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10 things to know before traveling to South Africa

Sep 4, 2023 • 9 min read

Make the most of your visit to South Africa with these top planning and preparation tips © Caia Image / Getty Images

Let’s not beat about the bush:  South Africa has a bit of a scary reputation. Much is said about the country’s unenviable crime rate, but so much more can be said about all the things that make this diverse destination so magnificent. You shouldn't let anxiety about possible dangers put you off visiting this amazing African country. 

Huge and diverse, South Africa never stops doling out gifts to the traveler – world-class surf breaks , eclectic local cuisine , mountains to climb, cities to visit , tiny towns to hide away in, desert landscapes to photograph and, of course, plenty of wildlife to watch .

The country’s extraordinary variety is both its biggest draw and its biggest challenge, at least when it comes to planning a trip. Much research is needed to decide where to go, what to do and how long to stay. Visiting for less than two weeks is not ideal – three weeks or more would be a better bet if you can manage so much time away.

With tips to help you plan as well as information on health, safety and etiquette, here's what you need to know for a successful trip to South Africa.

1. Carry the relevant paperwork if you’re traveling with kids

If you’re entering or leaving South Africa with a child under the age of 18 , you’ll need to have a few extra bits of paper in your carry-on bag. In a bid to stamp out child trafficking, all minors need to have an "unabridged" birth certificate – that is, one that lists both parents’ names. If only one parent is traveling with the child, you’ll need an affidavit from the other parent confirming that they give consent for the child to travel. The rules keep changing and papers are not always checked, but it’s wise to have the documents at hand just in case.

2. Buy a South African SIM card and use local Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi is fairly easy to find in larger cities and more touristed towns, but if you’re planning on wandering far from the main population centers, it’s worth picking up a South African SIM card on arrival at the airport. The card costs just a few rand, but like pretty much everything in South Africa, it does come with a bit of paperwork. You’ll need to “RICA” your SIM card – a fairly simple registration process that requires a photo ID and confirmation of your address in South Africa (a simple booking confirmation will suffice).

3. Carry cash, just not too much

While credit and debit cards are widely accepted, there are still a few places that only take cash in South Africa. It’s best to keep a small stash of notes and coins for purchases at corner stores, buying things from market traders and for the various tips you’ll be expected to give throughout the day (more on tipping below).

Of course, it’s not wise to walk around with large wads of cash on your person, so keep the bulk of your money hidden away in the hotel safe, or withdraw modest amounts from ATMs while you are out and about. Be wary of using ATMs on the street; theft and card scams are common, so it’s best to stick to machines inside malls or banks.

4. If you really want to see SA, you need to rent a car

There's no sugar-coating it – public transport in South Africa often falls short. Long-distance bus services exist but routes tend to bypass many smaller destinations, and fares can be expensive for shorter hops. Long-distance trains are unreliable, and hitchhiking is most definitely not recommended. If you really want to see the country, you’re going to have to rent a car. Fortunately, there are plenty of fantastic road trips to choose from, and all the big car hire companies are represented in South Africa – just be sure to book ahead, especially if you’re traveling in the November to March peak season .

5. Listen to the locals (but be ready for a little exaggeration)

Local advice is always important, particularly in countries that have a reputation for crime and social problems. In South Africa, the host at your accommodation is a good person to ask about the best bars or restaurants, how to get around and which areas to avoid. Just be aware that there are many awesome attractions found in areas that South African locals – particularly older locals – wouldn’t consider visiting.

Once, while staying in a guest house in suburban Durban, I asked the owner if there were any places to avoid and she replied “The CBD” (city center), which would have cut my sightseeing rather short. South Africans have a tendency to exaggerate the danger posed by crime – it’s almost a part of the national psyche, and a favorite topic of conversation. You might have to do a bit more research to sort out the worthwhile warnings from the sometimes-inevitable scaremongering.

6. Be more cautious when driving in cities

When I first moved to South Africa, there was so much talk of carjackers that I expected to find balaclava-clad people lurking at every intersection waiting to appropriate my vehicle. I remember panicking at the gas station because I had to lower the window to pay, then passing my cash through an inch-high gap before driving away, stressed and sweating.

These days I often drive with the windows down, but I do approach "robots" (the local term for traffic lights) with caution, always leaving a car-length gap in front of me just in case I need to make a quick escape. Be cautious while driving, but not paranoid. Keep your doors locked and be extra vigilant when driving at night, keeping your windows up and your wits about you.

7. Be prepared to tip

South Africa has a strong tipping culture. In many customer-facing industries, salaries are low and workers make much of their money from tips. Restaurant staff will expect a top of around 10%, but leaving 12–15% will generate bigger smiles. Drivers never pump their own gas in South Africa; you’ll be expected to pay at least R5 to the person filling your tank, or R10–20 if the attendant also checks your tires, oil or water.

Then there are South Africa’s informal parking attendants. While larger cities and towns have areas with pay-as-you-go street parking, in most places, you can park at the side of the road for free… well, sort of. Ubiquitous car guards will offer to keep an eye on your car while you’re away, and they come in a range of helpfulness levels.

Some will go the extra mile, stopping traffic to help you back out into a busy street. Others are opportunists who approach as you pull out your keys, claiming they were keeping a close eye on your car while you were shopping. Reward car guards according to the service they provide – a R5 coin is the standard thank you but R10 is more appropriate for someone who provided a more useful service.

8. South African English takes some getting used to 

While there are 11 official languages in South Africa, you’ll almost always find someone who speaks English, unless you’re in a remote rural area. There will still be a few local phrases that trip you up. One thing that often baffles foreigners is the (extremely liberal) use of the word “shame.” It’s a versatile word in South Africa. A cute child fell asleep in the car? Shame. A close family member passed away? Shame. Busy week at the office meaning you couldn’t make Friday drinks? Shame. The word is often preceded by the utterance "ag" and followed by the word "man." So the phrase "Ag, shame man" can mean anything from “awww” to “Oh no, that’s terrible!”

Also overused (often in baffling contexts) is the word “hectic.” While it can be used to discuss a particularly busy intersection, it could also be used to describe a ridiculously tall building, a very long line at the bank, an insanely windy day or a particularly large baby being born. In South Africa, hectic doesn’t really mean busy – it usually means "wow."

9. Expect lots of talk about politics and power outages

Certain subjects are off-limits in every country, but in South Africa, politics is not one of them. Everyone has an opinion on the government’s latest endeavors, whether that’s discussing the abundance of potholes, the latest corruption scandal or – more often than not – the government's failure to provide (electrical) power to the people. You'll very quickly become familiar with the inconvenience of what locals call "load-shedding."

Basically, load-shedding is a never-ending series of planned power outages designed to take pressure off the ailing electricity grid. Cities and towns are split into zones, and depending on the severity of the load-shedding, you might end up without power for anything from two to 12 hours a day. There are eight "stages" of load-shedding, broken up into two-hour slots. Larger hotels won’t be affected thanks to backup generators, but if you’re staying in a guesthouse, hostel or private home, you are bound to encounter load-shedding at some point in your stay.

Many places come equipped with fail-safes such as emergency lights, backup power for fridges and Wi-Fi hubs, and sometimes generators big enough to power the whole property. Your host will likely give you daily updates on when the power will be off, or there’s a handy app – EskomSePush – that has all the details and comes with a handy warning notification.

10. Driving in the emergency lane is standard practice

While greetings, table manners and general day-to-day etiquette in South Africa should largely be familiar, the way South Africans drive can be a bit of a culture shock for visitors. One of the most idiosyncratic rules of the road is “yellow line driving” – many roads are single-lane highways, and enterprising drivers often use the emergency lane (hard shoulder) as a backup.

If you’re on a highway and a driver behind you indicates that they want to get by, you'll be expected to briefly move across the yellow line into the emergency lane to let them pass. If you don’t, you’re likely to find yourself privy to another favorite local driving habit: tailgating. Drivers will usually flash their hazard lights in thanks as they pass, but be aware that obliging drivers aren’t the only thing to be found on the hard shoulder. Always make sure there is good visibility before you pull over, for around the next corner you might find a troop of baboons, a stray cow or a bunch of school kids walking home.

This article was first published May 17, 2023 and updated Sep 4, 2023.

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Travel guide to South Africa

South Africa – one is the planet’s most hauntingly beautiful countries – holds a special place in my heart since I spent part of my studies here. The country is often referred to as the Rainbow Nation, a term coined by Archbishop Desmond Tutu to describe post-apartheid South Africa and made famous by President Nelson Mandela in his first month of office, when he proclaimed: “ Each of us is as intimately attached to the soil of this beautiful country as are the famous jacaranda trees of Pretoria and the mimosa trees of the bushveld – a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world “. South Africa is a magnificent country with an incredible display of natural splendor, varying from the majestic coastal scenery around Cape Town in the south to one of Africa’s most famous safari destinations, Kruger National Park, in the north, with the vast Karoo semi-desert across its heart. The nation also harbors one of Africa’s most diverse cultural melting pots, a phenomena obscured by decades of enforced racial segregation, but now fully alive in the larger cities, creating a thrilling creative scene.

Get the most out of your (luxury) trip to South Africa with my travel guide. Find out more about:

• Best time to visit
• How to get there
• Travel requirements
• Getting around
• Inspiration, highlights, & travel tips
• Suggested itineraries
• Recommended luxury hotels (+ reviews)

BEST TIME TO VISIT

South Africa is a large and diverse country with a climate that varies from region to region:

• Cape Town  in the Western Cape and the Garden Route in the Eastern Cape experience a Mediterranean-like climate. The winter (June to August) is marked by rainy and sometimes cold weather, although longer warm and sunny spells may occur. Summers in Cape Town (November to March) are constantly dry and warm, although often (very) windy, so it never gets really hot.
• The main part of the country, including the  Kruger Park , has a somewhat opposite weather pattern as compared to the Cape, with a long, dry winter marked by often chilly nights (May to October) and wet summers in which heavy thunderstorms are frequent events (December to March).
• The coastal areas of KwaZulu Natal (where Durban is located) enjoy year-round sunshine with delightfully mild winters, so any time is a good time for a visit here.

The best time to visit South Africa depends on your interests:

• For a Cape Town beach holiday or an exploration of the Garden Route, I recommend to travel during the warm, dry summer months. Keep in mind though that it can get very windy in Cape Town at the start and the peak of summer, with the winds only slowing down towards the end of summer.
• Although winters in Cape Town are often wet affairs, this is the best time to spot whales in front of the coast, with numbers at their peak in September.
• For a safari in the Kruger National Park, I recommend to travel during the winter months. The winter months are drier and cooler, resulting in improved visibility for game viewing as the vegetation is sparser and the animals make their way to the watering holes for hydration.
• For hiking in the Drakensbergen, I also recommend the dry and sunny winter months, but be prepared for very cold nights.

If you want to see the whole country, I recommend to travel in spring (October-November) or autumn (March-April) to have the best chance of reasonable winter in both the North (Kruger Park) and South (Cape Town). Overall, spring is my preferred travel period, because you still have a good chance of spotting the Big Five animals after the long, dry winter, as well as some whales that have not left yet the waters around Cape Town.

HOW TO GET THERE

South Africa receives numerous international daily flights via its three main international airports located near Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. In addition, it has many smaller airports, served by domestic airlines, of which the ones near Port Elizabeth and Nelspruit are most of the interest to tourists because of their proximity to the Garden Route and the Kruger National Park respectively.

• O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), the country’s largest airport, is located between the cities of Johannesburg and the executive capital Pretoria. It serves as the primary airport for domestic and international travel to/from South Africa. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Johannesburg.
• Cape Town International Airport  (CPT) is only a 20 min drive from Cape Town’s city center. It has direct flights to several destinations in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Cape Town.
• King Shaka International Airport  (DUR) is the primary airport serving KwaZulu Natal’s main city, Durban. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Durban.
• Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ) serves the city of Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape province and is the main getaway to South Africa’s popular Garden Route. Click here for a list of (domestic) airlines that offer direct flights to Port Elizabeth.
• Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport  (MQP) is the gateway to the iconic game reserve, the Kruger National Park. It’s still two and a half hour from the airport to the gate of the Kruger National Park (so you don’t win that much time compared to the five-hour drive from JNB airport). Click here for a list of (domestic) airlines that offer direct flights to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.

If you want to travel the whole country, it’s best to either arrive in Johannesburg and depart from Cape Town, or the other way around. Most airliners offer multi-city tickets at often the same price for a round-trip ticket.

Before you buy a plane ticket, consider reading my  tips & tricks for buying the cheapest plane ticket .

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for entry into South Africa differ from country to country, and are subject to change. Prior to departure, always check with your government and your nearest South African embassy or consulate what documents you need for travel to South Africa.

• You need a passport  valid for a minimum period of 30 days from the date of exit from South Africa. Your passport should have at least two blank pages when you present it at immigration to enter or leave South Africa.
• Visitors from  visa exempt countries  – which includes the USA,  Canada, most of Europe, and some Latin American and African countries – do not require a visa for visiting the Republic of South Africa for ninety (90) days or less. Citizens of other countries need to apply for a visa .

Make sure you read my 10 tips to plan a worry-free trip .

GETTING AROUND

It’s very easy to travel around South Africa and several modes of transportation are available. A public transport network is available, but it’s not very punctual and its safety is questionable, so I recommend to refrain from using that. To really see anything of the country you’ll need other means of transport:

• Most travelers will rent a car , which is the easiest and cheapest way of getting around the country. Although the road infrastructure is excellent, the driving conditions can be dangerous on the smaller, two-lined roads because of the undisciplined driver habits of the locals.
• Some companies – such as the Bleu Train and Rovos Rail – run luxury trains on the route between Cape Town and Pretoria, and Pretoria and Durban (among a network of other journeys offered across the African continent). With discreet and friendly service, luxurious cabins, and five-star onboard cuisine, these companies hark back to a simpler, more elegant era encompassing the timeless grace and high romance of African exploration. You can read my Rovos Rail trip report here .
• South African Airways (this is South Africa’s national carrier, a Star Alliance member)
• Comair Limited (this is a British Airways franchisee and member of the Oneworld alliance)
• Mango Airlines (low-cost carrier)
• Kululu.com (low-cost carrier)
• FlySafair (low-cost carrier)

INSPIRATION, HIGHLIGHTS & TRAVEL TIPS

There are several good reasons why you should put South Africa on your bucket list:

• Big Five safari in the Kruger Park National Park area
• The Blyde River Canyon, third largest canyon in the world
• Majestic mountain scenery of the Drakensbergen
• Rural life in KwaZulu Natal
• Coastal scenery along the Garden Route
• Cape Town, the world’s most beautiful city
• World-class gourmet dining and vineyards
• Africa’s best luxury resorts

The following, in-depth articles may also inspire you and help you plan your holiday to South Africa:

• Top 10 best things to see & do in South Africa
• Top 10 best things to see & do around Cape Town
• Top 10 most fabulous luxury resorts in South Africa
• Top 10 most exclusive hotels in Cape Town
• Top 10 best safari lodges in South Africa
• Tips & tricks for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel
• Tips & tricks for buying the cheapest plane ticket

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES 

It’s impossible to suggest one itinerary for South Africa but I hereby share with you a two week schedule, based on of my own holidays to the Rainbow Nation. However, there’s so much to see and do that three weeks are recommended if you have more time and want to travel at a more leisurely pace.

• Day 1 : Johannesburg (recommended hotel: Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff )
• Day 2 : Blyde River Canyon and continue to Hoedspruit (recommended hotel: Royal Malewane )
• Day 3 : safari in the game reserve surrounding Royal Malewane
• Day 4-7 : safari in the Sabi Sands Reserve  (recommended hotel: &Beyond Tengile River Lodg e or Lion Sands Ivory Lodge )
• Day 8 : plane transfer to Port Elizabeth
• Day 9-13 : Garden Route
• Day 14-16 : Cape Town & surroundings (recommended hotels: top 10 most fabulous hotels in Cape Town )

If you have an extra week, I suggest you drive from the Kruger National Park all the way via Swaziland, KwaZulu Natal, the Drakensbergen to Port Elizabeth, after which you can catch up with the itinerary as described above.

If you want to enjoy some days of relaxation on the beach after your South African vacation, I recommend you to end your holiday in Cape Town (which has stunning beaches) or – if you like it more tropical – take a direct flight to either Mozambique, Mauritius or the Seychelles, all within easy reach of Johannesburg.

