South Africa
Why Visit South Africa?
South Africa, the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup host country, offers the chance to experience a melting pot of diverse cultures, spectacular scenery and world-class attractions. Experience a Big Five safari in Kruger National Park, climb Table Mountain in Cape Town, watch Zulu dancers in Durban and visit the thriving township of Soweto in Johannesburg.
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South Africa Overview
South Africa has often been hailed as the Rainbow Nation, and has a diverse, young and thriving population that is equally matched by a diverse natural heritage.
From a scenic point of view, South Africa is renowned for its wide diversity of wildlife, birdlife and plant life. Bush grasslands with stalking lions, clear blue seas and pristine beaches, lush green vineyards bursting with grapes ripe for the picking and towering mountain passes dotted with indigenous flora – these are just some of the landscapes that may be discovered in South Africa.
Shopping centres can be found widely across the country, with plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, takeaways, 5-star establishments, bars, pubs, clubs and lounges on offer.
Highlights & Places in South Africa
South Africa is one the most developed countries within Africa. Landscapes and regions vary from game reserves to mountainous regions, coastal towns, farmlands, deserts, lush forests and thriving cities, with an equally diverse range of cultures found across the country.
The country’s largest cities are Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg, with a number of small towns to be found throughout. While Johannesburg lies inland, Cape Town is flanked by both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans and Durban falls on the Indian Ocean coastline.
The country also offers a wide selection of activities, such as safaris, township tours, city tours, scuba diving, cultural tours and an array of adventure sports.
Best Time to Visit South Africa
South Africa Weather
South Africa has a moderate climate. Summers are hot, running from November to March, with cool winters from June to August.
Maximum temperatures range from 15°C to 30°C. Minimum temperatures vary between 0°C to 16°C.
When to Go
Cape Town has a mild Mediterranean climate. Warm and dry summers. Rainfall in winter.
Durban has a warm, sub-tropical climate with mild weather most of the year round offering plenty of beach activities.
Johannesburg has a dry, sub-tropical highland climate, with clear winters and summer rain.
Getting There & Getting Around
Getting To South Africa
There are many ways to get to South Africa, with modern international airports in all major cities including Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. Domestic flights to neighbouring countries are also on offer, with a number of local and international airlines represented.
Various bus services run in most cities and towns, offering long-distance trips from neighbouring countries. There are also some train routes, but air travel is generally the easiest way to get into South Africa.
Getting Around South Africa
A number of rapid bus services are offered in most of the cities, offering a cheap and relatively reliable option to get around South Africa. Trains are less reliable, and mini-bus taxis may be cheap but can also be confusing. Private taxis offer a good way to get around for short distances.
Many cities offer cycling options, especially Durban, Cape Town and small towns. Busier cities may not have adequate cycling routes however. Scooters are readily available in most cities.
Low cost airlines connect Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and other locations in South Africa.
South Africa Tips : Know Before You Go
ATMs:
ATMs are widely available in even the small towns in South Africa. Major banks include Absa, FNB and Standard Bank.Forex/Money:
Foreign exchange facilities can be found in cities and some towns, and many banks offer this service too.Credit/Debit cards:
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at most large hotels, restaurants, stores and other outlets – small towns do not always accept cards however.Internet availability:
Internet in South Africa is improving all the time, with reliable, fast WiFi and broadband available at internet cafes, libraries and some coffee shops in the cities and larger towns.Drinking water:
Water is safe to drink in most cities and towns, straight out of the tap.Hospitals & Medical:
Healthcare in South Africa is good. The best in Africa. Government hospitals, private hospitals, clinics and facilities are found throughout the country.Visa Requirements:
Visitors from some countries may require a visa, so it is best to speak to your travel agent to see whether you will need to arrange a visa for your trip to South Africa.
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South Africa Accommodation: This page features 5 recommended places to stay in South Africa. View all 425 South Africa accommodation options.
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Ambassador Hotel Bantry Bay Price On Request
Category : Apartment Hotels,Hotels
The Ambassador is a luxury hotel with the finest dining facilities, prime seafront location and outstanding service, ensuring it is the perfect establishment for vacation or business travel.
