Discover the charm of South Africa, a destination that shares a rich heritage and culture with India, and has been gaining immense popularity with Indian travellers. Embark on a journey of diverse landscapes and rich history from Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain and wildlife to the rich Kruger National Park. Discover the vibrant culture of Johannesburg and Durban, where a significant Indian influence can be seen, when it comes to the vibrant markets and the delectable local cuisine. 

South Africa, with its hospitable people and mix of adventure and culture, promises an unforgettable experience, for travellers from all around the World. 

Passport and VISA Requirements

Passport  

• Ensure your passport is valid for at least 30 days beyond the intended date of departure from South Africa.
• The passport should have at least two blank pages for entry stamps.

Visa

• Indian passport holders typically need a visa to enter South Africa.
• South Africa offers different types of visas for tourism, business, and other purposes.

Visa Application

• Apply for a South African visa at the South African High Commission or Consulate in your country.
• You may need to submit a completed visa application form, passport-size photographs, flight itinerary, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and proof of funds.

Yellow Fever Certificate

• South Africa may require a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are entering from or have recently visited a yellow fever-endemic country.

It is crucial to check with the South African diplomatic mission in India or the official website of the Department of Home Affairs of the Republic of South Africa for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa requirements and any changes in entry regulations. Always verify the requirements well in advance of your planned travel date.

Currency

Rand (ZAR; symbol R) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of R200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of R5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.

Xe.com is a useful site for exchange rates

Credit cards

MasterCard and Visa are preferred. American Express and Diners Club are also widely accepted. ATMs are available in all towns, cities and shopping malls and most petrol stations, and accept international cards. Almost all hotels, shops, restaurants, national parks, and game reserves accept credit cards.

ATM

ATMs are available in all towns, cities and shopping malls and most petrol stations, and accept international cards. Be alert when using ATMs, and do not accept help from anybody as con men are adept at switching cards. Check your statements afterwards for a few weeks too, as cloning machines are occasionally planted in ATMs. More obviously, be aware of who is hanging around and don’t withdraw money if your instinct tells you not to.

Best Time to Visit South Africa

The best time to visit South Africa depends on the specific regions and activities you plan to experience. Generally, the country has a diverse climate:

• Summer (November to February): This is the peak tourist season. Cape Town experiences warm and dry weather, making it ideal for beachgoers. Inland areas can be hot, and it’s an excellent time for safaris with wildlife being more active.
• Autumn (March to May): The weather remains pleasant, and it’s a good time for wildlife viewing as the vegetation starts to thin out.
• Winter (June to August): Cape Town can be rainy during these months, but it’s an excellent time for game viewing in the north, as animals gather around water sources. The temperatures are cooler, making it more comfortable for activities like hiking.
• Spring (September to October): The weather starts warming up, and it’s a lovely time to visit, especially for the wildflowers in Namaqualand.

Consider the specific regions and activities you have in mind when planning your visit to South Africa.

Best Places to Visit in South Africa

South Africa offers a diverse range of attractions, from vibrant cities to stunning natural landscapes. Here are some of the best places to visit:

Cape Town: Explore the famous Table Mountain, visit Robben Island and relax on the wonderful beaches of Clifton. Don’t miss the lively V&A waterfront and the historic Bo-Kaap district.

Kruger National Park: Kruger is one of the top safari destinations, home to a wide variety of animals, including the Big Five. Enjoy a classic Wild African Safari, and admire the landscape.

Johannesburg: Learn about the history of apartheid at the Apartheid Museum, explore Soweto and visit the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Durban: Enjoy the beaches, explore the Indian and colonial influences in the city. Don’t forget to visit uShaka Marine World for marine adventures.

Garden Route: Take this scenic route through charming towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Experience stunning coastal scenery, lush forests and outdoor activities.

Stellenbosch and Franschhoek: Explore the Cape Wine Region, known for its vineyards, wineries and scenic landscapes.

Port Elizabeth: Gateway to the Eastern Cape, known for its beautiful beaches, nature reserves and Addo Elephant National Park.

Drakensberg Mountains: A haven for nature lovers, offering hiking trails, spectacular views and the opportunity to explore the UNESCO World Heritage uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park.

Hermanus: Famous for whale watching, Hermanus offers beautiful coastal landscapes, art galleries and charming cafes.

Blyde River Canyon: Admire the world’s third largest canyon, known for its panoramic views, unique rock formations and lush vegetation.

Tsitsikamma National Park: Perfect for adventure seekers, this park offers activities such as the famous Storms River Mouth Suspension Bridge and hiking trails.

