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The country I called home for three years! South Africa is a place where everyone should go at least once in their lives. From gorgeous weather, affordability, amazing beaches, vast wildlife, delicious wine and food, and breathtaking scenery everywhere you go!
Whether you’re looking to meet interesting people, go hiking, horseback riding, on safari, lazily laying at the beach, or indulging your “foodie” side, this country has it all. South Africa provides great opportunities for those who prefer an outdoor lifestyle and opens your eyes up to diverse culture everywhere you go.
With so much to see and do every month of the year, there is no bad time to visit South Africa.
For the best weather and a jam-packed events calendar, plan your trip to South Africa during the summer months. From November to February, the days are hot with temperatures reaching the mid-eighties and dropping to the mid-sixties at night.
If you’re planning a safari trip to South Africa, book your flights during the country’s winter months. From June to August, temperatures dip to the mid-forties making game drives in the Kruger National Park more bearable.
Autumn (March to May) and spring (September to October) you’ll find cheaper flights and fewer crowds at the top attractions.
Check out The Best Time to Travel to South Africa for complete details!
Language: South Africa boasts 11 official languages. The main language spoken in all the big cities is English, but the two most widely spoken languages are Zulu and Xhosa.
Currency: The currency in South Africa is called the Rand. 1 USD is equivalent to about 14 South African Rands.
Credit Cards and ATMs: In the big cities and smaller towns, most retailers and restaurants will accept credit cards as payment. You can easily find ATM’s at gas stations or the malls. However, if you’re shopping for souvenirs at markets, it’s best to withdraw cash or check to see if the vendor takes payment with apps like Snapscan.
Plugs: The plugs in South Africa are type D, M and N. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter (make sure it has surge protection) and using a converter for hair dryers and hot tools.
Getting Around: I would personally rent a car and drive, but if you’re not comfortable navigating unfamiliar terrain, there are a number of driving services you can higher. Hiring a service like this is a popular option if you aren’t going super far!
Safety: One of the questions I’m asked often is if it’s safe to travel to South Africa as a solo female traveler. Since moving here, I’ve never felt in danger, but I always practice common sense and make sure I’m aware of my surroundings.
Read my Is it Safe to Travel to South Africa? guide for my safety tips!
My wife and I visited Cape Town and the surrounding region for our honeymoon! South Africa is the perfect introduction to the African continent for LGBTQ+ travelers because unlike the rest of Africa, same-sex marriage is legal and there are legal protections against discrimination. We loved feeling safe and welcomed as queer travelers while also venturing out into a new part of the world!
Maybe I’m partial, but I find Cape Town to be one of the most romantic cities in the world! Whether you’re on a honeymoon or a relaxing holiday with your love, here are the most romantic hotels in Cape Town!
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Where is the best place to go? When is the prime time to spot animals? What should I pack? Here is the ultimate guide to going on safari in Africa!
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When is the best time to go on safari? Because there are so many places to choose from and seasonal differences, I’m breaking it down by month and place!
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I am such a wine lover so when it came to figuring out what I wanted to do for my birthday, I knew that it would have to be a staycation at Lanzerac Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, South Africa.
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The Cape Winelands is one of the best wine regions in the world. Here are my favorite South African wineries to visit outside of Cape Town!
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Kruger National Park is one of the best places to go on safari in Africa. Here are some of my best photos to inspire your wildlife getaway to South Africa!
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Cheetah Plains in Sabi Sands is one of the most incredible and luxurious lodges I’ve stayed at in South Africa. Here’s my review and what you can expect!
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Winter is an incredible time to visit South Africa. You’ll find cheap flights, great accommodation deals and it’s the best season for safaris!
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The Garden Route in South Africa is one of the best road trips in the country. Here are some of my favorite photos from my trip to inspire your travels!
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The Cape Winelands is one of the best wine regions in the world. Here are my favorite South African wineries to visit outside of Cape Town!
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Want to go on one of the best road trips in South Africa? Here’s my 7-day Garden Route road trip itinerary that will take you past all of the best spots!
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Cape Town is one of the most affordable destinations for U.S. travelers. Here’s how to see the best of Cape Town on a budget!
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Heading to South Africa? Here are my best tips for your first trip to South Africa to help you plan for a stress-free vacation to the Rainbow Nation!
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From swimming with penguins to scenic helicopter tours and scenic hikes – here are my top things to do in Cape Town in the summer!
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I have been on a mission to see the best of the African continent, from South Africa to Kenya and beyond. Here are the top safari destinations in Africa!
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If you want to explore Cape Town, the wine regions, and get out on a safari, here are the top things to do PLUS an itinerary for two weeks in South Africa!
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Being born and bred South African, the most difficult question I get asked by new friends while traveling is “is it safe to travel to South Africa?”.
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The weather in Cape Town is similar to SoCal, and my new stomping grounds are beautiful 365 days a year. Here is the best time to go to South Africa!
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