Africa · Southern Africa

South Africa

Republic of South Africa

Flag of South Africa
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+02:00
🏛️ Capital
Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Cape Town
👥 Population
63,100,945
📐 Area
1,221,037 km²
💱 Currency
South African rand (R)
🗣️ Languages
Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu
📞 Calling Code
+27
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+02:00
🌐 Region
Africa / Southern Africa

About South Africa

South Africa is one of the world's most compellingly diverse travel destinations — a country where desert landscapes, subtropical forests, dramatic coastlines, world-class wine estates, and some of Africa's finest wildlife safari country coexist within a single nation. You'll find a place where cosmopolitan cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg pulse with creativity, cuisine, and culture, while vast wilderness areas in Kruger National Park and beyond remain essentially unchanged since the days when early hominids walked these plains. No single country on earth offers such a breadth of experiences within such reasonable distances.

Cape Town is regularly voted one of the world's most beautiful cities, presiding over the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans beneath the unmistakable flat-topped silhouette of Table Mountain. The Garden Route curling along the southern coast connects a series of charming towns, indigenous forests, beaches, and whale-watching spots. The Winelands of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl produce world-class wines in settings of extraordinary vineyard beauty. And then there is the bush — the Kruger and its surrounding private reserves, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi in KwaZulu-Natal, and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the Northern Cape — offering safari experiences that rival East Africa at competitive prices.

South Africa's complex and turbulent history adds a layer of weight and meaning to every visit. The legacy of apartheid, the story of Nelson Mandela and the long walk to freedom, and the continuing challenges of building an equal society give travellers ample material for reflection alongside the pleasure of the country's natural gifts. South Africans of all backgrounds are typically warm and proud to share their homeland, and travelling here with curiosity and respect yields encounters of genuine depth and unforgettable warmth.

History & Background

South Africa's human story is among the oldest on earth — the Cradle of Humankind northwest of Johannesburg has yielded fossil evidence of hominid habitation stretching back over three million years, making the region arguably the birthplace of humanity. The San people, whose extraordinary rock art adorns caves and overhangs across the country, were the first inhabitants, followed by Bantu-speaking agricultural communities who arrived from Central Africa over the past two millennia. The Zulu Kingdom under Shaka in the early 19th century created one of Africa's most formidable military states, transforming the social geography of southern Africa in what historians call the Mfecane.

Dutch settlement at the Cape from 1652 initiated a colonial chapter that would bring profound upheaval. The British seized the Cape in 1806, setting off a chain of conflicts including the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 and the Anglo-Boer Wars of 1880–81 and 1899–1902. The discovery of diamonds at Kimberley in 1867 and gold on the Witwatersrand in 1886 transformed the country's economic geography and accelerated colonial acquisition. The Union of South Africa in 1910 established the framework for the apartheid system formalised in 1948, a racial segregation regime that was ultimately dismantled following sustained internal resistance, international pressure, and Nelson Mandela's release from Robben Island in 1990. Mandela's election as president in 1994 remains one of the 20th century's most celebrated political moments.

Culture & People

South Africa's self-description as the "Rainbow Nation" reflects a genuine diversity of eleven official languages and communities whose cultural traditions range from the Zulu warrior heritage of KwaZulu-Natal to the Cape Malay culinary traditions brought by enslaved people from Southeast Asia in the 17th century, to the Afrikaner farming culture of the interior, to the vibrant urban creativity of Johannesburg's Soweto township. You'll encounter this multiplicity not as a tourist exhibit but as living, sometimes contested, constantly evolving daily reality.

Music is perhaps the most universally accessible entry point into South African culture. Township jazz, maskandi guitar music from Zulu tradition, Afrikaans folk songs called "boeremusiek," and the globally influential kwaito and amapiano genres all reflect different facets of the national identity. South Africa hosts major cultural events including the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, Oppikoppi rock festival, and the National Arts Festival in Makhanda (Grahamstown). The braai — a barbecue elevated to near-religious status across all communities — is the great social equaliser, and being invited to someone's braai is one of the most genuine forms of South African hospitality you can experience.

