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South Africa Cheap Travel & Visitor Guide

The now integrated South Africa is a land of natural beauty, resources and pretty modern services. Still dealing the legacy of Apartheid ("Separate development of races"), ZA (Zuid-Afrika--South Africa in Afrikaans) is a compelling place. Nowhere else in the world can you see such different people unite (or not unite in some instances) to form a unique nation. Afrikaners, British, Zulu, Xhosa and at least 10 other ethnic groups will vie for your attention as you attempt to ride your first ostrich, compose yourself in the Apartheid Museum in Jo-burg, go on safari in Kruger (Africa's oldest national park), cage dive with sharks, go wine testing, surf or enjoy one of the thousands of other great activities.

Visitors particularly enjoy  Kruger National Park and the Capetown area.

Kruger National Park

If you ever wanted to come face to face with an elephant, go no further than Kruger National Park. Kruger has brought the masses to real Africa with affordable prices for admission as well as for accommodation. Great night drives, morning drives, and hikes are available from the staff and the food is amazingly reasonable! Driving yourself in the park has got to be one of the most unforgettable travel experiences anywhere. Where else but the Ngorongoro Crater can you be basically guaranteed to see the Big Five in under a few days?

Capetown and the Surrounding Area

Considered by many to have the finest location of any city in the world, Capetown has great surrounding attractions as well. When you've tired of Capetown's fascinating museums, bustling port, eclectic shops, world class gardens, and the impressive Table Mountain, you can easily peruse the greater Cape area for weeks. South Africa's wine country, the Cape of Good Hope, and the Garden Coast are all within a 100 kilometers of this amazing jewel.

Travel to South Africa ' Airports, Flights, Driving etc.

Most people fly into either Johannesburg's or Capetown's international airports, both of which are easy to access the city centers.

Buses or minibuses run to all neighboring countries.

Driving in South Africa is one of the best ways to see the country. Driving is on the left side of the road. In some areas the roads are extremely poor, however.

Trains run to Mozambique but are suspended to Zimbabwe.

Food & Drinks

South Africans love their brais (barbeques). There are great selections of beef and sausages to eat. Capetown offers some interesting Malay cuisine, and Durban's Indian population does its part for cuisine as well.

Alcohol is easily found. Don't leave South Africa without trying Amarula!

Tipping & Bargaining

Expect to give a 10% tip in restaurants, but for cheap stands or fast food'no tip is required. Prices are set for items in shops.

Shopping & Finances

South Africa offers some interesting souvenirs for good prices. For surfing enthusiasts there are some great surfer outlet shops in world famous Jeffrey's Bay.

ATMs can be found in major cities. Check around at the exchange places and banks for the best rate for the South African rand.

Language

English is an official language and will serve you well in most cities. Outside of cities, English will not help as much. Afrikaans is spoken by a great many white South Africans, but is still seen by many as the voice of Apartheid. Nine other native languages are spoken by the majority of the population as a first language'such as Xhosa, Zulu, and Tswana.

Visas & Entry Requirements

Entry permits are given free of charge for stays of up to 90 days to most nationalities.

Safety

Violent crime in South Africa is well known, but for most part, avoidable. Do not arrive in places after dark and do not show any signs of wealth. Listen to warnings about certain neighborhoods and streets from locals. If you are told to take a taxi after 4pm, do so.

Be especially vigilant at night. If mugged, do not resist'the thief will assume you have a gun. If car jacked, the same rule applies. With all of the warnings, you will start to become overwhelmed, but most visitors to South Africa do not see any sign of strife.