How Many Cities Are in South Africa? Explore the Rainbow Nation
South Africa is a beautiful country with a rich history and a mosaic of cultures. One question that many people ask is, how many cities are in South Africa?
The tail-end country of South Africa has more than 200 cities! At least 50 of these are considered major cities throughout the country.
There is no shortage of busy urban centres to explore and experience.
Whether you’re looking for natural beauty, dynamic nightlife, or culinary delights, there’s a city in South Africa that you’re going to love. Some of my favourite cities in the world are in South Africa.
I’ll bet you’ll find some favourites, too.
From Cape Town in the southwest to Durban on the east coast. Each of South Africa’s cities has its own distinctive character and charm.
If you’re interested in exploring all of the urban wonders that South Africa has to offer, read on to learn more about its fascinating cities.
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How Many Capital Cities are in South Africa?
South Africa is unique in that it has 3 national capital cities instead of just one. Why does South Africa have 3 capital cities?
Well, each of these 3 cities controls a different section of the government. The purpose of this system is to ensure that each section of government exerts equal power.
As history has shown us, problems arise when one section of government starts to take precedence over the other(s).
Here’s a closer look at the role each of these capital cities plays in the government of South Africa.
Pretoria
Pretoria is one of the 3 capital cities in South Africa, and it is considered the administrative capital of the country.
As the seat of government, Pretoria plays a crucial role in national governance. It ensures that all sections of South African society are fairly represented and have a voice in national decision-making.
And with its beautiful parks, art galleries, and cultural attractions, Pretoria is a hub of activity that draws visitors from all over the world.
Some of the most popular places to visit in Pretoria include the Union Buildings, Freedom Park, and the National Zoological Gardens.
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Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein is another one of South Africa’s capital cities, and it is considered the judicial capital of the country.
As the seat of legal power in South Africa, Bloemfontein plays an important role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all citizens receive a fair trial.
Also as the judicial capital of South Africa, Bloemfontein is home to many important courts and legal institutions.
It also serves as a top educational center that attracts students from all across the country.
It’s full of picturesque buildings, Freedom Park, and Kruger House Museum. Bloemfontein is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in South African history and the rule of law.
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Cape Town
The third capital city in South Africa is Cape Town, which is considered the legislative capital of the country.
As the seat of power for South Africa’s legislative branch, Cape Town plays an essential role in voting and enacting new laws.
Cape Town is also widely considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Its incredible landscapes, dynamic culture, and delicious culinary offerings make it one of my favourites.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable South African experience, be sure to visit one of the country’s 3 capital cities – Pretoria, Bloemfontein, or Cape Town.
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The Three Big Cities in South Africa
The number of cities there are in South Africa may not be your only question. You may also wonder which are considered the cities with the most to offer when you visit.
Let’s discuss the 3 main cities with the most to see and do when you make a trip through South Africa. Plus, we’ll get a picture of what those things are.
Cape Town
Cape Town is one of South Africa’s most iconic cities. It’s known for its beautiful surroundings, eclectic selection of activities, and of course, its culinary achievements.
Whether you love the incredible views from Table Mountain or the world-famous wine regions like Stellenbosch. There’s always something to see and do in Cape Town.
Some of the top attractions in this energetic city include the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Robben Island, and Cape Point.
With its fascinating history and exquisite natural beauty, Cape Town has something for everyone. It’s one of the must-visit destinations in South Africa.
Don’t miss out on its gorgeous suburbs – Simon’s Town, home of the famous Penguin Beach is my personal fave.
It’s also known for having some of Africa’s most amazing dive sites. Especially popular in this area is shark diving.
Johannesburg
Johannesburg is one of the most popular cities in South Africa. It’s famous for its energy, its culturally significant areas, and all of its interesting attractions.
There are several of these you won’t want to miss. Among the best of these is Gold Reef City. It has great rides and all sorts of entertainment for people of all ages.
I also recommend you spend some time at the Apartheid Museum. It captures the history and struggle of apartheid in South Africa and is a spot you shouldn’t miss.
Plus, the Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s home to some of the world’s most fascinating fossils, and should also be on your itinerary.
