South Africa: what to know before you go

When planning a trip to South Africa, or any destination so far from home, we always recommend chatting with your doctor or local travel clinic. These health professionals will be your best resource when it comes to knowing which vaccinations (if any) are right for you. Most doctors do recommend taking malaria pills before, during, and after a visit to many regions in South Africa, but they are not required. Your healthcare provider will also likely suggest a typhoid vaccination. The yellow fever vaccine is not required for most North American travelers. It’s only necessary if you’re traveling from a country with a high risk of yellow fever. (Don’t worry—flight layovers and refuel stops don’t count.)

From flavorful Cape Malay curries (from the culture-rich Cape Malay Muslim communities in Bo-Kaap) to smoky braais (South Africa’s beloved BBQ tradition), the local food scene is as diverse as the landscapes. Due to the country’s complex cultural history, you’ll find many international culinary influences at play. Expect bold spices, fresh seafood, world-class wines (hello, crisp chenin blanc!), and a fusion of global influences with deep cultural roots. Whether you’re sampling bunny chow (a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry) in Indian-influenced Durban or sipping pinotage under vineyard skies, your tastebuds are in for an unforgettable adventure on a trip like our South Africa: Cultural Cities & Wildlife Safaris tour.

Discover some of Cape Town’s best eats and sips in our guide to the best things to do in the city.

South Africa uses the South African Rand (ZAR), which currently has an excellent exchange rate with the U.S. dollar. As of spring 2025, one South African Rand equates to about 0.055 in U.S. Dollars. While most places you’ll visit on our tours of South Africa accept major credit cards, we do recommend taking out local currency when you arrive so you’ll have South African Rand on hand to tip your Tour Director, drivers, and local guides—as well as to pick up fun souvenirs to bring home! The best places to do this will be local ATMs attached to banks as these spots usually have the lowest fees.

Adding on an extension to Zimbabwe on a trip like our new South Africa for Solo Travelers: Cape Town to Kruger tour? While there is a Zimbabwean Dollar, we recommend that you use ZAR or USD, as these will also be accepted.

Since South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, it has opposite seasons than those in North America. This means that during our typical winter months (December, January, and February), South Africa will be experiencing some sunny, warm weather. In the north, you’ll find temperatures are hotter and more humid, while the southern cities are cooler because of their proximity to the ocean.

Want to go solo on our new South Africa for Solo Travelers: Cape Town to Kruger tour? As the name suggests, you’ll be moving from Cape Town (our top pick of six top coastal cities to visit) up to Kruger National Park, so it’s wise to be prepared for varied climates.

To truly appreciate South Africa’s vibrant present, it helps to understand its complex past. The country’s history is layered with ancient indigenous cultures, colonial legacies, and the impactful struggle against apartheid. The powerful history is one of our top five reasons to visit Cape Town, so on our new South Africa for Solo Travelers: Cape Town to Kruger tour, we include a walking tour of the rainbow-hued Bo-Kaap neighborhood. Rich Cape Malay culture has thrived there for centuries. You’ll also visit the District Six Museum, where you can spend some time digging into the city’s civil rights history.

To help you gain powerful insight into the resilience and progress of the nation, you’ll also have a local Tour Director sharing their vast expertise. Still, brushing up on South African history before you go adds context, connection, and a deeper respect for the people and places you encounter, so we recommend doing some reading on your own before you take off.