Down down, at the southernmost 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 the face of the earth. The Atlantic coast is characterized by cool currents and a generally more arid territory compared to the one bordered by the Indian Ocean, where hot and 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 boundaries. Between this area and the coast run mountain ranges, whose presence accounts for additional climatic zones and unique habitats. Finally, the fact that it is almost entirely south of the Tropic of Capricorn means that the inland altitude ranges from 3500 meters of the mountains to 2000 meters of the plateaus, creating a multitude of spectacular and ever-changing landscapes that amaze any visitor. Even the most experienced and demanding one.
To the north, there is the Highveld region, a plateau with savannas and grasslands, where the predominant activity is livestock farming. To the east, however, lie the Lowveld, low lands with a subtropical climate, with vast uninhabited areas covered by bushy and wooded savanna, home to a rich wildlife (the famous Kruger Park is located right here).
But South Africa is also an incredible mix of human races. On its approximately 1,219, 90 thousand km², 47 million people coexist, of which 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, resulting in a wealth of cultures, customs, and traditions. In short, the world in a single country.
South Africa: the most important cities
South Africa is undoubtedly a fascinating land that hides multiple souls within itself. For those organizing a trip, starting to build an itinerary that includes not only the natural aspect but also the one more focused on discovering the cities, the recommendation of the 10 best cities in South Africa can be useful. This concise list will thus allow you to take note of places certainly worthy of a visit, beyond the most well-known metropolises and main cities.
These are also “minor” cities – so to speak – that hardly ever enter the most classic South Africa tours, yet should be carefully considered because they know how to show the visitor the character of this country.
- Cape Town, Western Cape: the most beautiful metropolis in the country, absolutely unmissable;
- Johannesburg, Gauteng: the country’s modern center, the financial hub;
- Durban, KwaZulu-Natal: everything revolves around the waterfront, plenty of nightlife, venues and fun;
- Pretoria, Gauteng: “serious” and institutional, the city reveals a cultural and entertainment side to enjoy.
- Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape: the 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 location is rich in history;
- Nelspruit, Mpumalanga: a lively metropolis, just a step away from Kruger National Park;
- Kimberley, Northern Cape: a tourist and agricultural center, the city is especially known for its diamonds.
- Polokwane, Limpopo: a definitely magical place, also called “place of peace”. We are near the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park and the Vhenda landscape.
- Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal: the colonial style and the landscape make it a little gem to visit with interest.
- Rustenburg, endless plains.
South Africa Profile
- Country: Republic of South Africa
- Area: 1,219,000 sq km
- Capital: Pretoria
- Population: 46,200,000 inhabitants
- Language: there are multiple official languages. The most important are English, Afrikaans, and Zulu
- Religion: predominantly Christian
- Form of Government: Presidential Republic
- Major cities: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, Durban, Roodepoort, Soweto, Springs
Useful Information about South Africa
- Currency: South African rand
- International dialing code: 0027
- International vehicle registration: ZA
- Driving side: left
- Entry documents: Passport
- Required vaccination: NN
- Electric current: 240V
- Units of measurement: metric decimal
- Time zones: +2
- Fixed date holidays: April 27 Freedom Day
- Climate: mild in the coastal area, drier inland. Summer is hot while winter is dry and in mountainous areas snow precipitation can also occur.
- 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
