April 26

A Complete Guide To South Africa

By Emma Thomson on
April 26, 2018

The best way to describe South Africa – fondly known as the Rainbow Nation – would be its diversity. An eclectic amalgamation of landscapes, cultures and languages make it one of the most extraordinary destinations in the world. This comprehensive and complete guide to South Africa will give you everything you need to visit this incredible spot. From practical information and bucket-list items to the best places to catch a tan!

Our Complete Guide to South Africa

Complete Guide to South Africa – Geography

South Africa is the southernmost country in Africa and is surrounded by both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. This beautiful country is also bordered by various countries. At 1, 219, 912 kilometres squared, South Africa is the 25th largest country in the world and is around double the size of France and five times the size of the United Kingdom.

Unlike most other countries, South Africa technically has three capitals:

Map of South Africa in Rhino Africa's Complete Guide
Map of South Africa

Comlpete Guide of South Africa – History

South Africa is believed to have been inhabited over 100, 000 years ago. Since then, the country has gone through five distinct era’s: pre-colonial, colonial, post-colonial, apartheid and now post-apartheid.

After a period of war, the country became a sovereign state known as the Republic of South Africa. One of the most known periods was apartheid which stretched from 1948-1994 and included racial segregation and discrimination. After many uprisings and international outcry, an election was held and Nelson Mandela elected president. With a new ruling party, the apartheid system was disbanded and a road to democracy began.

Cultural Diversity

South Africa is a truly multi-cultural country and has become the melting pot it is today thanks to hugely diverse ancestry. We now celebrate a total of 11 official languages that add to the vibrancy of this wonderful land. There have been several influences and tribal migrations throughout the years;

The KhoiKhoi and San 

The original aboriginal peoples of the lands, known as the first African artists seen due to the intricate rock paintings found throughout the country. The San are known as the true “Bushmen” with their incredible tracking and hunting skills.

These original groups were then joined by two others; the Bantu peoples from the north and Europeans emerging from the south.

San man in traditional dress in Rhino Africa's Complete Guide
A traditionally-dressed San man
Photo Credit: Simon Watson

The Zulu Culture

Looking at tradition, the Zulu’s are well known for their warriors, beadwork, basketry and their unique grass huts in the shape of beehives. In the Zulu culture, there is not only a belief in ancestral spirits but appointed diviners who use herbs and prayers to cast away illness or evil spirits.

Zulu tribe standing in a line in Rhino Africa's Complete Guide
Members of a tribe lined up in traditional attire
Photo Credit: Retlaw Snellac Photography

The Xhosa Culture

One of the main things to be admired about this culture is their incredibly complex dress code used to indicate the social standing of a person – whether they are married, their general rank or if they have a baby. For example, the more elaborate a person’s hat, the more senior the position they hold. There is also a strong tradition of story-telling which largely conveys tales of ancestral heroes.

Xhosa women in Rhino Africa's Complete Guide
Xhosa women smoking decorated pipes
Photo Credit: South African Tourism

The Ndebele Culture

Elaborate, vibrant, geometric designs are one of the tell-tale signs of a Ndebele house. These skills and designs are passed from mother to daughter as well as inspired by their intricate beadworks. Traditionally, Ndebele women wear neck rings and blankets in striking colours.

Traditionally dressed Ndebele women in Rhino Africa's Complete Guide
Ndebele women in traditional attire
Photo Credit: South African Tourism

Sotho Culture 

The Sotho groups vary from that of the Nguni groups (Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele and Swazi) in that they traditionally organise their homes into a village structure rather than more scattered settlements.  The Sotho’s are often grouped together with the BaTswana found largely in Gauteng and Botswana, and the BaPedi people found in the northern part of the country –  even though they are in fact, distinctly separate groups.

 

South Sotho young initiates in Rhino Africa's Complete Guide
South Sotho initiates
Photo Credit: David M. M. Riep

The Tsonga Culture

Mostly located in the Kruger National Park area in Mpumalanga and parts of Mozambique, the Tsonga are a diverse collection nations. Though their most unusual delicacy is a Mopani worm that is usually fried in butter or dried – not to be missed if you’re an adventurous visitor! A part of this culture is the Sangoma – otherwise known as a healer and spiritual guide.

Traditional Shangaan Sangoma in Kruger National Park in Rhino Africa's Complete Guide
A traditional Tsonga Sangoma
Photo Credit: Siyabonga Africa

The Venda Culture 

The Venda culture is built on a rich and vibrant mythical belief system where rain and water, especially in rivers and lakes, is believed to be sacred. This belief and that of the spirit world has largely influenced the designs of Venda art as well as the ways in which their buildings are decorated.

