Day 1:
Holiday Inn Cape Town, Cape Town

10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route, Sun City and Mabula – Private Itinerary

On arrival in Cape Town you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Resting at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic oceans, sandwiched between the slopes of the iconic Table Mountain and the glistening sapphire waters of Table Bay, the exceptionally scenic city of Cape Town is in a class of its own. Some cities boast rich culture, vibrant nightlife, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and extraordinary architecture, while others boast breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary natural wonders. Cape Town is lucky enough to be blessed with all of these attractions and so much more. With its bustling harbour, world-class beaches, top-notch vineyards, and its mountainous surroundings brimming with diverse flora and fauna, Cape Town consistently captivates the hearts of all who visit.

Overnight: Holiday Inn Cape Town

Experience one of South Africa’s most beautiful cities. Located in the heart of the Mother City, the Holiday Inn Cape Town is in close proximity to many of the city’s major attractions. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, one of the most visited shopping centres in the southern hemisphere, it is a mere 10-15 minutes’ walk along the historic streets of Cape Town. Take a walk up the majestic Table Mountain and enjoy the legendary scenic views that Cape Town has to offer. With the central location of the Holiday Inn Cape Town, take to the streets & experience Cape Town‘s diverse range of restaurants, shops and vibrant nightlife. A “MyCiti” bus station is just seconds away, making this the ideal base for both the business and leisure traveller, offering ease of exploration throughout Cape Town.

Basis: Bed and Breakfast

Day 2:
Holiday Inn Cape Town, Cape Town

10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route, Sun City and Mabula – Private Itinerary

Today you will enjoy a half day City Tour including Table Mountain (weather permitting).
HIGHLIGHTS:
• South African Museum & the Company Gardens
• Parliament buildings
• City Hall & Castle of good Hope
• Malay Quarter/ Bo-Kaap
• Green Market Square
• Signal Hill
• Camps Bay & Clifton
Should the cableway up Tabel Mountain not be operating you will be taken to Table View for a “postcard view” of Table Mountain.

The afternoon you are at leisure, we can recommend spending some time at the V&A Waterfront which has a wide variety of shops, entertainment and restaurants on offer.

Table Mountain

Without a doubt it is Table Mountain that makes Cape Town the unique city it is. Rising up over 1000m above sea level, it is the icon that makes Cape Town instantly recognizable. It is a symbol, a playground, a spiritual retreat and a big draw card for tourists. So intertwined with the identity of Cape Town is Table Mountain that a visit to the city isn’t complete without having walked or taken the cable car to the top.

Company Gardens

The Company Gardens is a treed haven in the middle of the city and is surrounded by museums and fascinating buildings – St Georges Cathedral, the Salve Museum, The National Art Gallery and the Jewish Museum to mention a few.

Castle of Good Hope

The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest surviving building in South Africa. Built between 1666 and 1679, this pentagonal fortification replaced a small clay and timber fort built by Commander Jan van Riebeeck in 1652 upon establishing a maritime replanishment station art the Cape of Good Hope for the Dutch East India Company, better known as the VOC (Verenigde Oos-Indische Compagnie).

Bo Kaap

The colourful suburb of Bo Kaap was exclusively for coloured Muslims during the Colonial and Apartheid times and today, this group still makes up the majority of residents. The quaint cobbled streets, the museum, the authentic purveyors of Cape cuisine and Cape Town’s oldest spice emporium are all worth a visit.

Signal Hill

For awesome views of Table Mountain, the City, the harbour, Waterfront, 2010 Stadium, the suburbs of Green Point & Sea Point and sunsets.

Camps Bay

Camps Bay is a wealthy coastal suburb located just ten minutes from the city bowl. Set on the slopes of Table Mountain, it overlooks a series of beautiful sandy bays and the Atlantic Ocean beyond.  Camps Bay is home to Cape Town’s most glamorous beach.

