SOUTH AFRICA

The hottest tourist attraction in South Africa these days is Robben Island, where former president Nelson Mandela spent almost 20 years as a political prisoner, quarrying lime with pick and shovel. But the transformation of dreaded prison to tour destination is only part of South Africas astonishing evolution from pariah nation to modern statehood -- a process that has been accompanied by painful setbacks as well as exhilarating victories. South Africa is an exciting place to visit. Cape Town, with its vibrant nightlife, stylish young people and beautiful surroundings, has become one of the most desirable destinations in the world. And the countrys natural attractions are as appealing as ever: the green vineyards and rocky coast of the Cape; the arid landscape of the Karoo; the rich farmlands of Gauteng and Mpumalanga; the snowcapped peaks of the Drakensberg range; and the verdant hills and wide beaches of KwaZulu-Natal. The country also has more than 300 game and nature reserves, along with some of the finest lodges on the continent. Your surroundings can be as wild or as genteel as you want -- or both.

Progress as a nation has been uneven, however, and huge inequities remain between rich and poor. Still, there is sense of reconciliation among the people of South Africa -- and, on the whole, a surprising lack of animosity between the races.