Flights and Travel Guide to South Africa

South Africa – The Travel Capital of the world has everything that one can desire for a perfect holiday. The country is packed with one after another wonderful beaches, Giant Peaks, Abundant Wildlife, rare flora and fauna, rich culture, exciting festivals, delicious food, inspiring history, stunning architecture, friendly climate and about 2500km of incredible coastline. Adrenaline pumping sports are yet another attraction of South Africa. South Africa is where Imaginations becomes alive.

Neighborhoods of SA

Geography wise it constitutes the region dominating the Southern Tip of Africa, as the name indicates. Its coastline extends from the desert border with Namibia on the Atlantic coast, southwards around the tip of Africa, then north to the border with subtropical Mozambique on the Indian Ocean and also rims along Swaziland before rejoining Mozambique’s southern border. From West to East, after Namibia, South Africa neighbors with Botswana and Zimbabwe.

SA’s Top toured Cities

South Africa has three capital cities Cape Town, Bloemfontein and Pretoria. However, the cheapest flights to South Africa from London can be booked for Johannesburg more conveniently.

The Legislative Capital of South Africa, where the country’s parliament is found, is the Western Cape city of Cape Town, Bloemfontein City (also known as the city of Gardens) is the judicial capital, and home to the Supreme Court of Appeal and Pretoria city in the Gauteng province, is the administrative capital of the South Africa. The economic heart of financial capital of South Africa is Johannesburg. The port city is Durban and other top visited cities in South Africa include Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal Province and Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. All cities have their own airports and flights to Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Bloemfontein or Pietermaritzburg (Pitzburg) can be booked from any International airport worldwide.

South African Weather / Climate

Although any time round the year is a good time to visit South Africa, but if you are planning to go golfing, or take on a Safari or just Beach lazing … you may like to know the African Summers, Winters and Spring to find a time that best suits your plans.

The country’s climate as well as Topography varies dramatically from region to region, however overall classification of SA climate is Semi Arid. In the Lowlands from north to east and the Tropic of Capricorn slices in the extreme north is where the temperate are higher, and excellent Game viewing and wildlife Safari exists. The other extreme, is the high Drakensberg Mountains that form South Africa’s eastern escarpment the best place to Ski. However, the coldest place in the country is Sutherland in the western Roggeveld Mountains, with midwinter temperatures falling as low as -15ºC. The hottest weather is constrained in the deep interior, where 51.7ºC was recorded in 1948 near the Northern Cape Kalahari near Upington.

Transport / Getting In, Around and Out

As stated above many International airlines, more appropriately about 80% of the whole world’s airlines offer flights to South Africa. The top and high ranked International airlines like British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, South African Airways and Emirates Airlines offer direct flights to Johannesburg, which is also the cheapest entry point. While the other airlines including Qatar Airways, KLM, Air France, Cathy Pacific, Kenya Airways, Thai Airways, Malaysian Airlines, Lufthansa Airline, Swiss Air, Delta Airline, American Airlines and Iberia Airline offer flights to Cape Town and Johannesburg, often with one mid way stop over in another country (if you are flying from UK, Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, New Castle, Dublin, Glasgow, Gatwick, or other UK airports). The cheap flights or low cost airlines are Air Zimbabwe, Afriqiyah Airways, Egypt Airways, Royal Air Morocco, Ethiopian Airline and Alitalia Airline. Many airlines offer flights to Durban or Cape Town via Johannesburg. From Johannesburg onwards often a domestic flight with South African Airways or regional carrier Air Zimbabwe takes travelers to the next city.

Getting around South Africa is also convenient and safe to hire a hire a car from hotel or book in advance by a registered travel agency. In Garden Route, one can experience South Africa’s last remaining passenger steam train the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe. The new City Train in Johannesburg launched for the FIFA World Cup 2010, to connect the newly furbished stadiums throughout the province, is a new addition to Transport. The Baz Bus, Tourist buses, Subway and Taxis/Cabs are also accessible and a good budget option.

Airlines to/from South Africa

As stated above, about more than half the International airlines offer cheap flights to South Africa. Some of the prominent names are Air Botswana, Air France, Air Gabon, Air Madagascar,

Air Malawi, Air Mauritius, Air Namibia, Air Seychelles, Air Tanzania, Air Zimbabwe, British Airways, Cameroon Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, Comair Limited, Congo Airlines, Delta, Egypt Air, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Air, LAM Mozambique Airlines, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Olympic Airways, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Swiss International Airlines, Swazi Express Airways, TAAG Angolan Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, Thai Air, Varig Brazilian Airlines, Virgin Atlantic Airways and Air Zimbabwe Airlines.

