See South Africa, Province by Province

Once you’ve visited South Africa, there’s no getting this incredible country out of your system. You’ll never find a nation that is so diverse in beauty, people, culture, and religion. This is a country that truly has it all and thrives off a blooming tourism industry. South African tours are amongst the most popular ways of exploring the country as they allow guests to discover each of the nine provinces for themselves and be amazed at what they each have to offer. By embarking on your own road trip adventure or one of the many organized South African tours, you’ll be one of the lucky few to explore just how much this country has to offer. This article will talk you through the best of each province, allowing you an all-rounded experience and an opportunity to see the best of what South Africa has to offer.

Although South Africa’s most iconic city is Cape Town, there are so many other grand and exciting things to see in this country. South African tours allow you to make your way from the beautiful Mother City to Johannesburg, the Kruger National Park, the Kimberley mines and back down towards the Cape again.

The Western Cape is home to Cape Town, the Winelands, Hermanus and the southernmost tip of Africa. Here, you’ll enjoy beautifully hot temperatures, stunning scenery, ocean views that will leave you awestruck and incredible majestic mountain ranges. In a recent poll conducted by TripAdviser, Cape Town was voted as the number one desired holiday destination in the world.

The Eastern Cape is home to Port Elizabeth, Port Alfred and the beautiful Kenton and Bushman’s River. One of its most popular claims to fame is the Addo Elephant National Park - the second largest game reserve in South Africa. Here, over 450 animals roam freely and guests are made to feel like royalty whilst staying in the park’s luxurious lodges. The Garden Route and Wild Coast also call the Eastern Cape home, as does the popular and prestigious Rhodes University in Grahamstown.

Kwazulu- Natal (known by locals as KZN) is home to South Africa’s Zulu kingdom and is a surfer’s paradise. Here, the temperatures are hot all year around and there is an endless flow of pristine beaches to meander along, waves to surf and incredible rolling hills to marvel at. Amongst this natural beauty are historical battlefields, rock art, and a vibrant Zulu heritage.

The province of Mpumalanga is home to the Kruger National Park; a game reserve which offers guests the chance to embark on an idyllic African safari. Mpumalanga sees thousands of visitors every year in search of the big 5 and a true African experience. Amongst the most popular tourists spots in Mpumalanga involve Pilgrim’s Rest and God’s Window – a beautiful lookout point which shows guests sights as far as Mozambique, giving the impression that you’re looking out from the heavens.

The Limpopo province is South Africa’s most northern province and is home to some of the country’s most hidden treasures. This is the land of the incredible baobab tree, the big 5, vast open spaces, amazing rock formations and ancient tradition. The Limpopo province also has a Zimbabwean border – Beit Bridge; a gate way to further African adventures and a truly beautiful country, despite its shaky political and economical position.

The North West Province is home to even more game reserves and interesting African traditions. Although this is a side of South Africa that not many locals or foreigners often see, it truly is one of the most beautiful provinces in South Africa and offers sights that even the most luxurious African safaris struggle to offer.

Gauteng is home to Johannesburg and Tshwane, two of the most powerful business cities in Africa. Johannesburg is the richest city in Africa, with thousands of Africans and South Africans seeking jobs and better lifestyles there every year. Nicknamed to be City of Gold, Johannesburg is also one of the trendiest cities in Africa, with hundreds of shopping centres to entertain personal bank accounts. Soweto is just an hour outside of Johannesburg and is home to some of the loudest past and present political voices in South Africa.

The Free State is home to the beautiful open hills of the Eastern Highveld. This is one of South Africa’s most pretty provinces, with sun flower fields and farm lands making up the countryside. Bloemfontein is the capital city of the Free State and is well known for its beautiful rose gardens. Many South Africans have fond memories of travelling through the Free State whilst on South African tours to Johannesburg from Cape Town or vice versa.

The Northern Cape is one of South Africa’s most scarcely populated provinces and is most famous for its diamond mines. The first and largest diamond mine in South Africa can be found in the town of Kimberley in the Northern Cape. This is a beautiful part of South Africa to travel through, and can be peacefully enjoyed as the semi dessert country side offers tranquillity and the Northern Cape roads are quiet.

Each province in South Africa has its own claim to fame and unique beauty. As every region and province looks different, one can only obtain a true perception of South Africa by embarking on South African tours which show an all-rounded view of the nation. Although South Africa is best known for its iconic Table Mountain and game reserves, tourists can quickly find out that there is so much more on offer in this truly remarkable and beautiful country.