Venda women in traditional dress, Photo Credit: Sam Lee Pan

Dutch Influences

Although there were several European cultures that influenced South Africa, the largest of which would have to be Dutch. This not only became the official European language – and later merged into what we know today as Afrikaans – but largely influenced the legal systems and architecture of the country.

It must be noted that the French Huguenots religious refugees who settled in what is now the Cape Winelands brought the art of winemaking to the region in around 1688.

An example of Cape Dutch architecture in Rhino Africa's Complete Guide
The original Cape Dutch Manor House in Groot Constantia Estate, Cape Town
Photo Credit: Groot Constantia Estate

Complete Guide to South Africa – Wildlife and Safaris

South Africa is home to a host of incredible safari destinations and an incredibly diverse array of wildlife. These also range from more well-known spots like the Kruger to lesser-known hideaways in the Eastern Cape within our complete guide.

The Kruger National Park

Known to be South Africa’s most iconic game-viewing destination and the second largest park in the whole of Africa, Kruger is any wildlife lover’s dream destination. As an incredibly well-established park, there are lodges, camps and tiny hideaways to suit every visitor. Not to mention, the park is known to have the highest density of Big 5 in South Africa – how could you resist a visit?

Visitors taking photos of a lion seen on a safari game drive with Londolozi in Rhino Africa's Complete Guide
A safari game drive with Londolozi Founders Camp
Photo Credit: Londolozi Founders Camp

The Western Cape Safaris

Fear not, if you’re staying in Cape Town and Her surrounds, there’s no need to travel too far for some safari adventuring. With several Reserves located just a few hours away from the Mother City, you can see the Big 5 and various other flora and fauna species without worrying about malaria. Two examples would be Aquila and Inverdoom Game Reserves located in the Klein Karoo.

Weißer Löwe im Sanbona Wildlife Reserve in der Klein Karoo
One of Sanbona’s white lions, Photo: Katharina Riebesel

Garden Route Safaris

The Garden Route is a spectacular self-drive ideal for travellers venturing from the Western to Eastern Cape with plentiful exciting malaria-free stops along the way. Just a short drive from Cape Town, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is an ideal stop for a child-friendly safari experience including the Big 5, San rock art and the elusive white lion. Also located along this route is Addo Elephant Park, known to be the only national park to conserve the Big 7 – the Big 5 plus the Southern right whale and Great white shark. Other safari stops include Kwandwe Game Reserve and Shamwari Private Game Reserve – also not to be missed!

For more exciting activities to be found along this iconic route, read our complete guide to the Garden Route.

Imagen de la Reserva de Animales Lalibela
Image Credit: Lalibela Game Reserve

The Eastern Cape Safaris

Bursting with flora and fauna, the Eastern Cape has malaria-free private game reserves dotted throughout the province taking advantage of both the bush and coastline. For bird-lovers, head to Shamwari Game Reserve to see the white-fronted bee-eater, Big 5 and other exciting wildlife. Amakhala, Lalibela and Sibuya game reserves are also worth looking into for your Eastern Cape safari adventure. Any fans of the Lion King should also add Pumba Game Reserve to their lists!

A male lion leaving his scent on a bush in Addo Elephant National Park in Rhino Africa's Complete Guide
A male lion scenting a bush in Addo Elephant National Park
Photo Credit: Mike Walsh

The KwaZulu-Natal Safaris

Combining the best of the bush and beach with an abundance of wildlife and other sights to see, these rather under-utilised parks are a fantastic place to visit. Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park not only has the Big 5 and a vast array of aviary species, but the Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Project which enables up-close experiences with some of Africa’s wild cats. iSimangaliso Wetland Park is another must-see with regards to safari adventures in this region.

 

Views of iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the ocean in KwaZulu-Natal in Rhino Africa's Complete Guide
Part of iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Photo Credit: Kosi Forest Lodge

When To Go to South Africa – the Climate

South Africa is a year-round destination depending on what you want to do. Although summer is our hottest month, our winters are warmer than other parts of the world averaging around 19 degrees and warm days pop up in every season.

For safari-goers, May to October are the best months for an ultimate safari experience while those wanting to spend time on South Africa’s incredible beaches should visit in the summer.

Clifton Beach in Cape Town South Africa in Rhino Africa's Complete Guide
Clifton Beach, Cape Town, South Africa

Complete Guide to South Africa – Attractions

South Africa is overflowing with incredible landscapes, sights and activities and with unlimited time, we’d love for you to see them all, but for now we’ve picked out a few we feel are not to be missed.

