‘Greatest country’ for holidays has £1.46 pints, safaris, beaches and penguins

When looking to go on holiday there are lots of different aspects you may want from your destination. Some love historical sites, others want a beach, for some it’s the food or the drinks and for many it’s a gorgeous landscape.

Well, according to the British public there’s one country that has it all. In a recent survey by the Telegraph, tourists voted for the 'greatest country on Earth' for a holiday.

The winner was a nation filled with sunny weather, fascinating history and incredible landmarks. Plus, it’s somewhere that Finder says sells the average pint for just £1.46 – way down from London’s average of £5.99.

READ MORE: Inside the 'world's most beautiful town' that floats in the middle of a lagoon

South Africa was dubbed the best country for a holiday due to a number of factors. We’re not surprised as this African nation has a lot going for it.

You can fly out from the UK to either Johannesburg or Cape Town directly in about 12 hours. Yes, it’s a long-haul journey, but with no stops it’s not as bad as many far-flung regions.

On Skyscanner you can bag return flights to Johannesburg for as little as £438 or to Cape Town from £418. So, once again, it’s more expensive than a flight to Europe, but well below the cost of a trip to the US or Asia.

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But, the best part of a trip to South Africa is its variability. There are several distinct ecosystems in the country which mean you can choose what kind of holiday you prefer.

For example, animal and nature lovers can hike through Kruger National Park. It’s populated by big creatures like elephants, rhinos, lions and leopards and you can enjoy safaris to spot your favourite animals.

Mountains, bush plains and tropical forests are all in abundance so rock climbing, hiking and safari lodges mean you’ll see some of the most incredible sights.

Over in Drakensberg is the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve where you can admire some of the best South African features. These include luck potholes – plunge pools and canyons ended with water.

God’s Window – a popular vantage point across the Kowyn Pass. – is also a must visit. This incredible vista has featured in films like 1980’s The Gods Must Be Crazy.

Those who prefer a more relaxing adventure can head to the Western Cape. This part of South Africa boasts gorgeous beaches with white sand. You can go snorkelling, enjoy the sun, jet off on a boat tour to the Indian or Atlantic oceans and Robben Island, the prison that once held Nelson Mandela.

But, one of the beaches of South Africa is unlike any other. Boulders Beach has golden sands and bright blue waters – but it's also home to a colony of penguins.

Tourist can spot the cute African penguins who settled there in 1982. They are on the verge of extinction despite being a 3,000 strong colony and so are protected by the Cape Nature Conservation.

You can also spot them from Foxy Beach where boardwalks let you walk within metres of the birds. Plus, tourists can go swimming so long as they stick to the beaches adjacent to the penguins.

The area is also famous for its many wineland’s around historical towns like Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl. Enjoy winery tours and sip on the best South African tipples.

Plus, spot the famous Table Mountain from the metropolis of Cape Town and spot the craggy cliffs at the Cape of Good Hope. Pus, explore forest and lagoons along the Garden Route.

On top of all of these incredible ways to experience South Africa is the delicious food – from boerewors sausages to flavourful chakalaka stew and curries. You’ll be dancing down the street after dining on the flavourful specialities.

Now, there are some downsides to South Africa. The government’s travel advice page warns Brits not to travel there alone and to avoid going out after dark. You should be careful not to leave valuables in your car or have them on show.

To avoid scams and crime it’s best to visit towns with a reliable tour guide. Do not seek to look wealthy while visiting as this may make you at risk for kidnap. You can check out the rest of the government’s warnings here.

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