Tour South Africa: The Ultimate Guide

A round trip through South Africa is on many people's travel wish list. And that is not surprising. You can enjoy safari's through nature parks, soak up culture in museums and get in touch with the locals. We would like to list everything you need to know for a South Africa tour.

1. Characteristics South Africa

If you go on a far journey to South Africa it is good to take into account the size of the country. With 1,220,000 km2 it is no less than 28 times larger than the Netherlands (42,508 km2). So make sure you take enough time to see all the highlights. With a few days on holiday to South Africa you really don't have enough time to see everything.

2. Tips for a tour through South Africa

A round trip or holiday to South Africa is not a standard trip. You are dealing with another country far outside Europe. Different rules and safety regulations apply here. South Africa is not harmless for tourists. Not only are there many wild animals but also criminals. It is also mandatory to vaccinate against various diseases. If you are pregnant it is not advisable to go to South Africa.

Some tips:

• Drinking from the tap: In urban areas you can just drink water from the tap and use it to cook with.
• Passport required: For a holiday in South Africa you need a valid passport. By the way, your passport has to be valid for at least another month after the end of your trip.
• Visa: Tourists staying less than 90 days do not need a visa. For a longer stay you have to ask permission from the Ministry of Interior on the spot.
• Children: If you go on holiday with underage children, you need various papers:
  • an official international birth certificate is required.
  • If you travel alone with children as a parent, you also need a statement of agreement from the parent not travelling with you. This does not apply if you can prove by means of an official copy that you have full guardianship and parental authority.
  • All documents must be in English.
  • It is recommended that the birth certificate and, if necessary, the consent form are not older than 3 months.
• Driving license: During a holiday in South Africa an ordinary Dutch driving license is valid. However, to rent a vehicle, an iinternational driving license is required.
• Driving on the left: In South Africa people drive on the left side of the road.
• Tip: It's normal to tip. 10% is normal - sometimes this is already indicated on the bill. South Africans who help you can give you a tip of 5 - 10 rand (16.5 rand is about 1 euro). Think of the person who washes your windows when you refuel. Or the parking attendant who helps you find a parking spot. And the ranger of the safari.
• World plug:The world plug does not work in South Africa. At your holiday destination you can buy a South African world plug.
• Clothing: During a safari it is best to wear clothing in camouflage colours. So for example brown, black, beige, green and dark blue.
• Enjoy: The locals are very friendly and like to see a smiling face. So put on your best smile. This will certainly help you to make your holiday in South Africa a positive experience.

3. Vaccinations South Africa

For a tour through South Africa the GGD different vaccinations are recommended. Hepatitis A and malaria pills are obligatory. Vaccination for DTP is recommended. During a personal consultation you can find out if specific vaccinations are needed for your case. Usually you will be on time if you make an appointment at your local GGD 4 to 6 weeks before departure. You can easily do this online. However, if you are going to travel to South Africa for more than 3 months, it is recommended that you come to the surgery 7 months before departure.

During the visit, your itinerary will be discussed. Most vaccinations are in stock. These can therefore be set immediately. You will be given a prescription for the malaria tablets. The costs depend on the vaccination and the region where you live. For an individual consultation you pay an average of €23. The price for Hepatitis A vaccination is around €60. A malaria prescription costs around €14. Also check your health insurance policy as many insurers reimburse vaccinations. And don't forget the vaccination booklet when you travel.

4. Best travel time South Africa

South Africa is a country with a warm temperate climate. It is sunny during the day. And you might not expect it, but in the evening it can cool down quite a bit. When it is winter in the Netherlands, it is summer in South Africa. And vice versa. So if you want to escape the cold winter you can go to South Africa.

In the country there are differences between the average temperatures. This is because South Africa lies at an altitude of 1000 to 2000 meters above sea level. What is the best travel time for South Africa? In general, the months of March and April (local autumn) and September and October (local spring) are considered the best travel time. You can then visit the country with a pleasant temperature. And you avoid the real heat and the winter.

June to August are the winter months and thus the coolest and driest months. You then enjoy temperatures of around 20 degrees Celsius during the day. The area around Cape Town has in the months May - August an average temperature of 15 degrees Celsius. The warmest local winter months with temperatures of an average of 26 degrees Celsius can be found at the Kruger Park. In these months you can spot animals very well. This is because the trees are bare and the animals seek less cooling.

From December to February it is high summer in South Africa. In the northwest you can enjoy hot temperatures of up to 38 degrees Celsius during the day. In the Kruger Park, with an average of 30 degrees Celsius, it is also very hot. It is good to keep in mind that during the local summer months most nature parks are greener. And also wetter due to the high humidity. Because everything is in bloom, animals can be more difficult to spot. You can see them especially near the water.

