While a flight from Cape Town to Pretoria lasts just under two hours, it also comes with a trip to and from the airport, a long check-in, security, boarding queues and a sore neck from the uncomfortable seats. With 1,000 miles of natural beauty linking the two cities, it’s a shame that those travellers who choose to fly don’t get to experience the wonders of what lies between the arrival and departure gates.

For intelligent visitors who want to experience this captivating nation, an unforgettable option is to tour South Africa by train. The country has one of the world’s largest railway systems, connecting Cape Town to the country’s capital, Pretoria. Passengers can choose from a variety of lines according to their budgets; however, two world-class carriers stand out, Rovos Rails and The Blue Train.

With Rovos Rail, visitors can enjoy an all-inclusive experience in beautifully-restored South African coaches, complete with all the modern amenities of a true first-class train. After boarding one of Rovos’ locomotives, travellers along for the ride can expect an elegant three-day journey towards Pretoria. Private cabins, with en suite bathrooms, amply accommodate guests’ needs, although the popular Observation Car and Lounge is where most travellers can be found during the day, enjoying Rovos’ high standard of cuisine and excellent selection of South African wines.

Rovos’ itinerary includes steaming by some of the heart of South Africa’s most beautiful landscapes. In just a few days, passengers have a chance to view a dramatic change in scenery, from mountain ranges and picturesque vineyards of the Cape to the subtropical grasslands of the gold-rich Highveld. There are two scheduled stops along the journey. The first is in the historic village of Matjiesfontein, and the second, before reaching Pretoria, is Kimberly, home of the Diamond Museum and world’s largest man-made excavation, the Big Hole.

The timeless Blue Train also connects Cape Town to the capital city. The legendary train line has been a constant fixture in South Africa holidays since 1946. The Blue Train’s total journey time is almost half of that of the Rovos’, crossing the same distance in a mere 27 hours. The train stops only in Matjiesfontein, where passengers have time to explore the charming Victorian town.

Each journey begins with passengers being greeted by the friendly staff, including executive chef, butlers and the manager of the train. Though crossing South Africa by train may seem old fashioned, once travellers step into the coaches the train’s custom designed rooms, decked out with the latest equipment, show that they are actually quite modern.

Regardless of their differences, both Rovos and Blue have one main goal in common, and that is to provide visitors while on holidays to South Africa the best railway experience possible. As most holidaymakers anxiously spend a large part of their getaway trying to reduce their time in transit, travelling by rail invites passengers to relax and enjoy the journey.

A survey conducted by Post Office Travel Money found that the value of the rand has dipped 16.1 per cent compared to the pound over the last 12 months, meaning British holidaymakers will get more for their money.

“Although the increasing value of sterling against the euro has dominated the headlines, there are very few places where the pound is not packing a stronger punch this year,” said Andrew Brown, head of Post Office Travel money.

“Our advice is for people to keep a close eye on exchange rates for all the destinations they are considering so they can judge where they will get the best return on their money,” he continued.

This is particularly good news for those looking to head South Africa to follow the England rugby team on their summer tour.

Scores of rugby fans are set to descend on the country when the tourists take on South Africa in Durban (9th June), Johannesburg (16th June) and Port Elizabeth  (23rd June); in addition to two mid-week games against SA Barbarians South (in Kimberly) and SA Barbarians North (in Potchefstroom).

As well as plenty of world-class rugby, the tour will encourage visitors to experience a different side to South Africa away from Cape Town, the country’s most popular destination.

Port Elizabeth (the Friendly City) will no doubt be a particular highlight of the tour. Blessed with year-round warm temperatures and glorious beaches around Nelson Mandela Bay, the city is a staggeringly under-visited jewel on South Africa’s famed Garden Route.

The prominent flat-topped mountain, which famously overlooks Cape Town, was awarded the title by New7Wonders following a global voting contest involving 220 nations and more than 100 million votes.

Sabine Lehmann, who chairs the Table Mountain official supporters committee (OSC), said she expected more holidays to South Africa to incorporate the landmark now it’s an official ‘new wonder’.

“Visitor numbers to Table Mountain reached record numbers after the mountain was named on the provisional list of seven sites on 11th November 2011, and we expect the official confirmation to further boost visitor interest locally and abroad,” she commented.