Best of South Africa in 7 Days –  Itinerary In Brief

• Day 1 – Arrival in Cape Town, South Africa and Local Sightseeing
• Day 2 – Cape Town Exploration ( Table Mountain + Bo Kaap + Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden + Sunset Champagne cruise)
• Day 3 – Drive to Cape Winelands – Stellenbosch & Franschhoek
• Day 4 – Safari drive in Aquila Private Game Reserve (See the African Big 5)
• Day 5 – Drive to Cape Agulhas (Southernmost point of the African continent)
• Day 6 – Drive to Hermanus ( See the Marine Big 5)
• Day 7 – Drive Along The Coast from Hermanus to Cape Town
• Day 8 – Departure from South Africa

Foods to Eat in South Africa

South Africa’s culinary landscape is a vibrant amalgamation of diverse influences, reflecting the country’s rich cultural background. An important experience is the “braai”, a grill with an open fire, where meat, fish and vegetables acquire a smoky flavour. Biltong and droëwors are popular savoury and dry foods, with biltong usually made from beef and droëwors from sausage. Bobotie, a baked dish of seasoned minced meat topped with an egg-based mixture, represents the delicious offering of Cape Malay cuisine.

In Durban, try the Indian inspired delicacy –  Bunny Chow, a hollow flatbread filled with delicious chicken, lamb or vegetable curry. Boerewors, a seasoned sausage enjoyed on the grill, combines beef and pork with spices such as coriander and caloric. Potjiekos, a slow-cooked stew made in a cast-iron pot, introduces a mixture of meat, vegetables and spices. Don’e forget to enjoy the sweet and gooey Malva Pudding for dessert, a dish inspired by the Cape Malay cuisine.

Influenced by Indian cuisine, Samosas are basically fried pastries filled with a seasoned meat or vegetable filling. A must try is the Koeksisters, a sweet fried pastry dipped in sugar syrup. Complement these delicious dishes with South African wines or Rooibos tea, and enjoy an immersive culinary experience in South Africa.

South Africa Travel Tips

• Plan your transportation in advance, especially for long distances between cities. South Africa has a well-developed road network, but it’s essential to consider travel times and potential delays.
• Research public transportation options, such as the Gautrain in Johannesburg or MyCiTi in Cape Town, for convenient city travel.
• If participating in safaris or wildlife excursions, adhere to park regulations and guidelines for animal encounters. Maintain a safe distance from wildlife and follow the instructions of experienced guides.
• Do not feed or provoke animals, and exercise caution in areas known for specific wildlife, such as snakes or large mammals.
• Check and follow vaccination requirements before travelling to South Africa. Consult with a healthcare professional for advice on malaria prevention if visiting certain areas.
• Drink bottled or purified water to avoid waterborne illnesses and take precautions against mosquito bites.
• South Africa is culturally diverse, with 11 official languages. Respect local customs and traditions. In rural areas and wildlife reserves, adhere to guidelines provided by guides to ensure a safe and respectful interaction with the environment and local communities.

South Africa Safety Tips

When visiting South Africa it’s important to remember about following simple rules to stay safe. It doesn’t mean you have to be scared or worried all the time, just take some precautions to make sure nothing will spoil your perfect holiday.

• If you want to go hiking do it in Cape Point Nature Reserve or on Table Mountain always during the day not after the sunset and don’t hike alone.
• Lock the car doors immediately after getting in.
• Don’t leave anything (not even a jacket or a book) in your car when you leave it, put things in the boot or hide under the seat.
• If you return late to your hotel from a bar or a restaurant and ask them to call you a taxi, don’t walk at night around the city.
• Don’t stop to pick up passengers.

Travel Insurance

It is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance from your travel agent. Health plans only provide limited coverage while travelling outside of the country. Your travel agent can offer you a complete travel insurance package. 

Some credit cards do offer travel insurance; however, they do not always provide adequate coverage. Review and understand the terms of your credit card insurance policy. Extra travel insurance can be purchased. 

Most insurance companies do have exclusions in their coverage. Pre-existing medical conditions are not insurable. High risk activities such as skydiving, parachuting, and bungee jumping are also not covered by insurance. Understand the complete insurance coverage you have before travelling out of the country.

For any further queries, please reach out to holidays@lykke.travel

About the Author – Arnav Mathur, is an avid traveller and one of the top travel bloggers in India. He is a well versed Tourism and Hospitality professional, having worked with multiple brands in India and outside. He has travelled quite a bit in South East Asia and Europe, and he is a qualified PADI DiveMaster as well. You can follow his journey on different Social Media platforms and on his website theETLRblog.com