What to know about South Africa before you go
South Africa is a beautiful and complicated country. Though its highlights are well known, this is a country where insider’s tips are definitely needed. There are many simple but important choices that could easily slip you mind. (Should you tip a safari guide? What areas are malaria-free? What areas should be avoided?) There are unwritten rules you should be careful to follow. (Don’t wear a lot of jewelry even on luxury tours.) And there are many shades of luxury and adventure to choose from. (Which options suit your tastes best?)
But with a little help, you too can become the sort of savvy traveller that finds South Africa so spectacular.
Here are the basics:
Getting Here
Getting Around
Popular Activities
Accommodations
Dining
What To Wear On Safari
When To Go
Getting Here
South Africa has three major world-class International airports, OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg), Cape Town and Durban. From the U.S.A the only direct flight to South Africa is with South African Airways and Delta Air Lines. SAA from New York (JFK) and Washington Dulles. Delta Airlines from Atlanta. Both Air Lines fly to Johannesburg.
From most other USA Destinations (eg. Washington D.C., New York L.A., Miami or San Francisco) you can fly via a European capital with a European carrier such as British Airways, KLM, Air France or United. Alternatively some of the Middle Eastern carriers are also flying into the USA, such as Emirates and Etihad.
Need assistance with flights to South Africa - talk to us and we'll get the best airfare rates for you.
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Getting Around
Exploration of South Africa is most efficient via a series of time-saving flights and self drive or private driver transfers. South Africa has an extensive road infrastructure including national highways and secondary roads. Speed limits are set at 120 kilometres on highways; 100 kilometers on secondary roads and 60 kilometres in urban areas. Luxurious rail journeys on the Blue Train and Rovos Rail give you the ultimate off the beaten path exploration without sacrificing on luxury.
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Popular Activities
In general, Southern Africa is a destination for adventure and exploration. It is not the ideal destination for those who need every second planned and who are not comfortable with seeing poverty. There is, however, much to do, the hardest decision is what are 'must do' experiences for you.
Golf
Luxurious resorts of Fancourt in the south provide a great base to play golf and enjoy safari game drives. Durban Country Club is steeped in history. Leopard Creek, located in Kruger National Park is high on our list, with a resident hippo in Hole 16 and giraffes who gracefully walk the golf course.
Wine
The historic Cape Winelands are just 45 minutes east of Cape Town, and are home to some of South Africa's best restaurants. Stellenbosch has oak-lined streets complete with historic architecture, good restaurants, and interesting galleries and shops. Franschhoek, enclosed by towering mountains, is the original home of the Cape's French Huguenots, and their French heritage runs strongly through the region. For an in-depth look, meet a winemaker at his vineyard for a behind the scenes tour and barrel tasting, or even the farm workers for some great local stories.
Wildlife Spotting
There is an incredible and diverse array of wildlife found in Southern Africa and nowhere else.
Check out the penguins and great white sharks outside Cape Town. Spot the Big 5 at numerous malaria-free regions. Zebras, white and black rhino, wild dog, hyenas, everything you think of when you think of wild Africa. Wildlife spotting can be done many ways including on horse back, on foot, on elephant, from a hot air balloon, or in modified open aired 4WD vehicles with many creature comforts.
Safari Game Lodges
Wildlife Spotting is ideal from private game reserve where off-roading is allowed and they intimately know every animal on their reserve. Three or four nights allows for two game drives a day and ample relaxation time in between to be pampered and relax. The style and wildlife at each safari game lodge varies greatly from tented camps to exclusive villas and everything in between. A destination in themselves, relaxing at one of these lodges is a popular activity for many visitors.
Diving
The best cage diving to see the Great White Shark is outside Cape Town where waters remain cool year round. A long way to the north east is Durban, the gateway to excellent warm waters and beach resorts.
Shopping
Cape Town has several world-class shopping complexes for international brand names and wonderful local boutiques. Sandton City in Johannesburg and Sun City are also excellent for unique gifts. At many airports you will be amazed at the quality for wildlife photographers and original prints are available. Roadside market stalls are wonderful to explore, but be careful not to buy untreated wood products.
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Accommodations
In South Africa, the accommodations are as varied as the many ecosystems she contains. Cities feature boutique hotels, guesthouses and top end chains like Orient Express hotels are here also. Large scale luxurious golf resorts are a highlight of South Africa and are scattered throughout the country. South African safari lodgings range from tented camps, villas and luxurious resorts designed to capture the breathtaking scenery and to ensure optimal wildlife viewing.
Dining
The major cities of Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg offer excellent cuisine and all nationalities are represented. The seafood is fresh and Cape Malay is a delicious local fusion. When outside the major cities you need to be more aware of what you eat. A game lodges, the food is excellent and is often a highlight. Drink bottled water when traveling into remote areas including brushing your teeth. We also recommend eating yoghurt upon arrival into the country to be exposed to the local probiotics. The wine countries outside Cape Town have world class restaurants and a must stop for foodies. Cooking schools are available at the famous Cape Grace Hotel and high tea is still an elaborate tradition at many English influenced guesthouses.
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What To Wear On Safari
Safari clothing should be comfortable and casual, and we recommend leaving most jewelry at home. A good guideline is to think of looking like an old safari hand, you won't feel out of place if you do, since that's the everyday attire of the locals. Try not to wear white or red (red has been known to scare animals). Khaki, olive, tans and browns are the preferred colors, and expect to get dirty. Layer your clothing as you will be out bush at dawn and dusk.
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A Day On Safari
Read a wonderful account of a day out on safari by traveler and guest blogger Paul H - Chicago
