Geography of South Africa

Drakensberg Mountains

This is a mountain range that stretches from southeastern to northeastern South Africa, passing through the countries of Lesotho and Swaziland as well. It contains the highest mountain in South Africa, Mafadi, and is home to the source of the Orange River.

Limpopo River

This is a river that makes up part of South Africa's border with Botswana and its entire border with Zimbabwe. It flows from its source in Botswana along South Africa's borders with Botswana and Zimbabwe and then flows into Mozambique to its mouth in the Indian Ocean.

Indian Ocean

This is an ocean tat makes up the south and east coasts of South Africa. It is located in between Africa and Southeast Asia.

Atlantic Ocean

This is an ocean that makes up the west coast of South Africa. It is located between Africa and the Americas.

Pretoria

This is the administrative capital and fifth largest city in South Africa, located in the northeastern part of the country just north of Johannesburg. It is the seat of the executive branch of the government, and is reputed for its academic institutions. It is known as the "Jacaranda City" for its many jacaranda trees.

South African rand

This is the currency of South Africa

Bloemfontein

This is the judicial capital of South Africa, located in the central part of the country west of Lesotho. It has been called the "city of roses" for its annual rose festival, and is on the edge of the Great Karoo.

Cape Town

This is the legislative capital and largest city in South Africa, located in the southwestern part of the country. It is situated on the Cape Peninsula which juts into the Atlantic Ocean, and is shadowed by the picturesque Table Mountain. It is a major expatriate destination, and because of this it is one of the most multicultural cities in the world.

Orange River

This is the longest river in South Africa. It forms parts of the country's borders with Lesotho and Namibia, and flows from its source in Lesotho through central South Africa to the Atlantic Ocean. Rafting on this river is a popular tourist activity.

Durban

This is the second largest city in South Africa, located on the east coast of the country. It is situated on the Indian Ocean, and is famous as the busiest port in South Africa. It was recognized as one of the New7Wonders Cities.

Johannesburg

This is the third largest city in South Africa, located in the northeast central part of the country just south of Pretoria. It is the center of the country's gold and diamond trade, and contains most of the continent's tallest buildings, including the tallest, the Carlton Centre.

Cape Agulhas

This is a cape on the southern coast of South Africa that marks the southernmost point in mainland Africa and also the dividing point between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

Cape of Good Hope

This is a cape south of Cape Town that sticks into the Atlantic Ocean. A common misconception is that this cape is the dividing spot between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and because of this it was also thought that it was the southernmost point in Africa. In actuality, the dividing point is Cape Agulhas, and the southernmost point in Africa is Cape Agulhas as well. This cape is the point where a ship starts traveling more east than south.

Kalahari Desert

This is a desert that covers the northern end of South Africa and extends into Botswana and Namibia. The only permanent River in this region is the Okavango, which forms a delta in the northeast part of this desert.