South Africa – Here Africa

South Africa Safari

Travel Packages & Tours

South Africa is the perfect choice if you’re unsure where to head for your next holiday – whether you’re craving a beach retreat, a wildlife safari, an active getaway, or a cosmopolitan city full of modern attractions, South Africa has it all. Start your South African vacation with a visit to Cape Town, celebrated as the ‘best city in the world’, surrounded by beautiful views of mountains, beaches, and two oceans stretching into the distant horizon. Here Africa provides a selection of Cape Town travel packages to suit anyone who wishes to experience the Mother City. If you are a history enthusiast, you can visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. Take the cable car or hike up Table Mountain for a panoramic city view. Also, visit the Cape Winelands for wine tastings and picnics; mountains and green rolling hills surround the vineyards, making this region one of the most popular highlights in South Africa.

Cape Town Safaris

Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve allows Cape Town visitors to get up close and personal with Africa’s most famous animals, just a short drive from Cape Town. This tour is perfect for people wanting to enjoy a safari without sacrificing too much travel time in the country. Also, as the reserve is situated in the Western Cape, you will never need to worry about the risk of malaria. A one-day or two-day safari can easily and conveniently slot into your schedule and provide a fun excursion to enjoy some of the Cape’s most stunning flora and fauna.

Aquila Private Game Reserve is a 4-star family-friendly safari destination just a 2-hour drive from Cape Town. The 10,000-hectare conservancy is situated between the Langeberg and the Outeniqua Mountains in the Western Cape and is home to the Big 5. Game drives are offered on traditional safari vehicles, on horseback, or on quad bikes, each offering a unique experience with the wildlife at the reserve. Guests also have the opportunity to experience a fly-in safari by helicopter. The reserve has a large swimming pool with a poolside bar, serving cocktails and ice-cold beverages for socials.

Kruger National Park Safaris

Kruger National Park is the most famous national park in South Africa, situated in the northeast. It is also one of Africa’s largest game reserves, covering nearly 20,000 km². Home to the Big 5, as well as hundreds of other mammals, and more than 500 different bird species. Kruger National Park is a must-visit when traveling in South Africa.

KwaZulu-Natal Safaris

KwaZulu-Natal is a diverse South African safari destination with incredible mountains and beautiful coastal regions offering various options for exploration. Add a visit to Isimangaliso Wetland Park, the largest estuarine park in the country, to your itinerary to witness hippos, crocodiles, pelicans, flamingos, and many other species of birdlife.

Highlights of a Safari to South Africa

Like a world in one country, South Africa has it all. With many places to visit and attractions to see and do, from Cape Town in the south to the Kruger National Park in the north, there is something for everyone. Start your South African adventure in Cape Town and add a visit to Cape Point, a prominent landmark on the Cape Peninsula. Cape Point is known for its stunning views and historic lighthouse. Hikers, birders, and nature lovers should all book a day trip to Cape Point.

Exploring South Africa and Cape Town wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the mountainous beauty of the Cape Winelands. This region produces international and award-winning wines annually, and a wine tour allows you to taste different wines at a variety of vineyards along the way.

Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve is a popular destination for wildlife safaris in South Africa’s province of KwaZulu-Natal. The reserve is home to the Big 5 and more than 340 bird species, making it a great place for birdwatching.

Another popular national safari destination in South Africa is Addo Elephant National Park, which is the third-largest national park in the country. Situated in the Eastern Cape province, just a 30-minute drive from Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), Addo Elephant National Park was initially established in 1931 to provide a sanctuary for a few remaining elephants in the area, which have multiplied to over 600 in the century since. Today, the park offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, including the Big 5, antelopes, zebras, and over 150 bird species. Uniquely, the park goes beyond the traditional Big 5; it also hosts the Big 7, including the southern right whale and great white shark in its marine environment.

Banking and currency

Currency The currency is the South African Rand. There are R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10 notes. Banking Banks are found in most towns, and are generally open from 09h00 to 15h30 on weekdays and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays (Closed Sundays and Public Holidays). Most of them offer foreign exchange services – with cash, bank & credit cards. You can also obtain cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs). Several international banks have branches in the main city centers. Always advise your bank that you are traveling outside the country as they might block your purchases if they are not informed.

