South Africa does not always have a
good reputation which
is not justified: in fact, it is a wonderful destination for a trip to
independent! Wide variety of landscapes, endless activities, culture and rich
history make this country a memorable one, with friends or family.
Here are some tips for planning your
trip and do not miss this part of the world after Africa.
What do we to think before going
to South Africa?
Your itinerary: South Africa is a huge country (two
and a half times France) and places to visit abound. Depending on the time you
have, the first thing to do is set a few steps to get an idea of your itinerary
with the places you definitely want to see (I will make some suggestions
below).
Your accommodation: generally, it is
very easy to find accommodation on site daily and it is not always necessary to
book except perhaps in peak periods in Cape Town and Joburg.
Your Car: I'll talk a little further
but I highly recommend renting a car.
Your Health: No vaccinations are required for
South Africa if you do not come from an area at risk. It is still
recommended to be up to date with conventional vaccines. For malaria,
only the North East is an infected area but most travelers come here for
safaris and therefore it is recommended to take treatment.
Your bag: it's pretty mild throughout the year
in South Africa (even in winter), but some areas are at altitude so you have to
expect some warm clothes. Binoculars, a good camera is useful when observing
animals. Depending on your type of housing, also provide camping equipment.
Security in South Africa
As I said in the introduction, South
Africa does not have a great reputation. It is true that the numbers of
assaults, rapes, crime are quite impressive. Be aware that the country worked
hard to change the security and it pays!
As a traveler, you do not risk much
provided you follow a few rules and using common sense: avoid traveling alone at night in
deserted streets, do not carry around objects of great value for do not go
alone in the Townships and nothing will happen (not more than in France ...).
What to see in South Africa?
The possibilities are so numerous
that it is difficult to answer the question. Depending on the time you have,
here are a few places or activities that should not be missed:
A Johannesburg: It is not the nicest city in the
country but the famous Soweto neighborhood worth visiting to return in the
footsteps of Nelson Mandela. It is recommended to hire a tour operator.
Budget 400 rand (40 €).
Safaris: South Africa is a paradise for
travelers wishing to explore the South African fauna. Nature reserves are very
numerous, the most famous being the Kruger Park in the northeast of the
country. We observe the big five and is very easy to move by yourself.
Umfolozi further south is also very good. Budget around € 10 as reserves.
The Blyde River Canyon west of the
Kruger, this very
mountainous area offers a fabulous and especially the Blyde River Canyon
landscape. Possible activities are numerous: rafting, hiking, canyoning,
etc.
The Drakensberg: bordering Lesotho, this mountainous
area is also beautiful and worth seeing.
The Wild Coast: bordering the Indian Ocean north of
East London, this wild region offers a relaxing and to discover the Xhosa
culture. The coast offers some of the finest beaches in the world.
Knysna: unfortunately known for the French
debacle blue at the last World Cup, this small town is located on a beautiful
lagoon where you can go sailing. Surfing is also possible nearby. It's the
perfect place to visit a township that includes a Rasta community.
The Cape: the southern tip of Africa, this
region is fabulous and it would spend several weeks to discover it
completely. Here are some places that will not miss:
Cape Town: probably one of the most
beautiful cities in the world in a beautiful setting between mountains and
sea
Excursion to the Cape of Good Hope: mythical place, you will feel at
the end of the world and the road to get there is dotted with many sights to
see.
Kirstenbosch garden: a world-class botanical garden in
the mountains. Every Sunday in the summer, a concert held in the open air in
the garden that attracts the country's most famous artists. Budget 80 rand (€
8)
The wine route in Stellenbosch and
Franschoek are two towns surrounded by vineyards whose wines are excellent.
Hermanus: Each year from September to
December, the whales come within meters of coastline and it is very easy to
observe
Robben Island: Mandela remained imprisoned there
for many years and it is always exciting to discover this place and that,
furthermore, offers a beautiful view of Table Mountain
Ascent of Table Mountain: This flat mountain overlooking the
city and the summit the view is breathtaking.
In all regions, it is possible to
take day trips if you wish not to venture that it is possible in most cases. It will then take about 300-400
rand (€ 30-40) for the day including lunch. Sure, it increased the budget and
it is not necessarily useful.
Where to stay in South Africa?
The possibilities are endless and
there is something for every budget even if it does not reach such low prices in Asia.
Camping, Backpackers, Guest House,
Hotel, luxury, everything is possible.
As stated previously, it is not
necessary to reserve except in large cities during the Christmas holidays.
Here are some ideas of prices to help
you make your choice
Camping: R50 (€ 5)
Backpackers: R100 dorm (10 €), twice
in a single room
Hotel: 200 rand (€ 20) to huge sums
to the most luxurious.
How to travel in South Africa?
In town, several means:
Taxi: it takes 10 rand (€ 1) per km
Bus: reliable and economical. About 4
rand (€ 0.40) for a ride in the center
The minibus overflowing, they are
very economical. About 2 rand (€ 0.20). Avoid using them outside the center for
security reasons.
Car rental is the ideal solution for
me to get where we want when we want.
In the country:
Train: very few lines but economical enough
for long distance if you do not hurry. It takes between 400 rand Joburg and
Cape Town. This is not the means of transport that I recommend most.
Bus: reliable and offers good comfort,
this is the best value for money. The destinations are many and schedules
sufficiently adapted.
The Baz Bus: it's a great concept. This is an
agreement between the backpackers and a bus company. The bus will pick you up
at your hotel and drop you off in front of other hôtelds to which avoids having
to repeat an urban transportation from the bus station. The prices are
reasonable and it is a good solution.
The plane: inevitable to save time on long
distances. Companies are numerous and it is important to compare prices. The
main ones are South African Airways, British Airways, Kulula, Mango, 1time. It
usually takes 50 € for an internal flight.
The car rental is also the ideal solution for me.
Indeed, the country is so vast, it saves time from where we want when we want.
The road network is excellent and easy driving although drive on the left. By
booking in advance via sites like Auto escape, it's OK for € 15 per day with
unlimited mileage for a small car that remains correct.
I hope to give you a trip to this
fascinating country and that all such information will be useful to organize
your trip as an independent.
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