Kaapstad
Cape Town
Usage
South Africa's legislative capital. Famous for Table Mountain, Waterfront, and Cape Winelands
Grammar Note
"kaap" (cape) + "stad" (city). The Cape of Good Hope is located near Cape Town
Kruger Nasionale Park
Kruger National Park
Usage
South Africa's largest national park. Home to the Big Five: lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, buffalo
Grammar Note
Named after President Paul Kruger. Synonymous with safari experiences in South Africa
Tafelberg
Table Mountain
Usage
Cape Town's iconic flat-topped mountain. UNESCO World Heritage site. Accessible by cable car
Grammar Note
"berg" means mountain in Germanic languages. Related to English "iceberg" (ice mountain)
Die Tuinroete
The Garden Route
Usage
A scenic coastal route from the Western Cape to Eastern Cape. Famous for lush forests and beaches
Grammar Note
"tuin" (garden) + "roete" (route). "tuin" shares its root with Dutch and English "town"
Stellenbosch
Usage
One of South Africa's oldest Dutch colonial towns. Center of Cape Winelands and a university city
Grammar Note
Named after Governor Simon van der Stel. "bosch" means forest/bush in Dutch/Afrikaans
Die Drakensberge
The Drakensberg Mountains
Usage
South Africa's highest mountain range. UNESCO World Heritage site with San rock art
Grammar Note
"Draken" (dragon) + "berge" (mountains). Zulu name "uKhahlamba" means barrier of spears
Robbeneiland
Robben Island
Usage
Where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. UNESCO World Heritage site and symbol of anti-apartheid
Grammar Note
Means "Seal Island". African penguins also inhabit the island and are a tourist attraction
Franschhoek
Usage
Cape Winelands town founded by French Huguenot settlers. Called the culinary capital of South Africa
Grammar Note
From French "Français hoek" (French corner). "hoek" means corner/angle in Afrikaans/Dutch
Pretoria
Pretoria (Tshwane)
Usage
South Africa's administrative capital. Famous for jacaranda trees. Called "Jacaranda City"
Grammar Note
Named after Voortrekker leader Andries Pretorius. Official name is now "City of Tshwane Municipality"
Die Kaap van Goeie Hoop
The Cape of Good Hope
Usage
Famous cape near Cape Town where the Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean
Grammar Note
Translation of Portuguese "Cabo de Boa Esperança". Reached by Bartolomeu Dias in 1488
Wes-Kaap
Western Cape
Usage
Province in the southwest of South Africa, capital Cape Town, covering the Winelands and the western Garden Route. Signposted in English as Western Cape
Oos-Kaap
Eastern Cape
Usage
Province in the southeast of South Africa, capital Bhisho, containing Gqeberha, East London and Mthatha, the Wild Coast and Addo Elephant National Park. English: Eastern Cape
Noord-Kaap
Northern Cape
Usage
South Africa's largest province by area and smallest by population, capital Kimberley; arid country covering the Kalahari and Namaqualand. English: Northern Cape
Gauteng
Usage
South Africa's smallest but economically dominant province, containing Johannesburg and Pretoria, OR Tambo airport and the Gautrain. English spelling is also Gauteng
KwaZulu-Natal
Usage
Province on South Africa's east coast, capital Pietermaritzburg and largest city Durban, taking in the subtropical coast and the Drakensberg. Abbreviated KZN on signs
Vrystaat
Free State
Usage
Landlocked province in the centre of South Africa, capital Bloemfontein; the N1 runs through it north to south and Golden Gate Highlands National Park lies in the east. English: Free State
Mpumalanga
Usage
Province in northeastern South Africa, capital Mbombela, holding the southern half of Kruger National Park and the Panorama Route. English spelling is also Mpumalanga
Limpopo
Usage
South Africa's northernmost province, capital Polokwane; the N1 runs through it to the Zimbabwean border at Beitbridge and it holds the northern half of Kruger. English spelling is also Limpopo
Noordwes
North West
Usage
Province in northwestern South Africa on the Botswana border, capital Mahikeng (formerly Mafikeng), home to Pilanesberg National Park and Sun City. English: North West
Johannesburg
Usage
South Africa's largest city and the economic centre of Gauteng, at about 1,750 m altitude; founded on gold and called Jozi or Joburg in speech. Conditions vary by district, so check current local advice
Durban
Usage
Largest city in KwaZulu-Natal and one of Africa's busiest ports; the municipality is called eThekwini in Zulu. Hotels line the beachfront known as the Golden Mile
Gqeberha
Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth)
Usage
Port city on Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape, renamed from Port Elizabeth in 2021 and now signposted as Gqeberha; still called PE in speech and on older maps. Gateway to Addo Elephant National Park
