Discover our members' favourite cities in South Africa. Feel free to publish your own reviews to take part in this collaborative ranking.
Wedged between turbulent oceans and a flat-topped mountain, Cape Town packs a lot into its borders. You will find postcard-perfect beaches with freezing water, historic townships, hillside vineyards, and penguins lounging on white sand. Dining here competes with major global capitals, and adventure waits at every turn, all for a reasonable price. Expect a mix of raw wilderness and relaxed cosmopolitan life under the Southern Hemisphere sun.
Renamed Mbombela, Nelspruit serves as the capital of South Africa's Mpumalanga province and the primary gateway to Kruger National Park. You can explore the biodiversity of the Lowveld Botanical Gardens or descend into the Sudwala Caves, which are among the oldest in the world. The area offers plenty of action, from whitewater rafting to educational tours at the Chimp Eden sanctuary.
Johannesburg is the economic engine of South Africa, where history, art, and nature collide. Spend time at the Apartheid Museum and Soweto to understand the struggle for freedom, or check out the galleries and street art in the Maboneng District. For a change of pace, the Johannesburg Botanical Garden and nearby sites like the Cradle of Humankind offer a quick escape from the city grind.
Oudtshoorn, located in the Klein Karoo region, is widely known as the ostrich capital of the world. Several ostrich farms, such as Highgate or Safari Ostrich Show Farm, offer guided tours where you can learn about raising these massive birds. These farms provide insight into the birds' role in the region's economic history and offer an up-close look at these unique creatures.
About 30 minutes outside of town, the Cango Caves are one of Oudtshoorn's primary attractions. These limestone caverns, carved by millennia of erosion, feature intricate stalactite and stalagmite formations. The guided tours, available in several languages, allow you to explore this geological marvel in a well-preserved environment. For those interested in caving, more adventurous tour options are available.
The Swartberg Pass, located near Oudtshoorn, is a spectacular mountain pass that offers expansive views of the surrounding landscape. It is accessible by car, though you should drive slowly to enjoy the vistas and pull over at designated overlooks. While the road is made of gravel, it is manageable for most standard vehicles. The area is a favorite for photographers and hikers alike.
Oudtshoorn is well-known for dishes featuring ostrich meat, which is lean and flavorful. Restaurants like Karoo Pot or Jemima's serve ostrich steaks, burgers, and even sausages. You should also try local staples such as biltong (cured, dried meat) and wines from nearby vineyards. The region is a great spot to sample the distinct culinary traditions of the Karoo.
Oudtshoorn has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) provide the most comfortable temperatures for exploring the area. In April, the KKNK (Klein Karoo National Arts Festival) brings the city to life with music and arts performances, drawing visitors from across the country.
Oudtshoorn is accessible by car from Cape Town (a 5 to 6-hour drive) or from George, which is the closest city with an airport, located about 1 hour away. Domestic flights connect George to Johannesburg and Cape Town, with one-way fares typically ranging from 1,500 to 2,800 ZAR (about $80 to $150). Renting a car is recommended to give you the flexibility to explore Oudtshoorn and the surrounding area at your own pace.
Durban, located on the east coast of South Africa, is known for its long stretches of sand along the Indian Ocean. The famous Golden Mile, a waterfront promenade, offers miles of walking paths, surf breaks, and a relaxed atmosphere. Durban's subtropical climate makes swimming pleasant almost year-round. While the beaches might not be the most dramatic in the country, they are a solid draw for those looking for a sunny and accessible destination.
Durban is a place where Zulu, Indian, and colonial influences coexist. The Victoria Street Market is a perfect example of this diversity, serving as a lively spot where you can find Indian spices, local crafts, and jewelry in one place.
To learn more about the regional history, the KwaMuhle Museum, which focuses on the apartheid era and the lives of migrant workers, provides a sobering but necessary perspective. The Juma Mosque, the largest in South Africa, is also worth a visit for its elegant architecture.
