Spectacular SA sightings most have not seen

Jeroen Schrage spent three weeks and 3,600km in his rental car criss-crossing South Africa, doing and seeing things he had never done before.

In November and December last year the Dutch cinematographer captured the country from the ground up - and in the process produced a spectacular video that captures and showcases the beauty of the country in ways that many of its own citizens might not do.

The 26-year-old travelled with his aunt, Christina Venter, starting in Pretoria. Over 20-odd days they hit Kleinmond's penguin colony, Hartbeespoort Dam, the Blyde River Canyon, a cheetah sanctuary, Naval Hill in Bloemfontein, Kruger National Park and the Sabie River Lodge. In the end he produced the three-minute South Africa - A World in One Country video.

"The country has beautiful landscape and wildlife. I have travelled a lot to other parts of the world but Africa stole my heart.

"The people, culture, food and natural landscape is amazing," said Schrage.

Most of the video is filmed on a drone, but Schrage also got some of his shots while hanging out the door of a helicopter.

"It was my first time in a helicopter and I filmed using a stabiliser on the outside," he said.

Of everything and everywhere he went, it was Cape Town that was his highlight.

"I was amazed by the sea, mountains and good weather. Also it was the city where I had my first helicopter ride. Before coming to South Africa I did not research the country. So everything was a surprise to me. I just want this video to be seen by as many people as possible, especially people who have not seen this beautiful country and its magnificent landscapes," said Schrage.

He said the responses to the video had been amazing.

Jacques Hollands posted on YouTube: "Brilliant video of my beloved country. Thanks a mill for sharing Jeroen!"