Ms Lehmann went on to say that this has already been the case at the Philippines’ Puerto Princesa Underground River, another New7Wonder site. It has seen its average visitor numbers increase from 150 to 2,000 per day, with a new airport being constructed to accommodate the influx of tourists.

The official confirmation was also welcomed by Paddy Gordon, the manager of Table Mountain National Park, who said it is “an honour” for it to be linked with other “new and exciting places”.

An inauguration ceremony is being planned by the Table Mountain OSC ahead of New7Wonders presenting a commemorative plaque to the landmark in October.

Table Mountain’s plateau, its main attraction, stretches for approximately two miles from end to end and is edged by dramatic cliffs. Visitors can access the summit via the Table Mountain Cableway, with each cable car accommodating 65 passengers.

Hosted by the South African School of Motion Pictures and Live Performance, the congress will run until Friday (4^th May).

“The fact that Cape Town is hosting this event as it comes to the African continent for the first time is testament to Cape Town’s standing as an important film industry role player,” said Mariëtte du Toit-Helmbold, CEO of Cape Town Tourism.

“Cape Town’s film industry is one that contributes greatly to the city’s economy and international flavour, with more and more productions being shot here every year. Hollywood blockbusters, like Safe House, also expose our beautiful city to the world through one location after another,” she continued.

The conference is set to focus on new and existing teaching techniques, with the aim of fostering collaboration between film schools, students and lecturers.

South Africa holidays have seen a boost in popularity in recent years thanks to the country’s growing film industry. Films such as Invictus and District 9, in addition to others that were set (but not shot) in South Africa, such as Blood Diamond, have served to promote the country across the globe.

CILECT, an international organisation representing over 160 film and television schools, was founded in Cannes in 1955, is responsible for promoting the growth and development of the film industry, in particular future talent.

The conference’s keynote speaker will be Ronnie Apteker, a South African filmmaker and entrepreneur, who founded South Africa’s first Internet service provider.

This is according to The Standard’s Jeckonia Otieno, who said those on Kenya holidays visiting the Indian Ocean destination have numerous outdoor and indoor activities to choose from.

Malindi, which is approximately 300 km north of Mombasa, is famed for the coral reefs that lie off its shore – and this helps to attract both local and overseas holidaymakers year on year.

One of the first things that strikes visitors on arrival, Mr Otieno wrote, are the tuktuks that rattle their way through the streets, ferrying tourists between their resorts, the beaches and marine parks.

But among its major draws, the travel journalist explained, is the choice of accommodation – both in terms of comfort and design.

“Unforgettable about Malindi are the many resorts, villas and holiday homes which are specifically designed for maximum leisure and pleasure [and are] threatening to dethrone Mombasa [as the leading Kenyan coastal destination],” Mr Otenio wrote in the newspaper.

The reporter stayed in one of the villas that lined the ocean, and described his accommodation as “spectacular”.

Part of their appeal, he explained, is their embracing of traditional African art, with indigenous relics such as carvings and traditional mats being especially prevalent.

Mr Otieno also paid tribute to the villas’ makuti roofs, which he said “act as natural coolers”. A common feature on the coast, makuti roof tiles are manufactured using woven palm leaves, and are famed for their durability.

Last week, allafrica.com reported that 400,000 mosquito nets are being delivered to Malindi, which will benefit Kenya holidaymakers visiting the resort during the rainy season.

Basing your vacation choices on surveys is not most people's usual way of doing things, but one new survey at least shows the amazing value for money to be had on Kenya holidays.

Kenya had the lowest total costs of any long-haul destination in a study of ten Commonwealth countries carried out by M&S Money. Coming third behind Malta and Cyprus overall, the East African nation was the cheapest place outside of the Mediterranean, beating places like New Zealand and even South Africa.

Excluding flights, Kenya offers the best value for money of all ten countries, which also included Canada and Barbados. Kenya was the best-value destination at £988, despite a rise of 13.65 per cent in costs in the country in the last 12 months.

Jane Lawson, head of travel money at M&S Money, said: "In the Queen's Diamond Jubilee year many people will be tempted to follow in the footsteps of the Royal Family and see what the Commonwealth has to offer."

"Luckily, favourable exchange rates and lower inflation mean many countries in the Commonwealth offer great value for money."

