South Africa Travel Guide: How To Plan Your Dream Holiday

South Africa has something for everyone, from the forested mountains, to the extensive desert areas. Whether you’re looking for a safari experience or a seaside break, visiting South Africa will leave you speechless.

This country is full of adventure and is a top tourist destination with whale watching tours, beautiful coastline beaches, breathtaking sceneries, and tons of activities.

And while planning your trip to South Africa can be challenging, we are here to help you! In this step-by-step guide, you will find useful information on how to prepare, which places to visit, what to pack, read some tips from experts, etc.

What To Visit?

When planning your trip to South Africa, make sure to do research and plan your itinerary accordingly based on the places you want to visit. South Africa is a big country and has many tourist destinations, with Cape Town, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, Kruger National Park, and Durban being some of them.

If you want to visit various places, it’s important to check the distance between these cities and book the appropriate means of transport. For example, if you want to visit Cape Town and Johannesburg, it takes around 13 hours to drive in a car and around 2 hours via plane. We’d recommend flying between cities to save on time and budget.

To make the most of your visit to South Africa, it is recommended to check organized South Africa tours. You will enjoy a perfectly planned itinerary and hustle-free holiday with an experienced and well-informed tour guide.

Visiting Cape Town

Cape Town is known for its scenic views and coastline beaches alongside the Atlantic Ocean. It also boasts iconic views of mountains and beautiful botanical gardens. The main points of interest for many tourists are the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, the Cape of Good Hope, visiting Sharks, Robben Island, etc.

Visiting Johannesburg

If Johannesburg is not on your bucket list, write it down now! It’s the largest city in South Africa and definitely worth paying a visit to. It’s located in the Gauteng province and is the home to a UNESCO World Heritage site 16 miles from the city. You can go on a safari in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve or stroll the cities of the famous art galleries and Nelson Mandela Square.

Visiting Durban

Durban is the city with the largest population of Indians outside of the borders of India, and it’s surrounded by the Indian Ocean. You can see the Indian influence in the African city through the tradition, food, culture, and customs.

Popular tourist attractions include the Moses Mabhida Stadium, the Durban Botanical Gardens, the uShaka Marine World, and some game reserves.

What To Pack?

Well, the first thing on your checklist should be your passport! And a bunch of comfortable shoes, clothes, washcloths, and a universal adapter. Many tourists are surprised to find out they need a universal adapter since the electrical unit in the hotels in South Africa is a bit different.

Furthermore, you can bring a first aid kit, over-the-counter medications, antidiarrheal drugs, insect spray, sun cream, etc. Make sure to convert some money before entering the country since South Africa uses “rand,” a currency that equals 60 U.S. cents.

When Should You Visit South Africa?

The recommended period for visiting South Africa is spring and potentially autumn. Tourists prefer these seasons due to the warm and pleasant temperatures since the winter is known for the winter frost and snowfall.

During the spring season, the average temperature is from the mid 60n to the high 50s, while the autumn season has a range from the low 60s to mid-40s. Based on tips from experts, early November or late March is the best time to visit South Africa and get the most out of it.

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Additional Things To Consider

Check on the CDC website, or talk with your doctor about whether you will need certain vaccinations at least two months before going to South Africa. On the CDC website, you can see a list of medications and vaccines for bacterial infections.

Some tourists prefer to receive typhoid and Hepatitis A vaccines, but you should consult your healthcare provider before doing it.

And if you plan on visiting the Kruger National Park, malaria prophylaxis is needed. Also, buy travel insurance for the trip.

For those who want to go on a South African safari, it’s recommended to book one well ahead. The safari excursions are sold out fast, so search for some tours online and find the one according to your requirements.

Book Your Trip!

You can book your trip now that you have the highlights on how to prepare to travel to South Africa. And make sure not to miss: the wine tasting in the valleys of the Cape Winelands, the Western part of Cape Town, the ultimate safari experience, and the Garden Route.