Basis: Bed and Breakfast

Day 3:
Holiday Inn Cape Town, Cape Town

10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route, Sun City and Mabula – Private Itinerary

Today you will enjoy a full day guided tour of the beautiful Cape Peninsula.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Clifton & Camps Bay
• Twelve Apostles
• Llandudno
• Hout Bay (optional boat trip to Seal Isalnd)
• Chapmans Peak Drive (if open)
• Noordhoek
• Ostrich viewing (drive by)
• Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve
• Cape Point
• Cape of Good Hope
• Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
• Simons Town
• Muizenberg
• Constantia
• Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Hout Bay

The originally small fishing village of Hout Bay is now a popular suburb of Cape Town. Over and above being a lovely family beach, it has many tourist attractions which include the World of Birds, a township tour to the vibrant Imizamo Yethu, arts and crafts, boat rides out to Seal Island and some great, casual restaurants where you can relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Cape of Good Hope

Part of the Table Mountain National Park that extends from Signal Hill in the north all the way to Cape Point in the south, the Cape of Good Hope is not the southern tip of Africa, despite lying at the south-west corner of the Cape Peninsula, just a little south of Cape Point on the south-east corner.

Cape Agulhas, roughly 150 kilometres southeast of here, holds this title instead. The Cape of Good Hope, however, remains a significant headland in the sense that from here one travels more eastward than southward, and it is not hard to imagine that rounding of the cape in 1488 was a major achievement.

This said, the Cape of Good Hope is one of two world-renowned landmarks within the Table Mountain National Park, the other is Table Mountain. These two familiar attractions are what draws thousands of visitors to Cape Town, not a new attribute to the Cape of Good Hope that functioned as something of a beacon for sailors for years and is still widely referred to as ‘The Cape’ by sea farers.  the Cape Peninsula, just a little south of Cape Point on the south-east corner.

Cape Point

Cape Point is a spectacular sight, covered in endemic fynbos and home to breathtaking bays, beaches and rolling green hills and valleys, just 60km outside of Cape Town. Cape Point falls within the Cape Floral Region, a World Heritage Site. The Cape Floral Region is one of the richest areas for plants in the world – it is home to nearly 20% of Africa’s flora. Cape Point is open daily and is a must-see.

Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town is ideal for kids as immense boulders shelter the cove from currents and large waves – but please always take care. It is a rare pleasure to swim with the penguins but don’t touch or feed them. They might look cute and cuddly but their beaks are as sharp as razors and if they feel threatened they have no qualms about nipping the odd finger or nose.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

On the lower slopes of Table Mountain, the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens showcases some of the Cape’s rich flora. Taking centre stage here is the unique ‘fynbos’ vegetation. Those who work up an appetite while exploring this garden paradise can visit the restaurant or tea room, which are fully stocked with delicious meals, yummy treats and refreshing beverages. In summer, Sunday music concerts provide sunset entertainment. Kirstenbosch is rated as the seventh best of its kind in the world.

Basis: Bed and Breakfast

Day 4:
Blackwaters River Lodge, Knysna

Day Itinerary

Today you will travel to the Garden Route, your destination is Knysna and you will enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on the Knysna Lagoon.

Sandwiched between the towering Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, Knysna is known as the ‘Garden of Eden’. It is surrounded by world-renowned forests, lovely lagoons and pristine beaches. Visitors can look forward to an array of markets offering delicious food and organic locally-made goods, explore the town’s picturesque waterfront and quaint streets, adventure through the lush forest, skip over streams and catch a glimpse of the multicoloured Knysna Loerie, take a ferry trip to the famed Knysna Heads and sample the local oysters. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of exciting activities including: surfing, swimming, yachting, jet skiing, boating, fishing, and golfing.

Garden Route

Sandwiched between the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountains and the glistening Indian Ocean, this lush 200-kilometre stretch of coastal plain between Mossel Bay and Storms River Mouth provides one of the world’s most spectacular drives. Visitors typically base themselves at the heart of the Garden Route – either in Knysna, complete with its scenic lagoon; or neighbouring Plettenberg Bay, famous for its excellent beaches – and then spend a few days exploring countless surrounding attractions. Whether you are seeking pristine, uncrowded white-sand beaches, world-class golf courses, ancient forests, top-notch surf spots, extraordinary nature reserves, excellent hiking opportunities or exhilarating outdoor adventures such as bungee jumping or ziplining, the Garden Route has it all.

