Views on which country to take year out

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Hi all, great web site, have trawled through many blogs and admired lots of photo's. We could do with a little of your thoughts and views here. We are about to take a year out and travel, we have various destinations in mind but are open to any recommendations.
We have just returned from South Africa and would love to explore more of that country. But have also heard a lot about the troubles there.
One of the other countries we are researching is South America.
Im not mad keen on long haul flights, as we are based in Jersey CI we would have to travel out of the UK.
We both love walking, horse riding, swimming and tennis and prefer the country side to cities, especially foot hills or small mountains.
Love meeting people and most of the time we prefer to stay in a B&B or guest house then in a hotel. Views please.

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