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Browse and explore the best travel guides in South Africa.
South Africa is one of the most varied countries on the African continent, with Cape Town and its mountain and ocean setting in the southwest, the Garden Route winding east along the coast, and Kruger and the surrounding private reserves delivering Big Five safaris in the northeast. Add the winelands of Stellenbosch, the Drakensberg mountains, and a strong food and design scene in Johannesburg, and a single trip can cover everything from city break to bush. Driving is on the left and English is widely spoken.
Capital
Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial)
Population
~60 million
Area
1,221,037 km²
Time Zone
SAST (UTC+2)
Currency
South African Rand (ZAR)
Languages
English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa and 7 other official languages
Main Airports
JNB (Johannesburg), CPT (Cape Town), DUR (Durban)
Visa
Visa-free up to 90 days for many nationalities
Best For
Safari, wine country, coastlines, road trips
Typical Cost Level
Mid-range
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Entry rules, stay length and passport validity by nationality.
Most EU, UK, US, Canadian, and Australian citizens can enter South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days beyond departure and have at least two blank pages. Some other nationalities need a visa applied for in advance.
May to September is peak safari season in Kruger, with cooler dry days and high wildlife visibility. November to March is the best time for Cape Town and the Garden Route, when the Western Cape enjoys warm summer weather. Whale watching peaks July to November along the Cape coast.
Tourist areas in Cape Town, the Winelands, the Garden Route, and Kruger are generally safe with sensible precautions. South Africa has higher crime rates than most destinations, so avoid walking after dark in unfamiliar areas, hide valuables in the car, and use ride-hailing apps rather than hailing taxis on the street.
South Africa uses the South African Rand (ZAR). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including for small purchases and parking guards in some areas. ATMs are widely available; use bank-branch ATMs where possible to avoid skimming risks.
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