Featherbed John Benn

The John Benn is a double-decker floating restaurant offering daily lagoon cruises to the Knysna Heads. A memorable family activity on Knysna Lagoon. One of the best floating restaurants in Knysna. The John Benn is a fully enclosed luxury ferry, beautifully appointed with her upper and lower decks constructed from Yellowwood sourced from the Knysna Forest.

This legendary floating restaurant is for eating, drinking and having fun! The galley team onboard the vessel is young and energetic, serving tasty food made from the freshest local selection.
Eating out in Knysna can become a whole new experience as a family activity.

This wonderful floating restaurant offers a wide dining selection from the a la carte menu, has a bar on each of the upper and lower decks and is fully enclosed. The John Benn is an ideal venue for corporate functions, staff parties and weddings, or simply to have a good time!

Overnight: Blackwaters River Lodge

“Explore & feel our place of magic”
Blackwaters River Lodge is a 4 star graded country lodge situated on the banks of the Goukamma river with 20 beautifully decorated rooms surrounded by indigenous forests. This magical piece of paradise is centrally and conveniently situated on the N2 between the quaint towns Knysna and Sedgefield and 10 minutes away from Buffalo Bay, one of South Africa’s Blue Flag beaches
Our beautiful “place of magic” offers so much more to guests when booking with us – Par 3 Golf Course, canoeing and stand up paddling on the river, freshly made meals in our Earth & Fire Dining Facility, river picnics, wine tastings and a bird lovers paradise – experience the Knysna Turaco in its natural environment. All luxury units overlook the river and forest and classic units are situated in the gardens overlooking the Par 3 golf course. All our units have fridges, baths and showers with private patios and the luxury units have extra length beds

Al La Carte all day menu for golfers and in house guests to enjoy and Set Menus for dinner time. Guests can enjoy a relaxing day around the pool or have a drink in the Ladies Bar in the lounge.

Basis: Bed and Breakfast

Day 5:
Blackwaters River Lodge, Knysna

10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route, Sun City and Mabula – Private Itinerary

Today you will be taken on a full day visit to Oudtshoorn where you will enjoy guided tours of the Cango Caves, Cango Wildlife Ranch and an ostrich farm. Return to your Knysna hotel in the late afternoon.

Oudtshoorn

Located along the well-known Route 62 in South Africa’s beautiful Klein Karoo, the charming town of Oudtshoorn is known as the ostrich capital of the world. It is surrounded by numerous ostrich farms and the golden arid landscape of the Karoo. Visitors can enjoy the locally produced wine and port; sample ostrich meat and biltong; learn about the ostrich feather boom at the C.P. Nel Museum; and visit the world-renowned Cango Caves, the largest cave system in Africa featuring ancient rock formations and sparkling stalactites and stalagmites. Other popular activities include: mountain biking, paragliding, horse riding, and taking a day trip to the quaint town of Prince Albert over the scenic Swartberg Pass.

Cango Caves

The spectacular Cango Caves are a subterranean wonderland of magnificent stalactite and stalagmite rock formations that attracts thousands of visitors annually. They extend more than two kilometres into the Swartberg Mountains and visitors can take guided tours that wind through narrow passageways and steep stairways linking the massive caverns.

Cango Wildlife Ranch

The Cango Wildlife Ranch promotes awareness and conservation of endangered species, while encouraging supervised interaction – making this a wonderful destination for children of all ages. Housing the oldest and largest cheetah contact centre worldwide, visitors can view these powerful, speedy cats in a natural bushveld environment from elevated walkways. From predators of the land to predators of the water, visitors can then move on to the crocodile and alligator enclosures to study more of the world’s most dangerous beasts.

Safari Ostrich Showfarm

The Safari Ostrich Showfarm is an ostrich farm located in Oudtshoorn, Garden Route, South Africa. The farm is approximately 1800 hectares in size and boasts a beautiful old homestead build with sandstone called a “Feather Palace”.

This is the first ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn and South Africa where the Kenyan Red and Zimbabwe Blue Ostriches can be seen. Visitors will also get to see White Ostriches and the second biggest bird in the world, namely the Emu from Australia.

