Travelling around South Africa
Continued from "Cape of Good Hope"
Do's and don'ts?
What we/or others recommend whilst taking on an adventure like this.
​
Do take a pocket guide book, this will orientate you on the go.
See Tip 0341 Pick up a handbook
​
Do eat with the locals. South Africans are extremely friendly and if you are fortunate enough to be invited for a "braai," don't miss the opportunity. Find eateries where the locals eat and have an open mind in your diet.
​
Do be flexible. Allow time in your itinerary to stray a little, this is where your surprises happen. Also be prepared to change your Itinerary should seasons change whilst travelling.
​
Do be open to travel suggestions and advice offered.
​
Do take your time. Take time to savour the moment.
​
Do ask advice from the staff at your accommodation, they want you to have a good time and either come back or recommend others.
​
​
​
Don't be afraid to ask. For some reason many people seem to be too afraid to ask question, or enquire. This will save you time, money and energy.
​
Don't impose yourself, wait to be invited. Many cultures are different and self inviting or imposing yourselves, can and invariably will lead to issues.
​
Don't leave your purse on top of your carry bag and this is not just for this area of travel. This is just common sense.
​
Don't walk around dripping with jewellery.
​
Don't flash your cash.
Don't get too drunk. You will get into trouble either by getting ripped off or worse. Yes have a great time but always be aware of your circumstances and surroundings. If you get to drunk, you can't possibly look after yourselves.
​
Getoutgotravel
Places of interest, well known or otherwise.
Places to see and this is just a quick snapshot
South Africa
​
Cape Town
​
Walk the streets of the city and the V & A Waterfront harbour at Dusk is fantastic.
​
Of course conquer Table Mountain but don't miss out on the view from Lions Head.
​
Cape of Good Hope is a lovely trip and don't forget to visit the penguin colony.
​
The Township in Cape Town is the second largest in South Africa and you have three great winery's in the area.
​
Gansbaai
​
Well I went for the Cage shark diving but if you're heading up to the Garden Route then this is on the way.
​
Take the Baz Bus. This is a great way to get about, check out if their routes suit you.
​
StellenBosch, Hermanus, Swellendam are just a few places before you even get to the Garden Route.
​
The Garden Route
​
From Mossell Bay right up to Storms River there are so many places to visit.
​
I would highlight Oudtshoorn, the Cango Caves and of course the Ostrich farm.
​
Knysna is a must, Plettenberg Bay is beautiful also and all around Storms River right down to and past Bloukrans Bridge where the Bungee Jump is. Go on, I dare you.
​
Port Elizabeth
​
Very central to many places including Addo Elephant reserve, this major Port is home to spectacular beaches and city life.
​
Durban
​
Another great city with so much to do and see. Hire a vehicle and get out there. A trip to the Valley of a Thousand Hills is well worth the visit and try out the Moses Mabhida Stadium Swing for a small adrenaline hit.
​
You are really close to both Lesotho and Swaziland, if you have time I am told they are definitely worth a go. I will return there when I come back to Africa and set foot in 3 countries at once.
​
Johannesburg and Pretoria are reasonably close together and are the central hub for travellers coming to South Africa.
​
Kruger National Park
​
You will find many tours of this awesome reserve and there are surprisingly enough many more private reserves that back onto or are local to Kruger.
​
A great central airport to fly into is Hoedspruit and most places organise transfers to and from their places to visit.
​
Of course try and see the "Big 5" but you will be spell bound by all the other creatures around.
​
Zambia and Zimbabwe
​
Where can I start?
​
Victoria Falls
​
Livingston, Devils Pool, White Water Rafting, Safari, the list is endless. Lusaka and Harare, both cities were too far for me to get to in my time frame but again, I will be back to visit.
​
Botswana
​
Again a short visit for me but make sure you dip your toe in the water here and take at least one tour in and if you get to go to the Okavanga Delta you are in for a real treat.
​
We could quite literally write a book on each country but wanted to bring you a little of what I personally sampled as I got to see a little more of South Africa
​
Well we hope this information is of some use and enthuses you to getoutgotravel this wonderful region of the world.
​
If you are thinking of travelling to South Africa and would like to know more about my travels, or have any questions. Feel free to email me Dougie
​
Or contact us either on our Forum or Facebook page.
Actual budget
Travelling in 2013
​
So all in all my trip lasted 68 days at a rough cost of AUD $4,800 making for an average cost per day of Aud$70 per day. This didn't included my return flights to South Africa as I used my frequent flyer program but everything else down to my travel insurance and visas.
​
Cheapest accommodation was zero when I stayed with my new friends in Durban but AUD$45/ night including breakfast at the Hotel on St Georges in Cape Town city centre.
​
Cheapest meal AUD$?? all meals where comparable to back home in Australia, although many meals where included in my bookings and here is where you can save quite a bit on your expenses if you are clever.​
​
Most expensive accommodation would be during my safari reserves. AUD$115 per night at the Makutsi Safari Springs reserve and I decided to take a package deal which allowed me many add-ons which I recommend.
Of course this was a splurge but you can find more affordable companies to suit your budget.
​
Most expensive food AUD$65.00 Port Elisabeth but this was in one of the many lovely restaurants by the beach where again I spoilt myself.
​
Taking the highs and lows out of the equation living well on a budget of AUD$80 to $85 is totally doable and if you are travelling as a couple then it wouldn't be double. I would say around AUD$100-110 per day.
​
I would add that my costs were a little more than I would budget usually, as I had many excursions that I would not normally go on whilst travelling around but I had certain extras on this trip that I knew would boost my budget a little.
​
Well there it is, South Africa in a nut shell.
We do hope this little blog inspires you or helps in any way and we look forward to hearing from you on your stories and adventures to this wonderful part of the world.
​