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In the cities of South Africa, only one word: the variety. A variety that we feel over the visits. The city administration, such Pretoria, the seaside resort, as Durban, via Cape Town: so many facets to discover throughout your journey.

Cape Town
Of all the major cities of South Africa, Cape Town (Kaapstad) is certainly the city that presents the greatest interest to foreign visitors. With a background the famous Table Mountain, “a relief summit flat side slopes, the city of South Africa has no doubt of one of the most beautiful scenery in the world. One can easily spend a week to visit this city, regarded as the most tolerant of South Africa, although apartheid has left a heavy legacy. It is also an opportunity to explore the peninsula of Cape of Good Hope - the most southern African continent. On the agenda: the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Simson’s Town and its colony of penguins, Cape Point and the island of seals. After an orientation tour of the city, do a cable car ascent of the “Table Mountain”. The panorama that offers the culmination of 1073 m and is very impressive. Walk on the sublime Camps Bay beach, just 15 minutes from downtown. From Cape Town, you go easily into a natural reserve on the Cape of Good Hope. It is also the Cape you to leave for the island cruise on the Seals. You come back only at sunset, a glass of champagne in hand, to enjoy the magnificent sight on the coast.

Johannesburg
Johannesburg is not strictly speaking a tourist town. It embodies yet the complexity of South Africa, in what it has better (the integration of a portion of the black community) and what to worse (to the townships, rampant crimes) . The city is inevitable important only for its international airport, crossing point required for all visitors arriving in the country. But frankly it is not necessary to visit it, unless you want better soak up the atmosphere prevailing in the country. It does little attractions: the site of Gold Reef City, the business district of Sandton and shopping malls.

Pretoria
Administrative capital of the country, Pretoria is located only 60 km from Johannesburg and seems almost incorporated into the suburbs of the latter. It is distinguished by its “mentality rather conservative” in the margins of social momentum that affects the rest of the country. The city has only limited attractions, but offers a peaceful atmosphere and a certain charm in the autumn, when the jacaranda are in bloom. If you stay, you can visit the home of Paul Kruger (60 Church St.), the zoo (St. Paul Kruger) and the Union Building (Struben St.)

Durban
Durban’s main interest is to offer a beautiful waterfront, lined with long jetties and near the bustling Golden Miles (to go in one of the many rickshaws pulled by Indians or Zulus). Other interests of this city very active: pleasant seaside suburbs (Umhlanga) and a large Indian community (the market Victoria, in the district of India).

Bloemfontein
In the Northern Cape province and in the Orange Free State, you could make a detour by the respectable city of Bloemfontein, cradle of Afrikaneer society. The city is the administrative capital of the country and has buildings of imposing sizes: judicial administration, university and military camp. There are around reserves and parks that deserve a look: Wildlife Franklin (on Mount Naval), Soetdoring Nature Reserve and the beautiful Maria Moroka National Park.

Kimberley
Kimberley is the “city of diamonds” and has developed mainly around the mining activity. It is here that the famous prospector Consolidated De Beers Mining Company and Cecil John Rhodes (who gave his name to Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe) has built his vast fortune. By visiting the board the “Big Hole”, you will see the largest hole ever made by man, and in which there has long extract precious stones. 800 m deep , the Big Hole is now filled with water (accessible via the Museum of Mining).

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