Food & Cuisine

South African cuisine is as diverse as its people, drawing on Zulu, Xhosa, Cape Malay, Afrikaner, Indian, and Portuguese culinary traditions to create a food landscape of remarkable richness. You'll find the braai — South Africa's distinctive barbecue tradition — at the heart of social eating across all communities: boerewors (spiced beef and pork sausage), sosaties (spiced lamb skewers), and braaibroodjie (toasted cheese and chutney sandwiches cooked directly on the grill) are the cornerstones. Biltong, the air-dried spiced meat snack, and droëwors dried sausage are beloved national snacks found in every service station and grocery store.

Cape Malay cooking, descended from enslaved Southeast Asians brought to the Cape Colony, contributes bobotie — a spiced minced meat dish topped with savoury egg custard — and fragrant curries that differ from Indian or Southeast Asian versions in their characteristic mix of spices. Durban Indian community cooking produced the bunny chow — a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry — one of South Africa's most beloved street foods. The Winelands produce world-class Chenin Blanc, Pinotage (a uniquely South African grape variety), and Cabernet Sauvignon that rival the world's best. Township restaurants called "shisanyamas" serve spit-roasted meat alongside pap (cornmeal porridge) in a convivial communal atmosphere that is an essential cultural experience.

Top Attractions

  • Table Mountain National Park — The iconic flat-topped mountain dominating Cape Town is accessible by cable car or on foot via numerous trails, offering extraordinary views of the Cape Peninsula and two oceans.
  • Kruger National Park — One of Africa's greatest wildlife reserves, covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres of savannah bush home to the Big Five and hundreds of other species.
  • Robben Island — The UNESCO-listed island in Table Bay where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years is now a powerful museum and symbol of the struggle against apartheid.
  • Garden Route — A spectacular coastal drive from Mossel Bay to Storms River through indigenous forests, lakes, whale-watching beaches, and charming towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
  • Cape Winelands — The Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl wine regions offer world-class tastings, superb restaurants, and vine-covered mountain valleys of extraordinary beauty.
  • Drakensberg Mountains — The dramatic escarpment of KwaZulu-Natal offers superb hiking, San rock art, and some of South Africa's most awe-inspiring highland scenery.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring South Africa's vast distances and many excellent self-drive safari routes — driving is on the left, roads are generally good, and distances between attractions are significant.
  • Malaria prophylaxis is required for the Kruger and northeastern lowveld areas; consult a travel health clinic for the most current anti-malarial recommendations before travel.
  • South Africa has a high rate of opportunistic crime in urban areas — avoid displaying valuables, keep car doors locked while driving in cities, and use reputable transport services rather than unmarked taxis.
  • The exchange rate typically makes South Africa excellent value for visitors from North America and Europe — quality accommodation, food, wine, and safaris are considerably cheaper than equivalent experiences elsewhere.
  • Book popular private game reserves and Cape Town accommodation months in advance, particularly for peak summer (December through January) when domestic demand is highest.
  • Tipping is customary and important: 10–15% is standard in restaurants, petrol station attendants who help with service expect a tip, and safari guides appreciate gratuities for exceptional service.
  • Water in most cities and towns is safe to drink directly from the tap, though bottled water is advisable in rural or drought-affected areas.

Visa Overview

South Africa offers visa-free access to citizens of many countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and EU member states, for stays of up to 90 days. Visitors receive a visitor's permit on arrival at international airports and land borders, provided they hold a valid return or onward ticket, sufficient funds, and a passport with adequate validity. Passports should have at least 30 days validity beyond your intended stay and at least two blank pages. Citizens of countries not on the visa-free list must apply for a visa from the South African embassy or consulate before travel.

Getting Around

South Africa's vast distances make a rental car essential for most itineraries beyond a single city. Major car rental companies operate from all international airports and driving standards are generally good. Domestic flights connect Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, and other centres quickly and affordably. The Gautrain rapid rail connects Johannesburg's OR Tambo Airport to the city and Pretoria. Within Cape Town, the MyCiTi bus and Uber are widely used. Uber and Bolt ride-hailing operate effectively in all major cities and are safer and more reliable than unmarked taxis.

Safety Notes

South Africa has elevated rates of violent and property crime compared to most tourist destinations, and visitors should take this seriously without allowing it to overshadow an otherwise exceptional trip. Avoid walking with valuables in central Johannesburg and certain parts of other cities, particularly after dark. Use hotel safes for passports and valuables. Remain vigilant at ATMs and avoid withdrawing cash after dark. Safari areas and most tourist destinations are generally safe with appropriate precautions. Emergency number is 10111 for police, and 10177 for medical emergency.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in South Africa.

