South Africa Travel Guide

South Africa – A Country that’s All about Bushes, Beaches and Culture!

South Africa is a country at the bottom of Africa (hence the name) and considered by many as the most advance nation in the continent with respect to technology, economy and politics. The country has 21 National Parks, 8 world heritage sites and thousands of miles of stunning coast lines. The country of South Africa is full of unique landscapes, incredible wildlife, and warm people. The country attracts nearly nine million visitors per year and so, is considered as one of the most popular travel destinations in the world.

Visiting South Africa

Visiting South Africa is all about experiencing the diversity in nature. The hippos in the Limpopo River, African elephant safaris in the dense forests to the penguins in snow clad Cape Town, the country has exotic wildlife, some of which are endangered species. You can actually find five different ecosystems in this southernmost country of the African continent. Be it the heart wrenching wildlife, the multiplicity of tribal life, the notorious nightlife, the oldest wine industry, exotic seafood, long stretched spectacular beaches or some of the most beautiful locales, South Africa is a place for all those who have a serious wanderlust.

Why should you visit South Africa?

To witness the Big Five: Africa is famously known as the home of the Big Five, the giant animals which includes elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos and rhinos. If you are a fan of jungle safaris then this place is certainly an enchanting destination for you. Apart from the Big Five, you would get to see some of the most exotic wildlife in South Africa. The country is sought after place for animal lovers and wildlife photographers. If you are lucky then you can easily get some long shots and selfies with the animals. Do not miss out on the Kruger National park, malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, Marekele National Park in Limpopo and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park for a thrilling wildlife experience.

To be at the beachside: This country has a 1500 km of coastline. Blessed with some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches, this place offers you plenty of opportunities to experience the company of surf, sand and sea. Its wide variety of beaches includes some of the best Blue Flag beaches which speak of high standards and high quality of water. You will also find many family beaches plus beaches where you can watch African penguins, whales and other marine creatures. If you want to feel the thrill on waters, then you can enjoy water activities like diving, snorkelling, water-skiing, kayaking and canoeing on many of the beaches of this wonderful country. You must check out Clifton and Muizenberg, Wild Coast, Zululand’s remote coast and beaches at Durban.

To witness the history and culture: This country has fought the apartheid battle for a long time and became free in 1994. You can check out the proofs of its struggle for equality in many of the museums and sites located around Johannesburg, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. Moreover, you must visit tribal villages to check out the Zulu culture and perceive the rusty yet unique lifestyle of its people. No wonder, you would be astonished by the exclusive geometric mural art, elaborate beadwork, atypical dance forms and hospitality of these tribal people.

For the wonders of the nature: The country has some of the most beautiful landscapes, beaches, wildlife and garden routes that would leave you enamoured with the beauty of the nature. You must travel through the Garden Route that takes you across the spectacular coastal scenery, aboriginal forests and landscapes that wrap the good-looking town of Knysna. You will find many destinations that reflect nature’s best wonders and are a paradise for nature lovers.

To feel the thrill: For adventure lovers, South Africa is a destination where you can dive with white sharks or do tandem paragliding or go hiking in the Kruger National Park or watch animal safaris to watch the giant animals life and behaviour. Go to Hermanus for whale watching, KwaZulu-Natal coast for watching the greatest shoals and other seaside destinations for some adrenaline rushing activities.

Apart from all this, you can check out the world’s oldest wine industry in this wonderful African country. History lovers can watch around eight UNESCO world heritage sites located in this naturally blessed nation.

Must visit tourist attractions in South Africa:

• Kruger National Park
• Knysns town
• Garden Route
• Hermanus, Western Cape
• Apartheid museums at Johannesburg
• Tsitsikamma National Park
• Pilanesberg Game Reserve
• Stellenbosch vineyards
• Addo Elephant National Park
• Plettenberg Bay
• Mossel Bay
• Augrabies Falls National Park
• Paarl
• Cradle of Humankind
• Sutherland
• Karoo National Park
• Prince Albert

When is the best time to visit South Africa?

November to April is the warmer months and so is best suited to visit the Capes. May to October is the cooler months in South Africa making it easier to visit places like Johannesburg, Durban and Kruger.

More Information:

Weather

South Africa’s climate is hot from November to March and it is very warm-mild for the rest of the year. The tropical parts of the country are prone to heavy downpour. Large hail storms are also common and require you to seek shelter immediately.

Visa

Entry to this country is quite hassle-free. People from most of the countries are given 90-day visa on arrival. You should also have a valid passport with an expiry date that is at least 30 days after your visit to South Africa.

As per the new rules brought into effect from June 2015, children less than 18 years of age need to carry an unabridged birth certificate and other relevant papers for entering South Africa. For more details, you can check this website https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa and www.dha.gov.za

Transportation

Transportation facilities are quite good across the nation, buses, domestic flights, trains and rented cars are the best ways to explore the place. Of all options, rented cars are the best mode of transport for travellers.

How to reach South Africa from the UK?

There are a number of airlines flying to this treasure in the southern tip of Africa – direct flights are operated by SA Airways, BA and Virgin. You can find an estimated 55 direct flights from London to South Africa.

Written by

Kevin Patterson