The sub-tropical climate lends itself well to outdoor activities and sports of which there are many to enjoy. Rugby, cricket and soccer are the three major national sports - South Africa has already played host to such major sporting events as the rugby and cricket World Cup and will do so for the soccer World Cup in 2010 - but almost every other kind of sport, extreme or not, is represented in one form or another.

Clubs are scattered throughout the country and offer professional as well as amateur teams and leagues. Leisure activities run the gamut from camping and hiking to surfboarding and scuba-diving. More esoteric activities such as hot-air ballooning are also possible. Chances are that if you can think it, there'll be somewhere in the country where you can do it.

Gambling is legal throughout the country and casinos can be found in most major metropolitan cities.

South Africa possesses a vibrant, thriving Arts culture, and a healthy mix of local and international productions can be found playing in theatres across the sub-Saharan nation.

Wildlife is one of South Africa's greatest treasures and there are numerous game lodges and parks at which one can experience game drives, safaris and other bush-oriented activities.