South Africa Geography and Maps
South Africa is one of the most geographically varied countries in Africa. Located at the southern tip of the African continent, the 2,948 km (1,832 mi) coastline is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Land borders include Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland. The independent kingdom of Lesotho is wholly enclosed by South Africa in the eastern central plain. Internally, South Africa is divided into nine provinces: KwaZulu-Natal, North West, Mpumalanga, Free State, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape (the largest) and Gauteng (the smallest).
Geographically there are three primary regions in South Africa: an expansive central plateau, mountain ranges that surround the plateau to the west, south and east, and finally, a narrow strip of low-lying land around the coast. The Central Plateau covers nearly two-thirds of the country. It can be divided into high-lying areas (Upper Karoo, the Ghaap Plateau and the Highveld) as well as depressions and basins (the Kalahari Basin, Cape Middleveld, Bushveld Basin and the Middle Limpopo Valley).
Perhaps the most impressive mountains in South Africa are the Drakensberg Mountains (Dragon’s back). These peaks have been named part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and they host South Africa’s highest peak, Mafadi at 3,450 m (11,320 ft), located on the South African/Lesotho border. The narrow coastal strip is known as the Lowveld which varies in width from around 60 km (37 mi) to more than 200 km (124 mi).
South Africa Travel Information
At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to South Africa.
Learn about the history and culture of South Africa, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about South Africa's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering South Africa for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our South Africa tours today!
Extend Your Stay
After your South Africa vacation, why not consider one of Goway's Europe tours or Egypt tours en route from South Africa or perhaps a stopover in Dubai on one of our United Arab Emirates tours.
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AfricaExperts is the exclusive division of Goway that specializes in planning and organizing South Africa tours and experiences. Choose from a simple city stopover, an exclusive African game lodge, a Holiday of a Lifetime, a stay of distinction, a self-drive tour and more. We want to be your first choice when next you go globetrotting to South Africa.
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