1. Table Mountain 

A trip to our beautiful country seems incomplete if you didn’t see or summit Table Mountain. Part of the New7Wonders of Nature and an icon of the Mother City, we feel this is an absolute must – so much so we even wrote a blog about tickets and general information!

The vibrant city of Cape Town as a whole is also simply not something to be missed, along with all the incredible sights within it.

2. The Cape Winelands 

Home to some of the best wine in the world, Cape Winelands isn’t an experience to pass up. The Wine Route is also home to a large number of exceptional restaurants that are well worth the additions to your waistline. For this exact adventure, we developed a Tasting Guide to the Winelands.

3. The Whale Route 

Although there is much to be done along this incredible Whale Route, one of the key activities is in the quaint seaside town of Hermanus, known to have the best land-based whale-watching in the world. The whales usually start to arrive at the end of May and leave in December so listen out for the local Whale Crier for hints of activity offshore.

4. Sun City

Known as South Africa’s Vegas, Sun City is the perfect spot to tee-off, unleash your poker prowess or get lost in the Valley of Waves.

5. The Panorama Route

The Panorama Route is the perfect route to travel to another of our top spots, Kruger National Park. Stop along this scenic meander to view God’s Window, Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Potholes and the Three Rondavels for spectacular scenery and incredible landscapes developed over centuries.

6. The West Coast

A haven for all water sports enthusiasts, the West Coast may be mistaken for one in the Indian Ocean Islands, but in fact, these palm trees and opalescent oceans are all ours.

Often the West Coast is also used to refer to the Cape’s coastline where visitors go to see the incredible flowers in the West Coast National Park – read our ‘Bloom Bashing‘ article for more information!

A view down into the Hout Bay valley in Cape Town in Rhino Africa's Complete Guide
Hout Bay valley, Cape Town
Rhino Africa's Complete Guide
Canopy walk in Kirstenbosch Gardens
Photo Credit: Africantraveldesk.com

Complete Guide to South Africa – Other Informations

Getting There & Getting Around

Fortunately, as the financial and commercial hub of Africa, Johannesburg’s International Airport receives daily flights from around the world and makes South Africa one of the easiest countries to fly into from abroad. If you’re wanting to head straight to the Mother City, fear not as their International Airport also receives its fair share of direct flights. Domestic flights around the country are also incredible frequent so flying here is not an issue!

Cars are easy to rent and roads are usually navigatable – just remember South Africa is a leftie country when it comes to driving! Our public transport has room to improve but the MyCiTi buses are generally reliable and have lots of convenient stops.

Johannesburg city, South Africa in Rhino Africa's Complete Guide
The city of Johannesburg

Travel Tips and Important Information

  • Visitors from Asian, European, Commonwealth and American countries are issued with a 90-day free permit on arrival so no visa is required
  • There are no mandatory vaccinations required except for visitors from Yellow Fever countries where a certificate needs to be presented on arrival
  • All minors (anyone under the age of 18) are required to have an unabridged birth certificate in addition to their passport
  • South Africa works in Rands denoted by a ZAR when consulting currency trading but foreign cards are readily accepted
  • As with anywhere in the world, there is a degree of crime. At Rhino Africa, your safety is our highest priority and we do what we can to help, however, we do ask for vigilance on your part. Please be aware of wearing flashy valuables or leaving things in your car when unattended and be as cautious as you would be anywhere else.
View of vines in Stellenbosch in Rhino Africa's Complete Guide
Stellenbosch South Africa
Photo Credit: Jamie Goode

If the Complete Guide for South Africa isn’t enough

If this complete guide for South Africa isn’t enough, and if this is sounding like a country you can’t wait to visit, have a chat with our consultants about a tailor-made holiday or look at some of our tour ideas and visit our magnificent home!

X Rhino Africa Consultants

Plan your African Safari today

Let's explore Africa Opens our enquiry form

Opens our enquiry form

Trustpilot

Based on 3000+ reviews


Tags


You may also enjoy 

Your Guide to Tipping in Africa

Your Guide to Tipping in Africa

About the author 

Emma Thomson

South African born and bred Emma says she's happy to be back on home ground after spending a few years in the UK. An avid coffee lover, equestrian enthusiast and self-proclaimed cat lady, Emma hopes to travel and experience as many cultures, countries and food types as possible. A love affair with language sees her wanting to continue writing and learn as many foreign languages as possible.

  • {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}
    >