The Top 50

Cities in South Africa

The most important cities in South Africa at a glance – from the bustling metropolis to the charming small town. Each city links to a detailed page with map, attractions and travel tips.

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Nature's Valley
city

Nature's Valley

A hidden gem on the Garden Route, where the Groot River lagoon meets the Indian Ocean amidst ancient forests.

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Leisure Bay
city

Leisure Bay

Leisure Bay is a tranquil seaside resort town on the KwaZulu-Natal lower South Coast, famous for its lush sub-tropical vegetation and pristine beache…

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Dullstroom
city

Dullstroom

Dullstroom is South Africa's fly-fishing capital, known for its cool highland climate, world-class whisky bars, and picturesque trout dams.

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Hoedspruit
city

Hoedspruit

Hoedspruit is a major safari hub located between Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon, renowned for its wildlife conservation efforts.

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Melkbosstrand
city

Melkbosstrand

Melkbosstrand is a charming coastal village near Cape Town, renowned for its pristine white beaches and iconic views of Table Mountain.

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Marshstrand
city

Marshstrand

Marshstrand is a serene coastal village in the Eastern Cape, known for its tranquil beaches, tidal pools, and excellent fishing spots.

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Umkomaas
city

Umkomaas

Umkomaas is a vibrant coastal town in KwaZulu-Natal, renowned worldwide for its spectacular scuba diving and beautiful beaches.

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Oubosstrand
city

Oubosstrand

Oubosstrand is a hidden coastal gem in South Africa's Eastern Cape, renowned for its dramatic cliffs and pristine natural beauty.

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Graskop
city

Graskop

Graskop is a charming small town on the Panorama Route, famous for spectacular viewpoints like God's Window and the Graskop Gorge Lift.

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Storms River
city

Storms River

An adventure hub in the heart of Tsitsikamma, famous for its dramatic coastline and the iconic suspension bridge spanning the river mouth.

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Touwsranten
city

Touwsranten

Touwsranten is a charming settlement in South Africa's Western Cape, offering easy access to the beautiful coastline of the Garden Route.

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Scottburgh
city

Scottburgh

A charming coastal resort on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, famous for its safe swimming beaches and proximity to Aliwal Shoal.

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Cradock
city

Cradock

A historic gem in the heart of the Karoo, renowned for its Victorian architecture and as a gateway to the Mountain Zebra National Park.

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Fish Hoek
city

Fish Hoek

A picturesque coastal town in False Bay, known for its family-friendly beach and the warmer waters of the Cape Peninsula.

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Coffee Bay
city

Coffee Bay

A picturesque village on the Wild Coast, famous for the 'Hole in the Wall' rock formation and its stunning coastal hiking trails.

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Llandudno
city

Llandudno

An exclusive coastal suburb near Cape Town, famous for its breathtaking location nestled between granite boulders and turquoise waters.

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Jeffreys Bay
city

Jeffreys Bay

World-renowned as a surfer's paradise, this town offers endless beaches, famous waves, and a laid-back coastal atmosphere.

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Port St Johns
city

Port St Johns

An untouched destination on the Wild Coast, where massive cliffs meet the ocean and a relaxed, alternative vibe prevails.

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Welkom
city

Welkom

The second-largest city in the Free State emerged after the discovery of rich gold deposits and is known for its urban design.

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Sabie
city

Sabie

Sabie is a picturesque forestry town on the banks of the Sabie River, surrounded by spectacular waterfalls and dense pine forests.

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Franschhoek
city

Franschhoek

The culinary capital of South Africa, set in a picturesque valley with deep French roots and world-class wine estates.

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KwaMakhutha
city

KwaMakhutha

KwaMakhutha is a bustling South African township in KwaZulu-Natal, situated conveniently close to the famous South Coast beaches.

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St Lucia
city

St Lucia

A unique village within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, where hippos roam the streets at night and nature is everywhere.

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Colesberg
city

Colesberg

A sheep-farming town that is a very popular overnight stop for travelers moving between Johannesburg and Cape Town.

