The Most Beautiful Province in South Africa, Ranked

Choose the province you think is the most beautiful!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 26, 2024 06:19
Beauty is a subjective matter, yet when it comes to evaluating the aesthetic appeal of regions, collective insight becomes invaluable. In South Africa, with its diverse landscapes ranging from lush vineyards and expansive deserts to vibrant cityscapes and serene coastlines, choosing the most beautiful province is both challenging and exciting. A ranked list based on public opinion not only fosters community engagement but also highlights regional pride and competitive spirit. By casting votes, users contribute to a dynamic tally reflecting widespread preferences and changing opinions. This continuous updating ensures the ranking remains current and reflective of real-time public sentiment. Whether to promote a favored locale or simply to participate in a larger dialogue about beauty and geography, voting empowers users to have a direct impact on the outcome, making them an integral part of the process.

What Is the Most Beautiful Province in South Africa?

  1. 1
    63
    votes
    With its stunning beaches, majestic mountains, and world-renowned wine regions, the Western Cape is often considered the most beautiful province in South Africa.
    The Western Cape is a breathtaking province located in the southwestern part of South Africa. It encompasses a diverse range of landscapes, from picturesque coastal stretches to rugged mountain ranges and fertile valleys. Known for its stunning natural beauty, the Western Cape is a popular destination for both local and international tourists.
    • Area: 129,462 square kilometers
    • Population: 6.6 million
    • Capital: Cape Town
    • Main Languages: Afrikaans, English, Xhosa
    • Major Cities: Cape Town, Stellenbosch, George
  2. 2
    31
    votes
    Home to the Drakensberg Mountains, beautiful beaches, and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal is a province of diverse natural beauty.
    KwaZulu-Natal is a province located in the eastern part of South Africa. It is known for its diverse landscapes, breathtaking coastline, and rich cultural heritage. The province offers a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife reserves, historical sites, and vibrant cities, making it a popular tourist destination.
    • Capital: Pietermaritzburg
    • Largest City: Durban
    • Area: 94,361 square kilometers
    • Population: approximately 11.4 million
    • Official Languages: Zulu and English
  3. 3
    25
    votes
    With its breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders like the Blyde River Canyon and Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga is a province that truly showcases South Africa's natural beauty.
    Mpumalanga is a province situated in the eastern part of South Africa, bordering Mozambique and Swaziland. It is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and scenic beauty. The region impresses with its lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, majestic mountains, and vast canyons, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
    • Administrative Capital: Nelspruit
    • Largest City: Mbombela
    • Area: 76,495 square kilometers
    • Population: 4.5 million
    • Official Languages: SiSwati, Zulu, and English
  4. 4
    17
    votes
    Eastern Cape
    NJR ZA · CC BY-SA 3.0
    From the Wild Coast to the Addo Elephant National Park, the Eastern Cape is a province filled with diverse beauty and natural wonders.
    The Eastern Cape is a stunning province located in the southeastern part of South Africa. It is known for its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and abundance of wildlife.
    • Capital: Bhisho
    • Largest City: Port Elizabeth
    • Area: 169,580 square kilometers
    • Population: Approximately 6.7 million
    • Languages: Xhosa, English, Afrikaans
  5. 5
    19
    votes
    Northern Cape
    Andremarais · Public domain

    Northern Cape

    Constitution of South Africa
    The vast and arid landscapes of the Northern Cape are truly unique and beautiful, with attractions like the Augrabies Falls and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
    The Northern Cape is a province located in the northwestern part of South Africa, bordered by Namibia and Botswana. It is known for its vast and diverse landscapes, ranging from arid desert regions to breathtaking mountain ranges.
    • Capital: Kimberley
    • Area: 372,889 square kilometers
    • Population: 1,225,739
    • Languages: Afrikaans, Tswana, Xhosa, and English
    • Climate: Hot summers, mild winters, and low rainfall
  6. 6
    12
    votes
    The northernmost province of South Africa is home to the world-renowned Kruger National Park, as well as the beautiful Waterberg Biosphere Reserve.
    Limpopo is a province located in the northernmost part of South Africa. It is known for its stunning natural landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. The province is named after the Limpopo River, which forms its northern border, and it shares borders with Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Limpopo offers visitors a unique and immersive experience, with a blend of traditional African customs and modern infrastructure. The province is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering incredible opportunities for wildlife safaris, birdwatching, hiking, and exploring its many national parks and game reserves. Limpopo also boasts ancient archaeological sites and rock art, showcasing the region's historical significance. With its warm climate, friendly people, and breathtaking scenery, Limpopo is truly a gem in South Africa's landscape.
    • Location: Northernmost part of South Africa
    • Borders: Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique
    • Major River: Limpopo River
    • Wildlife: Diverse and abundant
    • National Parks: Kruger National Park, Mapungubwe National Park, Marakele National Park
  7. 7
    7
    votes
    Although Gauteng is a highly urbanized province, it still boasts beautiful natural areas like the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden and the Magaliesberg mountains.
    Gauteng is a vibrant and cosmopolitan province in South Africa, known as the economic heartland of the country. It is characterized by its bustling cities, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.
    • Population: Over 15 million
    • Area: Approximately 18,178 square kilometers
    • Capital: Johannesburg
    • Official Languages: English, isiZulu, Afrikaans, and Sesotho
    • Major Cities: Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Soweto
  8. 8
    7
    votes
    Free State
    Martin Kozák · CC BY-SA 3.0
    The Free State may be one of the country's smallest provinces, but it is home to beautiful landscapes like the Golden Gate Highlands National Park and the Vaal Dam.
    The Free State is a province located in the heart of South Africa. It is known for its stunning landscapes, traditional Afrikaner culture, and rich history. The province was created from the former Boer republic, the Orange Free State, and is bordered by several provinces including Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and the Northern Cape.
    • Capital: Bloemfontein
    • Area: 129,825 square kilometers
    • Population: 2.8 million people
    • Official Language: Afrikaans
    • Major Cities: Bloemfontein, Welkom, and Bethlehem
  9. 9
    5
    votes
    North West
    PWDaffue · CC BY-SA 4.0

