Your guide to South Africa
Top destinations in South Africa
Cape Town
Welcome to Cape Town, where unique wildlife, world-renowned wines and hair-raising road trips are par for the course. See South Africa as it was meant to be seen.
Johannesburg
South Africa’s largest city is endlessly exciting and effortlessly cool. Explore its diverse food scene, visit inspiring museums and discover neighborhoods brimming with history.
Durban
This subtropical port city is shaking things up. From its cutting-edge music and craft beer scene to its epic surf beaches, Durban is a one-of-a-kind destination.
South Africa: fast facts
| Language | Afrikaans, English, Xhosa |
|---|---|
| Currency | South African rand (R) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (SAST) |
South Africa highlights
Go on a safari
Spotting ‘the Big Five’ — lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo — in the wild is maybe the best thing to do in South Africa. Kruger National Park is rightly famous, but don’t miss Addo Elephant National Park and Mala Mala Game Reserve. It’s not all about game parks either. Visit African penguins at Boulders Beach, or go whale watching off the coast of Hermanus from June through November.
Learn about Nelson Mandela
A short boat ride from Cape Town, Robben Island is a former prison that housed legendary activist Nelson Mandela for 18 years. Today, it’s a museum that immortalises Black South Africans’ fight against apartheid and the country’s road to reconciliation. Tours with former inmates walk you through 500 years of life on the island and let you visit the cell where Mandela began drafting his autobiography.
Tour the wineries
South Africans have been making wine since the 17th century. These days, the country is known for its crisp Chenin Blancs and bold Pinotages. Taste the best in the Cape Winelands region, home to hundreds of wine cellars and estates. Take Route 62 — often called the ‘world’s longest wine route’ — as it winds from Cape Town through charming villages, vineyards and natural wonders.
Things to do in South Africa
Top attractions
More than a century old, Kruger National Park is South Africa’s premier destination for game drives, wildlife encounters and bush camps. Hike or ride the cable car up Table Mountain for epic nature trails and sweeping views over Cape Town. Near Johannesburg, the Cradle of Humankind bursts with ancient fossils and caves that reveal the history of human evolution.
Beaches
With over 2,800 kilometres of coastline, there’s no shortage of fantastic beaches in South Africa. In the shadow of Table Mountain, Camps Bay Beach is famous for its soft, white sand, glorious sunsets and trendy restaurants. Surfers flock to Jeffreys Bay to ride some of Africa’s best waves. Feel world’s away at Coffee Bay, and enjoy family-friendly entertainment along Durban’s Golden Mile.
Nature
From the iconic Table Mountain to the coral reefs and swamp forests of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa is a mosaic of natural wonders. Hike amid red rock formations in the Cederberg Wilderness Area and the rugged peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains. Don’t miss Namaqua National Park in springtime, when dusty valleys turn into a multicoloured sea of wildflowers.
Culture and museums
Johannesburg’s Apartheid Museum is among the most important museums in South Africa. It chronicles the country’s turbulent apartheid years. Admire works by European masters and national artists at Kimberley’s William Humphreys Art Gallery. And experience Cape Malay culture around the colourful streets of Cape Town’s Bo Kaap district. The Cape Town International Jazz Festival in March is another must when visiting the ‘Mother City’.
Cuisine
Game meat is the star at restaurants in South Africa, with specialities like kudu, ostrich and springbok on the menu. You’ll also find European, Malay and Indian culinary influences. Make sure you try ‘bobotie’ (ground beef topped with milk and egg custard) and ‘bunny chow’ (hollowed-out bread filled with curry). For something sweet, ‘koeksisters’ (fried dough pastries coated in syrup) are a traditional treat.
Family friendly
In Johannesburg, Gold Reef City is the country’s largest theme park, with rollercoasters, kid-friendly rides and an underground mine tour. Get up close to thousands of African penguins with accessible boardwalks and a sheltered beach at Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town. Near Oudtshoorn, guided tours of the Cango Caves explore dramatic limestone formations, chambers and tunnels.
Find the best time to visit South Africa
Weather in South Africa
March – May: Heavy winds arrive in March, creating consistent swells until September and great surfing conditions in places like Jeffreys Bay. May marks the start of whale-watching season, which continues into late spring.
June – August: Dry and clear days make winter one of the best times to visit South Africa for wildlife safaris. Pack a jacket for cooler evenings and a raincoat or umbrella if you’re visiting Cape Town.
September – November: Spring weather varies depending on where you are. It’s a good time to enjoy wildflowers in Namaqua National Park and the Northern Cape.
December – February: Summer brings hot, sunny weather with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. While much of the country sees rain, Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula remain dry and clear.
Events in South Africa
Cape Town International Jazz Festival (March or April): Billed as ‘Africa’s Grandest Gathering’, this two-day festival welcomes local and international artists. Previous performers include Herbie Hancock and South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela.
J-Bay Surf Fest (July): Sporting events, live music and film screenings are highlights of this ten-day festival in Jeffreys Bay. Watch as pro surfers ride epic waves during the World Surf League J-Bay Open.
Hermanus Whale Festival (September or October): Held in the seaside town of Hermanus, this eco-marine festival celebrates the migration of the southern right whale. Expect marine-focused educational exhibits, biologist talks, a classic car parade and kid-friendly entertainment.
Know before you go
Local etiquette
A handshake and smile are the standard greeting in South Africa, although hugs and kisses on the cheek are common among close friends and family. Punctuality varies, with many locals embracing the relaxed concept of ‘Africa time’. Listen out for phrases like ‘just now’ (later) and ‘now now’ (soon or shortly). Tipping 10% is normal for good service in bars and restaurants.
Health and safety
Depending on where you’re coming from, you may need proof of yellow fever vaccination. Antimalarial medication and insect repellent are recommended for visits to Kruger National Park and the lowland areas of northern KwaZulu-Natal. Tap water is safe to drink and cook with in urban areas, but stick to bottled water in rural regions.
LGBTQ+ travel
As one of the first countries to legalise same-sex marriage, South Africa is widely regarded as the continent’s most LGBTQ-friendly destination. Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Pretoria all have thriving LGBTQ+ scenes. October is Pride Month, with events in major cities nationwide. Try to avoid public displays of affection in remote areas, where attitudes and acceptance can differ.
Budget
It’s easy to plan a budget-friendly visit to South Africa, a country known for its affordability. You can enjoy an inexpensive meal for about 150 South African rand (R) or get a coffee or local beer for under R40. Getting around is also relatively cheap; a short taxi ride will set you back R100.
Getting around South Africa
Public transport
Buses: Greyhound and Intercape link most towns and cities. Long-distance services come with air conditioning and toilets. Bazbus has low-cost hop-on, hop-off passes geared towards budget travellers.
Trains: Travelling by train is typically slower than by bus. Shosholoza Meyl is the main operator of intercity services. Choose between economy fares with reclining seats and multi-berth cabins. For a dose of luxury, check out Blue Train, which runs from Pretoria to Cape Town and Durban.
Boats: You can access Robben Island by ferries departing from Cape Town. On the Eastern Cape, the Kei Mouth Ferry is a pontoon river crossing for passengers and vehicles.
Domestic flights
Flying is a great option if you’re pressed for time. Airlink services dozens of locations throughout the country. In a rush to see the Big Five? Direct flights run from Cape Town and Johannesburg to Skukuza Airport, inside Kruger National Park.
Driving
Having a car gives you the freedom to enjoy self-drive safaris and explore scenic roads like the Panorama Route. Motorists drive on the left side of the road here, and seatbelts are mandatory. To hire a car, you’ll need a valid driving licence in English or an International Driving Permit.
