Climate and Best Time to Travel:
South Africa is a year-round travel destination and enjoys a predominantly warm climate. The best time to visit varies depending on the region and activity. Coastal regions are popular in summer, while wildlife viewing is ideal in the drier winter months.
December – March: Cape region
Spring and Autumn: KwaZulu-Natal coast
July – September: Visiting wildlife reserves and whale watching in the Cape region
Entry Requirements:
Valid travel documents are essential. Check visa requirements and entry regulations before your trip
Health:
Consult your general practitioner or a tropical medicine institute before traveling for necessary vaccinations and health precautions. Some regions of South Africa have a risk of malaria (Kruger National Park), so prophylaxis may be recommended for certain trips.
Communication:
It’s best to buy a local SIM card for your mobile phone (Vodacom or MTN recommended) for inexpensive calls within South Africa and abroad, and for data for Uber or directions.
Water:
Tap water in urban areas is generally safe to drink. However, in rural areas, you should opt for bottled water or boil the water. It’s best to ask at the accommodation whether the drinking water is safe to enjoy.
Sun Protection:
The sun in South Africa can be very strong. Always wear high-quality sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, especially in the summer months.
Dealing with Wildlife:
Do not feed any wildlife and always maintain a safe distance, especially in national parks and wildlife reserves. Baboons can be found in urban and rural areas, especially in the Cape region. If they approach, stay calm and avoid direct eye contact. Avoid showing or storing food openly, as this can attract them.
Behavior in National Parks/on Safari:
When visiting South African national parks and on safari, it’s important to follow safety and behavior rules. These include following the guide’s instructions, staying inside the vehicle, keeping a distance from the animals, remaining calm, not leaving food lying around, and wearing discreet clothing without perfume.
Currency:
National currency: Rand – ZAR
Payment:
The South African Rand is the currency in South Africa, and the country is largely card-friendly. It’s advisable to keep most of the money on your debit or credit card and only carry about R300 in cash for tips and small purchases. In restaurants, it’s customary to tip at least 10% of the bill amount, which can often be done directly via card.
Emergency Numbers:
Save local emergency numbers in your phone, including police, medical emergency services, and your embassy’s phone number. There are also various apps that can help with this. You can ask us for more details and options.
Safety at ATMs:
Only withdraw money at ATMs inside shopping centers or at gas stations (only inside the store). Be aware of your surroundings and secure the money safely before leaving the ATM. Large amounts of cash should be avoided.
Safety While Driving:
In South Africa, it’s advisable to rent a car, use Uber, or hire a private tour guide, as public transport is often limited. It’s important to lock the doors while driving and keep windows closed to prevent theft. Valuables should never be left visible in the car, especially when parked. Try to avoid driving at night.
Using Uber:
Uber is a safe and affordable transportation option in South Africa. Make sure the license plate and driver match the details in the app.
Hiking:
For safety reasons, it’s recommended to always hike in groups when in South Africa. This not only protects against potential dangers such as wildlife or unsafe paths but also ensures that help can be quickly provided in case of an accident or injury. Groups also provide a good opportunity to share the experience and learn from each other.
General Safety Tips:
At night, avoid walking distances and opt for Uber/taxi instead. Even during the day, do not carry conspicuous valuables with you, research the places you plan to visit and how safe they are to explore on foot, and follow your instincts. Most violent crimes occur between people in areas that tourists usually do not visit, however, opportunistic thefts are more common.
Contact us with questions or uncertainties, or ask the local population at your accommodation, restaurants, etc., and inquire about local conditions.