Provinces

The Northern Cape is the largest of South Africa’s provinces but has the smallest population, making it one of the more remote areas of the country. Among its key selling points are its vast, open spaces, unique vegetation – including the beautiful spring flower spectacle that transforms a semi-desert landscape – and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, which is famous for its lions. Explore the Northern Cape: http://bit.ly/2yqWCWf Explore South Africa: https://www.southafrica.net

The North West province features premier wildlife destinations, among them the Pilanesberg Game Reserve and the Madikwe Game Reserve; parts of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites (the Vredefort Dome and the Taung Fossil Site, part of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site); and the world-famous Sun City gaming and entertainment resort. Explore the North West: http://bit.ly/2Yv6ISg Explore South Africa: https://www.southafrica.net

Mpumalanga means ‘the land of the rising sun’ in the local siSwati and Zulu languages, a name it derives from lying on the eastern border of the country. It is most famous for being the southern gateway to the country’s premier wildlife reserve, the Kruger National Park. It is a place of game, adventure and rich history. Explore Mpumalanga: http://bit.ly/2Un32jh Explore South Africa: https://www.southafrica.net

Limpopo has become a sought-after tourist destination for its big game, exceptional birding, untamed bush landscapes and an ancient African kingdom, the centre of which was located at Mapungubwe National Park. It is also the northern gateway to the Kruger National Park. Explore Limpopo: http://bit.ly/2FHVt1r Explore South Africa: https://www.southafrica.net

South Africa’s third-smallest province, KwaZulu-Natal has a wealth of scenic and cultural attractions that include the country’s most popular beaches lying to the south and north of Durban. Add to that its bushveld reserves to the north, historic battlefields and the dramatic Drakensberg mountains, and you can see why it’s popular with tourists. Explore KwaZulu-Natal: http://bit.ly/2OskbFS Explore South Africa: https://www.southafrica.net

Geographically the smallest province, Gauteng is an urban playground of note, taking in the cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria. Think large shopping malls, bars, hotels, casinos, and a vibrant cultural and entertainment scene. It is also South Africa’s fast-paced economic powerhouse. For visitors, there are many places of historical interest that tell the story of South Africa’s emerging democracy. Explore Gauteng: http://bit.ly/2HI8biR Explore South Africa: https://www.southafrica.net

The Free State is essentially an agricultural province and its appeal lies in its scenic beauty, rural tranquillity, and natural attractions. The eastern part of the province is the most beautiful, with its sandstone rock formations and rolling grassland. It also lies in the heart of South Africa as it borders six of the country’s nine provinces, as well as the kingdom of Lesotho. Explore the Free State: http://bit.ly/2HJcJFM Explore South Africa: https://www.southafrica.net

The scenic splendour of the Western Cape has long been a drawcard in South Africa. This is where you’ll find the Cape Winelands and a beautiful stretch of coastline. Most visitors list Table Mountain, Robben Island (where the late Nelson Mandela was incarcerated) and a visit to the Cape of Good Hope, at the tip of the Cape Peninsula, as priorities. Explore Western Cape: http://bit.ly/2x1CmdQ Explore South Africa: https://www.southafrica.net

South Africa’s ‘wild’ province, the Eastern Cape features expanses of untouched beach, bush and forest. This was Nelson Mandela’s home province and is an area with some enticing attractions – among them the Addo Elephant National Park, with the densest elephant population in the world; the dramatic Wild Coast; and, of course, Mandela’s home at Qunu. Explore the Eastern Cape: http://bit.ly/2C4Bskj Explore South Africa: https://www.southafrica.net