South Africa

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South Africa

One of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth, South Africa, fondly known by locals as the ‘Rainbow Nation’, boasts 11 official languages, and its inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of cultures.

Discover the gourmet restaurants, impressive art scene, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful beaches of Cape Town. Enjoy a local braai (barbecue) in the Soweto township, browse the bustling Indian markets in Durban, or sample some of the world’s finest wines at the myriad wine estates dotting the Cape Winelands. Some historical attractions to explore include the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town.

Above all else, its untamed wilderness is astonishing: wildlife roams freely across massive, unfenced game reserves such as the world-famous Kruger National Park!

Fast Facts

Regions:

Balule Private Game Reserve, Gansbaai, Hazyview, Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park, Kruger National Park, KwaZulu Natal Game Reserves, KwaZulu Natal South Coast, Madikwe Game Reserve, Manyoni Private Game Reserve, Port St. Johns, Simon’s Town, Sodwana Bay, Thanda Safari, Zimanga Private Game Reserve

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Regions

  • Balule Private Game Reserve

    Situated in the Limpopo Province and forming part of the Greater Kruger National Park in northeastern South Africa, the Balule Private Game Reserve is known for its abundant free-roaming wildlife, fascinating birdlife and is home to the renowned Big Five,…

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  • Gansbaai

    Fringing the southwestern coast of South Africa, Gansbaai is a charming fishing town and a popular tourist destination in the Overberg area of the Western Cape. This renowned whale-watching mecca is home to the Marine Big 5 – namely the…

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  • Hazyview

    Surrounded by subtropical fruit orchards, Hazyview is a small farming town and a gateway to the southern part of the Kruger National Park and the Panorama Escarpment. The town and its spectacularly scenic surroundings, serve as a popular adventure capital…

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  • Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park

    The Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park is the jewel in the crown of the KwaZulu Natal game reserves. Proclaimed in 1895, it is also the oldest game reserve in Africa. Initially two separate reserves, they were joined to create a single 94 000…

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  • Kruger National Park

    Stretching over more than two million hectares, the famous Kruger National Park is one of the world’s largest game reserves and a truly remarkable destination. Owing to its exceptional size, visitors are able to experience fantastic diversity – from changing…

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  • KwaZulu Natal Game Reserves

    Scattered across the undulating plains of KwaZulu Natal, a wonderful array of game reserves can be explored. These magnificent parks are renowned for their dramatic hilly countryside, diversity of flora and fauna, high standards of conservation and their invaluable contribution…

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  • KwaZulu Natal South Coast

    Stretching from Amanzimtoti to Port Edward, South Africa’s KwaZulu Natal South Coast is all about stunning beaches, excellent fishing and fantastic golf locations. Well-developed resort towns dot this lush coastline and cater to every need from diving to dining, with…

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  • Madikwe Game Reserve

    Bordering Botswana in South Africa’s North West Province, Madikwe Game Reserve is the fifth-largest reserve in the country and is home to a great number of animal species. It contains a wild dog reserve, and is inhabited by the world-renowned…

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  • Manyoni Private Game Reserve

    Resting in the Msunduzi Valley in the heart of Zululand, the Manyoni Private Game Reserve lies in the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal. It boasts excellent game viewing opportunities, rich cultural traditions, and significant conservation efforts. It was established when a…

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  • Port St. Johns

    The small coastal town of Port St. Johns is known as the Jewel of the Wild Coast and is situated at the mouth of the Umzimvubu River in the Eastern Cape. Boasting pristine, white sandy beaches, a wide array of…

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  • Simon’s Town

    Perched on a steep slope along the shores of False Bay, Simon's Town is renowned as one of South Africa's oldest settlements. Just 35km from Cape Town, this enchanting locale boasts a rich maritime legacy and houses the South African…

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  • Sodwana Bay

    Located on Kwa-Zulu Natal’s coast within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Sodwana Bay is known primarily as a top diving destination. The Southern Coral Reef is the only tropical dive site in South Africa and one of the few places in…

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  • Thanda Safari

    Set in the heart of South Africa’s Zululand, on the scenic Elephant Coast, Thanda Safari Private Game Reserve is known for its conservation efforts and excellent safari experiences offering exclusive close encounters with Africa’s infamous Big Five. This reserve stretches…

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  • Zimanga Private Game Reserve

    Zimanga, in KwaZulu Natal, is the first reserve in Africa to be designed specifically to satisfy the needs of today’s wildlife photography enthusiasts as well as safari clients who have a deeper appreciation for the bush, both of whom crave…

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Travel Information

Electricity

Plug Type: C, M, N Voltage (V): 230 V Frequency (Hz): 50 Hz *A travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances….

