Destination

South Africa Travel Guide

The country I called home for three years! South Africa is a place where everyone should go at least once in their lives. It has gorgeous weather, amazing beaches, vast wildlife, delicious (and affordable!) wine and food, and breathtaking scenery everywhere you go!

Whether you’re looking to meet interesting people, go hiking, experience a Big 5 Africa safari, relax at the beach, or indulge your “foodie” side, this country has it all. South Africa provides great opportunities for those who prefer an outdoor lifestyle and opens your eyes up to diverse cultures everywhere you go.

Best Time To Visit

With so much to see and do every month of the year, there is no bad time to visit South Africa. For the best weather and a jam-packed events calendar, plan your trip to South Africa during the summer months of November through February. The days are hot with temperatures reaching the mid-eighties and dropping to the mid-sixties at night.

If you’re planning a safari trip in South Africa, book your flights during the country’s winter months. From June to August, temperatures dip to the mid-forties making game drives in the Kruger National Park more bearable.

During autumn months, from March to May, and spring, from September to October, you’ll find cheaper flights and fewer crowds at the top attractions.

Check out The Best Time to Travel to South Africa for complete details!

What To Expect

Language: South Africa boasts 11 official languages. The main language spoken in all the big cities is English, but the two most widely spoken languages are Zulu and Xhosa.

Currency: The currency in South Africa is called the Rand. 1 USD is equivalent to approx. 15 South African Rands.

Credit Cards and ATMs: In the big cities and smaller towns, most retailers and restaurants will accept credit cards as payment. You can easily find ATM’s at gas stations or the malls. However, if you’re shopping for souvenirs at markets, it’s best to withdraw cash or check to see if the vendor takes payment with apps like Snapscan.

Plugs: The plugs in South Africa are type D, M and N. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter (make sure it has surge protection) and using a converter for hair dryers and hot tools.

Getting Around: I would personally rent a car and drive, but if you’re not comfortable navigating unfamiliar terrain, there are a number of driving services you can higher. Keep in mind traffic is a major problem in the city, especially during “rush hour” so keep that in mind when planning out your itinerary. Uber is widely used by locals around the city, and considered reliable and safe.

Safety: One of the questions I’m asked often is if it’s safe to travel to South Africa as a solo female traveler. Since moving here, I’ve never felt in danger, but I always practice common sense and make sure I’m aware of my surroundings. Read my Is it Safe to Travel to South Africa? guide for specific safety tips!

TRAVEL TIPS FROM OUR COMMUNITY

Jen Glasses and Boarding Passes

My Experience as a LGBTQ+ Traveler in South Africa

My wife and I visited Cape Town and the surrounding region for our honeymoon! South Africa is the perfect introduction to the African continent for LGBTQ+ travelers because unlike the rest of Africa, same-sex marriage is legal and there are legal protections against discrimination. We loved feeling safe and welcomed as queer travelers while also venturing out into a new part of the world!