South Africa Destination Guide

This essential guide will help you prepare for an unforgettable journey through South Africa.

Activity Details & Accommodations

Important information to help you prepare for your South African adventure

🛏️ Accommodations

Bed Sizes: Most hotels offer king beds (SA king: 183cm x 188cm / 72in x 74in)
Garden Route Game Lodge: Has standard double beds

🏄‍♂️ Activity Limitations

Sea Kayaking: 220 lbs weight limit
Cape Canopy: 265 lbs weight limit
Shark Cage Diving: No weight limit, but wetsuit size required (provide height & weight)
No Limitations: Stand-Up Paddleboarding, Swimming with Seals, Shark Cage Diving (in water), Meerkat Safari

🌊 Shark Cage Diving Details

Supplier: Marine Dynamics
Group Size: ~10 people
Travel Time to Dive Site: 15–20 mins by boat
Conditions: Can be rough seas; seasickness support available onboard
Dive Depth: Head stays within 1 meter below surface
Participation: Optional—participants can choose to stay on the boat
Shower Access: Available on the boat and at the dock (public showers for a small fee)

Essential Travel Information for South Africa

Everything you need to know before your South African adventure

🛂

Visa & Entry Requirements

Visa-Free Travel: Most travelers from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and EU can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
Passport Validity: Must be valid for at least 30 days beyond your departure date with at least two blank pages.
Travel with Minors: Children under 18 require a birth certificate with details of both parents.
Yellow Fever Certificate: Required if arriving from a Yellow Fever endemic area.

💰

Currency & Payments

South African Rand (ZAR) is the official currency. 1 ZAR ≈ 0.055 USD.
ATMs: Widely available in cities and towns. Inform your bank of travel plans.
Credit Cards: Widely accepted in urban areas, but carry cash for rural regions.
Tipping: 10-15% is customary for restaurants and tourism services.
- USD $5-10 per guide and safari tracker
- USD $10 per person/per day for drivers

📱

Mobile & Internet

SIM Cards: Vodacom, MTN, and Cell C offer affordable data packages. Purchase at the airport.
WiFi: Widely available in hotels, cafés, and restaurants in urban areas.
Power Adapters: South Africa uses Type M plugs (three round pins).

⏰

Time Zone

South Africa follows South African Standard Time (SAST) – UTC +2.
South Africa is 7 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time during standard time.
South Africa does not observe daylight saving time.

🌤️

Climate & Weather

Seasons: Summer (Nov-Feb), Autumn (Mar-May), Winter (Jun-Aug), Spring (Sep-Oct).
Temperature: Varies by region. Cape Town: 8-26°C (46-79°F), Johannesburg: 4-26°C (39-79°F).
Wildlife Viewing: Best during dry winter months (May-September).
Rainfall: Mostly during summer months in most regions except Western Cape.

🆘

Emergency Contacts

South Africa Emergency: 📞 10111 (Police), 10177 (Ambulance)
U.S. Embassy: 📞 +27 12-431-4000
UK High Commission: 📞 +27 12-421-7500
Tourist Safety: 📞 +27 83-123-2345

Packing Checklist for South Africa

Use this checklist to ensure you pack everything you need for your South African adventure

Travel Documents & Essentials

Passport (valid for at least 30 days beyond departure)
Visa documents (if applicable)
Flight itinerary & proof of return/onward travel
Travel insurance policy & emergency contacts
Credit/debit cards
South African Rand (ZAR) for immediate expenses
International driver's license (if planning to drive)
Travel wallet or money belt
Copies of important documents (separate from originals)
Yellow fever certificate (if required)

Clothing & Accessories

Lightweight breathable clothing for daytime
Warm layers for early morning safaris and evenings
Long-sleeved shirts and pants (for sun protection and insects)
Sturdy walking shoes/hiking boots
Safari-appropriate neutral colors (beige, khaki, olive)
Swimwear and beach attire (for coastal areas)
Rain jacket or poncho (especially in summer)
Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
Scarf/bandana (for dust protection on safaris)
Smart casual outfit for restaurants/city activities

Health & Safety

Prescription medications (in original packaging)
Comprehensive first-aid kit
Insect repellent (with DEET)
Sunscreen (SPF 50+ and reef-safe)
Hand sanitizer/wet wipes
Anti-malarial medication (if visiting risk areas)
Motion sickness tablets (for safari drives)
Rehydration salts and anti-diarrheal medication
Personal toiletries
Water purification tablets/filter (for remote areas)

