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GUIDE TO

South Africa

INSIDER GUIDE TO SOUTH AFRICA

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South Africa is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, with

11 OFFICIAL LANGUAGES.

THE FIRSTHOMININ FOSSILS were found in the Rising Star cave system in the

Gauteng Province

LARGEST OPTICAL TELESCOPE IN THE

SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE

ZULULAND BATTLEFIELDS

The national flower is the KING PROTEA

STELLENBOSCH

PORT ELIZABETH

ZuluXhosaVendaTsongaTswanaSwazi

SothoNorthern Sotho

NdebeleEnglish

Afrikaans

70% OF THE CAPE’S PLANT LIFE cannot be found anywhere

else in the world.

THE FIRST HUMAN HEART TRANSPLANT

performed in Cape Town in 1967.

TABLE MOUNTAIN

BOULDERS BEACH

JOHANNESBURG

BLOEMFONTEIN

DURBAN

CAPE TOWN

The coastline stretches1600 MILES!

LIONS, LEOPARDS, ELEPHANTS, RHINOS, BUFFALOS – all live in South Africa

Picture South Africa. Are you perched in the back of an open top 4x4, peering across the savannah to spot a lion? Sipping a glass of chilled chenin blanc surrounded by the breathtaking, rugged landscape of Stellenbosch? Gazing over Cape Town as you stand at the top of majestic Table Mountain?

Wherever your mind wanders to when you picture South Africa, welcome to our first-timer’s guide to this incredible destination. Whether you want to get up close with some of nature’s most impressive beasts, indulge in gourmet food and wine, or discover the hidden histories of this country’s fascinating past, South Africa is an absolute delight to visit.

TC INSIDER - South Africa Population:

Capital:

Largest city:

National Anthem:

Currency:

Official languages:

Time zone:

54.9 million

Tshwane (executive)

Bloemfontein (judicial)

Cape Town (legislative)

Johannesburg

A combination of ‘Nkosi Sikelel’

iAfrika’ and ‘Die Stem van

Suid-Afrika’

South African Rand

Afrikaans, Northern Sotho,

English, Southern Ndebele,

Southern Sotho, Swazo, Tsonga,

Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu

UTC +2

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“Stellenbosch was a lovely little town which we did not spend nearly long enough in”

“Zebras on our lawn in Gondwana, also two rhinos and a small herd of elephants!”

“The drive to Oudtshoorn from Mossel Bay and back to George was the most interesting part of the trip for me, as it took us across two different mountain passes”

“The guided tour of Port Elizabeth with Sithembiso Foster, who used to be a headmaster”

We love seeing the places our customers have visited in South Africa!

We caught up with Travel Counsellor Vicky and her customer Tim Lewis to find out some of the highlights of his trip to South Africa…

Making the very best memories

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Things you must see in South Africa

Cape Town beachesWith over 1,600 miles of coastline, you can find yourself alone on one of South Africa’s never-ending beaches. If you are basing yourself in Cape Town, then you will have easy access to a number of beautiful bays. Keep in mind that the chilly water of the Atlantic Ocean keeps even the locals out, so head to False Bay for warmer water temperatures! Surfers will love the Third and Fourth beaches where you’ll find some impressive waves.

Addo Elephant ParkHave you always dreamed of seeing herds of elephants walking in their natural habitat? The Addo Elephant Park is located a close drive from Port Elizabeth and is home to over 600 elephants. You may also spot rhinos, buffalo, zebra, leopards and warthogs!

Zululand BattlefieldsThe towns in the area of KwaZulu-Natal’s battlefields offer a fascinating insight into the history of the battle between the Afrikaans, British and Zulus during the 19th century. You can either hire a car and do a self-guided tour of the area or join an organised group and learn about the events.

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Robben IslandLocated just over four miles off the coast of Cape Town, this island was where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. The prison closed in 1991 and it is now a popular tourist destination for those wanting to see where the inspirational leader was held. It is a World Heritage Site and has been transformed into a living museum.

Victoria and Alfred WaterfrontThis popular destination for locals and tourists is a bustling centre for food, art, culture and entertainment. It is a wonderful mix of historic buildings, a working port, and contemporary development, with restaurants, shops, and live entertainment. There are many festivals and craft markets held here throughout the year. You can also take boat trips from here, including the Robben Island Ferry.

