Published by | 03 February 2025 | 4 minutes to read
A short list of must-see cities!
South Africa is one of the most fascinating destinations to visit, thanks not only to its breathtaking landscapes but also to the mix of cultures and energy in the air of its beautiful cities. The excellent food and warm hospitality of the locals, coupled with the natural spectacle of the vast flora and fauna and the chaotic metropolises, make it all the more coveted by travellers from all over the world. It was not easy to compile a ranking of the IMPERDIBLE cities, but here is a mini-list in case you are thinking of your next trip here.
Recognised as the oldest city in South Africa, it is also the most diverse in terms of its landscape, which is divided between the beaches and mountains of Table Mountain and Table Bay. Cape Town is definitely the city you must visit during your stay in this wonderful land. With a mix of ancient traditions but also very different modern cultures, including of course African and European cultures, you are really spoilt for choice as to where to venture first.
In addition, it is essential to visit one of the most artistic areas of the country: Biscuit Mill, a small village where you can admire South Africa's most talented artists and enjoy festivals and live music.
It is the second largest city in South Africa and has the largest port in Africa. Located on the east coast, it is definitely the perfect mix between a tropical paradise, thanks to its breathtaking beaches (the Golden Mile is beautiful), and a fashionable, pulsating city. In the city centre, one comes across sporting events, fashionable shops, shopping malls, bazaars and local handicraft shops. The large Indian community in the city contributes to giving Durban an extra touch of charm and distinctiveness. It is no coincidence that here one can taste the Bunny Chow - a typical Indian dish prepared by hollowing out a loaf of bread and filling it with curry, lamb, vegetables, chicken and beef - that is the best in the country.
Last tip: from here it is much easier to visit Hluhluwe-iMfolozi NP, iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the Drakensberg Mountains.
Also called Jo'burg, it is populated by ten million residents and is the beating heart of the country's economy. Here you can visit the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill Prison, two visits that bear witness to the country's history. Very welcoming and full of energy, it also stands out for its distinctive shops, sporting events and infectious energy.
In the past, it has been labelled as a dangerous city with a lot of crime but, as with any trip, with a little extra care it can be visited safely.
Only 50 kilometres from Johannesburg, Pretoria is the perfect place to walk around with your nose in the air. Its streets, in fact, full of fascinating old architecture, are populated by many tourists, especially during the springtime, when the jacarandas, typical trees of the area, blossom. Thanks to its numerous embassies, Pretoria is one of the most multicultural cities in the country, but in the past it was also the centre of the apartheid regime.
Of course, this is the land of wine. South Africa, in fact, is famous for its production of excellent wines, which are produced in the Boland Basin vineyards about 80 km from Cape Town. The production includes Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, which can be sampled during tastings and tours. At the Vergenoegd Farm, which is well known in the area, you must witness a very curious spectacle. Every day, 1,100 ducks parade through the vineyard grounds to clear the soil and plants of slugs and potentially harmful insects.
Also called 'South Africa's Paradise', it is the ideal destination for those who love to be outdoors and immerse themselves completely in nature. Along the coast, in fact, it is possible to encounter a great variety of flora and fauna, lagoons and lakes. It is no coincidence, in fact, that its name refers to the green vegetation that characterises it. In this place, it is essential to taste the Biltong, a spiced and marinated dried meat.
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