Petra Top
South Africa, the country Bernie (my Travel Buddy) calls home, was love at first sight for me. I believe everyone should visit South Africa at least once in their life. But beware, you might lose your heart to this beautiful country, as I did.
The country offers everything a solo traveller, group tourists, nature lover or active holidaymaker could wish for. For example, it has the best weather, beautiful beaches, magnificent national parks, the best wine, delicious food, and breathtaking landscapes.
In our series of articles about South Africa, we want to share valuable information about this extraordinary country to make your next trip to South Africa unforgettable.
General information about South Africa
- Although South Africa has 11 official languages, English is spoken everywhere.
- Their currency is the South African Rand which is 1 Euro to about 17 Rand (at the time of publishing).
- Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are available everywhere. A word of caution when using these machines! Don’t accept help from strangers, and be aware of your surroundings.
- The power plugs in South Africa have a different format than the European ones. You will need an adapter which you can buy from convenience stores or the airport. You can rent an adapter in most hotels.
- In South Africa, you will drive on the left-hand side and the car’s steering wheel will be on the right-hand side.
- There are many “four-way stops” at most intersections. The person who arrived first at the intersection has the right of way.
- Their health care system is of a high standard and comparable to most European systems.
- South African time zone is identical to European summertime. However, the clock has to be advanced by one hour in winter.
Should I experience South Africa on a package tour or as an individual tourist?
It is good to know that you can travel to South Africa alone, in organised groups, or a combination of both.
Organised group tours are more enjoyable when booked in small groups. These tours are planned to the last detail; for example, the tour operator organises all accommodations, vehicles, and excursions. On-site, you can expect a local tour guide who speaks most of the travellers’ language.
However, you can easily plan your own trip from home. There are many helpful travel guides and internet forums that can assist you in planning your trip.
Read our related article: Group tours in South Africa: Is it worth it?
Travel preparation for your trip to South Africa
When is the best time to travel to South Africa?
Because South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are opposite to those of countries in the Northern Hemisphere.
In principle, South Africa can be visited at any time of the year. However, it is a very large country with different climate zones. There are thus better and less ideal times to travel to each region and to participate in the available activities.
This article gives you a more detailed overview of the best times to travel in the different parts of South Africa.
How to get to South Africa by air?
A direct flight from Germany to Johannesburg takes between 10 and a half and 11 and a half hours.
There are also direct flights from Germany to Cape Town airport, although you can take a connecting flight, depending on your final destination.
Flights should be booked about three months in advance or even earlier, particularly during South Africa’s high season (Easter and December).
We use Check24, Skyscanner and Idealo to find the cheapest flight.
PRO TIP! Avoid landing at an airport in South Africa late at night, as the areas around airports are often unsafe.
Are the vaccinations requirements in South Africa?
No special vaccinations are needed for travelling to South Africa. However, if you are entering from a yellow fever area, you must provide proof of vaccination.
Standard vaccinations are recommended for a trip to South Africa. If you have any doubts, please check with your doctor.
Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for visiting the northern parts of the Kruger National Park and some other high-risk areas in South Africa (please check with your travel clinic).
Must I buy health and trip cancellation insurance to visit South Africa?
How to be safe on South African roads?
Sadly, South Africa has one of the highest car hijacking rates in the world. So you might ask what is the safest way to get around in the cities.
- A rental car is a great option. The roads are mostly in good condition.
- Enjoy quality public transport in Cape Town with MyCiti. They have a great mobile app on which you can plan routes, calculate bus fares and even top up the balance on your myconnect card. A card costs R35 and can be collected from any of these locations.
- Gauteng has the Gautrain, which is a very safe option but has limited routes.
- Minibus taxis are not recommended for tourists.
- Uber is a safe option. NOTE: Verify your Uber and Uber driver, as there have been reported cases of people posing as Uber drivers.
- Hitching is not safe in South Africa!
What are the requirements for entering South Africa?
European citizens do not need a visa for short-term stays. Upon entry, a visitor’s visa will be issued for a maximum of 90 days.
You will need a valid passport for at least 30 days after your stay in South Africa and with at least two empty pages.
Do I need a visa to visit South Africa?
European citizens do not need a visa for short-term stays. Upon entry, a visitor’s visa will be issued for a maximum of 90 days.
