Travel Tips
Time Zone
South Africa is 2 hours ahead of GMT (GMT+2).
Weather
South Africa has a wide range of climates. It’s crucial to check the local weather for the place you intend to travel. Average temperatures in South Africa range from 15℃ to 36℃ in the summer and -2℃ to 26℃ in the winter. In contrast to the rest of the country, which receives summer rainfall, the Western Cape has a winter rainfall. Provinces like KwaZulu-Natal, Northwest, and Gauteng frequently see lightning and thunderstorms. Positively, the South African climate has an abundance of sunshine.
Cellular Phones
Free wi-fi is available at airports, hotels, restaurants and golf courses so that you can access Google, Google Maps, WhatsApp, and other apps.
Should you prefer to have network in non-wi-fi areas consider getting a local Sim card with data at any international airport e.g B4i.travel allows you to order a SIM card online in advance. When you get to the airport, you can bring your unlocked phones to the terminal store, where they can install the SIM card and get you up and running. Before you depart, you are given your local number. An additional benefit is that you do not have to with RICA registration is an additional benefit.
Safety
- Keep passports and important documents in a safe at your hotel and carry a copy whilst out and about.
- When self-driving, keep bags out of view to prevent ‘smash and grab’ opportunists.
- When self-driving, avoid driving at night, picking up hikers or interacting with beggars or loiterers.
- Do not display expensive items e.g. valuables, jewellery, electronics or large amounts of cash.
- Avoid using ATM’s on the street or at night.
- If driving through a safari park, strictly follow the park’s rules and regulations. Stay inside your vehicle at all times and admire the animals from a safe distance.
- The Western Cape Government’s Safety Plan launched in 2019 has put tourism safety as a top priority: 3000 law enforcement officers and 150 investigators were deployed to assist in prosecution, use of data and intelligence to identify vulnerable areas and a world-class evidence-led prevention programme were implemented.
- Visiting Townships: Crime is a reality but tours in townships occur every day without incidents. We advise that you opt for a guided tour with a SATSA registered operator who has knowledge of the area and a planned itinerary. Always be aware of surroundings and stick close to your tour group.
Navigation
- When you have wi-fi / data, use Google/Apple maps on your phone.
- When you do not have wi-fi/data download offline maps, or
- Consider adding a GPS to your car rental.
Own/public transport
- It is generally advised against utilising public transport because of safety and convenience issues.
- The Gautrain is a reliable commuter train that connects Johannesburg, Pretoria and O R Tambo International Airport.
- In Cape Town, the MyCity bus system offers a good service. Check the Gautrain and MyCity websites for all information. Uber is also accessible in urban areas. Be sure to check the license plate number to corresponds with your app before you get in.
Self-drive
- Be alert and aware of your directions.
- Keep the car doors locked and windows up when waiting at traffic lights or stop streets.
- Avoid driving after dark if possible.
- Some roads may have potholes/poorly surfaced rural roads. Nothing should be left in the car. If you must leave it, make sure it is out of sight, either in the trunk, under the seat, or in the glove box.
Gratuity
South Africa has a tipping culture, and the general rule is 10% of the total amount of the bill / service rendered.
- Hotels: Average tip: R20–R500 (depending on length of stay and services received).
- Restaurants: 10% is the absolute minimum, but 15% and up is more usual.
- Golf Caddies: Average tip: R250–R350.
- Safari staff: Average tip: Three-day safari at R100–R250 per couple per night. Something to consider: It’s generally accepted that you tip the ranger and tracker separately. At luxury lodges tips for your ranger and tracker should be R1000 and higher.
- If you would rather leave a tip in cash, be careful not to carry a lot of cash.
Health
- Vaccinations/Illnesses: There is no compulsory vaccinations.
- Asthma: It is advised to carry an inhaler and wear a buff or scarf around your face whilst on safari due to the dusty wildlife drives in open vehicles.
- Malaria: Before embarking on a journey to malaria-prone areas in South Africa, obtaining a prescription for antimalarial medications is recommended. High-risk areas include the Kruger National Parl and Sabi Sands. Taking preventive measures, including malaria tablets, is always recommended.
Loadshedding
Scheduled power outages may occur but hotels, shopping malls and tourist attractions are well equipped with back-up generators to ensure an uninterrupted stay.
Golf bookings T’s & C’s
- Clubs restrict or forbid playing two-ball or twosome, particularly on the weekends. In preference of weekend four-ball arrangements, the long-standing unwritten norm that twosomes had precedence on the course appears to have completely vanished. If you insist on only having two golfers, you will still need to pay for a four-ball format.
- A previously made booking will not be refunded in the event of bad weather.
Best Time to Visit South Africa
(Lowest rainfall & sunny weather)
Golf & Safari
- Western Cape, Garden Route & Winelands
- Gauteng & North West
- Mpumalanga, Kruger & Sabi
- Kwa-Zulu Natal & Midlands
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Best Months to Visit:January – April |
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Best Months to Visit:May – September |
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Best Months to Visit:May – September |
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Best Months to Visit:May – September |
- Western Cape, Garden Route & Winelands
- Gauteng & North West
- Mpumalanga, Kruger & Sabi
- Kwa-Zulu Natal & Midlands
Best Months to Visit:
January – April
October – December
Best Months to Visit:
May – September
Best Months to Visit:
May – September
Best Months to Visit:
May – September