south africa travel

South Africa

When it comes to diversity, South Africa is hard to beat. No two places are the same in this epic country , where there is a surprise waiting for you around every corner. It truly has everything, from seriously impressive natural landscapes, to gorgeous coastlines, energetic cities, and vineyards that make some of the best wines in the world.

Since South Africa is not exactly a very common tourist destination, you might have a few questions. What is there to do in South Africa? What’s the weather like? Is South Africa safe? Well, let us show you. At The Travelling Souk, we’re here to help you to have an adventure that you’ll never forget.

 

You really shouldn’t miss this

South Africa is arguably one of the best safari destinations in the whole of Africa, as it offers many places where you can see the Big Five: lions, leopards, buffalos, elephants and rhinos. There’s nothing quite so breath taking as seeing these majestic animals in their natural, unspoiled habitats. One of the best places to see them is Kruger National Park, in the north east of the country. As well as the Big Five, the park is also home to more than 500 bird species, 100 reptile species and 50 fish species. The area was given the status of a national park in 1989 with the intention of preserving and protecting its precious wildlife.

Aside from its stunning nature, South Africa also has a deep and rather sombre cultural and political history. Head to Johannesburg, one of South Africa’s major cities, to discover the Apartheid Museum. The museum contains lots of fascinating exhibitions about the origins and development of the country’s apartheid laws, and the impact that it still has today.

 

elephants south africa  

Where first?

The list of possibilities in South Africa is endless. Are you an urban city-goer, always on the look-out for the best restaurant or the funkiest music scene you can get your hands on? Check, South Africa has it. Are you a hiker? Then you’re in the right place, because South Africa has some epic mountain landscapes, traversing across volcanoes, valleys and even jungles. Or do you like to take it easy? Then head to the points where South Africa meets the Indian Ocean, kick back and enjoy the sweet sunshine.

 

garden route south africa johannesburg south africa kruger national park south africa 

Things to note

Located at the bottom of the southern hemisphere, the seasons in South Africa are the opposite of what you may be used to in the northern hemisphere. Their summer falls between December and February, and their winter arrives in June until August. The good news is that South Africa experiences very low rainfall compared to many other countries: the global average is 860mm, whilst South Africa’s is 464mm.

It is no secret that travelling to South Africa comes with its fair share of safety concerns. We cannot hide away from the fact that the country has a high crime rate. It is therefore wise to follow some basic safety precautions when travelling in South Africa. For example, never travel alone and don’t venture into quiet or poorly-lit areas after dark. There are also several ATM scams throughout the country, where your card will be scanned to reveal its PIN number. Thankfully, many ATMs now have security guards nearby, so remember not to use an ATM if the security guard is not present. Don’t let any of this put you off a vacation in South Africa. Crime can happen anywhere in the world, and you’d be fool to let it deter you from the trip of a lifetime.

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About

Hi there! 

We are Jacob and Taylor. Travel is our passion and we love sharing our experiences here at The Travelling Souk. Our hope is that you would be inspired by this little blog to try something new, embrace an adventure, and live life to the fullest. 

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