You’ve dreamt about travelling to South Africa for as long as you can remember…but now that you’re finally going to start making it a reality, you want to ensure you’re prepared! Well, not only are we the World’s Best Safari Company, but we also happen to call the Rainbow Nation our home. So, we know everything you need to know when travelling to South Africa. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get about our beloved country answered.
Seamless luxury safaris is what we specialise in at Rhino Africa
1. What is South Africa Well-Known for?
Ah, South Africa. It’s like nowhere else on earth. There are many ways to describe it, but the most accurate is that it’s like a world in one country. Driving through our Rainbow Nation promises new experiences, landscapes, cultures, wildlife, and even climates around every turn.
There are so many reasons why you’ll love South Africa. It’s world-famous as one of the best holiday destinations for a good reason. Here are just some of the top highlights.
South Africa is a vibrant country with many different cultures, Image Credit: South African Tourism
Multicultural
South Africa has been called the Rainbow Nation because there are so many cultures. In fact, the country has 11 official languages!
Three Capital Cities
Did you know that South Africa has three capital cities? Cape Town, Bloemfontein and Pretoria are all named capitals.
Big 5 Safaris
South Africa has 21 national parks, so there are so many places you can go on a safari! It’s also home to the Big 5, namely the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and Cape buffalo.
The Big 5 in South Africa
Variety
When travelling to South Africa, you can enjoy an action-packed holiday with various activities in different settings. It’s the perfect destination if you want to combine safari, beaches, wine tasting, cultural experiences, art, history, and so much more, without spending too much time travelling in between destinations. Everything happens right here!
World Wonders
There are a whopping 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in South Africa!
The Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal is one of our many UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Wildlife
Africa is not just about the Big 5! There are too many different species to mention here, but you’ll be blown away by how many small and big creatures you’ll see in our country. And some you might not even have known existed!
Beaches
South Africa has incredible white, sandy beaches.
Wine Farms
If you love wine, you’ll love South Africa! The Cape Winelands just outside of Cape Town have plenty of wine farms close to one another.
The Cape Winelands is a must when travelling to South Africa
2. Is South Africa Safe for Tourists?
Yes, South Africa is safe for tourists, but you should take precautions. Our country is very popular as a holiday destination for travel enthusiasts worldwide. However, the reality is that you should be more vigilant while travelling in South Africa.
You don’t have to worry about a thing when you stay at one of our recommended luxury lodges and hotels, as we’ll ensure you have the safest space to unwind. However, when you visit the bigger cities, you must be alert and follow some general guidelines like not hiking alone, always keeping your valuables out of sight when driving or walking in the streets, and ensuring you keep them close and in sight safe when sitting in a restaurant, for example.
Don’t let this worry you too much. Our Travel Experts will only book with the very best service providers to help make your stay as safe and enjoyable as possible.
South Africa has plenty of safe areas to explore
3. How Much Does a Holiday in South Africa Cost?
Well, it's priceless! 😉 But if you want a monetary value, travelling to South Africa on one of our tailor-made tours generally costs between $50 and $2,500 per person per day.
If you book with us, you'll be happy to know that we offer the best price guaranteed, which means we can confidently say that we have the best rates out there. By cutting out the middleman, you get direct access to the best experiences at the best rates! In fact, if you can find the same holiday for less, we'll beat it!
Get up-close and personal with wildlife on your game drive at Silvan Safari in Sabi Sand
4. Where Are The Best Places to Go on Safari in South Africa?
With so many South African safari destinations to choose from, we understand that it can be a difficult to choose. Here are our favourite safari destinations.
Probably the most well-known safari destination and the largest national park in the country, Kruger National Park is packed with wildlife and easily accessible.
Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Located in the Greater Kruger National Park, Sabi Sand is a private reserve that offers a more exclusive safari experience in ultra-luxurious lodges.
Londolozi Private Game Reserve
Londolozi is one of the original private game reserves in the country and is famous for its thriving leopard population.
A surreal safari setting, Image Credit: Londolozi
Singita
Known for its luxury and exclusivity, Singita is an award-winning safari destination in Sabi Sand and Kruger National Park.
Madikwe Game Reserve
A malaria-free safari destination located in South Africa's North West province, Madikwe is one of our favourite recommendations for families.
Phinda Private Game Reserve
Located in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province, Phinda has seven radically different habitats and is home to some rare species.
You can expect exhilarating game drives at Phinda, Image Credit: &BeyondPhinda
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
Sharing an unfenced border with Kruger, Timbavati is home to the unusual white lion and offers an excellent safari experience without the crowds.
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
Another malaria-free safari option, Kwandwe is located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa and is known for its sustainable conservation efforts. It's also a great family holiday destination.
Thornybush Nature Reserve
One of the original nature reserves in the Greater Kruger National Park, Thornybush is known for its conservation and community projects.
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park
The oldest nature reserve in South Africa, Hluhluwe is located in the KwaZulu-Natal province and is known as the birthplace of rhino conservation.
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Malaria-free, conservation-based and a quick, easy drive from Cape Town, Sanbona offers unique Karoo scenery, plants and wildlife. Plus, white lions!
An incredible white lion in Sanbona, Image Credit: Tania de Kock
Klaserie Private Nature Reserve
Klaserie in the Greater Kruger area is famous for its walking safaris and focus on low-impact tourism.
Gondwana Private Game Reserve
Another favourite for families, Gondwana is malaria-free and a four-hour drive from Cape Town.
Pilanesberg National Park
Malaria-free Pilanesberg is easily accessible, located only three hours outside Johannesburg.
The magical setting that is Pilansberg
5. What Time of Year is Best for a Safari in South Africa?
The short answer is anytime! However, different times of the year will offer different experiences. The most popular time to go on safari in South Africa is in winter, from June to August, as the bush is dry and sparse, making it easier to spot wildlife.
However, if you visit during our summer, the bush is a beautiful lush green, and there are plenty of newborn animals to ooh and aah over!
If you want to combine your bush holiday with a beach one, we recommend you find the "sweet spot" between seasons. You can read more about the best time to visit South Africa in our blog here.
Seeing lion cubs in real life is an incredible experience
Travelling to South Africa Has Never Been Easier
Contact our Travel Experts, and we'll tailor-make your dream South African holiday. No copy and paste here! We make all our tours from scratch to suit your needs and preferences.
Click here, and let's start planning!
