It’s a lofty claim, but no country on Earth packs as powerful a travel punch as South Africa. With incredible wildlife, breathtaking scenery, posh resorts, a captivating history and its dynamic mashup of cultures, this is the sort of place you’ll want to return to again and again to discover more—but since it’s not exactly next door (factor in a solid day of flying each way from L.A.), you’ll want to make the most of your first visit. Here are seven things you absolutely must do.