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What to Expect

Climate
Money
Plugs
Getting Around
Sim Cards/eSims
Safety
LGBTQ+

With varied climates across South Africa, summers along the coast can range from dry and warm in Cape Town to hot and humid in Durban. In the winter, coastal areas experience cooler, rainy days, and you can expect snow in the Drakensberg and the Western Cape.

The best time to visit South Africa depends on what you want to see. In the winter months (June to August) it’s prime time for a safari in Kruger National Park. The temperatures are cooler and the bush is thin, making it easier to spot the Big 5. Plus, it’s low-season and you can scoop up incredible winter deals.

But if you’re looking to escape the cold, plan your trip to South Africa between November and March. It’s summer, and you can expect near-perfect beach days in Cape Town and plenty of outdoor festivals.

The currency in South Africa is the Rand. The majority of retailers and restaurants accept Visa and Mastercard as payment. Tap-and-go payments are widely used, and SnapScan is a popular mobile payment option.

While cards are generally accepted, it’s important to carry some cash, especially for toll gates, and tips at restaurants, parking attendants, and other services.

Most plugs in South Africa are 2-prong or 3-prong in type C, D, M, and N. I recommend buying a universal adapter with surge protection and using a converter for hairdryers.

The best way to get around South Africa is with a car. There are car rentals at all the major airports, but check your route beforehand to see if you need to rent a 4×4 or not. The main national roads are in good condition (with a pot hole here or there), but if you’re going to drive on dirt roads, you might need a car with higher clearance.

For Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, you can get around easily using Uber. However, if you’re going to the Garden Route or other small towns, you won’t have access to ride-sharing services. You’ll need to organise a paid transfer or book a metered taxi.

On a budget? You can use South Africa’s long distance buses to get around. There’s only one snag – the departure and arrival times are sometimes at 3am in the morning and you might not be able to organise someone to drop you off/fetch you from the bus stop.

You can buy a local SIM card at Cape Town International Airport or from a retailer in the city. Vodacom has a popular tourist SIM card and you will need to show your passport to purchase one.

But if you want to save time, I highly recommend buying an eSIM (if you have a comptaible phone). With an eSIM from Airalo, you can download your eSIM before arrival and have coverage as soon as your plane lands.

Is South Africa safe? That’s one of the most common questions I get asked. I’ve lived here all my life, and it feels the same as all the other big cities I’ve visited. You need to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions like you would anywhere else.

I would avoid walking alone at night or down quiet streets (even if you’re with a group). Don’t leave valuables in your car (especially if visible and always keep your doors locked and windows closed.

When you do use ride-sharing services, share your location with a friend and make sure someone has your itinerary and hotel information.

South Africa is one of the safest LQBTQ+ countries in Africa. It legalised same-sex marriage in 2006, and Cape Town has a thriving drag and queer party scene.