Updated · On BootsnAll since 1999 · History
Overview and Things to Consider
South Africa has the most accessible safaris in Africa, plus sophisticated cities and excellent infrastructure. Kruger National Park is famous for its wildlife. The country covers Mediterranean climates, deserts, forests and grasslands. Johannesburg and Cape Town have excellent dining, entertainment and cultural venues. English is widely spoken alongside Afrikaans and eleven other official languages. Paved highways run throughout, so self-driving is practical. Tourism is well organized, with good accommodation at every budget. Political stability and security improvements make it increasingly welcoming. May through September has the best safari conditions, with cool temperatures.
Getting There and Around
Flights from Europe, America and Africa land at Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo Airport and Cape Town's International Airport. Domestic flights link the major cities efficiently. Paved highways run throughout, and self-driving is practical and rewarding, with rental cars widely available at reasonable prices. Long-distance buses and trains connect major destinations. Ride-sharing apps work in the cities, and with taxis you agree on the fare first. Helicopters reach remote lodges. Accommodation runs from budget hostels to luxury lodges. Independent travel is easy.
What's Changed Since 2016
New hotels and lodges keep opening across the country, and major highways have been upgraded. Tourist areas are seen as safer than they used to be. Mobile payments are now standard. The craft beer and wine scenes have grown a lot, and the cities have more arts and culture venues. Eco-tourism and adventure options have expanded, and conservation work continues. Accommodation prices have risen with demand.
Ideas to Consider for Your Visit
Kruger National Park is the classic safari, and private game reserves are another way to see wildlife. In Cape Town, hike Table Mountain for the views, then drive the Cape Peninsula to Cape Point. Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are the wine country. Drive the Garden Route along the coast and walk in the Drakensberg Mountains. The Apartheid Museum explains the history, and Johannesburg has museums, galleries and neighborhoods to explore. Cape Town also has beaches and a lively waterfront. Cultural tourism programs connect you with local communities.
Realities to Be Aware Of
Petty crime occurs in major cities - apply standard urban precautions. Violent crime affects certain neighborhoods - avoid these areas. Johannesburg and Cape Town require standard city awareness. Long-distance driving requires concentration and safety attention. Fuel is relatively expensive. Accommodation and dining prices are higher than neighboring countries. Wildlife viewing is never guaranteed, though probabilities are excellent. Malaria risk exists in certain regions - prophylaxis is recommended. Sun exposure is intense - sun protection is essential. Water quality varies - use filtered water in some areas. Political tensions continue evolving.
If South Africa Is Part of a Longer Trip
South Africa combines well with Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia for a longer southern African trip. Mozambique adds more coast, Lesotho has mountains, and Eswatini is a cultural contrast. Self-drive routes cross several borders, and flights between capitals speed things up. South Africa is the economic and infrastructure hub for the region. Three to four weeks gives you real time in South Africa plus some neighbors, and the region's infrastructure makes multi-country trips comfortable.
Yearly Things to Consider
May through September is the best time for wildlife, with dry, cool conditions. June and July bring the most international visitors looking for a winter escape, and prices peak June through August. School holidays in June, July and December add local tourists. Whale season runs June through November along the coast, and the sea is coldest June through August. October and November warm up but conditions stay good. December through February is hot and humid with afternoon rain. March and April are pleasant, with moderate temperatures. Bird watching improves during the migrations.
Ideas for Itineraries
South Africa is big and varied, and trips of any length pay off:
3 Days
Stay in Cape Town for Table Mountain, the waterfront and the neighborhoods. That's enough for the city's essentials.
5 Days
Spend three days in Cape Town and explore the Cape Peninsula, then go to Stellenbosch for wine tasting. Come back to Cape Town for the last night.
1 Week
Take your time in Cape Town, the Cape Peninsula and the beaches, then add wine country and a drive along the Garden Route. A week shows you Cape Town and the region around it.
2 Weeks or More
Cover Cape Town, the wine regions, the Garden Route, the Drakensberg mountains and Kruger National Park, then add Johannesburg for its museums and cultural sites. Two weeks or more lets you see how varied the country is.