Oos-Londen
East London
Usage
Coastal city in the Eastern Cape and South Africa's only river port, on the Buffalo River along the N2. Signposted in English as East London
Bloemfontein
Usage
Capital of the Free State and South Africa's judicial capital, seat of the Supreme Court of Appeal; the municipality is Mangaung in Sesotho. Roughly the midpoint of the N1
Pietermaritzburg
Usage
Capital of KwaZulu-Natal, about 80 km inland from Durban on the N3; its station is where Gandhi was thrown off the train, and it is the base for trips into the Drakensberg
Kimberley
Usage
Capital of the Northern Cape, born of the diamond rush; the main sight is the Big Hole, the huge hand-dug open mine
Polokwane
Usage
Capital of Limpopo on the N1, called Pietersburg until the 1990s; signs now consistently read Polokwane
Mbombela
Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit)
Usage
Capital of Mpumalanga and the gateway to southern Kruger; the former name Nelspruit is still used in speech and both names appear on some signs
Rustenburg
Usage
Platinum-mining town in North West province on the N4, the staging point for Pilanesberg National Park and Sun City
Upington
Usage
Northern Cape town on the Orange River, the supply and fuel stop for trips to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and Augrabies Falls
Springbok
Usage
Main town of Namaqualand in the Northern Cape, on the N7 about 120 km from the Namibian border; the base for the August-September wildflower season
Soweto
Usage
Large township southwest of Johannesburg; the main sights are Vilakazi Street, the Hector Pieterson Memorial and the Orlando Towers. Usually visited on a guided tour. Check current local advice before going
Sandton
Usage
Johannesburg's northern business district, home to the stock exchange, the main hotels and Nelson Mandela Square; linked directly to OR Tambo airport by the Gautrain
Umhlanga
Umhlanga (uMhlanga Rocks)
Usage
Seaside resort suburb about 15 km north of Durban with a red-and-white lighthouse and promenade, roughly 20 minutes by car from King Shaka airport. Officially uMhlanga Rocks
Richardsbaai
Richards Bay
Usage
Deep-water port town in northern KwaZulu-Natal, the base for the north-coast route to iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi. Signposted in English as Richards Bay
Mthatha
Mthatha (formerly Umtata)
Usage
Main town of the former Transkei in the Eastern Cape, on the N2; home to the Nelson Mandela Museum and close to his home village of Qunu. Formerly spelled Umtata
Makhanda
Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown)
Usage
University town in the Eastern Cape, home to Rhodes University and the National Arts Festival each July; renamed from Grahamstown in 2018
George
Usage
Largest town on the Garden Route and its transport hub, with an airport and a position on the N2; the Outeniqua Pass leads inland to the Klein Karoo
Knysna
Usage
Garden Route town on a lagoon, known for the cliffs called The Heads at its sea mouth and for oysters. On the N2
Mosselbaai
Mossel Bay
Usage
Seaside town at the western end of the Garden Route, with the Bartolomeu Dias Museum and the Post Office Tree. Signposted in English as Mossel Bay
Plettenbergbaai
Plettenberg Bay
Usage
Beach resort on the Garden Route, known for the Robberg peninsula walk and for whale and dolphin watching; called Plett in speech and signposted Plettenberg Bay
Jeffreysbaai
Jeffreys Bay
Usage
Eastern Cape town on the N2, world famous for the Supertubes surf break; called J-Bay in speech and signposted Jeffreys Bay
Oudtshoorn
Usage
Klein Karoo town known for its ostrich farms and for the Cango Caves; about an hour from George over the Outeniqua Pass
Hermanus
Usage
Coastal town about 120 km east of Cape Town, known for land-based southern right whale watching from June to November
Paarl
Usage
Cape Winelands town on the N1 about 60 km from Cape Town, below the granite Paarl Rock and the Afrikaans Language Monument (Afrikaanse Taalmonument)
Kaapse Skiereiland
Cape Peninsula
Usage
The peninsula running about 50 km south from Table Mountain to Cape Point; the standard day trip from Cape Town is the circular drive around it. Signposted Cape Peninsula
Simonstad
Simon's Town
Usage
Naval town on False Bay and the last stop on the Southern Line commuter train from Cape Town; Boulders Beach with its penguins is next door. Signposted Simon's Town
Houtbaai
Hout Bay
Usage
Fishing-harbour town south of Cape Town where boats leave for the seal island; Chapman's Peak Drive starts here. Signposted in English as Hout Bay
Kalkbaai
Kalk Bay
Usage
Small fishing-harbour village on False Bay with its own Southern Line station and a strip of antique shops and cafes. Signposted Kalk Bay
Muizenberg
Usage
