The hard thing about visiting a mind bogglingly beautiful and huge country like South Africa is knowing that you won’t be able to see it all and knowing that you might not get the chance to go back any time soon. You’ve got to get it right, so you can see and do the things that will really make an impact on you. Not just anyone mind, you and you alone.

Happily though, we’ve found a good person to ask. Joann Kruger has been involved in South African tourism for fifteen years. She can take you anywhere in the country and tell you everything you’ll want to know.

I asked her where she would take me if I knew nothing about the country when I arrived. “Firstly I would find out what your interests are, how long you intend on staying in the country and the reason for your visit,” she tells me. “I recommend Cape Town, Kruger Nationa Park and the UNESCO world heritage sites such as the Cradle of Mankind as well as historical sites such as Soweto, the Apartheid Museum, Constitutional Hill and Voortrekker Monument.” I feel like a child in a sweet store listening to the seemingly endless list of things to do.

Joann goes on to list things you could squeeze in between: “walking with wildlife, white water rafting, rock climbing, abseiling and canopy rides.” Having been lucky enough to have experienced a two day safari in Tanzania, I can vouch for the breathtaking moment when some story-book wild animal emerges from the undergrowth, slinking majestically across the track ahead, ignoring the hum of your vehicle as though you we’re a ghost: it’s heart-stopping.

Joann is quick to reinforce my view when I ask her about her biggest passion: “any experience to do with the bush and wildlife, whether it’s a game reserve or a national park has a certain peace, uniqueness and beauty about it.” She tells me, “no two days are ever the same; this experience should be on your list of 25 things to do before you die. I don’t know anyone who has not enjoyed this experience.”

Joann’s experience isn’t limited to the land, however. She’s a keen sailor and scuba diver and she’s happy to incorporate these activities into a custom itinerary for people who want to draw on her vast experience as a guide. “I usually combine these with overland safari to give the clients the best of both worlds.”

Joann is a freelance guide, so most of her business comes from tour operators who need experienced guides for their groups. She’s a keen social networker too using Facebook, Twitter, Link In and so on to find more business and she has her own blog. But now you’re in the know about Joann, you can email her yourself and find out what a mine of passion for South Africa and its heritage she really is!