Eight practical tips for a trip to South Africa, from when to go and getting around to the Garden Route, Cape Town, food and wine.

South Africa offers a memorable mix of scenic coastlines, vibrant cities, rich culture and excellent value for money. Whether you’re planning your trip along the Garden Route, exploring Cape Town or discovering the country’s renowned food and wine scene, there’s plenty to experience.

To help you get the most out of your holiday, here are eight useful tips for travelling to South Africa, from choosing the best time to visit to planning how you’ll get around and which destinations to include in your itinerary.

1. Choose the right time to visit

South Africa is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on the type of holiday you’re looking for. While the UK experiences winter, South Africa enjoys warm summer weather, making it an ideal destination for sunshine, scenic drives, outdoor dining and exploring its cities and coastline.

2. Carry a mix of card and cash

Card payments are widely accepted in major towns and cities, but it’s useful to have some South African Rand available for tips, markets and smaller businesses.

3. Stay connected with a local SIM or eSIM

Reliable mobile data can help make travelling smoother, whether you’re using maps or booking activities. Checking roaming charges with your network provider or arranging a SIM/eSIM before you arrive can save additional costs.

4. Plan how you’ll get around

South Africa is a large country, and travel times can be longer than many visitors anticipate, so planning how you’ll get around is important. If you’re planning to visit multiple regions, it’s worth considering a combination of transport options.

Many travellers fly between major cities such as Johannesburg and Cape Town, before hiring a car for shorter road trips. This can help maximise your time while still allowing you to experience some the country’s most scenic drives. Whichever option you choose, it’s a good idea to factor travel times into your itinerary, as distances can be much greater than they appear on a map.

5. Experience the Garden Route at your own pace

The Garden Route is one of the best ways to experience South Africa’s diversity in a single trip. Stretching roughly from Gqeberha, formerly Port Elizabeth, towards Cape Town, this route showcases dramatic coastlines, forested landscapes, relaxed seaside towns, and plenty of places to stop along the way.

While some travellers complete the route in a few days, allowing a week or more gives you time to enjoy the journey at a more relaxed pace. The route is packed with viewpoints, walking trails, beaches and local towns that are easy to overlook if you’re rushing from one destination to another. Building in a little extra time also gives you flexibility to stop whenever a place catches your attention.

Highlights along the route include the coastal landscapes and walking trails of Tsitsikamma, the lagoon town of Knysna, beaches around Plettenberg Bay and the dramatic scenery of Robberg Nature Reserve. Many travellers also detour inland to Franschhoek, known for its vineyards, mountain views, and excellent dining.

6. Spend more than a day in Cape Town

Cape Town is a highlight for many visitors, known for its food scene, beaches, and dramatic setting beneath Table Mountain. Popular attractions include Table Mountain National Park, the colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood and the lively V&A Waterfront while a visit to Robben Island provides powerful insight into the country’s history.

The city also serves as a great base for exploring nearby attractions, including the Cape Winelands, Boulders Beach and the Cape Peninsula.

7. Explore South Africa’s food and wine scene

From waterfront restaurants in Cape Town to vineyard estates in Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, you’ll find a wide variety of dining experiences to suit every budget. Many visitors are surprised by the quality and value on offer, whether enjoying fresh seafood, local specialities or award-winning wines. Booking popular restaurants in advance is recommended, particularly during the summer months and holiday periods.

8. Familiarise yourself with customs and etiquette

Tipping is common in South Africa, particularly in restaurants, where around 10% is generally considered standard for good service. You may also come across tipping in hotels, on guided tours and for other services. As with any destination, it’s important to be respectful of customs and communities. Greetings are also important and appreciated when meeting someone for the first time.

From scenic drives along the Garden Route to the food, wine and culture of Cape Town, South Africa offers plenty to discover. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to explore more of the country, planning ahead can help you make the most of your trip. Before you travel, remember to check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice and make sure you have appropriate travel insurance in place.

Protect your trip with the right cover. Get an ABTA Travel Insurance quote today, visit: www.abtatravelinsurance.com.