South Africa is an incredible country to explore but where should you visit? From Cape Town to Johannesburg we have listed the most important cities to visit in South Africa to help you.
Cape Town
You can’t miss Cape Town during your stay in South Africa. Also known as The Cape, Cape Town, located on the southwest coast of the country, has so much to offer. Climb the hills of Lion’s Head, see the famous Table Mountain, walk the Waterfront Bay or escape to Robben Island, the island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. So much to do in one of the most important cities to visit in South Africa.
Where to sleep? At the Tintswalo Atlantic, a wilderness hotel with a unique ocean view. This 5-star hotel consists of a main building and 11 bedrooms nestled in shacks that seem to blend in with nature. The suites and rooms of the Tintswalo Atlantic are individually decorated to imitate the atmospheres and colours of various well-known islands around the world: Zanzibar, Sicily, Sainte Marie, etc. They all offer a unique view of the Atlantic Ocean, hence the hotel’s name. The common areas of the Tintswalo Atlantic include a lounge, a bar, a cellar, a dining room, an open kitchen, an extensive terrace, a swimming pool and a multitude of observation areas.
Johannesburg
ohannesburg, South Africa’s largest city and capital of Gauteng province, is a must on your itinerary. A dynamic megalopolis and a bustling business centre, Nelson Mandela’s favourite city is a peaceful retreat and haven of peace. A must-see: Nelson Mandela’s former home, now the Nelson Mandela Museum, but also other museums dedicated to the fight against segregation, including the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill, a former prison.
Where to sleep? In Ghandi’s house, Satyagraha House, a guesthouse that invites peace and relaxation. In this guest house in Johannesburg, there are seven rooms in addition to the original house, called The Kraal, the central core of Satyagraha. It is the ideal place to devote yourself to meditation and yoga, but also to take time for yourself, whether in the house’s gardens or in the living room where a beautiful philosophical library is enthroned.
Durban
Durban does not often come to mind when making the list of cities to visit in South Africa. However, this coastal town in the eastern province of KwaZulu-Natal is a small wonder. With its idyllic climate, heavenly beaches and rich culture, Durban has as much to offer as Cape Town and Johannesburg. Explore the Zulu village of Shakaland, visit the Valley of a Thousand Hills and go on safari in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Reserve. A change of scenery is guaranteed.
Where to sleep? At the Oyster Box Hotel, a 5-star hotel with an ocean-side swimming pool overlooking the Umhlanga Lighthouse. Its colonial charm and warm welcome is greatly appreciated. It features a luxury spa, two swimming pools, a 24-seat auditorium, several conference rooms and a wide range of bars and restaurants. Next to the hotel, there are many tourists attractions as the Ushaka Marine World or the Gateway Theatre of Shopping for example. If you are a big fan of poker and other casino games, Sun Coast Casino is right there for you. Or else, there is also different online options if you prefer playing online in front of the wonderful view of the ocean.
Port Elizabeth
Among the cities to visit in South Africa, there is of course Port Elizabeth. This beautiful city offers superb beaches, important museums and historical monuments. Port Elizabeth is the perfect destination to meet the incredibly friendly locals, but also to observe the wildlife: lion, rhino, buffalo, leopard, elephant, great white shark and whales to name but a few.
Where to sleep? At the Victoria and Alfred Boutique Hotel & Guest House, which as its name suggests, is one of the most intimate guest houses in Port Elizabeth. It will seduce you with its colonial look and its beautiful pool. The 10 suites are spacious and offer unparalleled comfort and style to satisfy even the most discerning guests. A full continental buffet breakfast and a variety of hot dishes are served each morning at the Victoria and Alfred Boutique Hotel.
Kruger National Park
Granted, Krüger’s not a city per se. But its size and importance make it one of those must-see places in South Africa where you have to spend at least two full days. Considered one of the largest reserves in Africa, the Kruger Park covers an area of 20,000 square kilometres. It is the ideal destination to go on safari in the footsteps of Africa’s famous “Big 5” (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and black rhino). The Kruger Park is home to 147 species of mammals that are regularly observed by visitors.
Where to sleep? For an unusual experience, stay in the private Lion Sands Reserve. You’ll have the opportunity to sleep among the lions in a perched cabin. Ten meters above the ground, you can contemplate the spectacle of the animals and the beauty of the savannah with a glass of champagne in your hand. You can even enjoy a picnic basket provided in the hut. The next day, a ranger will come at dawn for your morning safari followed by breakfast in the bush. Nature as you have never seen it before.
Kimberley
Finally, during your stay in South Africa, don’t forget to make a stop in Kimberley, the diamond capital. The city, located in the centre of the country, in the middle of the Grand Karo desert is also called the Big Hole, because it is the largest hole ever dug by the hand of Man. In the city, you will find without surprise, a lot of jewelry shops, but also art galleries. For a safari, head to the Mokala National Park, home to many endangered species.
Where to sleep? At the Protea Hotel for an incredible view of the Big Hole. This four-star hotel in the heart of historic Kimberley is the ideal base from which to explore the city, including war roads and the mining village. This hotel offers all the modern comforts you would expect from a luxury 4-star hotel, but also incorporates vintage décor with a warm ambience that complements the history of its setting. Whether you are a business or leisure traveller, the Protea Hotel Kimberley will ensure that you have a comfortable stay with everything you need.
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