Doesn’t meerkat rehabilitation sound like the perfect job? On a farm near Nieu Bethesda in South Africa’s sprawling Karoo, one woman is helping dysfunctional meerkat pets turn into fully capable, wild meerkats in newly created colonies. Go there for the fresh air, the farm life, the fossils and meerkat encounters. more

Marine conservation protects South Africa’s extravagant variety of marine creatures and habitats. From the massive shoals that swim the icy oceans in the west to the tropical reefs, turtles and coelacanths in the east, South Africa’s marine protected areas conserve an astounding diversity of life. more

South Africa’s Red List – of species threatened with extinction – indicates where animals and ecosystems are in distress. Nearly 20% of South Africa’s mammal species are either critically endangered, endangered, or vulnerable. Concerted action is being taken on all fronts to help save them. more

Giant quiver trees (called Aloe pillansii until they were recently designated a subspecies of Aloe dichotoma) are critically endangered. Victims of plant collectors, goats and climate change, these magnificent specimens can be seen in northern Namaqualand and the Richtersveld, in South Africa's far north-western corner. They are distinctly different from their shorter cousins. more

Leliefontein is a small town in Namaqualand, where spring flowers bloom in the desert. Within the town, full of interesting historical heritage, you’ll find excellent accommodation at Leliefontein Lodge. It’s owned by 5 local women who will, on request, introduce you to the traditional foods, history and culture of the area. more

The Aloe ferox – also known as the red or bitter aloe – is a blessing in winter. With its crimson flowers, it brightens the scenery of the dry inland areas of the Eastern Cape. The medicinally potent sap is sustainably harvested to produce a wide range of cosmetics and health products. more

The Tswalu Kalahari Reserve has a noble agenda – to return the Kalahari to itself. This magical land of dunes, grass, camelthorn trees and desert-adapted animals has been restored by 1 of South Africa’s foremost families. Care for local communities and environment has given Tswalu Fair Trade in Tourism accreditation. more

Durban’s oldest township, Kwa Mashu, was created during the apartheid era to accommodate the mass resettlement of Africans from the Indian township of Cato Manor in 1958. It is the largest of 3 townships in the area, and home to well over 500 000 people. It also has a robust arts scene. more

The Jane Goodall Institute’s Chimpanzee Eden, set in a forested reserve between Nelspruit and Barberton, has brought hope, peace and some degree of normality to dozens of traumatised chimpanzees from all over Africa. Visiting the sanctuary is a moving and uplifting experience. more

The Gold of Africa Museum's primary role is to preserve the art of African wrought gold, and the goldsmithing workshop not only uses traditional designs, but encourages modern design inspired by the bold forms of yesteryear. A boutique shop sells 18- and 22 carat gold jewellery. more

Penguins Eastern Cape, located in the delightful seaside town of Cape St Francis, is a rescue facility for seabirds. Here birds that have been oiled, stranded or injured are nursed back to health. The work done here is critical, as the African penguin population has recently nosedived. more

Blue duikers, with their otherworldly little Javanese faces and secretive ways, are among the smallest antelope in the world. Hardly larger than a scrub hare, they live a secretive life in forests and thickets. But there is a place where you’re practically assured of a sighting. more

You’ll find the Mngqesha Great Place Project in sight of the glorious forested Amathole Mountains, within a planned biosphere reserve. Mngqesha is the spiritual home of the late King Sandile, descended from a long line of Xhosa royal blood. Travellers are made welcome in the nearby Ubukhosi Village. more

African wild cats are the ancestors of those gorgeous, slinky felines that inhabit our homes. In the savannahs and bushveld of South Africa, they live fiercely independent and nocturnal lives. And look out for the similar small spotted cat – a ferocious little creature with the heart of a lion. more