province.
Antananarivo , or Tana, as it is more commonly known, is the capital city of Madagascar and is situated in the central highland region of the island.
With an international airport and easy access to Toamasina on the east coast, and many locations in the south, Tana is where most tourists begin their visit to Madagascar.
An enjoyable journey is to follow national route number 7 from Tana to Tulear , which takes in the towns of Antsirabe , Ambositra , Fianarantsoa , Ambalavao , Ihosy and Toliara as well as providing access to scenic attractions such as Ranomafana National Park (lemur spotting and hot springs), Isalo National Park, the Fianarantsoa-Manakara Rail Journey , home made paper factories , spiny forests and world class diving at Ifaty .
As you fly into to Cairo, Egypt one will be left speechless as they look out the window and see the contrast of the setting. Out one side of the plane, you can see the vast arid desert which seems to be never ending; out the other side of the plane you see a busy city which looks like a modern day Oasis.
Travelers from all over the world have been marveling at Egypt 's wondrous antiquities for thousands of years. Although these antiquities still exist today, a visit to Cairo , Egypt is more than an immersion into the past but also encompasses many modern day amenities which anyone will be sure to enjoy.
Just walking around downtown and in the older residential parts inside the wall of the city where craftsmen work on the sidewalks outside their homes is also a real pleasure. It is easy to meet real Cairenes that are eager to discuss anything with you. Some of them try to lure you into their carpetshop; others are really interested and interesting to talk with.
If you are hungry make sure to try the most popular Egyptian dish, Koshray. Koshray is a traditional Egyptian meal that consists of a delectable combination of macaroni, spaghetti, rice, black lentils, chick peas, garlic sauce and a spicy tomato chili sauce, all topped with fried onions.
A visit to the pyramids and the Sphinx is a must, since these Egyptian icons are living and existing marks for the fascinating history that Egypt carries and is proud of. Just be aware for the aggressive Egyptian friendliness overthere from camel drivers or policemen who try to earn a few Egyptian pounds from you (they call it bahshis, a tip).
Just ask a friendly tourist to assist you in making a picture from you and you will not leave the pyramids with an irritated feeling about this Egyptian earning strategy. While in the city make sure you visit the museum first before going to see pyramites. You will appreciate more to the culture of ancient Egypt. It is advice not to make the pyramite visits on Fridays due to mass at noon time 12-13. The pyramites are closed during the time period.