Apartheid MuseumA must-see for all visitors to Johannesburg, the Apartheid Museum provides a detailed account of South Africa’s history. Many visitors describe the museum as a very difficult but inspirational experience as it presents the reality of the country’s past. Due to the nature of the content, the museum isn’t open to children under the age of 11.

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Table MountainDiscover South Africa from the lofty heights of Table Mountain. This impressive flat-topped mountain is 3,558ft tall and provides stunning views of Cape Town and beyond. Not one for mountain climbing? Don’t worry! You can catch a five-minute cable car ride that takes you straight to the top. It’s a must-visit at sunset for that perfect pink-orange sky.

Union BuildingsThe Union Buildings in Tshwane are the official parliamentary buildings of South Africa’s government. This is where Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as President in 1994. The impressive architecture and fascinating history of the Union Buildings make them a must see.

iSimangaliso Wetland ParkLocated in the far north of KwaZulu-Natal are a collection of nature reserves and parklands that form the iSimangaliso wetlands. Here, you can discover an incredible eight different ecosystems from mountain ranges, lake systems, sand dunes, to tropical forest. This is the only place in the world where you will see crocodiles, sharks and hippopotamuses living in the same lagoon!

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TC INSIDER - Taste

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Travel Counsellor Heidi

“My favourite place in Franschhoek is Haute Cabriere Cellar, located on the road above the town Franschhoek Pass. Set inside the wine cellars of Haute Cabriere vineyards, Chef Matthew Gordon really produces some exquisite creations.”

Travel Counsellor Cornel

“La Mouette is one of my favourite restaurants in Cape Town, serving French cuisine (advance booking is required). Or try Millers Thumb for a more local experience, serving fish and seafood.”

Travel Counsellor Roger has visited South Africa 30 times and even met his wife on the plane from London to Cape Town in 2000! We asked for a few recommendations for places to eat and here’s what Roger had to say…

These are just a few of my favourites that I try and hit every time I get down there...

In Franschhoek:"Franschhoek is classed as the gourmet capital of the country generally, so anything in business is generally outstanding.

The (very reasonable) Michelin-starred Le Quartier Francais is often voted the best in the country and is just inside the village limits.

My favourite, though, is the more reasonable Le Petit Ferme - their ‘16 hour cooked lamb shank’ will take your breath away."

In Cape Town:"Blues has been a solid seafood haven since before my first visit in 1998. It’s situated in the picture-perfect cove of Camps Bay - sundowners here first, then food!

For Italian food - which we always went to after cycling the 110km Cycle Tour – try Il Leone. For possibly the best Indian restaurant in the country, Bukhara is beyond belief!

A recent discovery, on a local recommendation, is Live Bait. Unsurprisingly, based around a seafood menu in the sea village of Kalk Bay. The novelty here of having the waves (literally!) crashing up over the windows and watching the squid being caught on the pier then appearing 10 minutes later as calamari on your plate will never get old in conversation!

My absolute favourite in the city is Barristers Grill. It’ll blow your socks off! And the ice-cream and chocolate sauce dessert is beyond memorable…”

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The hidden gem I’d recommend is… Robberg Nature Reserve, in the Plettenberg Bay area“Pack your hiking shoes, and go for a hike around the reserve for beautiful sea views from all angles, and a well-deserved relaxing time on a private beach.”

Travel Counsellor Cornel grew up in South Africa and is a fountain of knowledge on the things to see and do there! Here, she shares some of her favourite places…

TC INSIDER

First-time visitors should head to…Cape Town“It’s a beautiful city with lots to do, see and eat. Take a cable car up Table Mountain for amazing views over the city, explore the shops and restaurants at the V&A waterfront, take a stroll on the beach at Camps Bay, see the penguins at Boulders Bay, and visit Blouberg Strand for the iconic flat-top view of Table Mountain.

My favourite place in South Africa is…The wine region near Stellenbosch and Franschhoek“It’s one of the best wine regions in the world, with views to die for whilst you travel from one wine estate to the next to sample what they have to offer.”

