BILTONG
A type of dried, cured meat, similar to beef jerky, but typically made with game meats like ostrich or springbok.
Boerewors
A traditional South African sausage made from beef or game meats, spiced with coriander, cloves, and other seasonings.
Bunny chow
A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with spicy curry, typically made with mutton or chicken.
Bobotie
A traditional Cape Malay dish made with spiced minced meat (usually lamb or beef) topped with an egg custard and baked
chakalaka
A spicy relish made with onions, tomatoes, carrots, and beans, typically served with pap (maize porridge).
durban curry
A spicy, aromatic curry influenced by Indian cuisine, typically made with meat or seafood
milktart
A creamy custard tart made with milk and cinnamon, often served as a dessert.
Snoek braai
A type of fish (snoek) typically grilled over an open flame, served with apricot jam and bread.
vetkoek
A type of fried dough made from yeast dough, typically filled with mince or cheese and served as a snack or light meal.
potjiekos
A slowly cooked meat and vegetable stew
Mielie Pap
Corn meal mix and Boerewors (spicy sausage).
braai
Most will know this as a Bar-b-ques and are very popular in South Africa – nothing better than a meal cooked on hot flames!
Whether you’re seeking to relax, explore or escape – South Africa is a large and diverse country that has loads to offer. It is divided into nine provinces, each with its unique regions and areas. Here is a brief overview of the areas we focus on in packages that can be made just for you!
Greater Kruger
Located in a large area in northeastern South Africa, known for its diverse wildlife and natural beauty. It includes the world-renowned Kruger National Park, as well as several other private game reserves and conservation areas that border the park such as the famous Sabi Sands, Thornybush, Timbavati and Klaserie Reserves to name a few! The region is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and Cape buffalo), as well as many other species such as giraffe, zebra, hippopotamus, and various antelope. Visitors to the area can go on game drives or guided walking safaris to observe these animals in their natural habitats. In addition to its wildlife, the Greater Kruger Region is also known for its beautiful landscapes, including rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and scenic rivers. The region is home to several different ecosystems, including savannah, bushveld, and forest, each with its own unique flora and fauna.
North West Province
Located in the northwestern part of South Africa, North West is known for its wildlife, cultural heritage, and mining industry. Notable regions include the Madikwe Game Reserve, Pilanesberg Game Reserve and Sun City Resort
Limpopo
Located in the northern part of South Africa, Limpopo is known for its wildlife, ancient ruins, and baobab trees. Notable regions include the Welgevonden Game Reserve, Mabula Reserve & Marekele Reserve
Eastern Cape
Located on the southeastern coast of South Africa, the Eastern Cape is known for its rugged coastline, national parks, and game reserves. Notable regions include the Wild Coast, many malaria-free game reserves such as Shamwari, Amakahala Game Reserve and the Addo Elephant National Park.
Kwazulu Natal
Located on the eastern coast of South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal is known for its beaches, game reserves, and Zulu culture. Notable regions include the Drakensberg Mountains, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Phinda Game Reserve and the city of Durban
Western CApe
Located in the southwestern part of South Africa, the Western Cape is known for its beaches, mountains, vineyards, and vibrant cities. Notable regions include Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, Hermanus (whale watching) and the Garden Route
Getting around South Africa is easy and there are several options that you are always welcome to chat to us as we can assist with booking or guiding you.
The different ways include:
Car Rental
Renting a car is a popular way to explore South Africa. Major car rental companies like Avis, Budget, and Hertz operate in the country, and you can often find good deals on rental cars. However, it’s important to note that driving in South Africa can be challenging, especially for those not used to driving on the left-hand side of the road! (another thing to consider are the reserves and if a 4×4 is needed!)
Domestic Flights
If you’re traveling long distances within South Africa, domestic flights can be a convenient option. A good network of domestic flights connects different major cities to areas that are closer to reserves such as Skukuza Airport or Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (all close to the Greater Kruger region). Airlines such as Airlink are a great option to use.
Shuttle Flights
Such as Fedair are a great option if you would like to land in the different game reserves and be collected by the lodges (The bonus with this is your safari will then start as you land!) Chat to us at African Inspired Safaris and these flights can be arranged.
Private Transfers
Such as Fedair are a great option if you would like to land in the different game reserves and be collected by the lodges (The bonus with this is your safari will then start as you land!) Chat to us at African Inspired Safaris and these flights can be arranged.
Guided Tours
If you’re not comfortable driving or navigating public transportation, a guided tour can be a good option. There are many companies that offer tours of South Africa, ranging from wildlife safaris to cultural tours or sightseeing tours (such as the scenic Panorama Route)
Uber and Ride sharing
Uber operates in major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, and is a convenient option for getting around urban areas.
Public Transportation
Public transportation in South Africa can be unreliable, but it’s an affordable option. Major cities have bus and train networks, and minibus taxis are a common sight on the roads. (However, safety can be a concern, especially on minibus taxis!)
At African Inspired Safaris we love to help and advise clients in making their African Safari (and tour of South Africa) an unforgettable, 1st class personal experience! The owners and directors of African Inspired Safaris have all grown up in South Africa and traveled immensely to the bush (and around the world!) and have first hand knowledge and experience (we know as we go!) of the lodges and areas we sell in South Africa.