South African rand (ZAR) R
Updated: 2026-07-06
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.858300
AAVE 0.000696
ADA 0.327747
AED 0.225947
AFN 3.911638
AGIX 0.788571
AKT 0.098093
ALGO 0.687285
ALL 5.043225
AMD 22.639042
AMP 137.933762
ANG 0.110949
AOA 56.503396
APE 0.438882
APT 0.098375
AR 0.030821
ARB 0.769199
ARS 91.828689
ATOM 0.038908
ATS 0.740502
AUD 0.088814
AVAX 0.008911
AWG 0.110128
AXS 0.060929
AZM 522.954908
AZN 0.104591
BAKE 81.879716
BAM 0.105252
BAT 0.698585
BBD 0.123048
BCH 0.000255
BDT 7.584293
BEF 2.170866
BGN 0.105252
BHD 0.023133
BIF 183.157711
BMD 0.061524
BNB 0.000105
BND 0.079520
BOB 0.426187
BRL 0.317962
BSD 0.061524
BSV 0.004167
BSW 183.821525
BTC 0.000001
BTCB 1.160965
BTG 0.213214
BTN 5.861700
BTT 231,981.728468
BUSD 0.061472
BWP 0.830374
BYN 0.178661
BYR 1,205.989149
BZD 0.123914
CAD 0.087425
CAKE 0.042486
CDF 141.951080
CELO 0.915757
CFX 1.375173
CHF 0.049492
CHZ 3.407901
CLP 56.675998
CNH 0.417833
CNY 0.417668
COMP 0.003671
COP 205.646226
CRC 28.035723
CRO 1.029310
CRV 0.287795
CSPR 31.678794
CUC 0.061530
CUP 1.630547
CVE 5.934108
CVX 0.051154
CYP 0.031496
CZK 1.301567
DAI 0.061553
DASH 0.001749
DCR 0.005542
DEM 0.105252
DFI 74.053007
DJF 10.957007
DKK 0.402258
DOGE 0.796138
DOP 3.646307
DOT 0.070528
DYDX 0.465868
DZD 8.182336
EEK 0.842014
EGLD 0.022260
EGP 3.022186
ENJ 2.125875
EOS 0.849405
ERN 0.922862
ESP 8.953955
ETB 9.841122
ETC 0.008663
ETH 0.000035
EUR 0.053814
EURC 0.053854
FEI 0.061546
FIL 0.077919
FIM 0.319966
FJD 0.138153
FKP 0.046111
FLOW 2.195388
FLR 8.851225
FRAX 0.062194
FRF 0.352999
FTT 0.258292
GALA 26.855685
GBP 0.046111
GEL 0.161596
GGP 0.046111
GHC 6,989.740739
GHS 0.698974
GIP 0.046111
GMD 4.537055
GMX 0.010382
GNF 539.415058
GNO 0.000585
GRD 18.337240
GRT 3.242799
GT 0.009075
GTQ 0.469616
GUSD 0.061605
GYD 12.877939
HBAR 0.814783
HKD 0.482536
HNL 1.647138
HNT 0.256737
HOT 170.492132
HRK 0.405464
HT 1.717169
HTG 8.053177
HUF 19.028920
ICP 0.027910
IDR 1,106.972459
IEP 0.042382
ILS 0.184798
IMP 0.046111
IMX 0.445300
INJ 0.012593
INR 5.861700
IQD 80.670044
IRR 84,662.284136
ISK 7.749350
ITL 104.199112
JEP 0.046111
JMD 9.746809
JOD 0.043621
JPY 9.957662
KAS 2.005653
KAVA 1.363601
KCS 0.008522
KDA 10.555839
KES 7.954504
KGS 5.381159
KHR 246.701327
KMF 26.474925
KNC 0.551939
KPW 55.377074
KRW 94.307845
KSM 0.017460
KWD 0.019091
KYD 0.051183
KZT 29.085097
LAK 1,391.001579
LBP 5,525.075509