For more ideas, I suggest the excellent South Africa itineraries as suggested by The Rough Guides and Frommers .

RECOMMENDED LUXURY HOTELS (+ REVIEWS)

Consider visiting my top 10 lists if you are eager to know how I rank South Africa’s top hotels based to my own experience:

• Top most exclusive hotels in Cape Town

Below, you find my reviews of hotels in South Africa (with pros, cons, and tips to save money per hotel).

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Another bucket list item is definitely a safari in the Kgalagadi Transfontier National Park. Explore the Karoo on your route back to Capetown.

We are those people behind the scenes who are keen to help you, we are an African-based company that wants to change the perception of African hotels.

Thank you. A better way to list your bucket list to South Africa. Hopefully Cheetah Safaris ( https://cheetahsafaris.co.ke/ ) would be of help to design the same kind of experiences listed here in our next visit.

At landioustravel.com we wish that you add Egypt among your destinations

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Safety in South Africa

Is It Safe in South Africa?

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South Africa is often perceived as a dangerous destination due to its high rate of violent crime. In some areas—especially large cities—poverty is rife, and as a result, muggings, break-ins, and petty theft are common. South Africa also ranks highly on global statistic roundups for rape and murder. However, thousands of tourists visit the country every year without incident, and the rewards of doing so are generous. If you exercise caution and avoid certain areas as a tourist, you'll be treated to pristine beaches, rugged mountains , and game-filled reserves . South Africa's diverse cities are rich in both history and culture, and its people are some of the most hospitable in the world.

Travel Advisories

The U.S. Department of State declared a Level 2 travel advisory for South Africa   in 2018. This means visitors should "exercise increased caution," in this case due to "crime, civil unrest, and drought." In particular, the advisory warns about the higher risk of violent crime in the central business districts of major cities after dark. Travel advice from the British government   echoes this warning, while also citing past incidents where visitors have been followed from Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo Airport to their destinations and then robbed at gunpoint.

Is South Africa Dangerous?

Certain parts of South Africa are more dangerous than others. For instance, game reservations (i.e. safari destinations) tend to be safer than big cities and remote, isolated places. A 2020 report by the Overseas Security Advisory Council   (OSAC) revealed that the U.S. had "assessed Pretoria, Johannesburg , Cape Town, and Durban as being CRITICAL-threat locations for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests," but also noted that U.S. citizens are not often singled out for criminal activity.

The report named armed robbery as the most prevalent "major" crime in South Africa. To avoid being targeted, dress casually, without designer labels and flashy jewelry, and keep your valuables close to your body. If you plan to hire a car , never leave valuables visible on the seats and park in areas protected by licensed car guards.

Is South Africa Safe for Solo Travelers?

Some travel experiences, like guided tours and safaris, are perfectly conducive to solo travel, but wandering around the cities of South Africa alone is not recommended, especially for women. It has one of the highest rates of rape in the world, although the OSAC report   said that foreigners are not specifically targeted.

Alone or not, visitors should avoid walking through the poor parts of South Africa's urban areas, especially at night. Always be aware of your surroundings and travel in groups whenever possible.

Safety Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers

South Africa has some of the most progressive LGBTQ+ laws in the world. It was the first ever jurisdiction to provide constitutional protection to the LGBTQ+ community, in fact, and welcomes refugees from all over who flee from less accepting countries. Same-sex relationships are legal and common in this country, with LGBTQ+ communities traditionally congregating in bigger cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg. However, in more conservative areas (especially remote townships), being openly LGBTQ+ can lead to discrimination and crime. In the Black community especially, homosexuality is still frowned upon.

Naturally, LGBTQ+ travelers are safer expressing their sexuality openly (barring any graphic PDA) in big cities where it's more prevalent. If you experience a hate crime while visiting South Africa, you should report the incident at the nearest police station or call 08600 10111.

Safety Tips for BIPOC Travelers

Speaking of the Black community, BIPOC travelers are less likely to stick out among locals than Caucasian travelers, seeing as Black Africans make up the bulk of this country's population. According to the last census   , recorded in 2011, 79 percent of South African nationals identified as Black African whereas about 9 percent identified as white. Only 2.5 percent identified as Indian or Asian. The 2017 Reasons for Hope report by the South African Institute of Race Relations   showed that 60 percent of surveyed nationals said that tensions between ethnic groups had "improved" since 1994. Still, race relations in South Africa have been described as toxic.

BIPOC travelers are safer when they travel in groups and in populated, tourist-friendly areas versus remote or crime-laden neighborhoods. If you are targeted by violent racism while visiting South Africa, you should report the incident at the nearest police station or call 08600 10111.

Safety Tips for Travelers

South Africa may not have a favorable reputation for its safety, but tourists can take certain precautions to reduce their risk of being a target for criminal activity.

• Visitors can call the South African Tourism Helpline at 083 123 6789 (or 1-800-593-1318) to arrange for a reliable taxi or get information on activities and transportation.
• There is a common misconception that predators like lions and leopards roam freely throughout the country, but in reality, game is usually confined to protected reserves. Staying safe on a safari is simple: listen carefully to the advice given to you by your tour guide or ranger, don't venture into the bush at night, and stay in your car on self-drive safaris .
• Venomous snakes and spiders typically avoid confrontation with humans, but it's always a good idea to be aware of where you're putting your hands and feet.
• Most cities, parks, and reserves are malaria-free , but if you plan to visit more remote, northern parts of the country, be sure to bring along the necessary prophylactics to avoid getting the mosquito-borne disease.
• Authorities recommend hiking only in groups and away from isolated areas.
• Do not carry large sums of money with you and what you do carry, keep close to your body in a zipped bag ( not your back pocket). Crossbody bags and money belts are good options.
• South Africa is notorious for its ill-kept roads and alarmingly frequent traffic accidents. Rural roads, in particular, are often unfenced and dotted with livestock, so try to limit driving to daytime hours to avoid unexpected obstacles.
• Avoid handing over your passport to (or allowing it to be photocopied by) car hire companies or hotels as a form of security.
• The South African Police Service (SAPS) can be reached at 08600 10111 or just 10111 in the case of an emergency.

U.S. Department of State . "South Africa Travel Advisory."

GOV.UK . "South Africa Foreign Travel Advice."

Overseas Security Advisory Council . "South Africa 2020 Crime & Safety Report." March 3, 2020.

Statistics South Africa . "2011 Census in brief."

South African Institute of Race Relations. " Reasons for Hope ." February 2017.

2020 Travel Warnings for Countries in Africa

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Home » Africa » Travel Safety

Is South Africa Safe for Travel? (Insider Tips)

The megadiverse country that is South Africa has an abundance of wildlife roaming its national parks. Combine this with some stunning road trips, a whole load of colourful culture, some world-famous wineries and surf spots, and we have a true wonderland here!

There is, however, that old chestnut of South Africa’s reputation for crime and it is a big deal in this African nation. Not just isolated in townships or rural areas, tourists have been known to be the victim of crime even in big cities and around popular attractions.

Visiting can be a scary prospect, and for many people, this puts them off. That’s why we have created this guide to staying safe in South Africa – it’s 100% possible to visit and have an awesome time, it just takes some getting used to… and a little insider knowledge.

Our guide is filled to the brim with information about visiting the Rainbow Nation including what to watch out for and what sort of places you should avoid. We’ve even got some tips for solo female travellers in South Africa so all things considered we’d say we’ve got you covered on your trip to this cool country.

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How Safe is South Africa? (Our take)

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South Africa has a lot going for it: vast wilderness, miles upon miles of coastline, great surfing, good food (and wine), as well as some great cities to visit to soak up some culture. Don’t forget that wildlife: this is a biodiverse wonderland!

However, this multicultural nation is not without its troubles; there is a high level of crime in South Africa, as well as poverty. Tourists should definitely take care when visiting the country, that’s for sure.

Much of the crime that occurs in South Africa happens in townships and isolated areas. Depending on where you’re staying in South Africa , it can be more or less dangerous. That being said, incidents involving tourists have happened in recent years in popular spots around Cape Town and other areas once considered as “safe”.

There’s a whole lot of stuff to talk about when you talk about the safety levels going on here, so let’s delve into the details of exactly how safe South Africa is…

There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, and this article is no different. The question of “Is South Africa Safe?” will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on the parties involved. But this article is written for savvy travellers from the perspective of savvy travellers.

The information present in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing, however, the world is a changeable place, now more than ever. Between the pandemic, ever-worsening cultural division, and a click-hungry media, it can be hard to maintain what is truth and what is sensationalism.

Here, you will find safety knowledge and advice for travelling South Africa. It won’t be down to the wire cutting edge info on the most current events, but it is layered in the expertise of veteran travellers. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practise common sense, you will have a safe trip to South Africa.

If you see any outdated information in this guide, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. We strive to provide the most relevant travel information on the web and always appreciate input from our readers (nicely, please!). Otherwise, thanks for your ear and stay safe!

It’s a wild world out there. But it’s pretty damn special too. 🙂

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

South Africa, despite the crime, brings in high levels of tourists year on year. People are drawn here to explore the country’s culture, wildlife and natural beauty.

To put that into numbers, 3.5 million people travelled through the country in 2017 alone. The travel and tourism industry supports over 10% of the jobs in the Rainbow Nation, making it a vital part of what makes South Africa tick.

Tourism, in fact, is very important, especially when you look at the high levels of unemployment and poverty, mixed with inequality. It’s certainly worth tourists’ time: South Africa has 8 UNESCO-approved attractions, for a start.

Crime, however, is also very high. That said, since 1995 the murder rate has virtually halved from 67.9 per 100,000 (1995) to 35.2 per 100,000 (2018).

This year, in 2019, an average of 605 houses each day have been burgled per day; phones, jewellery, and electronics are often the target.

When you look at the Global Peace Index for 2019 though,  South Africa comes in at 127 out of 163 countries analysed. This may seem low, but consider this: the United States is at 128.

South Africa certainly has its fair share of troubles. There is a high level of crime, which can and does pose a risk to visitors; however, at main tourist destinations, crime is comparatively low.

The police in South Africa aims to protect tourists – in fact, tourist police patrol popular spots. Generally, the most violent crimes take place in townships, on the fringes of major cities, well away from your big museums and Garden Routes. That, however, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be vigilant at all times.

Regular protests, demonstrations and strikes occur across the country. These can happen at short notice and can also become violent, with roadblocks disrupting traffic, too; needless to say, you should steer clear of these.

Nature can be a threat to your safety: we’re talking everything from beach conditions to following exactly what your guide says on safari (wild animals are wild for a reason) and protecting yourself from the heat.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

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There’s a high level of crime in South Africa, but it’s best not to be paranoid. Plenty of people travel here and spend months backpacking through South Africa with no issues at all; just keep things in perspective and be aware of your surroundings. Yes, you’re going to have to be cautious, and vigilant, so here are some travel tips for South Africa to keep in mind and make sure your trip runs as smoothly as possible.

• Be very careful of your surroundings at ATMs  – there are many, many scams surrounding ATMs
• Try to avoid wandering around city centres at night – there’s a higher risk of theft here
• Don’t look flashy  – the richer you look, the more likely you are to be a target
• Leave valuables and travel documents in a safe place in your room – a safe, obvious as it sounds, is a good idea
• Don’t leave valuables lying around on tables  – cameras, wallets: they could be gone in an instant
• Be careful of dangling handbags  – opt for a money belt (more on that later)
• Consider carrying a decoy wallet  – or small stash of cash to hand over if you are mugged
• Take the advice of locals  – if someone says such-and-such a place is unsafe, it’s likely that it is very much unsafe
• Do not walk around looking like you’re lost  – vulnerable tourists are more at risk, so try to look confident
• Be wary of your bag in airports and transit hubs  – keep it close to you
• Don’t walk anywhere after dark in cities (especially by yourself) – cab, walk in a group, Uber: anything
• Pick up a local sim card   – it’s worth the money to have one of these, for the data alone
• Drugs are openly used, but…  – there are heavy penalties for possession, so don’t get involved
• Stick with groups and to popular trails when hiking – people have been attacked even on Table Mountain
• Be careful in quiet areas – again, there’s safety in numbers
• Avoid remote areas after dark – everything from viewpoints to picnic spots and isolated beaches, are no-go at night
• Steer clear of protests, marches, demonstrations  – it’s just not good to get caught up in these
• Carry a copy of your passport  – to show authorities/police if they need to see it
• Don’t buy any prohibited animal products  – ivory, rhino horns, anything from endangered species; you’ll be (rightly) prosecuted if caught
• Listen to your guide on safari  – getting too close to wild animals, or veering off where you should be going, can be deadly
• AIDS is an epidemic in South Africa  – this is the biggest HIV epidemic in the world. Take the obvious precautions
• Research your accommodation thoroughly  – make sure your room is safe, lockable, secure

South Africa, obviously, has some issues. It is better to be aware of things going on in the country than to be shocked by them; the information isn’t there to scare you off, it’s here to ensure you have as safe a trip as possible. The most important thing is to avoid being by yourself in remote or isolated areas, city or countryside, as this is when you’ll be most at risk. Other than that: be vigilant!

Losing your money whilst you’re travelling anywhere in the world isn’t fun; not only will it mean you miss out on a night or two of fun, but it could also mean not being able to pay for accommodation, or even cutting a trip short.

In South Africa, where crime levels are relatively high, you may be worried about having your money stolen – not an uncommon thing to worry about when visiting this country. The solution, however, is simple: wear a money belt.

The Pacsafe Money Belt is our best bet. It’s affordable, it looks and acts like a belt, and it’s sturdy – what more could you ask for out of a money belt!

Where many other money belts can look obvious to would-be thieves, bulging underneath clothes, it’s the simplicity of the Pacsafe Money Belt that we love: it looks just like a belt and acts like one too.

The only difference is with this belt is that there’s a hidden zipper pocket where you can stash your cash. This means that, even if you have to throw down a dummy wallet, you still walk away with a secret cache of money in this awesome little belt.

The best ideas are often the simplest, and this is definitely the case with the Pacsafe Money Belt: a solid option if you’re looking to keep your money safe in South Africa.

There’s nothing quite like travelling by yourself. Having only yourself to rely on, it may be challenging, but the rewards you reap from pushing yourself and doing new things far outweigh the bad parts of solo travel. It’s all about doing things for yourself – and it’s awesome.

Travelling by yourself in South Africa isn’t always the safest option, but it is a fun country to travel solo in. It’s well-trodden, it’s pretty straightforward, and lots of people do it. Here are some solo travel tips for South Africa to keep as safe as can be.

• Know when you should join a tour. Hiking by yourself, or travelling by yourself at night, is not a good idea. So, if you’ve got an overnight trip to make, or feel like getting out into the wilderness that South Africa is so famous for, then consider booking yourself onto a tour. Do your research, though, and make sure you’re with a reputable company and guide.
• Listen to locals and ask questions on where it’s safe to go, what you should be doing, and what you should be avoiding. Local people are the ones who have the vital insider knowledge that you need in this country.
• Another good local source is social media; for example, there are Facebook groups for organising group hikes and other communal meet-ups. It’s in these kind of online groups that you’ll be able to ask advice for solo travel around the country, too. Hit up the South Africa National Parks website for information on joining hiking groups for destinations such as Table Mountain.
• Try to keep a low profile: solo travellers, or just people by themselves, are more of a target for crime in South Africa than anyone in a group.
• With this in mind, try to blend in; wearing shorts and t-shirt whilst everyone else is in jeans will make you stand out like a sore thumb, so take note of what everyone around you is dressing like.
• Travel light. This is crucial if you don’t want to feel (or actually be) vulnerable when getting off buses, trains and navigating airports. The more you have, the more it’ll weigh you down, and the more conspicuous you will look as a tourist.
• Don’t party too hard. Be careful in terms of drinking too much and avoid recreational drug use; we’re saying this so that you avoid hurting yourself or being a victim of crime, which can happen more easily when you’re intoxicated.
• Keep your phone charged. All of your practical information, including maps, will be on this. Being without your phone in a part of a town that doesn’t feel all that good is something that won’t help you at all, so make sure it always has a battery. Speaking of which, make sure you always have emergency numbers stored in your phone (write them down in case your phone goes missing).
• Make sure you know where your bank cards, passports and your money is – and don’t keep them all in one place. Losing everything all at once isn’t just not fun: it can be pretty serious. Being alone means you won’t have a friend or family member to help you out with cash if you need it.
• Let people know your plans; even if they change last minute. Tell friends, family, new travel buddies, what you plan to do in the next few days because, at the end of the day, it’s better for someone to know where you are and what you’re doing than no one knows. Don’t go off-grid, is what we’re saying.