The tour also consists of a visit to the Incubator Room where chicks are hatched inside incubators. The room is fitted with a “Spy-Camera” which allows for a real close and personal perspective of the hatching process.

Basis: Bed and Breakfast

Day 6:
Soho Hotel, Sun City

10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route, Sun City and Mabula – Private Itinerary

This morning you will transfer to George Airport for your flight to Johannesburg, here you will be met and transferred privately to the Sun City resort where you will spend the next 2 days enjoying some rest and relaxation as well as the many opportunities for fun and excitement with all of the activities and entertainment on offer at the resort.

Stretching along the border of the Pilanesberg National Park, in the North West Province, Sun City is internationally renowned as South Africa’s premier holiday resort and offers a multitude of attractions and activities to keep all visitors entertained for days. With its combination of golfing, gaming and gambling, as well as world-class hotels, it is a mini Las Vegas in the African bush. It is also known as the only surf-and-safari destination within a two-hour drive of the landlocked city of Johannesburg. Visitors can choose from a range of wonderful accommodation options including the opulent ‘Palace of the Lost City’ or the elegant ‘Cascades’ or enjoy the endless rolling waves at the ‘Valley of Waves’.

Sun City

Stretching along the border of the Pilanesberg National Park, in the North West Province, Sun City is internationally renowned as South Africa’s premier holiday resort and offers a multitude of attractions and activities to keep all visitors entertained for days. With its combination of golfing, gaming and gambling, as well as world-class hotels, it is a mini Las Vegas in the African bush. It is also known as the only surf-and-safari destination within a two-hour drive of the landlocked city of Johannesburg. Visitors can choose from a range of wonderful accommodation options including the opulent ‘Palace of the Lost City’ or the elegant ‘Cascades’ or enjoy the endless rolling waves at the ‘Valley of Waves’.

Overnight: Soho Hotel

Often referred to as the Main Hotel, Soho hotel and casino was the first hotel to be built on the resort. This 4-star Sun City accommodation is located right at the heart of Sun City, and is central to all the activities and things to do at the resort.

Top reasons to stay at Soho hotel and casino:
•The rooms and suites are near the Soho casino, keeping you close to the action.
•The 340 rooms are all pool and lake facing, and the hotel is on the edge of the world-famous Gary Player Golf Course.
•There are 6 luxury suites, 2 presidential suites, 14 ground floor luxury rooms, 20 superior luxury rooms, 36 ground floor superior luxury family rooms, 53 superior luxury family rooms, 85 luxury family rooms, 120 luxury twin rooms and 4 paraplegic suites.
•There is a free shuttle every 15 minutes taking you to the Valley of Waves, Sun Central entertainment centre and other activities within the resort.
•This Sun City accommodation is ideal for delegates attending conferences at the resort.

Basis: Bed and Breakfast

Day 7:
Soho Hotel, Sun City

10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route, Sun City and Mabula – Private Itinerary

Full day at leisure at Sun City.

Valley of Waves

The Valley of Waves water park is Sun City’s legendary hub for all kinds of water fun. Offering family-friendly water activities that appeal to adventurers of all ages, there is something for everyone at this iconic Sun City water park. Both day visitors and Sun City Resort guests are invited to enjoy a full day of exciting activities, with a designated children’s area and lifeguards on duty. The main attraction at Valley of Waves is the Roaring Lagoon – a 6 500 square metre wave pool with hydraulic mechanisms that generate waves of nearly 2 metres high every 90 seconds.

Temple of Courage

Perhaps even more famous than the Valley of Waves, the Temple of Courage promises an exhilarating adrenalin rush with a 17-metre drop down a 70-metre slide. The almost vertical slide takes riders hurtling under a bridge and splashing into a small pool. There are also two body slides – the Tarantula and the Scorpion, and two tube rides – the Viper and the Mamba.

The Royal Baths

This private adult pool located above The Brew Monkey at the Valley of Waves will inspire you to dive in and swim laps. Surrounded by lush jungle, The Royal Baths is also the perfect place to unwind after an active day at Sun City.