LDO 0.227756
LEO 0.006573
LINK 0.007705
LKR 20.604127
LRC 5.007429
LRD 11.174254
LSL 1.0000
LTC 0.001363
LTL 0.185810
LUF 2.170866
LUNA 1.252810
LUNC 1,002.100279
LVL 0.037821
LYD 0.394638
MAD 0.576090
MANA 0.884185
MBX 2.446326
MDL 1.082894
MGA 261.079258
MGF 1,305.396292
MINA 1.297738
MKD 3.315058
MKR 0.000043
MMK 129.159212
MNT 220.510952
MOP 0.497012
MRO 24.570906
MRU 2.457091
MTL 0.023103
MUR 2.892044
MVR 0.951125
MWK 106.721964
MXN 1.075400
MXV 0.121940
MYR 0.250850
MZM 3,929.330164
MZN 3.929330
NAD 1.0000
NEAR 0.030878
NEO 0.031104
NEXO 0.079974
NFT 232,148.717884
NGN 84.305217
NIO 2.264756
NLG 0.118591
NOK 0.605177
NPR 9.383117
NZD 0.108138
OKB 0.000771
OMR 0.023679
ONE 49.222489
OP 0.572278
ORDI 0.018953
PAB 0.061524
PAXG 0.000015
PEN 0.209507
PEPE 22,556.490172
PGK 0.270662
PHP 3.784527
PI 0.543867
PKR 17.116608
PLN 0.231007
POL 0.836581
PTE 10.788809
PYG 374.228271
QAR 0.223948
QNT 0.000919
QTUM 0.086551
ROL 2,812.343106
RON 0.281234
RPL 0.030387
RSD 6.311991
RUB 4.740905
RUNE 0.148766
RVN 16.143357
RWF 90.186411
SAND 1.233111
SAR 0.230715
SBD 0.497857
SCR 0.879167
SDD 3,692.955584
SDG 36.929556
SEK 0.593882
SGD 0.079520
SHIB 14,052.116472
SHP 0.046111
SIT 12.896071
SKK 1.621211
SLE 1.405208
SLL 1,405.207738
SNX 0.268680
SOL 0.000763
SOS 35.132776
SPL 0.010254
SRD 2.316052
SRG 2,316.051802
SSP 292.189463
STD 1,328.235124
STN 1.328235
STX 0.359799
SUI 0.082351
SVC 0.538336
SYP 6.801046
SZL 1.0000
THB 2.045079
THETA 0.438564
TJS 0.570284
TMM 1,079.499150
TMT 0.215900
TND 0.181369
TOP 0.148169
TRL 2,880,278.939336
TRX 0.187343
TRY 2.880279
TTD 0.416887
TUSD 0.061653
TVD 0.088814
TWD 1.974324
TWT 0.178968
TZS 161.661317
UAH 2.741859
UGX 224.840834
UNI 0.019467
USD 0.061524
USDC 0.061543
USDD 0.061587
USDP 0.061710
USDT 0.061591
UYU 2.476288
UZS 736.308147
VAL 104.199112
VEB 3,964,851,047.297620
VED 39.644981
VEF 3,964,498.057570
VES 39.644981
VET 13.041776
VND 1,618.097197
VUV 7.394702
WAVES 0.231529
WEMIX 0.237639
WOO 5.196035
WST 0.170164
XAF 35.299900
XAG 0.000996
XAU 0.000015
XAUT 0.000015
XBT 0.000001
XCD 0.166538
XCG 0.110949
XCH 0.039038
XDC 2.189589
XDR 0.045379
XEC 11,582.298822
XEM 143.717091
XLM 0.308178
XMR 0.000190
XOF 35.299900
XPD 0.000048
XPF 6.421760
XPT 0.000038
XRP 0.053744
XTZ 0.247258
YER 14.580812
ZEC 0.000135
ZIL 19.944275
ZMK 1,128.925033
ZMW 1.128925
ZWD 22.265577
ZWG 1.650297
ZWL 4,123.636833

