Emergency
Dial 10111 for police, 10177 for medical emergencies, and 112 for mobile assistance to get help during urgent or critical situations.
Dial 10111 for police, 10177 for medical emergencies, and 112 for mobile assistance to get help during urgent or critical situations.
Ubuntu is a Southern African philosophy that emphasizes collective responsibility, interconnectedness, and compassion, summarized as "I am because we are."
The next public holiday in South Africa is New Year's Day on January 1, 2025, celebrated with festivities and gatherings to welcome the new year.
Tap water is generally safe to drink in South Africa, especially in urban areas. In some rural areas, it’s recommended to drink bottled or boiled water.
SafariNow is a popular platform in South Africa, offering vacation rentals like lodges, cottages, and safari stays for all budgets and preferences.
Toilet paper is used, but in some areas, it’s advised to dispose of it in a bin rather than flushing, as plumbing systems may not handle it well.
South Africa can be safe for tourists, but it requires vigilance and planning due to higher crime rates in some areas. Safety depends on where you go and how you act.
South African cuisine is a vibrant blend of fresh ingredients, featuring dishes like bobotie, braaivleis, and malva pudding, with an emphasis on spiced meats, maize, and diverse cultural influences.
Johannesburg Traffic:
Tourist: “I’ve never seen so many cars at once!”
Local: “Don’t worry—if you survive Jo’burg traffic, the safari’s lions will be a piece of cake!”
In Cape Town, public transport, including MyCiTi buses and trains, uses the myconnect card for access. Contactless payments are accepted, but cash is also used for other transport options.
Cape Town TransportIn South Africa, the two main intercity bus operators are Intercape and Translux, both offering extensive routes and reliable services across the country and neighboring regions.
IntercapeIn South Africa, the Passenger Rail Agency (PRASA) operates most long-distance train services. The network connects major cities, though it faces ongoing infrastructure challenges.
PRASAThe Cradle of Humankind, near Johannesburg, is a UNESCO Heritage Site where hominid fossils—3 million years old—have been discovered.
Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first elected president, led transition from apartheid to democracy, becoming a global symbol of reconciliation.
South Africa’s national parks, such as Kruger National Park, are famous for the “Big Five” animals: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes.
Table Mountain in Cape Town is indeed widely considered one of the oldest mountains on Earth, estimated to be around 260 million years old.
The San, one of the oldest ethnic groups in South Africa, are known for their rock art, traditional hunting methods, and deep spiritual connection to the land.
A braai (barbecue) is a social event in South Africa, where people gather to celebrate occasions or enjoy time with friends and family.