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Banking

Currency Local currency: South African Rand Symbol: R ISO code: ZAR Subunit: Cent (1/100 of a Rand) Banknotes: R10, R20, R50, R100, R200 Coins: 10c,…

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Cuisine

Food and water safety: Can you drink the tap water: Yes, in most urban areas Fresh fruit and veg: Yes Ice: Yes Meat: Yes Street food: Yes, widely…

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Climate

Annual rainfall: Varies widely, Cape Town (winter rainfall, 515 mm), Johannesburg (summer rainfall, 713 mm) Average temperature: Varies, Cape Town 17°C,…

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Transport

Air: Main airlines: South African Airways International Airports: O.R. Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town International, King Shaka (Durban) Domestic Airports:…

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Dress

Spring and Summer Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes Lightweight warm clothes: No Winter and Autumn Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets:…

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Health

For emergency services in South Africa, dial 10111. We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’…

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Visa

FOR USA CITIZENS: 30 days beyond your intended date of exit from South Africa. Yellow fever at least 10 days before arrival is required for travelers…

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Gallery

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Electricity

Plug Type: C, M, N Voltage (V): 230 V Frequency (Hz): 50 Hz *A travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
×

Banking

Currency Local currency: South African Rand Symbol: R ISO code: ZAR Subunit: Cent (1/100 of a Rand) Banknotes: R10, R20, R50, R100, R200 Coins: 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2, R5 Banking Card Transactions: Widely accepted ATMs: Yes Mastercard: Yes Visa: Yes American Express: Yes, but not as common Diner’s club: Yes, but rarely Banking Hours: Weekdays: 09:00 – 15:30 Weekend: Saturdays: 08:30 – 11:00 Public Holidays: Closed Foreign exchange services: Yes
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Cuisine

Food and water safety: Can you drink the tap water: Yes, in most urban areas Fresh fruit and veg: Yes Ice: Yes Meat: Yes Street food: Yes, widely popular and generally safe Local cuisine: South African cuisine is diverse and flavorful, featuring dishes like biltong (dried, seasoned meat), bobotie (spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping), and boerewors (farmers' sausage). The culinary scene includes a strong tradition of barbecuing, known locally as "braai." Drinks: Notable local drinks include Rooibos tea, craft beers, and South African wines. Tipping: Customarily 10-15% in restaurants and for services.
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Climate

Annual rainfall: Varies widely, Cape Town (winter rainfall, 515 mm), Johannesburg (summer rainfall, 713 mm) Average temperature: Varies, Cape Town 17°C, Johannesburg 15.5°C Summer: Average highs: 28°C (Cape Town), 26°C (Johannesburg) Average lows: 16°C (Cape Town), 15°C (Johannesburg) Winter: Average highs: 18°C (Cape Town), 17°C (Johannesburg) Average lows: 8°C (Cape Town), 4°C (Johannesburg) Best time to visit: The best time to visit South Africa is from May to September for wildlife viewing, as animals are more concentrated around water sources. For beach holidays, mid-December to March is ideal, especially in Cape Town.
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Transport

Air: Main airlines: South African Airways International Airports: O.R. Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town International, King Shaka (Durban) Domestic Airports: Numerous across the country Road: Driving on the: Left Tar roads: Yes, well-maintained in most areas Gravel roads: Yes, especially in rural areas Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes Car hire available: Yes Taxis: Yes E-hailing services: Yes, including Uber and Bolt Bus: Inter-city bus services: Yes Local city bus networks: Yes Rail: Railway system: Yes, including luxury options like the Blue Train Subway System: Gautrain in Gauteng Water: Ferries: Limited, mainly in coastal cities Water taxis: No Leisure cruises: Yes, especially from Cape Town and Durban
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Dress

Spring and Summer Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes Lightweight warm clothes: No Winter and Autumn Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended Heavyweight clothing and boots:  Yes General Umbrella and raincoat: Yes, during the rainy seasons Warm gloves, hat and scarf: In winter, particularly in high-altitude areas Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock: Essential Walking shoes: Yes Casual: Yes Smart-casual attire: Yes  
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Health

For emergency services in South Africa, dial 10111. We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health webpage and general Traveler Advice Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Private medical facilities will require payment before care is administered. In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.
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Visa

FOR USA CITIZENS: 30 days beyond your intended date of exit from South Africa. Yellow fever at least 10 days before arrival is required for travelers originating from or transiting through WHO-designated yellow fever countries. Two Consecutive Blank Visa Pages Please visit the Department of Home Affairs website for the most up to date entry and exit requirements. Two Consecutive Blank Visa Pages: South Africa requires travelers to have two consecutive completely blank visa pages in their passports upon every arrival in South Africa. YOU WILL BE DENIED ENTRY if you do not have two consecutive blank visa pages in your passport. This does not include the endorsement pages. Traveling with minors: There are special requirements for minors traveling through South African ports of entry. Visit the Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date requirements for traveling with minors to or from South Africa.