Travel Guide
So you're excited about starting your South African adventure but you're not quite sure about how things work here. Luckily for you, you have this guide to help you out. Here you'll find everything you need to know about travelling to and around South Africa.
Getting around by Car
Yes, flying is quick and easy but most of the magic of exploration lies on the ground. When you couple breathtaking scenery with a well maintained road network South Africa is an ideal road trip destination. While some distances between major centres can seem slightly daunting, with a little planning you can easily break the drives up by experiencing the warm, welcoming people in our smaller towns as well as our gorgeous landscapes.
Overnight accommodation is available everywhere, ranging from B&Bs to farm stays, guesthouses and hotels. The trick is to book accommodation in advance as you map out your route.
The rules of the road
South Africans drive on the left-hand side of the road. Seatbelts are compulsory and you may not talk on your mobile phone while driving. All speed limits in South Africa are in kilometres per hour. Generally, the speed limit for urban areas is 60km/h, on secondary roads, its 100km/h and on national highways its 120km/h. Always keep an eye out for the designated speed limit as these may vary depending on road conditions, and law enforcement does take place next to the road.
Driver’s licence
You may use a valid driver’s licence issued in your own country as long as it has a photograph, the signature of the holder and is in English. Otherwise, it’s best to obtain an international driving licence before you leave home. You should always have your driver’s licence with you when you are driving as you will be asked to produce it if you are pulled over for any reason.
Finding your way
It’s wise to travel with a current road map or GPS system to help you find your way around. You can hire a GPS with your car or pick up a road atlas at most bookshops and convenience stores located at fuel stations. Our mobile networks offer exceptional coverage even in most out of the way places so you will have signal for your smartphone so you can also utilise your favourite map app.
Fuelling your journey
When you refuel, be sure to establish what kind of fuel your vehicle uses (diesel or petrol) before filling up, as a mistake could be disastrous. Most fuel stations accept major credit cards. At the fuel station, a petrol attendant will fill your car, check tyres, oil and water, and clean your windows if you ask. It’s customary to give a small tip of around R5 to the petrol attendant.
Cash
Many of the national roads are tolled however these toll gates accept credit cards and cash. Similarly, when you park in cities or towns, a parking attendant in a luminous bib might approach you in exchange for keeping an eye on your car. Once again, a tip is customary.
TRAVEL TIP: It’s best to keep your fuel tank topped up and to carry extra water in the event of a breakdown as distances between towns can be quite long, especially along major roads crossing the interior of the country.
CAR HIRE
Many major international car-hire companies operate in South Africa, offering anything from small, budget-friendly cars to luxurious sedans.
It’s best to hire vehicles in advance, especially if you are coming to South Africa at a high traffic season (during summer, which is from December to February).
Some companies also offer 4x4 vehicles if you are planning to visit places out of the city with gravel roads. In that case, you can get a quote from a specialised off-road rental provider. They may also assist with the caravan and trailer hire.
WHAT TO PACK
Packing for a trip (specifically to South Africa) is without a doubt just as exciting as it is actually being on a holiday. The thrill of knowing you’ll soon reach your destination while deciding what to pack into your luggage.
However, the emotions associated with packing can swiftly change from great anticipation and excitement to indecisiveness and anxiety. But, there’s no need to stress – here’s a brief guide on what to pack on your next adventure to South Africa to ensure that you’re well equipped, informed and ready to experience our country’s warm hospitality.
First thing’s first – what’s on your itinerary? Once you’ve decided on whether you’ll be vacationing along the coast, enjoying a safari at a game reserve or backpacking in the countryside, then you can hone in on what you should pack. Ideally, you want to pack light to avoid paying a hefty amount for your luggage at the airport.
If you’re over the duty-free limit, all goods brought in the country are subject to the payment of customs duty and value added tax (VAT), regardless of whether you arrived via aircraft, ship or vehicle.
