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Southern Africa

South AfricaTravel guide

Explore South Africa visa rulesCommon scams in South Africa

South Africa has varied landscapes, wildlife, cultures and history. It is often called the Rainbow Nation and has 12 official languages.

Why go

  1. Wildlife and guided animal viewing in national parks and nature reserves.

  2. Mountain scenery and San rock paintings in Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park.

  3. Scenic drives along the Garden Route and Wild Coast.

  4. Cultural visits, historic battle sites and guided township tours.

Getting there

By air

  • O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg is the main arrival airport for flights from other continents.
  • Cape Town International Airport is another major gateway.
  • Durban International Airport has regular flights from cities in Africa.

By land

  • You can enter by car from Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini and Zimbabwe.
  • Border opening hours vary, although some crossings stay open around the clock. Hours are often extended during South African holidays.
  • For border information, contact the South African Border Information Service on +27 086 026-7337.

By sea

  • Major cruise lines include Cape Town among their destinations.

Getting around

  • Domestic flights

    Flights connect all major centres, with several daily departures to major airports. Compare fares across airlines, as a full-service airline can sometimes cost less than a budget airline.

  • Car

    Drive on the left. A car is practical for visiting national parks, which rarely have public transport. Major roads are generally in good condition, but road accidents are common. Watch for drivers ignoring traffic rules and for animals on rural roads.

  • Long-distance bus

    Scheduled buses connect major cities and neighbouring countries. Operators include Greyhound, Intercape Mainliner, City to City and Intercity Xpress. Computicket sells long-distance bus tickets. Baz Bus offers a service where you can get off and rejoin later along the Garden Route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Baz Bus collects and drops off passengers at many hostels. Seek recent advice about reputable operators, as some buses are taken off the road for safety problems.

  • Minibus taxi

    Minibus taxis are cheap and reach some places that main bus services do not. They are often poorly maintained and rarely meet safety standards. Expect detours, changes and waits while drivers fill the vehicle.

What to see and do

  • Addo Elephant National Park

    See wildlife, including red hartebeest.

  • Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park

    Visit for mountain scenery and San rock paintings.

  • National parks and nature reserves

    Explore wildlife and natural landscapes through public parks and reserves.

  • Townships

    Guided visits offer a cultural experience; go with an experienced guide because safety varies.

  • Historic battle sites

    Many preserved sites are in KwaZulu-Natal, and the War Museum in Johannesburg provides maps and reading material.

  • Garden Route and Wild Coast

    These areas offer scenery suited to a leisurely driving trip.

Food and drink

  • Braai

    A barbecue; boerewors sausage is one food cooked on the grill.

  • Breyani

    A rice-based dish that some people eat with their hands.

  • Pap and stew

    A meal that may be eaten with a spoon.

  • Tap water

    Municipal tap water is usually safe. In some areas, including Hartebeespoort Dam, boiling it before drinking is advised.

  • Milk, juice and soft drinks

    Milk and soft drinks are widely available. Orange juice made directly from fruit, rather than concentrate, can be hard to find.

  • Witblits and Mampoer

    These locally distilled alcoholic drinks have licensed production and controlled strength and quality.

Money

South African rand (ZAR), shown as R; 100 cents make one rand.

  • Shop prices are fixed, but you can bargain at open markets and with street sellers.
  • Compare prices before buying electronics.
  • Both the Big Five and Nelson Mandela banknote designs are valid money.
  • The rand can also be used in Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini.

Tipping: About 10% is usual in restaurants and taxis. Petrol attendants commonly receive R5 or more for extra services, and hotel porters receive about R5 per bag.

Typical costs

  • Airport luggage wrapping: R80 per item.
  • Minibus taxis on main routes: about 25 cents per kilometre per person.

