The tourism slogan 'South Africa: The world in 1 country' is around 50 years old, but the concept still holds true. When you consider how much our tourist market has diversified over the years, it's clear that South Africans certainly host the world in 1 country!

Geographically, we've always been blessed with a variety of climates and ecosystems that rival those found anywhere on Earth. SA is home to 9 separate biomes, each with its own terrain, climate, vegetation, and animal or marine life.

You could travel the world to climb majestic mountains and surf snowy peaks, view vast arid plains that still teem with wildlife, watch whales, dolphins, penguins, seals, and great white sharks, star-gaze under crystal-clear skies, wonder at thundering waterfalls in the desert, or marvel at all the colours, scents and shapes in different floral kingdoms.

Or you could do all that right here – on road trips at different times of the year. If tight budgets mean you can't travel the world, a holiday at home can still offer a world-class experience. Consider the ideas below, research the destinations you fancy, and start planning your itinerary.

Coastal escapes

Whether you just want to lie on the beach, soaking up the sun and occasionally hitting the waves to cool off, or you're into surfing, waterskiing and other water sports, or have a passion for diving and exploring marine life – somewhere in SA is a seaside town that's perfect for you. Prime spots for surfing and diving are dotted all along the coastline – from the Cape Peninsula to the Garden Route and Jeffreys Bay, continuing up past Port St Johns on the Wild Coast, and all the way through KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

The Peninsula also has lots of opportunities to view marine life up close – from the penguins at Boulders Beach to the great white sharks that feed off Seal Island. You can book boat trips to watch whales and dolphins around the Peninsula, the Garden Route, and along the KZN coast.

Wine country bliss

The historic town of Stellenbosch lies at the heart of the world-famous Cape Winelands, which offer so much to explore. Vineyards start within Cape Town itself at Groot Constantia, on the slopes of Table Mountain, and the Boland seems to have a different estate in every valley. Wine connoisseurs could happily spend a few weeks exploring the region, staying in quaint B&Bs, sampling gourmet food at fine dining restaurants, visiting a few tastings a day, and stocking up on cases to take home.

On the other side of the country, in the KZN Midlands, several small winemakers have started producing wine from their own vineyards nestled in the foothills of the Drakensberg. You could do a mini wine tour while taking in all the other attractions the province has to offer.

Wildlife safaris

We have many nature reserves on land, like the Kruger National Park (KNP) – a great experience, and a shining example of transfrontier conservation. But game reserves are only a small sample of SA's rich biodiversity.

Discover the life in our oceans with a marine safari on a boat or a guided diving tour. Or go on a guided forest hike, learning about the plants and animals that make up that environment. You'll find many small private game and nature reserves online, each with their own special attractions. Every biome has different birds, mammals, reptiles and invertebrates, whether it's the Kalahari Desert, the mountainous escarpment, the dry plains of the Karoo, the grasslands of the Highveld, the lush coastal forests, the subtropical Lowveld, or the green rolling hills of KZN. 

Magnificent mountains

You're spoilt for choice if you want to take summer hikes through testing terrain or play in the winter snow. From the mountains of the Cape Peninsula and the Boland, the escarpment curves around the country, following the coastline. The mountain ranges start in Western Cape and stretch through Eastern Cape, Lesotho, KZN, and into Mpumalanga – broken only by occasional passes into the interior.

The Drakensberg range is the crown jewel at the centre of this chain, offering everything from light walking to robust hiking, or rock- and mountain-climbing. It's also home to Tugela Falls, the second-highest waterfall in the world, and amazing San rock art. Heavy snowfalls along all the escarpment ranges are now a regular feature between June and September, so you have the chance to explore a winter wonderland right on your doorstep.

Exotic surprises in the desert

That's not a mirage – that really is a carpet of flowers in the desert. Namaqualand erupts in a blaze of yellow and pink after the rains every year, and people travel from all over the world to see the desert bloom. You can also visit the fountain that keeps the town of Kuruman alive – the Eye of Kuruman, bubbling up from the Kalahari sands, is the largest natural spring in the southern hemisphere. The thundering Augrabies Falls on the Orange River are another must-see desert spectacle, especially after heavy summer rains in the east.

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When you next need a getaway, think local. The world in 1 country is waiting for you to take a short-left.