As you plan your trip, and before you travel, we recommend that you look up the lastly advice (or ask us). Below are a few things to know about traveling to South Africa:
South African Time Zone
South Africa is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2); South Africa doesn’t operate daylight saving time, so there’s no time difference between the summer and winter months
South African Dialing Code
The International Dialing Code for South Africa is +27. Calling to South Africa, you dial 0027, followed by the area code (e.g. 21 for Cape Town) and local number. Calling from South Africa, you need to know the code of the country you want to make a call to (e.g. +44 for the UK; +1 for the USA). Currently (Aug 09), calls with Telkom SA Limited cost ZAR0.80 per minute (peak time; Mon to Fri 8:00-20:00), respectively ZAR0.70 per minute (global off-peak; Mon to Fri 20:00-8:00 plus weekends).
South African Currency
South Africa is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2); South Africa doesn’t operate daylight saving time, so there’s no time difference between the summer and winter months
OR Tambo International Airport
Is a major airport located in Johannesburg and is the busiest airport in Africa and serves as a gateway to all of South Africa and Southern African destinations, as well as East Africa and the Indian Ocean islands. Here you can also access local flights or shuttle flights to either a reserve or airport close by for a transfer collection.
Cape Town International Airport
You can fly direct to Cape Town or via Johannesburg for South Africa’s Western Cape destinations like the Whale Coast, Cape Winelands and Garden Route.
King Shaka International Airport
Visitors to KwaZulu-Natal’s game reserves, battlefields and Indian Ocean coast will land here via Johannesburg or Cape Town – though there are direct flights via Dubai.
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
Serves as a gateway to the world-famous Kruger National Park and the surrounding area, which is known for its wildlife, natural beauty, and cultural attractions. This airport handles both domestic and international flights, which offer flights to destinations such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.
Hoedspruit Airport
(also known as Eastgate Airport) is a small airport and primarily used for accessing the nearby private game reserves which offer flights to and from Johannesburg and Cape Town airport.
Skukuza Airport
Is a small airport located within the Kruger National Park and serves as a gateway for visitors to the park on daily flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town
Port Elizabeth International Airport
Is the gateway to the Eastern Cape region, which is known for its scenic beauty and big 5 game reserves. This is a great starting or finishing point for those traveling the coast from Cape Town via the Garden Route.
George Airport
Is located in the heart of the Garden Route! Conveniently located it has easy access to the scenic beauty, lush forests, pristine beaches, and rugged coastline. This popular tourist destination is via Johannesburg or Cape Town.
South Africa is a shopper’s paradise with a range of unique products that reflect its diverse cultures and heritage. Here are some shopping experiences you may enjoy in South Africa:
Markets
South Africa is famous for its vibrant markets, where you can find a mind-boggling array of handcrafted goods, clothing, and souvenirs. Some popular markets include the Neighbourgoods Market in Johannesburg, the V&A Waterfront Market in Cape Town, and the Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay.
Arts And Crafts
South Africa has a rich tradition of art and craft, and you can find unique pieces of pottery, beadwork, wirework, and basketry across the country. Many of these items are handmade and reflect the diverse cultures of the country.
WINEs
South Africa is renowned for its wine, and there are many wine estates and vineyards that offer wine tastings and tours. Some popular wine regions include Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl.
African Curios
If you’re looking for souvenirs, there are plenty of African curio shops (and many safari lodges) where you can find beaded jewelry, carvings, and other African-inspired items. Even some scattered along the roads!
Fashion
South African designers are making a name for themselves on the international fashion scene, and you can find a range of local and international brands in malls and boutiques across the country. Some popular shopping destinations for fashion include Sandton City in Johannesburg, the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, and the Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Durban.
The South African rand (ZAR) trades at very favorable rates to most international currencies. There’s no need to bring large amounts of hard currency cash or to buy Rands in advance.
If you need to exchange currency or change money in South Africa, there are a few options available to you.
Banks
Most major banks in South Africa offer currency exchange services, and you can typically exchange money at their branches or through their online banking platforms. It’s always a good idea to check the exchange rates offered by different banks before making a decision.
Currency exchange bureaus
There are also many currency exchange bureaus located throughout South Africa, especially in major tourist areas. These bureaus may offer slightly different exchange rates than banks, so it’s worth shopping around to find the best deal.
ATMs
Probably the most convenient way (one exception being in most national parks and game reserves as most don’t have ATM’s – That said, it’s a good idea to carry a bit of hard currency cash as a fallback)! If you have a debit or credit card that can be used internationally, you can also withdraw cash from ATMs in South Africa. Keep in mind that there may be fees associated with using international ATMs, so check with your bank before you travel. ATMs also tend to offer a better rate of exchange
Hotels and Airports
Some hotels and airports in South Africa also offer currency exchange services, but they may charge higher fees or offer less favorable exchange rates than other options.
When exchanging money or withdrawing cash, be sure to keep your safety in mind. Avoid exchanging money with individuals on the street, and be cautious when using ATMs, especially if they are located in isolated or poorly-lit areas.
Most major credit cards (American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Diners Club International) are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels, but are not always accepted at petrol (gas) stations.
You can claim back the VAT (a 15% value-added tax) on products you purchased in South Africa and are taking out of the country (provided the total value of purchases exceeds R250), so be sure to keep your tax invoices and claim your cash back at the airport when you leave.
We do suggest you also check with https://www.oanda.com/ for the latest exchange rates.