Located on the southernmost tip of the African continent, South Africa has a coastline that stretches 1,600 miles, vast desert plains, rich forestry and majestic mountainous terrains. Its breathtaking beauty is among the most stunning in the world. But alongside these extraordinary natural wonders are urban destinations that offer their own unique variety of attractions waiting to be explored.
The Mother City: Cape Town
Cape Town is a modern, cosmopolitan city surrounded by nature. Centred around Table Mountain, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, the Mother City is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning biodiversity, award-winning food and wine, and wide variety of experiences on offer.
Explore Bo-Kaap’s colourful streets, artisanal food markets and rooftop bars for a sundowner while enjoying the amazing sunsets. From here explore historic wine estates, art-driven spaces like Zeitz MOCAA before departing on a tour of a lifetime as you explore the natural wonders of the Garden Route.
Robben Island Museum stands as an iconic monument to the enduring spirit of humanity. A powerful symbol of democracy’s triumph over apartheid, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The island played a defining role in the nation’s history as a high-security prison for political detainees during the apartheid era. Some of the country’s most influential freedom fighters — including Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu and Ahmed Kathrada — were imprisoned here. Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in captivity on the island, enduring harsh conditions and forced labour in the limestone quarry. Despite the brutality, Robben Island became a place of learning and resistance. Prisoners referred to it as ‘Mandela University’, as the future president encouraged education and political discussion among inmates. Today it is a museum, and visitors have the rare opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from former prisoners.
A visit to Robben Island begins with a 30-minute ferry ride from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, offering stunning views of Table Mountain and the surrounding cityscape.
Cape Town International Convention Centre
Close to the popular V&A Waterfront, the Cape Town International Convention Centre offers almost 1.5 million square feet of flexible events space and is opposite the Westin Cape Town with 483 rooms. More than 20,000 hotel rooms are available citywide.
Durban’s Golden Mile Beaches
Durban delivers warm oceans, plentiful days of sunshine, beachfront activities and Zulu and Indian heritage that add flavor to every experience.
Situated on the east coast of South Africa, in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, overlooking the vast Indian Ocean, Durban is known for its subtropical climate and vibrant coastal charm. Situated at the mouth of the Umgeni River, its natural harbour is South Africa’s busiest and helps make Durban a key economic gateway.
Home to a diverse population of around 3.5 million people, the city blends culture, modern infrastructure and natural beauty with a humid subtropical climate. The average temperature in summer ranges around 75 °F, while in winter the average temperature is 63 °F.
Famous for its Golden Mile beaches, Durban is surrounded by lush nature reserves, parks, botanical gardens and is an excellent hopping off point to explore the magnificent Drakensberg Mountains.
Durban International Convention Centre
The multi-award-winning Durban International Convention Centre offers the largest flat floor, column-free multi-purpose event space in Africa with 1.2 million square feet of flexible exhibition and meeting space. There are 3,600 hotel rooms within a 10-minute walk of the Centre.
Sparking Ideas: Johannesburg
Johannesburg crackles with urban energy — a melting pot of cultures where districts like Maboneng offer art, fashion, street markets and dynamic dining that spark new ideas and connections. From sophisticated Sandton rooftop venues, industrial-chic warehouses and dramatic gatherings at the Cradle of Humankind, one of the country’s eight World Heritage sites. Township Experience guided tours are highly recommended.
South Africa’s largest city and a dynamic economic and cultural hub, the city is home to around 5 million residents. Founded in 1886 as a gold mining settlement, Johannesburg rapidly grew into a centre of trade and industry, shaping much of the country’s economic development. Situated in the province of Gauteng, it is also home to the nation’s largest international airport.
The city is also deeply tied to South Africa’s apartheid history. Soweto township emerged as a powerful symbol of resistance, and many defining moments in the struggle for equality took place within its streets. The Apartheid Museum chronicles the powerful journey from oppression to democracy.
Other significant historical sites include Nelson Mandela House in Vilakazi Street, Soweto; the Hector Pieterson Memorial, honoring the 1976 student uprising; Constitution Hill, a former prison now home to the Constitutional Court. Soweto township tours — by bike or on foot — offer authentic glimpses into local life, while the Orlando Towers provide a mix of history and adventure, including bungee jumping.
Sandton Convention Centre
Located in the heart of Sandton’s financial district in Johannesburg, The Sandton Convention Centre is one of Africa’s leading conference and exhibition venues. It offers more than 236,800 square feet of flexible event space across multiple levels, including large exhibition halls, banquet venues, auditoriums and smaller meeting rooms. It is directly connected to The Sandton Sun & Towers Hotel.
For more must-see destination information, contact the South African National Convention Bureau.
