South Africa Travel Planner

Where is South Africa?

  1. Approximate Population of South Africa: 58,558,270


Hotels in Johannesburg


Johannesburg is the capital of South Africa

Johannesburg has an approximate population of around 5,635,127 people and you can typically expect to pay around £1.65p for an equivalent pint of lager or beer.

Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city and capital of Gauteng country, was founded by the Dutch. It is one of the most developed cities in the world with plenty of job opportunities for both locals and foreign professionals. Johannesburg became the fastest growing city in the world between 2021. Its sprawling Soweto township once house to Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu; today it is home to many other former political prisoners.

Johannesburg has been hailed as the 'Lion city' owing to the large number of wild animals living in the city. A lot of tourists visit the city to see the Lion that lives at Masiphumelele River. A lot of the tourists do not feel comfortable in Johannesburg as the loneliness and the superfluity are the major barriers to overcome.

However, there are ways to enjoy the city, despite the loneliness and the superfluity. There are plenty of hotels in the city to offer comfort to tourists. The luxury inns, the beach resorts, and the hostels will definitely make you feel at home. Johannesburg is the place to be if you are looking for a quiet place to rest, recharge, and rejuvenate.

You will never run out of options to sight see in this city. There are so many interesting places to see in the city. If you are planning a trip to Johannesburg in South Africa, you should definitely plan it during the school holidays to avoid the rush. During the school holidays, a lot of people flock to the city to see the fireworks display.

What vaccinations do I need before travelling to South Africa

Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to South Africa are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.

Is it safe to travel to South Africa

For up to date information around safety and security in South Africa read the Foreign & Commonwealth Office latest information for South Africa.

South Africa Flights


Best time to visit South Africa?

April and May are the best months to visit South Africa in terms of temperatures and game viewing as well as ideal conditions for hiking in the Drakensberg.

Festivals in South Africa

Whether you love live music, theatre, or food, there is a festival in South Africa for you. The Cape Town Minstrel Carnival takes place every January on the second Monday of January. This event, which dates back to the mid-nineteenth century, is a popular highlight for visitors. It features over 13,000 minstrels in more than 70 troupes. During the opening ceremony on the Grand Parade, attendees are treated to a colourful display of dancing and music.

One of the most popular music festivals in South Africa is the MTN Swaziland Music Festival, sponsored by MTN cell phone company. Held every May, the MTN Swaziland Music festival has a diverse lineup and caters to a variety of musical tastes. The event features international and local musicians, party DJs, and poets, and is a family-friendly affair that celebrates the best of South African culture.

Several music festivals in South Africa take place every year. The Oppikoppi Bushveld Music Festival began as a rock music event and has evolved into a wildly popular showcase for South African music and culture. It takes place in Limpopo Province in August. The Knysna Oyster Festival is one of the most fun outdoor family events in the country. The festival is held in the city of Knysna during June or July.

Visiting South Africa during the spring or summer months is a great way to enjoy the country's diverse culture. There are many interesting festivals to choose from throughout the year. If you're interested in arts or theater, Cape Town is home to the annual Oktoberfest and the Knysna Oyster Festival. In the winter, Cape Town hosts the Knysna OySTER Festival, which draws tens of thousands of people each year.

The sardine run is a spectacular spectacle in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Sharks, dolphins, and marine birds converge at this point in the sardine run, which attracts thousands of visitors during the summer months. The festival also includes an exciting program of cultural events and music shows. The various festivals in South Africa are both fun and informative. And there's no need to be shy when it comes to celebrating your culture.

The crayfish festival at Cuyler Hofstede farm museum in Uitenhage is the largest of its kind in the country. In addition to crayfish, the festival also hosts rock concerts and aerial displays. Other popular festivals in South Africa include Witblits and the arts. The former is an excellent way to enjoy the country's cultural heritage while in South Africa. While it is not as well-known as the latter, it is still worth a visit.

There are several festivals in South Africa that celebrate everything under the sun. For example, the popular Rocking the Daisies festival in Cape Town is celebrated every year in October, and will be celebrated for the 15th time in 2020. This is the ultimate outdoor experience. Those who want to attend the festival should book a hotel or travel package that includes accommodations in Ficksburg. They can also enjoy concerts on their way to Cape Town.

South Africa Trips & Guided Tours


South Africa Tourist Attractions

A visit to South Africa means a chance to explore diverse ecosystems. There are distinct ecosystems in the Western Cape and Kruger National Park, which offers wildlife viewing and safaris. The Garden Route and cliffs of Cape of Good Hope are great places to go hiking. A stop in the city of Cape Town is a must for anyone visiting the country. Table Mountain stands in the background and is the centerpiece of the city.

In addition to its imposing landscapes and abundant natural beauty, South Africa also has an impressive history. Visitors should check out the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, located near Johannesburg, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape. The town's rich history is best explored on foot or by car. The National Monuments Act provides statutory protection to national monuments, provincial heritage registers, and local heritage registers.

South Africa has several historical sites that are worth visiting. The most famous is Robben Island, which was an isolated prison during the period of the Dutch colonial rule. Nelson Mandela spent 18 years in the prison, and the site has become an icon for South African history. The city of Johannesburg is home to the largest township in the country, Soweto. It was established almost 100 years ago and is now a thriving community with over a million people.

Do I need a Visa?

At present, citizens of 28 countries can enter South Africa visa-free for up to 30 days, while passport holders of an additional 48 nationalities can visitSouth Africa visa-free for tourism or business for a maximum 90-day stay, including citizens of the United Kingdom.

See which forms you may need for entry into South Africa.

What currency do i need for South Africa?

The official currency of South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in South Africa you can grab amazing South African Rand deals via Wise.com (GBP to ZAR).

What wildlife live in South Africa?

Elephant, lion, rhino, leopard and buffal. South Africa's bushveld and savannah regions are still home to large numbers of the mammals universally associated with Africa.

What is the traditional food of South Africa?

Sotho food? Bobotie is a South African dish that has Cape Malay origins. It consists of spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping. Of the many dishes common to South Africa, bobotie is perhaps closest to being the national dish, because it isn't commonly found in any other country.

What Languages are spoken in South Africa?

At least thirty-five languages indigenous to South Africa are spoken in the Republic, ten of which are official languages of South Africa: Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Sotho, SiSwati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu and Afrikaans. You can learn some basic Sotho before you travel to South Africa and really impress the locals!

How much do you tip in South Africa?

The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (Tips in South Africa are normally done in Rand, though US dollars are also accepted. Tipping in restaurants is practiced mainly in the larger towns and is customarily kept at 10% of the total shown on the bill.).

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Emergency Numbers

  • Police: 10111
  • Ambulance: 10177
  • Fire: 10177
  • UK Embassy: +27 21 405 2400

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    The GMT time difference is 2 hours

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