Long sandy beach on False Bay with gentle surf and many beginner surf schools; recognisable by the row of coloured bathing boxes
Kampsbaai
Camps Bay
Usage
Atlantic-side beach below the Twelve Apostles ridge, lined with restaurants; the water is cold. Signposted in English as Camps Bay
Seepunt
Sea Point
Usage
Seafront district just west of central Cape Town with a 3 km promenade and a tidal pool, a convenient area to stay. Signposted Sea Point
Bo-Kaap
Usage
Historic hillside quarter in central Cape Town, known for its brightly painted houses and Cape Malay heritage; signposted Bo-Kaap
Kaapse Vlakte
Cape Flats
Usage
Flat residential area southeast of central Cape Town, crossed by the N2 between the airport and the city. Check current local advice before visiting. Signposted Cape Flats
Kaappunt
Cape Point
Usage
Headland at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula inside Table Mountain National Park, with an entry fee; a funicular or steps lead to the old lighthouse. The Cape of Good Hope is a separate point in the same reserve
Boulders-strand
Boulders Beach
Usage
African penguin colony next to Simon's Town, part of the national park with an entry fee and boardwalks. Signposted in English as Boulders Beach
Leeukop
Lion's Head
Usage
The 669 m cone-shaped peak beside Table Mountain, with a two to three hour return hike that is popular on full-moon evenings. Signposted Lion's Head
Tafelberg Nasionale Park
Table Mountain National Park
Usage
National park covering the whole Cape Peninsula, including Table Mountain, Cape Point, Boulders and Silvermine; entry fees differ by section
Kirstenbosch Nasionale Botaniese Tuin
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Usage
Botanical garden on the eastern slope of Table Mountain devoted to South Africa's native fynbos, known for its canopy walkway and summer open-air concerts
Kasteel die Goeie Hoop
Castle of Good Hope
Usage
South Africa's oldest surviving building (1666-1679) in central Cape Town, a five-pointed star fort now open as a museum. Signposted Castle of Good Hope
Die V&A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront
Usage
Redeveloped old harbour in Cape Town with the ferry terminal for Robben Island and the aquarium, linked to the city by MyCiTi buses. Full name Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Kaapse Wynland
Cape Winelands
Usage
Wine-growing valleys east of Cape Town centred on Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl, close enough for a day trip. Signposted Cape Winelands
Valsbaai
False Bay
Usage
The large bay on the east side of the Cape Peninsula, lined by Muizenberg, Kalk Bay and Simon's Town; the water is warmer than on the Atlantic side. Signposted False Bay
Cederberg
Usage
Rugged sandstone range about 200 km north of Cape Town with San rock art, wind-carved rock formations and rooibos farms; nearest towns are Clanwilliam and Citrusdal
Namakwaland
Namaqualand
Usage
Semi-desert region of the western Northern Cape, famous for the mass wildflower bloom in August and September; the base town is Springbok. Signposted Namaqualand
Die Karoo
The Karoo
Usage
Semi-desert plateau covering much of South Africa's interior and most of the N1 between Cape Town and Johannesburg; Beaufort West is the main stopover town
Tsitsikamma
Usage
Coastal section of the Garden Route National Park with the Storms River Mouth suspension bridge and the start of the Otter Trail; on the N2, entry fee payable
Stormsrivier
Storms River
Usage
Village on the N2 at the entrance to Tsitsikamma with lodges and cafes, the base for the Bloukrans Bridge bungee, zip lines and the river-mouth suspension bridge. Signposted Storms River
Kgalagadi-oorgrenspark
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Usage
Kalahari desert park shared by South Africa and Botswana; the South African gate is Twee Rivieren, about 250 km from Upington. Mostly gravel roads and bookings are essential
Augrabiesvalle
Augrabies Falls
Usage
56 m waterfall where the Orange River drops into a granite gorge in the Northern Cape, inside a national park about 120 km west of Upington. Signposted Augrabies Falls
Addo Olifant Nasionale Park
Addo Elephant National Park
Usage
National park about 70 km north of Gqeberha with a large elephant population, in a malaria-free area; the usual safari day trip from the eastern Garden Route
Die Wilde Kus
The Wild Coast
Usage
Coast of the former Transkei in the northeastern Eastern Cape, known for Coffee Bay and the Hole in the Wall rock arch; reached by gravel roads off the N2. Signposted Wild Coast
Die Amfiteater
The Amphitheatre (Drakensberg)
Usage
Five-kilometre cliff wall in Royal Natal National Park in the northern Drakensberg, over which the Tugela Falls drop; usually approached via Harrismith on the Free State side