Solo travel in South Africa is not as difficult as you may think it is. This is a well-trodden, much-visited place, with plenty of other travellers to meet up with along the way.

However, there are definitely times when you’ll need to watch out for your safety a lot more than if you were travelling in a group. You’ll need to keep your wits about you, try to blend in, not look like a vulnerable tourist (i.e. a target) and keep your valuables well hidden.

Other than that, it won’t be the easiest place in the world to travel solo, but if you’re up for the challenge: enjoy!

Just as South Africa isn’t 100% safe for solo male travellers, likewise it isn’t 100% safe for solo female travellers. There’s more to deal with as a woman, with old fashioned attitudes, sexist behaviour, and high levels of sexual assault and violence against women in the country.

It goes without saying that as a woman in South Africa, as a solo traveller, you’re going to have to be pretty careful; that’s not to say it’s not doable – it totally is – but exercise caution. Our tips for solo female travellers in South Africa are here to help your trip go as well as it can.

• Do not walk alone at night by yourself – especially in urban areas. This is not a good idea for any sort of traveller, but that goes doubly for females.
• Avoid situations where you are isolated and by yourself. Stay in busy places and don’t take taxis alone.
• Do not go hiking by yourself; it’s not recommended at all for a woman to do this. If you do want to go hiking, the minimum number of people in your group should be 3.
• Don’t just book the cheapest accommodation. You have to research it, read the comments, and see for yourself if it’s appropriate for solo females. If it’s more expensive but secure and well-reviewed, it will be worth the money.
• The same goes for guides. You will want to go on a tour with reputable guides; check online for reviews from other female travellers and ensure that the reviews are good.
• Be aware that there is a high level of sexual assault and violence against women in South Africa. If you’re travelling across the border to Lesotho, know that patriarchal values are strong and women are often oppressed and harassed.
• As a solo female traveller, it’s best to find other women to travel with on public transport. The risks are reduced if you’re travelling together with other people; try to find at least two other women, or a mixed group of people, to travel with.
• Make sure you carry your mobile phone with you at all times. This is obvious, but it means you’ll be able to contact people in an emergency, use maps, or simply look at the reviews of a restaurant you’re interested in.
• It’s best to dress modestly, covering up skin more than revealing it. This will help you avoid too much attention. Our South Africa packing guide details exactly what you should bring with you and what to wear during your trip.
• If you’re planning on staying in an urban area, like Johannesburg, for example, you should consider buying pepper spray or enrol in a basic self-defence class.
• Careful of your drinks (and food) when you’re out and about; spiking of food and drink does occur, so try your best not to leave them unattended.
• Don’t disclose details to strangers: whether you’re in a relationship or not, where you’re staying, what your travel plans are – people you’ve never met don’t need to know all this stuff about you.
• For insider advice, ask for tips from local women on online communities such as Facebook group Girls Love Travel; they’ll have the most up-to-date information on just how safe it is for solo female travellers in South Africa.

The prospect of visiting South Africa by yourself, as a woman, isn’t great. This is definitely a far cry from travelling solo in Thailand, so we wouldn’t recommend this as a solo destination for females who haven’t had experiences travelling in more challenging parts of the world.

There’s no real way to sugar-coat it. But we reckon the best way to do it is to stay in very well-reviewed, social hostels – hotly tipped by other female travellers, preferably – where you can meet other people to continue your travels around the country with.

Other than that, the other way to experience South Africa as safely as possible would be to join a tour, making sure (of course) to check out the reviews and that the company is reputable. Other than that, stay safe and have an amazing time!

Although it might not be the normal place to go for family holidays, or even anywhere near the top of the family destinations in the world, it’s still an awesome place to go.

There is a whole plethora of national parks, an abundance of beaches, whale-watching to experience, safaris to embark on, and a handful of good museums to learn a thing or two, as well.

Places such as Cape Town offer up a top family destination. Here you will find everything from good hotels and other family-friendly experiences, to shopping centres, and easy places to eat. If you’re planning your trip to the Western Cape, you may want to check out our Cape Town safety guide!

Durban, on the other hand, has its beaches; whilst the Western Cape has the stunning Garden Route.

South African people are welcoming to children and much accommodation, and hotel rooms can cater to families. There’s even camping, cabins and beach chalets all over the country; you’ll even find places to stay in South Africa’s national parks, such as exciting wildlife lodges.

Note, however, that some wildlife lodges have a restriction on children under 12 years of age.

If you’re thinking about going on safari, these kinds of activities are best for older children; it can be very hot and the hours involved can be taxing. Kruger National Park might be a better one for smaller children, with activities geared towards little ones.

Make sure you plan your trip if you want to travel around the country and not just stay in one place: the distances can be huge and take much longer than you thought.

If you’re travelling outside of major towns, it can sometimes be difficult to find what you may consider to be simple supplies – things like nappies, baby food and milk, for example.

You should make sure that your children (and you) are up to date with vaccines needed for South Africa. Be extra careful about entering into malaria-prone areas; cover up against bites, bring mosquito nets (just in case), use repellent and burn mosquito coils where possible.

When you are travelling with children under 18 years of age, you have to show an unabridged birth certificate (or UBC) as well as their passport; you should be particularly careful if you’re just one parent travelling with a child. This is supposed to combat child trafficking.

Other than that, South Africa is going to be a blast as a family. Just make sure you keep your children close to you when you’re walking around cities and be aware of any potentially risky situations – both in cities and rural areas.

South Africa offers up some pretty amazing road trips. The Garden Route, obviously, is one of these.

Having your own wheels means you can veer off from the main tourist bus routes and see what this spectacular country has to offer… But that doesn’t mean it’s always safe to drive in South Africa.

In 2018, 12,000 people died on the roads in South Africa; it doesn’t have the best road safety records. And then there are things to worry about, from varying road standards to outright hijackings.

You should definitely pay attention to your surroundings, even when driving (not just in traffic jams). Robbery from cars is commonplace, so ensure that your windows are wound up and your doors are locked at all times.

You will be particularly vulnerable in a car: at night time, when you’re parked and ready to go/get out or stopped at traffic lights. Stick to main roads and well-lit areas after dark; thieves have many different methods to get a vehicle to stop, or pull over.

Do not, whatever you do, pick up hitchhikers and/or strangers.

On the road, you should be aware that overtaking on the hard shoulder, or on single-lane roads, is normal behaviour for other drivers, especially trucks. People often ignore rules, like giving way to the right on a roundabout, or speed limits.

Motorists often drive quite aggressively (taxi drivers are renowned for this). People overtake without enough room to pass; expect people to flash their lights, or drive right up to the back of your car, to signify they want to overtake.

Drink driving is not uncommon – don’t do it, just be aware that some people may be driving under the influence. If someone is driving extra erratically, give them all the space they need. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Lots of highways cover the country – these are mainly in good condition. Outside of big towns, however, you can come across un-sealed roads; be especially careful driving on these after or during heavy rains as they can get washed away.

Also in rural areas be careful of hazards in the road, from children to wild animals.

Parking can be an issue, especially certain neighborhoods in Johannesburg. There are often people called “parking guards” who will look after your car for you in big towns and cities; approved parking guards often (but not always) wear high-visibility jackets. Make sure you pay them when you’re done parking and about to leave.

One important point to finish with: if someone wants to carjack you, let them. These people are usually armed and people have been killed for simply not handing over the keys. For more information check out DriveSouthAfrica.co.za.

Uber is available in South Africa. It’s been there for 5 years.

It’s popular – and there are a number of different cities it can be used in; specifically, that’s Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, Durban and Port Elizabeth.

Be aware, however, that there have been tensions between Uber drivers and metered taxi drivers – especially outside transit hubs and airports. Not just the drivers but also passengers have been harassed by the drivers of metered taxis.

Uber often reports where, if there is any trouble, this is taking place, so check the app. It’s best to be aware of this regardless.

Uber is safe in South Africa though, and the benefits apply: know your driver, read reviews, track your journey, pay in-app. What’s not to like?

Using taxis in South Africa requires some precaution.

Private taxi companies can be found in large cities and big towns, and are – generally – one of the safest ways to get around South Africa. This is especially true after dark.

You can find taxi stands in busy, popular areas, such as outside big hotels, shopping malls, and other attractions.

Rates will vary across the country and between cities, the average being about 10 Rand per kilometre.

The safest way to get a taxi, however, is to phone for one. It’s safer because you’ll be more likely to get a better quality vehicle than the ones waiting at the taxi ranks.

Ask your accommodation for the number of a reputable company. You can also ask at a restaurant, bar, or other establishments for them to call you a taxi. Always wait inside for your taxi.

Shared taxis are an option in South Africa, running all around the cities, into suburbs, and across to neighbouring towns; they’re very local, but are not for the faint-hearted. Away from big transit hubs and tourist destinations, shared taxis may be the only form of public transport that you can actually get.

These range from cars to minibuses; find information on them on TaxiMap.co.za – this will show you routes, fares and other important information.

There are some safety precautions to consider when using a shared taxi, however. The conditions of the vehicle are often not very good, the driving standards are poor, and there are frequent accidents.

Pickpocketing, as well as harassment, are not uncommon when you’re in a shared taxi. There are certain routes that shared taxis take that should definitely be avoided, especially after dark: Exploring central Cape Town , in daylight hours, is usually fine but is best avoided at night.

Travelling on shared taxis with bags and luggage not only means that you take up precious seats, but it also puts you at risk, too.

Some tips for using minibus-style shared taxis:

• When you get on, pass your money forward to the driver’s assistant (sitting to next him, usually)
• If you do have luggage, sit on the first row, behind the driver
• If you’re on the folding seat by the sliding door, it’s your job to open and shut the door each time it stops to let people on
• When you want to stop say “Thank you, driver” – not “stop”

To sum it up in a few words, taxis in South Africa are safe – for the most part. Just be sure to avoid shared taxis at night and, if in doubt, get establishments to call a taxi for you.

Public transport in South Africa varies, to be honest. It depends on where you want to go, what you want to do, and your budget.

First of all, there are buses.

Inside cities, such as Cape Town, Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Durban, there are city buses; these, obviously, work just like city buses in urban areas all around the world. However, for safety reasons, the best ones to use are MyCiTi (Cape Town) and the People Mover (Durban).

If you do want to use the bus, it’s a plus if you’re a budget: the routes are extensive and the fares are cheap. However, the running hours can be quite limited.

If you want to get on a bus between cities, then you have a few different options.

The major cities are linked with bus lines that vary in safety. Safety Lines, as you might be able to tell by the name, is safer (and pricier) than other companies. No matter what firm you choose to go with, however, you should always be careful if you’re heading on an overnight journey by bus and watch out for your belongings; sit as close to the driver as possible.

You can buy bus tickets up to 24 hours in advance at bus offices, supermarkets and at Computicket Travel. Computicket is actually a pretty good way to go because you can use a foreign bank card to book, and there are multiple bus companies on offer for you to choose from.

There are also backpacker shuttle buses, one of the more famous being Baz Bus. This kind of hop-on, hop-off service is often the safest and most convenient way to go, especially for solo travellers. It does the rounds at hostels, picking up and dropping off travellers; book online or through your hostel. However, these are more expensive (of course), but they can work out much more convenient.

If you don’t want to take a bus, there are always trains.

Trains in South Africa are a scenic, much more comfortable way to travel than by bus. They take a lot longer but are worth it for the views alone. There are all sorts of options, with things like dining cars and showers onboard. Obviously, this sounds pretty pricey – and it can be, in comparison.

Note: the economy class of a train is not as safe.

Book tickets for the trains up to 3 months ahead of time, both online and at train stations. Hit up The Man in Seat 61 for his well-trusted, insider tips on train travel.

Metrorail Suburban Railways, in larger cities from Cape Town to Durban, should be avoided; these have high levels of crime and it’s basically not worth it, as you won’t be needing to use them. Grab a taxi if you do need to go anywhere these trains go.

Public transport is safe in South Africa, it’s just important to be vigilant and aware of your belongings – especially if you’re on a cheaper service and/or are travelling overnight.

South Africa’s food reflects its diverse population and history, with Malaysian, Indian, French, Dutch, and British influences at work, along with its indigenous population making a mark too. All of this adds up to a whole lot of different stuff on offer for your stomach.

There are loads of tasty titbits to try out. From Cape Malay curry, and the South African mainstays of chakalaka and pap, all the way to biltong and baboti, so here are some foodie tips to help you eat your way around this country like a pro – and safely, too!

• Make sure your food is cooked through and, whatever you do, avoid eating meat rare. A nationwide issue with hepatitis A can mean rare meat isn’t a good idea.
• Be careful eating seafood. This is often people’s downfall when travelling anywhere in the world and, trust us, you do not want to get sick from seafood. Make sure it’s fresh; if it tastes, or smells, not right, then just leave it.
• Though it isn’t always possible, try to only eat food that has been made in sanitary conditions. If you can’t verify that, then at least make sure it’s been cooked fresh and hot in front of you. If you can’t verify that, steer clear.
• When eating food from street stalls or local places, try to check out how they’re preparing the food to see if it’s being done in a sanitary way.
• Top tip: go to places that are busy with locals. This is a good way to ensure that it’s a safe place to eat: if locals are going there regularly, the chances are high that it won’t be something that will make you ill.
• On road trips, train journeys, or other long trips, make sure to stock up on snacks just in case the things along the way aren’t foodstuffs you enjoy, or that look unsanitary.
• Practise good hygiene. Things like washing your hands, especially when you’re been exploring a dusty city all day, will definitely go a long way to making sure you aren’t the one making your stomach feel bad.
• In more rural areas, be especially careful about fresh fruit and vegetables. Ensure they have been washed in clean water before you eat them and only buy things you can peel and cook yourself; pre-peeled is not a good idea.

There is so much tasty food to try out in South Africa. From the Indian curries, to the South African oddity that is bunny chow. Also not forgetting the traditionally al fresco braai – a type of barbecue – with its boerewors (“farmers’ sausage”), foodies will have a field day here.

A word of advice: don’t dive into everything straight away. Chances are you won’t be used to the food here, so go slow at first. To be on the safe side, take some anti-diarrhoea medication and, whatever you do, avoid ice cubes in drinks. Food in South Africa is safe for the most part though!

Water is a contentious issue in South Africa, especially in Cape Town, because of severe droughts.

However, water is safe to drink in South Africa – however, that only really goes for urban areas. Drinking water from taps should be done with caution, if at all, in rural areas – especially where there has been, or is currently, drought.

A lot of people choose to drink bottled water; this is probably best to do if you are travelling with small children.

Boiling tap water vigorously for 1 minute (at least), and then letting it cool, should make it safe. If your accommodation has a water purifier, then use that. Make sure you make an effort to reduce plastic usage in the world, and bring your own refillable bottle!

This is a very broad question.

Many parts of South Africa are not safe, at all, to live in. There are huge disparities between “rich” and “poor” neighbourhoods; very high crime levels and a risk of theft mean there are places you just shouldn’t wander.

However, South Africa is – and can be – safe to live in. Chances are you won’t be choosing to live in a township (lucky you). Many from the South African middle classes, both black and white, choose to live in gated communities. These usually come with private security, armed guards, high walls, electric fences. This sort of thing is bound to make anyone feel safe.

It matters in what city exactly you live, too: Johannesburg is different to Cape Town.

Living day to day, however, will have to mean changing your mindset slightly. It’s a matter of being more careful with how you get around, how you dress, what you carry, where you go. Living somewhere, just because of the time involved, will mean that you are more likely to come into contact with crime than simply visiting as a tourist.

Expat website, InterNations, ranked South Africa as second as the “most dangerous place to live” (2019) in a survey, ranking countries based on crime, quality of life and political instability. To put that into perspective, however, the UK ranked 12th – between Mexico and Egypt – so take that with a pinch of salt.

Many people, however, live in South Africa : expats and local people. Clearly it’s a safe place to live – but it depends where you do it.