– Operating hours: 08h00 – 19h00 (Valley of Waves times – peak periods) thereafter it will be open as per normal Valley of Waves times
– Free entry to all hotel and Sun Vacation Club residents on presentation of their resident cards
– Day visitor entry fee: R50 (guest will receive an armband for identification)
– Complimentary fruit skewer
– Complimentary non-alcoholic cocktail
– Guest to present ID on request
– Max capacity: 200 people
– Gazebos are available for private massages
– Observatory Bar is exclusively for guests at The Royal Baths

The Maze of The Lost City

The largest permanent maze in the Southern Hemisphere, The Maze of the Lost City is constructed from artificial stone and wood, creating the illusion of an ancient archaeological discovery. It’s just as much fun for families to explore, as it is for team building and corporate functions. The Maze of the Lost City was added to Sun City Resort in September 2012 and covers a half-acre. The Maze is accessed via a 100 metre-long suspension bridge from the Entertainment Centre and offers some of the most spectacular views of the resort, particularly of The Palace of the Lost City and the Gary Player Golf Course. When night falls, flaming torches light the paths along the chambers. At the end of The Maze of the Lost City is the Maze Bar that has a selection of ice-cold craft beers on tap. The craft beer menu is updated regularly so you can always expect something new at this unique Sun City maze bar. This Sun City maze can be hired out for private parties, conferences or as a dining area, hosting up to 200 people.

The Gary Player Country Club Golf Course

The Gary Player Country Club Golf Course, designed by Gary Player, is an 18-hole par-72 walking course, with a 5km running trail along the course. Built in an extinct volcanic crater, this immaculate golfing paradise conforms to the stringent US PGA specifications and was recently named South Africa’s Best Golf Course in the World Golf Awards 2015. It is also home to the annual Nedbank Golf Challenge which plays host to some of the world’s golfing legends.

When construction of the Sun City Resort began in 1978, the decision was taken to build a golf course that would rival the best in the world. Today, in spite of stiff competition, the Gary Player Country Club is deservedly ranked as one of the most prestigious golf courses on the African continent.

Lost City Golf Course

The popularity of the Sun City Resort led to the design and development of the Lost City Country Club. Gary Player was called upon again to extend his professional expertise by designing the golf course. Covered in the hardy Kikuyu grass, much like the Gary Player Country Club golf course at Sun City, the course offers undulating plains, expansive fairways, mountainous areas and small patches of desert. This superlative golf course also offers players a distinctive region covered with a series of lakes that separate the 9th from the final hole. The 13th hole offers a green in the shape of the African continent, complete with a pond that is home to numerous Nile Crocodiles; adding to the true African appeal of this course.

Basis: Bed and Breakfast

Day 8:
Mabula Game Lodge, The Waterberg Biosphere

Day Itinerary

This morning you will be transferred privately to Mabula Private Game Reserve. Arrive in time for lunch, followed by check-in, an afternoon game drive and then dinner at the lodge.

Situated amidst the towering Waterberg Mountains in the Limpopo Province, the Waterberg Biosphere, as the name suggests, serves as a water reservoir for the region. Renowned for its rugged beauty, the landscape is characterised by low-lying mountain ranges and escarpments, as well as a network of streams, rivers and lakes. It is the home of South Africa’s first-ever savannah biosphere reserve and is also home to many other nature reserves which provide a protected habitat for an array of wildlife. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing soak in natural hot springs, discover the ancient World Heritage-listed archaeological site in Makapans Valley, and view abundant bird life at the Nyslvley Wetlands.

Safaris

Guests can enjoy a morning and afternoon safari in open 4 x 4 vehicles. The early morning safaris are very rewarding with light for photography. Lions are still lively and on the move at this time, antelope are more energetic and an abundance of birds may also be seen. The afternoon safaris provide an opportunity to see nocturnal animals.

During the winter months the morning safaris depart at 06h30 and the afternoon safaris depart at 15h30. In summer the times change to 05h30 for the morning and 16h15 for the afternoon safaris.

Tea and coffee is served before the morning and afternoon safari departs.

The Terrace

Eat breakfast, lunch or dinner al fresco in tranquil surroundings with nothing but the sounds of Grey loeries and the tranquil sound of trickling of water to keep you company on Mabula’s Lodge Terrace.

