South Africa

For many years South Africa has been top of my list of countries to travel, Filled with stunning scenery, modern cities and all the big five wildlife. South Africa was an amazing country to finally get the pleasure to visit. I travelled to South Africa with my Younger brother, the trip was a gift to him for passing his GCSE exams. We started in Johannesburg and drove down to Cape Town, we had an amazing two weeks but as usual it wasn’t enough time, I would still like to go back and explore more of this beautiful country.

Best Time to Visit
South Africa’s seasons are the opposite of Europe, their winter is from May to August while there summer months are from November to February. However, it is a year-round destination due to its regional climates which differ from one another and its wildlife that can be enjoyed all year round.
Things to do and see

1. Table Mountain: forms a landmark overlooking cape town and is a major tourist attraction. Guests can take a cable car up the mountain or hike to the top. Once at the top, the views of Cape Town are amazing.

2. Cape of Good Hope: Is the southern tip of Africa, the scenery is amazing and worth the visit when visiting Cape Town.
3. Boulders Beach: Boulders Beach is a stunning location, with three pristine beaches, one of the beaches is home to a colony of African Penguins.

4. Kruger National Park: Is one of the most popular and largest game reserves in Africa. Wildlife thrive in this park making it an ideal safari.
5. Addo Elephant National Park: Offers a range of game viewing and outdoor activities. The game reserve is also famous for viewing the big five.

Food
South Africa doesn’t really have a national dish, most restaurants will serve international dishes, but cooked with south African flavours. Game meat is popular though out the country. on offer, is Buffalo, crocodile, Giraffe and ostrich to name a few. South Africa’s coast lines offer a delicious supply of seafood.
Transportation
Air: British airways and virgin Atlantic are among the airlines that fly directly to South Africa from Europe. There are serval domestic airlines that operate in South Africa, the flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg is 2hrs, 15min.
Roads: Roads in South Africa are well maintained, and the highways connect to all major cities. The only untarred roads are in rural areas. Drivers drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Taxi: Uber operates in South Africa. There are also meter taxi’s in all major cities. minibus taxis run between the main towns also.
Bus: Coaches run international to all countries in the South of Africa, and domestic coaches operate to connect all cities and towns in South Africa.
Ferry: The main ports of Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London and Cape Town are used for industrial purposes and international cruises.
Rail: There are luxury and standard trains that run between, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, Durban and Cape Town.

Visa
Visas are not required by all EU, U.S, Canadian and Australian nationals.

Language
South Africa has eleven official languages. The most widely spoken languages are Zulu, Xhosa and Afrikaans. However, majority of the people speak English.

Money
The currency in South Africa is the rand (ZAR). Credit cards, Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted at most hotels, lodges and restaurants in South Africa. Majority Petrol stations require you to pay cash.

Tipping
It is customary to tip 10-15% for good service. You do not have to tip if the service charge has already been added to the bill.

Racism/Sexism/Discrimination

Social etiquette
Most of South Africa especially in the bigger cities are westernised.

Adaptor
South Africa has several associated plugs, one of them is the same plug as in the UK, the three pins in a triangular pattern. Another is the three round pin plug and the two round pin plugs.

Wi-Fi
Internet cafes are common throughout South Africa. The airports, restaurants and hotels also have Wi-Fi connections. Some free while other places may charge a fee.