South Africa has one of the continent’s biggest and most developed economies. It is renowned for its great natural beauty, and cultural diversity, all of which have made the country a favoured destination for travellers since the legal ending of apartheid.
Until 1994, it was ruled by a white minority government, which enforced a separation of races with its policy called apartheid.
The apartheid government eventually negotiated itself out of power after decades of international isolation, armed opposition and mass protests.
The democratically-elected leadership encouraged reconciliation and set about redressing social imbalances, but the economy has struggled.
- Capital: Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial)
- Area: 1,221,037 sq km
- Population: 60.6 million
- Languages: Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, English, Sepedi, Swazi, Sesotho, Setswana, Xitsonga, Tshivenda, Ndebele
- Life expectancy: 60 years (men) 67 years (women)
 |
| Regions | |||
| Eastern Cape | Free State | Gauteng | Kwazulu-Natal |
| Limpopo | Mpumalanga | North-West | Northern Cape |
| Western Cape | |||
| Major Cities | ||
| Johannesburg | Cape Town | Pretoria |
| Durban | Bloemfontein | Port Elizabeth |
Blog Posts
South Africa: Eshowe – Fort Nonquai
South Africa: St Lucia – hippos and beach
South Africa: iSimangaliso Wetland Park
South Africa: Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park
South Africa: Camdeboo National Park
South Africa: Addo TiPi Bush Camp
South Africa: Addo Elephant Park
South Africa: Knysna – Two Angels
South Africa: Mossel Bay – Dias Museum
South Africa: Point of Human Origins
South Africa: Mossel Bay – Santos Express
South Africa: Oudtshoorn – Cango Caves
South Africa: Cape Agulhas
South Africa: Gansbaai and shark cages
South Africa: Gansbaai – Platbos Forest Cabins
USEFUL INFORMATION
Currency & banking
Current exchange rate:$1USD = 19.25 Rand
All but the tiniest settlement will have a bank where you can change money swiftly and easily. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3.30pm, and Saturday 9am to 11am; the banks in smaller towns usually close for lunch. In major cities, some banks operate bureaux de change that stay open until 7pm. Outside banking hours, some hotels will change money, although this entails a fairly hefty commission. You can also change money at branches of American Express and Rennies Travel.
Credit Cards
Credit and debit cards are the most convenient way to access your funds in South Africa. Most international cards can be used to withdraw money at ATMs. Plastic can come in very handy for hotel bookings and for paying for more mainstream and upmarket tourist facilities, and is essential for car rental. Visa and Mastercard are the cards most widely accepted in major cities.
ATM machines & Banks
ATMs are widely available throughout South Africa.
Traveller Cheques:
Travellers’ cheques make a useful backup as they can be replaced if lost or stolen. American Express, Visa and Thomas Cook are all widely recognized brands; both US dollar and sterling cheques are accepted in South Africa.
Travellers’ cheques and plastic are useless if you’re heading into remote areas, where you’ll need to carry cash, preferably in a safe place, such as a leather pouch or waist-level money belt that you can keep under your clothes.
Tipping
Ten to fifteen percent of the tab is the normal tip at restaurants and for taxis – but don’t feel obliged to tip if service has been shoddy. Keep in mind that many of the people who’ll be serving you rely on tips to supplement a meagre wage on which they support huge extended families. Porters at hotels normally get about R5 per bag. At South African garages and filling stations, someone will always be on hand to fill your vehicle and clean your windscreen, for which you should tip around R5. It is also usual at hotels to leave some money for the person who services your room. Many establishments, especially private game lodges, take (voluntary) communal tips when you check out – by far the fairest system, which ensures that all the low-profile staff behind the scenes get their share.
Homosexuality
South Africa has the world’s first gay- and lesbian-friendly constitution, and Africa’s most developed and diverse gay and lesbian scene. Not only is homosexuality legal for consenting adults of 18 or over, but the constitution outlaws any discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. This means that, for once, you have the law on your side. Outside the big cities, however, South Africa is a pretty conservative place, where open displays of public affection by gays and lesbians are unlikely to go down well; many whites will find it un-Christian, while blacks will think it un-African.
South African Tourism, on the other hand, is well aware of the potential of pink spending power and actively woos gay travellers – an effort that is evidently paying off, with Cape Town ranking among the world’s top gay destinations. The city is South Africa’s – and indeed, the African continent’s – gay capital. Like many things in the city, Cape Town’s gay scene is white dominated, though there are a few gay-friendly clubs starting to emerge in the surrounding townships. The gay scene is a lot more multiracial in Johannesburg, especially in the clubs. The Pretoria gay and lesbian scene has grown enormously over the past few years.
