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[nullref]

I'm going to be visiting South Africa in a couple weeks on business, and as I've never been to the country (or continent, for that matter) before, I'm going to spend some extra days there after my work is done.

I'd love to get any advice or recommendations for things to see and do, from anyone who's visited or lives there. I'm up for anything, but enjoy food & drink in particular, and seeing some wildlife would be nice. I'll be travelling alone, so things that can be enjoyed solo would be best.

(I'm coming from Canada, if that matters. My work will have me in Centurion for about a week. Heading to Cape Town at some point seems like it could be fun, but I'm not sure I want to deal with the hassle and expense of the flight. I could be convinced, though.)

 

[TheCowboyPoet]

Don't post a racist/offensive tweet before takeoff that will go viral while you are on the plane and oblivious.

 

[Mesousa]

Centurion is racist as fuck. Cape Town is awesome though. Table mountain is where the cool tourists hang.

 

[Shadownet]

Get all your shots at the doctor, beware of scammers, and watch what you eat. If it look too pink or you don't know what it is, don't eat it.

Have fun!

 

[pants]

Cape Town is one of the nicest cities you can visit, it's winter now though so you may miss the surf. Uhm, Centurion kinda sucks, but yeah thats business.

Get all your shots at the doctor, beware of scammers, and watch what you eat. If it look too pink or you don't know what it is, don't eat it.

Have fun!

None of the warnings you gave here is even applicable to South Africa.

 

[anotherusername]

i was there a few months ago, its an incredible place.
could do;

• Lions head
• Chapman peaks
• Wine farms - there's loads all over CT
• The waterfront is pretty cool as well.

 

[nullref]

Thanks for the replies.

Sounds like Centurion is boring, and Cape Town is the awesome tourist spot, both of which I suspected. Anything worth doing in Johannesburg or Pretoria?

 

[pants]

Johannesburg

Bullet dodging.

or Pretoria?

Avoid being burnt to a crisp by the sun

 

[Kurdel]

Biltong.

Sweet, glorious, bountiful land of biltong.

 

[Tex117]

I spent most of last year in Southern Africa...mostly based out of Joburg (Jozi)...Here are some recommendations. I will try to list in order of Africa specific.

Dude, I would very VERY much consider checking out Kruger National Park and going on safari. This is one of the biggest national parks in the world. Specifically, check out Sabi Sands. Its a private game reserve that boarders Kruger without a fence. So essentially it is the same park but the guides and accommodations are even better. Its a little pricey but you have a better chance of seeing "THE BIG 5" (elephant, lion, rhino, cape buffalo, and leopard). Leopards are the hardest to spot. You can fly into Nelspruit...I think the resort will pick you up. It really is awesome.

If you are feeling even more adventurous, catch a flight to Livingstone, Zambia, or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Either one and you can see Victoria Falls...and check out the Chobe Game Reserve in Botswana. (They are all right there together). This option is even better than Kruger, but requires a bit more work. Since you didn't mention going to other countries...I wont expound much on this. I did have my favorite African experience here when I was sleeping in a tent and lions woke me up outside.


Cape Town/ Gansbaai: Great White Shark Diving. Gansbaai is a town about 2 hours away from Cape Town. There are shuttles that will pick you up in Cape Town and take you down there. Its awesome. If you end up in Cape Town, then this really is a must.

Cape Town: V&A Waterfront. Table Mountain. Long Street...these are all very touristy and very fun places to check out. I'll be honest...Eff'em. You are in Africa...

Cape Town/ Stellenbosh: Stellenbosh is the wine country of South Africa. If you are into this, then check it out. Not really for me, but its beautiful and nice.

For something a little different, you can go check out Durban. Its the unsung brother of Cape Town. Surf...stay at a hotel called the Oyster Box. I would recommend this over staying in Joberg (but I still think you need to get Kruger to work).

Joberg/Pretoria/Centurian.
Look, Joberg's violence is indeed a real thing as is the rest of Africa. I've had guns pulled on me, knives...seen violent things...yeah...anyway. You need to be constantly aware of your surroundings. Do NOT end up in bad neighborhoods. Honestly, though there are some freakin' awesome things to check out Joberg, if its your first time in Africa and Joberg, exploring the city may not be a great bet right out of the gate.

That said, if you do, here are some things to check out:
Apartheid Museum,
Afrikanner Memorial,
Park Town,
Sandton

As stated, there are some cool things around Joburg, but really, if you have the days to take off, don't spend them here.

FOOD AND DRINK.
Once you get off the plane order a BLACK LABEL made by Carling. I actually like it, but you may not. Regardless, if anyone asks or you are making conversation, say you like it. It will give you some street cred. Others, Castle...Windhoek (Namibian). All great choices.

