Is South Africa safe for tourists?

Tourists are often misled into thinking that South Africa is associated with high levels of crime. It is true that in some areas, petty crimes like theft, robbery, and mugging are common. However, by avoiding visiting those areas and exercising due caution, visiting South Africa can be as safe as it is worthwhile.

How to prepare for a trip to South Africa?

As much as it is fun to go with the flow while visiting a new place, it is best to prepare yourself before taking on the travel plunge. Plan your itinerary carefully and meticulously. Make sure you have all the essential documentation ready beforehand. Pack all your important medications. Exchange your currency. Pack light, but pack well. Do your homework thoroughly. Pro Tip: This guide is all you need.

Is food expensive in South Africa?

Not necessarily. You can treat yourself with some amazing meal choices that are of good value. Certain expensive cities like Pretoria will have more upscale options. However, depending on your spending habits and the choices you make, you should be good to go. Also, while you are at it, don’t forget to indulge in some modest, yet good wine.

What is the most dangerous place in South Africa?

Bribery and corruption are the highest scoring crime categories in South Africa. Statistically speaking, Pietermaritzburg has been rated as one of the most dangerous places in South Africa, outranking cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Which is the safest town in South Africa?

Boetsap in Northern Cape, Ocean View in Cape Town, Lavender Hill in Cape Town, and other small towns are generally considered safer than larger towns. However, like any other country, each place has its pros and cons, and one must be mindful of their safety while visiting them.

What is the cheapest place to live in South Africa?

Compared to the USA, South Africa is a relatively cheap and inexpensive place to travel to or live in. Based on factors like job opportunities, rental figures, housing prices, daily livelihood and accommodation, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban are some of the cheapest places to dwell in South Africa.

Flights to South Africa in 2025

Flights to South Africa

South Africa, or “Mzansi” as the locals like to call it, is located at the southernmost tip of the African continent with coastlines facing both the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. Officially known as the Republic of South Africa, the country is adorned with hidden landscapes, crowded wildlife, lush greenery, exceptional game reserves, and geographic diversity.

Standing true to its nickname, “Rainbow Nation,” South Africa is a prime example of the fusion of varied cultures and rich history. It has 11 official languages and over 30 indigenous languages that it is proud to possess.

All the cities in South Africa are distinctive, offer compelling reasons to visit, and are welcoming towards tourists. The tourism sector contributes substantially to the country’s economy. In 2018, it witnessed a record-breaking number of international arrivals, amounting to around 16 million passengers.

The bus and train systems, along with plenty of car rental services all across the country, are well-planned and organized. Hence, traveling across the multiple tourist spots has never been an issue.

To witness the 10 UNESCO-designated World Heritage sites of South Africa, visit its three capital cities, tour the Premier Mine where the world’s largest known diamond was discovered, or gorge on traditional South African dishes like Potjiekos and braai. Book your flights to South Africa, pronto!

Airports of South Africa

Along with three major international airports in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban, South Africa has numerous smaller regional airports, as well. The efficiency of each airport can be attested by the country’s growing footfall of tourists over the years.

Oliver Tambo International Airport

Situated in Johannesburg, Oliver Tambo International Airport, or Johannesburg Airport, is the biggest airport in South Africa. It is also one of the busiest airports in the country, hosting up to 28 million passengers every year. This airport offers flights to over 75 destinations, covering up to 39 countries.

Johannesburg Airport has 19 domestic flights and offers the longest, non-stop route to Atlanta ATL. British Airways, LAM Mozambique, Safair, CemAir, South African Airways, and Airlink are some of the commonly operated flights.

Johannesburg is home to the maximum number of airports in the country. Other than O.R. Tambo International Airport, Grand Central Airport and Lanseria International Airport are also located there.

King Shaka International Airport

King Shaka International Airport is commonly known as Durban Airport. As the name suggests, it is located in La Mercy, approximately 22 miles north of Durban’s main city. It offers flights to 11 destinations in 5 countries and can support up to 5 million passengers annually.

Some of the major airlines operated from this airport include British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Proflight Zambia, Airlink, and Air Mauritius. The longest non-stop route offered from the Durban Airport is to London Heathrow Airport.

Cape Town International Airport

The Cape Town International Airport is located approximately 20 minutes away from the thriving city of Cape Town. This international airport is the second largest airport in the country and can hold up to 9 million passengers every year. It has passenger flights scheduled to 40 destinations in 21 countries.

The major airlines flying to and from the airport include British Airways, Airlink, Air Namibia, Lufthansa, and Kenya Airways. The non-stop route to Atlanta is the longest flight available from Cape Town International Airport.

Other Airports

Some other popular airports of South Africa offering both international and national flights are- Port Elizabeth International Airport, Kimberley Airport, Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, and more.

Pre-Booking Tips

To get your hands on the best deals on plane tickets to South Africa, make sure you keep the following tips in mind:

November is considered the cheapest month to fly to South Africa.
Book your safari at least a year in advance to enjoy the exclusive safari lodges and experience incredible wildlife encounters.
Anytime between May to September is the best to go to South Africa if you want to have a worthwhile safari experience.
Uber services and taxis are a safe, reliable, and inexpensive source of commute.
1 US Dollar is equal to 16.49 South African Rand. Make sure you have enough cash on yourself and carry all your essential ATM cards with you, as well.
If you are following a budget and are looking for cheap flights to South Africa, book your seats at least four months in advance.

Favorite Tourist Attractions

When we think of South Africa, we often associate it with safaris and wildlife. However, there is so much more to this beautiful country that people are unaware of. It is a country that is laden with majestic landscapes, breathtaking cliffs, serene beaches, daring adventures, rich history, and diverse cultural life.

Kruger National Park is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts. The best part is that you can visit this park all year round. Other than being home to the infamous “Big Five,” which includes the elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino, and lion, it has a walking safari over its vast Greenland, multiple river systems, and remarkably diverse flora and fauna. If you love to gaze at beautiful sunsets, you can also book a lodge or set a camp there.

Stellenbosch is a quaint, well-preserved town in Western Cape that is donned with farms of old oak trees, charming little cafes with fantastic food, many underrated art galleries, and museums steeped in history. If you want to get away from the cities thronged with tourists, this town is your best escape.

Other worthwhile places that should be in your itinerary are Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve in Mpumalanga, Durbin’s Golden Mile, and the Garden Route, to name a few.

To discover the many hidden treasures of South Africa and to find out for yourself what makes it a great place to visit, book your plane tickets to South Africa right away.

Best Time to Visit South Africa

Now that you are ready to plan your holiday to this extraordinary location and are only a few steps behind booking your South Africa flights, knowing the best time to visit the country can help you in great measures.

Generally, the weather is quite tourist-friendly all year long. Thus, the best time to visit mainly depends on the kind of activities and experience you are hoping to have during your time there.

With clear, warm days and cold, calming nights, May through October is generally considered the most preferred period to visit the country. The airfare to South Africa is affordable, plus spotting the animals during your safaris is relatively easy.

South Africa has it all- from snow-capped mountains to arid deserts. Therefore, it also has a varying climate and distinct seasons.

December to February is the Summer Season. The days are hot, and the streets are crowded.
May to September is the Winter Season. Ideal weather for outdoor activities.
October to April is the Fall Season. The best season for bird watching. Might get occasional rains.

No matter what time of the year it is, South Africa always has something to offer. From amazing festivities to beautiful vistas, the vibrant colors of this country are bound to leave you in awe.