Diverse South Africa is one of the world's great activity destinations. RICHARD TRILLO picks his five favourites

1 LET THE TRAIN TAKE THE STRAIN

The Cape Town to Johannesburg route is one of the best in South Africa and has excellent sleeper services, including the luxury Blue Train 21 449 2672/www.bluetrain.co.za).

South African Railways (87 802 6674/www.southafricanrailways.co.za) offers two classes of service: Premier, a cheaper high-end option; and Tourist.

The latter is great value; seats have plenty of legroom and bedding for bunks on the 27-hour journey. Look out of the window to see game roaming on the veldt and majestic mountains.

One-way tourist class tickets from £35.

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2 CYCLE SOWETO

In Jo'burg there are many ways to tour the township that was the heart of the anti-apartheid movement.

Soweto Bicycle Tours (11 936 3444/www.sowetobicycletours.com) is one way to get to the heart of this city of 1.5million people.

Pedal through pleasant Orlando West before heading to a former "men's hostel" - barrack-style buildings that are now a poor neighbourhood - for stewed cow cheek and sorghum beer.

Two-hour cycling tour of Soweto, £25.

3 WALKING SAFARI

While most people head to the famous Kruger National Park, some of the best game viewing is in neighbouring private reserves such as Sabi Sands, famous for its lions and leopards.

The Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, with its palatial suites, swimming pool and spa, offers walking safaris that let you get up close to wildlife such as waterbuck, impala and rhino.

Audley Travel (01993 838500/ www.audleytravel.com) offers seven nights in South Africa from £2,750pp (two sharing).

Price includes two nights at Sabi Sabi (full board), flights from Heathrow to Cape Town and return from Johannesburg.

4 JAZZ NIGHTS

The music scene in Cape Town rivals that of Chicago and New Orleans, and Andulela (dialling from the UK: 0027 21 790 2592/www.andulela.com) offers great tours that let you sample the various sounds of the city.

See private gigs by artists such as trumpet player Fezekile Tempi and eat a delicious dinner cooked by his wife, Sheila, before heading to Swingers Jazz Club.

The Jazz Safari takes place from 7-11pm, and is £57 including dinner.

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5 KAYAKING WITH WHALES

Hermanus, on the Garden Route, is one of the prime whale-watching spots on the whole of the planet.

Walker Bay Adventures (82 739 0159 www.walkerbayadventures.co.za) allows you to kayak right up to these fascinating marine giants.

Two-hour sea kayaking tour from £24.

South African Tourism: 0870 155 0044/ www.southafrica.net