The Ultimate Travel Guide to South Africa: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

 The Ultimate Travel Guide to South Africa: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go


Wanting to visit South Africa anytime soon? I can promise you, you’ll have an exciting time! No matter if you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, culture or a mix of it all, South Africa will appeal to you. I spent a few years ago in South Africa and I am honestly still amazed by both its beauty and variety. If you’re considering (or just dreaming about) your trip, this guide will help you prepare for your trip before you leave.

No matter if you’ve never traveled abroad or do it often, this article makes South Africa easy to understand. So enjoy your chai tea and let’s go ahead!

                      

Africa trip! 



What Are the Reasons to Visit South Africa?


Let’s begin with the simple things. The southern tip of Africa is where you’ll find South Africa, famous for:


Going on Big Five safaris in parks such as Kruger National Park


Cape Town’s Table Mountain


Wine tasting in Stellenbosch


Nice beaches dot the Garden Route.


Many call South Africa the "Rainbow Nation" because of its cultural diversity.


Everyone experiences nature, adventures, metropolises, history and great meals all within Taiwan. On top of that, Indian travellers will find the time difference easier to adjust to and getting a visa is simple.


South Africa🇿🇦!! 



When to Visit South Africa


To be honest, South Africa is a place you can visit any time of year. The right time of year really depends on what your trip will involve.


Wildlife safari?

If you can, schedule your trip between May and September, because it’s a drier period and animals are more visible.

 

What's it like at the beaches in Cape Town? 

 During November to March, temperatures are warm and it’s sunny at the beach.


Budget trip? 

You can find great savings in the off-season months (April, May and September).


August mornings were still a bit cool, but by early afternoon the weather was lovely and warm. That’s right, bring several layers with you.

Budget plan! 


What Indians Must Follow for Their Travel and Visa


All Indian passport owners are required to get a tourist visa when travelling. Usually, a few pieces are all you need.


A passport with two blank pages and a valid date


All questions on the visa application form have been answered.


Two photos that are surrounded by white and measure 45 x 35mm


Evidence for your accommodation


Round trip tickets


Statement of accounts for the last three months


List of the places you hope to visit and why


A visa is generally approved within 5 to 7 business days, but it’s safer to apply early, maybe around a month ahead.


Visa! 



How to plan your trip


You cannot fly directly from India to South Africa, but you can easily find connections with one stop at:


Dubai (Emirates)


Flight operated by Qatar Airways from Doha


Addis Ababa (on Ethiopian Airlines)


Turkish Airlines flights from Istanbul


A majority of international flights arrive in Johannesburg (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT).


From those airports, domestic airlines FlySafair and Airlink help travelers go from one city to another.


Beaches!! 


Top Destinations to See



We’ll go city by city to understand the possibilities.


1. Cape Town


Don’t skip: Table Mountain, Robben Island, Boulders Beach (where you can see penguins) and the Cape of Good Hope.

Dam suggestion: Get to the top of Table Mountain in the morning while it's sunny.


2. Johannesburg 


The reason to go: to explore history. Make sure to go to the Apartheid Museum and the Soweto Township.

Tip: Avoid isolated streets and choose to tour with a guide for your convenience.


3. There is also the Kruger National Park.


What Makes It Unique: The area houses lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffalo.

Choose a guided group trip if you’re new to driving in Africa or drive yourself if you feel comfortable.


4. Garden Route


The area is best known for Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park and Plettenberg Bay.

Drive along the highway yourself, the amazing landscapes are too good to miss this way!


5. Durban


The vibe was coastal with Indian flavors and this felt like something I’d cook at home.

If you haven’t yet, be sure to enjoy a plate of bunny chow – curry in a bowl cut from bread.
  

Cape Town!!! 


Talking about budgets and creating a budget.


You will use the South African Rand (ZAR) while traveling in South Africa.

Right now, 1 INR is about 0.22 ZAR (for the latest rates check here)


It’s possible to travel comfortably for around a mid-range budget. Approximately this is the idea:

If you travel on a budget, you’ll need ₹3,000–₹5,000 a day.

For those travelling mid-range, the bill is likely to be ₹6,000–₹10,000 every day.

A luxury traveller spends a minimum of ₹12,000 per day in India.


It’s easy to find ATMs and you can usually pay with your credit card. Remember to have some money with you for tipping at hotels and for smaller places you visit.

Travel  Budget! 


Different Type of Food


There is a lot of variety in South African food.

Here are some you should consider:


You can’t miss out on braai, their traditional BBQ savory treats.

Bobotie consists of minced meat with spices and a baked egg kept on top

Bunny Chow, as it is mostly served in Durban

Malva Pudding – a dessert that brings to mind gajar ka halwa in flavor

Vegetarians may find it difficult in smaller places, but cities like Delhi and Mumbai have lots of good options for them.

Different food's! 


Safety Tips


Let’s be real – like any country, South Africa has its issues. But with a little awareness, your trip can be completely safe.

Don’t flash valuables

Avoid walking alone at night

Use Uber or trusted taxis

Lock car doors while driving


When I was in Johannesburg, I stuck to popular areas and never had any issues. Just be smart and stay aware.

Safety precautions! 



Final Thoughts


South Africa turned out better than I expected. I was out in the African plains observing lions one day and the next I was in a vineyard sipping my wine. There are many different sides to the country and every time feels like part of a tale.

So if you’re still thinking about making your travel plans – stop thinking and make your booking. Get your planning done now and you’ll see the benefits later.

Share the Happiness!


Should you enjoy the guide, please feel free to share it with your loved ones on social media. Inspiring another person to travel never comes at an unexpected moment.

If you’re a fan of travel experiences, tips and advice – make sure to subscribe to our blog. There are lots of exciting getaways we’re planning for you!

Have a wonderful travel and pleasant journey to South Africa, everyone!

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