Key Facts About South Africa:
- Official name: Republic of South Africa / Union of South Africa
- Location: Southernmost country on the continent of Africa
- Capital: Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial)
- National Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
- Current Currency Exchange: 1 ZAR = 4.7 INR (Oct, 2024)
- Currency Usage Pattern: Cash is still king in South Africa. To be more specific, cash and debit cards are the top contenders for currency usage for most of the country. For knowing how much cash to be carried in person, please speak with our travel advisors before booking South Africa tour packages.
- Languages Used: South Africa has 12 official languages, including Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, and 9 others. Most South Africans are multilingual, and therefore, in your South African tour, you will most likely find people speaking different languages at different places.
- Major Transportation: Minibus taxis are the largest mode of transport in South Africa, although railways, airports, and BRT systems are also sufficiently developed. Therefore, your South Africa tour packages will most likely involve a mix of these modes.
- Top Cities: Below are the top three cities in South Africa by population:
- Johannesburg
- Cape Town
- Durban
- Time Zone: South Africa is 3:30 hours behind India and follows a single time zone like India all over the country. They also do not follow the DST (Daylight Saving Time).
- O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, Gauteng
- King Shaka International Airport in Durban
- Durban
- Best Time to Visit: Winter Season - May to September
Top Places to Visit in South Africa Packages:
South Africa is a diverse country with interesting things to do for everyone. No matter the nature of your South Africa tour packages, you are in for a great surprise. From the hustle and bustle of metro cities to wildlife games in major parks, your South African trip will be the journey of a lifetime. Let us explore the top places to visit in South Africa packages.
Cape Town (Top City in South Africa Packages):
Cape Town is one of the largest cities in South Africa, and there are good reasons why this city falls in the list of top places to visit in South Africa. The city is home to the scenic beauty of Table Mountain. The views for the Table Mountain from the city and vice versa are surreal. The city is also famous for the world's top surfers, as the city boasts top beaches like Clifton Beach. This is also the reason this city is part of almost all the South Africa tour packages. Side Note: Add Cape Town to South Africa Packages if you are visiting South Africa for the first time.
Johannesburg:
Established in 1886, Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and also part of the wealthiest province. It is a metropolis where different cultures, cuisines, and arts merge into one and bring out the best in each. From Apartheid Museum to National Park Safaris, this city is a must-see itinerary in South Africa Tour Packages. Shop, eat, or see wildlife—this city has it all. Side Note: Add World Heritage Site: Cradle of Humankind in South Africa Packages when visiting Johannesburg. This place is known for the world’s largest human ancestral remains dating back millions of years.
Knysna:
Knysna is a small coastal town that is famous among locals as well as tourists for its beautiful waterfronts. It is a town that offers the beauty of the country in South Africa packages, away from the hustle and bustle of its main cities. If you are looking for a laid-back culture with beautiful beaches and lush forests, this is a place to explore. Side Note: Do ask for a guided kayak tour in Knysna Lagoon for your South Africa tour packages.
Durban:
Known as South Africa’s playground, Durban offers a versatile holiday destination mixed with modernity and history. Durban faces the Indian ocean along the coast and therefore has a warm climate throughout the year. Apart from the natural wonders here, South Africa Tour Packages can also include the uShaka Marine World, which offers playful dolphin shows to water park slides.
Sun City:
Although the major reason for the city being a favourite among South Africa packages is the gaming reserves, the city offers other tourist attractions too. Let it be watersports or hot air ballooning adventure enthusiasts can enjoy their day in this city with fun. Golfing and shopping are also the top activities to be explored here in your South Africa tour packages.
Oudtshoorn:
Oudtshoorn is a famous city in South Africa, known as the Ostrich capital of the world. No matter which South Africa packages you choose, if you want to see ostriches, you have to visit here. The city’s economy is primarily supported by ostrich farming and its tourism activities. Get guided tours for the flightless birds here and enjoy the day along the family. One more major attraction here in South Africa tour packages is Cango Caves. Believed to be at least 20 million years old, the caves are carved by nature inside out of limestone, and the deep paths inside are still being discovered. The guided tours here offer an eerie experience and should definitely be explored as a part of South Africa tour packages.
If you are visiting South Africa for the first time and want to explore South Africa Packages to understand its history and culture and experience adventure at the same time with at least a week’s duration in hand, then explore our South African Jewels Package. On the other hand, if you want South Africa Packages wherein you have at least 10 days of time duration to explore a few cities and their top attractions, then you should choose Stunning South Africa as your best option. It explores Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, George, Johannesburg, Sun City, and Kruger as part of South Africa tour packages.
Things undertaken in South Africa tour packages:
Kruger National Park (Best Tourist Attraction in South Africa Packages)
Kruger National Park is one of the largest wildlife reserves in South Africa, spread over an area of more than 19,000 km2. It is famous for its Big 5: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos. A favourite in every wildlife enthusiast’s bucket list and therefore South Africa Packages, apart from the Big 5, it also has sightings for numerous other wildlife. Do not forget your sunscreen lotion, hat, and other hot climate essentials before adding this to your South Africa tour packages.
