South Africa Travel Guide

South Africa Travel Guide

Kruger National Park

In a few words From a turbulent history, South Africa has emerged in the last several decades as a leading nation in both Africa and the world. Since the end of Apartheid and the establishment of a democratic government in the 1990s, South Africa's borders have opened to a flood of tourists who come to enjoy the country's stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture.

South Africa's sense of history is strong, and visitors have the chance to explore important historical attractions ranging from the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal to the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg and Robben Island off the coast of Cape Town.

South Africa is one of the most diverse countries in the world: the 'Rainbow Nation' has 11 official languages, and its colourful population forms a patchwork of African, Asian and European culture. Whether browsing the Indian markets in Durban, enjoying a shisa nyama (barbecue) in Soweto, or tasting local varieties at a winery in Stellenbosch, visitors will encounter a warm welcome.

The lure of South Africa lies in its untamed wilderness, however. Home to the 'Big Five' of African wildlife (lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhino), along with thousands of other species of plants and animals, big game safaris in nature reserves like Kruger and Hluhluwe National Park remain among the most popular activities in South Africa. The landscape encompasses a range of climates and terrains, including deserts, mountains, plateaus, grasslands, bush, wetlands and subtropical forests.

Best time to visit South Africa
The weather in South Africa is volatile all year long, although the summer months of December to February are consistently hot and dry. The best time to visit South Africa is late spring (October and November) and early autumn (March and April) to avoid the intense heat of summer and the cold and wet winters.

Top things to see in South Africa
-Get up close with the Big Five and other wildlife in Kruger National Park.
-See Nelson Mandela's former cell at Robben Island Prison.
-Ride the rollercoasters and try your luck at the casino in Gold Reef City.
-Take a township tour through Soweto and Alexandra.
-Have a drink in the sunshine on Durban's Golden Mile.
Gold Reef City
Top things to do
-Go scuba diving in Sodwana Bay.
-Ride a cable car to the top of Table Mountain for spectacular views of Cape Town.
-Go wine tasting in the vineyards in Stellenbosch and the Cape Winelands.
-Learn to surf in Coffee Bay.
-Face your fears and go shark-cage-diving in Gansbaai.

Getting to South Africa
Direct flights to South Africa from the US are gruellingly long, and are generally available from Atlanta, New York, and Washington DC. Flights to South Africa from the UK and Europe are more plentiful. Unfortunately, because of the long distance from both Europe and North America, flights to South Africa are rarely cheap. Most flights to South Africa land at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, but there are some direct flights to Cape Town from Europe.
Cape Town Airport
Durban King Shaka International Airport
Bloemfontein Airport

Read
Country of My Skull by Antjie Krog, The Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela, The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay, and Ways of Dying by Zakes Mda.

Listen
Freshlyground, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Hugh Masekela, and Miriam Makeba.

Watch
Invictus (2009), Amandla: Revolution in Four-Part Harmony (2002), Safe House (2012) and District 9 (2009).

Drink
South African wine from the Cape Winelands, locally-produced beer like Jack Black and Mitchell's.

Eat
Cape Malay curries, boerewors, or a typical Durban 'bunny chow'.

What to buy
Ndebele beaded jewellery, wooden and soapstone carvings.

What to pack
Pack malaria tablets if you're heading to Kruger, and lots of insect repellent. What's on in South Africa The Hermanus Whale Festival celebrates the arrival of dozens of humpback whales each spring. The National Arts Festival in Grahamstown hosts the best music, art, theatre and comedy from around South Africa in July. The world-famous Comrades Marathon is run between Durban and Pietermaritzburg every year in May.

Did you know?
The only street in the world to house two Nobel Peace prizewinners is in Soweto. Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu both have houses on Vilakazi Street in Soweto.

A final word
The culturally and environmentally diverse landscape of South Africa is the ultimate holiday destination for adventurous travellers.