People often refer to the Karoo Heartland as the "dry heart" of South Africa, as it's a semi-desert land that features a rugged landscape, shaped from vast, flat plains and rocky mountains. If you're looking for a travel experience that's slightly off the beaten track, a visit to this lesser-traveled part of the world would certainly fit the bill.

South Africa is one of the most diverse countries in the world and is host to a multitude of cultures and languages. Visitors to South Africa are afforded opportunities to immerse themselves in the local culture, to get lost in its natural beauty and to fully unwind while sipping a glass of silky smooth red wine from the Cape wine lands.

The continent of Africa is so large, you can fit the landmass of the United States, China, and India and still have room to spare. With 54 countries recognized by the United Nations, it can be difficult to decide which country to visit. Not to mention the wide variety of landscapes that grace the continent from savannas, to tropical forests, to coastlines. To help you narrow down which country or city in Africa you should visit, here are the 15 best places to visit in Africa.