South Africa Travel Essentials
Ideal Duration: 10-14 days for exploring major cities and safaris; 3 weeks for a comprehensive experience
Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
Best Time: May to September (Dry season, good for safaris); November to February (Summer) for coastal regions
Budget: Budget: $10-20
Mid-range: $30-50
Accommodation Cost (per night in USD):
Dorm bed: $10-20
Budget: $30-60
Mid-range: $80-150
Luxury: $200 and above
Visa Policy for Indians: Visa required, various types available
Visa Policy for Other Nationals: Visa required, various types available
Getting In South Africa: OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
Getting Around South Africa: Domestic flights, buses, trains, rental cars, and safari vehicles
"Where Natural Beauty Abounds "
South Africa Tourism
South Africa is in the southern part of Africa and shares borders with Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe. It's known as "The Rainbow Nation" because of its love for diversity, with three capitals, eleven languages, and lots of national parks and special places recognized by the United Nations. South Africa is famous for its stunning landscapes and amazing animals. You'll find landmarks like Table Mountain and Kruger National Park, plus a vibrant cultural scene.
But South Africa also has a tough history because of apartheid, a system that separated people by their race. This ended in the early 1990s when Nelson Mandela was freed, and the country had its first democratic elections. Now, South Africa is a democratic country with a mix of people, a variety of jobs like mining and farming, and it's part of important groups like the African Union and the United Nations, helping make decisions on the continent and around the world.
Tourist Places to Visit In South Africa
Must Know Before You Travel to South Africa
- Safety: While South Africa is generally safe for tourists, it's important to be aware of your surroundings, especially in urban areas, and to avoid displaying valuable items in public places.
- Health Precautions: Consult a doctor or travel health clinic for vaccinations and health advice before visiting South Africa. In some regions, anti-malarial medication may be recommended.
- Packing Tip: Pack clothing suitable for the varying climates in South Africa, from warm days to cooler nights. Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
- Currency: The currency used in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR). While credit cards are widely accepted at major establishments, it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller expenses, especially in rural areas.
- Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, as some may prefer not to be photographed.
- Plug Points: South Africa typically uses 220-240V, and the plug type is Type D and Type M. It's advisable to bring the appropriate adapters for your electronic devices.
- Language: South Africa has 11 official languages, with English, Zulu, Xhosa, and Afrikaans being some of the most commonly spoken. English is widely used in tourist areas.
- Smoking: South Africa has strict smoking regulations, and smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces, restaurants, bars, and other designated non-smoking areas. Some places may have designated smoking zones.
- Tap Water: It's generally recommended to drink bottled water or use filtered water in South Africa. Ensure that the seals on bottled water are intact before consumption.
- Scams: While South Africa is a safe destination, tourists should be cautious and aware of potential scams, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots. Be wary of individuals posing as authorities and always verify the legitimacy of tour operators before booking any tours or safaris.
- Pollution: Some urban areas in South Africa may experience air pollution, so it's advisable to check air quality indices and take necessary precautions, especially if you have respiratory issues.
- Travel Insurance: It's important to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers your specific needs, including for adventure activities or safaris.
- Bargaining: Bargaining is common in South African markets, and it's acceptable to negotiate prices respectfully, particularly in informal markets and with street vendors.
- Tipping: Tipping is customary in South Africa, and it's typical to tip around 10% for good service in hotels, restaurants, and from guides.
Best time to visit South Africa
The overall best time to visit South Africa is during its spring and autumn months, from April to May and September to October. The weather is generally mild, and the landscapes are at their most picturesque during these periods. South Africa's diverse attractions are at their finest, from wildlife ...
Holidify's opinion on Travel to South Africa
What's Great about Travelling to South Africa?
Multilingual nation. Abundance of wildlife. Cheaper cost of living. Good weather.
What's Not So Great about Travelling to South Africa?
Frequent power outages. Traffic in the cities. Pollution.
Who should Travel to South Africa?
Top Stories about South Africa Tourism
Browse Package Collections
Read More on South Africa Travel
Exchanging Money in South Africa
Nightlife in South Africa
Shopping in South Africa
Festivals of South Africa
Hygiene in South Africa
Customs of South Africa
Tips for visiting South Africa
Food of South Africa
Top Hotel Collections for South Africa
Photos of South Africa
+ 48photos
FAQs on South Africa
How to reach South Africa from India?
Reviews
Have a Question on South Africa?
experience.