15 Essential South Africa Travel Tips for Every Traveller

Planning a trip to South Africa opens the door to a land of diverse landscapes and rich cultures. As you get ready for your adventure, navigating the unique aspects of travel becomes crucial. From wildlife reserves to vibrant cities, South Africa is a treasure trove of wonders. To make your journey smooth and enriching, here are some valuable tips to help you explore this dynamic and fascinating destination.

15 Must-Know South Africa Travel Tips:

1. Mobile Network & Internet

Stay connected hassle-free in South Africa by grabbing a local SIM card at the airport – it's cheap and easy. You can also activate international roaming on your phone by calling your network's customer care. But be cautious, as it can get pricey. Avoid unnecessary expenses by checking out local SIM card options and save more for your adventures.

2. Local Transport

Exploring South Africa is a breeze with these local transport tips:

• Road Network: The well-maintained roads make car travel easy. Rent a GPS-enabled car for smooth exploration, and consider a 4x4 for off-road adventures.
• Urban Areas: Taxis are handy in cities, and Johannesburg's Gautrain offers efficient travel, especially if your hotel is close to a train station.
• Caution with Taxis: Be careful with taxis in unfamiliar areas. Choose trusted services, especially at night.
• Uber Convenience: In cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg, Uber is a reliable and cost-effective option with background-checked drivers.

3. Dressing on Safari

When exploring South Africa's wildlife, go for practical dressing. Choose dull and faded clothes—like off-white and khakis—to blend in with nature. Avoid flashy colours, like red or yellow, as wildlife might be put off. For jungle safaris, pack essentials like a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent. While there's no strict dress code, opting for subdued colours enhances your experience in the animal kingdom.

4. Safety

Ensuring your safety in South Africa is essential, and these general tips provide valuable guidance for a secure and enjoyable experience.

• Protect Valuables: Keep valuable items like jewellery and electronics discreet, especially in the evenings. It's best to leave expensive jewellery at home.
• Vehicle Safety: Always lock car doors to minimize the risk of hijackings. Avoid leaving valuables in the car overnight.
• Personal Security: Forgo solo walks on beaches and hiking trails to reduce unnecessary risks in unfamiliar areas.
• ATM Caution: Be wary of card-swapping scams at ATMs. Don't accept help from strangers, withdraw small amounts of cash, and prefer using credit cards.
• Financial Precautions: Carry limited cash, avoiding large withdrawals. Keep valuables in hand luggage, especially at airports.
• Health Check: Consult your doctor before departure, especially for malaria-prone areas like Kruger Park. Ensure you have the necessary medications.
• Traffic Rules: Drive on the left side, following rules similar to the UK, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
• Wildlife Interaction: Stay in your car in national parks to avoid potential dangers. Avoid walking with food near baboons to prevent aggressive encounters.

5. Tipping

Tipping is widely practised and appreciated in South Africa. Having some small change on hand helps tip various service professionals like waiters, bartenders, and taxi drivers, as tipping is customary in South Africa.

In restaurants, remember to add a tip of about 10-15% to the bill, as service charges are usually not included. Car guards, who watch over parked cars, usually receive a small tip (R5 to R10). Tipping petrol attendants with R2-5 and rounding off taxi fares is common. When on tours, it's considered polite to tip the driver and guide, with amounts ranging from R20 to R50.

6. Begging

South Africa deals with significant poverty, and you might encounter beggars asking for money. In Cape Town, there are around 5000 homeless people. Instead of giving cash, it's better to offer food or donate to shelters like 'The Haven' in Cape Town, which provides more effective support.

7. Travel Within the Country

Getting around South Africa takes more time than you might think due to its size. For example, driving from Johannesburg to Cape Town is a 1400 km journey that takes over 13 hours by car, including toll roads. To save time, consider flying between major cities, which is convenient and allows you to enjoy famous road trips. There are affordable domestic flights from various airlines, with good availability except during peak times like school holidays or festive seasons.

8. Electricity and Adapter

In South Africa, electricity runs on 220/230V with unique round-pinned plugs. If you're from the US, bring a universal travel adapter, but those from the UK, Australia, or South Korea are good to go. Most sockets use type M plugs, but hotels provide other options. Remember, the standard voltage is 230V. If you're bringing devices like a hairdryer, consider getting a converter for compatibility.

9. Money and Currency

In South Africa, the currency is the Rand (ZAR), available in notes of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 Rands, along with coins in denominations of R1, R2, R5, and 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents. Despite widespread card acceptance, having some cash, especially small change, is advisable. ATMs are easily found in malls, petrol stations, and supermarkets.

While using cards, ensure your credit card stays in sight, and opt for swiping over "tap" to prevent cloning risks. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and be cautious at ATMs, never sharing your PIN with strangers.

10. Local Language

South Africa is a lively mix of languages with 11 official ones. isiZulu and isiXhosa are common, but English is widely spoken in towns. Afrikaans is another big language, so learning basic greetings is useful. South Africans blend English with Afrikaans and Zulu words in their slang. Remember phrases like "Howzit" for greetings and "Lekker" for something great. They call traffic lights "Robots." Knowing this diverse language scene adds to your experience in this culturally rich country.

11. Local Food

South Africa's food scene is a delight for food lovers. While eating out isn't the cheapest, locals often enjoy home-cooked meals or barbecues known as braais. If you're staying out, choosing accommodations with a kitchen or inclusive meals can be budget-friendly. Supermarkets like Woolworths and Pick 'n Pay offer ready-to-eat options.

Explore South African flavors with must-try dishes like Biltong, Braai broodjies, Boerewors rolls, Buttermilk rusks, Curry and rice, Droewors, Fresh oysters, Fish and chips, Koeksisters, Jam donuts, Malva Pudding, Melktert, Pap and Sheba, Peri-peri chicken, Sausage roll, Slap chips, Smoked snoek, Sosaties, A proper steak, Vetkoek and mince, Rooibos tea, Savanna Dry, and Springbokkie.

12. Tap Water

In South Africa, tap water is safe to drink in most places, thanks to the government's efforts to maintain high-quality standards. In urban areas, you can confidently drink straight from the tap. However, when venturing into rural areas or encountering milky-looking water, opting for bottled water is advisable. Carrying a reusable water bottle is convenient, and you can check with your accommodation if you have any doubts about water safety.

13. LGBTQ Friendliness

South Africa leads the way in LGBTQ friendliness, having the world's first gay- and lesbian-friendly constitution. It's legal for consenting adults over 18, and discrimination based on sexual orientation is strictly prohibited. While major cities are more accepting, some areas outside may be conservative, impacting public displays of affection. Nonetheless, South Africa's legal framework champions LGBTQ rights.

14. Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is crucial for your South Africa trip, offering protection against theft, loss, illness, or injury, even during adventurous activities. The coverage includes baggage, tickets, and cash up to certain limits, with options for high-risk pursuits. Customize your policy, keep receipts for medical expenses, and report stolen items to the police when making a claim. It's your safety net for a worry-free journey.

15. Booking for Table Mountain

When planning to visit Table Mountain in South Africa, it's best not to book tickets too far in advance. The weather on the day can be unpredictable, with factors like the famous tablecloth effect or rainy conditions. Instead, stay flexible, check the weather forecast up to a week ahead, and book your tickets as soon as clear skies are expected. Don't risk showing up on a clear day without a booking, as tickets may sell out.

As you explore South Africa, follow these tips for a smooth and memorable journey. Travel wisely, embrace the diversity, and make lasting memories in this captivating nation.