Vast, diverse and captivating, South Africa is one of the most sought-after safari destinations on the planet. In fact, it’s the only place where you can see lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants and rhinos all in one place. Hire a guide or drive yourself right into the heart of the African wilderness at Kruger and Kgalagadi before tucking in to some delicious local delicacies such as biltong, malva pudding and milktart. Don’t forget the beaches too, where you might even spot some penguins!

Indeed, wildlife watching is part of South Africa’s very fabric where it’s the small things that count. Witness a beautiful leopard tortoise wondering alongside the road, various exotic birds calling out from the trees, and go out to sea for an encounter with seals, whales or even great white sharks.

Of course, South Africa itself has had a chequered past and it’s well worth learning something of its history and identity whilst you’re there. There’s an abundance of museums from Johannesburg to Robben Island, many of which display remnants of the apartheid era in particular. Whilst difficult to see, you will inevitably start to gain a real understanding of how South African society works and marvel at how far South Africa has progressed. Carry on towards the township of Soweto (Johannesburg) or Langa (Cape Town), where the friendly locals are more than happy to chat to anyone they come across. You’ll soon see that despite South Africa’s difficulties and recent history, they’re a proud nation with huge optimism for the future.

5 Things You Need to Know About South Africa

Here are five things you may not have known about South Africa, which you’ll want to make note of before packing your bags:

Time Difference: UTC +2 hours
Currency: South African rand
Native Language: There are eleven official languages of South Africa: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Sotho, SiSwati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu.
Weather: South Africa is a year-round destination due to its varying regional climates and wildlife opportunities. The Cape has beautiful hot, dry weather in its summer months between November and February, while the best time to visit for whale watching is between July and November.
Sales Tax: 15%

Flying to South Africa from Australia

Here’s everything you’ll need to know about flying to South Africa from Australia, including flight times and entry requirements.

Flight Times

Flights from Australia to South Africa generally take around fourteen hours. You can fly direct to Johannesburg and Cape Town from Sydney and Perth.

Entry Requirements

If you're visiting South Africa for tourism purposes for a period of up to 90 days, you don't need a visa but you do need a valid passport.

Airlines That Fly to South Africa

The following airlines offer direct flights from Australia to South Africa:

- South African Airways
- Qantas

10 South Africa Must-Dos

If you’ve never visited South Africa before and are wondering what the ‘must-see’ sights and attractions are, here are our top ten:

- Table Mountain
- Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
- Shamwari Game Reserve
- Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre
- Kruger National Park
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
- Swartberg Pass
- Lahore Fort (Shahi Qila)
- Valley of Desolation
- Kgalagadi National Park

Book Cheap Flights to South Africa with Globehunters

Fancy spending some time in stunning South Africa? If you’re searching for your next exciting trip, then look no further than Globehunters. You’ll find the best deals on flights, hotels and car hire with us, and every booking is protected by ATOL and IATA for extra peace of mind.