Electronic Devices
You can charge your cameras, phones and other electric items in most accommodations. If you bring more than a couple of chargeable items you might consider bringing an extension with extra outlets since the amount of outlets is often limited. We advise bringing extra batteries for your camera since many lodges generate power with solar or generators and power cuts might occur. Solar-generated lodges will often only have power available in the rooms at certain hours of the day, but you can always use the charging ports in the main lodge area.
The Internet
Finding somewhere to access the internet will seldom be a problem in South Africa: cybercafés are found even in relatively small towns, and most backpacker hostels and hotels have internet and email facilities. Expect to pay R25–40 an hour for online access. If you are carrying your own computer or palm-top device you’ll also be able to take advantage of the wireless hotspots at a small (but growing) number of cafés and accommodation.
What to pack?
- Take your own toilet paper as many public toilets don’t have any.
- Good quality sunglasses; if you wear contact lenses,
- Sun hat
- Small torch /headlamp
- Good binoculars
- Camera with a zoom lens
Waterproof/dustproof bags to cover your cameras - Swimsuit as some of the lodges have swimming pools
- A small daypack to keep with you in the car during the day
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen, moisturiser and lip balm
- Basic first aid kit.
- Clothing should be lightweight, loose-fitting and of “breathable” fabrics, such as cotton
Health advice
The US Center For Disease Control maintains an updated list of medical advice for those travelling to South Africa
The CDC recommends being up to date with all your regular shots. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot
They also suggest being vaccinated for hepatitis A. There is also some advice about protection for hepatitis B and rabies – but this depends to some degree on where you are heading and what you are doing.
Many of the countries surrounding South Africa require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. Consult with a travel health specialist to learn if you will need the vaccine.
Malaria is present in some regions of South Africa. Use mosquito repellents, netting and antimalarials if you are travelling to these areas.
Health care
South Africa has a very high standard of private medical care, comparable with western countries. Private health care can be expensive, so make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of medical treatment abroad and repatriation. We recommend World Nomads for you travel insurance, but there are many other options.
Public medical care varies across South Africa, and standards of treatment and hygiene may not be the same as you would expect in the UK.
Most medical practitioners speak English, particularly in major cities and tourist areas.
Food safety
Only eat food that is cooked and served hot. Eat fruits and vegetables that you have personally washed in clean water or peeled yourself. Never eat food sold by street vendors. Only drink boiled water that is sealed and has been filtered and disinfected. Prefer carbonated drinks, hot coffee or tea, and pasteurized milk.
Safety
South Africa has a high rate of crime, including carjacking, house robbery, rape, and murder. The risk of violent crime to visitors travelling to the main tourist destinations is generally low. The South African Tourism Police prioritise protecting tourists and are deployed in several towns and cities. However you should always remain vigilant, as police resourcing can be limited.
The most violent crimes tend to occur in townships on the outskirts of major cities or in isolated areas, but violent crime is not limited to these areas. Violent crime, including rape, sexual assault and robbery, can take place anywhere, including in public areas such as popular tourist spots and transport hubs. Try to travel with a friend, or ensure that a friend or responsible person is aware of your itinerary.
If you choose to visit a township, you should use a responsible and reliable tour guide and should not travel to townships without one.
Central business districts (CBDs) of major cities have a greater threat of crime than suburban areas, and the threat increases after dark. If you are visiting the CBD of any major city, follow basic security advice: remain alert, do not leave valuables on show, and take safe and reliable transport to and from your destination, be wary of people who approach you, and do not walk around after dark.
Following a violent attack resulting in the death of a tourist, SANParks have urged visitors to avoid the Numbi gate entrance to Kruger National Park. There have been protests and violent incidents on the R538 road leading to the gate and you should follow the SANParks advice on using alternative entrances. If you are staying outside the park, we recommend you contact your lodge ahead of time to understand if there are any disruptions that will affect your trip.
Scams can pose a physical danger and financial risk to victims. Scams come in many forms including romance and friendship, business ventures and promises of employment opportunities or visa facilitation.
There is a high incidence of credit card fraud, fraud involving ATMs and ‘card skimming’. Hide your PIN when withdrawing money from an ATM or making a card payment. Be aware of potential fraudsters, for example strangers offering to “help” when your card doesn’t work; or who try to lure you to an ATM.
Useful emergency numbers whilst in South Africa:
1. Nationwide Emergency Response – 10111
The telephone number 10111 is for any emergency that requires a police response and can be dialled from anywhere in South Africa.
