Destination guide
First Contact with South Africa
Wildlife, wine country, and dramatic coastlines
South Africa is a country of overwhelming variety. Cape Town and its winelands. The Garden Route along the southern coast. Kruger and the private reserves for wildlife. Johannesburg's museums and history. And, further afield, the Drakensberg mountains and the Karoo. A two-week trip covers highlights. A month lets you actually understand a place.
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First Impression
First contact with South Africa is usually Cape Town, which is one of the most spectacular city arrivals in the world, with Table Mountain rising behind the city and two oceans meeting at the cape. The country has real safety concerns that travelers should read up on honestly, and it also has some of the most rewarding travel experiences anywhere.
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Local Etiquette
- Greetings matter. A proper hello before asking anything.
- Tipping is expected. 10 to 15 percent at restaurants, small notes for petrol attendants and car guards.
- Ask before photographing people in townships, and use a local guide.
- In game reserves, follow the ranger's instructions without exception.
- Respect the country's history. Read a little before visiting Robben Island or the Apartheid Museum.
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Getting Around
A rental car is essential for anything outside Cape Town or Johannesburg. Roads are generally good, driving is on the left. Domestic flights (FlySafair, Airlink) cover the long distances cheaply. Uber works well in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. Do not walk in central Johannesburg at night without a local.
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What Everyone Should Try
- A sunrise hike up Lion's Head in Cape Town
- A day of wine tasting in Franschhoek or Stellenbosch
- A drive down the Cape Peninsula to Cape Point
- A three-night safari in Sabi Sand or a self-drive through Kruger
- A slow coffee morning in the Bo-Kaap neighborhood
Budget snapshot
What things actually cost
Hidden gems
Places most guides skip
Cederberg
A remote range four hours from Cape Town, with rock art and star skies.
Kalk Bay
A small fishing village on the Cape Peninsula, better for a slow day than Camps Bay.
Hogsback
A misty village in the Eastern Cape with forests said to have inspired parts of Tolkien.
Namaqualand in spring
The northwest desert bursts into wildflowers for a few weeks in August and September.
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Common Tourist Mistakes
- Doing only Cape Town. The country is much bigger and more varied than one city.
- Booking a cheap safari lodge in Kruger and expecting private-reserve quality of sightings.
- Driving at night on rural roads. Wildlife and low-visibility hazards are real.
- Ignoring safety advice in Johannesburg city center after dark.
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Best Time to Visit
October to April is the summer season, with warm coasts and green interiors. May to September is the dry season for wildlife viewing, with cool mornings on safari and mild days in Cape Town. Whale season on the Western Cape coast is roughly June to November.
Gallery
South Africa in three frames
Ready to go?
You've made first contact. Now start planning the trip.
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