I’m not even going to go into Johannesburg’s vivacious arts scene, exciting nightlife, and endless shopping opportunities! It’s definitely one of the highlights of anyone’s trip to Jo’burg.
There are also some fantastic day trips from Johannesburg. If you need a break from the city rush, be sure to check out a few of these!
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Durban
Known for its beautiful beaches and warm climate, Durban is a popular destination for tourists from all around the world. Locals take advantage of it often for getaways close to home.
It comes with a dazzling coastline and endless opportunities for outdoor activities like surfing and snorkelling. It’s easy to see why people flock here to enjoy the sun and sand.
Other top attractions in Durban include the Durban Botanic Gardens, Ushaka Marine World, and Moses Mabhida Stadium.
There’s also a spirited nightlife, a delicious food scene, and a rich cultural history. There’s always something to do and see in this dynamic city.
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South Africa’s Smallest City?
If you’re wondering how many cities there are in South Africa, you might also be curious about which is the smallest of them all.
When it comes to population size, South African cities cover all bases. With 5 cities housing over 1 million people, the country is no stranger to urban sprawl.
There is also a grand total of 164 cities with between 10,000 and 100,000 people.
But South Africa also has its fair share of smaller towns and cities that can offer you a unique experience.
One such city is Saint Lucia Estuary, which is known as South Africa’s smallest city with a 2022 population of just 1,104 people.
Saint Lucia Estuary is a pretty little coastal city on the northern coast of South Africa. With its gorgeous beaches and laidback vibe, it’s a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Some of the top attractions in Saint Lucia Estuary include St. Lucia Wetlands Park. It’s home to a huge variety of wildlife and incredible natural landscapes.
As well, the St. Lucia Golf Club is a popular spot and offers visitors fantastic views of the ocean and lush greenery. It isn’t always something people think of doing on a trip to Africa, but golf is a popular pastime here.
Other noteworthy places to visit in Saint Lucia Estuary include the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Lake St. Lucia. Both of these are popular destinations for outdoorsy types who love to sniff out the natural beauty in a city.
Obviously, small does NOT have to mean boring.
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South Africa’s Biggest City
When it comes to South Africa’s cities, the bigger centres are easiest to spot. But which is the biggest?
The beautiful city of Cape Town takes that honour. With a population of 3,433,441 in 2022, it’s bursting with people.
Cape Town is also known as South Africa’s oldest city, with a strong history that dates back to the early days of European colonization.
This European feel can be seen in its Dutch architecture, Italian cuisine influences, and cobblestone streets. It’s a popular destination for travellers from around the world.
South Africa’s Nine Provinces and Their Capital Cities
South Africa has nine provinces and a wide range of landscapes and cultural traditions. The rich diversity of its myriad cultures has earned South Africa the affectionate nickname “the Rainbow Nation”.
Each of these nine provinces has something unique to offer, from breathtaking natural beauty to busy cities and charming small towns.
Plus, in a discussion about how many cities there are in South Africa, the capital cities of its provinces are an important topic.
1. The Western Cape is home to its provincial capital Cape Town, which is also one of South Africa’s national capital cities.
Cape Town is one of the most popular destinations in South Africa.
2. Eastern Cape is another of South Africa’s provinces, known for its beautiful beaches, rolling green hills, and captivating culture.
The province’s capital is the city of Bhisho. Bhisho will give you a taste of traditional Xhosa culture through its art, music, and dance.
3. Known for its varied natural landscapes, like beaches, mountains, forests, and lakes, is the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal, or KZN.
KwaZulu-Natal is home to the world-famous Isimangaliso Wetland Park. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site that attracts thousands of visitors every year.
The park is full of beautiful beaches, wetlands, and grasslands. There are also animals such like elephants, hippos, and African painted dogs.
Pietermaritzburg is the capital city of KZN, and is the home of the Dusi Canoe Marathon. The city is sometimes referred to as “the last outpost of the British Empire“.
The city still has some of the English country charm reminiscent of the British occupation of South Africa.
4. The province of Gauteng is home to the country’s administrative capital Pretoria, which is also the provincial capital city.
