There's nothing like up-to-date, relevant travel information direct from the experts - get Africa Safari Booking's essential South Africa travel advice before you go.
Money & Spending
South Africa’s national currency is the South African rand. Foreign currency can be readily exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and many hotels but most travellers simply draw cash at ATMs (cash machines) which you’ll find throughout South Africa’s towns and cities. Not only is this far more convenient but ATMs also tend to offer a better rate of exchange.
We’d advise against carrying large quantities of cash, however, so for big purchases rather use your credit card. Most major credit cards (Amex, Mastercard, Visa and Diners Club International) are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels but are not always accepted at many petrol stations.
You can claim back the VAT (the 14% value-added tax) on products you purchased in South Africa and are taking out the country (provided the total value of purchases exceeds R250) so be sure to keep your tax invoices and claim your cash back at the airport when you leave.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in South Africa, although entirely at your discretion. Hotels and lodges often use an 'envelope system' with your tip distributed amongst staff members; at restaurants the general guideline is 10 to 15% for good to excellent service; and if you’re driving around towns you’ll often find a yellow-bibbed 'car guard' who’ll keep an eye on your vehicle while it’s parked on the street in exchange for a couple of rand on your return.
For in-depth tipping guidelines on your South Africa safari, enquire with one of our Africa Safari Experts - they'd be happy to share their knowledge with you.
What to Pack
What you pack for your South Africa holiday depends on where and when you want to visit. Given the country’s mostly temperate climate, you’ll be comfortable during the summer in lightweight clothes but pack a jacket and closed shoes to be safe – Cape Town in particular is known for its four-seasons-in-a-day weather while Johannesburg and the Kruger Park experience heavy summer rains.
If you’re coming to South Africa for a beach holiday pack plenty of sunscreen, swimming costumes and casual wear for the day, plus a few more dressed-up items for the evenings if you’ll be spending time in the cities of Cape Town or Johannesburg. South Africans are relatively casual dressers but you’ll need a few more formal items if you’ll be staying at the country's exclusive hotels or embarking on a luxury train journey.
If you are visiting South Africa in the winter, pack a few warmer layers, a coat and a pair of boots – it can get surprisingly chilly, especially during the June-August months.
When it comes to packing for a South Africa safari, follow the guidelines in our Africa Safari Guide travel advice section. Stick to lightweight, practical clothing in neutral colours with a warm fleece or jacket for early morning and evening game drives.
And finally, wherever you are travelling in South Africa be sure to pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes – from city streets to mountain hikes, there is so much to see and do on foot!
OR Tambo International Airport: Africa's biggest travel hub, Johannesburg's main airport serves as a gateway to all South and Southern African destinations as well as East African ones and the Indian Ocean.
Cape Town International Airport: fly direct to Cape Town or via Johannesburg for South Africa's Cape destinations - Cape Town, the Whale Route, Cape Winelands, Garden Route and the Eastern Cape.
King Shaka International Airport: visitors to KwaZulu-Natal's game reserves, battlefields and Indian Ocean coast will land here via Johannesburg or Cape Town though there are direct flights via Dubai. A direct flight to Mauritius makes for a great KZN safari and beach holiday.
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport: linking the Kruger National Park and its private reserves with Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, a flight to Vilanculos on the Mozambique coast also means an easy Kruger/Bazaruto Archipelago itinerary.
Hoedspruit Airport: fly into the Kruger's second airport from Johannesburg or Cape Town for easy access to the park's private reserves.
Port Elizabeth Airport: gateway to the Big 5 reserves of the Eastern Cape, PE serves as an ideal finishing point for travellers on a self-drive safari from Cape Town to the Eastern Cape via the Garden Route.
George Airport: get straight into the heart of the Garden Route with a flight to George via Johannesburg or Cape Town.
Getting around South Africa is easy. Daily commercial flights link all its cities while private and chartered aircraft also crisscross the South African skies. Many of our recommended lodges have their own private airstrip.
Road transfers are conducted in modern and comfortable vehicles and, because of its sophisticated infrastructure, South Africa is ideal car-hire country. Suitable destinations for a self-drive holidayinclude Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, the Garden Route, kwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. Many visitors to the Kruger National Park choose to drive there via the scenic Panorama Route but once at their safari accommodation will join other guests on the guided game drives.