So the trick is to pack only the essentials such as camera kit for the perfect photo ops (although most smartphones should do the trick) and international adaptor plugs. The common plug in South Africa is a 15-amp plug, and it has three round prongs that form a triangle. It’s advised that you purchase an international adaptor plug that has a socket to suit American plugs such as the NEMA 1-15 that has two flat 1.5 mm thick blades, measuring 15.9 – 18.3 mm in length.
Specific items of clothing are a must to suit the season that you will be travelling in South Africa. In summer, the average temperature peaks at approximately 96F depending where you are in the country. Winter sees a low of approximately of 28F. For more information on our country’s climate in the various provinces, visit http://bit.ly/2HZHi70.
Pack medication and prescriptions too, should you need them. According to Brand South Africa, “you are allowed to bring in one month’s supply of pharmaceutical drugs or medicines for your personal use. Any other pharmaceutical drugs or medicines must be accompanied by a letter or certified prescription from a registered physician, and have to be declared.”
A safari is always a great way to explore the great outdoors and experience the bush. So best to pack (or purchase once you arrive) toiletries including insect repellent and sunblock for those sunny days at the back of a safari truck venturing through the bush.
A good SPF sunblock will also come in handy if you’re vacationing along the coast and soaking up some sun on one of South Africa’s many pristine beaches. There are 44 Blue Flag beaches along our country’s coast. Blue Flag is an international annual award that focuses on the environmental management of our coastline and coastal waters to help tourism growth and development. This means our beaches are world-renowned for its cleanliness and beauty – these include Camps Bay in the Western Cape, Ushaka Beach in KwaZulu-Natal and Dolphin Beach in the Eastern Cape. So besides sunblock, it’s best you pack in other beach essentials too. Ladies, consider packing in a bikini to enjoy a dip in either the Atlantic or Indian Ocean. To our gentlemen visitors, board shorts will do. Of course, don’t forget a pair of sunglasses to block out the sun’s harmful rays.
Here’s a handy checklist of things you should consider packing:
So there you have it, a quick rundown on what to pack when you explore South Africa. What are your plans when you visit South Africa? Whatever they are, there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time exploring the beauty of this incredible country. Remember to prepare accordingly and ensure you safeguard the contents of your suitcase. Enjoy your stay with us!
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT VISAS
*It is worth noting that anyone with an American or Canadian passport will not require a visa to travel to South Africa.
If you’re a citizen of another country and want to travel to South Africa then you need a visa. The “visitor” visa is for international travellers who permanently reside outside South Africa. It’s also for those who wish to visit the country on a more temporary basis for tourism or business purposes. But it won’t last forever. Once acquired, this visa is valid for a no longer than 90 days.
Great! Now that you’re allowed in, the visa will grant you access to the South African port of entry, where an immigration official will determine if you are allowed to enter the country and for how long. Always remember, all visitors are restricted only to the activity or reason for which their visas were issued.
So now you’ve made it into the country. Once here, the visa is considered to be a visitor’s permit. The permit’s period of validity is set from the date you came in and will be set out under the heading “conditions” on the visa label. It’s important to ensure that you apply for the correct visa or permit. If not, entry into the country may be refused if the purpose of the visit was not correctly stated.
Depending on where you’re from, visa requirements differ from country to country and the requirements are subject to change. Each application is treated as an individual case, hence you should ask your nearest South African mission or consulate abroad or any office of the Department of Home Affairs to see whether or not you are even supposed to apply for a visa.
Remember, there is a fee that will be charged for issuing you a visa, and you should check the cost with the office as well as this is updated annually. The fee is payable in different currencies in different countries.
It is incredibly important to get your visas. These are not issued at South African ports of entry, and airline officials are obliged to insist on visas before allowing passengers to board. If you arrive without a visa, immigration officials are obliged to put you onto a flight back to your home country.
Foreigners with long-term status (work permits/permit residence) in the neighbouring countries who transit the Republic to return to their employment or residence are not subject to the transit visa, provided they are in possession of proof of their status.
South Africa requires a valid yellow fever certificate from all foreign visitors and citizens over one year of age. This is essential for people travelling from an infected area or for those who have been country hopping through infected areas. Countries such as Zambia, Angola and Mozambique are considered as infected areas. For more information on visa requirements, please contact your nearest South African diplomatic mission.
