Plan
your trip with this essential South Africa travel guide - covering
visas, safety, weather, culture, and transport tips to help you
explore one of Africa’s most diverse and breathtaking destinations
with confidence.
Country: South Africa
Continent / Region: Africa / Southern Africa
Capital City: Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial)
Government Type: Parliamentary Republic
Population: Approx. 61 million
Official Language(s): 11 official languages (including English, Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans)
Percentage of Population Who Speak English: ~32% (widely used in tourism)
Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
Time Zone (GMT): GMT+2
Driving Side: Left
Electric Plug Type / Voltage: Type D/M/N – 230V
Adapter Needed: UK travellers require a plug adapter
Emergency Numbers: 10111 (Police), 10177 (Ambulance), 112 (Mobile)
Travel Time from the UK (London): 11–12 hours (direct to Johannesburg or Cape Town)
Best Time/Months to Travel: May–September (safari season), November–March (beaches & Cape Town)
Main International Airports:
- Visa Requirements: Varies by nationality
- Visa Needed for UK Citizens: Not required
- Visa Duration / Cost: 90 days; free entry
- Vaccinations Needed: Routine vaccines; Yellow Fever certificate required if arriving from a risk country
Embassy Information (UK Embassy in South Africa):
Average Daily Costs: £40 / £80 / £180+
Tipping Culture: 10–15% in restaurants; tipping common for guides and drivers
Public Transport Options: Buses, Gautrain (Johannesburg), taxis, rideshares
Approx. Cost of Single Fare: R20–R40 (local buses), R30–R60 per km (taxis)
Internet / SIM Availability: Good 4G/5G; Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom
Main Climate Type: Mediterranean (Cape), subtropical (east), semi-arid inland
Average Temperature: Winter 8–20°C; Summer 20–35°C
Major Cities: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth
Natural Attractions: Kruger National Park, Table Mountain, Drakensberg, Blyde River Canyon, Garden Route
Popular Destinations: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Stellenbosch, Kruger National Park, Garden Route towns
Main Religions: Christianity (majority), traditional African religions, Islam, Hinduism
Cultural Etiquette / Customs:
Cuisine Highlights: Braai (BBQ), biltong, bobotie, Cape Malay curry, bunny chow, melktert, South African wines
Local Festivals:
Famous Landmarks: Table Mountain, Robben Island, Kruger National Park, Cape of Good Hope, Drakensberg Amphitheatre
Overall Safety Rating: Moderate; caution needed in cities
Common Scams: ATM scams, unofficial taxis, tour overcharging
Health Risks: Malaria in some lowveld areas (Kruger region), sun exposure
Recommended Clinics: Private hospitals in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban
Insurance Recommendation: Strongly advised, including medical evacuation
Internet Speed: Good 4G/5G in major areas; patchy in rural regions
Useful Phrases:
Must-See Attractions: Kruger safaris, Table Mountain, Cape Winelands, Robben Island, Garden Route, Boulders Beach penguins
Unique Experiences: Township tours (ethical operators), shark cage diving, wine tastings, safari game drives, scenic coastal drives
Hidden Gems: Cederberg Mountains, Wild Coast, Clarens, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Langebaan Lagoon
Popular Areas to Stay: Cape Town Waterfront, Camps Bay, Stellenbosch, Sandton (Johannesburg), Umhlanga (Durban)
Average Hotel Prices: £30 / £70 / £150+
Book A Hotel: You can book your accommodation right here.
Nightlife Areas: Cape Town Long Street, Johannesburg Melrose Arch, Durban Florida Road
Local Drinks: South African wines, craft beers, Amarula
Entertainment: Live music, beach bars, jazz lounges, wine estates, markets
Car Rental: Highly recommended for flexibility
Domestic Flights: Frequent and affordable
Trains: Limited; some scenic tourist lines
Taxi / Rideshare Costs: Uber widely used; meter taxis vary
Best Markets: V&A Waterfront Market, Neighbourgoods Market (Johannesburg), Durban Markets
Popular Souvenirs: Beadwork, carvings, local art, Rooibos tea, wine, textiles
Local SIM Card Providers: Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom
Typical Business Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. (Mon–Sat)
Tap Water Safety: Safe in major cities; check when rural
Local Apps to Download:
Did You Know?
South Africa has three capital cities and is home to the world's oldest meteor crater — the Vredefort Dome.