Travel To South Africa

CURRENCY
South African Rand ZAR
LANGUAGES
English is widely spoken + 10 other
DRIVE
Left
CARDS
Yes
Volunteering at Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Volunteering at Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Why You Want To Travel To South Africa...

South Africa is located at the southern tip of the African continent. It shares borders with Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Eswatini. The country is known for it’s wildlife, the Garden Route, Cape Town and Kruger National Park. Visitors can experience national parks, mountains, vineyards, beaches, and cities, all within one country.

Kruger National Park offers some of Africa’s best wildlife viewing, while Cape Town is known for Table Mountain, the Cape Winelands and Robben Island. The Garden Route stretches along the southern coast and includes forests, lakes, and small towns.

South Africa is often paired with Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia for extended tours, combining wildlife safaris and natural wonders across borders. The one thing you cannot miss when in South Africa is a visit to Kruger National Park.

South Africa

Destinations

Travel Information

Travellers from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and most EU countries, can enter South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days. Travellers from other countries need to apply for a visa before arrival at a South African embassy or consulate. Passports must be valid for at least 30 days after departure and have two blank pages for entry stamps.

Vaccinations
There are no mandatory vaccines for entry. Malaria prophylaxis is advised for travel to certain regions in the northeast, including the Kruger area. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from or transiting through a country with yellow fever risk. Routine vaccinations such as tetanus, hepatitis A and B, and typhoid are recommended. 

OR Tambo International Airport JNB
Johannesburg

Cape Town International Airport CPT
Cape Town

King Shaka International Airport DUR
Durban

Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport PLZ
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

Bram Fischer International Airport BFN
Bloemfontein

Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport MQP
Near Nelspruit, serving Kruger National Park

Upington International Airport UTN
Northern Cape

Cape Town
Known for Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the Cape Winelands. Popular for food, culture, and outdoor activities.

Johannesburg
The country’s largest city and main business center. Key attractions include the Apartheid Museum, Soweto, and Maboneng.

Durban
Coastal city with warm Indian Ocean beaches and strong Indian and Zulu cultural influences.

Pretoria
The administrative capital, known for historical landmarks and jacaranda trees.

Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)
Coastal city near the Garden Route and malaria-free safari reserves.

Bloemfontein
 The judicial capital, located inland, known for its museums and the surrounding Free State landscapes.

South African food reflects a mix of African, European, and Asian influences. Meals are often social, with family and friends gathering to share food.

Braai: Traditional barbecue and a popular social custom.

Bobotie: Spiced minced meat baked with an egg topping.

Biltong and Droëwors: Dried, cured meat snacks.

Pap and Chakalaka: Maize porridge served with spicy vegetable relish.

Bunny Chow: Loaf of bread filled with curry, originally from Durban.

Koeksisters: Sweet, syrup-covered pastries.

Snoek: A local fish often grilled or smoked.

Handshakes are a common greeting.

Punctuality is expected for business, but social occasions are more relaxed.

Tipping of 10 to 15 percent is customary in restaurants and for guides.

When invited to someone’s home, it is polite to bring a small gift or contribute to the meal.

Casual dress is acceptable in most places, with smart casual preferred in cities or restaurants.

Best time to visit South Africa

January is one of the best months to visit Cape Town, with long sunny days, low rainfall, and temperatures around 26°C. Beaches, wine estates, and coastal drives are at their best. The Garden Route enjoys warm, calm weather ideal for swimming and outdoor activities. In the Greater Kruger, the summer rains create green scenery and active birdlife, although game viewing can be more challenging. The Zulu Kingdom is hot and humid with occasional tropical showers, perfect for a beach holiday in Durban.
February is ideal for Cape Town and the Garden Route, both offering warm, dry weather and excellent conditions for sightseeing and outdoor exploration. In the Greater Kruger, it remains hot and humid with afternoon storms, but wildlife is plentiful, and the surroundings are colourful. The Zulu Kingdom experiences similar tropical weather with warm seas and high humidity along the coast.
March is one of the most balanced months for travel across South Africa. Cape Town experiences mild weather with less wind, and it’s an excellent time for wine tasting and coastal walks. The Garden Route stays sunny and comfortable, suitable for hiking and scenic drives. In the Greater Kruger, rainfall begins to taper off, improving game-viewing opportunities. The Zulu Kingdom remains warm but less humid, ideal for beaches and cultural sites.
April is one of the best months to visit the Greater Kruger as the earth starts to dry and animals become easier to spot. Cape Town enjoys calm, mild weather perfect for sightseeing, while the Garden Route remains green and quiet with fewer visitors. The Zulu Kingdom has pleasant temperatures with low humidity, making it suitable for both beach and inland travel.
May is a top month for safaris in the Greater Kruger, with dry conditions and excellent visibility for wildlife. Cape Town and the Garden Route are mild and calm, offering comfortable conditions for travel without summer crowds. The Zulu Kingdom stays warm along the coast and cool in the mountains, a good time for hiking and outdoor exploration.
June marks the start of winter in Cape Town, bringing cool, rainy weather and crisp air. It’s a good time for indoor attractions and whale watching. The Garden Route can experience some rain but remains green and quiet. The Greater Kruger offers clear skies, dry areas, and prime wildlife viewing as animals gather near water sources. The Zulu Kingdom is mild and mostly dry, with clear conditions for exploring reserves and mountain areas.
July is peak safari season in the Greater Kruger, with dry, warm days and clear visibility. Cape Town experiences cool and rainy weather, but it’s a good time for coastal whale watching and exploring the Winelands. The Garden Route has mild temperatures and fresh mornings, ideal for quiet getaways. The Zulu Kingdom remains dry and comfortable, with warm beaches and pleasant inland temperatures.
August continues to be excellent for wildlife in the Greater Kruger, with dry conditions and cooler mornings. In Cape Town, winter begins to ease, and the nearby West Coast starts showing spring wildflowers. The Garden Route remains mild and green, good for scenic drives. The Zulu Kingdom enjoys clear skies and pleasant temperatures, making it one of the best months for both beach and mountain travel.
September is one of the most scenic times to visit Cape Town and the Garden Route, as spring brings wildflowers and fresh greenery. It is also a great time for safaris in the Greater Kruger, with warm days and excellent wildlife sightings before the rains arrive. The Zulu Kingdom enjoys increasing warmth and minimal rainfall, suitable for both beaches and cultural visits.
October is a transitional month with comfortable weather across all regions. Cape Town experiences warm days and calm conditions ahead of summer. The Garden Route enjoys mild temperatures and green landscapes. In the Greater Kruger, the first rains may appear, bringing dramatic skies and newborn animals. The Zulu Kingdom becomes warmer and more humid but remains good for travel.
November marks the beginning of summer in Cape Town and along the Garden Route, with long sunny days and warm temperatures. In the Greater Kruger, the bush turns green again after the first rains, and many animals give birth, offering lively safari experiences. The Zulu Kingdom experiences hot, humid weather with warm sea temperatures for swimming and diving.
December is peak summer and one of the busiest months for travel. Cape Town and the Garden Route enjoy hot, dry days perfect for beaches and outdoor activities. The Greater Kruger is hot and humid with afternoon storms, but the area is green, and wildlife activity is high. The Zulu Kingdom is tropical and festive, with warm seas and fun coastal resorts.

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