South Africa travel guide
South Africa gathers a remarkable range of landscapes and experiences into one journey. You can ride a cable car up Table Mountain, taste wine in the Cape Winelands, watch whales from the cliffs at Hermanus, track the Big Five near Kruger and learn the country's history in Johannesburg and Soweto. Cape Town and its Winelands are the natural starting point, with Stellenbosch and Hermanus nearby. The Garden Route, through George and Knysna, is the classic road trip, Durban and Gqeberha cover the warm Indian Ocean coast and Addo's elephants, and Mbombela is the gateway to Kruger and the Panorama Route. Johannesburg and Pretoria offer history and city life. South Africa is a year-round destination: the Cape is at its best from November to March, while the dry winter months are best for safari in the north. It suits families, wine lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, and Zippy Trips can help you plan the itinerary city by city.
Capital: Pretoria.
Visa for Indian passport holders
E-visa, applied for online before you fly.
Before you go to South Africa
- Currency
- ZAR R
- Emergency number
- 112 / 10111
- Plug type
- Type M, N, C
- Tap water
- Tap water: mostly safe
- Tipping
- Expected
- Bargaining
- Not expected
- eSIM
- Available
- Card networks
- Visa, Mastercard
- ATM fees
- R 60-70 per withdrawal
Cities in South Africa
- Cape Town South Africa's "Mother City", Cape Town sits at the foot of the iconic Table Mountain on the tip of the Cape Peninsula. Famed for…
- Johannesburg South Africa's largest city and economic hub, Johannesburg—known locally as "Joburg" or "Jozi"—offers vibrant contrasts: from the poignant…
- Durban South Africa's coastal playground on the warm Indian Ocean, Durban captivates with golden beaches, the vibrant Victoria Street Market,…
- Stellenbosch South Africa's premier wine capital and home to one of its oldest universities. Cape Dutch architecture, oak-lined Church Street, and over…
- Pretoria South Africa's administrative capital, the "Jacaranda City", home to Union Buildings, Voortrekker Monument, and a vibrant cafe scene. Every…
- Knysna Nestled along the Garden Route between dramatic sandstone cliffs, Knysna Lagoon is one of South Africa's most beautiful natural settings.…
- Hermanus World-renowned for the best land-based whale watching on the planet, Hermanus sits on Walker Bay. Southern Right Whales arrive June to…
- Mbombela Capital of Mpumalanga and the main gateway to Kruger National Park, Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit) is surrounded by subtropical lowveld,…
- Gqeberha Formerly Port Elizabeth, Gqeberha is gateway to the Eastern Cape malaria-free game reserves including Addo Elephant National Park. Wide…
- George Capital of the Garden Route and gateway to the Outeniqua Mountains, George is a lush city famous for world-class golf, Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe…
Frequently asked questions about South Africa
- Do Indian citizens need a visa for South Africa?
- E-visa, applied for online before you fly.
- What currency is used in South Africa?
- The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (R). R1 is about ₹6.
- Can I use cards and ATMs in South Africa?
- Accepted card networks: Visa, Mastercard. Typical ATM fees: R 60-70 per withdrawal. Decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card machines.
- Should I tip in South Africa?
- Tipping in South Africa: expected. Typically about 10% in restaurants.
- Is tap water safe to drink in South Africa?
- Tap water: mostly safe. Safe in most urban areas (tap water is drinkable in all major cities). Avoid drinking from rivers or streams near informal settlements.
- What plug type does South Africa use?
- South Africa uses Type M, N, C plugs.
- What is the emergency number in South Africa?
- Emergency: 112. Police: 10111. Ambulance: 10177. Tourist helpline: 0860-006-789.
- Can I get a SIM or eSIM in South Africa?
- SIM and eSIM available in South Africa.
- What is the capital of South Africa?
- The capital of South Africa is Pretoria. Time there: IST - 3 h 30 min.