You may miss the freedom that you get in other countries, the freedom to simply walk where you want to walk, drive at any time, and not have to worry about your security at all times. You may feel like you’re living in a bubble and you’ll have to get used to that.

Your housing situation should be your number one priority after choosing exactly where in the country you want to live. The most important thing is doing your research: a lot has been written by locals and expats alike living in South Africa, so see what they’ve got to say on the matter, and ask the necessary questions.

At the same time, you have access to South Africa’s amazing nature and wildlife at any time you feel like seeing it. There are definitely plus sides to living here; it’s all a matter of adjusting to a different type of lifestyle.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Healthcare in South Africa is pretty good – but only in major cities, and mainly only private.

There are many private hospitals and clinics in many of the country’s urban areas. If you find yourself in need of urgent treatment, you should definitely head to a private hospital.

The healthcare at private facilities is of an excellent standard, whereas at public hospitals the situation can be marked by underfunding and overcrowding.

If you need to see a healthcare professional, it is advised that you do extensive research before you see someone. Make sure you choose a good facility.

Be very careful about things like blood transfusions; in South Africa, HIV is real risk. If you’re worried, BloodCare.org.uk is a site where you can find out about safely screened blood.

Be aware that some places may want you to pay upfront either before a consultation or even before admission to a hospital, so make sure you have medical travel insurance – and some funds.

In areas that are more rural… You are not likely to come across reliable medical facilities. Some locals may suggest traditional medicines to you, or for you to go and see a healer called a sangoma (female) or inyanga (male). We can’t vouch for either of these; the best way is to go for Western medicine, so get yourself to a big town or city at your earliest convenience.

You will also be able to find pharmacies in big towns and cities, where you can pick up a variety of medication (just make sure it’s in date); be careful of medicine sold in local markets, however.

Check out your embassy’s website for doctors and clinics, ask at your accommodation, or get in touch with your travel insurance provider for a list of recommended hospitals and healthcare facilities.

South Africa is a diverse nation with 11 official languages: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu.

Most locals are multilingual as the school curriculum requires students to learn at least three languages. During the Apartheid regime, schools mostly taught in Afrikaans hence its one of the most spoken languages, followed by English and Zulu. 

Welcome – Welkom

Hello – Hallo

Sorry – Jammer

Please – Asseblief

I don’t know – Ek weet nie

How are you? – Hoe gaan dit met jou?

No plastic bag – Geen plastiek sak

No straw please – Geen strooi asseblief

No plastic cutlery please – Geen plastiek eetgerei asseblief

Where are you from? – Waarvandaan kom jy?

Excuse me – Verskoon my!

How much is this? – Hoeveel kos dit?

How much is a beer? – Hoeveel is ‘n bier?

Here are some quick answers to common questions about safety in South Africa.

Is South Africa dangerous to visit?

Your safety in South Africa depends on where you’re staying and what you’re doing. As long as you use your common sense, do some research and stay away from the no-go areas, you should have a trouble-free trip.

Which is the safest city in South Africa?

Cape Town is statistically the safest city in South Africa. While there are no-go areas and safety issues, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about getting into trouble. Use your street smarts and stay alert!

What should you avoid in South Africa?

Avoid these things in South Africa: – Avoid wandering around city centres at night – Don’t look flashy – Don’t leave valuables lying around on tables – Avoid being careless when walking around and using public transport

Is South Africa dangerous to live?

While it’s not as safe as Europe, South Africa can be safe to live in – but you’ll need a lot more precautions. Having security cameras and guards is standard in expat communities and highly recommended. Your safety will also depend on where you’re living.

South Africa: people say it and automatically think of crime. That’s unfair, but not an unexpected reaction. Crime in South Africa gets talked about a lot, both outside and inside the country. It’s more than just a “big deal” but a deep-rooted problem with resulting issues for a society that serve to deepen a divide between rich and poor, a disparity that stems back, you could say, to the country’s Apartheid-era divisions.

The country, though affected by its past, is not its past. However, things are definitely looking up. Once known as the murder capital of the world , that “accolade” has since been passed around the globe, leaving South Africa as a country where tourists are welcome, and much safer than they would have been 25 years ago. Things change, and this nation, like many others, is gradually finding its feet.

As a tourist? Chances are you’ll be totally fine in South Africa. It takes some careful planning and research about where you stay, what you do – and some not-so-careful common sense stuff like not walking around certain areas after dark – but you’re fortunate enough to not live day-to-day in a dangerous township, lucky enough to afford to even take a trip to South Africa. Bear this in mind and act sensibly: you’ll be fine.

Lerato Bambo

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All the info on this site is mostly accurate. I would be careful of taking a local minibus taxi which is different to a taxi cab, if your accommodation is outside of the city. Taking an taxi cab or uber is the best alternative. And then always do thorough research on the area you will be staying in, as I live in Cape Town and I love my city and my country, but we have our issues, which country doesn’t. We have a lot of great areas and also a lot of really bad areas, so you have to be really vigilant. If uncertain, a tour guide or trusted local would be best to show you around initially. Oh and by-the-way…our food and wine, is really world class. Come taste and see. I hope this helps.

Thanks that was really helpful for planning

By far the most informative and comprehensive info I’ve read on the ins and outs for travel safety in South Africa !

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Home > South Africa > Is South Africa Worth Visiting?

Is South Africa Worth Visiting? Honest, Un-Obvious Observations

"Is South Africa worth visiting?" is a silly question.

Of course it is. Every country is worth visiting. The more nuanced and less obvious question is,

“Is South Africa is worth visiting more than other countries you could travel to?”

That’s not as easy to answer. It depends on what you are looking for in a destination.

To help you decide, I'm going to share some pros and cons of South Africa that weren't obvious to me before Kim and I came here, but that I've observed over the 13 months and counting I've had to get to know the place.

Let me emphasize " observed ." These are my observations. Opinions, too. Not facts. If you disagree with or are offended by anything, that’s up to you. I'm just trying to be as honest and not-so-obvious as possible.

I hope it helps you decide for yourself.

Are you worried about your safety?

As you've almost certainly heard already, South Africa isn't super safe.

Nobody wants to be the weakest link, so most houses and buildings in the cities have electrified fences and heavy-duty grates over their windows and doors.

This creates a sense of paranoia that's even higher than the actual risk level. So too do the fear-mongering news and stats that reflect how scary the crime levels are in the townships, but not in the areas tourists go.

We feel safe walking alone during the day in the areas we should be walking with AirPods in our ears and laptops in our backpacks.

But if you're the paranoid type, you might feel on edge the whole time. This will take away from your enjoyment. Maybe go somewhere safer, like Rwanda , instead.

And if you're on the other extreme and are the careless type who gets blitzed and wanders around Long Street screaming your national anthem, your trip's not going to go well, either.

But if you're reasonably cautious, safety shouldn't be cause for concern when visiting South Africa.

Also keep in mind that:

• The safety situation is much more relaxed in smaller towns.
• No matter where you are, people are friendlier than in most other countries.
• There's very little hassle, haggling, and rip-off risk in South Africa.

Safety Don't Dos:

• Walk anywhere but on busy streets at night or alone at any time in sketchy neighborhoods.
• Drive in rural areas at night.
• Disregard safety advice from locals.
• Leave valuables sitting on their own on a table or a beach or inside your rental car.

Are you looking to "travel to Africa"?

If you have dreams of Lion King-esque savannah, colorfully-clothed tribes, and chaotic cities, you're better off going to Kenya than South Africa.

That's not to say South Africa doesn't offer all of those "African" experiences. It does. It's just that there's a lot more European in its blood—and South Asian, and even American—than in its northern neighbors. This is especially the case in the areas you're most likely to visit.

So go to South Africa to visit South Africa, not to "travel to Africa."

Are you looking for a 5-star trip on a 3-star budget?

In my books—and in my blog on the best countries to visit for various types of trip—South Africa is number one in the world by this measure.

Some examples from Kim and my South African adventures of the not-so-rich and un-famous include:

• Hiring a driver for less than $150 US for the day to drive a group of us from one luxurious estate to sit among carefully manicured flower gardens sipping reserve wines for less than $5 a tasting .
• Renting a BnB carved out of a cave, Weskus Grotjie , or a private cabin on a fynbos farm with a pre-heated woodfire hot tub for less than $100 a night.
• Entering the oasis of Cape Town's luxurious Mount Nelson hotel for high tea and unlimited treats for less than $30 a person.

Basically, we can live like YouTube stars on a blogger's budget here.

Are you a solo backpacker?

You might be better off going to South America or Southeast Asia. Transport is cheaper and more abundant and fellow cheap travelers are more abundant, too.

That's not to say you'd regret backpacking in South Africa.

Our friend Rebecca rented a car and hiked the Drakensberg by herself. My brother enjoyed a reasonably-priced group tour of Kruger Park and exploring Johannesburg with new friends he met at the hostel. And Lisette, a friend we made along our Hectic Route from Johannesburg to Cape Town, managed to have a great trip through South Africa despite being wheel-chair bound thanks to the backpacker-friendly Baz Bus .

It's just that you might get more out of a South Africa trip if you come back when you have a slightly bigger budget.

Are you looking for a getaway over the December holiday season?

South Africa's maybe too good of a choice.

Because December is summer down here, school holidays and Christmas holidays combine into one superstorm of a holiday. Locals descend in droves to the nicest parts of the country. Mix in all the Germans and Brits who're escaping their miserable weather up north and things get extra "hectic," as South Africans like to say. Prices skyrocket, reservations are hard to come by, parks are packed, and line-ups are long.

Better to come in other months if you can.

Are you looking to do a road trip?

Look no further.

After Jordan , South Africa's the best country we've ever been to for road tripping. The roads are empty and in good shape, the drivers are courteous, the scenery's stunning and varied, the towns are charming (well, some of them), and there's so much to explore.

So even if you aren't looking to do a road trip, you should if you decide to visit South Africa.

For tons of inspiration and advice, read our South Africa road trip tips , our "Hectic Route" from Johannesburg to Cape Town , our trip up and down the Garden Route , and our journey from Cape Town to Namibia .

Do you want to go somewhere family-friendly?

I'm not the most reliable source on this one. It's been a long time since Kim and I were kids, and we don't have any kids yet.

Even so, we haven't helped but notice how kid-friendly South Africa is. Even at "adult" places like restaurants and wine farms, there are often things to keep the kids happy so the parents stay happy. And the child-less grown-ups seem "chilled" (another South African-ism) about little ones running around, too.

From the opposite angle, I guess South Africa's not the best if kids get on your nerves.

Are you not much into wine?

Doesn't matter. You might change your mind after visiting South Africa.

I did. I came to Cape Town as a beer guy who thought wine was for snobs and couldn't tell a Chardonnay from a Shiraz in a blind taste test . The only times I drank wine was when someone else bought it.

But then we toured the wineries (or "wine farms," as they're called in South Africa).

As Kim's teetotaling mom will attest, the opulent settings are worth exploring in their own right. And the tastings are either free or only cost a few bucks, so I happily partook. Before I knew it, my ambivalence wine had matured into full-blown snobbery.

So yeah, I guess if you don't want to get hooked on wine, don't go to South Africa.

Or are you a wine snob?

If it's too late to save your pretentiousness and your wallet from oenophilia, you absolutely, truly must visit South Africa.

And I don't mean "must" in the polite way South Africans say it, either. It's a Canadian "must." You're doing yourself a disservice if you don't.

Don't let South African wine's middling reputation fool you. As I've seen in the liquor stores in Vancouver, they export and overcharge for the crap they don't want and keep the good stuff to themselves to drink at incredibly affordable prices.

Quick tip: Look to visit smaller, lesser-known wine farms and regions. To get you started, here are some of our favorite wine tasting experiences worth planning around.

Are you bad with languages?

No need to hold your tongue.

Unless you get way off the beaten path, everyone you meet in South Africa will speak excellent English with ear-pleasing accents.

Once you experience the ease most everyone in South Africa has with English, you may be surprised to learn how few people speak it as their first language. I'm surprised now as I google the stats . English is only the fourth most common mother tongue, at less than 10 percent of the population. Ahead of it are Zulu (23 percent), Xhosa (16 percent), and Afrikaans (14 percent).

Or do you want a language learning challenge?

If you love languages and are looking for a challenge, you're in luck, too. I suggest you take on Xhosa, Nelson Mandela's native language. Get started practicing with this video:

Are you worried about racism?

My experience here comes with a huge grain of salt, given that I'm as white as a huge grain of salt.

But I wondered about it before I first came to South Africa, so I imagine others might, too.

Here's my biased experience:

While the inequality is pretty, well, black and white, Kim and I rarely observe any hint of animosity you might expect given the country's history. At least on the surface.

This seems to partly be thanks to the lack of taboo among South Africans around talking about race. Calling someone " coloured ," "black," or "white" is like calling Charlize Theron blonde. Commercials go so far as to poke fun at stereotypes of the country's different cultures:

This seems to be better than only doing so behind closed doors, like in America.

Prejudice seems to remain strong, though.

On this, I side with Trevor Noah's theory from his book (which I can't recommend more highly you decide to visit South Africa). People are quick to put each other in buckets based on their accent more than their skin color. I suppose this happens everywhere in the world. But the buckets in South Africa seem deeper.

Even Kim and I experience it. When some hoity-toity people hear our American accents, they tighten up. But they sometimes relax a bit when we clarify that we're Canadian. Then they invariably say, "I have a family member who lives in Canada!"

Do you want to see lots of wild animals?

You'll see lots of game on safari in South Africa's Kruger Park , for sure. But can you expect to see more there than in other countries?

That depends on quite a few factors:

• The time of year you visit. Better not to come in the wet season when animals have foliage to hide behind. September to November are the best months for safaris.
• Whether you hire a guide or not. Guides not only have a keener eye but also exchange spottings on WhatsApp groups.
• Whether or not you read our Kruger safari tips .
• Luck. It's not a zoo.

The "feel" is worth taking into account, too.

Some say Kruger's paved roads and popularity (especially in the south of the park) make it feel a bit artificial. They prefer neighboring Botswana or Namibia .

But others appreciate the order and rules in South Africa that protect the animals (and their cars' tires).

Tip: Don't overlook the flora, especially around Cape Town. From afar, it doesn't look like much, but up close you'll discover it's more botanically diverse than the Amazon . The flowers are beautiful, and I don't normally care much for flowers.

Tip on that tip: Be sure to get a taste of the local botanicals in some of the South African gins, too. Or buchu tea, made from a superfood-type indigenous plant that only grows in a small desert region north of Cape Town.

Is food a big reason why you travel?

South Africa's no Japan or Italy (or Mexico ), but its food scene's got enough to make eating a highlight of your trip.

First, the not-so-good news : Traditional South African food is meh.

Sure, there's some Cape Malay food around Cape Town, bunny chow in Durban, and heaps of meat. But none of it is anything to write home about—or to leave home and fly thousands of kilometers to try.

The better news is modern South African cuisine is fantastic.

Like in other New World commonwealth countries like Canada or Australia, you'll find excellent adaptations of cuisines from all over the world. And there are tons of hipster eateries, avant-garde fusion restaurants, and traditional farmhouse eateries that serve tasty fare from high-quality ingredients.

The extra good news is the price-to-value ratio's world-class. To give you some idea, a top-notch steak will cost along the lines of R200 ($13 US) and bottles of decent wine start at around R140 ($9 US).

Do you need super-fast WiFi?

Then South Africa's only worth visiting if you're willing to get a 5G plan to tether from.

The internet's a bit of a nuisance. While it has improved since we first visited South Africa in late 2018, download speeds of 10MB/s are still considered fast. Unlimited WiFi is still a selling feature at Airbnbs. And some cafés limit you to 200 MB.

On the plus side, pre-paid LTE data is only a couple bucks per GB. I pay R50 ($3.30 US) a week for 2 GB pre-paid. And now 5G's making its way into the market.

Just watch out for load shedding—rolling blackouts that can also cut off phone towers.

Does inequality make you uncomfortable?

Then don't go to South Africa or it will burst your bubble.

I didn't think this was worth mentioning until I talked to my friend's parents. They are the only people I've spoken with to say their visit to South Africa didn't exceed their expectations. Why? Because they felt bad driving by the informal townships' corrugated metal shacks on their way to spending their tourist dollars on fancy food, wine tastings, and pictures of penguins.