Table Mountain
Another famous South Africa Packages spot is Table Mountain, which is present in the middle of Cape Town. The cable car rides to the top of the mountain provide a breathtaking view of the city as well as the ocean. It offers all types of activities, such as hiking, camping, and picnics. If you choose this in South Africa tour packages, do explore the food options here along with the panoramic views of the city.
V&A Waterfront
V&A Waterfront is a popular destination among locals as well as tourists in South Africa tour packages. It is basically a harbour with scenic views, delicious cuisine, and a shopping destination. Visited by thousands of tourists every year, this place is increasingly thronged by locals. Having a rich historical and cultural perspective for the country, South Africa Tour Packages with V&A Waterfront itinerary will be a sight to behold.
Stellenbosch
Present in the Western Cape province of South Africa, Stellenbosch is known as the university town because of the Stellenbosch University. Due to this, a lot of the young student population resides here, giving rise to good cafes and restaurants for the population. Whenever the Stellenbosch is added to the South Africa Tour Packages, the wine tour is also always recommended. The wine tour in the nearby wine estates is a fun-filled activity for the whole family, as they also provide picnic spots plus wine tasting.
Apartheid Museum (History & Culture Showcase for South Africa tour packages)
Located in Johannesburg, the Pillars of Constitution are the first thing the Apartheid Museum greets a visitor with. Part of South Africa tour packages must, "Apartheid," which simply means apartness, was a set of racial segregation policies in the past. The museum sheds light on these policies, their effects, and their relevance to the history of South Africa as a country. For truly understanding the history of South Africa, add a guided tour for this museum to your South Africa tour packages.
Side Note: The museum offers a rich background and history of South Africa, and to make the most of it in your South Africa Packages, please divide the tour in half. Maybe add a relaxing food break in between the whole tour.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Out of the hundreds of things that can be experienced in South Africa Packages, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden can easily be one of the favourites. It is one of the top botanical gardens in the world, which houses diverse species of plants for the visitors to explore. Situated on the slopes of the eastern side of Table Mountain, the garden provides good restaurants, cafes, and gift shops. Reserve at least a day’s itinerary in South Africa tour packages to make the most of the garden.
The Garden Route (Top Solo Trip Attraction in South Africa Tour Packages):
There is a reason the Garden Route is among the South Africa tour packages top road trips in the world. Part of its allure is in the gift of nature, adventure sports, and the best-kept natural wonders in the world. The Garden Route is a travel route between Mossel Bay and Storms River along the southern coast of South Africa. Part of its appeal is in the scenic ocean by the side and variety of wildlife. If you decide to venture this route as part of South Africa Tour Packages, make sure to visit in spring and summer for a suitable climate with flora and fauna.
Top Offbeat Thing to Do in South Africa:
Shark Cage Diving:
Yes, it is exactly what it sounds like. It is diving in the water with the sharks, eye to eye. Of course, there is a strong metal cage in between. This activity is one for adrenaline-seeking tourists and is worth the experience. The duration will be for a few hours, and the price is also reasonable for the activity. Once inside the cage, you will experience an adventure of a lifetime. Add this adventure to your South Africa packages, and you will have a story to tell.
Best time to visit:
May to September:
The best time to visit South Africa in your South Africa Packages is May to September. There is a good reason for the same. South Africa has a vast coastline, and therefore its weather depends upon a number of factors, such as its desert, warm coastal currents, two different oceans along both sides of the country, and land mass along the country. Due to the warmer Indian Ocean on its east side and cooler Atlantic Ocean on the west, your South Africa tour packages offer a multitude of opportunities for various tourist sightings in different weather conditions. But the most pleasant weather is in winter. It is basically a dry season with chilly mornings, dry weather, clear skies, and good air to breathe. On top of this is the off-season for tourism. Therefore, as such, all seasons in South Africa offer good opportunities for tourists for one reason or another; the best time to book South Africa packages is from May to September, i.e., the winter season.
Things to Avoid While Booking South Africa tour packages:
- We always recommend in South Africa packages to travel in groups and with guides if possible. As such, travelling alone at night near places outside major cities should be avoided at all costs.
- Carrying too much cash should also be restrained when in South Africa. Although cash is used in the whole tour, carry only as much as you need. Ensure to get the cash according to the cities that are being covered in your South Africa tour packages.
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When you want to take out cash, prefer using ATMs in the malls over standalone ATM vendors in the city or on the outskirts. Guidance for top will be provided in South Africa Packages.
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Hitchhiking should be avoided while travelling. Do not leave guided South Africa tour packages when travelling.
To-do list in South Africa Tour Packages:
- Safeguard your original paperwork from losing it when travelling.
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Tipping is expected when you travel to South Africa. Therefore, consider tipping at different places like restaurants, guided local tours, eating joints, cafes, etc.
