Geography of South Africa: Topography, Climate, and Cities

Published on October 1, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Located at the southernmost tip of the African continent, South Africa stands out for the richness and diversity of its landscapes, stretching from wild coastlines bordered by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans to the rugged Drakensberg Mountains.

This fascinating country, whose geography is a mosaic of vast plateaus, rolling grasslands, and arid deserts, provides varied habitats for exceptional wildlife including the famous Big Five.

The Cape region, with its unique biodiversity, is home to world-renowned vineyards, while Kruger National Park, a wildlife sanctuary, spans a vast area ideal for unforgettable safaris.

This dynamic and ever-evolving territory intrigues with its juxtaposition of fertile landscapes and semi-deserts, each telling the story of a country seeking its ecological and economic balance.

Geographical Location of South Africa

South Africa occupies the southernmost tip of the African continent, covering an area of over 1.2 million square kilometers. Its strategic position gives it an extensive coastline of approximately 2,850 km, bordered to the west by the Atlantic Ocean and to the east by the Indian Ocean, making the country a natural crossroads between the African continent and major international shipping routes.

Neighboring Country	Border Length (km)
Namibia	1,005
Botswana	1,969
Zimbabwe	230
Mozambique	496
Eswatini	438

Lesotho is completely landlocked within South African territory.

Main Geographical Features

• The Cape of Good Hope, located near Cape Town, symbolically marks the meeting point of the two oceans.
• The Drakensberg mountain range extends mainly through KwaZulu-Natal province, forming a natural barrier to the east and constituting the country’s highest point.
• The escarpment known as the Great Escarpment separates the coast from a vast semi-arid central plateau.

List of Geopolitical Implications

• Positioning as a regional hub for maritime trade thanks to its major ports (Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth) facilitating transit between Europe, Asia, and Southern Africa.
• Control of access to strategic sea routes linking the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
• Increased influence on intra-African trade via its land borders with six neighboring countries.

The topographical diversity combined with this geographical location thus reinforces South Africa’s central role in international and regional trade flows.

Main Regions of South Africa

Central Highveld Plateau

• Relief: High-altitude plateau between 1,200 and 1,800 m, heart of the country, surrounded by the Great Escarpment.
• Climate: Temperate, hot and stormy summers, dry and cold winters.
• Ecosystems: Dominated by grasslands (veld) rich in grasses, habitat for numerous antelope and bird species.
• Cultural/Economic Importance: Densely populated region, industrial and mining heartland (gold, coal), economic engine with the major metropolises of Gauteng (Johannesburg, Pretoria).

Drakensberg Mountains

• Relief: Major mountain range, peaking at over 3,200 m (highest point: Mafadi at 3,450 m).
• Climate: Wetter on eastern slopes, snow in winter on peaks.
• Ecosystems: Forests, high-altitude heathlands, endemic flora, numerous waterfalls; home to exceptional biodiversity, classified as a World Heritage site.
• Influence: Source of many rivers, recreational area, strong cultural symbolism for local populations (Zulus and Sothos).

Lowveld Savanna

• Relief: Low-lying plain, bordering the plateau to the east, altitude of 150 to 600 m.
• Climate: Hot and humid subtropical, marked summer rainfall.
• Ecosystems: Wooded savanna, major national parks (Kruger), iconic wildlife (elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalo, leopards).
• Ecological Role: Major reservoir of biodiversity, safari tourism, pillar of the rural economy.

Atlantic Coasts

• Relief: Narrow coastal plains, cliffs, semi-desert areas (Namib, Kalahari nearby).
• Climate: Mediterranean in the southwest (Cape), arid in the north (proximity to the Namib Desert).
• Ecosystems: Cape Fynbos (unique Mediterranean flora), wetlands, significant plant diversity.
• Economy: Fishing, viticulture (Western Cape), Port of Cape Town.

Indian Ocean Coasts

• Relief: Wider coastal plain, hills, and estuaries.
• Climate: Humid subtropical, abundant rainfall.
• Ecosystems: Mangroves, coastal forests, beaches, coral reefs in the north.
• Influence: Major ports (Durban), beach tourism, sugarcane cultivation.