I see where they're coming from. But I also think it's better to see the inequality than go elsewhere and pretend it doesn't exist. If anything, it makes you feel grateful for your silver spoons. At least that's the case for me.

But if you prefer to take a vacation to fantasyland, skip South Africa.

Are you a farmers market fanatic?

Then pack your baskets and make a beeline to South Africa.

South Africans do farmers markets and artisanal stuff better than anywhere Kim or I have ever been. Whereas in other countries I get the impression people try too hard to be artisanal and charge too much for it, South Africans make it seem effortless.

Everything's exceedingly nice . Nicely designed, nicely packaged, nicely prepared, nicely priced, and nicely handed over in a soothing South African accent.

So wherever you go in South Africa, be sure to look up then hit up the weekend markets. Ask about mid-week ones, too.

Tip: When road tripping, be sure to stop in the farm stalls, or "padstals," as they're called in Afrikaans. They're hit and miss, but the good ones have tons of souvenir and snack-worthy products made on-site and at neighboring farms.

Are you the active, outdoorsy type?

While most South Africa tourist brochures are about snapping photos in cities, sipping on Pinotage in the winelands, and staring at animals from inside Range Rovers, there's also plenty to keep the active from getting antsy.

Much more than hiking Table Mountain and Lion's Head in Cape Town, too. (Though both of them live up to the hype.)

• Scrambling and bouldering in the Cederberg desert
• Hiking in the Drakensberg
• Canyoning down aptly-named Suicide Gorge
• Wandering along the Wild Coast
• Doing some of the dreamy day (or multi-day) hikes along the Garden Route
• Getting out of the jeep to do a multi-day walking safari
• Surfing at Jeffrey's Bay
• Free-diving like the guy from My Octopus Teacher .

Whatever your outdoor activity of choice, South Africa's got it. (Well… not skiing.) And the scenery will be spectacular. Even better, not many people know about it, so it rarely gets too busy.

Are you still not sure about visiting South Africa?

Then just go.

I tried to be as even-handed as I could about the pros and cons of visiting South Africa, but in all honesty I have a hard time imagining anyone regretting going. You'd have to do something really stupid, get really unlucky, or have a horrible travel guide to screw it up.

South Africa doesn't only have something for everyone; it's got more in store for you than you probably think.

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Disclosure: Whenever possible, we use links that earn us a cut if you pay for stuff we recommend. It costs you nothing, so we'd be crazy not to. Read our affiliate policy .

4 thoughts on “Is South Africa Worth Visiting? Honest, Un-Obvious Observations”

As someone who grew up in South Africa, and who likes to drive, and have driven all over Europe (worked there 5 years), all over Australia, all over Asia, and the entire US (lived here for 40 years), you fail to mention the dangers of driving yourself in SA. This country has one of the highest road fatalities in the world with a flagrant disregard for laws, (dangerous overtakes on blind corners, on blind hill crests, and even in the presence of solid lines) extremely poor law enforcement, and a free for all racetrack mentality of insane proportions. If you’re planning on renting a car in SA with US or European expectations of safety and driving manners, you are naive and taking your life in your own hands. I visit here annually and it’s getting worse, not better. Yellow line driving is now common on two lane roads and is a major cause of head on collisions when practiced on both opposing sides. Your article was otherwise fine, but you weren’t nearly blunt enough about driving there. A beautiful magnificent country well worth a visit, but do not return in a box by driving there uninformed.

Thanks for the differing perspective, BDK. We haven't had similar experiences throughout our many SA road trips, but I don't doubt what you're saying.

My wife and I just returned from six weeks in South Africa – mostly in the Cape Town area..we stayed at a lovely Air BnB in Glencairn overlooking False Bay (Atlantic Ocean) with two terraces, three bathrooms, two bedrooms and a new kitchen – for $45/night (November [2021] = the low season and country still looking for tourists during Covid.

Regarding driving…I've driven in some crazy places (rural Thailand at night; anywhere in Nepal)…South Africa has that "third lane" thing. On long distance highways, the third lane is that no man's land between the oncoming lane and the lane you are driving in. That is the lane folks use to pass when highways are a single lane on either side – and you are stuck behind a truck or some slow driver (and you have a fast SUV). Anyway, people use the "third lane" to pass all the time. You can see it coming from a ways or way…or anticipate it. To me it was not a big deal…I grew up in NYC driving (started in 1976 at 17)…and learned quickly, "do unto others before they do unto you." In other words, you have to learn to be aggressive for yourself…get what/where you need to be – but not crazy or violent about it. In NYC you learned to fight for yourself – or get run over. On the roads in South Africa, after driving the Cross Bronx EXpressway or the Long Island EXpressway – I was at ease…I was generally more pushy than even the more pushy South African drivers…and only got honked at once. So if you are used to city driving in North America – you will do fine here (and it is indeed fun driving here) – just bring sunglasses! You will indeed need sunglasses.

As for black-white relations and vice versa. We were very curious about this coming from NYC (and being white). Now my comments are based upon our experience in the Cape Town area – we did not get to JoBerg which people tell us is a very different vibe/experience. OK here goes (1) We were amazed at how far South Africa has come in 30+ years. This is especially true for whites born since 1995-2000 – there have been no revolutions..no Zimbabwe tragedies…and the infrastructure remains excellent.; (2) For older White South Africans who remember the days when people tipped their hat to one another on the street…when government functioned well…and crime was unheard of…the new South Africa is tough for them to adapt to. They have a legitimate gripe too…That being said the black folks we talked to and interacted with – all were friendly, loving – their eyes and smiles always came from "how can I help?" And if you treated that person with respect, kindness – it was a wonderful interaction. This is what we experienced in 99.9% of our time there. But we also saw how in the fine restaurants, everyone was white – the staff (waiters and such) was black. In the fancy neighborhood where we stayed (Glencairn) everyone on the block who lived there was white, and everyone who worked in those houses or did construction or came to fix the internet or plumbing or whatever – those folks were black. South Africa will really change when one or two black families live on these exclusive streets…and black kids are in the same schools as white kids. BUT who am I to judge? – it is going really well here albeit change is slow! I can still remember in my own Bronx neighborhood where I grew up in the 1960s, if you were black and walked through my white middle class area – you must have been up to no good, were followed and not uncommonly attacked/chased away. I'd say for the older white folks – it is tough for them to give the respect we as foreigners found easy to give. And remember, the stress of racism goes both ways – people who are black and others who are white feel slights or perceived slights – those feelings add up over time. I am a tourist – people easily heard it in my voice…and from America (it is amazing to me how everyone loves America) – so I was given a pass…my experience was necessarily different even though I am white than the experience of a white South African – so take what I say with a grain of salt. (3) People in business liked to hire immigrants – Malawi people; Zimbabwe people…as anywhere immigrants just want a chance and will work harder longer (I suppose this is a stereotype too). BUT (4) everyone is so disappointed by the national government – the African National Congress has let everyone down.

To accurately portray what we experienced would take another six months in the country…and six months more to digest/write-up. I am writing stream of conscience here because it is a topic that is critical to understand where South Africa is heading. If I was a journalist I'd ask everyone what are your hopes and dreams for yourself in South Africa in the next five years? For many blacks: to break through a glass ceiling and own their own business; for whites: to feel safe and assured that Zimbabwe was not going to happen to them (especially middle class whites). But the story is complicated…and what do I know? I was only a short-term tourist…But I remain very optimistic: that look of love…"how can I help?" – that I have not felt in many places in the world. Kudos to all South Africans…

Finally, Cape Point National Park – that flora…the landscape..the ocean there – amazing. My wife and I are PhD biologists – and the Cape Flora (the fynbos area) is extraordinary. The pelagic birding trips for Albatrosses and others…Addo's elephants (three meters away and ignoring you in your SUV – famous for this). The birds of South Africa. Amazing…forget wine – go do stuff that is free, wild, spontaneous – the environment. The Gannet colonies – and the Flamingos at the sewage treatment plant too!

We rented an SUV for $37/day (VW Tiguan) and drove ourselves everywhere. You don't need a guide in the national parks – talk, to to people who know…read books – go out and explore. Live in a mostly unscripted world.

Wow, thanks Robert for your thorough perspective of what it's like to visit South Africa. If I'm ever in NYC again I'll be sure to learn about birding from you on your Central Park tour—that's something about SA I don't appreciate as much as I should. All the best!

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​Best Time To Visit – South Africa

Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many Africa guidebooks, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Philip is the author of many Africa guidebooks, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Philip is author of the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Kruger & Around

• Lush scenery and great birding
• Lovely warm evenings
• Peak of the Wet season, hot and humid during the day
• Wildlife viewing is not as good as in the Dry season
• It can be crowded, especially during school holidays
• Beautiful scenery
• Excellent birding with migratory species present
• Wildlife viewing is better in the Dry season
• Wet season, hot and humid days, lovely evenings
• Green environment
• Great birding with many migrants present
• Past the peak of the Wet season, rain diminishes
• End of the Wet season, lovely mild weather
• Stunning landscapes after the rains
• Wildlife is still dispersed, more difficult to spot
• Migratory birds leave
• Good wildlife viewing
• Little rain
• Chilly nights and mornings
• Morning game drives in open vehicles can be chilly
• Excellent wildlife viewing
• Dry conditions
• Cold nights and mornings
• Morning game drives in open vehicles are cold
• Very dry conditions
• Wildlife viewing is excellent
• The bush gets drier as the winter progresses
• Excellent wildlife viewing as the bush is dried out
• The end of the Dry season brings lovely mild daytime weather
• Evenings and early mornings are less cold than in mid-winter
• Good wildlife viewing but animals start to spread out
• Beginning of the Wet season, the first rains bring relief
• It starts to heat up
• Great birding
• Wet season, it’s hot and humid
• Wildlife viewing is better in the dry winter months
• Wildlife viewing is less productive than in the Dry season
• It gets hotter and more humid as the Wet season progresses

Cape Town & Around

• Warm and dry weather
• Lovely time on the beach
• Wildlife viewing in the Cape Region parks is always good
• It is high season and it can be crowded
• Lovely warm and dry weather
• Great time for beach activities and general sightseeing
• Wildlife viewing in the Cape Region parks is good all year
• Mild and dry weather
• Excellent weather conditions for general sightseeing
• Few visitors around except during Easter holidays
• It cools down at the end of summer
• Low season with few visitors around
• Wildlife viewing in the Cape Region parks is good throughout the year
• Cold conditions throughout the region
• Regular rainfall in Cape Town
• There are few visitors around
• It is chilly throughout the region
• Cape Town sees plenty of rainfall
• Morning game drives in open vehicles are very cold
• Low-season prices are available
• Wildlife viewing in the Cape Region parks is excellent
• The whole region is relatively cold
• Cape Town sees regular rainfall
• Morning game drives in open vehicles are bitterly cold
• Wildlife viewing in the Cape Region parks is good
• It rains regularly in Cape Town
• Mild weather with occasional rain
• Mild weather with little rain
• Beginning of summer, but nights are still chilly
• Lovely conditions to explore the beaches and other attractions
• Lovely weather
• Excellent time to enjoy the beaches and other attractions

The best time to visit South Africa for a wildlife safari is from May to September. During these winter months, the east of the country (where the main parks are located) experiences its Dry season. Wildlife is easier to spot during the Dry season because vegetation thins, and animals gather around waterholes and rivers. The ‘Kruger & Around’ sections below relate to the parks and reserves in Greater Kruger and in the KwaZulu-Natal Province .

Cape Town’s Dry and Wet seasons are opposite to those in Kruger. Therefore, the best time for visiting Cape Town and surrounds is during the dry summer months of November to March. The ‘Cape Town & Around’ sections below apply to the entire Western Cape and nearby parks .

Pros and Cons - Kruger & Around

May to September – Dry Season – Winter

• Wildlife is easier to spot because there is less vegetation and animals gather around rivers and waterholes
• Little to no rain and most days are sunny
• Few mosquitoes
• Low season and parks are not crowded, except for Kruger during school holidays
• It gets cold at night and in the mornings

October to April – Wet Season – Summer

• After the first rains, the scenery turns green and all looks fresh
• Best time for bird watching, and migratory birds are present
• Rains are mostly short afternoon showers and seldom interfere with your trip
• Wildlife viewing can be quite slow since the bush is thicker and wildlife is more difficult to spot
• It gets very hot in December, January and February, and parks get crowded during the main school holidays in December

Pros and Cons - Cape Town & Around

May to September – Wet Season – Winter

• Although it is the Wet season, there are many sunny days
• Wildlife viewing in the Cape Region parks is good year-round
• It is cold for beach and general holiday activities
• Game drives in open vehicles are bitterly cold

October to April – Dry Season – Summer

• Pleasant warm weather with little rain
• Best time to enjoy Cape Town and the Garden Route
• It is less cold on game drives
• It gets busy in high season

Wildlife Photos

Best Time To Go by Major Park

Most parks offer year-round wildlife viewing, but they are at their best during the Dry season when wildlife is easier to spot. Kgalagadi gets extremely hot during December to February and is best visited in cooler months.

• Hluhluwe-iMfolozi GR Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve Fair "> Jan J Fair "> Feb F Good "> Mar M Good "> Apr A Excellent "> May M Excellent "> Jun J Excellent "> Jul J Excellent "> Aug A Excellent "> Sep S Good "> Oct O Fair "> Nov N Fair "> Dec D
• Kruger National Park Kruger National Park Fair "> Jan J Fair "> Feb F Good "> Mar M Good "> Apr A Excellent "> May M Excellent "> Jun J Excellent "> Jul J Excellent "> Aug A Excellent "> Sep S Good "> Oct O Fair "> Nov N Fair "> Dec D
• MalaMala Private GR MalaMala Private Game Reserve Fair "> Jan J Fair "> Feb F Good "> Mar M Good "> Apr A Excellent "> May M Excellent "> Jun J Excellent "> Jul J Excellent "> Aug A Excellent "> Sep S Good "> Oct O Good "> Nov N Fair "> Dec D
• Phinda Private GR Phinda Private Game Reserve Fair "> Jan J Fair "> Feb F Good "> Mar M Good "> Apr A Excellent "> May M Excellent "> Jun J Excellent "> Jul J Excellent "> Aug A Excellent "> Sep S Good "> Oct O Good "> Nov N Fair "> Dec D
• Sabi Sand Private GR Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve Fair "> Jan J Fair "> Feb F Good "> Mar M Good "> Apr A Excellent "> May M Excellent "> Jun J Excellent "> Jul J Excellent "> Aug A Excellent "> Sep S Good "> Oct O Good "> Nov N Fair "> Dec D

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11-Day South Africa & Mauritius Family Safari & Beach

$7,060 to $7,766 pp (USD)

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You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Madikwe GR, Bel Ombre (Town & Beach) , Mauritius (End)

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4-Day Encounter the Kruger Park Safari

$793 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 13 people per vehicle) Mid-range Lodge

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Greater Kruger, Kruger NP, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route) , Johannesburg (End)

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5.0 /5  –  1 Reviews

4-Day Kapama River Camp Fly-in Safari from Cape Town

$2,332 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle) Luxury+ Lodge

You Visit: Cape Town (Start) , Kapama GR (Greater Kruger) , Cape Town (End)

MoAfrika Tours

4.9 /5  –  1206 Reviews

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S outh Africa  is a country like no other. It is the ideal destination for those seeking a unique sensory/spiritual reawakening, a place that leaves its visitors feeling inspired, enriched and rejuvenated. 

South Africa gives travellers the opportunity to reconnect with real life 

South Africa offers a diversity of options to suit every traveller that will excite and revive you, that will suit your pocket, that will answer your every need and desire. 

South Africa is a welcoming, friendly and fun destination, with people known for warmth, hospitality and authenticity.

So... Come to South Africa

Take in everything we have to offer

Escape the mundane and truly Live Again!

to tell new stories

Wildlife safari.

When you've seen a pride of lions resting in the shade in summer or a herd of elephant crossing the road on their way to the watering hole, it’s an incredible reminder of why the untouched wild has always been so inspiring. Explore it!

Vibrant culture

With Ndebele, Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Swazi, Venda, Afrikaans, Cape Malay, Cape Coloured, Khoisan and European cultures all calling this land home, South Africa is certainly a melting pot of diverse cultural depth worth exploring!

Active adventure

Fancy taking a dip with a great white shark? Or hiking up a mountain? What about plunging off the world’s highest commercial bridge bungee? Whatever gets your heart racing, South Africa’s got it! 