Breakfast:          07h30 to 09h00
Lunch:               12h30 to 14h00
Terrace menu:   14h00 to 16h00
Dinner:               19h30 to 21h00

The Boma

Dine under the stars in Mabula Game Lodge’s Boma, for dinners (weather permitting) usually every second or third night. The Boma offers seating up to 180 guests for gala dinners and theme evenings. Enjoy traditional Tswana dancing and a breathtakingly brilliant starry sky while you tuck in to tasty South African and Indian cuisine.

Dinner:         19h30 to 21h00

Overnight: Mabula Game Lodge

Exuding elegance and understated luxury, an Extraordinary encounter with South Africa’s bushveld awaits, located just two hours’ drive from Johannesburg in the Malaria free Waterberg region of the Limpopo Province. Diverse landscapes, including grassland plains and rocky outcrops create the ideal habitat for the free roaming Big Five.

Distinctly African in style, Mabula Game Lodge offers comfortable suites with luxury finishings. The soft neutral bushveld colours are complemented by large windows which allow the African Bushveld indoors.

World class cuisine in a variety of dining venues, combines the enjoyment of rich tantalizing menus with the tranquillity of the bushveld. Numerous activities such as open vehicle safaris, bush walks and horse trails ensure that Mabula is a place where memories are made.

Basis: Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities

Day 9:
Mabula Game Lodge, The Waterberg Biosphere

Day Itinerary

Today you will enjoy a morning and afternoon game drive, with time for relaxation and optional activities in between.

Safaris

Guests can enjoy a morning and afternoon safari in open 4 x 4 vehicles. The early morning safaris are very rewarding with light for photography. Lions are still lively and on the move at this time, antelope are more energetic and an abundance of birds may also be seen. The afternoon safaris provide an opportunity to see nocturnal animals.

During the winter months the morning safaris depart at 06h30 and the afternoon safaris depart at 15h30. In summer the times change to 05h30 for the morning and 16h15 for the afternoon safaris.

Tea and coffee is served before the morning and afternoon safari departs.

Guided Walks

The guided bush walks allows one to get close up and have an intimate experience of the local flora and fauna. Walks are available on request, subject to availability and at an additional charge. No children under 14 years are permitted.

Horse Back Safaris

Experience getting really close to the animals in their natural environment, with no vehicles close by. This 2 hour activity will take you off the road and deep into the bush, on the paths where the animals wander. No need to be an experienced rider to enjoy getting up and close and personal with nature.

Horse back Safaris can be booked at the lodge and there is an additional charge, or alternatively you can swop one of your game drives for a horseback safari.

Quad Bike Safari Trail

Guests can enjoy an eco-adventure trail on our 4×4 quad bikes in an allocated area within the Reserve. This allows for an alternative guided game viewing experience at the helm of one of our 450 cc quad bikes. There are five quads, one for the guide and four for guests. This activity is for four people but can accommodate up to eight if you want take along a passenger on the back.

Basis: Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities

Day 10:
End of Itinerary

Day Itinerary

After breakfast you will be privately transferred to OR Tambo International Airport for your departure flight.

Basis: Bed and Breakfast

Travel Information

This vast country is undoubtedly one of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth. Fondly known by locals as the ‘Rainbow Nation’, South Africa has 11 official languages and its multicultural inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of cultures. Discover the gourmet restaurants, impressive art scene, vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches of Cape Town; enjoy a local braai (barbecue) in the Soweto township; browse the bustling Indian markets in Durban; or sample some of the world’s finest wines at the myriad wine estates dotting the Cape Winelands. Some historical attractions to explore include the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all else, its remarkably untamed wilderness with its astonishing range of wildlife roaming freely across massive unfenced game reserves such as the world-famous Kruger National Park. With all of this variety on offer, it is little wonder that South Africa has fast become Africa’s most popular tourist destination.

Banking and Currency

Currency

The currency is the Rand, which is divided into 100 cents. There are R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10 notes. Coins come in R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c.

