South Africa Physical Map
Description:
This map shows landforms in South Africa.
The physical map of South Africa reveals a diverse landscape characterized by varying elevations and geographical features. The country occupies the southernmost region of the African continent, covering an area of 471,445 square miles (1,221,037 square kilometers).
The most prominent topographical feature is the Great Escarpment, which forms a natural boundary between the country's high interior plateau and the lower coastal areas. The plateau's altitude typically ranges from 3,000 to 6,000 feet (915 to 1,830 meters) above sea level. The highest point in South Africa is Mafadi Peak at 11,320 feet (3,450 meters), located in the Drakensberg Mountains along the eastern border.
South Africa's coastline stretches for approximately 1,739 miles (2,798 kilometers) along both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The western region includes the Namib Desert, while the eastern areas feature subtropical conditions. The central region consists of the semi-arid Karoo plateau, which transitions into the Kalahari Desert in the northwest.
Major mountain ranges include the Drakensberg, Lebombo Mountains, and Cape Fold Mountains. The country's river systems are dominated by the Orange River and its tributary, the Vaal River, which serve as crucial water sources for agriculture and urban areas.
Highest peaks in South Africa
- Thabana Ntlenyana - 11,424 ft (3,482 m)
- Mafadi - 11,320 ft (3,450 m)
- Njesuthi - 11,181 ft (3,408 m)
- Champagne Castle - 11,154 ft (3,400 m)
- Giant's Castle - 10,869 ft (3,313 m)
- Mount Aux Sources - 10,768 ft (3,282 m)
- Cathkin Peak - 10,761 ft (3,280 m)
- Devil's Knuckles - 10,669 ft (3,252 m)
- Cleft Peak - 10,636 ft (3,242 m)
- Monk's Cowl - 10,499 ft (3,200 m)
- Cathedral Peak - 10,433 ft (3,180 m)
- Mount Anderson - 10,177 ft (3,102 m)
- Ben Macdhui - 9,859 ft (3,005 m)
- Compassberg - 8,182 ft (2,494 m)
- Seweweekspoort Peak - 7,628 ft (2,325 m)
- Groot Winterhoek - 6,824 ft (2,080 m)
- Table Mountain - 3,563 ft (1,086 m)
- Devil's Peak - 3,281 ft (1,000 m)
- Lion's Head - 2,195 ft (669 m)
- Signal Hill - 1,148 ft (350 m)
You may download, print or use the above map for educational, personal and non-commercial purposes. Attribution is required. For any website, blog, scientific research or e-book, you must place a hyperlink (to this page) with an attribution next to the image used.
Last Updated: December 17, 2024
Maps of South Africa
Cities of South Africa