Blyderivierspoort
Blyde River Canyon
Usage
Canyon on the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga; the standard stop is the Three Rondavels viewpoint. Signposted Blyde River Canyon, officially Motlatse Canyon
God's Window
Usage
Escarpment viewpoint near Graskop in Mpumalanga looking down over the lowveld, one of the main stops on the Panorama Route. Signposted in English as God's Window
Skukuza
Usage
Main rest camp and headquarters of Kruger National Park, with accommodation, fuel, shops and its own small airport (SZK); about 12 km from the Paul Kruger Gate
Paul Kruger-hek
Paul Kruger Gate
Usage
Main western entrance to Kruger National Park, about 45 km from Hazyview and the closest gate to Skukuza. Signposted in English as Paul Kruger Gate
Pilanesberg Nasionale Park
Pilanesberg National Park
Usage
National park inside an ancient volcanic crater in North West province, with the Big Five and no malaria risk; about two and a half hours by car from Johannesburg, next to Sun City
iSimangaliso Vleilandpark
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Usage
UNESCO site on the northern KwaZulu-Natal coast, based on the town of St Lucia, known for its hippo and crocodile estuary and for diving at Sodwana Bay. Signposted iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Uniegebou
Union Buildings
Usage
Government seat on a hill in Pretoria housing the presidency, with a Nelson Mandela statue on the terraced lawns which are free to enter. Signposted Union Buildings
Voortrekkermonument
Voortrekker Monument
Usage
Granite monument on a hill south of Pretoria commemorating the 19th-century Great Trek, with a rooftop view over the city. Signposted Voortrekker Monument
Apartheidsmuseum
Apartheid Museum
Usage
Museum at Ormonde in southern Johannesburg tracing apartheid from its imposition to its dismantling; allow two to three hours. Signposted Apartheid Museum
Die Wieg van die Mensdom
The Cradle of Humankind
Usage
UNESCO site about 50 km northwest of Johannesburg with the fossil-bearing Sterkfontein Caves and the Maropeng visitor centre. Signposted Cradle of Humankind
OR Tambo Internasionale Lughawe
OR Tambo International Airport (JNB)
Usage
Africa's busiest airport, at Kempton Park east of Johannesburg; the Gautrain reaches Sandton in about 15 minutes. Most international flights use it
Kaapstad Internasionale Lughawe
Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
Usage
Airport about 20 km east of central Cape Town on the N2; the MyCiTi A01 bus runs to the Civic Centre in about 20 minutes
King Shaka Internasionale Lughawe
King Shaka International Airport (DUR)
Usage
Durban's airport at La Mercy about 35 km north of the city, close to Umhlanga and Ballito; opened in 2010 to replace the old Durban International
Lanseria Internasionale Lughawe
Lanseria International Airport (HLA)
Usage
Johannesburg's second airport, northwest of the city, used mainly by domestic and low-cost flights; close to Sandton but not served by the Gautrain
Kruger Mpumalanga Internasionale Lughawe
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP)
Usage
Airport near Mbombela and the closest one to southern Kruger National Park, with direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town
Chief Dawid Stuurman Internasionale Lughawe
Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ)
Usage
Gqeberha's airport, close to the city and the gateway to Addo Elephant National Park and the eastern Garden Route; renamed from Port Elizabeth International Airport in 2021
George-lughawe
George Airport (GRJ)
Usage
The Garden Route's airport, about 10 km southwest of George, with direct flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Signposted George Airport
Gautrein
Gautrain
Usage
Gauteng's express rail line with ten stations: Hatfield, Pretoria, Centurion, Midrand, Marlboro, Sandton, Rosebank, Park, Rhodesfield and OR Tambo. A Gold Card is required to ride. Branded and signposted Gautrain
Sandton-stasie
Sandton Station
Usage
The Gautrain's main interchange: airport trains terminate here and you change for the Pretoria line. Connected to Nelson Mandela Square
Rosebank-stasie
Rosebank Station
Usage
Gautrain station between Sandton and Park, serving the Rosebank shopping district and its galleries and hotels
Johannesburg Parkstasie
Johannesburg Park Station
Usage
Johannesburg's central terminal, the southern end of the Gautrain line and the departure point for long-distance trains and intercity buses. Check current local advice for the surrounding area
Midrand-stasie
Midrand Station
Usage
Gautrain station midway between Johannesburg and Pretoria, serving the Waterfall business district and Mall of Africa
Centurion-stasie
Centurion Station
Usage
