South Africa is a country that appears to have it all, from gorgeous mountains, to beaches, and some of the best safari options in the world. People flock here to visit the famous Kruger National Park, as well as other famous icons like the peerless Table Mountain. As South Africa is by the sea, you can also enjoy an array of exciting water sports here like diving and whale watching.
Knysna is a charming town on the coast of South Africa that is known for its beautiful sea horses. As such many people come here to snorkel or dive with these amazing green creatures that are thought to date back an impressive 40 million years.
Travel time:
8 hours 25 minutes hours by road (330 R)
4 hours 29 minutes by plane (960 R)
Clothing: Swimsuits are a must.
Distance from Cape Town: 1,808 km
Kruger National Park is arguably one of the most famous national parks in the world and also said to be one of the best. You can go on safari here and see a plethora of wildlife such as lions and other big cats, rhinos, buffalo, and elephants.
Travel time:
6 hours by plane (4,380 R)
19 hours by road (2,600 R)
Clothing: Don’t forget to bring a camera to take pictures of the wildlife.
Distance from Cape Town: 6 km
Table Mountain, with views over Cape Town is one of the most iconic sites in the world and you can trek to the top by walking up the Platteklipp Gorge in order to take in the scenery firsthand. If you prefer, there is also a cable car that will take you to the top.
Travel time:
19 minutes by road (150 R)
Clothing: Clothes and shoes suitable for hiking are a must.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Rhodes Drive, Newlands, Open daily 8am to 6pm.
Said to be one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world, this is definitely worth a stop if you want to see flora from all over South Africa in one place. Signature features here include a giant baobab tree as well as a range of plants used in traditional South African medicine. The entrance fee is 40 R and you can walk around the gardens on paved trails.
Best mode of transport: Taxi
Duration of travel: 22 minutes
Make sure to bring a camera, water, and sunscreen as it can get hot during the day.
This memorial lies on the side of the Devil Peak Mountain which is close to Table Mountain. The memorial is a monument to Cecil John Rhodes who was a pioneer and a key figure in the development of South Africa. The monument sits on what is said to have been one of his favorite spots in the country.
Best mode of transport: Taxi
Duration of travel: 19 minutes
You can take pictures of the memorial so don’t forget to bring a camera.
The Castle of Good Hope, Buitenkant Street.
The Castle of Good Hope is worth a visit if only for the fact that this is the oldest building in South Africa. It was built in 1666 and is now partly a museum with a range of military memorabilia that will also take you through the history of the castle. You can also take a guided tour if you want to learn more. The entrance fee is 28 R.
Best mode of transport: Bus 102
Duration of travel: 8 minutes
You can also take romantic horse and carriage rides here.
Bloubergstrand:
Bloubergstrand is one of the best known beaches in the world as it looks out across to the spectacular Table Mountain. The beach stretches for miles and has pristine white sands as well as bars and restaurants where you can get something to eat or drink as you take in the sunset.
Hobie Beach:
Hobie Beach lies in Port Elizabeth and is popular as it is located close to a wealth of famous hotels, casinos, and restaurants. The beaches in this part of South Africa are called by their nickname ‘The Windy City’ and this means that sailing and windsurfing are popular here.
Umhlanga:
Umhlanga is known for being one of the best beaches in the country and both visitors and local flock here. The beach lies on the Indian Ocean so you can expect warm sands and even warmer water. The town is also known for its vibrant nightlife scene.
V&A Waterfront, Victoria Wharf:
This mall sits at the base of the mighty Table Mountain and has over 80 restaurants in one place. There is also an indoor shopping area as well as a craft market and a spa.
Canal Walk:
If you want to check out a shopping mall in Cape Town then there are plenty to choose from. Canal Walk has more than 400 different shops, so whatever you are looking for you will probably find here. It also has a wealth of restaurants as well as entertainment options like cinemas.
Iqhayiya Craft Cooperative, (in Khayelitsha, the cooperative is tucked behind St Michaels and All Angels Church on the corner of Ncumo rd. and Qhula Cres in the Harare District), ([email protected]):
For some local African handicrafts check out the Iqhayiya Craft Cooperative where you will find paintings, jewelry, and other arts and crafts made by one of 8 artists who work here.
Africa Café, 108 Shortmarket Street, tel +27 (0)21 422-0221 ([email protected]).
A good place to come if you are looking for a bite to eat at an affordable price. This serves African dishes and has a fixed tasting menu that has 12-15 different plates.
Bayfront Blu, Two Oceans Aquarium, tel +27 (0)21 419-9086. Located inside a gorgeous aquarium, this restaurant also has beautiful views cross to Table Mountain. You can have breakfast here or they also do tasty African food throughout the day such as seafood curries.
Pap is one of the cornerstones of South African food and is known as a kind of porridge that is made with corn meal. It is used as an accompaniment to other foods, rather like rice or mashed potatoes.
Braaivleis consists of meat which has been grilled usually over an open fire using either charcoal or wood. This is similar to the traditional of barbecuing in other countries.
Boerewors is a kind of spiced sausage which is usually served in a bun with onions and tomato sauce. In this sense it is the South African equivalent of a hotdog.
Fiction Bar, 226 Long Street, tel +27 21 424 5709:
A well known bar and nightclub that is a favorite for both locals and visitors. They play indie, drum ‘n’ bass, and electro music on different themed nights. Admission is around 30 R.
Mercury Live & Lounge, 43 De Villiers Street (Zonnebloem):
This is one of the most famous and best loved clubs in Cape Town and plays live music every night. It is popular with students and entry is 20-40 R.
Zanzi-Bar, 255 Long Street (above Long Street Café.), tel +27 (0)21 4232-9003, open 5pm to 2am:
This bar is a favorite on the traveler scene and is a good place if you want to meet fellow out-of-towners. There are different themed nights here such as Jazz on Sundays and a live DJ on Fridays and Saturdays. Entrance is free making this a good budget option.
The following nationalities do not need a visa for a stay of 90 days or less:
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, New Zealand, Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania (90 days per 1 year), United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zimbabwe, and citizens of British Overseas Territories.
The following nationalities do not need a visa for a stay of 30 days or less:
Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Cape Verde, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Gabon, Guyana, Hong Kong , Hungary, Jordan, Lesotho, Macau, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Peru, Poland, Seychelles, South Korea, Swaziland, Thailand and Turkey.
Other countries need to apply for a visa before they arrive.
List of nationalities who can have Visa on arrival: N/A.
Any nationalities who are not eligible to travel to that country or can travel under certain conditions: N/A
There is a high level of crime in South Africa and you need to be vigilant regarding your belongings and personal safety.
The threat of terrorism is high in South Africa.
Homosexuality is legal in South Africa as is same-sex marriage.
There are no specific vaccinations recommended for South Africa.
South Africa, as the name suggest, lies at the tip of the continent of Africa and is bordered Botswana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Lesotho, and Namibia. There are 11 official languages in South Africa including Afrikaans, Zulu, and English, and as South Africa was a former British colony, there is still a strong influence here and most people speak at least some English. South Africa has the strongest economy of all African countries, and is also one of the most influential in the region when it comes to politics and culture.