Do you mainly go to South Africa for wildlife spotting? Then it's good to know that December and January are high season months. Since it is summer in South Africa, the locals go on holiday. And local attractions such as the Kruger Park are also their favorite.

5. Travel advice South Africa: safety regulations

On vacation to South Africa is quite an adventure. It is good to take into account eventual risks. After all, it is another country with a different culture. South Africa is known for violent crime in and around the big cities. There are gangs active that can ruin a holiday to South Africa. Robberies, robberies and so-called carjackings still occur in South Africa.

• Townships can be visited by tourists. They are residential areas on the outskirts of the city often consisting of huts. It is recommended to visit the townships only with a local guide and to stay alert.
• In the travel advice for South Africa, it is not recommended, for example, to withdraw money at the airport or in the evening on the street.

6. Transport in South Africa

There are over 70 international airlines that can take you to South Africa. The best known airport is OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. More and more flights go directly to Cape Town International Airport. And finally, the King Shaka International Airport in the north of Durban is an option. For domestic flights there are several airports to choose from.

If you go with a group trip to South Africa, transport has been arranged for you. Are you going to travel unaccompanied? Then a rental car is recommended. Especially in smaller towns you will not find taxis. And with your own car you can enjoy all the beauty you see along the way. You can also save money when visiting nature parks. You can drive through them with your own car instead of having to book a safari.

Buses are generally considered to be safe. Just like long-distance trains. In trains around the cities, tourists are often the target of robberies. It is therefore not recommended to travel by train in and around African cities.

Tips if you're going to travel through South Africa by car

• Don't take hitchhikers on the way.
• Leave no valuables in sight.
• Park the nose of the car on the side of the road in the right direction to avoid a fine.

7. Round trip South Africa: 20 highlights

To make sure you are well prepared for your trip and don't miss anything in the country, we would like to list no less than 20 highlights to visit. This way you make sure you don't miss out on anything during a trip through South Africa. And often you can make several trips and excursions from a village or city. This way you don't have to move around every day. Of course don't forget your camera to capture all the beautiful things you see.

Please note: if you choose an organized tour you depend on the program. It is possible that you will not see certain sights. Therefore, first look at what you would like to see and then choose a tour that follows. Of course you can also go on your own tour.

7.1. St. Lucia

The small village of St. Lucia is located on the east coast of South Africa. It is known for the fact that hippos can walk through the village in the evening. You can enjoy the sun on the vast beach and make beautiful walks. And from here you can easily Hluhluwe - Imfolozi National Park visit.

7.2. Safari in Hluhluwe - Imfolozi National Park

The Hluhluwe - Imfolozi National Park is the oldest natural park in Africa. And it is known for the largest population of rhino that lives here. If you're lucky you can see 'the big five' right away. It is the only park in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal where you can find lions, elephants, rhino's, buffaloes and leopards.

7.3. uShaka Marine World

In the KwaZulu-Natal province you will also find uShaka Marine World, an amusement park that consists of 8 different parts. So you have uShaka Beach where you can enjoy an actual beach, uShaka Sea World to enjoy the animals that live in the water and you can enjoy slides and swimming pools in uShaka Wet n Wild.

7.4. Durban Botanic Gardens

The oldest remaining botanic garden in Africa is the Durban Botanic Gardens. In a subtropical environment you can enjoy an extensive collection of plants from South Africa and other continents. You will find the Wood-bread tree, one of the rarest plants in the world, among others.

7.5. Cape Town

7.6. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

The historic heart of the port of Cape Town is the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. It is a mix of residential and commercial businesses such as hotels, shops and restaurants. You will enjoy the Table Mountain as a backdrop. And vast views over the ocean and the peaks of the Hottentots-Holland mountains.

7.7. Simon's Town and Boulders Beach penguin tour

Boulders Beach on the south coast of Africa is the home of African blackfooted penguins. Here you can see penguins sunbathing or enjoy a ´siësta´. By the way, don't forget your swimwear and a towel. You can just enjoy the sun on the beach. In Simon's Town, where Boulders Beach belongs, you can also see all kinds of things. A city walk will show you the most famous places.

7.8. Cape of Good Hope

If you are looking for a fantastic view over the coastline and the sometimes rough sea of South Africa, Cape of Good Hope is the perfect place to go. If you're lucky you can even see whales from here. A visit to the Cape of Good Hope is often combined with a visit to Boulders Beach. The two places of interest are not far from each other.

