City Guide
Discover Major Cities Across South Africa
Fort Beaufort
Welcome to Fort Beaufort – Where History Meets Wilderness Cradled in the lush Kat River Valley and surrounded by rugged peaks of the Amatola Mountains, Fort Beaufort is one of the Eastern Cape’s most scenic and underrated destinations. Established in the early 1800s as a British military outpost, the town
Fouriesburg
Fouriesburg – Unforgettable Tourist Destination Set in the scenic northern region of the Free State, Fouriesburg is one of South Africa’s unforgettable hidden gems. Established in 1892 when Christoffel Fourie donated his farm, Groenfontein, to create a town, Fouriesburg still honors its roots today through preserved heritage buildings and a
Franschhoek
Winelands, Luxury Guest Houses and Rich Culture Franschhoek is one of the oldest towns in South Africa. Established in 1688 by French Huguenots, it is a destination that has developed into a historical masterpiece surrounded by beauty and offering visitors top-class facilities as well as unforgettable attractions. Franschhoek is known
Garden Route
Awesome Nature and Scenic Routes The beautiful Garden Route stretches from Mossel Bay through to the Storms River mouth. This 200-kilometer route takes travelers through a series of picturesque towns and villages, each with its own unique character and attractions. Certainly, anyone who has explored the Garden Route soon comes
Gariep
Gariep – Largest Dam in South Africa The picturesque Gariep Dam, South Africa’s largest dam, is located in the Free State Province, nestled between Colesberg and Bloemfontein. While many travelers stop at Gariep Dam en route between Cape Town and Johannesburg, they often find themselves returning for a longer stay
George
A Peaceful, Picturesque Holiday Destination The majestic Outeniqua Mountains stand guard over one of the most picturesque cities in South Africa. Along with breathtaking forests, the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean, and the laid-back city of George, this natural backdrop completes a picture of beauty and adventure. As one
Gordons Bay
Popular Holiday Destination Together with Somerset West and Strand, Gordon’s Bay forms part of South Africa’s Helderberg Basin, so named after the Helderberg Mountains that create a scenic backdrop to this charming seaside town. The waterfront promenade, lined with coffee shops, cafés, and restaurants, is arguably the main attraction of
Graaff-Reinet
Discover Graaff-Reinet – Where History Meets Karoo Grandeur Tucked into a bend of the Sundays River and surrounded by the vast plains of the Great Karoo, Graaff-Reinet is a city that feels like a step back in time. Founded during the Dutch colonial era, it played a pivotal role in
Grahamstown (Makhanda)
A City Where History Meets Creative Expression Nestled in the rolling hills of the Eastern Cape, Grahamstown—now officially Makhanda—is a cultural hub, a university town, and a place of deep historical significance. Founded in the early 1800s during a turbulent period of colonial frontier wars, the city has transformed into
Graskop
Graskop – Adventure Gateway to Waterfalls, Forests, and Iconic Views Tucked into the scenic highlands of Mpumalanga at an elevation of 1,400 meters, Graskop began its story during the gold rush era of the 1880s. Yet, historical records suggest Voortrekker presence in the area as early as 1843. What was
Groot Karoo
Vast Plains with Surprising Contrasts Harsh in climate, gentle in lifestyle and breathtaking in beauty, the Groot Karoo is a place of extremes, surprising visitors with its contrasts. Arid plains and lush valleys, wide open spaces and vibrant village clusters, quaint architecture, scorching summers and bitter winters, and the majestic
Groot Marico
Groot Marico – Rustic and Beautiful Town Located in the North West Province of South Africa, the rustic town of Groot Marico (meaning Big Marico) is surrounded by the scenic African bushveld and steeped in rich history. It’s here that early pioneers settled after their long, arduous journey inland, and
Hanover
Hanover – An Oasis in a Semi-Desert Nestled in the Karoo region of South Africa’s Northern Cape, Hanover is a small, historic town that rightfully claims its title as the most central point in South Africa. Positioned halfway between Johannesburg and Cape Town, and between Durban and Cape Town, Hanover
Harrismith
Harrismith – Cultural and Historical For a breathtaking cultural, historical, and relaxing experience, there is a magnificent destination hidden in the Free State called Harrismith. Established in 1849 and named after Sir Harry Smith, a British Governor, this charming town has grown in popularity as more visitors uncover its beauty
Hartebeespoort
Hartebeespoort – Watersports Galore Nestled between the Hartebeespoort Dam and the scenic Magaliesberg Mountains lies the charming town of Hartebeespoort, a gem in the North West Province of South Africa. Just an hour’s drive from both Johannesburg and Pretoria, Hartebeespoort is a popular escape for city dwellers in search of
Hazyview
Hazyview – Gateway to Kruger and Outdoor Adventure Just 10 kilometers from the Phabeni Gate of the iconic Kruger National Park, Hazyview is perfectly positioned as a launchpad for wildlife safaris and scenic adventures across Mpumalanga. Its name reflects the misty summer air that often hangs over the region—an atmospheric
Heidelberg
Located about midway between the O.R. Tambo International Airport and Johannesburg in the Gauteng Province of South Africa, Edenvale is a mix of residential, business and industrial areas, with a well-established infrastructure as part of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and centrally situated with easy access to major freeways. While being
Hermanus
Historical Fishing Village with a Modern Twist A town that has managed to hold onto its heritage and still be described as cosmopolitan is very rare. Somehow, Hermanus has been able to retain the atmosphere of a historic fishing village through its unique stores and craft markets, while developing a
Hoedspruit
Hoedspruit – Easy Access to the Kruger National Park Nestled at the base of the Klein Drakensberg Mountains in Limpopo Province, Hoedspruit is a small bushveld town with outsized appeal. It offers seamless access to South Africa’s greatest natural treasures, including the world-renowned Kruger National Park, the towering cliffs of
Hogsback
A Town Wrapped in Nature and Wonder Nestled on the slopes of the Amatola Mountains, Hogsback is a hidden gem filled with ancient yellowwood trees, bubbling streams, fern-covered paths, and seasonal magic. It’s a town where nature and imagination meet—especially in winter, when the area is often covered in snow,
South Africa Map and Area Guide
To make finding your way around South Africa a little easier, we are including a map showing the regions and largest cities throughout the country.
Our quick reference map of South Africa displays the country’s major regions and their cities. Our editors have added many hundreds of pages of articles and blogs about local sites and attractions such as Art Galleries, Museums and Game Reserves and other places of interest in each region.
Feel free to choose the regions below or directly zoom the map for exploring:
