South Africa is incredibly diverse and vibrant, boasting many landscapes and cultures. South Africa has everything, from bustling cities to stunning game reserves.
This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the best places to visit in South Africa, from its bustling cities to its tranquil countryside. You will also find a range of tips and advice to ensure that your trip to South Africa is both enjoyable and safe.
Overview of South Africa
South Africa is a large country situated at the southern tip of the African continent, covering an area of almost 1.2 million square kilometers. Home to more than 57 million people, South Africa, has 11 official languages and a wide variety of customs, beliefs, and cultures. Situated between two oceans – the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean – South Africa borders Namibia to the north and Mozambique to the northeast. It also shares borders with eSwatini, Botswana, and Zimbabwe in the north.
The country has a varied topography with flat plains in vast areas such as the Kalahari Desert in the North West, rolling hills in Elsenburg near Cape Town, and towering altitudes of over 3,200 meters on top of Lesotho’s mountains. Its climate is generally warm all year round, with cold winters arising mainly in higher altitudes.
Privately owned vegetation conservation areas cover approximately 5% of South Africa’s land surface and strive to protect rare or endangered species, among other animals, such as elephants, rhinos, and lions.
The country’s most iconic landmarks include:
- Table Mountain National Park is located near the city center of Cape Town;
- Robben Island Prison, located off Cape Town’s coast, where Nelson Mandela served his prison sentence;
- beautiful beaches along South Africa’s 900-kilometer coastline;
- Green Winelands located mainly around Stellenbosch;
- Kruger National Park, located on the Eastern Lowveld full of abundant wildlife;
- Unique natural rock formations, including former fishing villages like Hout Bay harbor entrance gate along Chapman’s Peak Drive close to Clifton Beach in Cape Town or Pilgrim’s Rest village along the gold-mining road from Lima River into Badplaas Province.
Weather & Climate
The climate in South Africa can be described as temperate, with most of the country experiencing warm weather throughout the year. However, since it is a large country, temperatures can vary according to region and elevation.
Generally speaking, the summer months (November to March) are hot and dry, with temperatures reaching an average of 90°F (32°C) during the day in some areas. The winter months (May to August) are colder and wetter, although average temperatures remain around 60°F (15°C). Nights are significantly cooler at any time of year, so pack appropriately!
- The Western Cape region has a mild Mediterranean climate with wet winters and dry, hot summers.
- The Eastern Cape gets more rain than anywhere else in South Africa, creating lush green scenery. Be sure to bring a raincoat if visiting here during the summer months.
- Most areas of South Africa enjoy 300-360 sunny days per year, making it an appealing destination for those seeking sunshine.
Accommodation
South Africa has many different accommodation options available to travelers. From luxury resorts to affordable hostels, everything suits every budget and style. However, accommodation in South Africa varies greatly depending on the region and city, so it’s important to research before you book.
Here are some tips and suggestions on how to find the best accommodation for your South African adventure:
Hotels & Resorts
Visitors traveling to South Africa have a wide range of accommodation choices. Hotels and resorts are the most popular types of accommodation in South Africa. Both offer a range of amenities and services to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.
Hotels typically cater to leisure and business travelers, offering rooms with en-suite bathrooms, wi-fi access, television sets, minibars, and sometimes even private balconies or terraces with great views. For those wishing for an extra luxurious holiday experience, several five-star hotels are located in popular tourist destinations such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. Business travelers often choose hotels that provide meeting rooms and business facilities as these are well adapted for corporate events.
When booking resorts in South Africa, travelers can choose from full-service establishments that offer activities ranging from tennis courts to mini water parks or spa facilities complete with Jacuzzis or saunas, golf courses, and much more. Resort holidays provide a unique opportunity for families visiting South Africa to create long-lasting memories together without sacrificing comfort or convenience. All resorts also have fine dining restaurant options and large meeting venues perfect for weddings or corporate functions.
Choosing the right accommodation depends on each traveler’s needs – but regardless of one’s requirements, there is sure to be something within the vast selection of fine hotels and resort options in beautiful South Africa!
Hostels & Guesthouses
Hostels and guesthouses are widely available and provide travelers with an economical alternative to more expensive hotels. Hostels usually offer barebones accommodations and communal facilities such as kitchens and bathrooms that travelers from all over the globe may share. SSAF Support hostels specifically offer safe, clean, and secure accommodation to international visitors looking for a budget-friendly getaway in South Africa.
On the other hand, Guesthouses provide more personalized hospitality where visitors can expect to find private sleeping areas, bathroom facilities, and breakfast service. Bed & Breakfast establishments exist throughout the country where visitors are offered private double rooms with an en suite bathroom and daily breakfast services usually included in the cost of the stay. Accommodation ranges from luxury to budget-friendly, depending on location, so read reviews before booking your stay online!
Camping & Glamping
Camping and glamping in South Africa allow travelers to experience the country’s natural beauty in some of its most spectacular settings. Campsites come in all shapes and sizes, from beaches to mountains, forests to grasslands, each offering something unique and exciting.
For those looking for a rustic experience, plenty of campsites are available. Visitors can pitch their tent at many sites or rent a bedroll at the main facilities. The camping grounds may also feature bathrooms, showers, laundry, kitchens, and fireplaces.
Glamping is becoming increasingly popular in South Africa and is a great option for those looking for a luxury camping experience without sacrificing too much comfort. Glamping spots typically offer tents equipped with furniture made from natural materials, as well as other back-to-basics living amenities like hot water showers and private outdoor baths. In addition, most campsites have communal areas with lounge sofas or comfortable bedding by outdoor fire pits for roasting marshmallows.
Visitors at many camping grounds can also participate in hiking, birdwatching, or game drives, depending on their location. For those feeling adventurous enough, you might even explore some of South Africa’s famous cave formations above ground and below.
Transportation
South Africa is a vast nation with many different transportation options. Whether you’re looking to get from one city to another, take a scenic train ride, or explore the smaller towns and villages, there are plenty of choices.
In this guide, we will cover the different transportation options available to travelers within South Africa and how to access them:
Air Travel
Air travel is an efficient way to get around South Africa, with daily flights from most major cities and towns. National carrier South African Airways (SAA) operates regional and international routes, while low-cost airlines, such as Mango and Kulula, are budget-friendly options for domestic travel.
International flights arrive at one of three major airports in the country: OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, Cape Town International Airport in Cape Town, and King Shaka International Airport in Durban. Most short-haul flights within the country take no longer than 90 minutes and usually cost between R300 to R3000 (±US$20 to US$200), depending on the route travel class chosen. Bookings can be made online or through your local travel agent.
When booking a flight, carefully read all airline regulations concerning luggage restrictions, including weight allowances and any additional charges for sports equipment or additional baggage items. It is also advisable to arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure time for both national and international departures for time for check-in procedures.
Car Rental
For guests traveling to South Africa and planning to explore the cities and provinces, a car rental is one of the most popular forms of transportation. Renting a car is also ideal for visitors to explore South Africa’s stunning roadway system, which offers magnificent views of the country’s diverse terrain.
When considering a car rental in South Africa, it’s important to consider the type of vehicle you need, how long you plan on having it, where your trips will take you, and other factors such as cost. Major international companies such as Avis, Budget, and Hertz have offices in most large cities throughout South Africa that offer access to various vehicles, from family vans to luxury SUVs. It is also possible to book these services online before departing.
In addition to these traditional car hire services, South Africa has many start-up companies offering short-term rent-by-distance services that make getting around even easier. These businesses allow users to book a car with just an app on their smartphone or laptop and then unlock the doors with their phone when they arrive at the vehicle – no keys required! Many social media networks also have dedicated ride-sharing accounts that match drivers with passengers needing a lift.
Whatever your transportation needs may be when traveling in South Africa, there are plenty of opportunities available for everyone – so be sure to consider all options carefully before choosing one.
Public Transportation
South Africa’s public transportation options include minibus taxis, urban and rural buses, coaches, and trains. Using public transport in South Africa allows visitors to experience the daily life of locals and make it possible to reach many destinations.
