Africa · Southern Africa
South Africa
Republic of South Africa
🏛️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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: 2026-08-21
South African rand (ZAR) R
Updated: 2026-08-21
| Currency Code | Rate |
|---|---|
| 1INCH | 0.698462 |
| AAVE | 0.000627 |
| ADA | 0.303172 |
| AED | 0.228061 |
| AFN | 4.098230 |
| AGIX | 0.994246 |
| AKT | 0.118383 |
| ALGO | 0.707917 |
| ALL | 4.921714 |
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| AMP | 155.865200 |
| ANG | 0.112030 |
| AOA | 57.003537 |
| APE | 0.470883 |
| APT | 0.107851 |
| AR | 0.030122 |
| ARB | 0.680445 |
| ARS | 92.977296 |
| ATOM | 0.041038 |
| ATS | 0.730936 |
| AUD | 0.087108 |
| AVAX | 0.008567 |
| AWG | 0.111158 |
| AXS | 0.063921 |
| AZM | 527.847304 |
| AZN | 0.105569 |
| BAKE | 83.001908 |
| BAM | 0.103892 |
| BAT | 0.932448 |
| BBD | 0.124199 |
| BCH | 0.000276 |
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| BEF | 2.142824 |
| BGN | 0.103892 |
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| BTC | 0.000001 |
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| NAD | 1.0000 |
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Cities in South Africa 998
Browse all cities and towns
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
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Beaufort West Local Municipality
Bedford
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Bela-Bela
Bella Vista
Bellville
Benmore
Benoni
Bergrivier Local Municipality
Bergville
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Bethanie
Bethelsdorp
Bethlehem
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Betty's Bay
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Bloemhof
Blue Crane Route Local Municipality
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Boksburg
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Breede Valley Local Municipality
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Britstown
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Bronville
Bryanston
Buffeljagsrivier
Bultfontein
Bungeni
Burgerregt
Burgersdorp
Burgersfort
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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
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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
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Dipelaneng
Dipping
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Douglas
Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality
Drakenstein Local Municipality
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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
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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.