Comparison Table of Main Regions

Region	Relief	Climate	Ecosystems	Socio-economic Role
Highveld	Plateau, 1200-1800 m	Temperate, dry/humid	Grasslands	Industry, mining, metropolises
Drakensberg	Mountains, >3200 m	Temperate, snow	Heathlands, forests, endemic flora	Water, tourism, culture
Lowveld	Plain, 150-600 m	Humid subtropical	Savanna, national parks	Tourism, agriculture
Atlantic Coast	Plains, cliffs	Mediterranean/arid	Fynbos, wetlands	Fishing, wine, port
Indian Ocean Coast	Plains, hills	Humid subtropical	Forests, mangroves, beaches	Commerce, tourism, agriculture

Key Metropolitan Regions

• Gauteng (Johannesburg, Pretoria): Smallest province by area but the most populous and urbanized. Economic, financial, and industrial center of the country. Blend of South African and African cultures, strong demographic dynamism.
• Western Cape (Cape Town): Mediterranean climate region, famous for its biodiversity (fynbos), vineyards, and historic port. Cape Town, the legislative center, is marked by its cultural diversity and tourist appeal.
• KwaZulu-Natal (Durban, Pietermaritzburg): Coastal region with a humid subtropical climate. Great ethnic diversity (Zulus, Indians, Europeans), major port hub (Durban), importance in agro-industry (sugarcane, fruits).

Landscape Diversity and Ecological Importance

South Africa stands out for its mosaic of landscapes: mountains, plateaus, savannas, deserts, coastlines, and wetlands.

This diversity fosters exceptional ecological richness, hosting many unique ecosystems, several World Heritage sites, and an iconic wildlife heritage (Big Five, fynbos, endemic flora).

Regional differences influence culture (languages, lifestyles, traditions) and the economy (distribution of industries, agriculture, tourism).

The geographical diversity of South Africa explains both the richness of its biodiversity and the complexity of its human, economic, and cultural development.

Major Cities of South Africa

City	Population (2023)	Economic Importance	Geographical Importance	Cultural Importance	Major Infrastructure	Attractions and Features
Johannesburg	3.2 million	Main financial center, Africa’s most active stock exchange, mining industries (gold, diamonds), commercial hub	Located on the Witwatersrand plateau, gold-bearing region, crossroads of Gauteng	Cosmopolitan city, artistic dynamism, numerous museums (Apartheid Museum), theater	OR Tambo International Airport, dense rail and road networks, modern skyscrapers	Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, trendy neighborhoods (Maboneng, Braamfontein), mining heritage, modern architecture and colonial remnants
Cape Town	2.9 million	Tertiary sector, major port, wine industries, tourism	Cape Peninsula, between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, at the foot of Table Mountain	Multicultural city, cradle of the rainbow nation, hub of arts and design	International port, airport, MyCiTi bus networks, developed tourist infrastructure	Table Mountain, Robben Island, V&A Waterfront, beaches, Victorian architecture, Cape Dutch
Durban	3 million	Leading port in Southern Africa, agro-processing industries, chemicals, beach tourism	East coast, bordered by the Indian Ocean, subtropical climate	Blend of Zulu, Indian, European cultures, festivals (International Film Festival)	Port of Durban, highway network, King Shaka Airport, ICC convention center	Golden Mile, uShaka Marine World, Indian markets, botanical gardens, Art Deco buildings
Pretoria	~2 million*	Administrative capital, seat of government, research and higher education hubs	In the north of the country, in Gauteng, Apies River valley	University city, numerous monuments, architectural diversity (Victorian, Art Deco)	Road and rail networks, universities, government buildings	Union Buildings, jacaranda gardens, Voortrekker Monument, museums, residential ambiance
Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)	~1.2 million*	Automotive industry (General Motors, Volkswagen), port, coastal tourism	South coast, Algoa Bay, gateway to the Garden Route	Coastal city, rich colonial heritage, cultural diversity	Port, airport, road axes (N2), sports infrastructure	Beaches, Boardwalk, Donkin Reserve, maritime museums, Victorian and Edwardian architecture

*Estimated population, recent official data varies by source.

Johannesburg

Africa’s wealthiest metropolis, Johannesburg embodies post-apartheid urban transformation with its contrasting neighborhoods, significant social disparities, and architectural innovations. It is the country’s economic and financial heart, but also a social and cultural laboratory, exposing the diversity and fractures of South African society.

Cape Town

Known for its spectacular natural beauty, Cape Town is also a city with a rich historical past (first European colony, site of Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned). Its port and wine industry make it a key economic player, while its artistic dynamism radiates internationally.

