View of the Table Mountain from table bay By Brendon Wainwright -Wikimedia

5 Best Cities to Visit in South Africa


 

South Africa is found in the southernmost end of the African continent with a population of 58 million. It was home to Nelson Mandela who was the first Black African President on the nation.

This country is also known as the ‘Rainbow Nation’ has a beautiful and diverse culture represented by its people hence the name. The energy in most of its cities especially Johannesburg is very vibrant.

South Africa has incredible landscapes and vast wildlife reserves that are close to the cities. Enjoy a stroll by the waterfront in Cape Town, Visit the museums in Johannesburg, watch the African Penguins or enjoy a safari drive at Kruger National Park.

South African cities have unique vibes and so many activities fit for all ages. The restaurants, the people, kwaito music and an abundance of cultural scenes.

Here is our pick on the 5 best cities to visit in South Africa.

1. Cape Town, Western Cape

Clifton Beach in Capetown, South Africa by SkyPixels-sourced from Wikimedia

We start with Cape Town, a vibrant, busy metropolis that is among the most visited cities in South Africa. It was named the World Design capital in 2014.

It is where the table mountains are and has the most beautiful waterfront boardwalks, green parks and malls, one can go surfing at the beach, or enjoy the beautiful beaches lining its coastline. Some other water activities include whale watching and diving with a white shark.

The buildings in the city are radiantly painted and the bars, restaurants have Afrocentric feel to it. The city has paved walkways and bike lanes close to the waterfront.

You can also go to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Green Point Urban Park, and the historic Company’s Garden all available in the city.

There are wineries and tasting rooms where you can sample some of the best wine in the land while paring them with cheeses from cows and goats reared in the farms.

You can get a panoramic view of the city from atop Table Mountain, there are two ways to get there.

If you are fit and don’t mind a little sweat, hike up the mountain while occasionally breaking to take in the beautiful view of the land below. The other option is you could take a cable car up and back.

Enjoy a tour of the city through their scheduled tour buses that stop and historic site, the beach and other fascinating places in the city.

2. Johannesburg, Gauteng

A street in Johannesburg by By -Wikimedia

Johannesburg is the financial and business epicentre of South Africa. The locals call it Joburg, Jozi or Egoli meaning the place of Gold. Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg was one of the venues for the  2010 FIFA World Cup.

Although the gold business is not as it used to be, the robust past can be felt by visiting Gold Reef City and constitutional hill. You cannot miss seeing the life-size sculpture of Nelson Mandela.

Jozi is a cosmopolitan and multicultural city that offers a pleasantly unique experience to anyone visiting the city. It is also an entertainment capital with frequent Jazz festivals, food festivals among many others.

You can visit the Apartheid Museum in the city centre. A walk in this museum will bring to life the dark past Black South Africans were subjected to during apartheid.

You have probably heard of Soweto, its South-Western Townships in full, it is the heart of Johannesburg. This is where the freedom movement started from and you can take a tour of Nelson Mandela’s former house which is now a museum.

3. Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

Eingang uShaka Marine World, Durban By Bgabel -Wikimedia

Durban is the third-largest city in the country and is home to one of the largest ports in Africa. This city has warm weather, it might get hotter depending on the season of the year.

This should not be a problem since one can always cool off at the beach while enjoying the tropical scenery.

Many locals refer to this city as the rainbow city because of its diverse ethnic background, there are Indians, Africans and Europeans whose cultures exist in harmony.

Many from Johannesburg come to this coastal city to enjoy and bask in its expansive beaches. The 2010 FIFA World cup was held in this city.

The restaurants in this city are eclectic with several Indian themed restaurants as well as African ones. The street market is also a place to visit for some spices, handcrafted art pieces and colourful jewellery.

4. Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth By Ngrund- Wikimedia

Port Elizabeth is a historic city with quaint architecture, beautiful art galleries and a budding food scene. It is also known as a friendly city because it is one of the safest cities in South Africa.

The beaches here are among the best and cleanest, its perfect for kite surfing, sailing, and many other water sports at Algoa Bay.

You can also take a boat to the sea to spot dolphins and whales as well scuba dive to see other beautiful marine flora and fauna.

This city is loved by many families because of its laid-back nature and friendly people.

Close to the city is the Addo Elephant National park that you can enjoy a safari drive to see these beautiful creatures.

5. Pretoria, Gauteng

The Palace of Justice Pretoria By Slaunger-Wikimedia

Pretoria is the administrative capital of the Republic of South Africa surrounded by the Magaliesberg range of hills. There are several embassies and consulates in this city.

The streets in this city are pleasant to walk along with leafy shades and modern architecture. The streets turn to beautiful purple from the Jacaranda bloom between September to November.

Pretoria was once the centre apartheid regime and its current population is made up of Afrikaners.

This history can be learnt in the two historic museums in the city. These museums are the National Cultural History Museum and the Pioneer Museum. It also showcases the diverse culture of the people of this rainbow nation.

The nightlife here is also great but not compared to other South African cities.

Some of the highlights of this city include the Botanical Gardens, the Union Buildings, and the Pretoria Art Gallery.

This city is best to visit if you prefer your day to be full of fun activities and quiet nights.