A call centre operator will answer the incoming call, take all necessary particulars then assign the emergency to the relevant response team to attend to the incident. This may be a Flying Squad patrol vehicle or the local police station.
Calls to 10111 made on a landline are free. Calls made from a cell phone are charged at the normal cell phone rates.
2. Cell phone emergency – 112
The number 112 can be called from any cell phone in South Africa. It will transfer your line to a call centre and they will route you to the emergency service closest to you.
When this number is dialled, it is followed by an automated menu. But remain calm, because the menu exists as a form of triage (priority of treatment) control and filters out abuse of the medical and emergency system.
A call to 112 on a cell phone is free and is even possible on a cell phone that does not have airtime.
3. Ambulance response – 10177
The 10177 number can be used in the case of a medical emergency and can be called in conjunction with both the fire and police department respectively, depending on whether or not there are casualties.
Local Laws and Customs
Always carry a copy of your passport data page and the page containing your visitors permit or residence permit for South Africa. South African officials may request identification and proof of legal residence at any time.
It’s safer to keep your passport in a hotel safe or another secure location rather than carry it on your person unless you need it for official identification purposes.
The use of cannabis for private consumption was legalised in 2018. While private use is legal, it is illegal to purchase or sell cannabis and its use in public remains prohibited. Public and private use of Cannabidiol oils (CBD oils) is also legalised. The use, sale and purchase of other drugs is an offence.
It is illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade any of its parts without a permit. South Africa is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) under which there is a ban on trade in ivory and rhino horn. Anyone caught buying or trafficking banned goods will be prosecuted. Check UK customs requirements before buying meat and other products to take back to the UK.
Homosexuality is legal, and the South African authorities have introduced legislation which bans any discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Climate
Current Weather Forecasts
|
Johannesburg
Tuesday
 62°
clear sky
 Clouds0%
 Humidity63%
 Wind6mph
Wed
Min64°
Max86°
Thu
Min65°
Max87°
Fri
Min69°
Max87°
Sat
Min66°
Max86°
|
Cape Town
Tuesday
 66°
scattered clouds
Clouds40%
Humidity68%
Wind20mph
Wed
Min60°
Max71°
Thu
Min60°
Max69°
Fri
Min60°
Max70°
Sat
Min59°
Max61°
|
Durban
Tuesday
71°
clear sky
Clouds0%
Humidity56%
Wind13mph
Wed
Min67°
Max75°
Thu
Min68°
Max76°
Fri
Min70°
Max75°
Sat
Min67°
Max78°
|
The best time to visit South Africa is from May to September, as the cooler winter months in the northern regions bring superb conditions for viewing big game. It can be rainy from November to February, but this is the best time to travel for birding, and temperatures remain warm at 22°C to 33°C.
However, South Africa is a year-round destination, with varying regional climates and wildlife opportunities.
The Cape has beautiful, hot, dry weather in its summer months (between November and February), with temperatures between 23°C and 26°C. The best time to visit the Cape for whale watching is between July and November.
South Africa – Month-by-Month
January sees hot and dry weather in the Cape, making it an excellent time of year for trips to Cape Town and the Garden Route. The Kruger and KwaZulu-Natal also have high temperatures, but sunny periods are interspersed with tropical rainstorms.
Events & Festivals
- The Battlefields in KwaZulu-Natal (January): The battlefields are popular in January as it’s the anniversaries of the Battle of Isandlwana and the Battle of Rorke’s Drift.
- Whale watching season (July to November): This is the best time to see southern right whales off the coast after their migration from Antarctica to the warm waters off South Africa, where they will have their young.
- Whale watching season (July to November): This is the best time to see southern right whales off the coast after their migration from Antarctica to the warm waters off South Africa, where they will have their young.
- Wild flowers on the West Coast (August to October): During spring, the dry and dusty landscape is transformed as a carpet of colourful wild flowers spreads across South Africa’s west coast, creating stunning scenery. This is an ideal time to visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
- Whale watching season (July to November): This is the best time to see southern right whales off the coast after their migration from Antarctica to the warm waters off South Africa, where they will have their young.
- Wild flowers on the West Coast (August to October): During spring, the dry and dusty landscape is transformed as a carpet of colourful wildflowers spreads across South Africa’s west coast, creating stunning scenery. This is an ideal time to visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
- Whale watching season (July to November): This is the best time to see southern right whales off the coast after their migration from Antarctica to the warm waters off South Africa, where they will have their young.
