Sample Itinerary - Blyde River Canyon - Kruger National Park - Swaziland – KwaZuluNatal

South Africa is a fascinating and diverse travel destination, and its slogan, "A World in One Country," truly reflects reality.

The "New South Africa" has eleven official languages. In addition to Afrikaans, English is the official language. The following indigenous languages are also spoken, listed in alphabetical order: Ndebele, North and South Sotho, Swati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu.

The transition to democracy, following the state elections in April 1994 in a country with over 56 million inhabitants, proceeded relatively peacefully.

South Africa is a highly diverse country where various cultures, religions, and ethnicities coexist, mostly in a respectful manner. The population is exceptionally friendly and helpful, eager to engage in contact and conversation with visitors to their country.

The country is three times the size of Germany (approximately 1.22 million km²) and is divided into nine provinces. It offers a variety of geographical and climatic zones, from the semi-desert Karoo to the lush subtropical Natal coast, from the Mediterranean climate of the Cape to the "Bush" in eastern Mpumalanga, formerly Transvaal. Explore and experience the magnificent blend of breathtaking landscapes: the mountainous regions perfect for hiking, vast wildlife reserves and conservation areas like Kruger National Park and Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, endless pristine beaches, modern cities, and sunshine 365 days a year, as somewhere in South Africa, the sun shines every day!

The different climate zones and the vastness of the country offer a variety of sports activities, such as horseback riding, surfing, hiking, canoeing, swimming, or golfing.

Many visitors "fall in love" with South Africa and return repeatedly to enjoy their holidays here and embark on new adventures. A major advantage is that there is no time difference (only one hour during the switch to daylight saving time/winter time), resulting in no jet lag.

Please keep in mind that unforeseen or unexpected situations may arise during your trip to South Africa. Flexibility, patience, and openness are always good companions and often the key to a wonderful journey.

Visa-Free Entry (up to 90 days):

• Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States: No visa required for tourism stays of up to 90 days.
• Entry is granted on arrival with a visitor’s permit.

Passport Requirements:

• Must be valid for at least 30 days beyond departure from South Africa.
• Must have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
• Temporary passports are accepted. National ID cards are not valid.

For Children:

• Each child requires their own passport.
• Since November 2019, no additional documents (like birth certificates or parental consent letters) are required for minors entering with both parents.

Return Ticket:

• A valid return or onward ticket may be requested on entry.

Yellow Fever Vaccination:

• Only required if you are arriving from a yellow fever risk country or had a long layover there.

Note: Entry regulations can change. Always check with your local South African embassy or consulate before travel.

• Local currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
  💳 Card & Cash Use
• Credit/debit cards are widely accepted, even for small transactions.
• Visa and Mastercard are most commonly used.
• Apple Pay, Google Pay, and travel apps work well in cities.

Keep some cash handy in rural areas or for tipping.
Recommendation: Always monitor your card; block it immediately if lost.

Driving & Car Rental:

• Left-hand traffic
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
• Roads are generally good, though rural routes may be unpaved.
• Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar or remote areas.
• Fuel stations are frequent on main routes but scarce in remote regions.
• Use official or guarded parking areas; tip car guards (approx. R10–20).

Speed Limits:

• Cities: 60 km/h
• Rural roads: 100 km/h
• Highways: 120 km/h

Recommendations:

• Use GPS or offline maps, as mobile reception can be unreliable in remote areas.
• Leave extra time for city traffic.

Medical Care:

• Private hospitals and Medi-Clinics offer excellent care on par with European standards.
• Travel insurance with medical evacuation is strongly recommended. Prepayment is often required.

Vaccinations & Travel Medicine:

• No mandatory vaccines for entry.
• Recommended:
  • Routine immunizations and boosters (e.g., Tetanus, Flu)
  • Hepatitis A
  • Depending on itinerary: Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies

Malaria:

• Risk areas (Sept–May):
  • Low-lying regions of Mpumalanga and Limpopo (e.g., Kruger Park)
  • Northeast KwaZulu-Natal
• Low risk overall; consult your doctor about possible prophylaxis.

Recommendations:

• Seek travel health advice before departure.
• Bring sunblock and insect repellent (also available locally).
• If you develop a fever during or after travel, consult a doctor promptly.

To help you enjoy your trip with peace of mind, we’ve summarized the most important safety tips for everyday travel and road use:

General Safety – Everyday Conduct

• Avoid walking at night, especially alone or in quiet areas.
• Keep valuables and travel documents safely stored.
• Carry only small amounts of cash. Use ATMs in secure locations and avoid distractions while withdrawing money.
• Never leave drinks unattended in public places.
• Use recommended taxi services or Uber; never accept rides from strangers.
• Ignore anyone offering unsolicited help or “permits” – this is a known scam.
• Do not leave valuables visible in parked vehicles.

Road Safety

• South Africa drives on the left-hand side – look right before crossing streets.
• Seatbelts are mandatory, and the legal alcohol limit is zero (0.0%).
• Never pick up hitchhikers.
• In national parks: stick to speed limits (40–50 km/h), remain in the vehicle, and do not feed wildlife.
• Township visits should only be done on guided tours.
• When driving in remote areas, carry water, snacks, and fuel.

Useful Apps

• Secura – Personal safety alert app with location sharing and emergency response.
• EskomSePush – Get alerts on any scheduled power outages.
• Google Maps (offline) or Waze – Ideal for navigation without mobile data.

Emergency Contacts

• General Emergency: 112
• Police: 10111
• Ambulance: 10177
• U.S. Embassy in South Africa: +27 (12) 431-4000
• British High Commission in South Africa: +27 12 421 7500 / +27 21 405 2400 / +44 20 7008 5000

South Africa’s culinary landscape is a blend of African, Indian, Malay, Dutch, French, and British influences. Expect flavorful, hearty meals and delicious local specialties.

