South Africa

A world in one country

Why Visit South Africa

South Africa offers a fully immersive and diverse wonderland, where big 5 safaris, beaches, wine farms, landscapes and endless adventures converge to create an unforgettable travel experience.

Whether you are travelling solo, as a couple or a family South Africa offers something for everyone.

Discover all South Africa’s highlights, from Table Mountain to its pristine beaches along the Garden Route, and of course the world-famous Kruger National Park teeming with the Big 5.

Enjoy Africa’s home of gastronomy, with some of the world’s finest restaurants and wine estates.

Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a wildlife enthusiast or history and cultural guru, South Africa will tick all the boxes.

South Africa offers easy access from all over the world and has great infrastructure for travelling. The country has world class tourism facilities and offers amazing value for money. For those seeking something of utmost comfort, there are some of Africa’s finest 5 star boutique hotels and luxury safari lodges.

The country also offers malaria free safaris and is well suited to families with younger children.

Rhino Big 5
Big 5 Safaris
Beach by table mountain
Idyllic Beaches
Cape Winelands view
World Class Wine Estates
Sanja And Stuart hiking near the beach
Adventure Destination
Marataba Treehouse
Scenic Landscapes
Penguin at the beach
African Penguins
Whale jumping out of water
Whale Watching
Luxury holiday lodge
Luxury Lodges
rock-art-in-south-africa
History and Culture

Discover South Africa

Top Destinations

Cape Town

Cape Town, an AfriVenture favorite, seamlessly combines oceans, mountains, adventure, and culture. Nestled between Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, this cosmopolitan city is a haven for all, offering a captivating blend of natural beauty and world-class infrastructure.

Attraction List:

  • Table Mountain and Lions Head
  • Camps Bay and Clifton Beaches
  • Robben Island
  • V&A Waterfront
  • Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
  • Cape of Good Hope
  • Penguins at Boulders Beach
  • Adventure, Nature, and Nightlife

Top Experiences

Walking Safari Rhino
Big 5 Safari
Clifton beach
Beach Holidays
Hiking next to lions head
Hiking
Whale fin in water
Whale Watching
Gastronomy
Gastronomy
penguins on a beach
Penguins
Cage diving with shark
Shark Cage Diving
Luxury Lodge South Africa
Luxury Safaris
Close up to a seal in water
Seal Snorkelling
Family Safaris a African Bush Camps Somalisa
Family Safaris
Wine Tasting in La Petite Ferme
Wine Tasting
Honeymoon Safari Lion Sands
Honeymoon Safaris
Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving
Self Drive Safari Mana Pools
Self Drive Safaris

Best Time to Visit South Africa

South Africa is a year-round travel destination. South Africa is known for its two different climates, one being in Cape Town and Surrounds, and then the other being the rest of South Africa.

For Cape Town there are specific times of the year that will suit different travelers but the rest of South Africa and safari’s are great throughout the year.

Jan

Feb

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May

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Aug

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Oct

Nov

Dec

 

Monthly  Features

High Season (November to April) are the hottest months with the least rainfall and most sunshine. These are the best months for enjoying outdoor adventures, visiting the winelands, exploring local markets and relaxing on the many beaches. This is also the busiest period to visit Cape Town.

Shoulder Season (May and October) are good months for those looking to avoid the busiest periods. The rainfall is sporadic in these months and still offers pleasant conditions for visiting.

Low Season (June to September) has the highest rainfall and slightly cooler conditions. Usually this is not the best time for outdoor experiences. This time of year is the least busy and therefore accommodation is more affordable and most popular properties have availability.

Whale Season (Hermanus) is the best during the months of June to November.

Flower Season (West Coast) is the best during the months of August and September.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

 

Monthly features:

Dry Season (May to September) are the months with the least rainfall and mild temperatures. Safari is great during this dry period as animals congregate around water holes and are easier to find due to thinner vegetation. The mild sunny days are also great for outdoor adventures and the beaches in Northern South Africa (Durban and iSimangaliso) are ideal during this time.

Shoulder Season (October and April) are excellent months for safaris, beach and outdoors. Rainfall is low and the daytime temperatures are warm. Good time to visit to avoid the peak season of tourists (exception Easter) and also have great rates on accommodation.

Wet Season (November to March) has the highest rainfall and hot sunny conditions. The rainfall is typically very short afternoon thundershowers and the daylights hours are long, therefore perfect for safaris, beaches and outdoor adventures. The landscapes are also lush and green at this time of year with the flowers and trees in blossom. It is a great time for combining Cape Town, Safaris and the rest of South Africa.

South Africa Itineraries

Fequently Asked Questions

South Africa is arguably the best value for money destination in Southern Africa.

The reason for this is:

  • Exchange Rates: Due to the South African Rand (ZAR) devaluing for many years against all the major currencies including the US dollar, British pound, Swiss Franc and Euro, this gives rise to a much greater spending power within the country for many travellers.
  • Cost of Living: Accommodation, transportation, and food costs are relatively lower than that of most developed nations and therefore most foreign travellers can afford more in South Africa than for a similar quality back home.
  • Competition in Tourism: South Africa has a competitive tourism industry with various options for accommodation, transportation, and activities. This competition drives prices down, offering travellers more affordable choices.
  • Diverse Offerings: The country provides a wide range of experiences, from safaris, beaches, mountains and vibrant cities, all catering to different budgets. This diversity allows travellers to pick options that fit their budget constraints.
  • Quality Infrastructure: Due to the country’s decent infrastructure and large economy the quality of tourism products is very high.