- Minibus Taxis: The minibus taxi is the most popular and cheapest form of transport in South Africa. They are found throughout the country on local routes and those connecting cities to towns or smaller villages. When traveling by taxi, always sit in the back for safety reasons as this is where you are less likely to be targeted for crime.
- Urban Buses: Most major cities have bus services that link different parts of town with one another and provide a connection from rural areas to larger centers. The fares are usually fixed and affordable, depending on the route traveled.
- Rural Buses: The major long-distance companies offer reasonable fares when traveling between big cities or their surrounding towns or villages, such as Greyhound, Translux, or Citytosubsidiary of South African Railway Corporation (SAR). For longer trips, inter-city Triton Express operates two daily services between Pretoria and Cape Town (Gauteng – WC line). Also, Baz Bus offers a door-to-door hop-on/hop-off service between Durban/Johannesburg/Cape Town at an affordable price.
- Trains: Train trips can offer excellent viewings of South Africa’s countryside with four main lines; Pretoria-Pietersberg; Johannesburg-Kuruman; Durban- Johannesburg; Kilmarnock – Durban Harbor line. There are three classes available; Premier Classe – 1st class travel which includes catering during your journey; Economy Class – decent seating without catering service; Tourist Class –seat only option at an even cheaper rate than Economy class travel. Services run on time, but there have been reports about safety issues, so please take precautions before embarking on your journey by train.
Attractions
South Africa is full of exciting attractions you won’t miss out on when you visit. From the beautiful landscapes in Kruger National Park to the urban cityscapes of Johannesburg, South Africa offers something for everyone. But, of course, there are also plenty of historical and cultural attractions, from the iconic Robben Island to the colorful Bo-Kaap.
In this section, we will look at some of the best attractions in South Africa so that you can plan a truly unforgettable trip:
National Parks & Wildlife Reserves
South Africa has an impressive selection of national parks and wildlife reserves, each offering its strengths.
Kruger National Park can be found in the northeast of the country in Limpopo Province and is as close to a “big 5” safari experience that one can get within the commercial systems throughout Southern Africa. It’s home to dozens of species, including endangered black and white rhinos, cheetahs, lions, elephants, and leopards.
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a unique melding of game reserves from Botswana and South Africa, which offer expansive mountain landscapes, desert vistas, and an abundance of big cats. Kwandwe Private Game Reserve in Eastern Cape boasts 22 animal species per square km and a handful of lodges in five habitats. The Mosi-oa-Tshungu National Park is home to vast stretches of savanna grassland (where you can expect to see some incredible birdlife) along with bushveld wildflowers surrounded by ancient granite outcrops known as koppies.
In addition to these top wildlife areas, South Africa offers plenty of other attractions like Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was famously incarcerated, or the gorgeous Garden Route stretching over hundreds of kilometers along the coast through pastel beach towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. There’s no shortage of beautiful sights within this country, both natural and man-made.
Cultural & Historical Sites
South Africa is a vibrant country with a unique culture that has evolved from the union of many different ethnic communities. The country’s history dates back to 1648 and the arrival of Dutch settlers, and its diverse modern-day population is both a testament to centuries of racial mixing and divergence. Every major city in South Africa has well-preserved cultural and historical sites where visitors can learn more about this beautiful country’s people, customs, language, and religions.
Cultural & Historic Sites:
- Robben Island: Located off the coast near Cape Town, Robben Island is home to Nelson Mandela’s former prison. Today it stands as a memorial to the Apartheid era in South African history.
- Voortrekker Monument: Built in Pretoria, this monument celebrates Afrikaner pioneers’ influential journey from British colonies into South Africa.
- Bo Kaap Museum: Learn about Cape Malay culture at this historical museum located in central Cape Town.
- Constitution Hill Museum: Provides insight into apartheid legislation, its role in South African history, and an exhibition on contemporary human rights in South Africa.
- District Six Museum: A glimpse into multicultural life before Apartheid located outside the city center.
- Gold Reef City Theme Park & Casino: Located next to Soweto Johannesburg, it explores living conditions during Apartheid.