Language

  • Afrikaans
  • Southern Ndebele
  • Xhosa
  • Zulu
  • Swazi
  • Northern Sotho
  • Southern Sotho
  • Tswana
  • Tsonga
  • Venda
  • English
  • Sign Language
Howzit
How is it? Used as a greeting.
Molo
Hello in Xhosa.
Yebo
Yes.
Lekker
Nice or enjoyable.
Robot
Traffic light.
Just now
Sometime soon.
Now now
Sooner than just now.
Cheers
Goodbye, thank you, or a toast.

Staying safe

  • Violent crime, including gun crime, is a risk. Ask embassies or tourist organisations which areas to avoid.
  • Avoid deserted areas at night and use a metered taxi or private vehicle after dark.
  • Keep valuables out of sight and carry only what you need. Use a separate purse for everyday shopping.
  • Do not accept offers from friendly strangers.
4 common scams in South Africa, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Be polite when meeting strangers; smiling, a small nod or a wave is common.
  • Be flexible about eating customs, which vary between cultural groups.
  • Understand that direct or blunt speech is often not intended to offend.
  • Use the correct name Afrikaans for the language.

Don't

  • Avoid criticising the country's history, as this can cause offence.
  • Do not sunbathe nude outside designated beaches.
  • Avoid excessive public displays of affection.
  • Do not assume everyone follows the same greeting or dining customs.

Staying healthy

  • HIV is identified as a major health risk.
  • Municipal tap water is usually safe, but boiling is advised in some areas such as Hartebeespoort Dam.
  • Check whether your travel insurance includes emergency medical assistance or has an arrangement with Netcare 911.
  • Some bus journeys involve rough driving, so be prepared if you get motion sickness.

Where to stay

  • Check whether the quoted price is per person or per room.
  • Ask whether breakfast is included and what it costs if it is extra.
  • Compare several places before booking, as prices and quality vary widely.
  • Treat star ratings as a rough guide; a three- or four-star property can be better than a five-star place nearby.

Trips to South Africa

Day-by-day itineraries by snuck, shaped around you.

5 nights
Cape Town at Your PaceCape TownCape PeninsulaStellenboschFrom, per person~US$1,540
 8 nights
Cape Town and Safari DaysCape TownCape PeninsulaFranschhoekHoedspruitFrom, per person~US$3,030
 8 nights
Cape Vineyards and Coastal RomanceCape TownFranschhoekHermanusCape Town AirportFrom, per person~US$2,390

Outdoor adventures in South Africa

South Africa offers wildlife parks, mountain hikes, river rafting and a long coastline with beaches, surfing and diving. You can choose short walks, guided outings or trips lasting several days.

  • Kruger National Park

    SafariMpumalanga and Limpopo

    Mbombela is a gateway to the southern section. Polokwane is a starting point for the northern section.

    • Keep to speed limits and stay inside your car when driving in the park.
    • Follow your guide's instructions on wildlife drives and walks.

  • Table Mountain via Platteklip Gorge

    HikeWestern Capenear Cape Town

    Hard 1–3 hours uphill; about 3 km

    Start on Tafelberg Road, about 1½ km beyond the Lower Cable Station. Take the MyCiTi bus to Kloof Nek and the free shuttle towards the cableway, or join a guided hike. You can return by cable car when it is operating.

    • Cost: Trail: free. Meridian Hiking Club outing: R20 per person. Cable car down: R295 one way, listed November 2025.
    • Carry water, sunblock, a hat and a warm jacket. Clouds can bring a sudden temperature drop.
    • Strong winds can stop the cable car. Check before relying on it for your return.

  • Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

    SafariKalahari desert, Northern Capenear Upington

    Use Upington as a base for exploring the park and the surrounding Kalahari.

    • Keep to speed limits and stay inside your car when driving in wildlife reserves.
    • Follow your guide's instructions on wildlife outings.

  • Addo Elephant National Park

    SafariEastern Cape

    Visit the national park for wildlife watching. When driving in the reserve, follow its wildlife safety rules.

    • Stay inside your car and keep to speed limits.
    • Give elephants plenty of space.

  • Drakensberg hiking

    HikeKwaZulu-Natal, along the Lesotho border

    Explore hiking areas in the KwaZulu-Natal highlands. Book ahead where visitor numbers are limited to protect the landscape.

