Here are some facts you may not have known about South Africa: It is the largest producer of macadamia nuts. It is the second largest producer of fruit. It is the only country who has produced two Nobel Prize winners. The first heart transplant took place in Cape Town in 1967. South Africa is home to three of the world’s fastest animals: the lion, the wildebeest, and the cheetah. Intrigued? Learn more below.
South Africa is a large country; having a vehicle is essential as there is minimal public transportation. A drive from South Africa’s two most popular cities, Johannesburg and Cape Town, takes more than 13 hours.
South Africa is an awesome, adventurous country, but it’s not known for its safety. If you go through the trouble of acquiring a vehicle, be sure to keep it locked. If you’re keeping valuables locked inside, hide them in the glove compartment, trunk, or under a sweater or blanket. Car theft is not uncommon on South African streets.
South Africa has imposed water restrictions during times when it worried about its water supply. There were rumors that Cape Town was going to run out of water completely in 2018. Since then, locals have been much more conscious about their water usage. Even South African natives don’t drink the tap water. When in Rome…
New Jersey gas stations come equipped with fuel fillers. Meaning, someone stands outside and fills your car up with gas so that you don’t have to. Much of South Africa is the same way. If you stop at a gas station, you will often get your oil checked, tires pumped, windshield cleaned, and back winder washed. Petrol attendants typically earn R5,600 per months. Tips, while not mandatory, are a great way for them to supplement their income. For those not from South Africa, a R5-20 tip is acceptable.
Many travel to Africa to see wild animals in their natural habitat. While safaris are great, do not endanger yourself and other tourists by feeding the animals. This will train the (potentially deadly) beasts to come close to humans, begging for food. Your tour guides will remind you of this, but don’t be that guy.
Mentioned above, many travel to South Africa to see native African animals. The fastest land creatures, the most terrifying insects, and flora that textbooks have been written about, South Africa has much to study. Tourists can get as immersed in nature as their comfort allows. ATV and walking tours are offered as well as thorough nature trainings that take brave souls to live out in the wilderness for multiple days, testing their knowledge of nature as well as their mental and physical wherewithal.
South Africa is home to the most luxurious train in the world: the Rovos Rail. Built in 1989, this train has garnered an impressive reputation among the international community. With journeys lasting anywhere from 48 hours to 15 days, the Rovos Rail links Africa’s most known destinations, with a variety of off-train adventures offered in addition. Carrying some of South Africa’s finest wines and delicacies, the Rovos Rail is an elegant and romantic means of travel.
South Africa’s Garden Route is home to the world’s highest commercial bungy jump. At a staggering 216 meters high, the Bloukrans Bridge Bungy is not for the faint hearted.
The Route 62 Wine Route encompasses Wellington, Tulbagh, Worcester, Robertson, and the Klein Karoo, making it the longest wine route in the Western Cape. Sommeliers can visit 70 wine farms, 11 of which have specialist brandy cellars. South Africa has some of the best wines in the world and testing Route 62 is your best route to enjoying them.
South Africa is home to many world heritage sites. Below is a list of the top ten attractions:
There are over 90 airports in South Africa, 23 of them being international. Below are the main international airports, all of which offer business class flights.
The best time to visit South Africa is between the months of May and September. This is for two reasons. First, the weather is more enjoyable. Second, there are better conditions for viewing big game, which is what many people travel to Africa for. The best time for birding, if that’s your thing, is November to February.
A nonstop flight from Washington DC to Cape Town is 17 hours and 10 minutes. There are additional business class flights with options for one-stop flights and multiple-stop flights.
Voyagu does not rank its valued airline partners, but we provide a list of airlines that offer both discounted business class airfare and last-minute business class deals to South Africa. Some of these may not have direct flights while instead arranging comforting connections:
For this specific destination, try South African Airways. Contact Voyagu to find the cheapest flights to South Africa.
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