Explor-ing South Africa
Travelling in South Africa
South Africa is a beautiful country, it is often described as the world in one country and is also commended for having some of the friendliest people. South Africa is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, it is also one of the linguistically diverse countries in the world with 11 official languages, but most South Africans can barely speak 3 and most understand and are able to communicate in English, the South African accent was recently voted as the sexiest in the world and there is still great debate in the country as to which dialect. We also have numerous unofficial languages brought over from European settlers, these range from Portuguese (which is the main language of neighboring country Mozambique) and put Nando’s on the global map through to Italian and even Hebrew and Arabic which can be found in many different smaller communities throughout the country. Apart from the diversity of our people, South Africa has some of the world’s most striking features in our landscapes ranging from mountain ranges breaking out of the ocean, to oceans meeting and not mixing, through to areas as mind-boggling as the Drakensberg Mountain range and the Blyde River Canyon.
Your First Time?
It’s Okay! We all had to start somewhere. If it is your first time traveling to South Africa. We almost always recommend going through a travel agency or booking a pre-scheduled tour. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to see all the magic that the country has to offer but it is the simplest way to book your trip. But if you are already a seasoned explorer or previously traveled to other parts of Africa, have a look at our best places to explore in Southern Africa, but before you do please read through our Travel Safety tips for South Africa.
Kruger Tours
Duration: 5 days, 4 nights
Kruger National Park
Cost: $1800 (pps) (exluding flights)
Miles Travelled: 700 (1100km)
The Kruger National park is by far one of our favourite places to visit, apart form the actual park going, to the kruger is to a large extent also the journey, where some of our other popular visit you have to go out of your way to find specific
When to Visit SA?
The best time to visit South Africa is without a doubt during Spring to Early summer (September – November) and again in late Summer to mid-Autumn (February – April). Over the December holidays (summer), hordes of foreign visitors descend upon the country and this also happens to coincide with the peak of the local school holidays which means inflated prices and busy places. The spring and autumn seasons have slightly milder weather, but you can also do seasonally exclusive experiences like whale watching in the Western Cape (which starts in June and ends in October) or the blossoming of wildflowers in Namaqualand (September) along the west coast or Trout Fishing in Mpumalanga (August – September). Safaris tend to be a lot better during the drier seasons (May – September in Kruger National Park and Pilanesburg) as water becomes scarce forcing most animals out of hiding but this is also when prices become more affordable on accommodation and tours as demand is significantly lower.
- Sight Seeing 90%
- Food 70%
- Adventure Rating 50%
- Activities 80%
South Africa is known for many things, but Capetown and The Kruger is definitely at the top of the list no matter who you ask. Both places are incredibly unique and polar opposites in terms of offerings.
Best Food & Drink
1. La Colombe (Constantia, Cape Town)
If You’re coming to South Africa for the food, There are few places that provide a better stopover than La Colombe. The bold and unique dishes will have you talking about this restaurant for years to come. Map
2. The Test Kitchen (Woodstock, Cape Town)
The original Michelin Star Restaurant in South Africa, rated as one the top 100 restaurants in the world, the Menu is incredibly unique but this is a once in a lifetime experience, plan to book months in advance. Map
3. The Restaurant at Waterkloof (Somerset West)
Dont let the boring name fool you, cuisine is classical with a modern French twist, with favourites such as the Joostenberg Vlakte duck breast, served with hibiscus-infused oven-roasted turnips. The degustation menu offers a chance to sample many dishes and is available with wine-pairing. Map
Recent Travels
Take a look at our recent trips, travels and posts.
Hiking Trails in Johannesburg: Best Routes for Every Kind of Explorer
Johannesburg might be known for its skyline, city lights, bustling energy, and fast-paced lifestyle, but hidden between its suburbs are some of Gauteng’s most beautiful green escapes. Beyond the highways and business districts, the city unfolds into ridges, dams,...
Fourways Farmers Market: The Kind of Weekend You Actually Needed
A Market That Lets You Actually Breathe; Fourways Farmers Market won't be found advertising on billboards. You won’t find influencers dangling champagne flutes or striking yoga poses on hay bales for content. And honestly, that’s part of the charm. Hidden among the...
Margaret Roberts Herbal Centre: A Midweek Stroll In Her Gardens
There’s something oddly romantic about driving down crumbling mountain roads in the middle of the week, chasing herbal dreams and old-world charm. Margaret Roberts Herbal Centre, perched in the hills just past Hartbeespoort, feels like the kind of offbeat outing that...