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Cascades on 52 Bantry Bay Price On Request
Category : Boutique Hotels
Boasting a sought-after wind free location, thanks to the protection of Lion's Head mountain, the sleek, modern design of Cascades on 52 offers discerning guests a blissfully contemporary property situated in Bantry Bay. Did I mention this is a five star establishment?
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Ellerman House Bantry Bay Priced from ZAR 2,500 pps
Category : Boutique Hotels
Ellerman House offers exclusive accommodation in the heart of Bantry Bay, with a choice of stylish rooms on offer to suit every taste.
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Ellerman Villa Bantry Bay Price On Request
Category : Villas
Ellerman Villa offers private, exclusive villa accommodation in the heart of Bantry Bay, along the Atlantic Seaboard in Cape Town.
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The Bantry Bay Luxury Suites Bantry Bay Priced from ZAR 965 pps
Category : Hotels
Bantry Bay Luxury Suites is an ideal destination for business or leisure. While offering only the most luxurious in accommodations, guests are blessed with panoramic sea views and sun-filled balconies.
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South Africa Tours: This page features 5 package tours that visit South Africa. View all 57 South Africa tours and safaris.
-
Ambassador Hotel Bantry Bay Price On Request
Category : Apartment Hotels,Hotels
The Ambassador is a luxury hotel with the finest dining facilities, prime seafront location and outstanding service, ensuring it is the perfect establishment for vacation or business travel.
-
Cascades on 52 Bantry Bay Price On Request
Category : Boutique Hotels
Boasting a sought-after wind free location, thanks to the protection of Lion's Head mountain, the sleek, modern design of Cascades on 52 offers discerning guests a blissfully contemporary property situated in Bantry Bay. Did I mention this is a five star establishment?
-
Ellerman House Bantry Bay Priced from ZAR 2,500 pps
Category : Boutique Hotels
Ellerman House offers exclusive accommodation in the heart of Bantry Bay, with a choice of stylish rooms on offer to suit every taste.
-
Ellerman Villa Bantry Bay Price On Request
Category : Villas
Ellerman Villa offers private, exclusive villa accommodation in the heart of Bantry Bay, along the Atlantic Seaboard in Cape Town.
-
The Bantry Bay Luxury Suites Bantry Bay Priced from ZAR 965 pps
Category : Hotels
Bantry Bay Luxury Suites is an ideal destination for business or leisure. While offering only the most luxurious in accommodations, guests are blessed with panoramic sea views and sun-filled balconies.
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Things to do in South Africa: This page features 5 "must see" South Africa activities. View all 81 South Africa highlights we recommend.
-
Ambassador Hotel Bantry Bay Price On Request
Category : Apartment Hotels,Hotels
The Ambassador is a luxury hotel with the finest dining facilities, prime seafront location and outstanding service, ensuring it is the perfect establishment for vacation or business travel.
-
Cascades on 52 Bantry Bay Price On Request
Category : Boutique Hotels
Boasting a sought-after wind free location, thanks to the protection of Lion's Head mountain, the sleek, modern design of Cascades on 52 offers discerning guests a blissfully contemporary property situated in Bantry Bay. Did I mention this is a five star establishment?
-
Ellerman House Bantry Bay Priced from ZAR 2,500 pps
Category : Boutique Hotels
Ellerman House offers exclusive accommodation in the heart of Bantry Bay, with a choice of stylish rooms on offer to suit every taste.
-
Ellerman Villa Bantry Bay Price On Request
Category : Villas
Ellerman Villa offers private, exclusive villa accommodation in the heart of Bantry Bay, along the Atlantic Seaboard in Cape Town.
-
The Bantry Bay Luxury Suites Bantry Bay Priced from ZAR 965 pps
Category : Hotels
Bantry Bay Luxury Suites is an ideal destination for business or leisure. While offering only the most luxurious in accommodations, guests are blessed with panoramic sea views and sun-filled balconies.
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South Africa Map
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