    North West

    South African government
    The North West province is home to the Pilanesberg Game Reserve and the beautiful Magaliesberg mountains, making it a great destination for nature lovers.
    The North West province is a picturesque region situated in the northeastern part of South Africa. It is known for its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and abundance of natural beauty. With its rolling hills, majestic mountains, expansive grasslands, and sparkling water bodies, the North West province offers a visual feast for every nature lover. The region is home to numerous game reserves, national parks, and breathtaking scenery, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
    • Capital City: Mahikeng
    • Area: 104,882 square kilometers
    • Population: Approximately 3.7 million
    • Official Language: Tswana
    • Major Cities: Rustenburg, Klerksdorp, and Potchefstroom
    North West in other rankings
  10. 10
    8
    votes

    Western Northern Cape

    South African government
    The Western Northern Cape is a remote and beautiful region, with attractions like the Namaqua National Park and the Cederberg Wilderness Area.
    The Western Northern Cape province is one of South Africa's most beautiful regions, known for its stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems. It was formed when the Cape Province was divided into three separate provinces in 1994. The Western Northern Cape is situated in the western part of the Northern Cape province, bordering the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
    • Natural Beauty: The Western Northern Cape boasts breathtaking natural beauty, including majestic mountain ranges, vast desert plains, pristine beaches, and unique rock formations.
    • Biodiversity and National Parks: The province is home to several national parks and nature reserves, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the region. This includes the iconic Namaqua National Park and Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.
    • Floral Kingdom: Part of the Western Northern Cape falls within the Cape Floristic Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's biodiversity hotspots.
    • Wine Region: The Western Northern Cape is renowned for its wine production, particularly in the fertile valleys of the Cape Winelands. It is the largest wine-producing region in South Africa.
    • Rich Cultural Heritage: The province is rich in cultural heritage, with a mix of indigenous Khoisan heritage, colonial history, and vibrant local communities.

Missing your favorite province?

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Ranking factors for beautiful province

  1. Natural beauty
    Consider the province's natural landscape and features such as mountains, beaches, forests, rivers, and wildlife reserves.
  2. Biodiversity
    Evaluate the variety of flora and fauna, as well as the province's commitment to conservation and preservation of these natural assets.
  3. Climate
    Take into account the overall climate, weather patterns, and average temperatures across seasons in the province.
  4. Cultural and historical attractions
    Consider the presence of historical sites, cultural landmarks, museums, and other attractions that showcase the province's heritage.
  5. Infrastructure and accessibility
    Evaluate the quality and availability of transportation, accommodations, and other amenities that can enhance a visitor's experience.
  6. Recreational activities
    Consider the variety of outdoor and indoor activities available for visitors, such as hiking, biking, water sports, wildlife viewing, and cultural experiences.
  7. Safety and security
    Take into account the overall safety of the province for tourists, including crime rates and general stability.
  8. Cleanliness and sustainability
    Evaluate the province's efforts towards maintaining clean and sustainable environments for residents and visitors.
  9. Local hospitality
    Consider the friendliness and warmth of the local people, as well as their willingness to engage with and share their culture with visitors.
  10. Overall charm and uniqueness
    Assess the distinctiveness of the province's landscapes, attractions, and experiences, setting it apart from other provinces or destinations.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful province in South Africa. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or province is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2078 views
  • 190 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each province once every 24 hours. The rank of each province is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful province in south africa

South Africa is a country rich in diversity, with its stunning landscapes, vibrant cultures, and unique wildlife. Each of its nine provinces has its own charm and beauty, making it difficult to choose just one as the most beautiful. From the rolling hills of the Eastern Cape to the rugged coastline of the Western Cape, and from the lush forests of Mpumalanga to the sun-drenched beaches of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa has something for every traveler. The country's natural beauty is complemented by its rich cultural heritage, with a mix of indigenous African, European, and Asian influences. So, what is the most beautiful province in South Africa? Cast your vote on StrawPoll and share your thoughts with the world!

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