South Africa Guide
The rainbow country, which emerged from a long period of apartheid at the end of the last century, boasts many riches, from large cities to animal parks and two beautiful ocean coasts.
South Africa is a country of contrasts, and one you should definitely add to your list of places to discover. Home to Nelson Mandela , Apartheid , but also the land of Safari and the Big Five , South Africa is a country with many facets that will make your stay memorable. So, are you ready for a unique experience? Don’t wait any longer to fly to the rainbow nation.
South Africa, land of discovery and history
For those who love to escape to the heart of nature, South Africa is the perfect place: its vast plains, its wildlife and its multicultural population will awaken all your senses. Let yourself be charmed by the beauty of its landscape and access the various activities that this country offers you, South Africa makes your wildest dreams come true. Thrilling activities , strolling through the streets of big cities or simply swimming , all the choices are available to you.
Description of South Africa
Area : 1.22 million km²
Population : 59.31 million (2020)
Capitals : Cape Town, Pretoria, Bloemfontein
Main cities : Tshwane, Pretoria, Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Ethekwini, Durban, Cape Town, Nelson Mandela and Port Elizabeth.
Official languages : 11 official languages are used in South Africa: Afrikaans, English, Transvaal Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu, which is the most widely spoken language.
Currency : Rand (R or ZAR)
National holiday : September 24 (National Heritage Day)
Why travel to South Africa?
South Africa has the ability to make you feel at home . Here are some great reasons to plan your next vacation.
Cape Town’s urban beach
During your stay in South Africa, don’t miss Camps Bay Beach. You’ll be charmed by this colony of endangered African penguins . You’ll also discover the long stretches of pristine white sand, ideal for enjoying a total immersion in a world apart. Tropical coral reefs and excellent diving and snorkeling sites are nearby.
The Big Five
If you are in South Africa, be sure to visit one of the national parks to see the Big Five. During your trip, you will surely encounter leopards , lions , elephants , rhinos , and buffaloes . Sabi Sands is one of those places that gives you the opportunity to get up close to leopards. In fact, the country is one of the few places on Earth where you can observe all these animals in a single day. So, do not hesitate to join a safari in one of these parks, namely the Kruger National Park and its private reserves like Thornybush , Londolozi , MalaMala , Lion Sands , and Dulini . You can also visit the Madikwe Game Reserve or the Addo Elephant National Park .
South African food and wine
If you’re looking for the most hearty culinary delights with unbeatable value for money , head to South Africa. The country boasts numerous unique restaurants scattered throughout its major cities. Explore beautiful wineries , sample award-winning wines in cool cellars and on vine-covered terraces, and enjoy some of the world’s finest cuisine in its restaurants while being close to nature.
For those looking for culinary specialties, they can head to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands for a gourmet getaway . It’s also a perfect place to go hiking on trails accessible to all levels. If Cape Town is a gastronomic destination, Johannesburg has just caught up with its restaurants focused on international cuisine. You can stroll through the city’s markets before sipping a cup of locally produced coffee or a craft beer while enjoying the sunset.
A plethora of activities
Did you know that South Africa is considered by its inhabitants to be a vast playground? Indeed, with year-round sunshine, lush green mountains overlooking the sea, sparkling rivers , and magnificent waterfalls , the country has all the ingredients for enjoying a variety of activities. You can go horseback riding in the Drakensberg or hike to the summit of the famous Table Mountain. Nature lovers can treat themselves to a day in Hermanus to watch whales or, better yet, head to Johannesburg to discover South Africa’s urban culture. There is no shortage of things to do in this magnificent country.
South African hospitality
Visitors often remark that South Africans smile a lot, and it’s true. Indeed, the South African population is friendly and hospitable. They will be more than happy to approach you and recommend the best places to discover during your stay. Since South African culture was born from several fascinating cultures to form a single nation, you’re sure to discover new things beyond what you could have imagined.
Activities and places of interest in South Africa
Experience a unique vacation in South Africa by indulging in a variety of activities. There’s something for everyone.
Shukudu Game Reserve
Don’t miss this reserve, which lies on a vast plain, once a hunting ground and now a nature reserve. Here, you’ll be able to encounter the Big Five up close, just a few meters away. Start your day in Shukudu with a walk with resident cheetahs before ending with a safari to discover the behemoths in the heart of the African bush. In the evening, don’t miss the sunset, which guarantees a unique spectacle beyond the Drakensberg Mountains that line the horizon.
The town of Knysna
To experience the picturesque charm of South Africa, the lagoon town of Knysna is a must-see. Built on an island overlooking the sea , it’s not uncommon for locals to take a boat to travel back and forth to the mainland. Nearby, you can explore the Featherbed Nature Reserve and an open-air restaurant hidden among the giant Milkwood trees . This is the perfect place to recharge your batteries.
