SOUTH AFRICA TRAVEL GUIDE
Hello, my friends, this is my first practical travel guide. Now, it is time to explore the paradise on the southern tip of Africa. Here we go, South Africa Travel Guide. The country is rich with its exciting history, culture, and art. Also, South Africa was remarkably successful in hosting the FIFA World Cup 2010.
TABLE OF CONTET:
SOUTH AFRICA TRAVEL GUIDE
certainly, For many decades South Africa was isolated from the external world because of the racial discrimination policy adopted by the Apartheid regime. But now, South Africa is welcoming all tourists from all over the world. In 2016 nearly 17 million tourists headed to SA.
SOUTH AFRICA PROFILE
- Capital: Pretoria (executive), Bloemfontein (judicial), Cape Town (legislative)
- Main Airports: Johannesburg airport “JNB”, Cape Town “CPT”, Pretoria “PRY”, Bloemfontein “BFN”, Durban “DUR.”
- Official languages: 11 languages (Zulu, Afrikaans, English, and others)
- Ethnic groups: 80% Black, 8% Coloured, 8% White, 2% Asian
- Area: 1,2 Million km2
- Population: 57 Million (2018)
- Currency: Rand (ZAR) ?Rate
- Time zone: GMT+2
- Driving side: Left
- Phone number code: +27
- Power plug: Type D, M, and N, 230 V, 50 Hz (same as most European countries)
VISA to visit SOUTH AFRICA
Citizens of 80 countries are exempt from visa to enter South Africa, including the USA, Canada, Russia, Brazil, Argentine, and most Europe. Otherwise, you have to apply for a visa at the nearest South African embassy to you.
South Africa intends to launch a new online e-visa system by November 2019, which will make visiting South Africa easier. Also, this will significantly increase the number of tourists. Read more.
By Gorden Cheng – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Climate IN SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa has the typical weather of the Southern part of the planet earth. So, the coldest days are from June to August. While and Hottest are from December to February.
In winter temperatures can drop below freezing, During winter it is warmest in the coastal regions, especially on the eastern Indian Ocean coast. South Africa is a sunny country, averaging 8–10 daily sunshine hours in most regions, rainfall is highest in the east and gradually decreases westward.
Most of the country, rain falls mainly in the summer months with brief afternoon thunderstorms. The exception is the Western Cape, and it’s capital city Cape Town where the climate is Mediterranean, and it rains more in the wintertime.
top DESTINATIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa is a big country and full of exotic travel destinations that attract tourists from all over the world. Here is my top South Africa travel guide top destinations
Johannesburg, Pretoria, and the Sun City:
Most international flights embark in Johannesburg. Near to Johannesburg is the largest national park in South Africa and one of the most famous in the whole world, Kruger Park. Then you can visit the Pretoria (executive Capital) and Sun City. Sun City is renowned for luxurious hotels and nightlife. Sun city is like a little version of Las Vegas where you can enjoy a drink, fantastic shows, and play cards.
Cape Town, the garden route, and the Western Cape:
Cape Town is the legislative Capital of South Africa. A city which is full of Gardens, Malls, History, gardens and many more attractions. Also, from Cape Town you can take a boat trip to Robben Island.
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Eastern Cape:
Port Elizabeth, East London, and Durban are also famous touristic destinations. You can enjoy swimming and marine activities.
Other destinations:
Such as Bloemfontein and others are less prevalent in South Africa
TRANSPORTATION system IN SOUTH AFRICA
Transportation through South Africa is both efficient and enjoyable. And it is so easy to move from one city to another.
Airplane:
The easiest and the fastest. South Africa is by 90 airports which transport people and goods in a convenient way
Train:
South Africa has one of the largest railways in Africa. The main railway starts from Pretoria to Johannesburg and ends with Cape Town. On the road, The scenery is irresistible, and the trip from Pretoria to Cape Town takes about two days however it deserves a try.
Cars:
I strongly advise renting a car to move around South Africa. Especially for move around the Cape Town garden route and the Western Cape. Not only because of cost-benefit but also because it gives you a chance to enjoy the charming. You can stop and take awesome photos at any spot.
Transportation inside the City:
Public transportation inside the major cities of South Africa is somehow problematic. As there is no metro in whole South Africa, as well the public shuttle service is inefficient and not covering the entire city. Especially remote area and excursions which is on every traveler list. Fortunately, the city sightseeing red bus is available inside the city of Cape Town, Hermanus, and Johannesburg. So the only efficient way to move inside the cities is by renting a car. It is more accessible and widely available.
TOP ATTRACTIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA
The list of must-visit and must do in South Africa is endless. It is ranging from cultural and political museums documenting the brutality of the Apartheid regime to the exotic nature and national parks, Marine and hiking activities. As you can see from the must-do & visit list, most of it is in Cape Town and the garden route. No wonder it is the top touristic destination in South Africa. Here is South Africa travel guide top ten attractions list:
1. table mountain national park
Table Mountain National park The top attraction and the Landmark of South African tourism. Enjoy the road up to the mountain either by hiking or by electric cable car. On top of the mountain, you can enjoy the scenery, fynbos vegetation, and animals. Table mountain National Park is now one of the UNESCO Heritage Site. Google Map Location.
2. Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront Located in Cape Town on the Atlantic shore, Table Bay Harbour. Malls, cafes, restaurants, and many more attractions. It is the most viable area in Cape Town. Whenever possible, try to find a hotel near to V&A Waterfront; this one is the best. Google Map Location
3. Robben island
Visit Robben Island and the maximum-security prison for leaders and political prisoners. Nelson Mandela has been a prisoner in Robben Island for 18 years. Note that three previous prisoners in Robben Island prison Have become president to the Republic of South Africa. Robben Island Prison is now an open museum and one of the UNESCO Heritage Site. Google Map Location.
4. Cape of Good Hope
In 1488, the Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias, Sailed from Portugal to the south across the African coastline until he reached Cape Town, then he started to move east, and later he could reach India. At that time, it was a great exploration and shifted the route of trade to South Africa rather than the middle east. Cape of Good Hope named after the Portuguese King at that time. Google Map Location.
5. Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. A Huge game reserve covers an area of 19,485 km2 (7,523 sq mi). You can enjoy wild safari and experience the real African animals. Google Location Here.
6. Garden Route & Cape Agulhas
Enjoy driving along National Road 2 (N2). Starting from Cape town up to Port Elizabeth and Durban, N2 is the southern coastline of the African continent. Note the cape of Agulhas is the southernmost point of the African content, and it represents the point that separates the Atlantic ocean from the Indian ocean. Cape Agulhas Google Map Location.
7. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden was created in 1913 and contained the most popular plant trees and flowers in the southern part of Africa. Area 528 hectares (1,300 acres). Google Map Location.
8. Wine Tour
The top wine farms in the Western Cape are the Paarl, Franschhoek, and Stellenbosch
9. sun city
Sun City is where you can experience the luxurious life in 5 stars rated hotel and the best nightlife restaurants cafes bars and night show. Google Map Location.
10. Boulders Beach
One of the unique beaches in the world. Not only because you can enjoy the sands and the ocean, but also you will enjoy the company of the penguins. You can swim with the penguins to take sunbath with penguins around you. Google Map Location.
FOOD IN SOUTH AFRICA
South African cuisine is extensively variable and yet specific. Most of the ingredients are the well know ingredients and include vegetable fruits and grilled beef and pork. When you visit South Africa, you will not find any difficulty to reach restaurants, food courts at the malls and fast-food chains. All the varieties are widely available. Here are my top dishes which you should not miss in South Africa.
1. Shisa Nyama / Braai (a barbecue or braai)
2. Potjiekos
3. Kota or Bunny Chow
4. Chakalaka
drinking Water IN SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa is one of the countries which suffer from inadequate water resources. Even though there is plenty of lakes and small rivers, the resources are limited. South Africa had a massive water crisis in 2016 due to a lack of rain, which affected the water supply.
According to the CDC, the Tap water in South Africa is NOT VALID for drinking. Kindly, read our full guide for drinking Tap water for more details. As we know, Locals know best, so it is better to ask Locals about drinking water. Surprisingly the locals tell us that it is safe to drink tap water. So it’s up to you to follow the local’s advice. In my opinion, I would follow the CDC recommendations. However, the price of water is high in South Africa, equal to 1.5 USD for a 500 ml bottle.
Travel Healthy IN SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa has an advanced medical system. Anyway, you should be ready with medical insurance for any emergencies. As I mentioned earlier, the most popular destination for tourists in South Africa is Cape Town and the Garden Route. Fortunately, the touristic areas in South Africa are far from endemics and Malaria.
However, you should be ready for any emergencies related to the activities, Such as falling risks. Importantly, don’t forget to pack some medications which you may need while traveling to South Africa. Although most of South Africa is malaria-free, it is wise to avoid mosquitos either physically or by spray and creams.
According to the CDC, no vaccines or medications need before visiting South Africa. Unless you are coming from an endemic area or you suffer from a medical issue, South Africa is safe to visit. The CDC suggests some vaccines for extra-protection. Read here for more details.
Travel Healthy IN SOUTH AFRICA
Is South Africa safe in 2020? Unfortunately, South Africa has a notably high rate of murders, assaults, rapes, and other violent crimes. However, most areas that tourists venture to are safe, and the likelihood of a tourist becoming a victim of violent crime in South Africa is very low. South Africa overall has a travel advisory with a recommendation to exercise a high degree of caution due to the level of serious crime. Most of the stores in South Africa opens at 08:00 or 09:00 AM and close by 04:00 or 05:00 PM, apart from the restaurants and big malls, which may still be open until 09:00 PM.
So, I am not advising to roam in the streets after 9 PM unless nearby to the nightlife or big malls.
In the end, I hope that my practical travel guide was useful and informative too. Later I will write more articles about South Africa. If you got any questions or experiences, kindly share it in the comments. Enjoy your trip to South Africa.
Traveler78
Hello, My name is Yahya. I am 39 years old and soon will be 40. I was born and lived in the historic city of Cairo, Egypt. I Work as a doctor; cardiologist. Traveling is my passion. I am proud to be the owner and creator of Traveler78 website. If you like the material on my website, please subscribe to my website and share it with your friends. Also, you can follow me on your favorite social network. For further information, please contact me either in the comments or via E-mail.
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