Gautrain station in Centurion on the southern edge of Pretoria, near its office parks and the cricket stadium
Hatfield-stasie
Hatfield Station
Usage
Northern terminus of the Gautrain, close to the University of Pretoria and the embassy quarter, a common area to stay
Rhodesfield-stasie
Rhodesfield Station
Usage
The station next to OR Tambo airport, at Kempton Park; used for airport-area hotels and as a park-and-ride for the airport
Pretoria-stasie
Pretoria Station
Usage
Station in central Pretoria where the Gautrain station adjoins the mainline station used by long-distance trains. Check current local advice for the surrounding area
Kaapstad-stasie
Cape Town Station
Usage
Cape Town's central station on Adderley Street, with Southern Line commuter trains toward Simon's Town, long-distance trains and the adjoining intercity bus terminal
Durban-stasie
Durban Station
Usage
Durban's station on Umgeni Road in the city centre, used by long-distance trains and intercity buses. Check current local advice for the surrounding area
MyCiTi
MyCiTi (Cape Town bus)
Usage
Cape Town's city bus network, boarded at dedicated stops with a myconnect card; route A01 links the airport and the city, with other routes to the Waterfront and Sea Point
N1
The N1 (national route)
Usage
The trunk route from Cape Town through Paarl, Beaufort West, Bloemfontein, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Polokwane to the Zimbabwean border. Has toll sections
N2
The N2 (national route)
Usage
The coastal trunk route from Cape Town along the Garden Route through Gqeberha, East London, Mthatha and Durban to Ermelo inland. South Africa's longest national route
N3
The N3 (national route)
Usage
The trunk route from Durban through Pietermaritzburg, Van Reenen's Pass and Harrismith to Johannesburg. Heavy truck traffic and toll plazas
N4
The N4 (national route)
Usage
The east-west trunk route from the Botswana border through Rustenburg, Pretoria and Mbombela to the Mozambican border at Komatipoort; the main road to southern Kruger. Has toll plazas
Hugenote-tonnel
Huguenot Tunnel
Usage
Roughly 4 km toll tunnel on the N1 between Paarl and Worcester, the fastest way inland from Cape Town. Signposted Huguenot Tunnel
Chapman's Peak Drive
Usage
Toll road cut into the cliffs between Hout Bay and Noordhoek; it closes for rockfall and high wind, so check whether it is open before setting out
Van Reenenspas
Van Reenen's Pass
Usage
Pass on the N3 at the KwaZulu-Natal and Free State border, about 1,680 m; often foggy, heavy with trucks and icy in winter. Signposted Van Reenen's Pass
Sanipas
Sani Pass
Usage
Pass from the Drakensberg into Lesotho at about 2,870 m, approached from Underberg on the South African side; the upper section is gravel and needs a 4x4, and there is a border post so bring your passport. Signposted Sani Pass
Windhoek
Usage
Capital of Namibia, inland at about 1,700 m; English is official but Afrikaans and German are widely spoken. The main street is Independence Avenue
Hosea Kutako Internasionale Lughawe
Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH)
Usage
Namibia's main international airport, about 45 km east of Windhoek, roughly 40 minutes by car; the small Eros airport in the city handles domestic flights
Swakopmund
Usage
Namibian town on the Atlantic coast with German colonial architecture, the base for sandboarding and quad biking on the dunes; about 350 km west of Windhoek
Walvisbaai
Walvis Bay
Usage
Namibia's main port, about 30 km south of Swakopmund; known for its flamingo lagoon, boat trips to Pelican Point and 4x4 tours to Sandwich Harbour. Signposted Walvis Bay
Sossusvlei
Usage
The red dune field in Namib-Naukluft National Park, known for the dead trees of Deadvlei and sunrise on Dune 45; about 60 km inside the Sesriem gate
Sesriem
Usage
The gate and camp at the entrance to Sossusvlei, with lodges and fuel; visitors enter at dawn when the gate opens. Sesriem Canyon is close by
Etosha Nasionale Park
Etosha National Park
Usage
National park in northern Namibia where game gathers at waterholes around a huge salt pan; best in the dry season from May to October. Main camps are Okaukuejo and Namutoni
Fish River Canyon
Usage
About 160 km long canyon in southern Namibia; the main viewpoint is Hobas and the five-day floor hike opens only in the cool months, roughly May to September. Signposted in English as Fish River Canyon
Lüderitz
Usage
Town on the southern Atlantic coast of Namibia, known for its German colonial buildings and the cross at Diaz Point; the surrounding diamond area is restricted
Kolmanskop
Usage
Abandoned diamond-mining town about 10 km east of Lüderitz where sand has filled the houses; a permit is required to enter
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