Don't forget that there are certain goods that you cannot bring into South Africa and other goods on which duties need to be paid.
For Customs requirements, click here.
For Agricultural requirements, click here.
Getting around South Africa by air
There are over 70 international airlines now flying to South Africa. The award-winning South African Airways, the national carrier, flies to destinations all over the world and is connected to major international air routes, making it easier for you to enter the country from pretty much any corner of the world.
Our award-winning national carrier, South African Airways is one of 70 international airlines that fly into South Africa. South African Airways flies to destinations all over the world and is connected to major international air routes, making it easier for you to enter the country from pretty much any corner of the world.
It’s quite a lengthy flight from Europe (10 to 12 hours), Asia (12 to 17 hours) and the United States (up to 15 hours or even more). You’ll most likely fly directly into O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, or increasingly, there are direct flights into Cape Town International Airport. The journey may be long, but the destination more than makes up for it! With so much to see and do across the country, fly time can be used to help you make the most out of your limited time in such a diverse and beautiful country.
Durban’s King Shaka International Airport is South Africa’s third major international airport, located about 35km north of Durban. So don’t rule this paradise on the sea out of your direct travel plans.
Apart from the world-class international airports, there are a number of domestic airports including Bram Fischer International Airport in Bloemfontein, as well as airports in East London, George, Kimberley, Port Elizabeth and Upington.
It doesn’t stop there. You’ll even find scheduled flights between Johannesburg and privately-owned airports that allow you to access rather more isolated locations such as the Kruger National Park by flight. One particular airport is the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport outside Mbombela (Nelspruit), which serves the Kruger National Park and Mpumalanga.
If that’s not enough, several upmarket game lodges operate their own airstrips and charter direct flights from O.R. Tambo and other airports.
If you’re intending on going on a safari with your family or friends then you should consider making a pitstop in Johannesburg or Cape Town to catch your breath. Take this opportunity to change your time zone to the new one, get a feel of the country, or go sightseeing before flying to your next destination.
Getting around South Africa by bus
If you’re on a budget, travelling by bus is the cheapest way to travel the country. As a result it has become the go-to travelling option for the more economically-conscious locals. Be sure to book with a reputable service as not all bus companies have an equally good reputation.
The extensive road network in South Africa means that bus or coach travel is a simple and often very cost effective option for travellers. It has become the go-to travelling option for the more economically-conscious locals and many international travellers choose coach tours or bus travel as a hassle free option. It's a wonderful way of relaxing and taking in the astounding scenery between destinations.
There are a number of bus and coach operators, offering a great range of products for every price point. Some of these trips even include being served coffee and biscuits with a selection of movies to entertain you while en route to your destination.
If you're on a back-packing holiday across South Africa wanting to explore smaller out of the way places, Baz Bus offers a hop on hop off network that takes you door to door at your leisure.
You will be glad to know that some companies offer cross-border trips in case you want to visit neighbouring countries in Southern Africa such as Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
When to visit
Since South Africa is in the southern hemisphere, it’s summer down here when it’s winter in Europe and North America. Summer begins in November and lasts till February, which if you think about it, makes this the ideal time to visit if you want to escape the cold weather.
Depending on where you’re visiting, the average day temperature in summer ranges from a minimum of 15°C ( 59°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F). In winter the average day temperatures are 19°C to 23°C (66°F to 73°F). Just ensure you have a jacket to put on as it can get chilly at night.
If you’re intending on going on a safari in Mpumalanga and Limpopo then the best time to visit would be in winter. Why? Because these two provinces are very pleasant as it’s sunny and warm during the day and dry and cool at night. Late winter is popular for game spotting because the vegetation is sparse and animals visit the waterholes to drink. Summer in the Lowveld can be extremely hot due to high humidity. Alternatively, you can go on a winter beach holiday in Durban or on the KwaZulu-Natal coast as average temperatures hover around the 26°C mark.