However, although South Africa is an affordable destination there are various factors that will affect ones overall spend including accommodation preferences, dining choices, transportation modes, and activities.

For examples of pricing a trip to South Africa please see our tours page for more information.

South Africa is an incredibly easy destination to travel to. There are direct flights daily from Europe, Asia, North and South America as well as Australia.

The busiest international airports are:

  • OR Tambo International (Johannesburg)
  • Cape Town International

There are also many direct regional flights linking South Africa to other Southern and East African countries.

South Africa is a very large and diverse country. The country has many airports, both big and small throughout.

The country is arguably the easiest country to self-drive in the whole of Southern and East Africa. This is due to the country having an amazing infrastructure, road networks, tourist facilities and cellphone network throughout the country.

Options for travelling in South Africa:

  • Self-Drive: This option is extremely popular and gives travellers the freedom to explore on their own terms. Rental cars are readily available at all airports and one can choose from budget compact vehicles all the way through to luxury SUV’s and 4×4’s. The rental prices, availability and condition of vehicles are all excellent. During a self-drive one will be treated to good roads, clean rest stops, and high-quality infrastructure throughout.
  • Fly In: Due to the countries wide network of airports and airlines, it is common to fly from place to place by flight and then be transferred to your chosen destination. This is often the case if travelling to private safari lodges.
  • Hybrid: Another popular way of travelling is a combination of flying and renting a vehicle. This works well for itineraries that are short in length or include very long distances between major destinations.
  • Multi Day Tours: South Africa has many multi day tours, either with a private guide and vehicle or joining a fixed departure tour (group tour).
  • Day Trips: There are many day trips available, especially from the bigger cities. If you are not renting a vehicle then this is often a good option.
  • Taxis: Uber and other App based taxi companies are available in all major cities in South Africa. This is a great option for distances under 50 km’s (30 Miles) as they are reliable and affordable.

This is a common question of our travellers.

The short answer to this is YES.

Of course, South Africa has crime, as do many other countries throughout the world.

Due to the countries high level of inequality and poverty, there is a higher incidence of crime than some other African countries, however the country has millions of international travellers each year and the number of incidents is negligible.

South Africa, like most other country, has areas that are safer than others. Tourist destinations and tourist attractions are extremely safe due to high levels of security measures in place.

As with traveling to any unfamiliar place, being cautious and well-informed can contribute to a safer experience.

At AfriVenture we will never design an tour or itinerary that would put you into a risky situation or area.

Malaria is only present in some isolated regions of South Africa. This is largely the North Eastern part of the country, including the Kruger National Park and surrounding areas. Malaria transmission is higher during the warmer and wetter months, typically from November to April.

Preventive measures against malaria includes:

  • Taking anti-malarial medication prescribed by a healthcare professional (if necessary).
  • Using insect repellent.
  • Wearing protective clothing in the evenings. (eg, Long Sleeves and Long Pants)
  • Sleeping in accommodations with mosquito nets, screened windows, fans and air conditioning.

Always consult with a healthcare provider or travel doctor before your trip to get the most up-to-date and personalized advice on malaria prevention based on the specific areas you plan to visit and your individual health considerations.

Visa requirements for South Africa vary depending on your nationality.

Some countries have visa-free arrangements with South Africa, allowing their citizens to visit for a specified period without needing a visa. Other nationalities might need to apply for a visa in advance.

To determine whether you need a visa to visit South Africa, you should check with the nearest South African embassy or consulate in your country or visit the official website of the South African Department of Home Affairs. They will have the most updated information about visa requirements.

Visa requirements can change, so it’s essential to confirm the most current information well before your planned travel dates.

Always consult with a healthcare provider or travel doctor several weeks before your trip to get personalized advice based on your health history, itinerary, and current health recommendations.

At the time of writing there are no compulsory vaccinations for travellers entering South Africa.

However, the country may require a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from, or have recently visited a Yellow Fever endemic area. This requirement usually applies to travellers coming from certain African and South American countries.

Malaria Prevention: Please see other frequently asked question on Malaria.

The currency used in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR).

There are a variety of methods to pay for goods and services:

  1. Credit and Debit Cards: The most popular means of paying for goods and services. Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted in most establishments. American Express and Diners Club cards are less widely accepted. Inform your bank about your travel plans to prevent any issues with card usage abroad.
  2. Cash: Carrying some cash in Rand can be useful for small purchases, markets, tipping, and places where card payments might not be accepted. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns and accept most international cards.
  3. Mobile Payments: Services like SnapScan, Zapper, and others allow for mobile payments through smartphones and are increasingly popular in South Africa.

Tipping:

It is customary to tip for services in South Africa.

  • Restaurants: Tipping around 10% of the total bill is common if the service charge is not already included. Check the bill; sometimes a service charge is included, in which case additional tipping might not be expected.
  • Hotels: Tipping hotel staff, such as porters and housekeeping, is customary.
  • Taxis: Tipping taxi drivers isn’t mandatory, but rounding up the fare is appreciated.
  • Lodges: This depends on the lodge standard and services, please enquire with us or directly with lodge management.

Even though tipping is customary, it is still discretionary, and the amount can vary based on the quality of service you received.

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