South Africa: Winning goals

Spot magnificent wildlife in their natural habitat at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park. Photo / Supplied

Soccer's World Cup circus brings the global gaze to South Africa - but once you're done watching the All Whites, check out some of the country's other wonders. From the new book, Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2010, out now.

1. DRAKENSBERG

Looking for the best high-altitude hiking in South Africa? Then head to Drakensberg, where the 200km-long mountain range has summits that top out at almost 3500m. This dramatic chain acts as a natural border between KwaZulu-Natal and the tiny region of Lesotho. Giant's Castle and Cathedral Peak are serious challenges but the real draw is the region's accessibility and electrifying scenery - tumbling waterfalls, babbling rivers and secret caves seduce with every footstep.

2. RICHTERSVELD TRANSFRONTIER NATIONAL PARK

Lunar landscapes, vast sandy plains and soaring peaks define Richtersveld. Seemingly inhospitable, the park's climate supports a diverse range of flora and fauna. Hikers love the unearthly beauty of the four-day Vensterval Trail, which is likely to reward with glimpses of rock hyrax and jackal buzzard. The less energetic relax by the Orange River, which marks South Africa's border with Namibia and makes a cool retreat from the blistering sun. This is South Africa's wildest national park - pack your adventurous spirit.

3. CAPE TOWN

Great location, temperate climate and cosmopolitan atmosphere - not for nothing is it South Africa's leading destination and one of the world's finest cities. Rich colonial history mixes with a modern vibe and vigorous nightlife scene - be warned, Cape Towners celebrate the "half week", as well as the weekend. Surfers head for the heavy barrels of Kalk Bay Reef, while nature lovers rejoice in the splendour of the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, where the mighty Atlantic and Indian oceans meet. And let's not forget the breathtaking vista from Table Mountain.

4. WINELANDS OF THE WESTERN CAPE

Beating the trails around South Africa's national parks is great, but if you're fed up with bush tucker, head to the Winelands region to gorge yourself on the country's finest food and drink. The towns of Franschhoek, Paarl and Stellenbosch are a great place to sink a bottle or two while revelling in the eye-popping backdrop of lush valleys and coastal seascapes. Take a tour of the best vineyards before a hot-air balloon ride under a blood-red sunset. For wine tours, buy a flexible "Vine Hopper" bus ticket at Stellenbosch, one-day ticket R150 (NZ$27).

5. WILD COAST

In an untouched corner of the Eastern Cape lies an unspoilt coastline of crashing waves, verdant forest and tumbling waterfalls. Pull on your boots and hit the hiking trails that weave around secret coves and untouched sandy beaches. Along the way you'll glimpse mysterious shipwrecks where you can scuba dive in search of hidden booty. Venture inland to discover the culture of South Africa's Xhosa people, who settled these coastal regions in the Iron Age. Amid these colourful villages of traditional mud huts exists a way of life unchanged for centuries.

6. ZULULAND

From the rural heart of KwaZulu-Natal to its gentle swathes of coastline, this is South Africa as you imagined it. Subtropical sun beats down on waving grasslands and an earth imbued with the strength of the Zulu nation. Richly symbolic, this is the place to embrace age-old cultures such as the art of the sangoma - the traditional practice of herbal medicine. Take a trip to the bleak Makhosini Valley in search of Zulu heritage, visiting royal burial sites and one-time regal residences - the rich legacy and cultural vibrancy make this one of the world's ultimate anthropology playgrounds.

7. THE GREAT KAROO DESERT

The Karoo is South Africa's largest ecosystem, 100,000sq km that supports a diverse range of species, including springbok and the zebra-like quagga. The terrain is spectacular. At the Valley of Desolation, the open ground falls away to reveal an eerie collection of bizarre dolomite pinnacles. For respite from the heat check out Knysna, a dazzling lagoon town in the shadow of the Outeniqua Mountains, where a clutch of artists, restaurateurs and hippies have infused the town with a hospitable arty vibe. For the brave, Oudtshoorn is one of the best places for a bit of high-speed ostrich riding.

8. ADVENTURE SPORTS ON THE CAPE

The Cape Town region offers some of South Africa's wildest challenges - enough to satisfy the appetite of the wildest adrenalin junkies. Charge down Tokai Forest's cycling trails, abseil off Table Mountain, try sand-boarding in the idyllic Atlantis Hills or give yourself the ultimate aerial view as you leap from a plane at 3000m. If that sounds a bit lightweight, then pull on your wetsuit and head to Gansbaai, the "Great White Shark Capital of the World", where you'll come face to face with the ocean's most feared killer. The steel bars of your diving cage will suddenly seem unnervingly flimsy.

9. MAPUTALAND

Tucked away in the northern reaches of South Africa is Maputaland, a magical area of Indian Ocean coastline hidden away between Mozambique and Swaziland. The stretch between Greater St Lucia Wetlands and Kosi Bay Nature Reserve is the definitive example of coastal paradise, where endless white beaches offer prime views of nesting leatherback turtles and migrating whales. Inland, hippos roam free and the skies are filled with hundreds of bird species, including the spectacular southern-banded snake-eagle and purple-banded sunbird. Richly diverse, beautiful and tranquil, you might never want to leave.

10. HLUHLUWE-IMFOLOZI PARK

Kruger National Park might be South Africa's best-loved safari experience, but Hluhluwe-Imfolozi is the country's oldest and makes a great place to spot the "Big Five" - lion, buffalo, rhino, elephant and leopard. In the western region of KwaZulu-Natal, the park covers a stonking 96,000ha and supports more than 300 bird species, as well as more unusual critters such as nyala, duiker, reedbuck and the super-hairy bushpig.

Whether you go it alone, join a tour, slum it under canvas or pitch up at a luxury bush camp, this is the definitive safari experience.

IF YOU GO

* Emirates, official tour operators or the 2010 Fifa World Cup, are putting together a number of packages for Kiwi football fans planning to follow the All Whites to the World Cup in South Africa next year. The packages include, flights, accommodation, ground transfers and match tickets. There is also a "follow-your-team" component which gurantees fans tickets and transfers to their team's matches, right up to the final on July 11. Package prices from New Zealand, including airfares, start at US$5,749 per person (about $7,700). For more details visit emirates.com/fifa.

* This is an extract from Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2010 Lonely Planet Publications, 2009. $34.99.