Souvenirs? Don’t forget these holiday mementoes…“Typical souvenirs include handcrafted wooden objects (such as bowls, furniture and animals) or beaded animal statues. You can also get beautiful African-themed paintings or painted table cloths, and so on. In terms of food, a bottle of Amarula or a case of wine is a good choice, but don’t be tempted to bring biltong back - it’s meat and not allowed back into the UK.”

If you want to go “off the beaten track”, head to…“For the active traveller, you can do spectacular hiking/cycling holidays through the Drakensberg area.

The area around the Kruger National Park (Hazyview, for example) is also beautiful with lovely waterfalls, caves and lookout points to visit. However, if you are not familiar with the area, I would recommend an escorted tour rather than a self-drive in this area.”

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Try something different

Swim with the penguinsHead for a swim at Boulders Beach in Simonstown for a chance to swim with the local penguin colony. They love to dive through the waves and sunbathe on the beach among the beachgoers.

Wine tourNorth of Cape Town, you’ll find Boland, meaning ‘Upland,’ where most of the country’s wine is grown. There are over 400 wineries to choose from, offering wine samples, delicious food and bottles of wine to bring back home with you! If you plan on sampling one or two (or more!), join an organised wine tour that will take you to the best wineries in the region. Franschhoek is the most popular wine area to visit, or you can head to Groot Constantia, the oldest wine region in South Africa.

Kayak with crocodilesYou can get up close and personal with some of nature’s most terrifying creatures on a kayaking trip in one of South Africa’s many rivers and lagoons. You can join a kayaking tour at the St Lucia Estuary and, as it’s only 3.2ft deep, you should be able to spot the hippos and crocodiles that live in the water!

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Lend a hand in a local townshipTownships were non-white communities established during the apartheid that are now undergoing significant work to help improve the living standards for the local people. You can volunteer and help out in a local community or take an organised tour of these areas, with proceeds going back to the townships to help them develop.

HermanusA few hours’ drive south of Cape Town lies Hermanus, a seaside town renowned for whale watching. Every year, particularly during September and October when the town holds the annual Two Oceans Whale Festival, Southern Right Whales migrate through the area to Walker Bay. You are usually guaranteed sightings from the top of the cliffs in Hermanus. And, it isn’t just whales that you will be spotting – dolphins, penguins and seals are also common sights!

Kirstenbosch Botanical GardensSouth Africa is famous for its diverse and unique flora, and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden offers a beautiful array of gardens to explore. Situated on the rugged edge of the Table Mountain range, it boasts over 22,000 different varieties of plants. For the more adventurous, there are numerous paths that wind up the mountainside and the walks can take between four and six hours. For anyone looking for something a little less strenuous, there are gentle walking trails through the garden, including one sign posted in braille. During summer months, outdoor concerts and film showings are held in the gardens.

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TC INSIDER

Travel Counsellor Becky: “We went with charity Uthando to a township in Cape Town and got to meet lots of the locals, both children and adults. We had a morning with James, the organiser, and went to a vet opening, and school and dance studio; we took sports clothes, sweets, colouring pens and paper for James to hand out to the people we met.”

Travel Counsellor Sue: “Whizz up to visit Table Mountain on the first sunny day, followed by a drive up to Signal Hill, it’s a great place for a sunset overlooking the city and Waterfront.”

Travel Counsellor Marc: “My favourite hotel, Grootbos, is not just an average hotel, it is an experience. Grootbos is a great base for anyone who enjoys flora and fauna plus a wonderful location for whale watching and the chance to spot the marine big 5. It’s a private nature reserve near Hermanus, a five-star luxury property that offers many activities, wonderful cuisine and the best place I have ever been for stargazing. It is the perfect place to stop just before starting down the garden route.”

Travel Counsellor Archana: “For a more contemporary alternative to the V&A Waterfront, head to Woodstock (between the City Bowl and Observatory) for the Old Biscuit Mill’s trendy Saturday market and a growing collection of quirky restaurants and coffee spots, in amongst the design studios, bicycle shops and bohemian boutiques.”

Travel Counsellor Kim: “Off the main tourist route and a much more enjoyable way to climb Table Mountain is to start from Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. It’s far less crowded with most of the uphill part of the hike being in the shade of the indigenous forest and then a beautiful flat walk across the top of the mountain and all the incredible views, flora and fauna. Enter the Botanical Gardens and head to the start of the Smuts Track and up the mountain through the Skeleton Gorge onto the Hely-Hutchison Dam on the back side of Table Mountain. From late January through to February you’ll also find many Red Disas, a beautiful orchid also known as The Pride of Table Mountain.”