No currencies match your search.

Cities in South Africa 998
Browse all cities and towns
Abaqulusi Local Municipality Aberdeen Acornhoek Addo Adelaide Aganang Local Municipality Aggeneys Akasia Albert Luthuli Local Municipality Albertinia Alberton Alexandria Alice Alicedale Aliwal North Allanridge Alrode Alverton Amersfoort Amsterdam Apara Ashton Atlantis Augrabies Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality Badplaas Balfour Balkfontein Ballito Bambanandi Bangalong Bapong Barberton Barkly East Barkly West Baviaans Local Municipality Beaufort West Beaufort West Local Municipality Bedford Beeshoek Bela-Bela Bella Vista Bellville Benmore Benoni Bergrivier Local Municipality Bergville Berseba Bethal Bethanie Bethelsdorp Bethlehem Bethulie Betty's Bay Bhisho Bholani Bizana Bloemfontein Bloemhof Blue Crane Route Local Municipality Blue Downs Blue Rock Boesmansriviermond Boiketlo Bokisi Boksburg Booysens Borwa Boshof Botha Bothashoek Bothaville Botleng Botrivier Botshabelo Brakpan Brandfort Brandvlei Bredasdorp Breede Valley Local Municipality Brightside Brits Britstown Broederstroom Bronkhorstspruit Bronville Bryanston Buffeljagsrivier Bultfontein Bungeni Burgerregt Burgersdorp Burgersfort Bushbuckridge Butterworth Cacadu Cala Caledon Calitzdorp Calvinia Camdeboo Local Municipality Cape Agulhas Local Municipality Cape Town Carletonville Carnarvon Carolina Cedarville Cederberg Cederberg Local Municipality Centurion Ceres Chakaskraal Chaneng Chatsworth Chavani Christiana Chuenespoort Citrusdal Clanwilliam Clarens Clermont Colesberg Coligny Cookhouse Cornelia Cowville Cradock Cuba Cullinan Cumakala Daggakraal Dainfern Damonsville Daniëlskuil Dannhauser Dannhauser Local Municipality Darling Daveyton De Aar De Deur De Doorns De Hoek De Rust Dealesville Delareyville Delmas Dendron Deneysville Derde Gelid Despatch Dewetsdorp Didimala Diepkuil Diepsloot Dikgatlong Local Municipality Dimbaza Dinga, South Africa Dinopeng Dipaleseng Local Municipality Dipelaneng Dipping Ditsobotla Local Municipality Dordrecht Douglas Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality Drakenstein Local Municipality Duiwelskloof Dundee Durban Durban North Durbanville Dutywa Dwarsberg Dwarskersbos Dysselsdorp East London Edenburg Edendale Edenvale Edenville Eersterivier eGobhoza eHlau-Hlau Ekangala Ekuphumleni Elandsbaai Elandsrand Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality Elim Ellisras Elsiesriver eLukwatini eMakhazeni (Belfast) eMalahleni Emalahleni Local Municipality Emalahleni Local Municipality eMankayana eMaXesibeni (Mount Ayliff) Embalenhle eMbonisweni eMdlankhomo Emfuleni Local Municipality Emjindini Emnambithi/Ladysmith Local Municipality eMondlo Empangeni Empuluzi Emthanjeni Local Municipality Emzinoni Engcobo Local Municipality Ennerdale Ermelo Eshowe Estcourt Ethandakukhanja Ethembeni Etwatwa Evander Evaton Excelsior Ezakheni Ezinqoleni Local Municipality Fauresmith Ferndale Fetakgomo Local Municipality Ficksburg Fish Hoek Flagstaff Forest Hills Fouriesburg Fourways Franschhoek Fraserburg Ga-Boelang Ga-Kgoroshi Ga-Lepadima Ga-Luka Ga-Mamatlhola Ga-Mantlhodi Ga-Masemola Ga-Mmabasotho Ga-Mogajane Ga-Mohoai Ga-Mokobodi Ga-Molepo Ga-Monlala Ga-Motlhware Ga-Motodi Ga-Ramokadi-Kadi Ga-Ramoshwane Ga-Rankuwa Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality Ga-Selolo Ga-Setshaba Gansbaai Ganyesa Gardenview Gariep Dam Gariep Local Municipality Garies Gauteng Genadendal George Germiston Giyani Glencoe Glenmore Glenmore Beach Golden Highway Gompo Park Gonubie Gouda Goudini Govan Mbeki Gqeberha Graaff-Reinet Graafwater Grabouw Grant Park Graskop Great Kei Local Municipality Greater Giyani Local Municipality Greater Kokstad Local Municipality Greater Taung Local Municipality Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality Greylingstad