  • Orange River rafting

    RaftingNorthern Cape, on the Namibia bordernear Vioolsdrif

    4–6 days

    Book a rafting tour with an operator departing from Vioolsdrif. Trips use inflatable boats and include camping under the stars.

  • Cape Peninsula and False Bay diving

    Scuba divingWestern Capenear Cape Town

    Arrange a dive through a local dive service. The area has more than 250 dive sites across the peninsula and False Bay.

    • Permit: A permit, meaning official permission to dive, is required in the Marine Protected Area. Temporary permits valid for one month are available at most dive shops.
    • Cost: An annual diving permit was listed at R75 in 2009.
    • The Atlantic side is cold, with water around 8–14°C.
    • Waters on the warmer side are around 12–17°C.

  • Muizenberg surfing

    SurfingFalse Bay, Western Capenear Cape Town

    Easy

    Take a beginner surfing lesson. Gary offers lessons from a shop facing the beach.

    • False Bay is known for sharks.

  • Jeffreys Bay surfing

    SurfingEastern Capenear Jeffreys Bay

    Head to the coastal town of Jeffreys Bay for surfing and beaches.

  • Cape of Good Hope Trail

    TrekTable Mountain National Park, Western Capenear Cape Town

    2 days; 34 km

    Arrange the trail through SANParks reservations. It runs in the Cape of Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park.

    • Cost: R88
    • Hiking in a group is strongly recommended.

  • Hoerikwaggo Table Mountain Trail

    TrekWestern Capenear Cape Town

    Easy 3 days

    Arrange the trail through SANParks reservations.

    • Cost: R635 per day
    • Hiking in a group is strongly recommended.

  • Orangekloof Hiking Trail

    TrekWestern Capenear Cape Town

    6 days

    Arrange the trail through SANParks reservations. The route goes from Cape Point to Table Mountain.

    • Cost: R420
    • Hiking in a group is strongly recommended.

  • Chapman's Peak hike

    HikeNoordhoek, Western Capenear Cape Town

    Easy 2–3 hours

    Head to Chapman's Peak in the Noordhoek area for the hike.

    • Hiking in a group is strongly recommended.

  • The Amphitheatre and Echo Valley

    HikeKalk Bay mountains, Western Capenear Cape Town

    3 hours

    Start at the sign on Boyes Drive. Follow the right forks uphill, then continue through Echo Valley and an old milkwood grove. Return the same way unless you have detailed directions.

    • Permit: No permit is required.
    • Take a torch.
    • Many caves along the route are unsuitable for novice cavers.

  • Boulders penguin colony

    WildlifeCape Peninsula, Western Capenear Simon's Town

    Visit the African penguin colony at Boulders via Simon's Town. You can include it in a drive to the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point.

  • Clifton beaches

    BeacheAtlantic coast, Western Capenear Cape Town

    Visit one of Clifton's four beaches. They can be included in a Cape Peninsula drive along the Atlantic coast.

    • The water on this coast is cold.

  • Camps Bay beach

    BeacheAtlantic coast, Western Capenear Cape Town

    Head to Camps Bay on Cape Town's Atlantic coast. It is also a stop on the coastal drive from Hout Bay via Llandudno.

    • The water on this coast is cold.

  • Durban's Golden Mile

    BeacheKwaZulu-Natalnear Durban

    Outside the Christmas holiday period for fewer crowds.

    Visit the sandy beaches near central Durban for beach time and surfing. Children's play pools and playgrounds line the waterfront.

    • Shark attacks occasionally occur.
    • Check beach notices. Shark nets may be removed during the sardine run, normally between early May and late July.

  • Sea Point guided sea kayaking

    KayakingWestern Capenear Cape Town

    Book with Kaskazi Kayaks at 179 Beach Road, Three Anchor Bay. Guided trips leave from Sea Point twice daily. MyCiTi bus 104 serves Three Anchors.

    • Cost: R450, listed January 2020.

