South Africa

Afrikaans, Zulu, and Sotho are some of the most prevalent languages spoken in South Africa. However, English is widely used in public and business life, making travel in South Africa a breeze for English speakers. South Africa boasts the largest economy in Africa and the 28th largest in the world. It is home to three capital cities – Pretoria (executive), Bloemfontein (judicial) and Cape Town (legislative).

Adventure awaits in the southernmost region of Africa with its diverse landscapes and wild side of nature. From the thrill of the desert to the mystery of the scrubland, the majesty of the mountains to the colliding oceans, South Africa is a haven for the adventurous. This exotic destination offers a variety of experiences, including unique safari trips, hikes up Table Mountain, and world-class waves to surf.

Entry to South Africa is straightforward for Brits. UK passport holders do not require a visa and can stay up to 90 days. Ensure your passport is valid for 30 days beyond your trip end date, and you have two blank pages.

South Africans are particularly fond of making the most of their balmy climate with a braai (a barbecue). The outdoor lifestyle continues to influence how meals are cooked and served. A typical meal might include boerewors, spicy sausage, a chilled glass of South African wine, or a cooling Castle beer while sitting outside looking across the horizon. 

Other meaty treats are in store, such as biltong (strips of dried meat in various flavours and types) or potjieko, a tasty slow-cooked meat and vegetable stew traditionally cooked on an open fire. Those with a sweet tooth should give melktert (milk tart) or koeksisters (sweet doughy treats) a whirl for desserts. If the traditional dishes don’t bowl you over, some restaurants serve Chinese, Indian, and more international dishes to cater for everyone.

South Africa is close to the equator. The Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Southern Ocean wash upon the shores. Because of these factors, the country has a vast variety of climates.

The country’s southwest has a Mediterranean climate with wet winters, hot/dry summers, and a famously prevalent wind. Further eastwards on the south coast, the rainfall falls more often and is greener. The coldest place is Sutherland in the western Roggeveld Mountains; midwinter temperatures can plummet to as low as -15C. The other extreme is the deep interior; the hottest temperature recorded was 51.7C.

Choose lightweight clothes for summer, with the option of covering up when needed. Also, pack an umbrella or raincoat as most rain falls in summer. If you are in a malarial area, pack long-sleeved tops and trousers for the evenings. If you plan to enjoy a game-spotting safari, wear neutral clothes to blend into the surrounding scenery.

Winter is between May and August, and summer is from November to March. It is an attractive destination for sunseekers in the UK. 

The country has a variety of private and public hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. Hospitals and doctors often require immediate payment for their services. Obtaining comprehensive travel insurance before travelling to South Africa to cover emergency medical bills is best. 

Tap water is safe to drink. Specific health problems in South Africa include malaria, as the low altitude assists in the spread of this mosquito-borne disease. Anti-malaria tablets are available, and preventative measures are best to avoid insect bites. If you are currently taking prescription drugs, you can bring them with you into South Africa (plus a spare prescription), as you are allowed to bring in a month’s supply for your personal use. As a precaution, you could also bring a cover letter from your doctor. In common with other African countries, South Africa has suffered from a high number of people who have AIDS and HIV.