World Explorer🇿🇦 South Africa travel guide
The Rainbow Nation — Table Mountain, Kruger safaris, Winelands, and Nelson Mandela's legacy.
Explore South Africa on the 3D globe- Capital
- Pretoria (executive), Bloemfontein (judicial), Cape Town (legislative)
- Continent
- Africa
- Population
- 60.6M
- Languages
- 11 official (incl. Zulu, Xhosa, English)
- Currency
- South African Rand R
- Time zone
- UTC+2 (SAST)
- Area
- 1,221,037 km²
Top places to visit in South Africa
- 🏔️ Table Mountain, Cape Town
- 🦁 Kruger National Park
- 🌊 Cape of Good Hope
- 🍇 Stellenbosch Winelands
- 🏝️ Robben Island (Mandela prison)
- 🌼 Blyde River Canyon
5-day South Africa itinerary
Day 1: Cape Town arrival
Table Mountain cable car, V&A Waterfront.
Day 2: Cape Peninsula
Cape Point, penguins at Boulders Beach.
Day 3: Stellenbosch
Wine tasting, cheese pairing.
Day 4: Kruger Safari
Big 5 game drive, sunrise bush walk.
Day 5: Departure
Last biltong, beadwork souvenir.
How much does it cost to travel in South Africa?
| Travel style | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Budget | $35/day |
| Mid-range | $100/day |
| Luxury | $350/day |
| Round-trip flight | $800 |
Rough estimates in US dollars. Prices vary by season and departure city.
Useful phrases for South Africa
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Sawubona (Zulu) | |
| Thank you | Siyabonga | |
| Goodbye | Hamba kahle | |
| How much? | Malini? |
What South Africa is known for
A strong choice if you enjoy food, nature, culture, nightlife, history and water activities.
South Africa travel FAQ
How much does a trip to South Africa cost per day?
Our estimate is around $35/day on a budget, $100/day mid-range and $350/day for luxury travel, not including international flights.
How many days do you need in South Africa?
This guide's route covers 5 days: Cape Town arrival, Cape Peninsula, Stellenbosch, Kruger Safari and Departure.
What are the top things to see in South Africa?
Highlights include Table Mountain, Cape Town, Kruger National Park, Cape of Good Hope and Stellenbosch Winelands.
What language and currency are used in South Africa?
Languages: 11 official (incl. Zulu, Xhosa, English). Currency: South African Rand R.
Check your government's travel advice and entry requirements before you book.