In Cape Town, the best time to visit is in spring and autumn, which is April and May or the beginning of September to October. Spring is particularly breathtaking as you’ll get to witness first-hand some of South Africa’s most beautiful indigenous flowers bloom. Autumn offers a relief from the summer heat while the vineyards of the Cape Winelands start to change colour. Winter in Cape Town is less attractive as it’s characterised by wet and windy spells when cold fronts pass through.
SEASONAL HIGHLIGHTS
The sardine run (May to July)
Aptly described as “The Greatest Shoal on Earth”, the sardine run takes place every South African winter when millions of small silvery sardines surge from the cold Cape waters up to the warmer sanctuary of the KwaZulu-Natal coast. The reason for this hasn’t been determined however there are many prominent theories that attempt to make sense of this phenomenon. Whatever the reason, it is quite the spectacle as the shoal is approximately 15km long, 4km wide and 40m deep. It’s a feeding frenzy for dolphins, sharks, seabirds and other marine life – making it a watching frenzy for people interesting in marine life.
Whale watching (May to November):
Every year, from late winter through to early summer, different breeds of whales migrate to mate and calve in sheltered bays off the Cape coast. One of the best places to see these majestic marine animals is from the coastal town of Hermanus. It’s well known for a reputation of offering the best shore-based whale watching in the world. When you do decide to go, make sure you have a fully charged camera as you might consider being a full-time photographer afterwards with a portfolio of stunning whale shots.
Namaqualand spring flowers (late July to October)
This dazzling display of spring flowers in an arid semi-desert area of the Northern Cape is regarded as one of the world’s most dramatic and vivid natural spectacles. Stretching 500km north up the Cape coast and 100km inland, carpets of the brilliant colour burst into vibrant life. You’ll find that over 4000 species of plants have been identified here, so you will be spoilt for choice.
The National Arts Festival (July)
One festival you should look forward to is the National Arts Festival. This festival takes place at the Eastern Cape’s cathedral and university city of Grahamstown. It has become one of the biggest annual celebrations of the arts in Africa. So if you make it, you’ll be surrounded by world-class dance, music, drama, film, jazz and visual arts.
The Comrades Marathon (June)
What started off as a tribute to South African soldiers who lost their lives during World War I has now become an event not to be missed in South Africa. The Comrades Marathon is a long-distance running race that has gained traction around the world. If you’re still not impressed, at around 90km long, it is one of the world’s oldest and longest ultramarathons.
The Cape Argus Pick ’n Pay Cycle Tour (March)
Billed as the world’s largest timed cycle race, this event attracts a field of around 35 000 cyclists. The vast majority are ordinary people who want to take on the challenge of cycling around one of the most beautiful peninsulas in the world. However, over the years the race has also attracted its fair share of celebrities, including former Springbok rugby captain Francois Pienaar, who in turn persuaded American actor Matt Damon (who played him in the film Invictus) to ride.
Staying healthy in South Africa
If you’re heading to South Africa you can rest assured that the country has a very well structured healthcare system with a number of public and private hospitals throughout the country.
If you’re heading to South Africa you can rest assured that the country has a very well structured healthcare system with a number of public and private hospitals throughout the country. However, it always pays to be cautious. Like in many countries around the world, you’ll probably receive quicker care at a private hospital than a public one. As a precaution, make sure your medical insurance payment is always up to date before you travel. Qualified doctors, dentists, and other specialists can be found in main centres but you’ll have to schedule an appointment prior, unless it’s an emergency.
Malaria
While most of South Africa is malaria-free, this mosquito-borne disease is prevalent throughout the year in the Kruger National Park and the low-lying areas of northern KwaZulu-Natal.
If you’re heading to the above-mentioned areas then you should consult a healthcare professional about the ideal prophylactic. The type of prophylactic will be determined by your personal health, how long you are visiting the malarial area and the time of year.
Like they always say “prevention is the best cure” so you should try by all means to prevent being bitten by a mosquito. Use a repellent lotion and then cover up with clothes. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks to ensure that you give them no chance at all.