  • West Coast National Park sea kayaking

    KayakingWestern Cape

    Arrange sea kayaking through Gravity Adventure Group. The operator also provides paddling training.

  • Groenkloof Nature Reserve trails

    HikeGautengnear Pretoria

    Trails of 3½, 4½ and 10½ km; guided walks last 4 hours.

    Take exit 335 from the N14 and follow signs for Fountains Resort. Walk the trails or join a guided walk. Mountain bike hire is also available.

    • Cost: Listed July 2017: entrance R38; guided walk R159 per person; mountain bike hire R200 per day.
    • Wear socks and boots when walking in the bush.
    • Follow your guide's instructions around wildlife.

  • Franschhoek and Stellenbosch guided cycling

    CyclingCape Winelands, Western Capenear Franschhoek and Stellenbosch

    Book a guided cycling tour with Trax Tours in Franschhoek or Stellenbosch.

  • Soetdoring Nature Reserve's Modder River trail

    HikeFree Statenear Bloemfontein

    Easy 1 day

    Travel about 40 km from Bloemfontein on the main Bultfontein road. The hiking trail follows the Modder River.

    • Cost: R20 per car
    • The reserve closes at 18:00.

  • Flamingo Island at Kamfers Dam

    WildlifeNorthern Capenear Kimberley

    Head to Kamfers Dam, about 7 km north of Kimberley, for birdwatching.

  • Cape Town sunset cruise

    More to doWestern Capenear Cape Town

    Sunset

    Choose a sunset cruise from the services along the V&A Waterfront dockside.

Airports, metros and trains in South Africa

Airports with scheduled flights

  • BFNBram Fischer International AirportBloemfonteinMain international airport
  • CPTCape Town International AirportCape TownMain international airport
  • PLZChief Dawid Stuurman International AirportGqeberha (Port Elizabeth)Main international airport
  • GRJGeorge AirportGeorgeMain international airport
  • KIMKimberley AirportKimberleyMain international airport
  • ELSKing Phalo AirportEast LondonMain international airport

Trains

Rail network
35,953 km
Electrified
29,212 km

People and safety in South Africa

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.

  • Christian81%
  • No religion15%
  • Muslim2%
  • Hindu2%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal and protected

  • Same-sex couples can marry.
  • Legal gender change is recognised.
  • Laws protect against discrimination.

Women travellers

Ranked #113 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

25% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 123 of 198 countries can visit South Africa easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required93
  • eTA required30
  • eVisa20
  • Visa required55

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Europe39 of 46 countries
  • Americas24 of 35 countries
  • Asia31 of 50 countries
  • Africa25 of 53 countries
  • Oceania4 of 14 countries

Questions

Can I get by with English?

English is widely used as a shared language, especially in cities. English ability can be limited in some rural communities.

What weather should I expect?

Summers can exceed 35°C, while winter temperatures can be around zero. Most areas have summer rain, but the Western Cape has winter rain.

When is accommodation hardest to find?

During school holidays, especially the main December–January holiday period. Other school breaks fall around early April, mid-June to mid-July and late September.

Do I need a car to visit national parks?

A car is practical because national parks are rarely served by public transport. Drive on the left and watch for animals on rural roads.

Can I buy bus tickets without booking online?

Computicket sells tickets for long-distance bus services.

How much should I tip?

About 10% is usual in restaurants and taxis. Hotel porters commonly receive R5 per bag.

Can I drink tap water?

Municipal tap water is usually safe. In some places, including Hartebeespoort Dam, boil it before drinking.

Is it safe to walk after dark?

Walking after dark can be very risky, especially in deserted areas. Use a metered taxi or private vehicle for an evening out.

Should I carry my original passport everywhere?

You can carry an authenticated copy within South Africa to protect the original. Take the original and copies, including entry-stamp and visa pages, to a police station for free authentication.

What should I check before paying for a room?

Ask whether the price is per person or per room, and whether breakfast is included. Compare places because star ratings do not always reflect quality.

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