South Africa travel tips
Welcome to our South Africa travel blog! Here we show you the beauty and diversity of South Africa. As a tour guide, I explored the country intensively over several years. From Johannesburg my travels took me north to the border of Zimbabwe. We crossed national parks on safari and drove along the panoramic route. Swaziland, KwaZulu Natal and the Drakensberg Mountains are other stops on my travels.
I know Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg just as well. Each of these cities has its own unique flair. Cape Town impresses with Table Mountain and the wineries. Beaches and a lively culture await you in Durban. Johannesburg, the vibrant metropolis, shows modern South Africa.
Current articles in the South Africa travel blog
But why is South Africa the perfect destination for slow travelers and connoisseurs? It's about slow discovery and intense experience. On a safari In the national parks you can get very close to the animals and observe them in their natural habitat. There are breathtaking views and numerous photo opportunities along the panoramic route.
The wine regions in the Western Cape invite you to leisurely tastings. Enjoy local wines and learn more about how they are made. On the west coast you will discover blooming desert landscapes. These areas offer peace and a special atmosphere that invites you to linger.
In the Drakensberg you can hike and enjoy nature. KwaZulu Natal is also fascinating with its rich culture and history, where tradition meets modernity. Swaziland also impresses with its untouched nature and friendly people.
South Africa is a country full of contrasts and experiences, with every day bringing new discoveries. Traveling slowly means noticing the small details and immersing yourself deeply in the culture. So accompany us on this journey and experience South Africa in a special way with the tips in our South Africa travel blog.
South Africa travel blog: Arrival and travel preparation
Travel time
The best time to travel to South Africa depends on your preferences. The dry winter months from May to September are ideal for safari adventures, as this is when the animals come to the waterholes. Additionally, the best time to experience Cape Town and the Garden Route is in summer, from November to March, when the days are warm and perfect for beach visits.
Entry requirements
To enter South Africa you need a passport that is valid for at least 30 days after leaving the country. You will also receive a visa upon entry if your stay does not exceed 90 days. You can also find the current entry regulations at your Foreign Office.
Vaccinations and malaria
Find out about necessary vaccinations early on. Yellow fever is only required if entering from a yellow fever area, while hepatitis A and B and typhoid are recommended. In addition, malaria protection is recommended in some regions of South Africa. Detailed information on vaccinations and malaria measures You can also find it on the website of the Foreign Office.
Map of South Africa highlights
Starting points and travel routes
When planning your itinerary, you should focus on popular starting points and regions. Johannesburg is a good starting point for tours into the Kruger National Park and along the Panorama Route. Cape Town is also ideal for exploring the Cape Peninsula and the wine regions.
The Garden Route stretches from Mossel Bay to Storms River. Picturesque stretches of coast and pretty places await you here. Durban is also the gateway to KwaZulu Natal and the Drakensberg. This region impresses with its cultural diversity and natural beauty.
The west coast also has its charm. This route passes through less touristy areas and therefore offers an authentic experience. Each region of South Africa has its own charm and is waiting to be discovered by you.
South Africa travel blog: Safety in South Africa
You often read about incidents affecting travelers. There are frequent robberies and the theft rate is high. Therefore, there are some safety instructions that you should definitely pay attention to.
First, stick to familiar and well-lit places. Also, avoid remote areas after dark. Always carry your valuables close to your body and do not show them openly.
Safety tips in the South Africa travel blog
- What to Avoid
- Don't walk through unsafe neighborhoods alone. In principle, it is safer to travel in groups. This also applies to hiking. It's best to choose hiking trails that are used a lot.
- It is better to use taxis or driving services instead of public transport at night. In some places and areas this also applies during the day.
- Only exchange money in official exchange offices.
- Never carry a lot of money with you, but keep it in the hotel safe. The same applies to travel documents, airline tickets, credit cards, etc.
- Make sure that backpacks cannot be opened. It is best to attach cameras to your wrist or neck with a strap. Never show valuables openly.
- What should one pay attention to?
- Stay alert and alert.
- Find out about current safety information.
- Ask locals or hotel staff about safe routes and neighborhoods.
- Always lock your car (even when you are driving) and do not leave any valuables in it.
- Only park your car in guarded parking spaces.
- If you want to visit townships, it's best to book organized excursions. So you are always in a group.
- How reliable is the police?
- Police in South Africa work hard to ensure safety.
- In tourist areas she is usually present and helpful.
- However, this can vary depending on the region.
- Nevertheless, there are always corrupt police officers. So here too it’s time to open your eyes!
- In an emergency, dial the emergency number 10111.
Current information on security in the country can be found on the Federal Foreign Office website.
South Africa travel blog: Conclusion and further links
We have examined many aspects of a trip to South Africa. From the best time to travel to important safety and health information. South Africa offers unique experiences for every traveler.
In summary, good preparation is important. So plan your route carefully and follow the safety and health tips. Avoid remote areas after dark and use eco-friendly options. Each region of South Africa has its own charm, be it the vibrant city of Cape Town, the impressive Drakensberg Mountains or the untouched nature of Swaziland.
For detailed insider tips, we invite you to visit our linked articles. There you will find deeper insights and specific recommendations. Whether you're looking for the best wineries or want to know how to safely watch the Big Five, our articles will provide you with valuable information.
Questions and answers in the South Africa travel blog
What is the best way to get from A to B in South Africa?
There are various transport options in South Africa. For longer distances, for example, domestic flights are practical and relatively cheap. Alternatively, you can rent a car to be flexible. Public transport such as buses and trains are available, but are often less reliable. Taxis or driving services such as Uber are also available for short distances in cities.
What currency is used in South Africa and what is the price level?
In South Africa you pay with the South African Rand (ZAR). For example, you can withdraw money from most ATMs using international credit cards. The price level is cheaper compared to Europe, especially when it comes to food and local products. However, prices may be higher in tourist areas and activities.
What cultural peculiarities should I pay attention to in South Africa?
South Africa is a country with great cultural diversity. Courtesy and respect are very important. When entering a house it is customary to take off your shoes. Small talk is common, and it's polite to ask how people are doing. Tipping is expected in restaurants as well as services, usually around 10-15%.
What should I consider when using electronics in South Africa?
South Africa uses type D, M and N sockets. The mains voltage is 230 volts at 50 hertz. You may therefore need an adapter for your electronic devices. Find out beforehand which adapters are suitable for your devices and possibly take a voltage converter with you.
Which languages are spoken in South Africa?
South Africa has eleven official languages, including English, Afrikaans and Zulu. English is widely spoken and understood, particularly in urban areas and tourist regions. However, it can be helpful to learn a few basic words in the other languages to impress the locals and communicate better.
What is the internet connection like in South Africa?
In most urban areas and tourist regions, internet connection is good. Many hotels, cafes and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi. However, access may be limited in rural areas. It's worth buying a local SIM card with data volume to stay reachable on the go.
Which emergency numbers should I know in South Africa?
The general emergency number in South Africa is 112, which you can dial from any mobile phone. For the police, dial 10111 and for medical emergencies, dial 10177. Save these numbers in your cell phone so that you can quickly call for help in an emergency.
Do you know anything else?
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- Slow Travel & Food and Travel blog TravelWorldOnline
Source South Africa travel blog: own research on site. My work as a tour guide often took me to South Africa. I got to know many regions of the country very well.
Text South Africa travel blog: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos © Copyright Monika Fuchs as well as TravelWorldOnline and Unsplash