SA sports, Things to do for Adrenaline Jokeys

If there is anything more popular than the wild Safari and Warm beaches in South Africa, it’s the Sports. South African’s are football crazy and Rugby addicted nation. They celebrate Sports and you will see that many bars and some restaurants display large-screen TVs for sports enthusiasts 24/7. Not just that but South Africa is a recent ‘Sport Inventor’ for introducing new Adrenaline pumping stuff like ‘Shark Cage Diving’ that is already making headlines. One such new sport is ‘Wave Jumping’ try it at the Knysna Town or ‘Ride an Ostrich’ at the Oudtshoorn Cycling is also a popular sport in Oudtshoorn. Also for extreme and excellent ‘Water Sports’ go to Port Elizabeth where sports is second name of the city. Bungee Jumping from Table Mountain is also part of the list.

If you are a ‘Whale Watching’ fan, visit South Africa from mid June to end of when the Southern right whales hang around off the coasts. Surfing and Diving, at the Cape Beaches is also not to be missed. ‘River rafting’ in Cape and in KwaZulu-Natal is worth a try.

Also, Para Trooping or Paragliding can be experienced almost anywhere. South Africa is the only country with a Flying Club that offers a Fighter Jet flight above Cape Town. You can go Trekking or Hiking at the Table Mountain in Cape or take an even bigger challenge and try Skiing at the Drakensberg, South Africa is all about trying Something new!

Places to see and fall in love with

There are a million attractions scattered throughout the country, but here I am summarizing only the Top twenty places to see, South Africa Attractions:

• Table Mountain
  Located in Cape Town, facing the beach Table Mountain is the country’s identification and most popular spot. It’s packed with tourists, artists, athletes, honeymooners, student groups and people from nearly all walks of life and age group. It is a flat topped mountain, from which it got its name and offers a cable car services for getting to the top and enjoy spectacular views fo the city. Also you can choose to hike or take a Jet ride over the mountain.
• Robben Island
  The second attraction worth mentioning here is the beautiful little wonder, Robben Island at about seven kilometers off the coast of Cape Town. It is a 3.3km long and 1.9km wide piece of Island that is only accessible by Ferry and requires advance reservation for tickets. It offers visits to the notorious prison where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for 18 years (1964-1982) and its Red roof light house is the life of many memorable photos.
• Cape Point
  Cape point is the stunning, lush narrow finger of land that lies almost in the middle of Cape of Good Hope and Table Mountain at the south-western tip of Africa. It falls within the Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site and overlooks the False. Cape Point is a major tourist spot and offers magical views of the ocean.
• Clifton Beach
  Clifton Beach offers a bunch of small beaches, near Cape City where small beaches are named numerically from one to four and offer their own specialties. It’s the most expensive real state in the city and great place to relax and play beach volley.
• Cape Castle, Castle of Good Hope
  Cape Castle or the Castle of Good Hope is known for its colonial type architecture and best preserved heritage. According to some people you cannot walk out of the castle without tears. The ‘Gate of No Return’ and the ‘Death Door’ offer a look into the dark chapters of Slave history on the African continent.
• Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
  The little fellows, Black foot African Penguins are the popular Mr. George, the huge turtle, said to be the only one of his kind reside at the Boulders Beach.
• Kruger National Park, Johannesburg
  Founded in 1898, Kruger National Park brings you face to face with the wild and offers once in a life time Wild Life Safari Experience. Located five hours north of Johannesburg and the park is home to the popular “Big Five” which includes buffalo, elephants, leopards, lions and rhinos.
• Johannesburg Zoo and Cheetah Sanctuary
  It’s a must visit for those on family trips and animal lovers. Cheetah Santury offers up close and personal experiences with these big cats, while the Celebrity wall of Johannesburg zoo tells the tale of who have been here before you. Also, you can volunteer to pet animals in the Johannesburg Zoo.
• The Garden Route
  The Garden Route on the south-eastern coast of South Africa starts at Mossel Bay and extends towards the Storms River. It offers visits to ten different nature reserves which boast lots of dolphins and seals. The Garden Route is home to almost 300 species of beautiful multi-colored birds. It is the most significant attraction of the country and also you can meet the endangered Southern Right Whales here.
• Durban Harbor & Golden Mile
  The scenic Harbor, the port basin, many Sailor clubs and a string of shark free, outstanding Surfing beaches at the “Golden Mile” is Durban’s specialty.
• Marine World Aquarium
  Another of Durban’s must-visit is the Marine World Aquarium and Durban’s Promenade where a variety of pubs, hotels, clubs, restaurants, mosques, temples, shops and the popular Victoria Indian Street Market promise a great food and fun adventure.
• Kyansa
  Kyansa is popular for its scenic and serene landscape. It’s the Makah of Artists from round the world. Another attraction of the place is the Oyster Festival.
• Stellenbosch
  It is the country’s second oldest town (estb. 1679). Its top attraction is the historic assets it posses and also the incredible wine route with 44 cellars.
• Oudtshoorn
  Ostrich eggs, Ostrich steaks, Ostrich Sausages and Ostrich Riding are what make Oudtshoorn a popular Town.
• The Drakensburg Mountain
  For the flavor of winters, head to the Drakensburg Mountains that stretches approximately 600 miles along the entire length of KwaZulu-Natal’s western boundary. It is the ultimate spot for sports lovers and offers plenty of activities including hike, bird/game watch, horse ride, quad biking, rock climbing, white water rafting and Skiing in winter.
• Royal National Park
  The Royal Natal National Park is rated one of the most beautiful parts of the Drakensburg and hosts Mont-aux-Sources (one of the highest mountains) and the musical Tugela Falls. Also, activities like hiking, horse riding and rock climber can be experienced here.
• Eco-tour Karkloof Canopy
  In Drakensburg, try the eco-tour Karkloof Canopy that offers a steel cable tour 30metres above the forest floor allowing you to witness the incredible scenery, chirping birds and natural wonders.
• Cape Winelands
  The Cape Wineries offer free wine tasting, excellent landscape and a look into the countryside. Located at the east of Cape Town the Wine lands are also home to the typical Dutch architecture from the 17th century. The Winelands comprise of several big and small regions, with their own special kind of wine and also offer their own wine tasting tours. South African wines also make a great souvenir and can be bought cheap here. Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Wellington, and Paarl are popular towns of the Cape Wine lands.
• Hogsback Amatola Mountains
  Hogsback is place that is said to have inspired Tolkien, when he wrote Lord of the Rings. It is situated in the Amatola Mountains, and offers out of this world landscape, lush greenery, rhythmic streams and many thundering waterfalls. Bird life is great in the Indigenous forests activities including trekking, trout fishing and horse riding are worth indulging in.
• Hermanus Western Cape
  Situated at 2 hours from Cape Town towards the Western Cape Hermanus is close to the most southerly point in Africa and offers excellent Whale Watching. You can also get to see the rare and endangered Southern Right Whale here. During the months from August to November you can daily experience whale watching from a cliff path which stretches from one side of Hermanus to the other.
• The Blyde River Canyon
  ‘God’s Window’ and ‘Wonder View’, The Blyde River Canyon is known for the heavenly landscape and spectacular views that promise to make your holiday picture, a master piece. The many waterfalls, lush and green pastures, a vast variety of flora and fauna are found here.
• Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
  This park is formed of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa and the Gemsbok National Park in Botswana, and is filled with large populations of animals, birds, reptiles, rodents, small mammals and antelopes. Head to the Kgalagardi Tran frontier park for bird watching or predator watch. Also, you can get footage of seasonal migrations of large African herbivores including Elands, Blue Wildebeest, Red Hartebeest and Springbok.
• Port Elizabeth Beach
  Port Elizabeth is situated in the middle of Cape Town and Durban on the shores of Algoa Bay at Indian. The city warm and pleasant weather, warm Indian Ocean beaches, scenic nature trails and year round sunshine.
• Sun City & Palace of the lost city
  The holiday resort, Sun City is much in demand attraction of South Africa. You can get entertained with by game watching, golfing or go gambling at Casino. The city is also famous of the “Palace of the Lost City”, which is a “rebuilt” palace (formerly destroyed by Earth Quake) based on a legend it was the royal residence of an ancient civilization of South Africa.
• Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve
  This Game reserve is a popular for Big cat encounters including lions, leopards and cheetahs.

Food & Shopping in the SA

For Big bargains, best buys and cheap yet awesome souvenirs, Great Shopping spots in South Africa are listed below:

Shopping spots around the country

• Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
• Garden Route Garden Route Mall, George
• Knysna Mall, Knysna
• Langeberg Mall, Mossel Bay
• The Grove, Pretoria
• Brooklyn Mall, incorporating Brooklyn Bridge Brooklyn, Pretoria
• Cresta Shopping Centre, Northcliff Johannesburg
• Dobsonville Shopping Centre, Dobsonville Johannesburg
• Greenstone Shopping Centre, Edenvale Johannesburg
• Hyde Park Corner, Hyde Park
• Southgate Shopping Centre, Mondeor
• The Mall, La Lucia, Durban
• Victoria Indian Street Market Durban
• Westville Mall, Buckingham Terrace, Westville
• Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Umhlanga Rocks, Durban

And more….