- Wild flowers on the West Coast (August to October): During spring, the dry and dusty landscape is transformed as a carpet of colourful wildflowers spreads across South Africa’s west coast, creating stunning scenery. This is an ideal time to visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
- Whale watching season (July to November): This is the best time to see southern right whales off the coast after their migration from Antarctica to the warm waters off South Africa, where they will have their young.
- Type D: mainly used in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and some African countries. This socket only works with plug D. This most common in South Africa & Namibia!
- Type M: looks like plug D, but with larger pins. This socket only works with plug M.
- Type N: used in Brazil and South Africa. This socket also works with plug C.
February is one of the hottest months in the Cape, although coastal towns are cooled by pleasant sea breezes. It is a very popular month and hotels get booked up well in advance.
March is a popular time to visit South Africa; particularly if the Easter break falls within this month. The weather is warm, and although there may still be some rainfall in the north, it is easing off. On safari in Kruger the bush will be thick and rivers full as this is the end of the rainy season..
April is also busy, but gets quieter toward the end of the month. The weather is warm and dry throughout the country, making it a prime time to combine regions.
By the time May comes around the peak summer crowds have died down, but it is still a lovely time of year to visit the country if you are not seeking particularly hot weather. The weather is warm and dry across the regions, although with chilly evenings, and safari is often superb.
Midwinter in the Cape sees cooler temperatures and roaring fires in the Winelands, and although it’s never really cold during the days, the tops of the mountains do occasionally see a dusting of snow. When the sun comes out, the weather is usually beautifully mild.
July is the start of the whale watching season along the coast of the Western Cape; southern right whales can be best viewed from Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay as they come close to the shores to give birth. The weather can be cool and drizzly in the Cape. Warmer and drier temperatures are in the north and east of the country and this is a superb time for game viewing as animals congregate around water holes.
Events & Festivals
August is the start of spring and flowers start to bloom across the Western and Northern Cape. Namaqualand in the Northern Cape becomes carpeted in colourful flowers and people travel from near and far to see them. The Cape is chilly at this time and early August sees the cable car for Table Mountain closed for annual maintenance. KwaZulu-Natal is the best region to visit in August, offering warm temperatures and plenty to see and do.
Events & Festivals
In September the beautiful wildflowers on the West Coast are often in full bloom and temperatures start to rise throughout the country; although early mornings and evenings are chilly. This is a good time to combine regions throughout the country. The animals are out in full force, with many giving birth this month in the bush and whales often spotted along the coast.
Events & Festivals
October is a beautiful month — temperatures start to heat up throughout the country but the rains are yet to come in the north. Flowers can still be found in bloom until the end of spring. This is one of the best months to combine regions.
Events & Festivals
It heats up across the country and the rains start in the Kruger and KwaZulu-Natal. Late afternoon thunderstorms clear the air and can be spectacular. The Cape sees the last month of the whale season and this is a great time to visit inland areas such as the Karoo before the temperatures soar.
Events & Festivals
The festive season is extremely busy in South Africa and gets filled up quickly. Restaurants and excursions need to be booked well in advance. The Cape is dry and hot and the north and KwaZulu-Natal can experience some rain. Early December is great for travel as it is still quiet before the rush of school holidays.
Visa requirements
Visa Application – Tourism Visa
If you want to visit South Africa, you must produce a valid visa before you can enter into the country. A visa will be issued for a visit for tourism or business purposes and is valid for a period of 90 days.
Some countries are exempted from visa control, which means that citizens from those countries do not need a visa to visit South Africa.
Visas are not issued at South African ports of entry, and airline officials must insist on visas before allowing passengers to board. If you arrive without a visa, immigration officials are obliged to put you on a flight back to your home country.
Depending on your intended visit, you can apply for a Visitor’s Visa or a Transit Visa.
Find out more about the:
Electrical
In South Africa, the power plug sockets are of type D, M and N. The standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.
Which power plugs and sockets in South Africa?
 |  |  |
| Type D: This socket has no alternative plugs | Type M: This socket has no alternative plugs | Type N: This socket also works with plug C |
Mexico
Are you planning to visit Mexico? Check if you need a power plug adapter or voltage converter for the power sockets (outlets) used in Mexico.
The following information is for travellers living in the United States of America. I live in another country.
You don’t need a power plug adapter in Mexico when living in the United States of America.
Electricity in Mexico
In Mexico the power plugs and sockets are of type A and B. The standard voltage is 127 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz.
Power plug adapter needed in Mexico?
In Mexico the power plugs and sockets are of type A and B. When living in the United States of America you don’t need a power plug adapter in Mexico. Your power plugs fit.
 |
 |
| Type A: This socket has no alternative plugs | Type B: This socket also works with plug A |