Greyton Greytown Griekwastad Groblersbrug Groblersdal Groblersdal Groblershoop Grootdrink Gwaba Hani Park Hanover Hantam Local Municipality Harding Harmony Hartbeesfontein Hartswater Hazyview Heidelberg Heidelberg Heilbron Hendrina Hennenman Herbertsdale Hermanus Hermon Hertzogville Hibiscus Coast Local Municipality Hillcrest Hlohlolwane (Clocolan) Hluhluwe Hobhouse Hoedspruit Homer Hoopstad Hopefield Hopetown Hout Bay Howick Humansdorp iBhayi Ifafi Ikwezi Local Municipality Imbabazane Local Municipality Imbangi Inanda Indwe Ingquza Hill Local Municipality Ingwavuma Intsika Yethu Local Municipality Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipality Irene Isando Ixopo Jacobsdal Jagersfontein Jamestown Jan Kempdorp Jansenville Jeffreys Bay Jeppe's Reef Jericho Jerusalem Jimmy Jones, South Africa Joe Morolong Local Municipality Johandeo AH Johannesburg Jongensfontein Joubertina Jozini Jozini Local Municipality Juno Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality Kagiso Kai !Garib Local Municipality Kamagugu KaMaqhekeza Kamhlushwa Kamsogwaba Kanana Kanyamazane Kariega Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality Kathu Kelvin Kempton Park Kenhardt Kenton-on-Sea Keurboomstrand Kgatelopele Local Municipality Kgetleng River Local Municipality Kgotsong Khâi-Ma Local Municipality Khayelethu Khayelitsha Khowa (Elliot) Khuma Khutsong Kigali Kimberley King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality Kirkwood Kitty Klawer Kleinmond Kleinpoort Klerksdorp Klipgat Klipplaat Kloof Knysna Koffiefontein Kokstad Komani Komatipoort Komga Kosmos Koster Kraaifontein Kraalhoek Kriel Kroonstad Krugersdorp Kuilsrivier Kurland Kuruman Kutlwanong Kwa Sani Local Municipality KwaBhaca (Mount Frere) Kwaggasvlakte KwaMakhutha KwaMaqoma KwaMashu KwaMhlanga KwaNobuhle KwaNojoli Kwazamokuhle KwaZanele Kwelera Laaste Hoop Ladismith Lady Grey Ladybrand Ladysmith Laingsburg Lalini Lambert's Bay Langebaan Langeberg Local Municipality Lebohang Lebotlwane Lebowakgomo Ledig Leeudoringstad Leeupoort Vakansiedorp Leisure Bay Leisure Crest Lekubu Lekwa Local Municipality Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality Lekwadi Lenasia Leokaneng Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality Lephalale Lephalale Local Municipality Lesedi Local Municipality Lesung Letlhabile Letsemeng Local Municipality Letsitele Lichtenburg Lilian Ngoyi Village Lime Acres Lindley Linmeyer Loeriesfontein Longaneng Lonsdale Louis Trichardt Louwsburg Loxton Luckhoff Lukhanji Local Municipality Lulekani Lusikisiki Lydenburg Mabobosini Mabotsha Machadodorp Madadeni Madeira Madibogo Madidi Mafube Local Municipality Magaliesburg Magareng Local Municipality Magogong Mahikeng Mahubahuba Mahudua Makgaung Makgori Makhado Local Municipality Makhanda Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality Makolokwe Makwassie Malalane Malamulele Maletswai Local Municipality Malmesbury Maluti Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality Mamelodi Manguzi Mankweng Manokwane Mantsopa Local Municipality Manyano Manyatseng Manyii Mapetla Maphumulo Local Municipality Maquassi Hills Local Municipality Maraisburg Marakaneng Marblehall Margate Marikana Marquard Marshstrand Marydale Mashadi Mashamba Mashelebeng Mashishing Masibambane Masilonyana Local Municipality Matatiele Matatiele Local Municipality Matjhabeng Local Municipality Matjiesfontein Matlakeng Matlala Matolong Matsulu Matzikama Local Municipality Mbhashe Local Municipality Mbhokota Village Mboloko Mbombela (Nelspruit) Mbonisweni McGregor Mdantsane Mdladla Meerhof Melkbosstrand Melkhoutfontein Melmoth Melodie Meloding Meqheleng Merriespruit Merweville Messina Meyerhof Meyerton Mhlontlo Local Municipality Mhluzi Mhole Middelburg Middelburg Middeldeel Midrand Midvaal Local Municipality Mier Local