There are many malaria-free game reserves like Madikwe or Pilanesberg in the North West province, the Waterberg in Limpopo, or private reserves in the Eastern, Western and Northern Cape, where you can also experience the untouched wild of South Africa risk-free. These are worth considering, particularly if you’re travelling with children aged six and under, or if you are pregnant.
Always remember, if you develop a bad headache, have aching joints, and recurring fevers and chills after your trip, advise your doctor that you have been to a malarial area. Malaria symptoms can sometimes be confused with flu symptoms, which can lead to fatal consequences.
HIV/Aids
While Southern Africa has a high prevalence of HIV/Aids, your only real risk of contracting it is if you have unprotected sex with an infected individual. There should be no reason for unprotected sex as condoms are widely available in pharmacies and convenience stores everywhere you go.
Personal medication
There are pharmacies throughout South Africa, and many everyday medications, such as painkillers, are available over the counter. Some large chain stores also have in-store pharmacies that offer good value for money.
If you have a specific medical condition, it’s wise to carry the relevant doctor’s prescription with you. In the event of you losing your medication, a qualified pharmacist should be able to source a replacement, even if the trade name differs in South Africa.
Getting around South Africa by train
If you’re an adventurer at heart, rail travel provides an exciting way to soak up South Africa’s scenic beauty without having to drive yourself around. If your ideal adventure includes being able to sit back and relax, letting beautiful landscapes roll on by with magical pitstops along the way, then consider travelling South Africa by train.
Whether you're looking for cost effective options or opulent multi day luxury experiences you can choose from economy class, luxury coaches or the ultimate opulent rail safari on the Blue Train or Rovos Rail. Steam enthusiasts can also enjoy rail journeys of old, on restored steam trains.
South African train travel covers some of the most beautiful parts of the country, taking visitors from cities like Johannesburg and Bloemfontein to prime destinations like Cape Town, Durban, and Port Elizabeth.
On a budget: The Shosholoza Meyl is a passenger train that runs between all major cities. An economy-class ticket will buy you a reclining seat with sufficient legroom on routes that include 11 major cities across the country, but be prepared for the unconventional. The energy on the train is always electrifying especially during summer (December to February) as there are people from different parts of the country travelling.
You can purchase an upgraded ticket that can get you a two-bed coupe or four-bed compartment. These are transformed into suites during the day and bedrooms at night. Each Shosholoza Meyl train contains several communal showers and bedrooms for passengers to freshen up.
Mid-range: The Premier Classe is a luxury passenger liner that accommodates guests in spacious single bed, double bed or family compartments. It’s complete with beautifully designed bathrooms and complimentary toiletries, gowns and room service. Yes, that’s right, room service on a train. The Premier Classe line operates between Johannesburg and Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town as well as Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth.
Luxury: South Africa's most glorious train is undoubtedly the Blue Train. The Blue Train pulls out all the stops to guarantee a state-of-the-art South African rail safari. It comprises a baggage van, personnel car, club car for smokers, deluxe suites, kitchen, dining car and lounge.
The Blue Train operates between Pretoria and Cape Town, and Pretoria and Durban. A special trip to the Pilanesberg Game Reserve is also available.
There is also Rovos Rail, defining itself as "the most luxurious train in the world". Begin a journey with Rovos Rail and experience the extravagance of rail travel to Southern Africa’s most spectacular destinations. The beautifully rebuilt trains carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites and are also available for charter, while the Events Train caters for up to 250 guests and is suitable for daytime journeys. Rovos Rail has also established three stately seaside retreats in St James, Cape Town
If you’re an adventurer at heart, rail travel provides an exciting way to soak in South Africa’s scenic beauty without having to drive yourself around.
Staying healthy in South Africa
If you’re heading to South Africa you can rest assured that the country has a very well structured healthcare system with a number of public and private hospitals throughout the country. However, it always pays to be cautious. Like in many countries around the world, you’ll probably receive quicker care at a private hospital than a public one. As a precaution, make sure your medical insurance payment is always up to date before you travel. Qualified doctors, dentists, and other specialists can be found in main centres but you’ll have to schedule an appointment prior, unless it’s an emergency.
