Insider Travel Tips

How long can you vacation in South Africa?

A short-term visitor visa for South Africa is valid for up to 90 days. If you wish to explore longer South Africa vacation options, you can apply for a long-term visitor visa, which lasts up to three years.

What currency does South Africa use?

South Africa uses the rand, which trades at around 18 to 1 USD. Cards are accepted for most payments, however. Carrying a small amount of cash can help with small transactions.

When is the best time to go on safari in South Africa?

Planning a nice, dry South Africa safari can be tricky, since Kruger and the Western Cape have opposite seasonal schedules. Safaris are at their best between May and October, when cooler temperatures and Kruger’s dry season make the animals easier to spot. Kruger is also surprisingly uncrowded at this time, since most tourists plan their South Africa vacation around summer. This is, admittedly, the best time to visit Cape Town and the Garden Route, which can get cold and rainy from June to August. If you’re visiting both sides of the country (and you should), a travel agency can help you decide which is more important to you and prepare for potentially suboptimal conditions in the other. You’ll still have a great trip.

Where to stay in South Africa for safari?

Kruger National Park, located in the country’s northeast, is South Africa’s largest and most popular safari destination. In the Greater Kruger area, you’ll also find MalaMala Private Game Reserve and Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, which is one of the best places in Africa to see big cats, including those elusive leopards. The next best region for a South Africa safari is KwaZulu-Natal. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is the star park here, with a healthy population of white rhinos as its main attraction. It too offers an enclosed game reserve in the form of Phinda, famous for its plentiful cheetah sightings. If you want a proper Big Five safari experience, you need to go beyond the Western Cape. It will be easy to find a travel guide in Cape Town offering safaris, but they can’t compete with the eastern parks. If you want great wildlife tours on the Western Cape, focus on its birds, including large colonies of ostriches and penguins, and its impressive marine life, including great white sharks and migrating whales. 

Do I need to tip in South Africa?

Tipping about 10 percent of the bill is customary in South Africa. You can increase this to 15 or 20 percent for exceptional service but note that tips will most likely not be included, even in all inclusive vacation packages.

What to pack for a safari in South Africa?

Light, natural, earthy colours in breathable fabrics are the best way to ensure your comfort on South Africa tours. Avoid dark colours as these can attract mosquitos. Bring a few practical layers if you’re coming in the cooler months from May to October. South African safari vehicles are open, and things get chilly on those early-morning and late-afternoon game drives. Long, lightweight pants and sturdy walking shoes are must-haves on a walking safari, or hiking around the Western Cape. A good camera is also a must. Whether you’re using your phone or an advanced digital camera with a zoom lens, know its settings and quirks inside and out before landing in South Africa. You don’t want to miss an amazing shot. 

Is it safe to go to South Africa now?

South Africa has gained a reputation for petty and sometimes violent crime, and unfortunately, it’s not unjustified. Keep your wits about you at all times, particularly in cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. Always take cabs or ride app services after dark. Popular tourist districts like Cape Town’s waterfront and Bo-Kaap are relatively safe, but avoid walking alone through local neighbourhoods you don’t know, even during the day.

Avoid hiking alone even in popular areas like Table Mountain National Park. Eco-tours of South Africa’s townships are a safe and fascinating way to learn more about South African society, but don’t go on your own. Hotel staff and reputable travel guides take your safety extremely seriously, so ask for recommendations and follow their advice if you’re not sure. On safari, common sense rules apply. Give wild animals their space, and follow your guide’s directions at all times.

Is South Africa LGBTQ+ friendly?

South Africa was the first African country and one of the first in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. LGBTQ+ South Africans enjoy most of the same privileges and protections as their neighbours, and while non-binary gender is not currently recognized, it’s likely only a matter of time. The majority of South Africans are accepting of LGBTQ+ people, including trans identities.

Can I drink the tap water in South Africa?

In most urban areas, it’s safe to drink and cook with South Africa’s tap water. For vacation packages that explore rural areas, you may want to stick with bottled water. Cape Town’s water crisis of the 2010s ended with strong rains in 2020.