South Africa is a rainbow nation due to its multicultural diversity. The country has over 11 official languages and is home to various religious and cultural backgrounds. It has been claimed that South Africa is the birthplace of humankind.
My arrival back into South Africa in 2020 was overland from
Lesotho into Bloemfontein.
The country is at the southernmost point of the African continent. It is home to many species of wildlife and is most known for its beautiful landscapes and topography. Some of the most magnificent tourist spots in South Africa are the Kruger National Park, Drakensberg, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Boulders Penguin Colony, and more. South Africa is a beautiful country with so much to offer in relation to history, culture, and sites.
With so many beautiful places, having a set plan and itinerary for your visit to the country is vital. Many businesses offer exclusive South Africa tours so foreigners can easily explore the country. But, deciding when and how to go on vacation can be tricky. This article will explore a few tips that you should consider when visiting South Africa.
5.I hiked to the top of Table Mountain, South Africa.
The Best Time to Visit South Africa
When deciding to go on vacation, one of the first things you should consider is the weather. Luckily, South Africa has one of the best and most comfortable climates. On average, the temperature in the country is around 17.5 degrees Celsius. Generally, the country’s coastline experiences warm and humid weather conditions. However, it is only the in-land cities such as Johannesburg that experience frosty weather.
On the whole, the best time to visit South Africa is between May and September. However, you will have the best holiday experience in September. In South Africa, September marks the start of spring when flowers begin to bloom, temperatures rise, and animals roam free. During this month, you can expect to see whales and dolphins along the coastline.
6.I visited the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa.
The Perfect Holiday Resort in South Africa
South Africa houses many holiday resorts across the country. Some of the most popular ones are the San Lameer on the South Coast, Dolphin Holiday Resort in Ballito, Sani Pass in the Drakensberg, and more.
Deciding on a holiday resort will depend on the type of attraction that you want to visit. For example, if you are hoping to visit Kruger National Park, then you’d want to stay at a resort in Mpumalanga. However, the Drakensberg mountains (also known as Dragon Mountains) are located in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
South Africa has three major cities – Durban, Cape Town, and Johannesburg. Each of these cities has its own unique tourist attractions. When deciding on a tourist destination, your accommodation will depend on the proximity to the heart of these cities.
Backpacking in South Africa: Touring The Lonely Prison On Robben Island
How to Travel to South Africa
Despite being a third-world country, South Africa is quite modernized. The country has 22 airports that run international flights. But, before thinking about flights, you should consider your destination site as this will affect which airport you will arrive at.
In addition to this, here are a few things to consider when or before traveling to South Africa:
- The type of visa you need
- The required or recommended vaccines (if any)
- Policies about Covid (PCR test, vaccination certification, etc.)
- Internet access
Visiting the Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg, South Africa
Travel Tips
Aside from knowing the when, where, and how to visit South Africa, there are a few more factors that you should prepare for when visiting the country:
Language Differences
South Africa is quite a diverse country with 11 official languages. Luckily, English happens to be one of these languages. However, if you are keen on a basic understanding of some of the local languages, you should do some research first.
Some of the official languages are only spoken in a few parts of the country, and not everyone can speak and understand all 11 languages. For the most part, people that you meet will speak English.
Don’t Leave Your Belongings Unattended
South Africa receives around 14-16 million tourists yearly, making it a tourist-friendly country. However, similar to any other country, scams and pickpockets are common. This is especially the case if you are a tourist. Therefore, when visiting South Africa, it is best if you don’t leave your valuables and belongings unattended.
Stock Up on Bottled Water
The water in the big cities is drinkable in the country. However, it is much safer to drink bottled water when visiting South Africa for the first time. Experiencing stomach aches, nausea and headaches are not unheard of when visiting a foreign country, and the last thing you’d want is to be sick when on holiday.
Having An Unforgettable Vacation When Visiting South Africa
South Africa is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and magnificent sites and landscapes. However, visiting such a diverse country for the first time can be overwhelming. To ease your journey, we have highlighted a few tips that should be at the forefront of your mind when planning a trip to South Africa.