How many times have you been to South Africa?
Over 20 since 1998

What is it about South Africa that you find so appealing?
The diversity of climate, the variety of activities, the luxury accommodations and most of all the people. South Africa continues to be one of the friendliest places I have ever visited. There is a constant feeling of positiveness and hope among the people I meet.

What is the climate like?
The climate differs based on the area. In Durban it is never too cold, even in July (The seasons are the opposite of ours). Go to the Drakensburg and you can celebrate Christmas in July as it might snow. Jo’burg and Cape Town can be cooler in the winter but more like San Francisco than Chicago. There are mountains, deserts, savannahs, great cities, plains, a magnificent Garden Route and beaches forever on both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. South Africa is a Continent in a Country.

What sort of health precautions do you take before traveling to South Africa?
Before going anywhere, I check with my Medical Professional or Travel Medicine office of the University medical center.Many folks get numerous shots that are not necessary. There are no medications required to visit South Africa. That is unless you go to certain areas like Kruger where it is recommended that you take Malaria medication. But you can go to several Malaria free Animal reserves.

Once in the country?
The same rules I use everywhere. I do not buy food from street vendors and am careful in rural areas. I drink South African water in the major hotels and restaurants, as South Africa has some of the best water. I use bottled water if I am not sure in the rural areas. If I am in a mosquito area, I use mosquito repellent and sunscreen.

Do you have one or two favorite wildlife lodges?
Bakubung in Pilanesburg is your basic lodge with animals out your door. Affordable, no malaria, you see the Big Five (Elephant, Lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo) and easy to get to from Jo’Burg.Leadwood in Tala is luxury and privacy personified and it is right outside of Durban (it does not have predators or elephants.). The Earth Lodge at Sabi Sabi gives that extra flair to animal viewing near Kruger National Park.

What is it that makes Cape Town special?
Its history, from the first European visitors to Robben Island and Nelson Mandela. Table Mountain and the view, the Cape Peninsula and the South African Penguins. Great restaurants with some of the best seafood. And of course the shopping.

What kinds of interesting foods can one expect in South Africa?
I take new visitors to Carnivores near Jo’burg so they can try everything from Warthog to Crocodile. South Africa has excellent seafood, African dishes from the entire continent and top chefs from everywhere. Some favorites are Pap with Samp, Stewed meats, Pumpkin, creamed Spinach and Kingklip and Prawns. You must try the Malay Cuisine in Cape Town and Biltong for a snack.

What and where are a few of your favorite hotels?
The Michelangelo in Sandton near Jo’burg constantly proves why it is one of the top hotels in the world. If you are going to stay long, try the Tower. The D’Oreale Emperor offers luxury, excitement and convenience not far from the Johannesburg Airport. The Le’ Vendome is one of the best in Cape Town with a boutique feel in a French setting near the waterfront. Not to big, but with every amenity to make you feel special.

Compare the wine regions in South Africa to say Napa Valley?
My wife Ja’Vonne is the wine connoisseur. We both feel the regions are so beautiful and very similar with rolling hills and quaint towns, B&B’s, small luxury hotels and great wines, cheeses and olives. But Napa doesn’t have Cheetah farm.

What is transportation like in the country? How do you get from one place to the next?
They have a complete transportation system. I have been by car, motorcycle, train and plane. I usually fly, but would recommend the Luxury Trains (Blue Train and Rovos Rail) as well taking a tour company and let them drive you in a motorcoach or tour van. Keep in mind, they drive on the left. “If you drive right, your wrong.”

Durban and Johannesburg are large metropolitan cities that don’t seem to get the tourism attention of Cape Town. What are some things that you take people to see and do in these towns?
Durban has a wonderful waterfront, some great restaurants and nightlife.The areas around Durban offer everything from animal lodges to mountains and marinelife. I like to visit the Midlands, the small towns south of the city and Shakaland. Jo’Burg has a distinct history that tells the struggle against Apartheid and Reconciliation. The surrounding areas offer great shopping, some of the best hotels and the opportunity to see some of South Africa’s top sites from Gold Reef City to The Apartheid Museum and of course Soweto. I always tour Soweto and follow the Road to Freedom and see the homes of Mandela, Desmond Tutu and the Student Uprising Museum.Also the Cradle of Mankind is nearby to see the history of man.

What are some challenges that face South Africa as a country?
South Africa is a beacon for many parts of Africa. There are folks coming in from these countries, many illegally and they tax the system. At the same time, South Africa is working to equalize all for their people, but there is still a lot that needs to be done to bring everyone to the same level. That being said, South Africa has done so much in such a little time. They deserve the praise of the world for how diverse people can come together to make “it” work.

What have I left out about the country that needs to be told?
South Africa is affordable for every level and should be on everyone’s list. It is that special.

Gene Harley is Managing Director Advantage International, LLC based in Chicago. His company has designed travel programs for groups ranging from 30 to over 50,000.For more information visit advantage-intl.com