Malaria
While most of South Africa is malaria-free, this mosquito-borne disease is prevalent throughout the year in the Kruger National Park and the low-lying areas of northern KwaZulu-Natal.
If you’re heading to the above-mentioned areas then you should consult a healthcare professional about the ideal prophylactic. The type of prophylactic will be determined by your personal health, how long you are visiting the malarial area and the time of year.
Like they always say “prevention is the best cure” so you should try by all means to prevent being bitten by a mosquito. Use a repellent lotion and then cover up with clothes. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks to ensure that you give them no chance at all.
There are many malaria-free game reserves like Madikwe or Pilanesberg in the North West province, the Waterberg in Limpopo, or private reserves in the Eastern, Western and Northern Cape, where you can also experience the untouched wild of South Africa risk-free. These are worth considering, particularly if you’re travelling with children aged six and under, or if you are pregnant.
Always remember, if you develop a bad headache, have aching joints, and recurring fevers and chills after your trip, advise your doctor that you have been to a malarial area. Malaria symptoms can sometimes be confused with flu symptoms, which can lead to fatal consequences.
HIV/Aids
While Southern Africa has a high prevalence of HIV/Aids, your only real risk of contracting it is if you have unprotected sex with an infected individual. There should be no reason for unprotected sex as condoms are widely available in pharmacies and convenience stores everywhere you go.
Personal medication
There are pharmacies throughout South Africa, and many everyday medications, such as painkillers, are available over the counter. Some large chain stores also have in-store pharmacies that offer good value for money.
If you have a specific medical condition, it’s wise to carry the relevant doctor’s prescription with you. In the event of you losing your medication, a qualified pharmacist should be able to source a replacement, even if the trade name differs in South Africa.
Accommodation in South Africa
South Africa is well-known for its tourist attractions, not to mention its awesomely dynamic range of accommodation. It stretches from game lodges to five-star hotels, to friendly country houses, small hotels, B&Bs and camping sites – all kitted out with a range of catering options.
Whether you’re a student traveller, family holiday goers, or retirees on life’s great adventure, there is accommodation for everyone.
Budget
South Africa has an established network of affordable accommodation options that are surprisingly comfortable and luxurious. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s an active camping community that will provide you with all the relevant information about different campsites countrywide. Pre-booking is generally advisable.
Mid-range
If you would like to save some money then you should consider looking into bed and breakfast options. These differ as some offer self-catering units and some are fully serviced. They range from apartments to holiday villas, chalets and even farm cottages. On the other hand, guesthouses are slightly more expensive but worth it for the warm, homely South African experience.
Luxury
If you’re a five-star traveller, then you’ll be happy to know that South Africa is home to some of the most luxurious lodges and hotels in the world. South Africa has a number of globally famous hotels such as Mount Nelson, Twelve Apostles and Mala Mala. It’s worth mentioning that you’ll find that you pay less for luxury in this beautiful country when compared to other, more expensive, countries in the world. Safari lodges usually offer the all-inclusive variety, and will give you safari game drives, meals, and drinks or spa facilities, particularly if it’s an upmarket establishment.
Drinking water in South Africa
Drinking water in South Africa is safe to drink and cook with when taken from taps in urban areas. Not all tap water in rural areas is safe for consumption, so it is advised you take precautions if necessary. Some rural areas make use of borehole systems which source found water and store them in containers before being purified by the water system connected to your tap.
The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry maintains that South Africa’s national standard of water quality can be compared to that of the World Health Organisation standards.
Should you find yourself in an unlikely position of not having clean water on hand, you can disinfect the water yourself by boiling it for a maximum of 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can add a teaspoon of bleach per 25 litres or a teaspoon of chlorine granules per 200l. In both the latter cases, allow the water to stand for 2 hours. The survivalist method is to expose the water to direct sunlight for at least 6 hours in a transparent container with a small airspace, shaking after filling and every hour after that.
For on-the-go situations, you could always grab bottled water at a supermarket or garage. Bottled water is available from a number of brands, some of them well-known international names. Your choice includes still and sparkling waters and a range of fruit flavoured variants.