Visa & Passport Requirements
All visitors to South Africa require a passport valid for six months from date of departure as well as at least one completely blank page in your passport, excluding the final page.
Visitors from the USA, most Commonwealth countries (including the UK and Australia), most Western European countries and Japan don’t require visas but will be issued a free entry permit on arrival valid for up to 90 days. Visitors of nationalities other than those listed above will need to obtain a visa prior to travel from a South African embassy or consulate.
Please note that children under the age of 18 must be in possession of an unabridged birth certificate that contains both parents' full names, as well as their own passport. Children travelling with guardians must produce relevant documents - such as letters of permission from their parents or custody court orders - that shows they have permission to travel. You may not be allowed to enter or leave South Africa without the relevant documents. Please click here for a full break down of the paperwork required.
History & Economy
Shaped by one of the world's most turbulent histories, South Africa is a country like no other on the continent.
Home to archaeological sites dating back over three million years, South Africa's indigenous people were the Khoikhoi and San Bushmen, long since confined to the margins of history. Iron Age African herders and farmers - predecessors of today's ethnic groups such as the Zulus and Xhosas - were the first settlers to arrive, followed by the Europeans, personified by Dutchman Jan van Riebeeck's 1652 landfall. It was the subsequent arrival of the British however that precipitated 350 years of colonisation and war as settlers, missionaries and empire builders established white rule. The subsequent liberation struggle has largely defined modern South Africa which only became a true democracy in 1994.
Such is South Africa's economic power that it has the same relationship with Africa as the United States has with the world - it's the continent's powerhouse and its GDP alone is a full quarter of that of the entire African continent. A mixed economy with access to abundant resources, South Africa has well developed agricultural, mining, manufacturing, engineering, power-producing and financial industries. Some of its most important exports are gold, platinum, wine, fruit and coal.
People & Culture
The phrase 'Rainbow Nation' was coined by struggle icon Desmond Tutu to describe South African society, and it is a well chosen one. Few countries can match the ethnic mix of this country, perhaps best illustrated by its 11 official languages (though English is the long-established lingua franca). Nearly 80% of South Africa's 50 million people consider themselves part of a black culture with Indians, coloureds and English or Afrikaans-speaking whites making up the rest along with large Jewish and Portuguese communities. In recent years South Africa has become home to many African migrants and refugees.
Like most African countries, South Africa is a deeply religious one: 80% consider themselves Christian and every year a million people attend the country's biggest Easter celebration. Yet despite modern appearances, traditional beliefs still hold sway in much of the country - sangomas ('witch doctors') are regularly consulted by 60% of the population and the use of muti (traditional medicine ) is widespread.
A country of constant debate, challenge and adaptation, culture runs deep. Home to prehistoric rock art and Nobel Prize winners, South Africa has produced world famous statesmen, writers, athletes and musicians. Its food reflects the diversity of its people and visitors can expect a blend of European, Asian and African influences as well as award-winning wines.
Landscape & Wildlife
Set at the bottom of the African continent and with a 2 500km coastline teeming with marine life, South Africa has astonishing natural diversity. Dominated by a flat semi-arid interior - the Karoo - South Africa's landscapes include soaring mountain ranges, sub-tropical beaches, temperate forests, high grasslands and tangled bushveld. The Western Cape is home to the striking fynbos vegetation and a stunning coastline but it's the north and east of the country where most of the large animals remain.
The Kruger National Park is the country's flagship Big 5 reserve but there are big game destinations all across the country and its coastal waters are home to whales and great white sharks, both of which can be seen close up. A conservation powerhouse, South Africa is an important stronghold for elephant, rhino, turtles and predators of all description while its long bird list makes for great bird watching.
South Africa wildlife highlights include Big 5 game viewing in the Kruger Park and its private reserves; whale watching on the Whale Coast between August and October; shark-cage diving in Gansbaai near Cape Town; malaria-free Big 5 game viewing in the Eastern Cape and Madikwe Game Reserve; and game viewing and birding in KwaZulu-Natal.
