Travel Tips & Guides
Essential advice and insider tips for your South African adventure
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining
- Visa requirements – Check if your country needs a visa for South Africa
- Yellow fever certificate required if coming from endemic areas
- Travel insurance highly recommended for medical coverage
- Proof of accommodation and return flight tickets
- Summer (Oct-Mar): Warm temperatures, rainy season
- Winter (Apr-Sep): Cool, dry weather – best for game viewing
- Pack layers as temperatures can vary significantly
- Sun protection essential year-round due to high UV levels
- Altitude considerations – Pretoria is at 1,300m above sea level
- Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
- Credit cards widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and shops
- ATMs readily available in cities and towns
- Tipping: 10-15% at restaurants, R10-20 for hotel staff
- Cash needed for markets, street vendors, and small establishments
- Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
- Don’t display expensive jewelry, cameras, or large amounts of cash
- Use reputable tour operators and accommodation providers
- Keep copies of important documents in separate locations
- Inform someone of your daily travel plans and expected return
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
- Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas
- Drink bottled or filtered water – tap water quality varies
- Use high SPF sunscreen (30+) – UV levels are very high
- Pack a basic first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers
- Consider malaria prophylaxis if visiting game reserves or rural areas
- Bring insect repellent containing DEET for mosquito protection
- Know emergency numbers: Police 10111, Medical 10177
- Get travel insurance that covers medical evacuation
- Eat at busy restaurants with high turnover for fresh food
- Avoid raw vegetables and fruits you can’t peel yourself
- Be cautious with street food – choose vendors with good hygiene
- Avoid ice in drinks unless you’re sure it’s made from safe water
- Try local specialties like braai (BBQ) and biltong safely
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer
- Handshakes are the most common form of greeting
- “Ubuntu” – philosophy of interconnectedness and respect for humanity
- Learn basic phrases: “Sawubona” (Zulu hello), “Hallo” (Afrikaans)
- Respect personal space and cultural differences
- Eye contact is important during conversations
- Be patient – “African time” is more relaxed
- Wait to be seated at restaurants – don’t seat yourself
- Try local cuisine: braai (BBQ), biltong, boerewors, potjiekos
- Tipping is customary: 10-15% at restaurants, more for excellent service
- Table manners are important – use utensils properly
- “Braai culture” – social BBQ gatherings are very important
- Wine culture – South Africa has excellent wines to try
- Apartheid history – be respectful when discussing sensitive topics
- 11 official languages – English is widely spoken
- Diverse cultures – Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaner, Indian, and more
- Photography etiquette – ask permission before photographing people
- Dress modestly when visiting townships or religious sites
- Be open-minded and embrace the “Rainbow Nation” diversity
- Lightweight, breathable fabrics – cotton and linen work best
- Layering pieces for temperature changes throughout the day
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for various terrains
- Wide-brimmed hat and quality sunglasses for sun protection
- Light jacket or fleece for cool evenings and air conditioning
- Long pants and sleeves for mosquito protection and cultural sites
- Swimwear if visiting coastal areas or hotels with pools
- High SPF sunscreen (30+) – reapply frequently
- DEET-based insect repellent for mosquito protection
- Personal medications in original containers with prescriptions
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes for hygiene
- Moisturizer and lip balm – climate can be very dry
- Basic first aid supplies – bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers
- After-sun lotion or aloe vera gel
- Universal power adapter – South Africa uses Type M plugs
- Portable charger/power bank for long days of sightseeing
- Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
- Smartphone with offline maps downloaded (Google Maps, Maps.me)
- Headphones for flights and entertainment
- E-reader or tablet for entertainment during travel
- Voltage converter if needed for sensitive electronics
- Passport and visa (keep copies separate)
- Travel insurance documents and emergency contacts
- Flight tickets and accommodation confirmations
- Driver’s license if planning to rent a car
- Emergency cash in USD and local currency
- Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
- Day pack or small backpack for excursions