South Africa has been voted the top destination by members of the world's largest travel and lifestyle social network, Where Are You Now? (WAYN), in the site's recent "dream destination competition".
The country beat Brazil, India, Dubai, Fiji, Turkey and Indonesia with 15 300 votes from members around the world.
A total 78 000 votes were counted for all seven of the destinations. The nominated countries and cities were selected through market research and tracking user engagement on WAYN.
South Africa stands out as a tourist destination in the world, Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said on Tuesday.
The continent's lion population has shrunk by 75% in the past two decades, according to wildlife experts.
They are currently "vulnerable" on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's list of threatened species. In west and central Africa lions are classified as "endangered".
A rhino cow had to be euthanised in the Kruger National Park after she was badly mutilated by poachers on Sunday March 31, a day after a South African Air Force helicopter crashed in the park claiming the lives of all five soldiers on board, according to Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) spokesman, Albi Modise.
As South Africa's quintessential majestic mountain range, the Drakensberg is every outdoor lover and hiking enthusiasts dream playground. Although the range is home to an astounding array of trails and routes, we've picked five of the most popular day hikes to add to your adventure bucket list.
Cleo's Bath, Champagne Valley
Distance: 7,5?km
Time: about 3½ hours
Difficulty: Easy
Starting point: Drakensberg Sun Lifestyle Resort
Spend a few hours watching the arrivals gates at either Johannesburg or Windhoek's airport and it is quickly evident from the amount of khaki, floppy hats and hiking boots that many of the tourists coming
to South Africa and Namibia are drawn by the same thing: the call of the African bush and its incredible array of wildlife.
And they are in the right place.
Kleinmond - Arabella Hotel & Spa located has won two 2012 World Travel Awards – the 5th year in a row that the luxury 5-star golf and spa resort has been honoured in this way. Arabella Hotel & Spa have been honoured at the World Travel Awards every year since 2008.
South Africa Surfing - South Africa boasts some of the best surfing spots in the world, with numerous awesome surf spots in South Africa – from the beginner to hardcore surf junkie.