South Africa

South Africa lies at the southernmost part of the African continent. It is bordered to the north by Botswana and Zimbabwe, to the northeast by Mozambique and Swaziland and to the northwest by Namibia. On the east coastline lies the Indian Ocean, the Southern coastline the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, and Atlantic Ocean on the western side. South Africa completely surrounds Lesotho.

Most of South Africa has elevations of over 914m (3,000 ft) and at least 40% of the surface is at an elevation of over 1,220m (4,000 ft). Parts of Johannesburg are 1,829m (6,000 ft) above sea level. Resembling an inverted saucer, the land rises steadily from west to east to the Drakensberg Mountains, the tallest of which is Mont-aux-Sources at 3,300m (10,823 ft).

The coastal belt in the west and south varies from 3 to 30 miles in width, is between 152m (500ft) to 182m (600ft) above sea level, and is very fertile, producing citrus fruits and grapes, particularly in the Western Cape. North of the coastal belt stretch, the Little and the Great Karoo, which are bounded by mountains, lie higher than the coastal belt, and are semi-arid to arid, merging into sandy wastes that ultimately join the Kalahari Desert.

The high grass prairie, or veld, of the Orange Free State and the Transvaal is famous for its mineral deposits,. From Drakensberg, the land falls towards the Indian Ocean in the rolling hills and valleys of Natal, which are covered with rich vegetation and, near the coast, subtropical plants, including sugarcane.

Durban

The second-biggest city in the whole of South Africa after Johannesburg, Durban is only slightly larger than Cape Town in terms of overall population. Durban's endless sunshine and beautiful beachfront has seen a great increase in tourism levels in recent years, and is now amongst South Africa's most visited tourist destinations.

Durban is home to Africa's busiest harbour and owes its immense popularity to its scenic location around Natal Bay, where the waters remain warm throughout the year. The Golden Mile next to the city's main beach features a host of entertainment, with seafood restaurants, nightspots, high-rise accommodation and modern shopping centres. Those wishing to swim in the inviting Indian Ocean can relax, safe in the knowledge that shark nets are in place.

De Aar

De Aar, the third largest town in the Northern Cape, is centrally located on the main railway line between Johannesburg, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Namibia and tarred roads to surrounding towns. The junction was the second most important railway junction in South Africa, with 110km of railway lines including 29 rail-tracks. The name De Aar refers to the underground water supply in arteries with all of De Aar’s water coming from boreholes. 68 boreholes in the surrounding area of the town, ensure the water supply.

Polakwane

Pietersburg, now officially Polokwane, is the capital of the Limpopo Province and a major economic center as well as the largest metropolitan area in the north, with a population of around 350,000 inhabitants. Polokwane's proximity to the neighbouring countries of Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland, as well as its convenient distance from the Kruger National Park and Magoebaskloof, makes it a perfect gateway and a good destination in itself. Furthermore Polokwane has a pleasent climate year round because it is on a plateau thirteen hundred meters above sea level. Temperatures averaging 27C in the summer and 20C in winter, permitting outdoor living all year round.

Polakwane is considered the premier hunting destination in South Africa. There are also lots of game viewing opportunities, making Polokwane a popular eco-tourism destination in South Africa. Another attraction is the Bakone Malapa Open-Air Museum, 9 kilometers south of the town center. It is a living museum, impressively demonstrating the history and culture of the Sotho people in the north.

Johannesburg

Often referred to as the 'City of Gold' due its to rich gold-mining heritage, or simply 'Jo'burg', Johannesburg is a striking city, filled with contrast and considerable wealth, despite its relative youth, being founded just over 120 years ago, in 1886. The Johannesburg of today is South Africa's financial capital and a truly vast city, being one of the biggest in the whole of Africa, after only Cairo (Egypt) and also Lagos (Nigeria). In fact, Johannesburg is growing at such a rate that it is soon expected to make an appearance on the list of the largest ten cities on the planet.

Currently the world's biggest inland city, Johannesburg features a number of fortified suburbs, along with a modern city centre which is teeming with towering skyscrapers, huge shopping complexes and much excitement, with a number of new high-rise projects taking place in the districts of Midrand and Sandton. Crime levels in the black ghettos and more unsavoury neighbourhoods are especially high and sensible tourists will stick only to the recommended sights, in the safest tourist-friendly areas.