Follow Us:  

Top
Our destination guide to South Africa

South Africa

Destination Guide: South Africa

South Africa, known as the “Rainbow Nation” for its multicultural diversity, offers a dynamic blend of landscapes, from stunning coastlines to rugged mountains, and vast savannas. It’s a country rich in wildlife, history, and cultural experiences, making it a thrilling destination for any traveller.

Highlights & Must-See Attractions

  • Cape Town: Nestled beneath Table Mountain, this picturesque city is known for its harbor, natural setting, and landmarks such as Cape Point and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, provides poignant historical insights.
  • Kruger National Park: One of Africa’s largest game reserves, it offers some of the best wildlife viewing on the continent. Spot the Big Five on a safari and explore the diverse ecosystems within the park.
  • The Garden Route: A scenic stretch along the southeastern coast, known for its lush vegetation, beautiful beaches, and charming towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
  • The Drakensberg: South Africa’s highest mountain range offers spectacular views, hiking trails, rock paintings, and a chance to immerse in nature.
  • Johannesburg: South Africa’s largest city, offering a rich history and vibrant cultural scene. The Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill tell the story of South Africa’s journey to democracy.

Our Lesser-Known Favourites

  • The Wild Coast: Rugged and unspoiled, this area offers dramatic scenery, traditional Xhosa culture, and the chance to disconnect in a very rural part of the country.
  • The Blyde River Canyon: Known for its spectacular vistas, it’s the third largest canyon in the world and offers stunning panoramic views and outdoor activities.
  • Paternoster: A quaint fishing village on the West Coast known for its white-washed cottages, seafood, and beaches.
  • iSimangaliso Wetland Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its biodiversity, beautiful landscapes, and as a nesting site for loggerhead and leatherback turtles.

Did You Know?

South Africa is home to eleven official languages, one of the highest numbers of any country in the world. The country has produced several Nobel Peace Prize laureates, including Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Food and Cuisine

  • Biltong & Droewors: Dried, cured meat that is a favorite local snack.
  • Bunny Chow: A South African fast food dish consisting of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, originally created by the Indian community in Durban.
  • Bobotie: A well-loved South African dish that consists of spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping.

Literature and Cinema

Nelson Mandela’s “Long Walk to Freedom” provides profound insights into the struggle against apartheid, delving into Mandela’s life and the nation’s history. And the film “Tsotsi,” set in the slums of Johannesburg, offers a gripping portrayal of life in South Africa and won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Practical Information

  • Best Season to Visit: The best time to visit depends on your activities: for wildlife, May to September is ideal as it is dry and animals congregate around waterholes. For beaches, November to March is perfect, as it’s warm and sunny.
  • Temperature: South Africa’s climate varies greatly from region to region. Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate, while Johannesburg experiences dry, sunny winters and rainy summers.
  • Visa Requirements: Many nationals can enter South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days. You can check the requirements based on your passport here, or ask us to do so for you.

Getting ready for departure

  • Local Currency: South African Rand (ZAR). Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is advisable in remote areas.
  • Culture & Dress Code: Dress is generally casual. It’s respectful to dress modestly when visiting rural areas or religious sites.
  • Language: English is widely spoken throughout South Africa, serving as the primary language of commerce and media.
  • Electronics: South Africa uses type C, D, M, and N plugs. The standard voltage is 230 V.
  • Local emergency numbers: Police: 10111; Ambulance: 10177.

Before your journey, ensure you’re equipped with our Ultimate Packing List.

Consider bringing back local crafts like beadwork, woven baskets, or wines from the Cape Winelands as souvenirs of your unforgettable adventure.