Cape Town, Winelands, Safari & Beach

South Africa has been called “A world in one country”, and there is no better way to describe all that it has to offer.  It is undoubtedly one of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth. This vast country, at the southern tip of the continent, has an incredible variety of people, places, cuisine, activities, scenery, historical sites, and wildlife.   This is why it has become the most popular destination in Africa.  South Africa really does have it all.

Whether you’re an adventurer, birder, photographer, nature-lover, climber, city stroller, amateur historian, shopper, sightseer, beach goer, nightlife enthusiast… a solo traveler, couple looking for romance or a family on vacation, South Africa is for you!  There is something for everyone here – cosmopolitan Cape Town with world-class gourmet restaurants, art galleries, shopping, nightlife and the nearby beautiful countryside and fine wine in the Cape Winelands; the spectacular scenery of the Garden Route;  magnificent whales breaching on the Hermanus Coast; the sunny beaches of Durban; and fascinating historical and cultural sites including Bushman villages, the Zululand battlefields, and sites related to the country’s dark past as well as its new freedom, including Soweto, Robben Island and the new Apartheid Museum.   There is also a myriad of activities you can add if you are a bit more active and adventurous – mountain hiking and biking,  abseiling, white-water rafting, paragliding, dune boarding, surfing, bungee jumping, skydiving, off-roading, horseback riding, and, what is often on the thrill-seekers bucket list- shark cage diving.  The list of things to do in South Africa really does seem limitless!

Last, but certainly not least is a wildlife safari, which is available in all styles and budgets, from self-drive camping to opulent luxury.  You can see a large diversity of animals, including the “Big Five” – lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard – as well many other species which are also incredible to see in the wild – giraffe, crocodile, hippo, zebra, hyena, wild dog, cheetah, bushbuck, impala, baboon, jackal, warthog, waterbuck, wildebeest, vervet monkey, and hundreds of species of birds…to name just a few!

Currency 
Local currency: South African Rand 
Symbol: R 
ISO code: ZAR 
Subunit: Cent (1/100 of a Rand) 
Banknotes: R10, R20, R50, R100, R200 
Coins: 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2, R5 

Banking 
Card Transactions: Widely accepted 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 
 
Banking Hours: Weekdays: 09:00 – 15:30 
Weekend: Saturdays: 08:30 – 11:00 
Public Holidays: Closed 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: South African Airways 
International Airports: O.R. Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town International, King Shaka (Durban) 
Domestic Airports: Numerous across the country 

Road: 
Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes, well-maintained in most areas 
Gravel roads: Yes, especially in rural areas 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes, including Uber and Bolt 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: Yes, including luxury options like the Blue Train 
Subway System: Gautrain in Gauteng 

Water: 
Ferries: Limited, mainly in coastal cities 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: Yes, especially from Cape Town and Durban 

Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: Yes, in most urban areas
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: Yes
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes, widely popular and generally safe

Local cuisine:
South African cuisine is diverse and flavourful, featuring dishes like biltong (dried, seasoned meat), bobotie (spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping), and boerewors (farmers' sausage). The culinary scene includes a strong tradition of barbecuing, known locally as "braai."

Drinks:
Notable local drinks include Rooibos tea, craft beers, and South African wines.

Tipping: Customarily 10-15% in restaurants and for services.

Annual rainfall: Varies widely, Cape Town (winter rainfall, 515 mm), Johannesburg (summer rainfall, 713 mm) 
Average temperature: Varies, Cape Town 17°C, Johannesburg 15.5°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 28°C (Cape Town), 26°C (Johannesburg) 
Average lows: 16°C (Cape Town), 15°C (Johannesburg) 

Winter: 
Average highs: 18°C (Cape Town), 17°C (Johannesburg) 
Average lows: 8°C (Cape Town), 4°C (Johannesburg) 

Best time to visit: 
The best time to visit South Africa is from May to September for wildlife viewing, as animals are more concentrated around water sources. For beach holidays, mid-December to March is ideal, especially in Cape Town. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots:  Yes 
 
General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes, during the rainy seasons 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: In winter, particularly in high-altitude areas 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock: Essential 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet cafes: Yes, mainly in urban areas 
Accommodation options: Yes, with good connectivity 
Restaurants: Yes, in major cities 
Cafes: Yes, with Wi-Fi available 
Shopping malls: Yes 
Public parks: Yes, in major cities 
Libraries: Yes 

Mozambique, located in Southern Africa, has more than 1500 miles of magnificent coastline, with iconic coconut palms swaying in the breeze and pristine, soft, white sand beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see, all beckoning beach lovers into the warm azure waters of the Indian Ocean.

Those seeking a more secluded beach holiday can choose from one of the country’s string of island pearls, offering a more private and remote experience, for the ultimate beach escape.  The two main archipelagos are Bazaruto and Quirimbas –  the largest protected marine area in Africa-  both with superb accommodations, a wide range of activities and stunning landscapes.

Although Mozambique has some of the best beaches in the world, there is much more to this country than sand, sun, and sea.  Gorongosa National Park was once one of the most popular in Africa because of its incredible biodiversity of flora and fauna. Although much of its wildlife was decimated during years of conflict Mozambique, it is now on the rebound, once again becoming home to elephants, lions, leopards, cheetah, hippopotamus, antelopes, tortoises, monkeys and nearly 400 species of birds.  Visitors today can witness its remarkable rebirth.

Urban explorers can head for the two main cities, Inhambane and Maputo, the capitol, for an exotic mix of European, Arab and Indian cultures, evident in the local art, music, cuisine and architecture.  The country also has a fascinating history to explore on the coast and islands.

Currency 
Local currency: Mozambican Metical 
Symbol: MT 
ISO code: MZN 
Subunit: Centavo (1/100 of a Metical) 
Banknotes: 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 meticais 
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10 meticais 

Banking 
Card Transactions: Widely accepted in major cities 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: No 
Diner’s club: No 
Banking Hours: Weekdays: 07:30 – 15:30, Weekends: Closed, Public Holidays: Closed 
Foreign exchange services: Yes

Air: 
Main airlines: LAM Mozambique Airlines 
International Airports: Maputo International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Beira Airport, Nampula Airport 

Road: 
Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes, mainly in urban areas 
Gravel roads: Yes, common in rural areas 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes, in major cities 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: Yes, limited service 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: Yes, to the Bazaruto Archipelago 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, if washed 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes, if cooked thoroughly 
Street food: Yes, from reputable vendors 

Local cuisine: 
Mozambican cuisine is a delicious blend of African, Portuguese, and Arab influences. Seafood is a staple, especially prawns, served with piri-piri sauce. Coconut, lime, and spices enrich dishes like Matapa, a stew made with cassava leaves and nuts. Corn porridge (Xima) is a common side. 

Drinks: Notable local drinks include Laurentina and 2M beers, and Tipo Tinto rum. 
Tipping: 10% is customary in restaurants. 

Annual rainfall: Varies greatly, from 500 mm in the south to 900 mm in the north 
Average temperature: 28°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 31°C 
Average lows: 24°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 18°C 

Best time to visit: 
The best time to visit Mozambique is from May to November during the dry season when temperatures are cooler and there is less humidity, making it ideal for wildlife viewing and beach holidays. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes, during the rainy season 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet cafes: Yes 
Accommodation options: Yes, in major cities and tourist areas 
Restaurants: Yes, in major cities 
Cafes: Yes, in major cities 
Shopping malls: Yes, in major cities 
Public parks: No 
Libraries: Yes, in major cities