Explore
South Africa
A very diverse country. From the vibrant streets of Cape Town to the wildlife-filled savannas of Kruger.
Greenpoint Stadium, Capetown
Vineyard in Stellenbosch
Language
South Africa has 11 official languages, but English is widely spoken. Zulu, Xhosa, and Afrikaans are the most common after English. Here are a few phrases to know:
‘Sawubona’ (Zulu) – Hello
‘Unjani?’ (Zulu) – How are you?
‘Molo’ (Xhosa) – Hi
‘Dankie’ (Afrikaans) – Thank you
‘Lekker’ (Afrikaans slang) – Great / Good / Nice
Currency
The South African Rand (ZAR) is the official currency. As of early 2025, 1 USD is about 18 ZAR. South Africa is budget-friendly for most international travellers. ATMs are everywhere, and card payments are widely accepted.
Weather
Regional variations:
Cape Town: Mediterranean climate with rainy winters
Johannesburg: High-altitude sunshine with afternoon thunderstorm
Durban: Humid subtropical weather year-round
At a glance
Visiting South Africa
It’s known as the ‘Rainbow Nation,’ because of its cultural mix. The main cities are so dramatically different. Johannesburg is the economic hub, Cape Town is the scenic jewel, and Durban adds coastal charm with its Indian Ocean vibe.
South Africans are generally friendly and direct in communication. I found conversations often begin with “Howzit?”—a casual greeting similar to “How’s it going?” You’ll often hear strangers call you ‘my friend’ or ‘bru’ (bro).
Eating out in South Africa is both affordable and diverse. Expect everything from traditional African dishes to Cape Malay curries and European-inspired fare. You can enjoy a restaurant meal for average R150-300 ($8.50-17), while street food like boerewors rolls (farm sausage sandwiches) costs under R50 ($2.80). South Africans love braai (barbecue), so don’t miss a chance to join one.
I visited Cape Town, a modern and cosmopolitan city surrounded by stunning natural beauty. It’s compact, so you can walk parts of the city, but you’ll likely need a rental car or ride-hailing for beaches and wine regions.
Cape Town strikes a balance between natural beauty and urban sophistication. Table Mountain dominates the skyline—take the cable car up for spectacular views. The V&A Waterfront buzzes with restaurants and shops, while the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood showcases colourful Cape Malay houses.