Durban

A strategic port center, Durban is also the most “Indian” city in South Africa, a legacy of immigration under the British Empire. Its waterfront, beaches, and climate make it a major tourist destination, especially for water sports.

Pretoria

The administrative capital, Pretoria is distinguished by its wide avenues lined with flowering jacarandas, its government and university institutions, and its history linked to the Voortrekkers and the construction of the South African state.

Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)

Gateway to the famous Garden Route, Port Elizabeth is renowned for its beaches, water activities, and automotive industry. Its architecture reflects colonial history, and the city stands out for its relaxed atmosphere and coastal biodiversity.

Key Takeaways:

• Each major South African city plays a structuring role in national development, whether through its economic weight, political function, historical heritage, or cultural vitality.
• Their architectural and urban diversity reflects different waves of settlement, colonial legacies, and post-apartheid transformations.
• Infrastructure (ports, airports, universities, transport networks) enhances their attractiveness and influence, both nationally and internationally.

Neighboring Countries of South Africa

Border Country	Border Length (km)	Notable Geographical Features	Main Border Posts	Importance for Trade
Namibia	1,005	Border marked by the Orange River in the west, desert area, sparsely populated.	Vioolsdrif-Noordoewer, Nakop-Ariamsvlei	Key passage for regional trade, especially for road and rail transport of goods.
Botswana	1,969	Longest border, savanna landscapes, presence of the Limpopo River.	Groblersbrug-Martin’s Drift, Ramatlabama, Skilpadshek	Major axis for import/export, especially for road transport to northern Southern Africa.
Zimbabwe	230	Mainly demarcated by the Limpopo River, semi-arid region.	Beitbridge	Beitbridge is the busiest post in the region, essential for goods exchange and movement of people to Central and Eastern Africa.
Mozambique	496	Mountainous relief, Limpopo and Komati rivers, subtropical climate.	Lebombo-Ressano Garcia, Komatipoort	Gateway to the port of Maputo, facilitating South African exports to the Indian Ocean.
Eswatini	438	Rolling relief, rivers, proximity to Kruger National Park.	Oshoek, Ngwenya, Mahamba	Close economic exchanges, significant daily traffic of cross-border workers.
Lesotho	1,106	Mountainous enclave, Drakensberg range, high altitude.	Maseru Bridge, Caledonspoort, Sani Pass	Lesotho is economically dependent on South Africa, intensive exchange of goods, services, and labor.

Major Geographical Features:

• The Orange River marks the border with Namibia.
• The Limpopo River separates South Africa from Zimbabwe and, in part, from Botswana and Mozambique.
• Lesotho is a landlocked country, entirely surrounded by South Africa, with mainly mountainous relief (Drakensberg).

Geopolitical and Economic Impact of Neighbors:

• Transport Networks: Borders serve as major logistics corridors linking Southern Africa to global markets via South African ports (Durban, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town).
• Regional Trade: Trade with neighboring countries represents a significant share of South African imports and exports, particularly for manufactured goods, agricultural products, and energy.
• Migration and Employment: Hundreds of thousands of workers, particularly from Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, cross the borders daily to work in South Africa.
• Security Issues: Immigration control, combating smuggling and cross-border crime are constant challenges, especially at heavily trafficked crossing points like Beitbridge and Lebombo.

Main Border Posts and Their Importance:

• Beitbridge (Zimbabwe): Primary post in volume for goods and travelers between South Africa and the rest of Central and Eastern Africa.
• Lebombo/Ressano Garcia (Mozambique): Strategic access to the port of Maputo, essential for exporting minerals, coal, and agricultural products.
• Groblersbrug-Martin’s Drift (Botswana): Vital road axis for the trans-African corridor.
• Maseru Bridge (Lesotho): Main entry/exit point for labor and goods between Lesotho and South Africa.

Synthetic List of Major Border Posts:

• Beitbridge (Zimbabwe)
• Lebombo/Ressano Garcia (Mozambique)
• Groblersbrug-Martin’s Drift (Botswana)
• Ramatlabama (Botswana)
• Skilpadshek (Botswana)
• Oshoek (Eswatini)
• Maseru Bridge (Lesotho)
• Caledonspoort (Lesotho)
• Sani Pass (Lesotho)

South Africa shares 5,244 km of land borders with six countries: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, and Lesotho. These borders structure the regional economic dynamic, facilitate trade, the movement of people, and pose major security challenges. The main border posts, such as Beitbridge and Lebombo, are essential logistics nodes for Southern Africa.