Municipality Milnerton Mitchells Plain Mkhambathini Local Municipality Mkhondo Mkhuhlu Mkhukhu Mmantserre Modderspruit Modikwe Modimolle Mogalakwena Mogalakwena Local Municipality Mogalatsana Mogale City Mogale City Local Municipality Mogwadi Mogwase Moiletswane Mokhololine Mokopane Mokwena Molelema Molemole Local Municipality Moloro Molteno Monnakato Montagu Monyekeng Monywaneng Mooinooi Mooirivier Mookgophong Mookgopong Local Municipality Moorreesburg Mopyane Moremela Village Moretele Moretele Local Municipality Moria Morokweng Morolaneng Moses Kotane Local Municipality Mossel Bay Motherwell Mothibistad Mothutlung Motlamogale Motlatla Motsheko Mount Anderson Moyono Mpofana Local Municipality Mpumalanga Msauli Msobomvu Msukaligwa Mthatha Mthombeni Mthonjaneni Local Municipality Mtubatuba Mtubatuba Local Municipality Murraysburg Musina Musina Local Municipality Mutale Mutale Local Municipality Naas Naledi Naledi Local Municipality Nama Khoi Local Municipality Napier Ndlambe Local Municipality Nduli Nelspruit Newcastle Newcastle Local Municipality Ngagane Ngcobo Ngqeleni Ngqushwa Local Municipality Ngwathe Ngwathe Local Municipality Ngwetsintshage Niekerkshoop Nieu-Bethesda Nieuwoudtville Nigel Nkandla Nkandla Local Municipality Nketoana Local Municipality Nkomazi Nkonkobe Local Municipality Nkowakowa Nofeliti Nohlazana Nongoma Northam Northmead Noupoort Nqanqarhu Nqutu Ntabankulu Local Municipality Ntabozuko Ntambanana Local Municipality Ntsimekweni Nyandeni Local Municipality Nylstroom Odendaalsrus Okhahlamba Local Municipality Olympus Op die Berg Orania Orkney Osizweni oThongathi Oudekraalfontein Oudtshoorn Overstrand Local Municipality Paarl Paradys Parow Parow Parys Paternoster Paterson Paul Roux Pearston Peddie Penge Petervale Petrus Steyn Petrusville Petsana Phakamisa Phalaborwa Phathakahle Phatsima Philippolis Philipstown Phoenix Phokeng Phokwane Local Municipality Phola Pholoholo Phumelela Local Municipality Phumlani Phuthaditjhaba Pienaar Piet Retief Pietermaritzburg Pietersburg Piketberg Pinegowrie Pinetown Pixley Ka Seme Local Municipality Plettenberg Bay Pofadder Polokwane Polokwane Local Municipality Pongola Port Alfred Port Edward Port Shepstone Port St Johns Port St Johns Local Municipality Porterville Portobello Postmasburg Potchefstroom Pretoria Prieska Primrose Prince Albert Prince Albert Local Municipality Pudimoe Qonce Queensburgh Qumra Ramakgaphola Ramalapa Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality Randburg Randfontein Randfontein Local Municipality Randvaal Rankin's Pass Rasimone Rawsonville Raxanga Rayton Reddersburg Redelinghuys Reitz Reivilo Renosterberg Local Municipality Rhodes Richards Bay Richmond Richmond Richmond Local Municipality Richtersveld Local Municipality Riebeeckstad Rietbron Rietfontein Rietgat Rietvlei Riverplaats Riversdale Riviersonderend Rivonia Robertson Robertville Roodepoort Rosebank Rouxville Rustenburg Rustenburg Local Municipality Saaiplaas Sabie Sakhile Sakhisizwe Local Municipality Saldanha Saldanha Bay Local Municipality Salt Rock Salubindza Sandfontein Sandton Sandton Sannieshof Sasolburg Schoemansville Schweizer-Reneke Scottburgh Sebokeng Secunda Sedgefield Segwaelane Sekgakgapeng Selosesha Selosesha-IA Senekal Senqu Local Municipality Senwabarwana Serosecha Setsoto Local Municipality Setumong Seymour Shaka's Head Shaka's Rock Silwerkrans Simon's Town Sir Lowry's Pass Sisonke Sisulu Village Siyabuswa Siyanda Siyathemba Siyathemba Local Municipality Siyathuthuka Smithfield Soekmekaar SofaSonke Sol Plaatje Local Municipality Somerset West Southdale Soweto Springbok Springfontein Springs Standerton Stanford Stanger / KwaDukuza Steelpoort Stella Stellenbosch Stellenbosch Local Municipality Sterkstroom Steve Tshwete Steynsrus Steytlerville Stilbaai Stilfontein Strand Struisbaai Strydenburg