South Africa Quick Guide

South Africa is indeed a beautiful place with many different ecosystems to explore. From lions in Masiphumelele to giraffes in The Kruger National Park, from wetlands and rivers to mountains and plateaus, South Africa has much to offer. Inland Safaris in particular is extremely popular, especially in regions like Kgalagadi and Orange Farm, where tourists can enjoy a wide range of activities. South Africa also offers beautiful beaches, craggy forests and lagoons around Cape Town and the Western Cape, populated by huge game species. The Western Cape, previously known as the Golden Coast, now lies between the Cape of Good Hope and Orange Farm, is home to some of the best surf breaks in the world, with surf schools likebreak providing the best surf for beginners.

With its beautiful landscapes, diverse ecosystem and varied climate, South Africa is an excellent holiday destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The big five cities, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Harare, Tshwane and Durban are filled with tourists who opt for safaris to observe wildlife and landscape in their own way. The big five cities are well connected through air transport, which gives easy access to the different regions of south Africa. You can easily contact your travel agency or the airlines for flight schedules and other details related to your safari. Most airlines also provide pre-paid tickets to enable travelers to visit safaris at their leisure, without any extra cost.

The best way to plan a safari is to contact your travel agent for all possible safari destinations and tailor your itinerary according to the species you intend to see and the time you have available. Based on your preferences, your travel insurance agency may even assist you in arranging your tour. In case of unforeseen problems or complications, your insurance company will pay for any medical expense you may incur during your trip. A good south Africa travel guide will help you map out the best wildlife areas and their best attractions. They will also keep you updated about all the latest news and activities taking place in south Africa. They will also help you find the best fishing spots, game reserves and other popular hotspots.

South Africa's wealth of natural beauty is endowed with a variety of flora and fauna. Here, nature has bestowed upon the world's highest mountain ranges, thick jungles, beaches and forests, ideal for various animal and bird life. From lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo and many more, there is definitely something to keep the wildlife and nature enthusiasts entertained during their stay in the country. One of the most visited destinations by the tourists in south Africa is Cape Town, which is known for its amazing natural beauty and shopping spots. It is also the home of the famous Table Mountain and is known for the magnificent golden beaches.

There are also many interesting landmarks in south Africa, as seen from the famous Table Mountain. Other than the Table Mountain, there are many other magnificent landmarks spotted in south Africa, which should not be missed. Some of them are the Kruger National Park, Durban harbour and the Orange Farmhouse. All these landmarks have become the permanent home of numerous birds and animals. If you are interested in birding, you can easily find a good south Africa travel guide to help you find a good spot for birding in the different parts of the country.

The South Africa Travel Guide will also inform you about the best times to visit the various popular tourist spots in the country. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park, Blyde River, Mount Elgon and Stellenbosch Falls are among the most popular tourist spots in the country. Travellers visiting this region should know the best times to visit these places in order to avoid getting caught in bad weather on arrival. You can also learn a lot about wildlife and about the different species of animals through a well-written travel guide.

Another thing that you should not miss out on when visiting the beautiful regions of south Africa is the delicious cuisine. In the towns and cities of the country, you can find numerous restaurants serving various cuisines. However, the food of south Africa is famous for its spices, so do take your time while deciding on what to eat. The best places to eat are at the coffee shops and at the roadside stalls. A good south Africa travel guide will help you learn more about the best places to eat.

If you want to get to know more about wildlife and about nature in general, then you should come to the national parks and forests. These parks are home to various species of flora and fauna. In the Cape town, there are many tour companies that offer exciting safaris to the area. It is important to keep in mind that even the best time to visit south Africa by choosing a good safari company. This will guarantee that you get to see a variety of wildlife and that you get a chance to enjoy the wonderful scenery as well.

What vaccinations do I need?

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?

Best time to visit?

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.

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?

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 about the wildlife?

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?

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?

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?

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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Useful Numbers

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

Time Difference

The GMT time difference is 2 hours

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Learn Sotho

Learn some Sotho before your trip to South Africa


South Africa Guidebook

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