From the BootsnAll archive
24 stories and articles about South Africa, 2000 to 2010
- Eight reasons to visit South Africa during the World Cup
Article · Travis Clark
- Guns on the Street, A Day in the Bush - Nelspruit, South Africa
Article · Derek William Bland
- 8 Excellent Experiences in South Africa
Article · Ian Dickinson
- World Cup 2010 Roundup: Trivia, Teams, & Travel Tips
Article · Jessica Spiegel
- Cheap Safari Tips: DIY at South Africa’s Kruger National Park
Article · Katie Hammel
- The Baz Bus: How to Get Around South Africa
Article · Kathy Schmidt
- Seeing and Eating Exotic Animals in South Africa
Article · Mattie John Bamman
- Mpumalanga Interlude - Mpumalanga, South Africa
Article · Allan Taylor
Show all 24
- Eight Great South Africa Festivals to Attend Before, During, and After the World Cup
Article · Ian Dickinson
- Four Things You Think You Know About South Africa
Article · Jessica Spiegel
- Traveler Postcard - Jessica in South Africa
Article · Jessica Spiegel
- Oudtshoorn’s Ostriches - Garden Route, South Africa
Article · 2008 · Allan Taylor
- Apartheid in South Africa - South Africa
Article · 2005 · Seleze Oosthuizen
- How to Stay Safe in South Africa - South Africa
Article · 2004 · Ann McLaughlin
- Round The World by Bike #23: Francistown, Botswana to Jane Furse, South Africa
Story · 2002 · Alastair Humphreys
- The Drakensberg, South Africa
Article · 2000 · Allan Taylor
- Shades of Gray - Living as a Local in Cape Town, South Africa
Article · Shannon Whitehead · Cape Town
- 6 Ways to Experience the Magic of Cape Town
Article · Brittany Hawkins · Cape Town
- Surfing Spots in Capetown
Article · Nikko Marasigan · Cape Town
- Chasing Elephants and Decoding Dung: On Safari in Kruger National Park
Article · 2010 · Brian Spencer · Kruger
- Is It Possible to Climb Table Mountain in One Hour? - Cape Town, South Africa
Article · 2004 · Lee Abbamonte · Cape Town
- Round The World by Bike #25: Cape Town, South Africa
Story · 2003 · Alastair Humphreys · Cape Town
- Table Mountain - Cape Town, South Africa
Story · 2002 · Allan Taylor · Cape Town
- Round The World by Bike #24: Cape Town, South Africa
Story · 2002 · Alastair Humphreys · Cape Town
Cities in South Africa
South Africa Travel FAQ
Tourism areas including Cape Town and game reserves are reasonably safe. Standard urban precautions apply in major cities. Avoid displaying valuables and traveling alone at night. Johannesburg requires attention but established tourist areas are accessible. Thousands of tourists visit safely annually. Organized tours provide additional security. Stay informed through government travel advisories.
Visa requirements depend on nationality. EU citizens, USA, Canada, Australia, and many others receive visa-free entry for 90 days. Check South Africa's immigration website for your specific nationality. Valid passports with six months validity are required. Visas are typically issued on arrival for eligible nationalities.
Kruger National Park is the most accessible safari. You can drive yourself, but guided tours spot more wildlife. Private game reserves are the luxury option, with excellent guides. Go out early morning and late afternoon, and visit May through September for the best viewing. The more time and patience you have, the more you'll see. Bring binoculars and a camera.
Budget accommodation costs 20-50 USD, mid-range hotels 80-200 USD and luxury lodges 200+ USD. Local restaurants charge 5-12 USD a meal, tourist-oriented places 15-35 USD. Safari experiences run 100-300 USD. Budget travelers can manage on 60-100 USD a day, mid-range travelers on 150-250 USD. Prices are relatively high compared to other African countries.
Stellenbosch and Franschhoek have excellent wineries with tours and tastings, and they're easy to reach from Cape Town. South African wine is top quality and relatively affordable, and the wine culture is relaxed and welcoming. Estates have beautiful grounds and fine dining. You can tour on your own or with a group, and accommodation runs from budget to luxury.
Yes, and it's recommended. Roads are excellent, and you drive on the left. An international driving permit is recommended. Rental cars are reasonably priced, though fuel is relatively expensive. Drive defensively in cities and avoid driving at night. You can self-drive in Kruger National Park, but a guided tour will find more wildlife.
English is widely spoken in tourism areas and the big cities, which makes travel easy. Afrikaans is common throughout, and Zulu, Xhosa and other languages are spoken regionally. Locals appreciate a few greetings in their language.
