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Travel Guide
Visiting South Africa
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Top Attractions in South Africa
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
Cape Winelands
The Cape Winelands fan out from Cape Town into the valleys of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl, producing world-class Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon under a backdrop of granite peaks. Franschhoek, founded by French Huguenot settlers in the late 17th century, is also a celebrated culinary destination with a concentration of award-winning restaurants along its single main street. Cycling between estates is a popular and leisurely way to sample the route.
Kruger National Park
Kruger is one of Africa's largest game reserves, covering nearly two million hectares of savanna in Limpopo and Mpumalanga. It is home to the Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, rhinoceroses, and Cape buffalo, as well as hundreds of bird and reptile species. The dry winter months from May to September offer the best game viewing as animals concentrate around water sources.
UNESCO World Heritage
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in South Africa. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
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4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for South Africa.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Health & Safety
Health & Emergency Info
Before You Travel
Before you travel check that: you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation your destination can provide the healthcare you may need This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. Emergency medical number Dial 112 (from a mobile) or 10177 and ask for an ambulance. Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. There may be other regional emergency numbers available, check locally. Vaccine recommendations and health risks At least 8 weeks before your
Full health advice (FCDO) →Emergency Numbers
Police10111
Ambulance10177
Fire10177
Health information sourced from UK FCDO. Always consult a travel health professional before departure.
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting South Africa
Entry requirements vary by passport; check your specific requirements on the South Africa destination page at Yoogo.
South Africa uses the South African Rand (ZAR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and larger towns, though it is worth carrying some cash for smaller establishments, markets, and rural areas. ATMs are widely available and generally offer competitive exchange rates.
South Africa has high levels of petty crime and violent crime in certain areas, so travellers should take sensible precautions. Avoid displaying expensive items in public, use reputable transport, and stay aware of your surroundings. Stick to well-lit, populated areas at night and research the neighbourhoods of your accommodation before arrival.
Renting a car is the most flexible way to explore South Africa, and the road network between major cities is generally good. Intercity buses and the Gautrain rail service in Johannesburg are reliable options. Metered taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Bolt operate in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. Public minibus taxis are widely used by locals but can be unpredictable for unfamiliar visitors.
South Africa is a year-round destination, but the best time depends on your plans. May to September (the dry winter) is ideal for wildlife viewing in parks like Kruger, as vegetation thins and animals gather at water sources. October to April (the wet summer) is better for birdwatching and seeing newborn animals, and the Western Cape has its best weather from November to February.
South Africa has twelve official languages, including Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, English, Sotho, Tswana, Tsonga, Swazi, Venda, Sepedi, Ndebele, and South African Sign Language. English is widely spoken in cities, tourist areas, and government services, making it the most practical language for visitors.
No vaccinations are required to enter South Africa unless you are arriving from a yellow fever risk country, in which case a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccinations such as tetanus are generally recommended. Malaria is present in low-lying areas of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal, including near Kruger National Park, so consult a travel health clinic at least four weeks before departure.
Tipping is customary and appreciated in South Africa. In restaurants, 10 to 15 per cent of the bill is standard for good service. It is also customary to tip safari guides, hotel porters, car guards, and petrol station attendants. Keep small denomination Rand notes on hand for these everyday gratuities.