Travel, transport and getting around

Traveling around South Africa is relatively easy by air, road and rail. Main air routes are flown by SAA and British Airways (operated by Comair), and two low-cost carriers: Kulula.com and Mango. There are over 90 airports in South Africa, including Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in Nelspruit and Skukuza Airport, offering access to Kruger National Park. An extensive tarred road system makes traveling in South Africa by vehicle convenient and easy. There’s also the new Gautrain rapid transit railway system in Gauteng Province which links Johannesburg, Pretoria, Ekurhuleni and OR Tambo International Airport.

Food, drink and cuisine advice

Hygiene standards for food health and safety in South Africa are generally high in hotels, restaurants, pubs and nightspots. Tap water in all major cities in South Africa is safe to drink. Not all tap water in rural areas is safe for consumption, so take precautions if necessary. It is safe to eat fresh fruit, vegetables, and salads and to add ice to your drinks. South Africa’s fish, meat, and chicken are of excellent quality, so there is no need to limit yourself when enjoying the local cuisine. Restaurants are subject to South Africa’s food safety control legislation, which is implemented by the local government. Regulations include certification and regular inspections by health inspectors to ensure hygienic standards are maintained. Street food is not as common in South Africa as it is in other countries, although vendors selling traditional snacks and meals can be found in city centers and townships. Food safety in such instances cannot always be guaranteed.

Climate and weather

South African temperatures average highs of 28°C and lows of 8°C in the summer months. Winter temperatures range from 1°C at night to around 18°C in the day. With average annual rainfall under 500mm, making the country somewhat dry. Much of the rain falls in the Western Cape in the winter, differing from the rest of the country, which experiences summer rainfall. On the other hand, the sunshine makes up for it, with an impressive daily average of 8.5 hours.

Clothing and dress recommendations

Summer Bring clothes that are cool, light, and comfortable because summer temperatures can get well into the 30 – 40 degree Celsius range in some areas. Also, bring an umbrella or raincoat during summer as this is when most of the country gets its rain, but don’t forget a swimming costume (bathing suit). Winter The winters are generally mild, comparing favorably with European summers. But there are days when temperatures dive, especially in high-lying areas such as the Drakensberg, so be prepared with jackets, jerseys or sweaters. Cape Town gets its rain during the winter season so it’s advisable to bring rain gear along. General Always bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as the sun can be strong even in the winter months. Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round, with warm socks in the winter. For game viewing, neutral-toned items are advised.

Internet availability

Most accommodation as well as restaurants offer Wi-Fi (free or paid). Camps and lodges generally have good connection, unless extremely remote.

Electricity and plug standards

The standard voltage in South Africa is 230 volts (around 220-240 volts) at 50 Hertz. You’ll need a travel adapter with three-point round pins to use your electrical appliances. These adapters are also available at major airports.

Best time to visit South Africa

Planning your vacation to South Africa is an easy affair, as the country is considered a year-round destination with pleasant summers and mild winters. Depending on your chosen activities and interests, South Africa offers many opportunities to explore the country’s multitude of sights and sounds.

Average day temperatures during the spring and summer months, from September to February, are in the mid to high 20s °C. In autumn and winter, between March and August, average temperatures drop to around 15°C, making any time of the year ideal for a South African holiday. Discovering South Africa as a traveler from the Northern Hemisphere is ideal, as the South African summer coincides with winter on the other side of the world.

Best Time for a Kruger Safari

If a visit to the Kruger National Park is at the top of your list, then it’s best to plan your South African wildlife safari between May and September, during the drier months of the year. The sparseness of the natural surroundings makes spotting wildlife easier, as animals gather around waterholes during this time. If you want to witness the baby animals making appearances, the beginning of the rainy season in November is a terrific time for a Kruger safari.

Best Time to visit Cape Town and the Garden Route

If Cape Town and the Garden Route are your chosen destinations, the best time to visit is between September and May when it is hot and dry. From mid-August to late September, the fynbos florals are in full bloom, and the southern right whales visit the coastline. The Western Cape province experiences cold and wet conditions between June and September, so there are fewer tourists during these months.