Swartkrans, one of the Cradle of Humankind’s richest fossil sites, is usually closed to the public. But on special tours, which started on 26 January, small groups of up to 12 adults will have a rare opportunity to observe an active palaeontological dig and be guided around the site by scientist Morris Sutton, who is now excavating there.

Explore South Africa talks to CEO of Limpopo Tourism Agency Nocks Siabi about Limpopo's scenic beauty, its wildlife, and everything else that makes the province a unique tourism attraction, including a golf course in the Waterberg region that boasts a 19th hole that requires a helicopter ride to access the tee.

An experience to be had while in South Africa is the Cape Town Diamond Museum – a glittering tribute to the world’s most precious gem. Here you are able to learn how rough diamonds are transformed into creations of fire and light.

Robben Island's chief executive officer, Sibongiseni Mkhize, talks to us about the living museum of Robben Island which is an integral part of South Africa's history and one of the country's most iconic tourist attractions.

International tourist arrivals exceeded one billion for the first time last year, with the Asia-Pacific region posting the biggest increase in foreign visitors, and numbers are expected to rise further in 2013.