Far south, at the extreme southern tip of the African continent, lies South Africa, which also includes two independent states: Lesotho and Swaziland.
To the north, South Africa borders Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe; while to the east and west it is washed by two oceans, the Indian and the Atlantic, which meet at the southern tip of the Cape.
South Africa Climate
In terms of climate and environments, South Africa is the most diverse you can find on earth. The Atlantic coast is characterized by cool currents and generally drier land compared to the side washed by the Indian Ocean, where hot humid weather prevails and the vegetation is more lush.
What to See in South Africa
The heart of South Africa is a large semi-desert region, crossed by the two main rivers, Orange and Limpopo, which roughly mark its borders as well. Between this area and the coast run mountain ranges, whose presence justifies further climatic zones and unique habitats. Finally, the fact that nearly all lies south of the Tropic of Capricorn means that the inland altitude ranges from 3,500 meters in the mountains to 2,000 meters on the plateaus, creating a multitude of spectacular and always different landscapes that amaze every visitor, even the most seasoned and demanding.
To the north, the Highveld region stands out, a plateau with savannas and grasslands, where livestock farming is the main activity. To the east, the Lowveld stretches – lowland semi-tropical climate lands, with vast uninhabited areas covered by bush and wooded savanna, home to a rich array of wild fauna (the famous Kruger National Park is located here).
But South Africa is also an incredible mix of human races. On its approximately 1,219,900 sq km, live 47 million people, of whom 79% are Black Africans; 9.6% White Africans; 8.9% so-called coloured Africans; and 2.5% Indians and Asians. The official languages are many: ranging from English to isiZulu, Afrikaans to Setswana, bringing with them a richness of cultures, customs, and traditions. In short, the world in one country.
South Africa: The Most Important Cities
South Africa is undoubtedly a fascinating land with many souls. For those planning a trip, starting to build an itinerary that includes not only nature but also a discovery of the cities can be helped by listing the 10 best cities in South Africa. This brief list will allow you to note locations definitely worth a visit, beyond just the best-known metropolises and main cities.
These are also “smaller” cities – so to speak – that rarely make it into classic South Africa tours but should be carefully considered as they reveal the character of this country to the visitor.
- Cape Town, Western Cape: the most beautiful metropolis of the country, absolutely unmissable;
- Johannesburg, Gauteng: the country’s modern hub and financial core;
- Durban, KwaZulu-Natal: all revolves around the waterfront, offering vibrant nightlife, clubs, and entertainment;
- Pretoria, Gauteng: “serious” and institutional, the city reveals a cultural and entertaining side to enjoy.
- Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape: wonderful beaches and renowned hospitality make it a special place to spend holidays in Algoa Bay.
- Bloemfontein, Free State: also called “The City of Roses,” this place is rich in history;
- Nelspruit, Mpumalanga: a lively metropolis near Kruger National Park;
- Kimberley, Northern Cape: a tourist and agricultural center, mainly known for its diamonds.
- Polokwane, Limpopo: a truly magical place, also called the “place of peace.” It is near the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park and the Vhenda landscape.
- Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal: colonial style and landscape make it a gem worth visiting.
- Rustenburg, endless prairies.
South Africa Data Sheet
- Country: Republic of South Africa
- Area: 1,219,000 sq km
- Capital: Pretoria
- Population: 46,200,000 inhabitants
- Language: there are many official languages. The most important are English, Afrikaans, and Zulu
- Religion: mostly Christian
- Government system: Presidential Republic
- Major cities: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, Durban, Roodepoort, Soweto, Springs
Useful Information on South Africa
- Currency: South African rand
- International dialing code: 0027
- International license plate code: ZA
- Driving side: left
- Entry documents: Passport
- Required vaccinations: None
- Electricity: 240V
- Units of measure: metric decimal
- Time zones: +2
- Fixed-date holidays: April 27 Freedom Day
- Climate: mild on the coast, drier inland. Summers are hot while winters are dry, and mountainous areas may experience snow precipitation.
- Average temperatures: 16.6°C (21°C in winter, 12°C in summer)
- Transport: public transport is limited and expensive, both buses and trains
- Airports: Johannesburg, Durban, East London, Cape Town
