South Africa Travel Guide & Advice

South Africa is one of the most diverse countries in Africa, containing a unique mix of African and European culture. The major cities are hives of activity, where the multitude of cultures blends together and modern skyscrapers have sprung up amongst the grand old colonial buildings. Yet you don’t have to travel far from the urban areas to find yourself surrounded by open, sweeping landscapes. The natural beauty of South Africa is hard to exaggerate; it is home to many wild animals including the Big 5, and a tenth of the world’s plant life. In South Africa you will find grasslands, savannah, deserts, subtropical forests, the unique Fynbos environment, rugged mountains, wild coastlines and sandy beaches. The people of South Africa are friendly and welcoming; they enjoy their food and spending time outdoors and will always welcome another around the braai.

South Africa has a temperate climate and this can be broken down into climatic zones. The east coast is subtropical and humid most of the year, the south west has a climate very similar to the Mediterranean, the centre is predominantly dry grassland, and the north-west is largely desert. As it is in the southern hemisphere the seasons are reversed, and it is not uncommon for South Africans to celebrate their Christmas holidays on the beach. However if you’re planning a safari, you are far more likely to spot wild animals (and whales) in the South African winter.

If you plan on staying in South Africa for less than 90 days, British Passport holders will not need a Visa. Customs officers will place a sticker in your passport (be sure to have at least two empty pages in your passport available for this). Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days after your return to the UK (children can travel on their parent's passport up to an age of 15). Furthermore, you must have a flight ticket in your possession for a confirmed return or stop-over flight.

South Africa’s warmer climate brings a greater risk of becoming ill than at home. There are more varieties of bacteria in a hot climate that your body won’t be used to if you don’t live in that area of the world. There is a risk of malaria in the North East and along the East coast north of Durban. If you are travelling to one of these areas, please consult a health-care professional for the latest advice on malaria prophylaxis as it changes regularly.

South Africa has a well developed road system, making it the perfect place to rent a car. Public transport operates but is not particularly reliable in the big cities, so most travellers will embrace the freedom a rented vehicle provides.

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