Banking

Banks are found in most towns, and are generally open from 09h00 to 15h30 on weekdays and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays (Closed Sundays and Public Holidays). Most of them offer foreign exchange services – with cash, bank & credit cards as well as travellers cheques. You can also obtain cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs). Several international banks have branches in the main city centres. Always advise your bank that you are travelling outside of the country as they might block your purchases if they are not informed.

Travel, Transport and Getting Around

Travelling around South Africa is relatively easy by air, road and rail.

Principal air routes are serviced by SAA and British Airways. There are also low-cost carriers on main routes, namely Kulula.com, Mango and Safair. Facilitating travel around South Africa are 10 airports managed by the Airports Company South Africa (Acsa). In addition, there are some 90 regional airports, including the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in Nelspruit and the Skukuza Airport, offering access to the Kruger National Park.

An extensive tarred road system makes travelling in South Africa by vehicle convenient and easy. You will find gravel roads in rural areas though. Please note that a valid international driver’s licence is required. We drive on the left-hand side of the road. Most global car hire firms have branches in South Africa and  Uber is available.

Another means of getting around South Africa are inter-city bus services such as Greyhound and Trans-Lux. Metrobus buses are available for in-city transport.  Metered taxis must be ordered by telephone.There is the popular MyCityBus system in Cape Town as well as a hop-on-hop-off tourist bus in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Our rail system includes the long-haul, inexpensive Shosholoza Meyl Metrorail trains. More luxurious options are the Blue Train, Premier Classe and the steam train Rovos Rail.  There is also the Gautrain rapid transit railway system in Gauteng Province llinking Sandton and Marlboro to the O.R.Tambo International Airport and a Commuter Service linking Rhodesfield, Marlboro, and Sandton (east-west link) and Park, Rosebank, Sandton, Midrand, Centurion, Pretoria Central and Hatfield (north-south link). All stations with the exception of the Airport station have integrated car parking facilities.

Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice

Standards of hygiene in relation to food health and safety in South Africa, are generally high in hotels, restaurants, pubs and nightspots. Tap water in South Africa is safe to drink and cook with when taken from taps in urban areas. Not all tap water in rural areas is safe for consumption, so take precautions if necessary.

It is safe to eat fresh fruit, vegetables and salads, and put ice in your drinks. South Africa’s fish, meat and chicken are of excellent quality, so there is no need to limit yourself when enjoying the local cuisine.

Restaurants are subject to South Africa’s food safety control legislation, which is implemented by local government.  Regulations include certification and regular inspections by health inspectors to ensure hygienic standards are maintained.

Street food is not as common in South Africa as it is in other countries, although vendors selling traditional snacks and meals can be found in city centres and townships. Food safety in such instances cannot always be guaranteed.

Climate and Weather

South African temperatures, which are measured in centigrade, average at highs of 28°C to average lows of 8°C in the summer months while winter temperatures range from 1°C at night to around 18°C in the day.  Average annual rainfall is on the low side at under 500mm a year, making the country somewhat dry.  Much of the rain falls in the Western Cape in the winter, differing from the rest of the country, which experiences summer rainfall. On the plus side, the South African climate boasts more than its fair share of sunshine, recording an average of 8.5 hours a day.

Clothing and Dress Recommendations

Summer

Bring clothes that are cool, light and comfortable because summer temperatures can get well into the 30 – 40 degree Celsius range in some areas. Also bring an umbrella or raincoat during summer as this is when most of the country gets its rain, but don’t forget a swimming costume (bathing suit).

Winter

The winters are generally mild, comparing favourably with European summers.  But there are days when temperatures dive, especially in high-lying areas such as the Drakensberg, so be prepared with jerseys and jackets. Cape Town gets its rain during the winter season so it’s advisable to bring rain gear along.

General

Always bring a hat, sunglasses and sunblock as the sun can be strong even in the winter months.

Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round, with warm socks in the winter.

If you are doing business in the country, business attire  (suit and tie) is generally called for in the corporate sector, but media for example generally dress more casually.

For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there’s no need to go overboard. A good pair of walking shoes is also advisable.

For the evening, if you are dining at an upmarket restaurant or seeing a show, smart-casual attire is recommended.

Electricity and Plug Standards

Current is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second. A three-point round-pin adapter plug should be brought for your electrical appliances – such adapters are also available at major airports..