- KwaZulu Natal Museum: Housed within two restored 19th-century homes—learn about Zulu culture at Durban’s most iconic museum.
Adventure & Outdoor Activities
South Africa offers a fantastic selection of outdoor activities for those looking for an adrenaline rush. Adventure seekers will find a wealth of open-air attractions within this country that offer something for everyone. Here are just some of the exciting activities available in South Africa:
- Hot air ballooning – Hot air ballooning is a must for those looking to get stunning aerial views of the South African countryside. Not only will one be able to take in spectacular vistas, but the activity has been known to be incredibly calming and peaceful.
- Mac mac falls – If you’re longing for breathtaking scenery, you must visit Mac mac falls. These cascades near Sabie in Mpumalanga Province offer gorgeous scenery and invigorating mist!
- Skydiving – Experience an ultimate rush with skydiving around South Africa! There are certified skydiving spots around the country with trained instructors ready to guide sky-high jumps safely.
- Water sports – As much fun as it is on land, there are just as many crazy adventure activities available while out at sea! From scuba diving and kite surfing to kayaking and coasteering with secret reefs waiting beneath crystal blue waters – get ready for major wet-and-wild fun!
- Horseback Riding – Feel like you’re part of the wild west with horseback riding through various parts of South Africa’s national parks or Winelands. Whether riding along rolling waves or meandering along dunes, this experience will surely create cherished memories!
Food & Drink
South Africa offers an incredible variety of regional cuisine and flavors. There are influences from Indian, Dutch, German, and British traditions. Dishes served in South African restaurants generally include spices and sauces to give extra flavor to the food.
You’ll find various dishes, from traditional South African fare to international cuisine. South African food will tantalize your taste buds, from hearty stews to light salads and curries.
Local Cuisine
South African cuisine is a unique and diverse melting pot of flavors. Elements of European, Indian and African culinary traditions have created a colorful, delicious local cuisine. In addition, you’ll find many traditional dishes that are succulent, flavorful, and easy to find in most parts of the country.
The most common ingredients used in traditional South African cooking are maize (cornmeal), meat, poultry, fish, legumes, and vegetables. Dishes such as “bobotie” (a curry-like mix with minced lamb or beef, spices, and fruit) and “biltong” (dried meat strips similar to beef jerky) are popular for their strong flavors. Other local favorites include “potjiekos” (a savory stew made with vegetables), “samp and beans” (a combination of cornmeal porridge wrapped around beans), “waterblommetjie bredie” (lamb stew), and “umngqusho” (maize meal cooked with beans).
Aside from traditional dishes, South Africa has several regional delicacies you may encounter while traveling. Some great BBQ spots can be found all over the country where you can enjoy an array of meats cooked over an open flame or grilled on a braai – South Africa’s answer to the barbecue. The Cape Floral region also has its unique flavors; be sure to try some of the following:
- “Wafers de boerekaas” (deep-fried cheese balls made from grain flour batter)
- Koeksisters (made from twisted dough served with syrup)
- Malva Pudding (cake served warm with cream or custard)
- Melktert Pie (milk tart).
No holiday in South Africa would be complete without at least tasting one of these local specialties!
Restaurants & Cafes
South Africa has plenty of options if you’re looking for a place to eat. The country offers a variety of restaurants and cafes that serve dishes from all over the world. Some of the most popular restaurants specializing in South African cuisine offer dishes such as barbecued meats, chicken bredie (stewed chicken served with white rice or samp), or pap and wors (boiled corn meal and sausage served with tomato sauce).
In addition to traditional South African food, there are Italian, Indian, Chinese, and Greek restaurants throughout the country. Fast-food chains like KFC, Burger King, and Wimpy are popular destinations. If you want something more upscale or formal, there are plenty of steakhouses and international fine dining establishments.
Aside from restaurants, numerous cafes and small eateries are dotted around the cities where travelers can pick up sandwiches and pastries. It’s also worth looking out for roadside stands known as “shisa nyama,” which can be found throughout the country serving up smoky barbequed meat – a great experience for anyone looking to sample some local flavor!
