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Home » Travel » Africa Travel Guide » South Africa Travel Guide
Garden Route - Plettenberg Bay

South Africa Travel Guide

Travel to South Africa and discover a land of golden beaches, jagged mountain ranges and a patchwork of veld. Vibrant cityscapes brimming with lively locals give way to the sprawling savannahs of Kruger National Park. Explore with this South Africa travel guide. 

Destinations

  • Cape Town

Ready to uncover the myriad charms of South Africa? Whether you’re enticed by the wildlife, the wine or the waves, there’s a lot to love about the Rainbow Nation – and even more things to do.

Word of warning – South Africa will have you head over heels. 

Join me as we delve into what you need to know before your South Africa trip – I’m covering everything from the best time to go, how to get there, what to do, and where to stay. I’ve even added some suggested itineraries and a ton of practical tips (thank me later). 

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How to Plan a Trip

Penguins Boulders Beach

Best time to visit

There’s never a bad time to visit South Africa, but summer (November to February) features ideal weather conditions. These months also have the most local events too. 

For a safari, choose winter (June – August), and for low prices and fewer crowds, choose autumn (March – May) or spring (September – October).  

Handy Resources

  • Skyscanner provides the best flight booking services at the lowest prices. 
  • Holiday Autos helps you compare rental car prices before your trip.
  • Omio is another excellent choice to help book flights.
  • Booking.com is your go-to for accommodation and airport transfers.
  • G Adventures offers a fantastic solution for booking multi-day guided tours.
  • Get Your Guide focuses more on half-day or full-day tours to major attractions.

Where to Stay

Cape Town & The Western Cape 

The Western Cape province sits at the southernmost tip of South Africa, and Cape Town comes out on top. The city is famous for attractions such as Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the V&A Waterfront. Book a stay at The Marly Boutique Hotel.

Durban 

Durban and the surrounding KwaZulu-Natal Province come in second. If you’re travelling to South Africa and expect beaches, wildlife, and stunning mountainous landscapes, it’s paradise. Book a room in Durbs at The Oyster Box.

Johannesburg

Gauteng is a powerhouse, and Johannesburg is the economic engine of Africa. You’ll find an expansive cultural diversity, some of the best culinary experiences, and boundless nightlife here. Book a stay in Jozi at The Residence.

Pretoria

Pretoria (Tshwane) is the relaxed version of Johannesburg. A historic city brimming with heritage, highlights include the Union Buildings and both the Mandela and Voortrekker Monuments. Stay at Waterfalls Boutique Hotel.

Recommended Hotels

De Hoop Collection Suites
De Hoop Luxury Nature Reserve
De Hoop
The Silo Hotel
The Silo
Cape Town
Kruger Gate Hotel
Kruger Gate
Kruger National Park
Check Available Hotels

Packing For Your Trip

Packing for your South African trip? Don’t forget… 

 

  • Your walking trainers for city exploration and travelling.
  • Hiking trainers when you’re out in the country’s many natural hotspots.
  • Hitting any of SA’s beaches? Don’t forget your beach towel.
  • Always bring your daypack to carry your day-to-day essentials.
  • A power bank to keep devices charged (trust me on this one).

Travel Insurance

Many visit this country without incident, but covering potential expenses, such as those affecting your travel plans, personal safety, and accidental damage is wise. 

So when you plan a trip to South Africa, factor in travel insurance to avoid making a massive mistake. I use AXA Travel Insurance for cover. 

Suggested Guidebooks

  • DK Eyewitness South Africa
  • Fodor’s Essential South Africa
  • Lonely Planet South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland

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South Africa Visitor Guide: What to Do During Your South Africa Trip

Best Things to do in Cape Town

Top Things to Do

Take a Trip along the Garden Route 

If you’re looking for an answer to ‘why visit South Africa,’ look no further than touring the Garden Route from Mossel Bay to St. Francis. It’s a 125-mile journey with must-visits like the forest-soaked Knysna and the legendary beach town of Plettenberg Bay.

Spend a Couple of Days Exploring Cape Town

The grand scheme of things to do in Cape Town is almost beyond belief. Whether you choose to hike Lion’s Head, wander around the streets of Bo-Kaap, or visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, exploring Cape Town is a must when travelling in South Africa.

Explore the Kruger National Park

Luring in thousands each year with the promise of epic animal sightings and a blissful time in nature, the Kruger National Park is an icon. Covering roughly 5 million acres, this is where you’ll find the Big Five and opportunities for numerous guided safaris or self-drive tours.

Tour The Cape Winelands

A South Africa visit wouldn’t be complete without immersing yourself in the wine culture and heritage of The Cape Winelands. It’s all about indulgence, with Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek, and Somerset West, each featuring its own distinct wine route, which you can tour in one day.

Discover the City of Johannesburg

The City of Gold, Johannesburg, is often overlooked for South Africa trips, which is downright shameful. It’s a world-class cosmopolitan city where you can thrill yourself at Gold Reef City, educate yourself at The Apartheid Museum, and tour the Soweto township.

