South Africa Travel Guide
A comprehensive tour guide to South Africa, including what to do, where to stay, and how to get around.
- Introduction to South Africa
- List of Places to Visit in South Africa
- Hiking/Biking Routes of South Africa
- Best Things to Do in South Africa: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for South Africa
- Food and Drink Scene of South Africa
- Where to Stay in South Africa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in South Africa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of South Africa
- Best Time to Visit South Africa
- Do’s and Don’ts of South Africa
- Safety and Health
- Getting to South Africa: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in South Africa
- Where to Go Next from South Africa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
South Africa is a country located in Southern Africa and is known for its diverse culture, wildlife, and scenic beauty. From stunning national parks to bustling cities, there is no shortage of things to see and do in South Africa. In this tour guide, we will explore everything you need to know about traveling to South Africa.
Introduction to South Africa
South Africa is a vibrant country with a rich history and cultural heritage. It is home to a diverse population that encompasses many ethnic groups and religions. The official languages of South Africa are English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa, and many others.
South Africa has a wide range of landscapes, from rugged mountains to sandy beaches, and vast wildlife reserves. It is also home to some of the most famous landmarks in Africa, such as the Table Mountain in Cape Town and Kruger National Park.
List of Places to Visit in South Africa
No visit to South Africa is complete without visiting some of its most iconic locations. Here are some of the top places to visit in South Africa:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Apartheid Museum
- District Six Museum
- Robben Island
- Castle of Good Hope
- Constitution Hill
- Nelson Mandela Capture Site
Natural Attractions of South Africa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Table Mountain
- Cape of Good Hope
- Blyde River Canyon
- Garden Route
- Kruger National Park
- Drakensberg Mountains
Hiking/Biking Routes of South Africa
South Africa has some of the best hiking and biking trails in the world. Here are some of the top routes to explore:
- Otter Trail
- Amphitheatre Trail
- Whale Trail
- Harkerville Trail
- Table Mountain National Park
Best Things to Do in South Africa: Activities and Tours
South Africa offers an abundance of activities and tours to suit all interests. Here are some of the top things to do in South Africa:
- Safari tours
- Whale watching in Hermanus
- Wine tasting in Stellenbosch
- Visit the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
- Shark cage diving in Gansbaai
- Skydiving in Cape Town
Week-Long Itinerary for South Africa
If you only have a week to visit South Africa, here is a suggested itinerary:
| Day 1 | Arrive in Cape Town, Table Mountain |
|---|---|
| Day 2 | Cape Peninsula Tour |
| Day 3 | Wine tour in Stellenbosch |
| Day 4 | Drive along the Garden Route |
| Day 5 | Safari in Kruger National Park |
| Day 6 | Blyde River Canyon |
| Day 7 | Departure |
Food and Drink Scene of South Africa
South Africa has a diverse cuisine influenced by its cultural heritage. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Biltong
- Bobotie
- Bunny Chow
- Braai (Barbeque)
- Pap en Sous
Local Beverages
- Rooibos Tea
- Castle Lager
- Pinotage Wine
- Amarula Cream Liqueur
Where to Stay in South Africa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
South Africa has a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Some popular options include:
- Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
- One&Only Cape Town
- Garden Route Game Lodge
- Mhondoro Safari Lodge
- Backpackers Paradise Hostel
What to Buy in South Africa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
South Africa has a range of products that make great souvenirs. Here are some local products to consider:
- African sculptures and crafts
- Beaded jewellery
- Local wine and beer
- Rooibos tea
- Amarula cream liqueur
Local Culture and Customs of South Africa
South Africa has a rich culture and customs, influenced by its diverse population. It is important to respect local customs and traditions when visiting South Africa. Some things to keep in mind include:
- Greeting locals with a smile
- Respecting cultural diversity
- Learning a few words in a local language
Best Time to Visit South Africa
South Africa is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your personal preferences. The summer months (December to March) are ideal for beach holidays, while the winter months (May to September) are perfect for wildlife viewing.
Do’s and Don’ts of South Africa
It is important to keep some do’s and don’ts in mind when visiting South Africa:
Do:
- Dress appropriately when visiting religious or cultural sites
- Learn a few words of a local language
- Respect wildlife and nature
Don’t:
- Display signs of wealth
- Wander around alone or in unlit areas after dark
- Touch, feed or provoke animals
Safety and Health
South Africa is generally a safe country for tourists, but it is important to take certain precautions. Here is what you need to know about safety and health when visiting South Africa:
Safety in South Africa
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night
- Lock your car doors and don’t leave valuables visible
- Avoid displaying signs of wealth
Health in South Africa
- Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations
- Take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases like malaria
- Be careful of the sun and stay hydrated
Getting to South Africa: Transportation Options and Logistics
South Africa is well-connected to the rest of the world and has various transportation options. Here are some logistics to keep in mind:
Airports Near South Africa
- O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg
- Cape Town International Airport in Cape Town
- King Shaka International Airport in Durban
Bus Stations Near South Africa
- Pretoria Bus Station
- Johannesburg Park Station
- Cape Town Bus Station
Other Options
- Train: South Africa has a well-developed train network
- Self-Drive: Driving in South Africa is easy and convenient
How to Get Around in South Africa
South Africa has various transportation options, including:
- Taxi services
- Car rental
- Public transportation
Where to Go Next from South Africa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
South Africa is a great jumping-off point for exploring nearby destinations in Africa. Here are some popular nearby destinations:
- Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe/Zambia
- Chobe National Park in Botswana
- Namib Desert in Namibia
- Mozambique beaches
Conclusion
South Africa is a diverse and exciting country that offers a range of experiences for travellers. With its rich wildlife and cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty and warm hospitality, it’s no wonder South Africa is a top travel destination. Whether you’re interested in a safari, outdoor adventures or exploring local cuisine, there is something for everyone in South Africa.
South Africa Image Gallery
Kimberley and the Big Hole
Rhino on a private reserve in Mpumalanga
Flag of South Africa
Nelson Mandela's prison cell on Robben Island
The Protea is the national flower of South Africa
Visa policy of South Africa
O.R. Tambo International Airport, Africa's busiest
Shosholoza Meyl passenger train routes
Red hartebeast in Addo Elephant National Park
Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, known for extraordinary beauty as well as rock paintings of the San people
Visits to townships are an increasingly common tourist activity
Braaivleis
Different beers at a beer festival
A small caravan park on the Gamtoos River
University of South Africa.
Road signs will remind about emergency numbers
Meerkats are on the lookout at Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
Dawn in Kruger National Park
MTN Tower in Jeffrey's Bay