Typical Dishes:

• Braai (Barbecue): A national tradition featuring lamb, beef, chicken, snoek (fish), or crayfish.
• Boerewors: Hearty, spiced farmer’s sausage.
• Biltong: Spiced, air-dried meat snack.
• Samp & Beans: A wholesome corn-and-bean dish – a favorite of Nelson Mandela.
• Pap (Milliepap): A porridge-style staple, often served with stews or sauces.

South Africa spans various climate zones – from deserts and Mediterranean coastlines to subtropical wetlands and snowy mountains.

Regional Climate Overview:

• Cape Town: Mediterranean climate with dry summers (25–30°C) and wet winters. A strong summer wind ("Cape Doctor") is common. Pack a light jacket.
• Garden Route: Mild and temperate, ideal from spring to autumn.
• Kruger National Park: Subtropical – hot, humid summers (Dec–Feb), dry winters (Jun–Aug) ideal for safaris.
• Coastal Regions:
  • West Coast: Dry, cooled by the Benguela Current.
  • East Coast: Warmer and more humid due to the Agulhas Current.
• Seasons: Southern Hemisphere:
  • Summer: December–February
  • Winter: June–August

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 Access:

• Widespread Wi-Fi in cities, hotels, and cafes.
• A local SIM or eSIM is recommended for extended travel.

Mobile Providers:

• Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Virgin Mobile offer tourist-friendly prepaid options.

eSIM options (e.g., Airalo) can be purchased in advance and used with compatible phones.

• Voltage: 220–240V AC
• Plug type: Type M (three large round pins) – an adapter is recommended.
• Many hotels also offer European-style sockets, but don’t rely on this.
• Loadshedding: No national loadshedding has been in effect since 26 March 2024. However, temporary outages are still possible.

Tip: Carry a power bank, universal adapter, and install EskomSePush for updates.

Tap Water:

• Safe to drink in major cities and tourist areas.
• In rural areas, confirm with your host or opt for bottled water.

Opening Hours (approx.):

• Shops: Mon–Fri 9am–6pm, malls also open weekends.
• Banks: Mon–Fri 9am–3:30pm
• Restaurants: Lunch and dinner; many open late.
• Tourist Sites: Hours vary by region and season.

VAT Refund:

• VAT is 15% and usually included in the price.
• Refunds possible at airports for purchases over R250.

Must present: “VAT INVOICE” with buyer/seller details and the item upon departure.

Officially known as the ‘Kingdom of eSwatini’ and still referred to as Swaziland, this tiny landlocked nation boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage and is Africa's last remaining absolute monarchy. Swaziland encompasses a diverse array of ecosystems featuring towering mountains and low-lying savannah, tangled rainforests and lush river valleys. Highlights of this laid-back land include the mesmerizingly beautiful ‘Valley of Heaven’, the handicraft haven of the Malkerns Valley and the Hlane Royal National Park, famed for its white rhinos, antelopes and lions. Visitors can look forward to excellent wildlife watching, rafting, mountain biking, and hiking along a network of scenic trails which traverse spectacular mountainous landscapes.

Currency:
Local currency: Lingaleni. South African Rand (ZAR) is also accepted. (E1 = ZAR1) 
ISO code: SWZ 
Central bank: The Central Bank of Swaziland  
Subunit: cents 
Banknotes: E200, 100, 50, 20, 10 
Coins: E5, 2, 1; 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, 1c 

Banking: 
Card Transactions:  
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes/No 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: In some places  
 
Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 08h30 - 14h00 
Weekends: Saturdays, 08h30 - 13h00 
Public Holidays: No 

Foreign exchange services: Yes/No 
 

Air: 
Main airlines: Royal Swazi National Airways 
International Airports: King Mswati III International Airport 

Road: 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: An English or English-translated national licence is allowed. International Drivers Licenses are also allowed.  
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
Uber available: Yes 
 
Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 
 
Rail: 
Railway system: No 
Subway System: No 
 
Water: 
Ferries: No 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: No 

Food and water safety:  
Can you drink the tap water: Yes, in towns and cities  
Fresh fruit and veg: No 
Ice: Yes, in towns and cities 
Meat: Yes, if well-cooked / hot  
Street food: No 
 
Local cuisine: The menus here feature the Portuguese influence of neighbouring Mozambique, including wonderful fresh seafood and prawns. Traditional Swazi dishes include Umncushu (Porridge), Umncweba (dried uncooked meat or jerky, known as biltong in neighbouring South Africa), and Umbidvowetintsanga (made with cooked pumpkin leaves and peanuts).     

Drinks: Tjwala: Traditional home-brewed beer made from maize meal. 
 
Tipping: 15% 

Annual rainfall: 500 mm – 1, 500 mm 
Average temperature: 15°C - 23.4°C 
 
Summer: 
Average in highs: 23°C 
Average in lows: 15°C 
 
Winter: 
Average in highs: 17°C 
Average in lows: 6°C 
 
Best time to visit: This is a fantastic year-round destination. The dry winter – from May to September – is arguably the best time to see wildlife. Summer, hot and wet, brings spectacular birdlife and lush green scenery to the setting.  

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 
 
Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 
 
General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
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, in major cities 
Accommodation options: Sometimes  
Restaurants: Sometimes 
Cafes: Sometimes 
Shopping malls: Yes 
Public parks: No 
Libraries: Possibly, in cities 
 

Plug Type: M 
Voltage (V): 230 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 
 

* A Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.