Breathtaking scenery

Endless horizons, deep valleys, soaring mountains, cliff sides overlooking endless oceans – a journey through South Africa will take your breath away and leave you with memories that will last forever. 

Sun-soaked coasts

Teeming with marine life and some of the best surfing the world has to offer and an abundance of blue-flag beaches, South Africa’s sun-soaked coast lies ready all-year round to share its secrets, adventures and lazy days with you. 

Bustling city life

From the calm serenity of sundowners at the beach in Cape Town to the boundless energy of a nightclub in Johannesburg, South Africa’s cities buzz with the soul of a nation. Feel the rhythm of South Africa in an urban safari and let the beat of the concrete jungle flow through you.

World-class infrastructure

Whether you’re hitching a ride via plane, train, bus or car, with world-class infrastructure, it’s easy to get to your next South African adventure. 

World heritage sites

South Africa has eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, areas that have been given special international status for their unique qualities. If you are interested in culture and South African history, then you may well want to consider visiting one of these sites.

Exceptional value

You won’t need to put yourself out of pocket for your South African adventure. With options available for every budget, South Africa offers exceptional value for your hard earned money. 

Something for everyone, everywhere

Whether you’re in it for wildlife, adventure, lifestyle, culture or scenery – there are always multiple experiences for every type of traveller around the corner no matter which part of the country you’re in. That’s the beauty of it! 

What would you like to experience?

A journey through South Africa will take your breath away and leave you with memories that will last forever.

Feel the rhythm of South Africa in an urban safari and let the beat of the concrete jungle flow through you.

With numerous cultures calling this land home, South Africa is certainly a vibrant melting pot worth exploring!

Whatever gets your heart racing, South Africa’s got it!

An incredible reminder of why the untouched wild has always been so inspiring.

South Africa’s sun-soaked coast lies ready all-year round to share its secrets, adventures and lazy days with you.

South Africa on social media

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Always a pleasure partnering with local businesses to promote SA on the global stage. Warren Weitsz, Co-Founder of… https://t.co/YRxoX6Jdtx

To say the players are bringing their A-game is an under statement! Round 2 has given us many unforgettable moments… https://t.co/4bBdAuXMUL

"...Patrons have been keen and interested in engaging on where the best fairways in SA are. Paired with some of our… https://t.co/tIoXM2uUrh

Our stand at the BMW International Open has been drawing a lot of attention – and rightfully so! “We are proud and… https://t.co/ulYSTje4CB

Clear skies, rolling greens, supportive crowds – the conditions couldn’t be better for a day at Golfclub München Ei… https://t.co/3TMmUxsN0m

What happens when an amateur and pro hit the fairway together? Find out in the Pro-Am Tournament, where 3 amateurs… https://t.co/hkvHUw0H0E

Ready to get into the swing of things? The Pro-Am Tournament of the 2023 BMW International Open starts today in Mün… https://t.co/WqLU7FshdH

South Africa has many exquisite golf courses. As we gear up for The BMW International Open in Germany, we hope to s… https://t.co/vTFwgOa78W

South African Tourism will be showcasing our beautiful country's offerings in Germany! We have so much to offer glo… https://t.co/O1m4yVy491

#DidYouKnow South Africa has produced some of the top golfers in the world. As we gear up for the BMW International… https://t.co/E1GsW6z1Fy

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RT @Roberto_EUBXL: Amazing #YouthDay2023 long weekend in @MidlandsMeander ! Another 💎 of multifaceted #SouthAfrica : touches of 🇬🇧 🇧🇪 🇱🇺 co…

What does golf, South Africa, BMW and Germany have in common? The 34th staging of the BMW International Open in Ger… https://t.co/YdvuWOjs8O

Golf was first played in South Africa in 1885, in Cape Town. Now we are taking our love of golf to the world, as we… https://t.co/dXc5uIyGxI

RT @PublicSectorMan: Today marks 47 years since the youth uprising of 16 June 1976. Deputy President Paul Mashatile will lead the commemor…

We look forward to showcasing South Africa’s abundant tourism offerings to a global audience while reminding them a… https://t.co/yVz97hDGaa

A dynamic collaboration between SA Tourism and the iconic BMW Group is set to supercharge the country’s efforts tow… https://t.co/JhLDwHlLix

50 days until the kick-off – or shall we say the tip-off – of the Vitality #NWC2023 in SA! Excitement levels are at… https://t.co/Ni2fHwh2NJ

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South Africa , Tips & Inspo · September 1, 2019

10 Useful Travel Tips for South Africa for First Timers

If South Africa isn’t on your travel radar yet, it sure should be! South Africa is a melting pot of culture, history, diversity, and stunning natural beauty. From bustling cities, colorful landscapes, amazing wildlife, and mind-blowing food – South Africa has it all! 

However, if you are planning your first visit to South Africa, you’re probably worried about several things. Is it safe to travel in South Africa? How to get around? What to pack for a South African trip? These are just a few of the questions first-time visitors are faced with when planning a trip to South Africa. To help you figure out the do’s and don’ts in South Africa, here are my top travel tips for South Africa .

Exploring further afield? Check out these i ncredible African countries you should visit at least once in your lifetime!

In a rush? Pin these South Africa Travel Tips for later.

Disclaimer: This post probably contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through one of these links, I might receive a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Savvy South Africa Travel Tips for Your First Visit

Planning a trip to South Africa can be a daunting task, especially if you are a first time visitor. Below you’ll find my top South Africa travel tips. I’ve included a lot of travel advice, so that you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying all of South Africa’s bucket list-worthy things to do !

Is it dangerous in South Africa?

Safety should be your top priority when visiting South Africa. As a South African myself, please know that this is the most important South Africa travel tip I can give you. Crime is rampant in South Africa and although this shouldn’t deter you from visiting, you should be  fully and completely aware  that car–jacking, armed robbery, and petty theft do occur here. 

Therefore, please use common sense when traveling in South Africa. Always be  100% aware of your surroundings . And, never walk alone (especially at night). Make sure also to only carry the bare necessities with you. If you’re visiting South Africa alone, these travel tips for solo female travelers will also come in handy.

Top safety travel tips for South Africa

• Never leave your personal belongings lying around or out of your sight.
• If you are flying within South Africa or arriving at OR Tambo in Johannesburg, be sure to remove any valuables from your luggage. I also highly recommend investing in a  proper hardshell suitcase  or a  luggage lock  (if the first is not an option). If you are still worried about keeping your belongings safe, it’s best to plastic wrap your luggage at the airport. Luggage wrapping costs R90 (USD$6) per item, but as prices often change please  only  use this as a guideline. 
• If you are traveling with a camera, make sure it is not in plain sight. One way you can get around this is by investing in a  decent antitheft bag or backpac k . Although it might not be as comfortable, consider wearing it on your chest instead of your back.
• Female travelers should also rather opt for a crossbody handbag  and always wear them to the front of your body. Here are some great options for women’s travel purses .
• Whatever you do, please do not hitchhike and avoid wandering around isolated areas. It’s best to hop in a taxi or Uber (only in big cities). Alternatively, ask your accommodation which areas are safe to explore on foot.
• Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads  travel insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers, with coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more.

Travelers heading to Gauteng, may also want to see these  Johannesburg safety tips .

Research & Plan Properly for your trip

Whenever I plan a trip I always spend hours researching places I want to see, things I want to do and even food I want to try. Investing in a good guide book, like this Lonely Planet South Africa and reading up as much as possible online can go a long way in making your trip stress-free and more enjoyable.

Furthermore, consider when and where you want to visit. It’s best to create a detailed travel itinerary for your first visit to South Africa beforehand. Make sure to do proper research, map out where to go, what to see and how to get there.

Yet another essential South Africa travel tip I can give you is to be realistic about how much time you have to spend in South Africa. South Africa is HUGE and covers approximately 1,219,090 sq km. In fact, South Africa is 5 times the size of the UK and 2 times bigger than Texas!

In addition, getting from one place to another can take up a lot of traveling time. For example, driving from Johannesburg to Cape Town takes nearly 16 hours! If that’s not for you, using a mix of transport modes like flights and car rentals will be your best bet.

Do you need a visa to go to South Africa? 

You may need a visa to enter South Africa, so make sure to check out the  visa requirements . Alternatively, use a company like iVisa to deal with the nitty gritty stuff. It’s also important to know if you need any  vaccinations .

For a stress-free trip, it’s best to check these requirements before booking any flights or accommodation.

What adapter do I need for South Africa? 

You will probably need an adapter when visiting South Africa for the first time. (Here’s a great  universal travel adapter ). That said, if you are from the UK, Australia or South Korea, there’s no need to bring one along on your trip. 

The standard voltage in South Africa is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. The plugs are type C, D, M and N. Most sockets take a type M plug, but your hotel should have other sockets available too. If you are bringing along a hairdryer or hair straightener, be sure to invest in a good  converter  too.

Know how to get around in South Africa

Unlike other countries, getting around in South Africa is not as easy as you may have hoped. 

For starters, there is no subway or metro anywhere in South Africa. Secondly, there is only one high-speed train, the Gautrain (connecting Johannesburg and Pretoria). Thirdly, most of the standard train tracks have been vandalized. Sadly, this means traveling long distances by train is highly unlikely. Well, unless you can afford to splurge on a Rovos Rail train ride!

Transport in South Africa

Bigger cities such as, Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria do have extensive public  bus transport that is reliable and affordable. However, using public transport might still limit where you can go and what you can do. 

In Cape Town and Johannesburg it is possible to take a hop–on–hop–off bus, which stops near most of the tourist spots. But, ultimately the best way to get around in South Africa is by car. Luckily, car rental agencies are located near all airports and prices are very reasonable. If it’s your first time renting a car, here are some handy tips on finding cheap rental cars .

Do however remember to keep traveling time in mind. And use a combo of flights and self-driving to over long distances.

Long distance travel in South Africa

To save some money, you might want to consider booking local flights instead of driving long distances. Cheap flights can easily be found on Skyscanner and it’s a great source to compare airline prices. Some reputable airlines include FlySafair and SA Airlink .

I also highly recommend booking flights and car rentals together. Especially since these packages tend to be slightly cheaper than individual bookings. Once you’ve rented a car, you’ll have the freedom to explore South Africa at your own pace and also ensure your own safety.

There are also fairly cheap long-distance travel buses available in South Africa, such as Greyhound or InterCape. But from personal experience, I would not recommend using them. The traveling times are very long and breakdowns aren’t uncommon.

Taking taxis in South Africa

Taxis are becoming more and more popular in bigger cities like Joburg, Cape Town, and Pretoria. But you might also want to download the Uber app for more reasonable prices and realtime tracking. Do however use caution when getting into any taxi, and never get into a shared taxi full of strangers.

For more must-have apps, check out my guide on the best travel apps for South Africa .

Get money-wise

South Africa’s currency is the Rand (ZAR) with denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Rand notes. Coins come in R1, R2, and R5 while 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents are available too. If you are traveling from America or Europe you’ll quickly find that traveling is very cheap due to the favorable exchange rates you can enjoy here (1 USD = 18.83 ZAR, November 2023).

While most shops and restaurants accept credit cards, it’s still a good idea to have some cash on you (especially small change). ATMs are easily accessible in most shopping malls, petrol stations, and supermarkets if you want to withdraw money. You can also opt to withdraw money at the airport upon arrival. However, it’s best not to travel South Africa with large amounts of cash . 

If you are however using a card as payment at a restaurant, be sure to ask for the card machine – never let your credit card out of your sight. Also, insist on swiping your card instead of using the “tap” function. The reason for this is that there have been some instances of card cloning using this method. 

This probably also goes without saying, but be wary of strangers approaching you at ATMs and never share your pin with anyone.

Where is best to change money in South Africa?

Another important travel tip for South Africa is knowing where to exchange money. The easiest place to exchange money is right at the airport, so be sure to do this on arrival. Most hotels or banks can also exchange money. Do take note though that you might need to wait in long queues at the bank and you’ll need to take your passport along. 

In more touristy spots such as Cape Town or near the Kruger, exchange bureaus are pretty easy to find too. ( Don‘t forget to download Google Maps for accurate info and directions beforehand ). 

South Africans traveling on a South Africans passport who  do not  reside within South Africa, will need proof of residency to exchange money at the airport. If you are like me and do not have this, head to the exchange bureaus near the arrival hall, where you’ll need to show an alien resident card in order to change your money.

Pin these Travel Tips for South Afric a for later.

Can I buy a local sim card in South Africa?

Unlike other destinations such as America, Europe or Asia wifi is not as widely available in South Africa. Moreover, with South Africa’s mobile data prices being some of the steepest in the world, using the internet easily gets very expensive here. Most hotels, airports and some restaurants do however have free wifi available.

That said, you’ll still need the internet if you want to travel South Africa with ease. The easiest way to stay connected is by buying a local sim card right at the airport after landing. There are many vendors to choose from inside the airport, with Vodacom, MTN and Cell C being the most popular service providers. Here you will be able to buy data bundles, as well as airtime to make calls – guaranteeing you stay connected. Data bundles go for roughly R150 for 1GB (less than 10 USD).

Again, if you are traveling on a South African passport but  do not  reside within South Africa you’ll still need proof of residency in South Africa in order to RICA the SIM card. The easiest way to get around this is to ask a family member or friend to get one for you instead.

Try to learn some of the local lingo

The next South Africa travel tip is about language barriers. South Africa actually has 11 official languages, but almost everyone can speak English. So there is no need to worry about communicating with the locals. With that said, South Africans love to mix their language, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone speaking in just one of the official languages!

Here are some of the most common words to learn before your visit to South Africa:

Do try the delicious local food

If you’re a foodie you’re in for a real treat! South Africa has a thriving food scene and there are so many amazing  South African foods  to try that it will be nearly impossible to list them all here. 

You should, however, know that unlike other destinations such as Asia, eating out in South Africa is  not  cheap. Most middle-class South Africans eat out at least once or twice a week. The rest of the time, you will find us cooking up a storm to enjoy with family or friends, having a braai or grabbing a quick take-out. 

Seeing that eating out can get pretty expensive, make sure you book accommodation with a kitchen or at least one meal included in the price. Many supermarkets, such as Woolworths, Pick ’n Pay, Spar and Checkers offer fresh ready to eat meals and great snacks to keep your tummy full during the day. 

Here are some of the best local food & drinks to try on your visit to South Africa:

• Braai broodjies
• Boerewors rolls
• Buttermilk rusks
• Cape Malay Pickled Fish
• Curry and rice
• Fresh oysters
• Fish and chips
• Koeksisters
• Malva Pudding
• Melktert (Milky tart)
• Pap and sheba
• Peri-peri chicken
• Sausage roll (or any pie as a matter of fact)
• Smoked snoek
• Sosaties (meat skewers)
• A proper steak (rump or fillet)
• Vetkoek and mince
• Rooibos tea
• Savanna Dry
• Springbokkie

Tipping etiquette in South Africa

Unlike Asia, tipping is common practice in South Africa, and I don’t mean just at restaurants! Here you’ll need to tip just about anyone in the service industry, whether it’s a waiter, bartender, car guard, tour guide, taxi driver and even the guy filling up your tank at the gas station! Therefore, it’s a good idea to always carry some small change on you.

Most restaurants do not include a service charge in the bill. This means you have to add a minimum of 10% to the bill. At upscale restaurants, the service charge is likely to be already worked into the bill and will be clearly visible on your bill. However, if you are unsure check with your waiter first. 

All bills also include an additional 14% VAT, which is often mistaken as a tip by international guests. 

If you are driving, you’ll notice car guards approaching you as soon as you park.  Yes, you read right  – car guards. These are people who watch over your car while you are out and about. 

Although they can be a real pain, you’ll need to give them a few Rands (anything between R5 to R10) to watch over your car. I’ve heard countless horror stories from friends whose vehicles have been scratched after not giving a car guard any money. Even though there is  no  law in South Africa stating that you have to pay them for minding your car, it is standard practice here. 

At times you might find that there is no car guard when you arrive, but upon departure, they’ll appear out of nowhere. This is quite common, so use your own judgment on whether or not you want to give them some small change. But keep in mind, for most of them this is the  only  means of income they have. So, you are actually helping someone afford a basic daily meal. 

