Frequently Asked Questions About South Africa

General FAQs for South Africa

Which is the capital city of South Africa?

The capital of South Africa is Pretoria. It was founded in 1855 by Marthinus Pretorius, a leader of the Voortrekkers, a group of Dutch settlers who moved north from the Cape Colony. Pretoria is sometimes called the “Jacaranda City” because of the many purple jacaranda trees that line its streets.

What currency is used in South Africa?

The currency of South Africa is the rand, which is divided into 100 cents. The rand was first introduced in 1961 and takes its name from the Witwatersrand (“white waters ridge”), a ridge in eastern South Africa where gold was first discovered in 1886. The rand is one of the most traded currencies in the world and is also used by Lesotho, Swaziland, and Namibia.

What are most spoken languages in South Africa?

There are 11 official languages in South Africa: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu. Afrikaans is the most widely spoken language after English. It developed from Dutch and was first used by the Dutch settlers in South Africa. Today, Afrikaans is spoken by around 6 million people in South Africa.

Which time of the year is best to visit South Africa?

The best time to visit South Africa depends on what you want to see and do. For game viewing in Kruger National Park, the best time is from May to September when the animals are easier to spot because the vegetation is not as thick. If you want to go whale watching, the best time is from June to November when southern right whales come to the coast of South Africa to mate and calve. For surfing, the best time is from March to November when the waves are at their best. And if you want to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons of April-May and October-November.

How many days are required for traveling in South Africa?

There is no simple answer to this question as there is so much to see and do in South Africa. If you want to get a taste of the country, you could spend a week in Cape Town and its surrounds, visiting Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Robben Island, and the Winelands. For a wildlife experience, you could spend a few days in Kruger National Park. And if you want to explore more of the country, you could take a road trip along the Garden Route or through the Karoo Desert. So how many days you need really depends on what kind of trip you want to have.

Which are the emergency numbers in South Africa?

There are a few different emergency numbers that you should know when travelling to South Africa. For police, fire, or ambulance services, you can call 10111. For the National Sea Rescue Institute, you can call 021 449 3500. And for a general enquiry number, you can call 0861 111 000. By having these numbers on hand, you can rest assured that help is only a phone call away if you ever find yourself in an emergency situation.

Places FAQs For South Africa

What are the best places to visit in South Africa?

Some of the best places to visit in South Africa include Kruger National Park, Table Mountain, the Garden Route, Cape Town, and Durban. Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa and is home to a wide variety of wildlife including lions, elephants, rhinos, and leopards. Table Mountain is one of the most iconic landmarks in South Africa and offers stunning views of the city and surrounding area. The Garden Route is a beautiful stretch of coastline that runs from Mossel Bay to Storms River and is popular for whale watching, hiking, and beach holidays. Cape Town is the capital of South Africa and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. It is home to Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Durban is the largest city on the east coast of South Africa and is known for its golden beaches, warm weather, and vibrant atmosphere.

How do tourist get around in South Africa?

The best way to get around in South Africa depends on where you are going and what you want to do. If you are staying in one place, the best option is to rent a car. This will give you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. If you are planning on doing a lot of driving, it is worth considering a 4×4 vehicle as some of the roads can be in poor condition. If you are only visiting a few places, the best option is to fly. South Africa has a good domestic flight network and you will be able to get between the major cities relatively easily. Another option is to take the bus. This is a cheap and convenient way to travel but can be quite slow.

Budget FAQs For South Africa

How much will the trip to South Africa cost?

The cost of a trip to South Africa depends on a number of factors such as how long you are staying, what kind of accommodation you are looking for, and what activities you want to do. A budget for a week-long trip would be around $1,500 per person. This would include flights, accommodation, car rental, and some activities. If you are looking for a luxury trip, the cost would be much higher.

What is the cost of average meal in South Africa?

The cost of a meal in South Africa varies depending on where you eat. A meal at a casual restaurant will cost around $10-15, while a meal at a more upscale establishment will cost around $30-40. If you are on a budget, there are plenty of options for cheap eats such as street food and fast food. A meal at a fast food restaurant will cost around $5.

How much is the cost of stay in South Africa?

The cost of accommodation in South Africa varies depending on where you stay. A night in a hostel will cost around $10, while a night in a hotel will cost around $100. If you are on a budget, there are plenty of options for cheap accommodation such as campsites and guesthouses.

What is the cheapest time to visit South Africa?

The cheapest time to visit South Africa is during the low season which runs from May to September. During this time, many hotels and tour operators offer discounts of up to 50%. The weather is also cooler during the low season, which may be a consideration for some visitors.

Culture FAQs For South Africa

How are the people in South Africa?

The people of South Africa are incredibly friendly and welcoming. You will find that locals are more than happy to help you if you need directions or advice on what to see and do. There is a great sense of community in South Africa, and you will often find yourself chatting with strangers in no time at all. Whether you are in a big city or a small town, you are sure to receive a warm welcome from the people of South Africa.
There are a variety of popular dishes in South Africa. One of the most well-known is bobotie, a dish made with spiced minced lamb or beef that is baked with an egg-based topping. Other popular dishes include braaivleis (barbecued meat), potjiekos (a type of stew), and sosaties (kebabs). When it comes to dessert, you can’t go past malva pudding, a spongy cake served with a creamy sauce. Whatever you choose to eat, you are sure to find something to your taste in South Africa.
South Africa is a country with a great love of sport. The most popular sport in the country is football (soccer), and you will find that locals are passionate about the game. Other popular sports include rugby, cricket, and golf. If you are looking to get involved in some sporting activities during your stay, you will have no shortage of options to choose from
There is a variety of religions practiced in South Africa. The most common religion is Christianity, followed by Islam and Hinduism. However, there is also a large community of people who practice traditional African religions. You will find that religious tolerance is high in South Africa, and people of all faiths are free to worship as they please.
South Africa is home to a number of popular festivals throughout the year. Some of the most well-known include the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, the Durban International Film Festival, and the Grahamstown National Arts Festival. Whatever time of year you visit, you are sure to find a festival that will pique your interest.

What souvenirs to buy from South Africa?

There are a range of souvenirs you can buy from South Africa. These include traditional African arts and crafts, such as beaded jewelry and woodcarvings. You can also purchase items that are specific to South Africa, such as Zulu dolls or Boerderland pottery. If you are looking for something unique, you could try buying a bottle of Cape wine or a box of rooibos tea. Whatever souvenir you choose, make sure it is something that you will appreciate and remember long after your trip to South Africa has ended.