Why visit
South Africa combines Table Mountain, Cape Winelands, and Garden Route beaches with Kruger safaris. One of the few places where a two-week trip can include big-five wildlife, coastal hiking, and fine dining.
Country · Africa
South Africa
naturebeachfoodadventureculture
At a glance
Location
-29.0°, 24.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
1,221,037 km²
471,445 mi²
Country population
63.2 million
52/km²
Subregion
Southern Africa
Currency
South African rand (R)
ZAR
Dial
+27
Languages
Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele
Demonym
South African
Internet
.za
UN
Member state
ISO code
ZA / ZAF
Where in the world
-29.0° · 24.0°
South Africa
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Did you know
- South Africa has three capital cities: Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative), and Bloemfontein (judicial).
- Table Mountain is 3× older than the Himalayas, and its flat top is one of the oldest landscapes on earth.
- The country has 11 official languages: the most of any country, with Zulu the most spoken at home.
Bordering South Africa
Traveler notes
- Cape Town + Garden Route + Kruger = 14-day classic route
- Visa-free for most Schengen, UK, US, Canadian, Australian passports (90 days)
- Southern hemisphere: November–April is summer
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Pretoria, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Verify swim safety, ocean conditions, and water-quality reports by month.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
Signature travel cities in South Africa
Cape Town
Cape Town is Table Mountain rising from the sea, Cape Point's meeting of oceans, Bo-Kaap's painted houses, Cape Winelands at Stellenbosch, and Kalk Bay's fish.
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is the Cape Winelands capital. 200+ wineries, whitewashed Cape Dutch architecture, and a university-town energy. Pair with Franschhoek for a two-day loop.
Explore more
Frequently asked about South Africa
What is the capital of South Africa?
Pretoria is the capital of South Africa.
What currency does South Africa use?
South Africa uses the South African rand (R), ISO code ZAR.
What languages are spoken in South Africa?
The primary languages are Afrikaans, English and Southern Ndebele.
Is South Africa landlocked?
No, South Africa has a coastline.
What countries border South Africa?
South Africa borders Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini, Zimbabwe.
What is the international calling code for South Africa?
The calling code is +27.
When is the best time to visit South Africa?
Oct–Apr for Cape, May–Sep for safari. Check current weather and local events before booking.
Other Africa destinations
Fes
Fes has the world's oldest continuously operating university (Al Quaraouiyine, 859 AD) and a car-free medina of 9,000 streets that still feels medieval.
Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is the blue-painted mountain town of northern Morocco. Rif foothills, Spanish-Moroccan history, and the region's best trekking base.
Cape Town
Cape Town is Table Mountain rising from the sea, Cape Point's meeting of oceans, Bo-Kaap's painted houses, Cape Winelands at Stellenbosch, and Kalk Bay's fish.
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is the Cape Winelands capital. 200+ wineries, whitewashed Cape Dutch architecture, and a university-town energy. Pair with Franschhoek for a two-day loop.
Zanzibar City
Stone Town is a UNESCO-listed labyrinth of Arab, Indian, European, and African architecture, with spice tours, slave-route memorials, and a short ride to Nungwi and Paje beaches.
Luxor
Luxor is ancient Thebes. Karnak's temple complex, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's temple, and a Nile bank where you can hot-air balloon at dawn.