South Africa

Most visited cities in South Africa

Cape Town

Cape Town (Afrikaans: Kaapstad, Xhosa: iKapa ) is the second most populous city in South Africa. The capital of Western Cape Province, it is also the legislative capital of the nation. Cape Town is on South Africa's southwestern coast close to the Cape of Good Hope, and is the southernmost city on the African continent. It is the gateway to the globally renowned Cape Winelands which includes the towns of Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl.

Johannesburg

Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and serves as the economic powerhouse of the country. Located in the province of Gauteng, Johannesburg is a vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis with a rich history and diverse culture. The city is known for its iconic skyline, with impressive skyscrapers and modern architecture dominating the cityscape. Johannesburg offers a range of attractions, including cultural institutions like the Apartheid Museum, which provides insights into the country's tumultuous history. The city's bustling neighborhoods, such as Sandton and Rosebank, are hubs of commerce, entertainment, and dining, while the nearby township of Soweto showcases the country's struggle for freedom and equality. With its blend of modernity and historical significance, Johannesburg presents a captivating destination that reflects the spirit of South Africa's urban dynamism.

Durban

Durban (Zulu: eThekwini ; itheku means "city") is a city on the east coast of South Africa in the province of KwaZulu-Natal and in the municipality of eThekwini. It is the third largest city in South Africa and the busiest port in Africa. As of 2011, the population of the eThekwini municipality was around 3.4 million. In 2020, it was named the greenest city in the world by Husqvarna Urban Green Space Index because of its many parks.

Pretoria

Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa and part of City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, is in Gauteng. Its wide avenues are lined with purple-flowered jacaranda trees and stately architecture. The city has many museums and art galleries, and a large student population that gives its centre a boisterous atmosphere.

Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch (pop. about 100,000) is a city in the Western Cape, and is the heart of the Cape Winelands, South Africa's prime wine region. Its historical parts display colonial Dutch architecture.

Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park, located in northeastern South Africa, is an iconic and world-renowned destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Spanning an impressive area of approximately 20,000 square kilometers, the park stands as one of Africa's largest and most diverse game reserves. With its rich biodiversity, captivating landscapes, and a remarkable array of wildlife, Kruger National Park offers visitors an immersive experience in the heart of the African wilderness.

Natural Features

Kruger National Park is blessed with an incredible variety of natural features. The park encompasses vast stretches of savannah grasslands, punctuated by rocky outcrops and ancient granite kopjes. It is traversed by several rivers, including the iconic Limpopo and Sabie Rivers, which provide water sources and create lush habitats for wildlife. The diverse ecosystems within the park support an impressive array of flora and fauna.

Wildlife

Kruger National Park is renowned for its exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. The park is home to an extraordinary concentration of diverse animal species, including the famed Big Five (elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, and rhinoceros). Visitors can also encounter zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, and a multitude of antelope species. The park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 500 bird species, including eagles, vultures, and colorful migratory birds.

Conservation Efforts

Kruger National Park places a strong emphasis on conservation and sustainable management. Efforts are focused on protecting wildlife, preserving habitats, and combating poaching. The park collaborates with local communities, research institutions, and conservation organizations to ensure the long-term sustainability of its ecosystems. Initiatives also include community-based conservation projects that promote the involvement of neighboring communities in conservation efforts.

Safari and Game Viewing

A safari in Kruger National Park offers an unforgettable wildlife experience. Game drives, conducted by experienced guides, provide opportunities to encounter the park's incredible biodiversity up close. The park's extensive network of roads and trails allows visitors to explore different regions, each offering unique wildlife sightings. Night drives and guided bush walks offer a chance to witness nocturnal animals and experience the bush on foot.

Accommodation and Facilities

Kruger National Park provides a range of accommodation options to suit various preferences and budgets. From luxury lodges and tented camps to self-catering cottages and camping sites, visitors can find suitable lodging within or near the park. The park also offers amenities such as restaurants, shops, picnic areas, and swimming pools, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.

Cultural and Historical Heritage

The park is not only a haven for wildlife but also holds cultural and historical significance. The land of Kruger National Park is intertwined with the heritage of local communities, including the Shangaan people, who have a deep connection to the area. Visitors can engage in cultural tours and experiences to learn about traditional customs, crafts, and storytelling, enhancing their understanding of the region's rich cultural heritage.

Additional Activities

In addition to game viewing, Kruger National Park offers a range of activities for visitors. These include birdwatching, photography, bush dining experiences, and visits to archaeological sites and historical landmarks. Interpretive centers and museums provide insights into the park's history, geology, and conservation efforts. Nearby attractions, such as the Panorama Route and private reserves, offer further opportunities to explore the diverse landscapes and wildlife of the region.

Hermanus

Knysna

Knysna, pearl of the scenic Garden Route, sits between George and Plettenberg Bay. Perennially green thanks to a Mediterranean Maritime climate with rain falling throughout the year, Knysna is mantled by indigenous forests extending into the Tsitsikamma National Park area. Nestled between the impressive Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian ocean, the culinary capital of oysters and other delectable seafood is a compulsory stopover on every traveller's itinerary. At the heart of Knysna is a lagoon protected from the sea by the monolithic sandstone "Heads" Webcam– best explored on board a catamaran or from along hiking paths in the Featherbed Nature Reserve. A hotspot for art and craft, as well as adventure activities such as tree canopy gliding, kloofing and abseiling, Knysna offers something to everybody. : P70 : P8

Franschhoek

Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay is a small harbour town situated on the Garden Route in the Western Cape. A favourite coastal and holiday destination, it has over the years developed into a town of unhurried hospitality, complementing the natural beauty and rich cultural history of the District of Eden. It was here that the first Europeans set foot on southern African shores – commemorated at the Da Gama Museum Complex in the town-centre. Washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, Mossel Bay offers sandy beaches stretching into the horizon, whale watching in season (June – mid November), water sport and extreme adventures. The Bay of Attraction, as Mossel Bay is often referred to, is also a paradise for any shopper hunting for local art and craft or maritime objects, and a hub for good entertainment and exquisite dining on the Garden Route. : P70 : P8

Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay (or Plett) is a small coastal resort in South Africa's Western Cape. It's a good stop off point for the Garden Route if you're looking to be closer to the beach than nearby Knysna. : P70 : P8

Sun City

Bloemfontein

Bloemfontein ( Fountain of flowers ) is popularly and poetically known as "the city of roses", for its abundance of these flowers and the annual rose festival held there. The city hosts numerous museums, including the National Women's Monument, the Anglo-Boer War Museum, the National Museum, and the Oliewenhuis Art Museum. : P70 : P8

George

Soweto

Soweto is a suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa. Soweto is an increasingly popular destination for travellers from around the world, and is home of the Nelson Mandela National Museum.

Robben Island

Gqeberha

Sandton

Sandton is an affluent suburb and business centre in Johannesburg.