Stutterheim Sun City Sundays River Valley Local Municipality Sutherland Swartland Local Municipality Swartruggens Swellendam Swellendam Local Municipality Tabankulu Tankwa Town Tarkastad Taung Temba Thaba Chweu Local Municipality Thaba Nchu 6 Thaba Phatshwa Thabazimbi Thabazimbi Local Municipality The Big Five False Bay Local Municipality Theewaterskloof Local Municipality Thembelihle Local Municipality Thembilihle Thembinkosi Thembisa Thembisile Hani Local Municipality Theunissen Thohoyandou Thubalethu Thulamahashe Thulamela Local Municipality Tibanefontein Tierkloof Tlaseng Tlhowe Tlokoeng (MountFletcher) Tlokwe Local Municipality Tokologo Local Municipality Tolofiyeni Tonga Touws River Touwsranten Trompsburg Troyeville Tsantsabane Local Municipality Tshabalala Tshepisong Tshirelang Tsitsing Tsolo Tsolwana Local Municipality Tswafeng Tswaing Local Municipality Tswelopele Local Municipality Tulbagh Tweeling Tweespruit Tzaneen Ubuhlebezwe Local Municipality Ubuntu Local Municipality Ugie Ulundi Umbogintwini uMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality Umhlali Umhlanga Rocks Umjindi Local Municipality Umkomaas uMlalazi Local Municipality Umlazi uMshwathi Local Municipality Umsobomvu Local Municipality Umtata Central Umtentweni uMuziwabantu Local Municipality Umvoti Local Municipality Umzimkhulu Local Municipality Umzimkulu Umzimvubu Local Municipality Umzumbe Local Municipality Underberg Uniondale uPhongolo Local Municipality Upington Vaalwater Valdezia Van Wyksvlei Vanderbijlpark Vanrhynsdorp Velddrif Velwano Ventersburg Ventersdorp Ventersdorp Local Municipality Vereeniging Verena Verulam Verwoerdburg Victor Khanye Local Municipality Victoria West Vierfontein Viljoenskroon Villiers Villiersdorp Virginia Volksrust Volmoed Vorna Valley Vosburg Vrede Vredefort Vredenburg Vredendal Vryburg Vryheid Vukuzakhe Vulamehlo Local Municipality Vully Valley Wadeville Wakkerstroom Warden Warrenton Waterval Boven Welkom Wellington Wepener Wesselsbron Westonaria Westonaria Local Municipality White River Whittlesea Williston Willowmore Willowvale Winburg Witbank Witbank Witrivier Witsand Witzenberg Local Municipality Wolmaransstad Wolwefontein Worcester Xigalo Yzerfontein Zastron Zava Zeerust Zindenge Zizamele Zwelitsha ǁKhara Hais Local Municipality

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of South Africa needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of South Africa?
The capital of South Africa is Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Cape Town.
What currency does South Africa use?
South Africa uses the South African rand (R) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in South Africa?
The official language(s) of South Africa include Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu.
What is the population of South Africa?
South Africa has a population of approximately 63,100,945 people.
What region is South Africa in?
South Africa is located in Africa, specifically in the Southern Africa subregion.
What is the international calling code for South Africa?
The international dialing code for South Africa is +27.
What time zones does South Africa observe?
South Africa observes the following time zone(s): UTC+02:00.
What is the current time in South Africa?
The local time in South Africa is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of South Africa?
South Africa covers a total area of 1,221,037 km².
How many states or provinces does South Africa have?
South Africa is divided into 15 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in South Africa in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for South Africa in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of South Africa?
Visa requirements for citizens of South Africa vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.