Safari & Adventure Items

Binoculars (essential for wildlife viewing)
Camera with telephoto lens
Extra memory cards and batteries
Flashlight or headlamp (with spare batteries)
Daypack for safari drives and day trips
Reusable water bottle (at least 1L)
Travel pillow (for long drives)
Field guide to South African wildlife
Plastic bags for wet/dirty clothes
Travel adapter (Type M - three round pins)

Packing Tips

Pack light and neutral colored clothing for safaris to minimize visibility to wildlife.
Layer clothing for early morning game drives when temperatures can be cool.
Many lodges offer same-day laundry service, so you can pack fewer items.
Remember that small charter flights between safari locations often have strict luggage weight limits (15-20kg).

Top Destinations & Experiences in South Africa

Discover the incredible places you'll visit during your South African adventure

Cape Town

South Africa's stunning coastal city showcases dramatic scenery, rich history, and cosmopolitan culture.

Must-See Attractions:

Table Mountain – Take the cable car for panoramic views of the city.
V&A Waterfront – Explore shops, restaurants, and vibrant harbor life.
Robben Island – Visit the former prison where Nelson Mandela was held.
Cape of Good Hope – Stand at the southwestern tip of Africa.

Your journey includes a guided tour of these iconic Cape Town landmarks!

Kruger National Park

One of Africa's largest game reserves offering incredible opportunities to spot the Big Five and more.

Safari Highlights:

Big Five Encounters – Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros.
Morning Game Drives – The best time for predator sightings.
Sunset Safari – Watch nocturnal animals begin their hunt.
Bird Watching – Over 500 bird species inhabit the park.

Your safari includes expert guides who will help track and identify wildlife!

Garden Route

A breathtaking 300km stretch of coastal road on the southeastern coast of South Africa.

Garden Route Highlights:

Tsitsikamma National Park – Ancient forests and dramatic coastline.
Knysna – Beautiful lagoon and oyster capital of South Africa.
Wilderness – Pristine beaches and tranquil lakes.
Bloukrans Bridge – World's highest commercial bungee jump (optional).

Your Garden Route journey includes stunning scenery and opportunities for adventure!

Must-Try South African Foods

South Africa's cuisine reflects its diverse cultural heritage with influences from indigenous, Dutch, Malaysian, and Indian traditions. Here are some dishes you shouldn't miss:

🥩

Braai

South African barbecue with various grilled meats and sides.

🥘

Bobotie

Spiced minced meat dish with an egg-based topping.

🍖

Biltong

Dried, cured meat similar to beef jerky but with unique spices.

🥘

Potjiekos

Slow-cooked stew prepared in a cast-iron pot over an open fire.

🥐

Malva Pudding

Sweet, spongy dessert with caramelized exterior and apricot jam.

🍅

Chakalaka

Spicy vegetable relish typically served with bread or pap.

Local Culture & Responsible Travel

Tips for respectful travel and cultural awareness during your South African adventure

Cultural Etiquette

Greetings: Handshakes are common. Many South Africans appreciate learning a greeting in their language (e.g., "Sawubona" in Zulu).
Respect for Elders: South African culture places high value on respecting elders.
Photography: Always ask permission before taking photos of people, especially in rural communities.
Cultural Sensitivity: South Africa has 11 official languages and diverse cultural groups, each with their own customs.
Township Tours: Choose ethical, community-based tours that benefit local residents.

Responsible Tourism

Wildlife Interaction: Support ethical wildlife experiences. Avoid attractions that allow touching of wild animals.
Water Conservation: South Africa is a water-scarce country. Be mindful of your water usage.
Plastic Reduction: Bring reusable water bottles and shopping bags to minimize waste.
Buy Local: Support local artisans, businesses, and community tourism initiatives.
Respect Nature: Stay on designated paths, never litter, and follow park rules in protected areas.

⚠️ Important Safety Note

While South Africa offers incredible experiences, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in urban areas. Keep valuables secure, avoid walking alone at night, and always follow the advice of local guides and accommodation staff regarding safety.

Final Travel Tips

Cash & Cards: Keep small denominations handy for markets and smaller establishments.
Tipping: Typically 10-15% in restaurants and for services like guides and drivers.
Transportation: Use official taxis or rideshare apps (Uber operates in major cities).

Driving: South Africans drive on the left side of the road.
Language: English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Time Zone: Adjust to SAST (UTC+2) to avoid jet lag.

Luggage Restrictions

South Africa Destination Guide

Activity Details & Accommodations