Travel Counsellor Linda: “An absolute must-see is Boulders Beach. Take a scenic drive from Cape Town through Camps Bay and Hout Bay and follow the route along Chapmans Peak. The scenery is stunning. Then, cut across to Fish Hoek and down to Simons Town and Boulders Beach. Have lunch here overlooking the Jackass Penguins playing in the surf and on the beach. Smelly – but a delight!”

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South Africa is fast becoming one of the most gastronomically enticing countries to visit, with influences from a vast array of foodie cultures. Here, you’ll discover food inspired by the indigenous population as well as Dutch, Malaysian, French and Indian.

South African cuisine is particularly good for meat lovers, who will be delighted by the quality and variety of meat on offer. While here, you must experience a braai, a traditional barbecue that is a local favourite. These relaxed and casual eating events bring together communities over hot coals and delicious grilled meats.

With the first winery dating back to 1659, wine is also a must-have in South Africa as the country continues to produce top quality wine varieties. Beer is also a local speciality – stop off at the South African Breweries Centre in Johannesburg to learn more about the local brews.

Taste South Africa

BiltongDry curing has long been a tradition for preserving meat in indigenous communities in South Africa and it continues today. Similar to beef jerky, biltong is usually made from beef or game which is sliced thinly and air dried. The meat is often spiced with coriander and pepper and these days you can even find more unusual flavourings and meat types – anyone for ostrich?

Cape Malay CurrySouth African cuisine is heavily influenced by many international cultures including spices from Malaysia and Indonesia. The Dutch and French settlers brought these spices to South Africa and they have been incorporated into traditional cooking methods. The Cape Malay Curry is a famous dish that uses cinnamon, chilli, turmeric and saffron and is usually made with chicken.

BraaiThe traditional braai is a ‘must-do’ experience in South Africa, with a wide range of meats and seafood cooked over flaming grills. Also known as shisa nyama (‘burn the meat’ in Zulu), these barbecues bring together communities as they cook beef, pork, chicken, lamb or vors (sausages) on the grill. While there are usually accompanying salads, this isn’t for the vegetarians!

PapPap or miele pap is Africaans for maize porridge and is a staple accompaniment to many dishes. It is eaten at any meal throughout the day and is often flavoured with chilli or served along side stews.

Bunny ChowLove spicy food? Try bunny chow, a spicy curry including meat, lentils and beans, and served in hollowed out loaves of bread. It originates from the Indian community that migrated to the Natal area of Durban.

MelktertSomething for the sweet tooth, the melktert is similar to a Portuguese custard tart, with a pastry case filled with delicious custard. Usually served with a sprinkling of cinnamon, you can find these in many bakeries throughout the country.

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Tips before you leave

Passport Requirements:2 clear pages next to each other

6-months return validity (UK requirement)

No visa for UK passport holders staying 90-days of less

www.Southafricahouseuk.com/visas/vis_forcit.html for child regulation updates

Innoculations:Malaria in Kruger, Northern Limpopo and Northern KZN

Tetanus, Typhoid, Hep A

ALWAYS consult a doctor

Currency & Tipping:Change in the car for toll roads, tipping fuel attendants

Tipping is not compulsory but to give you an idea of what can be offered:

Baggage porters approx. R10 per bag

Guides approx. R50 per day

Game Rangers approx. R100-150 per room per day

Trackers approx. R100 per room per day

Power:3 pin in most rural and lesser known areas

Most larger hotels in the cities will have international plug sockets with UK and/or 2 pin plus sockets

Wondering how much spending money you’ll need for your travels? To help you plan your trip, here’s a rough guide to the cost of some of the things you might be buying whilst you’re there!

Spending money

A cup of rooibos tea: £1.40

A bottle of wine: £4 Public transport: £1.40

A meal for two: £24

Fish and chips on the waterfront: £3

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Here, we’ve chosen a few of the things we think you should see, do and eat while you’re in South Africa. We hope it

inspires you to journey to South Africa time and time again and explore this incredible country. Get in touch to build a

bespoke itinerary, tailor-made just for you!