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Always stay informed about local news and media while travelling. Rest assured, our guides in South Africa Packages will help with the same.
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Use bottled water whenever possible during your South Africa tour.
South Africa Packages has various places for different people. It is necessary to take certain precautions when you travel to any foreign country, and as such, South Africa is no different. All the basic things, like the above things to avoid and the to-do list, are such precautions. South Africa is a country with rich heritage and natural resources. Therefore, things in South Africa Packages will always be eventful, like whether it is gorgeous beaches, scenic mountains, delicious cuisines, or famous wildlife games, a traveller will always be spoilt in their choices. Please ask any questions or query on 022 4164 2214 or easyvisa@in.musafir.com before choosing your South Africa tour packages.
Faqs:
- Where is South Africa located?
South Africa is present at the tip of the African continent, or one can also say it is the southernmost country in the African continent. It is bordered by 5 countries, namely Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, and Mozambique. All of these countries border South Africa to the north. Along the west coast, South Africa faces the Atlantic Ocean, and along the east, the Indian Ocean.
- What is the best time to visit South Africa?
The best time to visit South Africa is from May to September. This is the winter season in South Africa, and therefore it is best to book South Africa tour packages during this time. Although if you want to experience certain attractions that fall outside this month, South Africa will not disappoint in any way, and therefore please choose your itinerary in South Africa Tour Packages according to your interests.
- What is South Africa famous for?
South Africa is most famous for its wildlife games in its national reserves. Although the top places in South Africa packages are changing by the day, as South Africa has stunning natural beauty with rich culture and heritage. Therefore, these days people are also exploring different places like ancient caves, spotless beaches, and authentic local cuisines in their South Africa tour packages to experience the other side of South Africa.
- Which is the capital of South Africa?
South Africa has 3 capitals, namely, Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative), and Bloemfontein (judicial).
- What is the currency of South Africa?
The currency of South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR).
Currently the currency rate for Indians is:
1 ZAR = 4.7 INR (Oct. 2024)
- Do Indians need a South Africa visa for tourists?
Yes, for Indian tourists, it is mandatory to get the South Africa visa before booking South Africa packages and visiting the country. Get all the information about the South Africa Visa here needed in South Africa Packages.
- Is there any service to get the South Africa visa online?
Yes, Indians can get a South Africa visa online. It is also known as an e-visa or online visa, and before booking South Africa packages, please go through details on the dedicated South Africa visa page.
- How is South Africa for Indian tourists?
South Africa is a land of diversity for any travellers visiting the nation. For a country famous for its wildlife games, it has so much else to offer. For Indian tourists, South Africa tour packages have a variety of experiences to explore.
Major Attractions for South Africa tour packages:
- Kruger National Park
- 12 World Heritage Sites
- Sparsely populated beaches
Therefore, if you want to visit a diverse country, do choose appropriate South Africa packages to explore natural wonders and experiences, along with the wildlife games.
- What are the top national parks to visit in South Africa tour packages?
You should visit Kruger National Park, Pilanesberg Game Reserve, and Addo Elephant National Park if you want to explore the rich wildlife of the country. Although adding a single park to your South Africa tour packages is sufficient if you are visiting for the first time and want to explore South Africa as a whole.
- Which wine regions are famous in South Africa to include in South Africa Packages?
Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Constantia, Paarl, and Elgin are few places in South Africa in South Africa tour packages that are known for their top-quality wine regions. There are good reasons for the same. Good Mediterranean climate and dry, sunny weather conditions are among the few that help in the production of good-quality wines.
- Are there flights to South Africa from India?
Yes, there are flights available to major cities in South Africa. Please refer to air flights to know more. Alternatively, talk to our travel experts at 022 4164 2214 to know more about flights in South Africa Packages.
- What is South Africa's flight time from India?
Tentatively, it takes upwards of 12 hours at least to reach any of the major cities in South Africa from India. Although it can take 16 to 25 hours depending upon the cities covered in South Africa packages, number of stops in between, air traffic congestion, etc.
- What is the difference in time zone for South Africa and India?
South Africa is 3 hours and 30 minutes behind Indian Standard Time (IST). The country follows a single time zone all over the country similar to one in India.
- How many days are sufficient to explore South Africa in South Africa tour packages?
It is recommended to choose South Africa Tour Packages to travel for at least a week to experience the beauty of South Africa, owing to the time difference, travel duration, and leisure time in between the different places in the itinerary. Anything more than a week in your South Africa Packages, and you will have an in-depth experience of South Africa as a country with rich heritage and culture.
- Does Musafir.com provide different South Africa tour packages for Indians?
Yes, Musafir.com provides multiple options for South Africa tour packages. These options provide various opportunities for Indian tourists to explore South Africa in different light. To choose the right options for you out of the different South Africa tour packages available, please get in touch with our travel experts at 022 4164 2214 or easyvisa@in.musafir.com. No matter which South Africa packages you choose, you will have good memories for your tour.
Call our travel experts on 022 4164 2214 and get your South Africa flights without any hassle.