travel in
SOUTH AFRICA
Beautiful in every way. Stunning beaches, wildlife, jaw-dropping mountains, and epic sceneries.
Best time to go
December to February is when the weather is best in South Africa, but the shoulder seasons, September to November and March to May, are just as good.
Currency
South Africa’s currency is called the Rand. 1 USD is equivalent to 19 South African Rands.
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What is load shedding?
Load shedding is scheduled power outages that preserve South Africa's power supply, often for 2 to 6 hours at a time. If you're staying in a hotel or a hostel, they'll most likely have a generator or UPS battery system. If you're staying in an AirBnB or homestay, ask your host what happens during load shedding. Download the app EskomSePush for notifications when load shedding is happening in your area. Make sure to keep flashlights handy and your phone charged. Depending on your provider, cell service goes down during load shedding, so plan ahead.
Book activities through Hyperli.
Download the Entertainer app to save up to 50% on meals. Even after paying the subscription fee, the BOGO savings are huge. Cities are sold separately.
Book safaris on a budget through deal sites, such as Bush Breaks.
Buy a Wild Card if you plan on visiting parks during your trip.
Safety and Travel Advice in South Africa
South Africa is a very beautiful place with a very complicated past that affects South Africa’s present. Like anywhere else, there are safe places to go and not-so-safe places. Most likely as a tourist, you won’t be visiting the areas with the highest crime rates.
Crime and safety in South Africa:
Don’t leave your phone or valuables unattended, especially while at a restaurant or at the beach. Keep your phone, wallet, and purse at the front of your body or in your front pockets. Don’t walk around alone at night. If you are enjoying Cape Town’s night life, it’s better to take an Uber from stop to stop instead of walking.
Road safety in South Africa:
When you're driving, keep your windows up and doors locked, especially at stoplights and intersections. Don’t keep your purse or phone near the windows of your car. Keep your valuables (even shoes) in the trunk of your car while parked.