See the African Penguins at Boulders Beach

Yes. Penguins. As the only penguin breed on the continent, seeing them on a guided tour to Boulders Beach or the Stoney Point Nature Reserve is beyond memorable. Considering that you rarely see penguins outside of a zoo, don’t miss out on this and arrive before 11 am to avoid crowds. 

Indulge in some Extreme Sports

Hear me out on this one. When you travel to South Africa, do yourself a favour and partake in at least one extreme sport. Go skydiving over Cape Town or Johannesburg, bungee jump from the Bloukrans Bridge, or cage dive with sharks in Gansbaai.

Stroll Along the Durban Beachfront

The Golden Mile beachfront of Durban is famous for its absolutely imagination-defying beauty. Besides just wandering the promenade, explore the Indian District and then visit the Durban Botanical Gardens, or catch a rugby match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Suggested South Africa Itineraries

It’s almost impossible to put every highlight into one South African itinerary. So obviously, to make your trip unforgettable, here are some itinerary options.

Secret Gem of South Africa – The Northern Cape 

17 Days

Cape Town – Hermanus – Paternoster – Namaqua National Park – Augrabies Falls National Park – Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park – Karoo National Park

If you’re looking for a slice of South Africa that’s not on everyone’s radar, this itinerary through the Northern Cape Province is a no-brainer.

The Cape Peninsula, Kruger National Park, and Pilanesberg 

15 Days

 

Cape Town – Hout Bay – Aquila Game Reserve – Kruger National Park – Sabi Sand Game Reserve – Blyde River Canyon – Johannesburg – Pilanesberg National Park

Experience the multiple facets of South Africa, from the feel of the bush on safari to the scents of the fresh air as you roam its greatest natural inland spectacles.

Cape Town & The Garden Route 

10 Days

Cape Town – Cape Peninsula – Stellenbosch – Oudtshoorn – Knysna – Mossel Bay

Dive head first into everything that makes Cape Town and the Garden Route one of the most beloved destinations in the country.

Safaris, Culture, and Wine 

17 Days

Johannesburg – Kruger National Park – Cape Town – Stellenbosch – Franschoek – Knysna – Plettenberg Bay – Royal Natal Conservation Area

Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too? Combine every flair of SA into one trip with this itinerary as you discover every side of this amazing country.

Recommended Tours

Male lion at Addo Elephant National Park
From Cape Town: 2-Day Safari
Wineries in Stellenbosch
National Geographic Journeys – Explore Southern Africa
Kruger National Park South Africa
10 Days in Cape Town and Kruger with G Adventures
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Hidden South Africa: Off the Beaten Path

One of my biggest South African travel tips is to explore the many off-the-beaten-path hotspots of the country, like these:

Addo Elephant National Park

Addo Elephant National Park is one of the country’s most overlooked nature escapes. Its highlight is the 300 resident elephants, but you can also spot the Big Five on a self-guided safari.

Plettenberg Wineries

There’s no shortage of wineries in South Africa, but often people don’t visit those around Plettenberg Bay. Go against the grain and visit Bramon, Kay and Monty, and Newstead.

Visit Tsitsikamma National Park

The lush Tsitsikamma National Park does not get the attention it deserves. Beyond the striking natural scenery, you can’t miss seeing the Big Tree – a roughly 800-year-old Yellowwood.

Drive the Namaqualand Flower Route

The Flower Route, a 404-mile journey from Yzerfontein to Richtersveld National Park, is a must. Every spring, 4,000 species of flowers go into full bloom, ensuring a visual feast. 

How to See the Best of South Africa for Free

You don’t have to break the bank as you travel to South Africa.

Hiking the Platteklip Gorge trail on Table Mountain is entirely free. Other free natural attractions include Knysna Heads, Signal Hill, and Lion’s Head.

Explore the Johannesburg Art Gallery, Nelson Mandela Square, and the Museum of African Design at no cost. 

The many beaches around the country are also gorgeous and free. 

Dishes to Try in South Africa

  • Braai – A barbecue of various meats over an open fire. 
  • Bunny Chow – Half or quarter bread loaf, hollowed out and filled with curry.
  • Bobotie – Deep-dish casserole of beef, spices, fruits, and egg custard.

Top Drinks in South Africa

  • Rooibos – A brew of Rooibos leaves served as tea.
  • Amarula – Cream liqueur distilled from African marula fruits.

Map of South Africa

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Garden Route - Plettenberg Bay

Read All South Africa Guides

18 Unmissable Things to do in Cape Town: Top Experiences in the Mother City

18 Unmissable Things to do in Cape Town: Top Experiences in the Mother City

Safari in Addo Elephant National Park: A Step-by-Step Guide

Safari in Addo Elephant National Park: A Step-by-Step Guide

A Spectacular Garden Route Itinerary – Taking a Two Week Road Trip Through South Africa

A Spectacular Garden Route Itinerary – Taking a Two Week Road Trip Through South Africa

2 Weeks in South Africa: The Perfect South African Itinerary

2 Weeks in South Africa: The Perfect South African Itinerary

18 Best Things to do in South Africa: Safaris, Wine and More

18 Best Things to do in South Africa: Safaris, Wine and More

3 Unmissable Activities in and Around Addo Elephant Park

3 Unmissable Activities in and Around Addo Elephant Park

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