For anyone with a real interest in the Queen this year, Kenya was where were the young Elizabeth was told of her father's death, a fact that made her the monarch some 60 years ago.

What is there to do in Kenya?

Kenya has lots to offer first-time tourists, from fabulous beaches to some of the most beautiful and rarest wildlife in the world. Safaris are what make the country famous, but it has lots more to it than that.

The crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean wash the east coast of the country, making it the perfect place to hang out and relax on a honeymoon.

TV naturalist Chris Packham has seen his fair share of wildlife over the years, but it seems the attraction of South Africa's Big Five will have him coming back for more. He recently enjoyed a holiday in South Africa, where the country's fascinating and unique collection of animals made a lasting impression on the TV presenter.

Chris was keen to seek out the Big Five – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo. "I came back with photographs of creatures I feel very lucky to have seen," he told the Guardian after his holiday.

To catch South Africa's amazing animals, fly to Johannesburg and then transfer to Kruger National Park and stay at one of the game lodges bordering the park.

One of the best places to spot the Big Five is Kapama, one of South Africas largest private game reserves. It's located in Limpopo, in the northern part of the Greater Kruger National Park.

Where to stay

Buffalo Camp is a small tented encampment, but don't let the description fool you – the rooms are pretty luxurious. All come with a private bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities, minibar and air conditioning. 

River Lodge, also in Kapama, is similarly well kitted out, but also comes with a spa – ideal for relaxing at the end of a hard day of game watching.

Sabi Sand Game Reserve is another favourite among Big Five spotters. There is a real chance of catching a glimpse of leopards here, often the most elusive creature of all.

Kirkman's Kamp is one of several places to stay at Sabi Sand. With an old-fashioned feel, this camp harks back to the 1920s and the days when a safari meant shooting the Big Five with a rifle rather than a camera.

"My mission has been accomplished," adds Chris, "but there's always more to see and learn in the bush, so I'll be back."

Anyone jetting off to South Africa holidays will probably be aware that flying is not normally a funny experience.

However, one domestic airline is using humour to attract customers and make its journeys more appealing.

Announcements, like "in case you have two children, choose the one you love most to help him or her first", have made Kulula South Africa's number two carrier.

"Humour has been part of Kulula from day one," Heidi Braurer, the airline's marketing chief, told the South African Press Association.

The low-cost airline was launched in 2001 and is part of Comair, the local partner of British Airways.

"With a tiny budget, we needed to be seen," added Ms Braurer. "We couldn't guarantee that we would always be cheapest."

Whether or not the humour makes a difference once in the skies, flying is a great way to get around South Africa, particularly for visitors who want to pack in as much sight-seeing as possible in a short space of time.

Kulula operates services across the country, with flights to and from the big cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and Port Elizabeth.

It seems anyone booking their Kenya holidays this week will not be alone, as the end of February is the "peak time" for consumers to seek out the best value-for-money deals for this year's travel.

And with the additional bank holidays this year thanks to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, Brits could be taking advantage by taking some extra time off.

Given that many will be taking more than one holiday this year, now is also the ideal time to sort out multi-trip travel insurance, which could provide better value-for-money than single policies, according to comparethemarket.com, a price comparison site.

Andrew Stocks, director at the website, said: "Annual travel insurance gives holidaymakers that extra peace of mind.

"The range of policies on comparethemarket.com also provides the option to cover winter sports, business trips, cruises and backpacking."

Research from MoneySupermarket.com shows over half (58 per cent) forget to sort out cover when they book their trip, but this problem could be solved with a multi-trip policy.

South Africa holidays are being given a cricketing twist, as the country tries to attract more visitors to its shores.

Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes is swapping his whites for the rainbow nation's colours as he flies the flag for his home country overseas.

Part of his work will involve travelling back to South Africa to take part in some of the best activities and experiences on offer to tourists.

He will then use social media to report back, with the focus on the growing Indian market.

Rhodes is currently the fielding coach for the Mumbai Indians and South Africa Tourism hopes the former test player can inspire the "cricket-crazy nation" to book holidays in South Africa.

"Jonty himself has volunteered to help us promote the destination in India given his passion for travel, adventure and South Africa," said Hanneli Slabber from South Africa Tourism.

South Africa is a fantastic destination for cricket fans, with a visit to Newlands in Cape Town a highlight of any trip to the city.