7.9. Table Mountain Aerial Cableway

The Table Mountain is the most famous and characteristic mountain in South Africa. And one of the wonders of the world. You recognize it by the characteristic flat part at the top. As the highest point is at 1086 meters, climbing the mountain is a challenge for many people. You can therefore also choose to go up by cable car. Once you get to the top you will enjoy a fantastic view over the centre of Cape Town and the ocean.

7.10. Apartheid Museum

In Johannesburg you will find the Apartheid Museum that tells the story of apartheid, Nelson Mandela and all its consequences. Here you get to know the hard truth about racism, apartheid and oppression. The collection has been compiled by filmmakers, photographers, designers and historians.

7.11. Robben Island

Robben Island is the island off the coast of Cape Town where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for years for his fight against apartheid. Originally the island was used as a prisoner and then to isolate leprosy patients. Between 1964 and 1982 Nelson Mandela was placed there, which grew into a symbol of the anti-apartheid movement. During a tour of the island you can see his prison cell, among other things.

7.12. Coastal Region and Waterford Estate

South Africa is also a famous wine region and in the Coastal Region you can visit these wineries. You'll find, among others, winery Waterford Estate Stellenbosch. Taste the local wines where they are made in a relaxed environment.

7.13. Shamwari Private Game Reserve

In the Eastern Cape province of South Africa you will find the Shamwari Private Game Reserve. This is a first class safari destination and home to 'the big five'. Shamwari means "my friend" in Shona. You will feel completely in harmony with nature and enjoy the wildlife that runs through the landscape.

7.14. Garden Route & Knysna Heads

The Garden Route is considered one of the most beautiful coastlines of South Africa. It is known for its breathtaking views. It is also the route along which you can find the Knysna Heads. This rock formation seems to guard the lagoon and city like high sentries. From various vantage points you can enjoy the ocean water that flows powerfully in between.

7.15. Robberg Nature Reserve

Robberg Nature Reserve can also be found on the Garden route. It is a nature park, as well as a national monument and World Heritage Site. Did you know that you can find rocks here that are no less than 120 million years old? You can enjoy views of the Plettenberg Bay during a walk, as well as spotting animals such as dolphins and seals in the ocean.

7.16. Lion's Head

A famous mountain to climb in South Africa is the Lion's Head. This 669-metre-high mountain owes its name to its shape which, together with the attached lower 'lion's tail' hill, is reminiscent of a reclining lion. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the top. On the way you will come across historical tombs and temples of Malaysian leaders on the lower slopes.

7.17. Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

In this natural park you can enjoy a centuries-old natural spectacle. Over a length of about 20 kilometres you'll see bizarre rocky islands and plateaus and a variety of plants and animals. The spectacle is the result of the Blyde River flowing through the canyon and carving out a gorge.

7.18. Kruger National Park

The oldest and best known game park in South Africa is the Kruger National Park. You can visit the park with an organized safari or drive around with your own transport. Maybe you'll spot 'the big five' here. And there is also the option to spend the night in the park in specially equipped 'restcamps'. Early morning and late evening are the best times to spot wildlife.

The Kruger National Park covers an area of approximately 20,000km2. And it is home to a large number of animal species. Birds, reptiles, mammals, fish and amphibians call the park their home. Good to know! You are only allowed to get out of the car in designated places such as picnic areas. And of course in the camps where you can spend the night. And don't forget your binoculars and a flashlight. Lighting is limited in the park.

7.19. Pretoria National Botanical Garden

In an area of urban development you will find a resting place in the Pretoria National Botanical Garden. The natural grassland is home to many animal species such as butterflies, spiders and frogs. There are also more than 220 bird species living here.

7.20. Augrabies Falls National Park

In the beautiful surroundings of the Augrabies Falls National Park you can enjoy the Augrabies Waterfalls. Just don't be afraid of the noise of the water then about 250 meters into the ravine collapses.

9. Group travel and accommodation in South Africa

What's the best way to see South Africa? South Africa as a country is very suitable to travel around on your own. As long as you take the safety regulations into account. A group trip is also a good option not to miss out on all the peculiarities the country has to offer. This way you can choose what best suits your situation. Many travel agencies offer all kinds of group travel through South Africa, e.g. for singles and private tours. Of course you can also opt for a group trip that is especially aimed at seeing 'the big five', where you will visit various nature parks.

Compare different travel providers and accommodations at the bottom of this page.

10. Book a round trip South Africa: compare providers and accommodations

Wild animals in real life on a safari. Dream away with the setting sun and sleep in a lodge. Learn more about the history of apartheid and racism in Cape Town. Climbing mountains and enjoying wide views. During a holiday in South Africa you can enjoy a wide range of activities. Let yourself be seduced by all the beauty that South Africa has to offer.

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