Other service workers 

Tipping petrol attendees R2-5 and rounding off taxi fares are standard practice in South Africa too. If you join a tour group or activity, it’s considered rude not to tip the driver and the guide. Use your own judgment, but anything between R20-R50 is acceptable.

Don’t Drink & Drive

South Africans aren’t called the friendly nation for no reason! We love being out and about, and we  love  socializing! With booze being cheap and plentiful, it’s not uncommon to catch us having a cocktail at sunset, tasting wine in the wine lands, drinking a few beers at the local bar after work, or just chilling at a braai on weekends. 

That said, South Africa has a very high road accident rate, so whatever you do  please do not drink and drive . This is one of the most important travel tips for South Africa, so please keep it in mind! 

The legal limit is a breath-alcohol content of 0.24mg per 1 000ml. This means if you drink 2 drinks within 1 hour you will likely be over the legal limit. As a rule of thumb, it’s best  not to drive  if you’ve had more than this to drink. Roadblocks testing for alcohol misuse are very common too, and fines are steep.

Is the tap water in South Africa safe to drink?

It’s perfectly safe to drink the tap water in South Africa. The government actively strives to provide clean, high-quality drinking water to the public. However, if you are traveling to rural areas or if the water looks milky, I highly recommend drinking bottled water instead. In bigger cities, feel free to drink straight from the tap! Also, don’t forget to bring along a  reusable water bottle . If you have second thoughts, feel free to ask your accommodation whether the water is safe to drink.

Have you visited South Africa yet? Feel free to share your best South Africa travel tips, things to know before visiting South Africa, travel advice, and anything in between in the comments below!

Liked these Tips for Your First Visit to South Africa ? Maybe your friends will too. Share it with them here.

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June 9, 2020 at

Very informative guide, and helpful for people too. I didn’t know so many beautiful places existed in South Africa before reading this blog.

May 20, 2022 at

I truly enjoyed your article, very helpful.

May 24, 2022 at

Thanks so much, Jennifer.

January 3, 2023 at

This is a really informative guide, thanks for posting! I wish I read this before I went to SA in February 2022. Nonetheless, I had an incredible time there and could not believe how amazing the country is and how friendly the people are, going there really cast aside any doubts I had previously. In 4 weeks of traveling here, I never once encountered any problems.

I seriously recommend anyone to go and visit SA (and if you can, cross the land border into the smaller countries of Lesotho and Eswatini within SA).

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The Cost of Travel in South Africa: A 2023 Budget Breakdown

South Africa sits high on the bucket list of most adventurous travelers.

It’s a wonderful country; one that that everyone should aim experience at least once in their lives (although most, like me, end up coming back for more).

Located at the southern tip of Africa (the clue’s in the name!), South Africa offers up a fascinating blend of culture and history, wild animals and exquisite landscapes, friendly people and delicious food, creating what Nelson Mandela called a Rainbow Nation .

Most tourists head straight to Cape Town, chasing the city’s vibrant sunsets, bright-white beaches, world-class food scene, and begging-to-be-hiked mountains. While I’m arguably Cape Town’s biggest fan, there’s so many other places worth exploring in South Africa. 

As one of the most contemporary cities on the continent, Cape Town often surprises many tourists with its ‘Europeanized’ atmosphere. Likely the result of years of international tourists visiting the city, Cape Town is one of the safer and most aesthetically attractive cities in South Africa.

On the other hand, South Africa’s biggest city, Johannesburg, has a much more African ambiance. This incredible metropolis lies a short drive from Pretoria, one of South Africa’s three capital cities. Yep, South Africa has three capital cities! You’ve got Cape Town, the legislative and tourism capital; Pretoria, the executive capital; and Bloemfontein, the judicial capital.

The country is nothing short of a melting pot of natural wonder. As a Cape Town local born and raised in this spectacular country, I should know.

My experience in the country is vast, having spent my entire childhood in Cape Town, driving the Garden Route every year and exploring towns near and far. I’ve visited some of the best parts of the African bush, surfed the west coast (Atlantic) and east coast (Indian) oceans, explored most of the biggest cities, and studied the deep culture and heritage of the country.

Other than Cape Town, my favorite places in South Africa are mainly along the east coast, from the Garden Route and towards the Eastern Cape wild coast. I won’t lie, I haven’t spent much time in Pretoria or Bloemfontein, but neither of these cities hold much appeal for tourists anyway. 

When compared with the USA or Europe, the cost of travel in South Africa is relatively affordable. Besides the stark natural beauty, tourists flock to this far-flung country each year to experience the incredible quality of life. Part of it – South Africa has some of the best restaurants in the world. I’ve traveled the world over, yet I have never found another place serving such incredible food for a reasonable price.

Accommodation is also relatively cheap for those paying in Dollars, Euros, Pounds, or other strong currencies. Due to the country’s ever-volatile political situation (including a bit of corruption here and there), the local Rand currency remains weak, making it one of the cheaper places to visit. 

However, with tourists bounding into the country at peak times, certain establishments in areas like Cape Town hike up prices to meet the wealth of those visiting. Overall, value for money is incredible here, and you can expect to live a pretty luxurious daily life for what you might pay for a lower-class experience elsewhere. More often than not, you’ll be surprised at how affordable things are.

The Cost of Accommodation in South Africa

Let’s start with how to save money on accommodation in South Africa

As mentioned, you’ll be getting some real bang for your buck in South Africa, especially if you’re traveling on the US Dollar. Hotels are of exceptional quality and are affordable compared with other destinations, making it possible for even mid-range vacationers to stay in ultra-luxurious hotels. That being said, as a popular tourist destination, South African hotels and game reserves are catching on and charging increased rates for international guests (or, if you want to think of it in a more positive light – discounted prices for local guests).

While it isn’t possible to rig this system unless you have a South African ID card, there are other ways to save on accommodation if you’re looking to save cash with a South African budget. Naturally, certain areas are more expensive than others . For example, a house on the beach at Clifton in Cape Town could set you back $600 per night (because of its prestigious location); however, a similar house just a few miles south in Kommetjie would cost about half the price.

Similarly, any house rental in Cape Town will be significantly more expensive than renting a house in Plettenberg Bay, another beautiful beach town up the east coast. So, I advise weighing up what is most important to you and picking and choosing your destinations according to your South African budget.

Another tip is to avoid travel during the busiest months , when accommodation is in high demand. Cape Town is busiest in mid-summer, with the highest prices between Christmas and New Year in December. The entire summer season, between November and March, is the most expensive time to visit this city. 

On the other hand, Durban gets most of its tourists in winter (May to July), when the weather is mild but still warm. Game reserves are busiest during their wet season between May and October, as this is when game viewing is at its best. While you don’t want to visit too far out of season, traveling in shoulder season is ideal.

Housesitting  is a great option for  free  accommodation. This is where you’ll take care of somebody’s house while they’re away, and usually look after their pets, too. It’s best for long-term travellers or retirees as you can’t pick and choose dates and destinations, so you need to have a lot of flexibility as to where you go and at what time of year. If you  do  have that freedom, it’s a wonderful way to cut down your travel expenses, soak up some home comforts, and live like a local for a while. I have friends who have housesat in castles before! For free!  Trusted Housesitters  is the best site for getting started with housesitting, as they have the highest number of listings.

Workaway is an international community that offers young travelers a chance to work or volunteer their time or services for free (or affordable) accommodation. Over 130 hosts and organizations offer volunteer work in South Africa in exchange for accommodation.

Although Couchsurfing can be risky, South Africa has over 46 thousand hosts willing to invite you into their homes for free. The Couchsurfing website allows you to connect with locals by occupying spare sofas or bedrooms in local homes. It’s free and is one of the best ways to gain insight into the South African culture and way of life.

If you are looking for something other than free board and lodging and are happy to pay for accommodation, there are plenty of affordable places to rest your head.

Airbnbs are one of the most affordable options for quick stays for those after privacy and personal space. Depending on the time of year you visit, you could rent an incredible two-bedroom beach house in Cape Town for as little as $150 per night. 

Hostels are another cheap option, with shared dorms costing much less than a private hotel room. At some trendy hostels, you can find a bed for under $20 per night, and most hostels offer incredible special rates during the off season.

The Best Hostels in South Africa

• Cape Town: Never At Home is a hostel chain in Cape Town, with a property on Kloof Street and in Green Point ( $70 to $90 for a bed in a four-person dorm ) in the heart of the city. The hostels aren’t cheap, yet they are set in prime locations and organize all sorts of group activities and tours. But the best thing about them might be the trendy local bars they have on site. 
• Plettenberg Bay: Nothando Backpackers Lodge ( $23 to $35 for a bed in a dorm ) in Plettenberg Bay blends the affordability of a hostel with the luxury of a guesthouse. Set near Central Beach, the property features a garden, shared kitchen, lounge, and BBQ facilities. 
• Coffee Bay : Known for being a hotspot for backpackers, Coffee Shack Adventure Backpackers, and Accommodation ( $20 to $30 for a bed in a dormitory ) is set overlooking the ocean in Coffee Bay, the Transkei. The accommodation has BBQ facilities, a shared lounge, a kitchen, and a bar.
• Kruger National Park : Joy River Backpackers ( $30 to $40 for a bunk bed ) in Moremela is among the highest-rated hostels in the Kruger National Park region. It’s just outside Blyde River Canyon and features a garden with unbeatable mountain views. 
• Johannesburg: There aren’t so many hostels in the city of Johannesburg, but if you are looking for a social backpacker vibe with a low price tag, CURIOCITY Backpackers ( $30 to $40 for a dorm bed ) is the place to book. With a splash pool, bicycles for rent, and a games room, you’ll leave with tons of new friends. 

Where to Stay While Traveling in South Africa

The country is enormous. It spreads across 470,900 square miles, bordering Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique with coastlines along the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The natural terrain ranges from sub-tropical forests to deserts to bushveld to wetlands, with varying climates to go with it.

Because of its sheer size and natural diversity, choosing where to go can be challenging. As a Cape Town local, I can assure you that you could spend months exploring this city alone, and still run out of time. However, if you’re visiting for a quick stay, I recommend spreading your trip across a few of the most beautiful and exciting towns and cities in South Africa.

One of the country’s main driving routes (for locals and tourists) is known as the Garden Route . Starting in Cape Town, the Garden Route drive stretches from Mossel Bay to Storms River before the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast takes over. If you were to spend two weeks in the country, I would recommend the following itinerary:

• Day 1: Cape Town 
• Day 2: Cape Town
• Day 3: Cape Town
• Day 4: Cape Town 
• Day 5: Franschhoek / Stellenbosch
• Day 6: Knysna
• Day 7: Plettenberg Bay
• Day 8: Coffee Bay / Transkei
• Day 9: Durban
• Day 10: Durban
• Day 11: Kruger National Park 
• Day 12: Kruger National Park
• Day 13: Johannesburg
• Day 14: Johannesburg 

If you have a bit more cash to spare and aren’t sold on the idea of a shared dorm or couch, South Africa is known for its incredible hospitality industry and beautiful hotels. The price of hotels in South Africa vary significantly:

• Cape Town: There are so many gorgeous hotels in Cape Town. If you’re willing to spend some cash for a luxurious African experience, I recommend staying at the iconic Mount Nelson Hotel ($870 a night) in the city center. With its lavish gardens and world-class high tea, this hotel has an old-school Cape Town atmosphere. For more of a lively vibe, The Silo Hotel (around $1400 for a luxury suite) is a newer hotel with a rooftop pool and deck overlooking the waterfront.
• Franschhoek : Under an hour outside Cape Town, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are the country’s premier wine regions. Even if you can’t spend a night, it’s an absolute must to spend a day here while visiting Cape Town. You can choose from hundreds of wine farm hotels and farm stays. The most famous and aesthetically beautiful is Babylonstoren ($520 for a room), a huge farm with incredible gardens and a world-class spa. If you prefer a more low-key hotel, Petit & Grande Plaisir ($116 to $300 for a suite) offers self-catering accommodation with an outdoor pool. 
• Plettenberg Bay : If you’re all about unique accommodation, Tsala Treetop Lodge (around $1000 per bungalow per night) in Plettenberg Bay is an African gem tucked away in the treetops. Each room at this luxury lodge has a living room with a fireplace and a free-standing bath overlooking the forest. Emily Moon River Lodge (between $300 and $600 for a unique suite) is another gorgeous spot featuring free-standing lodges, each decorated with bespoke furnishings from across the world.
• Durban: Set on the beach in the Umhlanga neighborhood, The Oyster Box ($460 to $640 for a classic room with a sea view) is undoubtedly Durban’s most famous luxury hotel. However, if you’re after a more affordable option, Lavender Moon Guest House ($105 for a suite with a garden view) is my favorite spot in the country, and offers gorgeous air-conditioned accommodation with a pool area.
• Johannesburg: Most accommodations in Johannesburg are set in busy neighborhoods or high-rise buildings. For a bit of respite from the busy city, The Giglio Boutique Hotel (around $200 for a superior suite) is a five-star property set in a luxurious house with a pool, garden, and terrace.
• Kruger National Park: There are almost too many game farms to choose from in the Kruger National Park. Pondoro Game Lodge ($990 for a suite, including game drives and all meals) is set on the banks of the Olifants River inside a private game reserve in the park, offering daily safari drives and incredible food.

Overall, accommodation in South Africa is well priced, considering value for money. Hotels in Cape Town are typically the most expensive, with some of the world’s highest-rated hotels located in this city. Game lodges or bespoke accommodations are also usually more expensive; however, with all meals, game drives, and activities traditionally included, you really do pay for what you get. 

High-end properties charge upwards of $1,000 for one night of luxurious accommodation. Alternatively, you could stay in a mid-range hotel or guesthouse for between $150 and $400, depending on the time of year and the location of the hotel. 

The Cost of Transportation in South Africa

There’s a lot to see and do in South Africa, and the country is spread out across a huge area. Depending on where you visit, there are a few optimal ways to get around the country. One of the first things you’ll have to get your head around is that public transport is not typically efficient, reliable, or safe in most areas, even in big cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Strikes are common, routes and limited, and security is an issue, especially for tourists. Of course, you can catch some safe public transportation, including the MyCiti Busses in Cape Town and the Gautrain in Johannesburg. 

MyCiti Busses were introduced to the city in 2010 when the country hosted the FIFA World Cup. The bus system runs along the Atlantic Seaboard, into the city center, Hout Bay, and up the west coast towards Big Bay. It doesn’t, however, service the southern or northern suburbs (as of now). The busses are accessible for wheelchair users, and fares are based on distance, ranging from 60 cents to $2.

Also built for World Cup crowds, Johannesburg’s most reliable form of transport is the Gautrain , a super-fast train connecting the Johannesburg’s OR Tambo Airport to Johannesburg city and Pretoria. A one-way journey from the airport into the city will cost $13 per person, making this a relatively expensive form of transport in Johannesburg.

If there’s one thing I recommend to ease your cost of travel in South Africa, it would be to rent a car for the duration of your stay. Not only will this come in handy for road trips, but it is also the safest, most cost-effective, and most efficient way to get around. 

Roads are best maintained in the Western Cape (Cape Town to Plettenberg Bay) and deteriorate outside of this province. Roads are well signposted and relatively safe, however extra caution should be given to taxi and bus drivers. 

Parking is abundant (and very cheap) and traffic is minimal, only bad at peak work hours between 7 am and 9 am and 3 pm and 6 pm on weekdays. Drivers are expected to pay local car guards to look after their cars (around $1 or R10, or R20), when parking in cities. 

You can rent a car from all major airports and city centers, with Avis, Thrifty, Hertz, and Europecar being the most popular. A car rental will set you back between $22 and $70 per day.

Ubers are another excellent option, especially if you’re planning on drinking. An Uber from Cape Town city center to Clifton beaches could cost between $3 to $5.

If you want to travel cross-country, flying is the safest and most convenient way. A flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg or Durban is only two hours long, while a flight from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth or from Johannesburg to Durban will take about an hour. This being said, the country doesn’t offer the same availability of budget airlines as Europe and America, so flight tickets can be pricey for the distance you’ll be flying. 

