The country we have been most surprised by in our travels so far is most likely South Africa. This country is filled with breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and fascinating wildlife. From the iconic Table Mountain to the animal encounters in Kruger National Park, there’s almost nothing that this country does not have. Besides all the famous sights, you will also be showered with culture, unique experiences around every corner, and ever-changing landscapes as you cross the country.
It is a huge country with tons of interesting things to see and do. To help you on your way to plan your trip, we’ve written down all our experiences in our South Africa blog posts. Get ready to immerse yourself in the spirit of this incredible country and create memories that will last a lifetime.
South Africa is a year-round destination but the best time depends on what you want to see and do. It’s important to note that South Africa is located in the Southern Hemisphere, so the seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere.
The overall best time to visit South Africa is from May to October. During these winter months, you can expect more pleasant temperatures and less rain as this period is the dry season. It is also the best time for seeing wildlife as there’s less vegetation so you’ll have better visibility.
If you want to visit South African cities, it depends on which city you want to visit.
For Cape Town, summer is the best period, from November to March. This period offers warm and sunny weather, perfect for enjoying the city’s beautiful beaches and outdoor activities. However, it’s also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. Alternatively, the spring and autumn months (September to October and April to May) offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
Johannesburg can be visited at any time. It has a mild and temperate climate throughout the year but the spring and autumn seasons (September to November and March to May) are particularly pleasant. Summer months (December to February) can be hot and humid, while winter months (June to August) can be cool, especially in the evenings.
As South Africa is such a large country, the cities are far apart. That is why there can be a big difference in the weather. Therefore, it is recommended to check the specific city’s weather patterns for your visit.
What is load shedding and why is it important as a traveler?
South Africa is experiencing load shedding. This is when electricity is intentionally cut off in certain areas to balance the limited power supply with high demand. It helps prevent a complete blackout and is done on a rotating schedule. In some places, they use alternative energy sources during these outages. If not, it can affect your schedule, for example when you can cook or charge electrical devices. This is definitely something you should take into account during your visit to South Africa
The official currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR) and you can pay by credit card in bigger restaurants, hotels, and shops, but not everywhere. It is therefore always useful to have enough cash with you and also to give tips. Sometimes it is also not possible to pay with the card because of load shedding.
You will find ATMs in every touristic area and/or major cities where you can withdraw money, but not in the more remote places.
The official languages in South Africa are Afrikaans, English, Zulu, Xhosa, Sepedi, Swazi, Sesotho, Setwana, Xitsonga, Tshivenda, and Ndebele. English is widely spoken and understood, particularly among those working in the tourism industry, government institutions, and businesses.
Safety in South Africa is an important consideration for travelers. Even though South Africa has a high crime rate, the risk of violent crimes against visitors in the main tourist areas is generally low. While the majority of visits are trouble-free, it’s essential to take precautions to ensure a safe trip. Be particularly alert in major city centers and township areas. Try to avoid traveling after dark and displaying expensive items or large amounts of cash.
Keep an eye on your belongings and be cautious of pickpockets. We never felt unsafe in South Africa, but we have always been careful and have avoided risky situations. To our opinion, South Africa is no more dangerous than any other country, as long as you use your common sense.
Tourists are often taken advantage of and get scammed. A few common scams in South Africa are ATM fraud, unofficial guides, pickpockets, and street beggars. Always be vigilant about this.
It is safe to drink tap water in bigger cities in South Africa. In more rural areas, not all tap water is safe for consumption.
In South Africa, the dress code is generally casual.
In the suburbs and townships, it is recommended not to wear visible jewelry and luxurious clothing.
As South Africa is an African country, European roaming charges don’t count. We therefore recommend purchasing an ESIM. Jetpac is an excellent partner for this!
Haggling is relatively common in certain situations in South Africa, particularly in informal markets, flea markets, and some tourist areas. In these settings, it is often expected and accepted to negotiate prices with vendors. But unlike other countries where haggling is a real thing, here they don’t start with ridiculously high prices to bargain from. It’s always a good idea to approach haggling respectfully and be prepared for both successful negotiations and situations where the price may not be flexible.
Tipping in South Africa is generally expected and customary in many service-oriented industries, including restaurants, cafes, and bars. While tipping is not mandatory, it is considered a common practice to show appreciation for good service.
In restaurants, it’s common to leave a tip of around 10%-15% of the bill. However, some restaurants may include a service charge, so it’s always a good idea to check the bill. If the service charge is already included, an additional tip may not be necessary unless you wish to show extra appreciation.
In hotels, it is common to tip the hotel staff who provide services such as carrying luggage, cleaning rooms, or assisting. A small tip of around 10 to 20 ZAR per service is considered appropriate.
At gas stations, petrol attendants will fill up your tank and clean your windshields. If required, they will also check your tire pressure and oil. In this situation, it is common to give a tip of 5-20 ZAR.
Most power plug sockets in South Africa are of type D. The standard voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.
The time zone in South Africa is GMT+2.
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