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WHY BOOK A TRIP TO SOUTH AFRICA

Whether you’re chasing the Big Five across or a hangover in the vineyards of Stellenbosch, South Africa is an adventure at every turn.

Nowhere optimises that more than Cape Town, where the flat-topped Table Mountain stands watch over a city of wide-ranging pursuits. Head to the V&A Waterfront for tours to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, and to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens for a go-slow day among endemic flora.

Across the tip of the country is Mossel Bay, the start (or end) of the Garden Route, a coastal trail that cuts through pretty villages and mountain peaks. Break the peace at Bloukrans Bridge, home to the highest bungy from a bridge in the world.

A really wild adventure in South Africa is, for many, touring the national reserves in an open-topped 4×4, looking for elephants, lions, zebras and more. There are too many parks to list, but Garden Routers should stop at Shamwari Game Reserve, while those in search of the Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants and buffalo) should head to Kruger National Park or Hluhluwe Umfolozi. Alternatively, head to Hermanus to see whales from the shore.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What’s the best time of year to visit South Africa?

    May to September is widely considered the best time to explore South Africa, particularly if you’re in search of wildlife adventures, as safari conditions are best in dry season. That said, if you’re after toasty temperatures on the coast, November to March is the time to go. The country’s luscious endemic flora is best seen in from August to October, while whale watching season is firmly from July through to November.

  2. What’s the climate like in South Africa?

    South Africa has a very variable climate, ranging from subtropical and Mediterranean, to semi-arid and desert conditions. Generally speaking daytime temperatures remain warm throughout the year, and nighttime is pretty cool all-year round too. Summer runs from December to March, while winter here is June-September.

  3. What’s the currency in South Africa?

    South African rand

  4. What language is spoken in South Africa?

    This is the Rainbow Nation, so there are a wide range of languages spoken throughout the country, with a dozen officially recognised by the government, including Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English, which is pretty widely spoken throughout.

  5. What is the time difference in South Africa?

    The whole country lies within South Africa Standard Time (UTC +2), which places it 2 hours ahead of London, 7 hours ahead of New York and a whopping 10 hours ahead of Los Angeles.

  6. Major Airports in South Africa:

    • Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
    • O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), Johannesburg
    • King Shaka International Airport (DUR), Durban
    • Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ)
    • Lanseria International Airport (HLA), Pretoria
  7. What are the top places to visit in South Africa?

    • Table Mountain – the eerily flat-topped mountain with stunning panoramas
    • Cape Town – a fascinating city sandwiched at the foot of Table Mountain
    • Western Cape Game Reserves – to spot wildlife and meet the Big Five up close
    • Cape Winelands – one of the world’s richest wine regions
    • Tsitsikamma National Park – for crashing waves and luscious greenery
  8. Is South Africa safe to visit?

    Yes, you can absolutely visit South Africa safely. Most travelers have an unblemished experience when they explore this beautiful country, but of course there are always exceptions. The crime rate is high in South Africa, and tourists can often be seen as a target. Plan out your routes carefully, avoid quiet roads and be wary of traveling at night. The safest way to explore South Africa is without doubt by booking a group tour – the larger the group the less likely you are to be a victim of crime, while the leadership of a local guide will help avoid any dangerous situations.

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