Durban is surrounded by spots that appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. The Durban Botanic Gardens, the oldest in the country, serve as a quiet oasis in the center of the city. For those interested in marine life, the Ushaka Marine World aquarium features shows and educational exhibits. While it is a major tourist draw, it remains a worthwhile outing, especially for families.
A thirty-minute drive away, the Valley of a Thousand Hills offers impressive views over rolling green slopes.
Durban is famous for dishes with Indian influences, most notably bunny chow, a local specialty consisting of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with spicy curry. You can pick one up at many casual eateries and shops across the city. Fresh seafood, such as prawns and grilled fish, is also popular at waterfront establishments. If you are feeling adventurous, try traditional Zulu cuisine at spots like the Mzansi Restaurant.
Durban enjoys mild weather year-round, but the winter months from May to August are particularly pleasant due to moderate temperatures and lower humidity. If you are a sports fan, the period around the Comrades Marathon in June is energetic. December holidays bring many South Africans to the beaches, though it can get quite crowded.
Durban is served by King Shaka International Airport, located about 30 minutes from the city center. Flights from the US typically require a connection in Johannesburg or Cape Town. Prices fluctuate by season, but a round-trip ticket from a major US hub typically runs 16,000 to 22,000 ZAR (about $900 to $1,200). The total travel time, including connections, usually ranges from 18 to 22 hours.
It is pretty surprising, but the capital of South Africa is neither Johannesburg nor Cape Town, but Pretoria, a big city right next to Johannesburg. There is no particular point in visiting. Few touri…
It is pretty surprising, but the capital of South Africa is neither Johannesburg nor Cape Town, but Pretoria, a big city right next to Johannesburg. There is no particular point in visiting. Few tourists go there and there are no tourist attractions, except for a memorial to the Afrikaners who came from the Cape. It was actually a city of farmers originally, before becoming a city of white civil servants. Skip it!
Oudtshoorn is a pretty unique place in South Africa. Populated by descendants of Afrikaners, you will really get the feeling of being in another world. You should expect a population of white farmers…
Oudtshoorn is a pretty unique place in South Africa. Populated by descendants of Afrikaners, you will really get the feeling of being in another world. You should expect a population of white farmers who are quite rustic, but this allows for a different view of the country than the coast and helps you better understand the current issues of the country. Absolutely visit an ostrich farm. They made the reputation (and the wealth) of the city. It is a questionable pastime, but we tried the ostrich racing. Contrary to what you might think, it turns out to be very difficult.
Port Elizabeth is the main city between Cape Town and Durban. It is part of the South African wine route that stretches 850 km between those two cities. The architecture is very colonial. In my opini…
Port Elizabeth is the main city between Cape Town and Durban. It is part of the South African wine route that stretches 850 km between those two cities. The architecture is very colonial. In my opinion, this is not the most interesting area of South Africa for Europeans. It is better to enjoy Cape Town or head inland. During my stay, it was also considered a fairly dangerous city.
I have a special affection for India after having spent several months there. So, I really enjoyed finding the atmosphere and culture of the subcontinent in Durban. Durban is indeed known for its larg…
I have a special affection for India after having spent several months there. So, I really enjoyed finding the atmosphere and culture of the subcontinent in Durban. Durban is indeed known for its large Indian community that came to work there when the country was a British colony. The third largest city in South Africa turns out to be dangerous at night. Avoid traveling around because robberies are frequent. During the day, you can easily head to the market, stroll along the ocean, and enjoy the funfair.
A quick stay is enough for Johannesburg. It is often just a stopover for other excursions (Kruger, Drakensberg...). It is also an interesting city because of its sad Apartheid history, which is very w…
A quick stay is enough for Johannesburg. It is often just a stopover for other excursions (Kruger, Drakensberg...). It is also an interesting city because of its sad Apartheid history, which is very well told in the must-see museum dedicated to the city's segregation. Johannesburg, or at least its trendy neighborhood aimed at foreign tourists, seemed relatively safe to me with basic precautions. There is quite a bit of graffiti, improv shows, bars, flea markets, etc.
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