God’s Window in Mpumalanga
Heading a little further east, God’s Window is a must-see attraction during your stay in South Africa. To get there, take the Drakensberg Scenic Drive . You’ll have magnificent views of Kruger National Park and its captivating landscape. For this, there’s nothing like a cloudless day and you’ll forget the rest of the world.
Boulders Beach and its penguins
Have you ever heard of South African penguins ? If not, take a trip to Boulders Beach. This beach is known for its white sand and large boulders that scatter along the shoreline into the ocean. These rocks form coves that protect the beach from the wind, a true paradise for the penguins who make it their home. In summer, this spot is ideal for swimming and other water activities.
Blyde River Canyon
The Blyde River Canyon is located in Mpumalanga and is one of the largest canyons in the world. Here you’ll find a scenic river that winds along red sandstone cliffs as it cuts through the Lowveld , perfect for capturing a photo. You can stay up high and take breathtaking photos of the river and cliffs or go down to the river itself and take a boat ride. With a bit of luck, you might spot a hippo or two .
Cape Town
While South Africa is known for its natural spaces , its cities are no less renowned places to visit. For starters, Cape Town is ideal for enjoying the bustle of a big city while offering a friendly waterfront and beautiful opportunities for walking on Table Mountain. Its city center reflects the country’s many contrasts with a mixed architecture where townships rub shoulders with chic neighborhoods. Don’t miss the waterfront , of course, but also the Malay Quarter, Woodstock , and the beautiful Camp Bay Beach .
Johannesburg
Johannesburg isn’t exactly popular with tourists, and that’s a shame. Its image as a city where insecurity reigned still clings to it. Yet the city is booming, with everything to be done, which creates an incredible dynamism between traditional African markets and neighborhoods undergoing artistic transformation, like 44 Stanley. To make sure you don’t get lost in the few places that are still difficult to access, you can contact tour companies that organize neighborhood walks.
How to visit South Africa?
South Africa has several international airports. Many flights stop over here, connecting the country with the rest of the world. So, if you want to get there, the fastest and safest way to travel is by plane .
Transport in South Africa
Minibus taxis
The main means of transportation used by residents in South Africa is the minibus taxi, also known as the Baz Bus. Along the way, your bus stops at various stops to pick up passengers and also to drop off those arriving at their destination. Convenient and inexpensive, this type of transportation allows you to explore the country easily and on a budget.
The train
If you want to experience South Africa’s beautiful scenery in peace and quiet, travel by train. The country offers different train classes depending on your destination and budget. For more information on departure times and basic fares, we recommend you always check carefully before booking a ticket.
The plane
The fastest way to get from one city to another in South Africa is by plane. Thanks to the various national airlines that operate domestic flights, you can travel across the country by plane.
Climate and weather in South Africa
The climate in South Africa is subtropical , moderated by the Indian Ocean. The country is relatively dry, with an average annual rainfall of around 464 mm. While the Western Cape receives most of its rainfall in winter, the rest of the country is generally a summer-only rainy region . Temperatures tend to be lower than in other countries at similar latitudes, mainly due to the higher altitude above sea level, meaning you’re unlikely to experience a heatwave.
When to go to South Africa?
The best time to visit South Africa is from May to September , as the cooler winter months in the northern regions provide superb conditions for big game viewing . It can rain from November to February, but this is the best time for birdwatching. This is also when temperatures remain warm, between 22°C and 33°C .
Clothes to take away
For your suitcase, the appropriate outfits are summer clothes with two or three light sweaters in case it gets a little chilly in the evening. Pack clothes for safari and hiking, as well as shoes suitable for walking in the bush.
Good to know
To help you plan your trip to South Africa, here are some things you should remember before you leave.
Try local foods
South Africa has been heavily influenced by African , European , and Indian flavors . This leads to an explosion of flavors . They also use meats you’ve never tried.
Don’t throw your garbage anywhere
Although South Africa appears to be a developed country with tall skyscrapers in its metropolises like Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, and Johannesburg, the local population does not hesitate to dump their garbage all over the country. As you are in a foreign country, don’t adopt other people’s bad habits and dispose of your garbage where indicated. Value nature and contribute to its protection.
Don’t argue with a South African
South Africans are friendly people , but when it comes to their political system, discussions can turn into conflict. So stay away from political discussions that can get very heated and land you in jail. Always keep in mind that you are a guest in a faraway country. The country has had a turbulent history , so learn by listening to what the locals have to offer while putting aside your own opinions. After all, you came to the country to enjoy yourself, not to get into trouble.
