| Average elevation | 1,034 m (3,392 ft) |
|---|---|
| Highest point | Mafadi Peak: 3,450 m (11,319 ft) |
| Lowest point | Atlantic Ocean: 0 m (0 ft) |
| Elevation range | 3,450 m (11,319 ft) from the lowest point to the highest |
| Highest-elevation city | Dullstroom: 2,100 m (6,890 ft) |
| Lowest-elevation city | Durban: 8 m (26 ft) |
South Africa is a country located at the bottom of the African continent. The country features a diverse range of landscapes that include mountain ranges, plateaus, and coastal plains. The elevation map of South Africa shows that the country has an average elevation of 1,034 meters above sea level.
The Eastern part of South Africa incorporates the interior plateau known as the Highveld. This region is located at an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level. The highest mountains of South Africa, including Drakensberg and Mafadi, are located in this region.
The Western part of South Africa has much lower elevation, featuring the Cape Fold Mountains and coastal plains, while the Great Karoo, a semi-arid region in the south-central interior, averages around 700 meters above sea level. This region is known for having semi-desert areas and semi-arid landscape.
South Africa's climate and weather can be heavily influenced by its topography due to the differences in altitude across the country. The elevation map reveals a range of diverse ecosystems with unique wildlife and vegetation. So, exploring the elevation of South Africa can be an enjoyable experience.
The highest point of South Africa is Mafadi, located in the Drakensberg mountain range. Its peak is situated at 3,450 meters above sea level. This mountain range is a famous destination among hikers in South Africa due to the stunning landscapes and unique flora and fauna.
The lowest point in South Africa is the Atlantic Ocean at the country's western and southern coastlines, which lies at sea level. The Orange River, which shares its border with Namibia, reaches the sea at the same level.
Lesotho, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe are similar to South Africa in terms of high-altitude terrain. Lesotho is known as the 'Mountain Kingdom' and has a lot of commonalities with South Africa in terms of geography, while Eswatini and Zimbabwe both rise into the Drakensberg and the highveld that run along South Africa's eastern escarpment.
Dullstroom is the highest-elevation city in South Africa, at 2,100 m (6,890 ft) above sea level. The table below lists the major cities with their elevations, from highest to lowest.
| City | Elevation | Elevation in feet |
|---|---|---|
| Dullstroom | 2,100 m | 6,890 ft |
| Johannesburg | 1,753 m | 5,751 ft |
| Bloemfontein | 1,393 m | 4,570 ft |
| Polokwane | 1,317 m | 4,321 ft |
| Pretoria | 1,312 m | 4,304 ft |
| Kimberley | 1,243 m | 4,078 ft |
| Nelspruit | 660 m | 2,165 ft |
| Port Elizabeth | 60 m | 197 ft |
| East London | 46 m | 151 ft |
| Cape Town | 17 m | 56 ft |
| Durban | 8 m | 26 ft |
The highest point in South Africa is Mafadi Peak, at 3,450 m (11,319 ft) above sea level.
The lowest point in South Africa is Atlantic Ocean, at 0 m (0 ft).
The average elevation of South Africa is 1,034 m (3,392 ft) above sea level, based on the CIA World Factbook.
Dullstroom is the highest-elevation city in South Africa, at 2,100 m (6,890 ft) above sea level.
Of the cities listed for South Africa, Durban is the lowest, at 8 m (26 ft) above sea level.
Elevation in South Africa ranges from 0 m (0 ft) at Atlantic Ocean to 3,450 m (11,319 ft) at Mafadi Peak, a difference of 3,450 m (11,319 ft).