8 Travel Tips for South Africa That Will Make Your Trip Extra Memorable

8 Travel Tips for South Africa That Will Make Your Trip Extra Memorable

 

You don’t have to be an animal lover to want to interact with the king of the jungle. South Africa is a country rich with wildlife, culture and history that will easily lure adventure seekers and travelers. If Africa is on your destination list, here are 8 tips to consider to make your trip as memorable as possible.

 

8 Travel Tips for South Africa That Will Make Your Trip Extra Memorable

 

8. Volunteer

Safari trips can be very costly; so, if you are on a budget, consider volunteering. There are so many game reserves and wildlife rehabilitation centres that have volunteer programs. You still need to pay a considerable amount, but it will include accommodation, meals, and fun activities that will make it all worth it in the end. It’s definitely a lot cheaper than going on those expensive safaris.

 

South Africa

view from our tent at the volunteer camp

 

Volunteering also gives you an opportunity to give something back; it’s the same way as supporting a cause. It is an enriching and humbling experience that will change you, not even in a small way. You will meet volunteers from all parts of the world whom you can build lasting friendships with, and working with the locals will immerse you in the rich African culture.

 

South Africa

new friends from around the globe

 

If you volunteer with animals, the best perk is one-on-one interaction. In my experience, just cuddling with one-month-old lion cubs made the trek down to South Africa incredibly worth it.

 

South Africa

cuddling an adorable lion cub

 

Volunteering also doesn’t limit you to working with animals. There are other volunteer programs that focus on helping kids and the underprivileged African communities, if you prefer that kind of community work. In the end, it will be just as rewarding.

 

South Africa

my cute visitor at my work station

South Africa

big cat poop scooping at 8 am

 

7. See the Big Five.

Known as Africa’s Big Five Game, the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, buffalo, and elephant were called the “Big Five” by game hunters for being the most dangerous and difficult to hunt. Just seeing these majestic creatures from a safe distance will make you appreciate the world in general and have more respect for all the species that share it with you. 

 

South Africa

 walking with Three the elephant

South Africa

lion watching

 

6. Don’t Miss Cape Town.

Mountains, beaches, wineries, wildlife, culture… Cape Town’s got it all. Its breathtaking scenery is just part of the appeal because this city has a lot more to offer. Cape Town exudes such a bohemian beach vibe that you may even consider relocating. Activities such as shark cage diving, seal snorkeling are just a few of what Cape Town has to offer. Go to V&A Waterfront and Long Street to go on a culinary adventure and experience the booming nightlife. See the famous tourist attractions such as Robben Island, Cape of Good Hope, Boulders Beach, and Table Mountain. There is just so many other places to tick off that sight-seeing list that a dull moment in Cape Town is simply non-existent.

 

south Africa

Lion’s Head from Table Mountain

South Africa

Cape of Good Hope

South Africa

Boulders Beach

 

5. Pack All-Weather Clothes.

Obviously, packing for a trip also depends on the season that you’re traveling; but I have experienced drastic weather changes in Johannesburg during the summer that made me wish I had packed cozier sweaters and pants. It could be smouldering in the day, freezing at night, raining one minute, sunny the next… South Africa is known for its sunny weather, but it’s best to be prepared. 

 

South Africa

our volunteer camp after a short but heavy downpour