Nightlife & Bars
From bustling night spots and sports bars to intimate establishments with spectacular views, there’s a bar for every taste in South Africa. Visitors to this country can experience a vibrant nightlife full of activities such as dancing, game viewing (spot the Big five from a sidewalk café), live music, and more.
In Johannesburg, visitors will find many bars that feature various sounds, including jazz, reggae, and African dance music. Popular areas include Maboneng Precinct, with its bustling nightlife scene; Melville, where you’ll find cozy rooftop bars with great views; the Rosebank Art District boasts some of the most fashionable spots in town; And Soweto. In addition, you’ll find fun spots like Bohlokong’s Basement Bar & Grill or The Local Hero.
Cape Town has something for everyone as well. Enjoy craft beer at Trenchtown or visit Durbanville Hills Winery during sunset to watch kite surfers from its deck. Visit Bree Street for chic bars and clubs, including “The Dog’s Bollix,” Dog Walking Club (a craft beer bar), and Assembly, which hosts open-mic nights twice weekly featuring upcoming musicians covering classic hits from times past and present.
For an unforgettable experience, head to Rustenhof Beach on the edge of Gordon’s Bay, where you can witness hundreds of Cape Fur seals come together at sunset to swim across tide pools. At the same time, visitors enjoy cocktails at The Big O Beach Bar or one of the many restaurants lining the beachfront while they watch dolphins assist local fishermen in their catch!
Safety & Security
When planning a trip to South Africa, it’s essential to consider safety and security. South Africa is considered relatively safe; however, it has areas of high crime and violence that should be avoided.
This guide will provide an overview of safety and security for those traveling to South Africa and what precautions should be taken:
Safety Tips
South Africa is a great place to visit, and tourists are warmly welcomed. However, it pays to be aware of your surroundings and follow some basic safety tips when traveling.
When you’re out in public, watch your belongings closely and keep any valuables hidden or locked away in your hotel safe. Avoid walking alone at night if possible and never go into isolated areas or venture away from busy, well-lit streets.
Be vigilant when using ATMs or carrying large amounts of cash; use credit cards to pay for purchases wherever possible. When taking taxis, it’s best to arrange in-advance bookings with reputable companies instead of hailing one off the street – if unsure about the taxi, speak to the hotel reception for advice first.
In Cape Town, it’s best not to wear flashy jewelry or leave visible items such as laptops or cameras on display in your car, as this can be an open invitation for opportunistic thieves. Before heading off on any hike, always check in with local experts, as some areas may be unsafe due to poor tracks/paths, snakes, or wild animals nearby. Finally, it’s always best to travel with a companion whenever going on outdoor activities – especially if it’s late at night! Doing this ensures that there is someone around who knows where you plan on going should an emergency occur.
Overall, South Africa is a safe place for traveling – use common sense and remain vigilant at all times to avoid putting yourself in dangerous situations which could have been avoided.
Emergency Contacts
When you travel to South Africa, it is important to have emergency contacts for medical care, security, and other potential issues.
Medical services in South Africa are well-developed in major cities, and many rural areas now have access to emergency care. However, if you become unwell in a rural area, it is recommended that you have the telephone contact numbers of local hospitals and/or private medical centers on hand. Additionally, taking out an emergency health insurance policy before traveling is highly recommended, as medical costs can be considerable.
In regards to security or peace of mind, while traveling within South Africa, several emergency contacts are available 24/7:
- South African Police Services (SAPS): You can call the SAPS on 10111 or 08600 10111 from any landline or mobile phone in South Africa.
- Security Companies: When traveling within urban areas or visiting protected sites such as national parks, it may be advisable to contact a private security company when immediate assistance is required due to safety concerns.
- South African Air Force: If there is an aviation-related emergency (such as hijacking), contact 012 351 2310 for assistance from Airforce Base Waterkloof near Pretoria.
- Emergency Management Services: The National Emergency Number (112) connects all the necessary emergency services, such as municipal ambulance, fire brigade, and police, in one call center across South Africa’s provinces.