For more information, contact:
The Council of Adventure Travel Associations of Southern Africa (CATASA)
Tel (Intl): +27 141 89 2417
Fax (Intl): +27 141 2 5775

1.  Beaches
South Africa's beaches are not only very beautiful, but swimming is exceptionally safe from a hygienic point of view. Tests conducted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) proved that the sea water off South Africa's beaches is among the cleanest in the world. Most KwaZulu-Natal beaches are protected by shark nets.

2.  Fishing
Angling is one of South Africa's most popular sports. Many game and nature reserves have dams or rivers - or even a stretch of coastline - where fishing is enjoyed. The 2 600 km coastline comprises five major marine habitats: rocky shores, sandy beaches, kelp forests, estuaries and the open sea. In the open sea, there are approximately 2 150 fish and 38 marine mammal species. There are about 250 species of freshwater fish in Southern Africa. Trout fishing in South Africa is probably the least expensive in the world. Major trout fishing areas occur in Mpumalanga, the Northern Province, the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains in Kwa-Zulu-Natal and the southern mountain ranges of the Western Cape. The Eastern Cape also has exceptional fly fishing conditions in mountain streams and along the beautiful coastline.

3.  Flora
South Africa's floral wealth represents some 10 percent of the total number of species in the world. A mix of tropical and temperate climates has resulted in five major habitat types: fynbos, forest, karoo, grassland and savannah, each with its own diversity of species. This remarkable richness is perhaps best illustrated by one of the world's most unusual and floristic regions - the fynbos habitat - otherwise known as the Cape Floral Kingdom, which encompasses some 8 550 species. More than 70 percent of the species occur nowhere else in the world. The flora of Table Mountain alone is richer than that of Tasmamia, an area 2000 times as large, and the flora of the Cape Peninsula exceeds the total number of species in Great Britain. Namaqualand is another major draw card for flower enthusiasts. In spring, after the right amount of rainfall, the landscape is transformed into a blaze of brilliant blooms, stretching from one horizon to another. Beautiful botanical parks and gardens, specialising in indigenous and exotic trees, shrubs and flowering plants, are found throughout the country.

4.  Game Reserves
Reserves are set in habitats ranging from desert dunelands to shady, subtropical forests, inhabited by an unparalleled variety of animal and bird species. South Africa's terrestrial mammals are among the most spectacular on earth, numbering over 300 species which range in size from the tiny pygmy shrew to the imposing African elephant. This is one of only a few countries where the Big Five (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo) are frequently seen. Sanparks (South African National Parks) administers 17 parks and one National Lake Area. Among them, the Kruger National Park - South Africa's most famous sanctuary - supports more species of wildlife than any other park on the continent. Most of Kwa-Zulu Natal's reserves are controlled by the Kwa-Zulu Natal Nature Conservation Service. Among the more popular, Hluhluwe/Umfolozi, Mkuzi, St. Lucia and Itala offer peaceful surroundings, comfortable accommodation and excellent game-viewing. Set in the crater of an extinct volcano and known as The Jewel of the North-West, the 50 000 ha Pilansberg Game Reserve supports almost all of the species (including the Big Five). They provide luxury accommodation and a range of additional amenities. For visitors without transport, there are many safari coach tours and fly-in programs.

For additional information on game reserves, contact:
SA National Parks Board (SANPARKS)
Tel (Intl): + 27 12 343 1991
Fax (Intl): + 27 12 343 0905

Kwa Zulu Natal (KZN) Nature Conservation Service
Tel (Intl): + 27 331 845 1000/1999;
Fax (Intl): + 27 331 845 1699

Mpumalanga Parks Board:
Tel (Intl) + 27 13 759 5300

North-West National Parks
Tel (Intl): + 27 13 752 4547

Southern African Tourism and Safari Association
Tel (Intl): + 27 11 883 9103
Fax (Intl): + 27 11 883 9002

5.  Golf
South Africa's excellent climate makes golf a year-round attraction. There are over 400 registered courses and some are among the finest in the world. Visitors are welcome at most courses, but it's advisable to call the Club Secretary and ask for a confirmed starting time and dress codes. Generally, jeans are not permitted on the courses. Brochures and books on South Africa's courses are available in local book stores.

6.  Hiking
From north to south, east to west, hiking trails criss-cross South Africa. They range from almost effortless to very strenuous, lasting from an hour or so to a week or more. Some are self-guided; others conducted. Some have basic overnight huts, caves or tents en route; others none at all. A few provide comfortable to luxurious accommodation. Some have been designed for physically disabled people.

For further information contact:
The Hiking Federation of South Africa
Tel & Fax (Intl): + 27 11 886 6524

7.  Robben Island
Off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa's 'Alcatraz' is best known as the place where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for almost two decades. The indigenous vegetation is particularly attractive. The island is reached by ferry. Bookings must be made well in advance with the Reservations office at the ferry departure point at the Victoria and Albert Waterfront.

Tel: (Intl): + 27 21 419 1300
Fax: (Intl): + 27 21 419 1057