You will need a valid passport for at least 30 days after your stay in South Africa and with at least two empty pages.
Our home page has a valuable tool to help you establish for which countries (including South Africa) you require a visa for, with your type of passport.
Practical tips for your stay in South Africa
Are cash and credit cards accepted everywhere in South Africa?
Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, and you can also withdraw money with a Maestro bank card at most ATMs.
Never carry large amounts of cash on you!
Where can I find loadshedding notifications in South Africa?
South Africa is facing daily power outages. Many tourists are not able to download the local ‘Eskom se Push’ from app stores.
Foreigners can download the load-shedding schedule for free by clicking on the link. The site is updated in real-time.
Also, read our article: Loadshedding: Should I visit South Africa now or wait?
Where can I buy a SIM-Card for my mobile phone in South Africa?
You can buy a SIM card immediately upon arrival at Cape Town or Johannesburg airports. The cell phone stalls are located just before you exit arrivals. You can not miss it.
If you want to be prepared before leaving home and want to avoid struggling with SIM cards while travelling, you can get an e-SIM from providers like Holafly. We use Holafly to keep us connected to the internet in foreign countries.
How do I rent a car in South Africa?
We highly recommend that you book a rental car before home. The cheapest way is via comparison portals.
We prefer using Check24 and have only had good experiences with them. Most of the time, the app selected an Europcar. They have offices in the terminal building.
You need an international driving license. To date, neither me nor my family or friends have ever been asked for it by officials, but it is compulsory and could lead to inconvenience in the event that you do get stopped and checked.
How safe is South Africa in general?
Unfortunately, South Africa has a high crime rate, but by applying simple safety measures, you can enjoy this beautiful country without fear.
Read our article: “How safe is South Africa”.
One should, as everywhere else worldwide, be street smart by:
- being cautious when walking alone (particularly at night)
- not displaying expensive jewellery openly
- not leaving valuables displayed in your car (while driving or parked)
- carrying little cash on you
- keeping backpacks and bags near your body and closed
- locking your car’s doors (while driving and parked)
- avoid hiking up Table Mountain alone
- asking your accommodation manager or other locals which neighbourhoods to avoid (particularly after dark).
- avoid going into a township on your own (there are many good and safe tours available)
Unfortunately, many travellers report having issues with luggage tampering and theft. Therefore, always make sure you have locks on your luggage.
Must I tip in South Africa for service?
When refuelling, you can stay in the car, and the windscreen is often cleaned (something us Europeans are not used to). Here you can give between R5 and R10.
Car guards look after your car in almost all parking areas and are happy to receive a small tip. They regularly offer to help you unpack your trolley and appreciate a small tip for this service.
Where are the best sunset spots in South Africa?
- Cape Town arguably has the most beautiful spots to watch the sunset in South Africa.
The best sunset spots in Cape Town are:
- Chapman’s Peak
- Signal hill
- Lion’s head
- Table Mountain
- Glen beach
- Camps Bay strip
- Kalk Bay
Our related Cape Town articles are a must-read if you intend visiting this beautiful and diverse country:
“Top 8 Hotels with the best views in Cape Town”
“Why Cape Town is the best city in the world”
- The Golden Mile, Durban
- Umhlanga, Kwa-Zulu Natal
- Morgan Bay, Wild Coast
- Madikwe Game Reserve
- Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route
- Blyde River Canyon, Panorama Route
- Golden Gate Highlands Park, Free State
- Northcliff, Johannesburg
Kruger National Park also has many spectacular spots. Our favourites are:
- Mathekenyane near Skukuza
- Selati bridge near Skukuza camp
- Olifants camp KNP
Where to stay in South Africa
We depend on Go2Africa to give us the best accommodation deals in South Africa.
Summary
South Africa is wonderful to visit because self-drive is easy and the landscape is nothing like you’ve ever experienced.
It is advisable to pick up a travel guide to South Africa for more in-depth information.
Related Travel Blogs
- Best time to visit South Africa
- How safe is South Africa?
- What to know before planning a trip to Kruger National Park
- Is it worth visiting the Kruger National Park?
- How to self-drive from Johannesburg to Kruger?
- Cape Town-Top 5 Attractions
- What to do in Langebaan
- Group tours in South Africa: Is it worth it?
- Driving in South Africa: Everything you need to know
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Until Next time, Bernie and Petra