Common transit routes and their corresponding prices: 

• Rough cost of a return flight between Cape Town and Johannesburg – $117 to $230
• Rough cost of renting a car for two weeks in Johannesburg – $230
• Rough cost of renting a car per day in Cape Town – Between $22 and $70 per day
• Rough cost of fuel to drive along the Garden Route – $120 to $250 depending on fuel consumption
• Rough cost to fly between Johannesburg and Durban – $23 to $85 (one-way)
• Rough cost of a bus from Cape Town to Durban – $83 (return)
• Rough cost of a bus from Johannesburg to Cape Town – $73 (return)
• Rough cost of fuel from Cape Town to the Franschhoek and Stellenbosch Winelands – $10 to $15

The Cost of Food in South Africa

I have to say, food has to be one of South Africa’s most significant attractions. The country has access to incredibly fresh produce and world-class chefs that put together unique and authentic dishes. The bigger cities and tourism hubs house fantastic restaurants, from cozy holes-in-the-wall spots to five-star fine-dining experiences. 

Most traditional South African dishes are meat-based, and there aren’t many restaurants that serve authentic African food in the cities. The demand is higher for international cuisine, so you can expect to find a variety of Mexican, Asian-fusion, and Italian restaurants owned and run by locals of those countries. 

Some of the most loved South African dishes include boerewors , a type of sausage best prepared on a braai (a wood or coal barbeque). A pack of ‘boeri’ would cost under $3 from a grocery store to prepare at home. Cape Malay curry and Biryani are very popular in Cape Town, which is home to a large Cape Malay population. An authentic curry in the Bo Kaap (an experience on its own) won’t cost you more than $6.

When you’re in Durban, make sure you try a traditional Bunny Chow , which is an Indian curry served in a hollowed-out bread roll. One of these will cost around $5 and keep you full all day. Durban has a huge Indian population (the second biggest outside of India per square kilometer, in fact), so you will find some of the tastiest authentic Indian food in this city.

For dessert, indulge yourself in a decadent malva pudding with custard . Most likened to an English sticky toffee pudding, malva pudding is a syrupy cake heated in the oven. A family-sized punnet of Malva costs around $5 from the South African premium grocery store Woolworths. 

When it comes to alcohol, South Africa is known for producing a tasty liqueur called Amarula . This milky liquor is made from the fruit of an Amarula tree, which can literally get an elephant drunk if they eat the rotting fruit. A shot of Amarula at a bar will cost around $1, while a bottle of the liqueur will set you back at approximately $10.

Woolworths sells everything from fresh organic produce to ready-made meals. You’ll want to shop at this excellent store if you’re staying in self-catering accommodation. Comparable to America’s Whole Foods or the UK’s Selfridges, Woolworths is definitely the most expensive grocer in the country – for a good reason.

A cart full of goodies, including fresh meat and fish, could cost you around $120, which is super affordable compared to shops of the same quality in different countries. Other shops like Pick ‘n Pay, Checkers, Spar, and 7Eleven are just as impressive and provide even more value for money.

Breakfast is a religion in South Africa. With a super active community and outdoorsy lifestyle, many locals view breakfast as the day’s most important meal. Whether you prefer a classic French croissant, scones and tea from the country’s colonial past, a full English breakfast, or a Middle Eastern shakshuka, South African restaurants have it all. 

You might expect to pay between $6 and $12 for an incredible breakfast with coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice. A cappuccino alone will cost around $2.2. If you’re willing to cook at your Airbnb, the ingredients for a full breakfast could cost as little as $2

For lunch , beat the heat and choose a fresh salad or a tasty sandwich. A BLT with all the bells and whistles on freshly baked ciabatta will cost you around $6, while a salad packed with superfoods and nutritious fresh ingredients might cost $8. Alternatively, save some cash and head to a grocer to pick up a ready-made meal. A meal for one person (like a curry or a wrap) will cost only $3.

After a day of exploring, there is nothing better than picking out a restaurant for a delicious and well-priced dinner . A 250g fillet steak main with sides and a drink at one of Cape Towns’ trendy restaurants will cost under $20. 

If you’re in a more remote region, prices are even lower, and of course, there are cheaper restaurants in the cities where you can find an incredible pasta dish for around $6. Cooking at home is always a good option when you have Woolworths to shop at. Ingredients for a three-course meal could cost as little as $6 per person.

If you’re prepared to splurge for dinner, you could head to an incredible chefs-choice restaurant for a fine dining experience like never before. These restaurants often need to be booked in advance and include around eight courses with wine pairings. While a meal of this quality might set you back hundreds anywhere else in the world, you can expect to pay between $90 and $110 per head for this incredible experience. 

Alcohol is as cheap as you might expect here. A classy cocktail at a high-end bar should cost around $6 – never more than $8, or you know you’re being taken for a ride. A double shot of alcohol and a mixer will cost around $5, while a shot of tequila or a draught of beer might cost $3. South Africa is one of the world’s best-known wine regions. A bottle of fine wine from the liquor store sits between $6 and $9, while you’ll pay double that for the same bottle at a restaurant. 

The Cost of Activities in South Africa

There are countless tours and activities to take part in across South Africa. In fact, many of the most touristy activities are just as popular with locals. You’ll find tons of resident Cape Townians reading their books at Kirstenbosch National Gardens, shopping at the V&A Waterfront, and hiking up Table Mountain and Lions Head. This shows just how authentic the country is. There are a few activities I don’t recommend doing, so your best bet would be to pick and choose what you’re most interested in.

The most popular would be joining a game drive at a game reserve. Luckily, the cost of game drives (morning and evening) is typically included in most parks’ accommodation rates per person. 

However, if you don’t have the cash for this all-inclusive experience, you can join a day trip game drive at places like the Garden Route Game Lodge and Botlierskop along the Garden Route, and Pilansberg near Johannesburg. This nine-hour round trip from Cape Town to Aquila Private Game Reserve will cost just $160 per person and will have you back in the city by dinner time. 

A three-hour guided game drive at Botlierskop costs $35 per person, and a 12-hour safari from Johannesburg to Pilansberg goes for $150 per person. 

A journey on the iconic Franschhoek Wine Tram, which cruises through the Cape winelands allowing you to hop on and off at the region’s best wine farms to taste their products, costs around $40 per person.

You can’t visit Cape Town without venturing to the top of Table Mountain. If you aren’t prepared for the strenuous hike, you can take the cable car up for $17. Alternatively, join this tour that includes cable car access and a visit to Cape Point . After a day exploring the city, join a sunset cruise around Cape Town’s gorgeous beaches on a catamaran for $33. 

Just past the boundaries of the Garden Route, you’ll pass by the famous Bloukrans Bridge, which is home to Africa’s highest bungee jump . A ticket for this adrenaline-pumping activity in South Africa costs just $82, including a zipline and skywalk.

Explore the prison island where Nelson Mandela served his sentence with a ferry trip and tour of Robben Island for under $50. However, if you’re short on time (or are susceptible to seasickness), I recommend you skip this tour and visit the District Six Museum in Cape Town instead. 

I would also highly recommend joining this tour of Soweto (Johannesburg’s largest informal settlement) on a full-day apartheid tour for $115. These tours, in particular, are super-popular, so do book in advance if you’re planning on doing this. You can view tour availability using the widget below:

Popular entrance fees:

• Cape Point Nature Reserve (Cape Town) – $22
• Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens (Cape Town) – $13
• Table Mountain Cableway Ticket (Cape Town) – $24
• Two Oceans Aquarium (Cape Town) – $15
• Zeitz MOCA Museum (Cape Town) – $15
• District Six Museum (Cape Town) – $2.5
• Gold Reef City (Johannesburg) – $13
• Johannesburg Art Gallery (Johannesburg) – $5
• The Apartheid Museum (Johannesburg) – $12
• The Cradle of Humankind (Johannesburg) – $10

Total Expenses for a Mid-Range Trip in South Africa

All that said, it’s hard to calculate average daily South Africa travel expenses because of the wide variety of activities to do, places to eat, and types of accommodation to stay in – all varying significantly in price. If you choose a mid-range hotel in a good area, rent a car, eat great food but skip out on fine-dining experiences and enjoy a few low-key activities each day, you can expect to spend the following per day in South Africa:

• Accommodation: $150 /day
• Transportation: $40 /day (not including flights and long journeys)
• Food: $70 /day
• Activities: $30 /day
• Total Daily Expenses in South Africa: $290

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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I’m planning a trip to South Africa for later this year and was wondering if you could recommend the best time to visit for budget travelers? I’m free to go at any time of year really so would prefer to go at a cheaper time. Are there any specific months or seasons when flights, accommodations, and activities are generally more affordable?

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Northern lights may be visible across parts of the US this weekend. Why are they so active right now?

Editor’s note: Tune in to CNN NewsNight: Solar Storm, hosted by Abby Phillip and Bill Weir, tonight from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. ET.  For the latest on the massive solar storm,  head over to CNN’s live coverage .

A series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun have the potential to create dazzling auroras that may be seen as far south as Alabama and Northern California but also disrupt communications on Earth tonight and over the weekend, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center .

The center, which is a division of the National Weather Service, observed conditions of an extreme geomagnetic storm at 6:54 p.m. ET on Friday evening, reaching a level 5 out of 5 severity. The last time a solar storm of this magnitude reached Earth was in October 2003, resulting in power outages in Sweden and damaged power transformers in South Africa, according to the center.

Signs of a severe geomagnetic storm, or level 4, were first observed by scientists at the center at 12:37 p.m. ET, when a major disturbance was detected in Earth’s magnetic field. Previously, the center issued a geomagnetic storm watch on Thursday evening, the first such watch issued since January 2005.

But the forecast was upgraded after scientists observed G5, or extreme geomagnetic storm, conditions Friday evening.

As the sun nears the peak of activity in its 11-year cycle, known as solar maximum , later this year, researchers have observed increasingly intense solar flares erupting from the fiery orb.

Increased solar activity causes auroras that dance around Earth’s poles, known as the northern lights, or aurora borealis, and southern lights, or aurora australis. When the energized particles from coronal mass ejections reach Earth’s magnetic field, they interact with gases in the atmosphere to create different colored light in the sky.

The Space Weather Prediction Center tracked multiple strong flares emitting from a large cluster of sunspots on the solar surface since Wednesday. The cluster is 17 times the diameter of Earth.

Scientists also observed at least seven coronal mass ejections, or large clouds of ionized gas called plasma and magnetic fields that erupt from the sun’s outer atmosphere, releasing from the sun in the direction of Earth. These significant outbursts are expected to continue through Sunday.

The center’s space weather scale covers three categories: solar flares that cause high-frequency radio blackouts, geomagnetic storms and solar radiation storms.

The current solar activity is capable of producing a solar radiation storm, according to Shawn Dahl, the service coordinator for the Space Weather Prediction Center.

“That’s the very low end of our scale,” Dahl said. “It does mean things to some rocket launch operations and satellite operators. But at this point in time, it’s nothing that can’t be handled as far as we understand it. The potential for stronger events of course does exist and we’ll see if any materialize.”

The peak of the geomagnetic storm activity for Earth could occur between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. ET on Saturday, the center has forecasted.

The center referred to this as “an unusual event.” There have been three geomagnetic storms since December 2019, but all of them have been considered weak, according to the center.

Geomagnetic storms driven by the sun in recent months have caused auroras to be visible in places where they are rarely seen, including as far south as New Mexico, Missouri, North Carolina and California in the United States, and the southeast of England and other parts of the United Kingdom.

The solar storm caused a dazzling aurora australis to light up the sky over New Zealand around 6:20 a.m. local time.

Depending on the location, the auroras may not always be visible overhead, but keep an eye on the horizon, experts say, because they may create a colorful display there as well.

Even if auroras aren’t visible in the sky, experts at the center recommend taking images of the sky with your phone because the images may capture what you can’t see with the naked eye.

“A severe storm would mean that the aurora will likely be visible in southern Michigan,” said Michael Liemohn, a professor of climate and space sciences and engineering at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, in a statement. “Get away from city lights to a place with clear skies and you should be able to see the green or red glow of aurora across the sky.”

The effects of geomagnetic storms

When coronal mass ejections are directed at Earth, they can cause geomagnetic storms , or major disturbances of Earth’s magnetic field.

“Geomagnetic storms can impact infrastructure in near-Earth orbit and on Earth’s surface, potentially disrupting communications, the electric power grid, navigation, radio and satellite operations,” according to the Space Weather Prediction Center. “(The center) has notified the operators of these systems so they can take protective action.”

The center has notified operators in these areas to take action to mitigate the potential for any impacts, which include the possibility of increased and more frequent voltage control problems. Other aspects operators will monitor include a chance of anomalies or impacts to satellite operations and frequent or longer periods of GPS degradation.

In turn, the operators also make sure power lines are performing as expected, ensure that alternate equipment is available and functioning, and any maintenance is suspended, Dahl said.

“But the key element here is that they know what’s causing anything if the situation unfolds that will allow us to be able to take the proper steps to help mitigate and control any developing problems,” Dahl said.

When coronal mass ejections arrive, they carry their own magnetic field, which can overwhelm power lines and induce electrical currents, so operators will monitor for any signs of such activity, said Rob Steenburgh, space scientist at the Space Weather Prediction Center.

“When we’re talking about impacts to the power grid, we’re talking about the high voltage transmission lines. That’s where these currents can develop. It’s not on any line going from a small transformer to their home,” Dahl said. “It’s only really developing on the high voltage transmission lines, which creates problems for the major transformers that control distribution.”

Solar storms generated by the sun can also cause radio blackouts and even pose risks for crewed space missions.

NASA’s Space Radiation Analysis Group is dedicated to monitoring conditions for astronauts aboard the International Space Station. If there appears to be an increased radiation risk, the astronauts can move to parts of the station that are more well-shielded.

“During the recent solar weather activity that measured higher than originally predicted aboard the International Space Station on May 11, the Expedition 71 crew was told to avoid lower shielded areas of the space station out of an abundance of caution,” according to a May 14 update released by the federal agency.

The center warned that additional solar activity could cause geomagnetic storm conditions to be ongoing through the weekend.

So far, researchers have obseverd only three severe geomagnetic storms during the current solar cycle, which began in December 2019, according to the center.

Experts at the center say they are a “little concerned,” but mainly because such events are rare.

The team likened it to being prepared for a summer storm: Keep batteries and a weather radio on hand in the event of a power outage, but said that people don’t need to “do anything out of the ordinary” to prepare for space weather. No disruption to internet or cellphone service is expected. And any disruption to GPS is not expected to be prolonged, as long as providers can quickly lock back on to satellite signals, according to experts at the center.

Tracking space weather

Every 11 years or so, the sun experiences periods of low and high solar activity, which is associated with the amount of sunspots on its surface. The sun’s strong and constantly shifting magnetic fields drive these dark regions, some of which can reach the size of Earth or larger.

Over the course of a solar cycle, the sun will transition from a calm to an intense and active period. During the peak of activity, called solar maximum, the sun’s magnetic poles flip. Then, the sun will grow quiet again during a solar minimum.

Solar maximum is expected to peak through mid- to late 2024, but the sun will remain active for a couple of years afterward.

Teams at the Space Weather Prediction Center use data from ground and space-based observatories, magnetic maps of the solar surface, and ultraviolet observations of the sun’s outer atmosphere to determine when the sun is most likely to send out solar flares, coronal mass ejections and other space weather that could affect Earth.

Solar flares can affect communications and GPS almost immediately because they disrupt Earth’s ionosphere, or part of the upper atmosphere.

Energetic particles released by the sun can also disrupt electronics on spacecraft and affect astronauts without proper protection within 20 minutes to several hours.

The material sent speeding away from the sun during coronal mass ejections can arrive at Earth between 30 and 72 hours afterward, causing geomagnetic storms that affect satellites and create electrical currents in the upper atmosphere that travel through the ground and can have an impact on electric power grids.

The storms also affect flight patterns of commercial airlines, which are instructed to stay away from Earth’s poles during geomagnetic storms due to loss of communication or navigation capabilities.

Extreme storms have occurred before, such as one that knocked out the power grid in Quebec in 1989 and the Carrington Event of 1859.The latter remains the most intense geomagnetic storm ever recorded, causing telegraph stations to spark and catch fire.

If such an event were to occur today, it could cause trillions of dollars’ worth of damage and bring down some power grids for a substantial amount of time.

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Update: This story has been updated with a new statement from NASA on conditions at the International Space Station during the recent solar flare activity.

Correction: A previous version of this story misstated the date of an earlier G5 storm.

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