Update history (30)▸
· Rewrite
Edited for readability and the BootsnAll voice: generic phrasing cut in 17 passages, no facts changed
· Fact-check
Fact-checked against current sources: no corrections needed
· Rewrite
Updated for modern frameworks, with content updates and changes
· Update
Annual update by Adam Seper, including traveler dispatches and AirTreks returnees
· Update
Annual update by Adam Seper, including traveler dispatches and AirTreks returnees
· Update
Annual update by Adam Seper, including traveler dispatches and AirTreks returnees
· Contributors
1 message-board post from 1 traveler
- 2015: 1 post from 1 traveler in the South Africa Travel forum (source)
· Update
Annual update by Adam Seper, including traveler dispatches and AirTreks returnees
· Contributors
4 message-board posts from 4 travelers
- 2014: 4 posts from 4 travelers in the South Africa Travel forum (source)
· Update
Annual update by Adam Seper, including traveler dispatches and AirTreks returnees
· Contributors
1 message-board post from 1 traveler and 26 member blog posts from 3 bloggers
· Update
Annual update by Adam Seper, including traveler dispatches and AirTreks returnees
· Contributors
13 message-board posts from 9 travelers and 51 member blog posts from 6 bloggers
· Update
Annual update by Adam Seper, including traveler dispatches and AirTreks returnees
· Contributors
21 message-board posts from 15 travelers and 18 member blog posts from 3 bloggers
· Update
Annual update by Adam Seper, including traveler dispatches and AirTreks returnees
· Contributors
51 message-board posts from 23 travelers
- 2010: 51 posts from 23 travelers in the South Africa Travel forum (source)
· Contributors
61 message-board posts from 27 travelers and 22 member blog posts from 7 bloggers
· Archive
Travel guide on BootsnAll, at a new address
Archived copy of /Africa-South-Africa· Contributors
1 article, by Allan Taylor, plus 245 message-board posts from 65 travelers and 103 member blog posts from 18 bloggers
· Contributors
308 message-board posts from 77 travelers and 78 member blog posts from 14 bloggers
· Contributors
220 message-board posts from 77 travelers and 125 member blog posts from 21 bloggers
· Contributors
1 article, by Seleze Oosthuizen, plus 73 message-board posts from 45 travelers and 70 member blog posts from 7 bloggers
· Contributors
2 articles, by Ann McLaughlin and Lee Abbamonte, plus 12 message-board posts from 7 travelers and 7 member blog posts from 2 bloggers
- April 2004: How to Stay Safe in South Africa - South Africa - Ann McLaughlin (article) (source)
- June 2004: Is It Possible to Climb Table Mountain in One Hour? - Cape Town, South Africa - Lee Abbamonte (article) (source)
- 2004: 7 posts from 2 travelers on BootsnAll Travel Blogs (source)
- 2004: 12 posts from 7 travelers in the South Africa Travel forum (source)
· Contributors
1 story, by Alastair Humphreys, plus 6 message-board posts from 4 travelers
· Contributors
3 stories, by Alastair Humphreys and Allan Taylor, plus 2 message-board posts from 2 travelers
- October 2002: Round The World by Bike #23: Francistown, Botswana to Jane Furse, South Africa - Alastair Humphreys (story) (source)
- November 2002: Round The World by Bike #24: Cape Town, South Africa - Alastair Humphreys (story) (source)
- December 2002: Table Mountain - Cape Town, South Africa - Allan Taylor (story) (source)
- 2002: 2 posts from 2 travelers in the South Africa Travel forum (source)
· Contributors
1 message-board post from 1 traveler
- 2001: 1 post from 1 traveler in the South Africa Travel forum (source)
· Contributors
3 Insider dispatches, by Barbara, Allan Taylor and David Savage, plus 2 message-board posts from 1 traveler
- February 2000: Cape Town, South Africa - February 2000 - Barbara (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
- July 2000: The Drakensberg, South Africa - Allan Taylor (Insider dispatch) (source)
- November 2000: Adventure in Cape Town - David Savage (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
- 2000: 2 posts from 1 traveler in the South Africa Travel forum (source)
· Contributors
15 Insider dispatches, by Cheryl Morris, William (hey...just passing thru...) Robertson, Peter Thomas and 7 others
- May 1999: Cape Town, South Africa - May 1999 - Cheryl Morris (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
- May 1999: Johannesburg, South Africa May 1999 - William (hey...just passing thru...) Robertson (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
- May 1999: Kruger National Park, South Africa - Peter Thomas (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
- June 1999: Johannesburg, South Africa - June 1999 - William Robertson (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
- July 1999: Durban, South Africa - July 1999 - Doug Hendry (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
- July 1999: Johannesburg, South Africa - July 1999 - William Robertson (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
- August 1999: Cape Town, South Africa - August 1999 - Barbara (missing my mountain) (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
- August 1999: Durban, South Africa - August 1999 - Doug Hendry (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
- August 1999: Johannesburg, South Africa - August 1999 - William Robertson (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
- August 1999: Pretoria, South Africa - August 1999 - Barbara (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
- September 1999: Cape Town, South Africa - September 1999 - Sarah Jarvis (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
- September 1999: Cape Town, South Africa - September 1999 - Barbara (I'm back, baby) (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
- September 1999: Johannesburg, South Africa - August 1999 - Thandi Brewer (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
- October 1999: Cape Town, South Africa - October 1999 (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
- December 1999: Cape Town, South Africa - December 1999 - Barbara (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
· Contributors
Chris Heidrich, BootsnAll co-founder, has contributed to this guide since 1999, including dispatches from BootsnAll and AirTreks travelers