Food & Dinning

• Victoria Indian Street Market Durban offers both exotic shops and a string of restaurants offering flavor rich Indian food.
• Sea Food is great in Durban, at various beach shacks and also, in Cape Town.
• Meat is South Africa’s specialty try ‘Braai’ the South African Barbeque. Also keep the Braai festival and holiday dates in mind.
• The juicy, fruity and sweet Cape Malay cuisine is a must try specialty of Cape Town.
• Vineyards across the country produce great wines, try free wine tasting in Cape Wineries.

Other National specialties include Boerworst, Bobotie, Potjiekos, Bredie and Biltong whereas, South African National drinks are Umqombothi or Castle lager, red and white wines, sherries and brandies, Rooibos and Amarula Cream.

Dusk to Dawn, Night life in South Africa

Excellent restaurants, Casinos, Bars, Pubs, Clubs, Music Festivals, theatre, standup comedy and cinemas make for South African Attractions from Dusk till Dawn. Also, some cities host art house cinemas that screen less mainstream movies and run offbeat film festivals.

South Africa has a passion for Jazz, the nights are groovy in Cape Town with several live music venues and an annual international jazz festival. Also, other genre of music and performing arts including pop and rock, local music, folk music, country music, classical music and opera performances can be attended in big cities around the country.

Festivals, Events and celebrations in South Africa

No trip is complete without paying homage to African art and dancing. This is what most African festivals are about. Here is the list of some that you should check for and mark on your calendar.

• Jazz Festival
• Braai Festival
• Cape Town Mistreal Carnival (Coon Festival)
• Johannesburg Good Food & Wine Show
• Cheese Festival Franschhoek, Western Cape
• Harvest Festival
• Hermanus Whale Festival
• National Arts Festival
• Absa Klein Karoo National Arts Festival
• Gardenex & Outdoor Living Fair/Johannesburg
• Durban International Film Festival
• Southern Cross Music Festival
• Knysna Oyster Festival
• Afrikaanse Music Festival
• Awesome Africa Music Festival Durban

And more….

Travel Safety Warnings

Below are the warnings collected from individuals who have been there and done that:

• In the Wild, animal rights apply so allow them right of way, be careful not to invade their peace and certainly
• Use Mesquite repellant and spray to prevent malaria.
• Hippos kill more tourists that any other thing, so maintain a safe distance.
• When Elephants get grumpy and their ear veins are visible, it’s time to go or find a safe place.
• Close your car doors and shut your windows in the park to avoid Vervet Monkey thieves
• Careful driving is a must as crashing in a 800kg buffalos or Wildebeest is not an ideal situation to meet with one.
• Fill up your tanks and keep some extra petrol with you before you leave your campsite as its easy to lose track if you are on your own.
• Also there are specified opening and closing times to the gates at Kruger National Park so make sure to allow enough time to get in the gates
• Leopards and other animals have the tendencies to attack humans so stay close to your vehicle to avoid become food to them.
• No Littering Please leave it as good as it was when you came or rather better.
• Be extremely careful with cigarette butts and matches etc the dry bush can catch fire sooner than you can realize.
• Also, do not leave your food or barbecue leftovers outside or near the camp to prevent any invited guests like Hyenas, Wild dogs or Monkeys.
• Don’t feed the animals, even if it looks like there are friendly; remember they are still wild animals. Even the cuddly looking Penguin’s beak can easily tear off your nose or ear.
• Do not hold shopping bags, fruits or edible in areas where Monkeys and Baboons are common as they may try to snatch it from you and in such events many tourists have ended up with a few scratches and tetanus injections.
• The Legal drinking age is South Africa is 18 and older.
• Tipping is expected to be between 10 to 15% of the bill.
• To avoid any expensive air tickets, no ferry ride available or other potential problems make sure you plan your trip well in advance.

Passport and Visa entry requirements

Please note:

• At the time of travel, Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay.
• An onward or return ticket and evidence of sufficient funds can be required for Visa.
• Visitors to South Africa must have at least two consecutive blank (unstamped) pages in their passport, each time entry is sought; these pages are in addition to the endorsement/amendment pages at the back of the passport.
• Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
• Do not buy/sell or import/export live or stuffed animals, animal skins, animal fabrics, tusks/ivory items, birds or other living things without checking the Governments laws of South Africa as well as your home country. As the trade can be illegal in most cases.
• Do not Buy/Sell Gold or Diamonds without going through the Government Policy regarding legal import/export of valuable in South Africa as well as in your home country.

*The above requirements are indicative only as Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travelers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.