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Misty Cliffs
city

Misty Cliffs

Misty Cliffs is an exclusive conservation village on the Cape Peninsula, renowned for its dramatic ocean views and rugged nature.

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Stilbaai
city

Stilbaai

A peaceful coastal town known as the 'Bay of Sleeping Beauty,' famous for its prehistoric fish traps and safe swimming beaches.

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Milnerton
city

Milnerton

Milnerton is a bustling coastal suburb of Cape Town, famous for its iconic views of Table Mountain across Table Bay.

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Port Alfred
city

Port Alfred

Port Alfred is a vibrant coastal town situated on the Kowie River, offering magnificent beaches and a bustling marina.

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Gonubie
city

Gonubie

A scenic coastal town near East London in South Africa's Eastern Cape, known for its river mouth and sandy beaches.

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Ramsgate
city

Ramsgate

A charming coastal village on the South Coast, known for its tranquil atmosphere, excellent dining, and whale watching.

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Worcester
city

Worcester

The economic hub of the Breede River Valley is surrounded by mountains and produces a large portion of the country's wine.

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Sedgefield
city

Sedgefield

Africa's first 'Slow Town,' a laid-back village nestled between coastal lakes and the ocean, famous for its Saturday markets.

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Graaff-Reinet
city

Graaff-Reinet

The fourth-oldest town in the country, enclosed by a bend of the Sundays River, full of Cape Dutch architecture.

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Greyton
city

Greyton

A picturesque village at the foot of the Riviersonderend Mountains, known for Cape Dutch architecture and oak-lined lanes.

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Winterton
city

Winterton

A quiet farming village and the main gateway to the Central Drakensberg peaks and historic battlefields.

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Glenmore Beach
city

Glenmore Beach

Glenmore Beach is a popular seaside holiday destination on the Hibiscus Coast, famous for its surfing and warm waters.

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Makhanda
city

Makhanda

Previously known as Grahamstown, the city is famous for its educational institutions and annual arts festival.

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Gansbaai
city

Gansbaai

The shark-diving capital of the world and a premier destination for whale watching along a rugged, scenic coastline.

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Cape Town
state-capital

Cape Town

The legislative capital of South Africa sits at the foot of Table Mountain and is famous for its busy harbor.

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Bushman's River Mouth
city

Bushman's River Mouth

Bushman's River Mouth is a picturesque coastal town on the Sunshine Coast, renowned for its spectacular river estuary.

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Nqileni
city

Nqileni

Nqileni is a remote village on South Africa's Wild Coast, known for the community-owned and eco-friendly Bulungula Lodge.

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Leisure Crest
city

Leisure Crest

Leisure Crest is a tranquil coastal village on KwaZulu-Natal's South Coast, known for its pristine natural beauty.

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Magaliesburg
city

Magaliesburg

A picturesque village at the foot of one of the world's oldest mountain ranges, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.

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Mokopane
city

Mokopane

Formerly called Potgietersrus, the town is surrounded by one of the richest agricultural areas in the country.

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Pine Haven
city

Pine Haven

A peaceful coastal neighborhood in the Western Cape, offering scenic ocean views and proximity to False Bay's calm waters.

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Underberg
city

Underberg

A picturesque village at the foot of the Southern Drakensberg, serving as the main gateway to the Sani Pass into Lesotho.

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Stellenbosch
city

Stellenbosch

The second-oldest European settlement in the country is world-famous for its university and surrounding vineyards.

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Mthatha
city

Mthatha

Formerly known as Umtata, it was the capital of the Transkei and is deeply connected to the history of Nelson Mandela.

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St Francis Bay
city

St Francis Bay

An elegant coastal resort famous for its picturesque canals and signature white houses with thatched roofs.

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Plettenberg Bay
city

Plettenberg Bay

A premier coastal destination on the Garden Route, famous for its pristine beaches, lagoons, and diverse marine life.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the largest cities in South Africa?

This page lists the most important cities by population – each with its own detail page, map and attractions.

How do I find attractions per city?

Click a city – the detail page lists the top attractions, a map and travel tips.