Gauteng is the smallest of South Africa’s nine provinces in terms of area. But it has a population of over 13 million people – more than any other province.
Located right in the heart of South Africa, Gauteng is where you’ll find Johannesburg. Jo’burg is one of the country’s most important economic centres.
Gauteng is also known for its high quality of life, thanks to its excellent healthcare and thriving arts scene.
5. Limpopo province holds the city of Polokwane as its capital. This name means “sanctuary” or “Place of Safety” in the local language of Sotho.
Limpopo is home to the Mapungubwe National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site gained the attention of UNESCO because of its incredible Iron Age past.
The archeological findings in the area speak of a developed and very wealthy African Kingdom. They also contain evidence of trade from places as far away as China.
Limpopo is also one of the largest producers of citrus fruit in South Africa. Many local farmers specialize in growing oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruits on their farms.
6. The city of Mbombela is the capital of the northeastern province of Mpumalanga.
With its mountain vistas, abundant wildlife, and stunning natural scenery, Mpumalanga is one of the most beautiful provinces in South Africa.
It’s also known for its thriving craft beer scene. The province has become a hotspot for local breweries and brewpubs.
7. North West province is in northern South Africa, on the border of the southern African country of Botswana. Its capital city is Mahikeng.
North West is known for its open spaces and sparsely populated areas. It’s often referred to as the Texas of South Africa, due to its enormous herds of cattle.
It’s also home to the popular spots Pilanesberg National Park and Madikwe Game Reserve. Madikwe is one of the lesser well-known parks in South Africa, but one of its largest.
One serious advantage of Madikwe and Pilanesberg are that they’re considered to be malaria-free.
Pilanesberg alone is home to over 7000 animals, and at less than 3 hours from Johannesburg, is pretty accessible.
8. The province of Northern Cape is the largest, yet least populated province in South Africa.
With its huge deserts, rugged mountains, and sprawling grasslands, Northern Cape is a really lovely province.
It’s known for its interesting cultural heritage, with many traditional South African art forms still flourishing in the area.
Some of the most popular attractions in Northern Cape include Namaqua National Park, where you’ll find thousands of wildflowers. And the Kalahari Desert with its epic landscapes and wildlife.
North Cape’s capital city is Kimberley. The city is the location in which British businessman Cecil Rhodes established the De Beers diamond company way back in 1888.
9. Free State is South Africa’s final province. Its capital city Bloemfontein, also known as Bloem, is also the country’s judicial capital.
Free State is a beautiful province with endless rolling hills, gorgeous natural scenery, and a rich and interesting history.
One of the most popular attractions in Free State is Vredefort Dome, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is believed to be the oldest meteorite impact crater on Earth.
Another amazing spot in Free State is Golden Gate Highlands National Park. It’s known for its mountain scenery and the iconic African wildlife.
List of South Africa’s Biggest Cities by Population
| CITY | POPULATION IN 2023 |
|---|---|
| 1. Cape Town | 3,433,441 |
| 2. Durban | 3,120,282 |
| 3. Johannesburg | 2,026,469 |
| 4. Soweto | 1,695,047 |
| 5. Pretoria | 1,619,438 |
| 6. Port Elizabeth | 967,677 |
| 7. Pietermaritzburg | 750,845 |
| 8. Benoni | 605,344 |
| 9. Tembisa | 511,655 |
| 10. East London | 478,767 |
A Map for the Many Cities in South Africa
Summing It Up: How Many Cities Are in South Africa in 2024
South Africa is an amazing country with so much history and culture, it would take a lifetime to explore it all. It’s also home to so many dynamic and exciting cities.
Whether you’re looking for world-class shopping, awesome natural scenery, or great cultural experiences. The Rainbow Nation is a world-class destination to explore.
Whatever you’re looking for on your journey, you’ll find it in South Africa.
Happy Travels!
Read more about South Africa:
➵ 30 Photos to Inspire You to Visit South Africa
➵ Best African Safari for Seniors in 2023
➵ The Best Dive Sites in South Africa
➵ Snowfall in Cape Town: Does it Really Happen?
➵ Find Your Dream Destination in Africa
