South Africa
Where extraordinary landscapes meet extraordinary diversity.
From the Atlantic and Indian oceans to the bushveld, mountains, vineyards and vibrant cities, South Africa offers an extraordinary range of experiences within one country. It is a destination of wildlife, food, wine, design, history and culture — shaped by many peoples, languages and traditions.
South Africa sits at the southern tip of Africa and covers about 1.22 million km². It has nine provinces and is home to around 63 million people. Its economy is built around a diverse mix of mining, manufacturing, agriculture, transport, energy and tourism.
At a Glance
Capital cities
Population
Currency
Time zones
Pretoria - administrative
Cape Town - legislative
Bloemfontein - judicial
Approximately 63 million
South African Rand (ZAR)
GMT +2
Official languages
12, including South African Sign Language
Provinces
9
Government
Constitutional multiparty democracy
Climate
Varied - from Mediterranean conditions in parts of the southwest to subtropical, semi-arid and highland climates elsewhere.
The Land
From two oceans to mountains, bushveld, vineyards and semi-desert landscapes, South Africa packs extraordinary geographical diversity into one country.
A country of remarkable contrasts
South Africa is not one landscape. It is many.
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In a single journey, you can move from the ocean, mountains and vineyards of Cape Town to the vast, semi-desert landscapes of the Karoo; from the beaches and subtropical coastline of KwaZulu-Natal to the wetlands of iSimangaliso; from the bushveld of Limpopo to the dramatic peaks of the Drakensberg.
Wildlife is woven into the experience of the country. Across its national parks and private reserves, you can encounter the Big Five alongside elephants, giraffes, wild dogs, whales, penguins and an extraordinary diversity of birdlife.
The landscapes are not simply beautiful — they are part of what has shaped South Africa's economy and identity.
Beneath the earth lies a remarkable concentration of mineral wealth, including platinum-group metals, manganese, gold, diamonds and coal.
And then there is the sea.
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South Africa is bordered by both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, creating strikingly different coastal environments — from the cool, dramatic shores of the Western Cape to the warmer waters of KwaZulu-Natal. Along the way, the ocean shapes everything from local food and wine to wildlife, culture and the way people experience the coast.
From mountains to ocean, bush to vineyard, desert to city — South Africa offers not one way to travel, but countless ways to experience a country.
People & Culture
South Africa's cultural landscape is extraordinarily diverse. Major cultural communities include isiZulu, isiXhosa, Sotho-speaking peoples, Tswana, Ndebele, Venda, Tsonga, Swati communities and Afrikaans- and English-speaking South Africans, alongside Indian, Cape Malay, Khoisan and many other cultural traditions.
These identities aren't simply historical categories. They continue to shape language, food, music, art, architecture, ceremony and everyday life.
Welcome to
South Africa
Our proudly South African ambassador Trevor Noah, answers your questions about South Africa — a campaign by South African Tourism.
History & Heritage
South Africa's present cannot be separated from its past. Colonialism, segregation and apartheid profoundly shaped the country's people, cities and landscapes. Today, that history forms an important part of the visitor experience — from museums and memorials to former political sites and living communities.
The Social Landscape
A country of extraordinary possibility — and real complexity
South Africa is a country of extraordinary natural and cultural wealth, but also significant social and economic inequality.
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The legacy of apartheid continues to influence patterns of wealth, housing, education, employment and access to opportunity. Poverty, unemployment, crime and unequal access to infrastructure remain important social challenges.
Food
Come hungry
South African food is a reflection of the country's many cultural influences.
You'll find indigenous African culinary traditions alongside Cape Malay, Indian, Dutch, Malay, Portuguese and British influences — and increasingly sophisticated contemporary South African cuisine.
Because it tastes better when it starts with a “B”...
Braai
More than a barbecue, the braai is a social ritual built around fire, food and gathering.
Bunny Chow
A Durban speciality consisting of a hollowed loaf of bread filled with curry.
Bobotie
A fragrant Cape Malay-influenced dish of spiced minced meat topped with an egg-based custard.
Biltong
Cured, dried meat that has become one of South Africa's best-known food traditions.
And then there’s pap & chakalaka...
Some things simply belong together.
A comforting South African staple of creamy maize porridge served with spicy, flavour-packed chakalaka relish.
Simple, hearty and full of character - a favourite at tables across the country.
Traditional Sweets
And because every great South African meal deserves a sweet ending.
Koeksister
Plaited pastries, deep-fried and soaked in syrup until wonderfully sticky and sweet.
Melktert
A delicate pastry filled with silky milk custard and finished with a dusting of cinnamon.
Malva Pudding
A warm, soft baked pudding with apricot jam, traditionally served drenched in a rich, custard.
A World of Wines
Where Every Glass Tells a Story
South Africa’s wine country is a feast for the senses, where centuries-old vineyards meet breathtaking mountains, charming estates and warm hospitality. From the elegant reds of Stellenbosch to crisp whites from Constantia and the scenic beauty of the Cape Winelands, wine tasting is as much about the journey as it is about the glass.
Whether you’re a passionate wine lover or simply looking for a beautiful day out, South Africa offers unforgettable wine experiences, with many estates welcoming visitors to relax, explore and savour the flavours of the Cape.
South Africa As A Tourist Destination
A country built for discovery
City life
Cape Town · Durban · Johannesburg
Wine & food
Cape Winelands · farm-to-table experiences · contemporary restaurants
Adventure
Mountain landscapes · diving · hiking · whale watching
Wildlife
Kruger · private reserves · conservation experiences
Culture & history
Museums · heritage sites · township experiences · living cultural traditions
Coast & ocean
Garden Route · KwaZulu-Natal · Western Cape
Luxury
Boutique hotels · lodges · villas
Access in South Africa
A destination with strong foundations — but uneven reality.
South Africa has a significant policy foundation for accessibility and Universal Access.
The Constitution protects equality and prohibits unfair discrimination on the grounds of disability.
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The Department of Tourism has also explicitly recognised Universal Accessibility in Tourism as important to the country's tourism competitiveness. Its definition of accessible tourism encompasses mobility, vision, hearing and cognitive access and emphasises independence, equity and dignity.
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South Africa's tourism policy continues to identify Universal Accessibility as an area requiring attention and research, including understanding the barriers experienced by travellers with disabilities.
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But policy is not the same as experience.
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And this is where Able2Travel comes in.
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Accessibility can vary considerably between cities, provinces, properties and experiences. A hotel may have an accessible room but an inaccessible restaurant. A safari lodge may be able to accommodate a wheelchair user but have challenging terrain. An attraction may advertise accessibility without providing enough detail about transfers, bathrooms, circulation or independent use.
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Transport can vary significantly depending on location and vehicle. This is why we don't rely on the word “accessible.”