"Klippys and Coke" (This is brandy and coke). This is a drink loved by the Afrikaaners. Drink it. Its sweet. Klipdrift I think is the full name of the brandy.

BRAAI: This is basically BBQ. Meat cooked over open coals....beef and voerwoorst. Definitely eat this.

Pap: Pronounced Pup. This is the starch staple of the South Africans. Its fermented cornmeal. Its white with a consistency of mashed potatoes. In fancy places it is served with a tomatoes type sauce (like marinara)...in real places...you eat it with your hands. Balled up between thumb, index, and middle finger. IF you are eating the Braai meat with your hands...and then the pap with your hands...the whole experience makes more sense.

Bunny Chow. This is an Indian dish. It is traditionally mutton curry served in a bread loaf, cut in half and hollowed out. This is especially good for Durban, but a few places will do it in Joburg.

Weird meats. If you get a chance to eat Kudu, SpringBocks, Wilderbeast...etc. Eat it. Its all just lean beef anyway.

Peri Peri Chicken: Ah one of the greatest things to come out of Mozambique. Its essentially grilled chicken covered in a really hot sauce.

Potjiekos: If in cape town. Served in a three legged pot. Its kinda stewed up curryish stuff. Different kinds of options here. And its awesome.

Prawns: Basically huge shrimp. Tasty. Mid to small are the best.

Kingclip: A favorite fish of South Africa.

Sparletta Cream Soda. "The green ambulance" Try it. Its green. Its not bad. Good for hangovers.

Passion Fruit Lemonade:

Wimpys: For breakfast. Brekki Bun....Effing awesome.

Please ask questions if you need more information!

 

[Dude Abides]

Don't bother with Joburg. I went to Timbavati next to Kruger and it was great. Franschoek is also good if you're into wine.

 

[nullref]

Thanks for all the great info, Tex117. Can you elaborate a bit on the logistics of doing a safari, if you don't mind? I imagine I'd take a local airline from Joburg, do a 1-3 day safari package of some kind, and then fly back to catch my return flight home, and I'd need 3-5 days for that in total? If you can also give me some rough idea of the total costs (flights + tour package), that would be great.

Thanks again.

 

[Tex117]

Thanks for all the great info, Tex117. Can you elaborate a bit on the logistics of doing a safari, if you don't mind? I imagine I'd take a local airline from Joburg, do a 1-3 day safari package of some kind, and then fly back to catch my return flight home, and I'd need 3-5 days for that in total? If you can also give me some rough idea of the total costs (flights + tour package), that would be great.

Thanks again.

Oh, you wouldn't need THAT much time really. If you weren't on a break neck pace (which I tend to do when I travel)...maybe a two night stay would be good. Show up before the evening "game drive." Next morning go on the game drive. Lounge around the place during the day. They will have some activities for you. Evening drive. You will see some good stuff.

Yeah, local airlines...South African Airways...maybe Kulula. Flights...man...you can get it done for less than 200...easy. (Im not sure when you are leaving).

Logistically, its a little tricky. Its also difficult to price because there are so many options out there. You can go from 1000 a night to a self-drive hut for like 50 USD. (Don't self drive). Most of the lodges, do a game drive included in staying there.

I stayed at a place called Elephant Plains in Sabi Sands. It was like 200 USD a night. Look, I know price matters on a lot of this stuff, but you have an opportunity to go on an African Safari. If you can get the money to work, then do it. Really.

I actually rented a car in Nelspruit and drove to Sabi Sands. I had also been in the country for awhile. Im not saying you shouldn't do it. As a matter of fact, driving through some of the villages, townships, can be some of the most interesting parts of your trip as that is more "Africa" than just being shuttled around, but you may not be comfortable doing that just yet.

I would suggest trying to get the best deal in Sabi Sands. The lodges will probably pick you up...feed you, and take care of everything. It will be a bit pricey, but you will see good stuff, all with a little style. (If you were there for longer, I'd suggest rougher options that involve tents, guns, and the south African version of moonshine, but we aren't there yet).

Just google Sabi Sands Lodges or resorts and see what you can find.

Let me just reiterate. You are probably looking at between 600-1000 price tag...flights + lodging. (With some work, you can get that closer to 600). I also think that it is worth every penny if you have the money. You are being afforded a unique opportunity to visit Africa mostly on someone elses dime. Take advantage, spend a little money, and go have awesome experiences.

You can eat next month

 

[nullref]

Let me just reiterate. You are probably looking at between 600-1000 price tag...flights + lodging. (With some work, you can get that closer to 600). I also think that it is worth every penny if you have the money. You are being afforded a unique opportunity to visit Africa mostly on someone elses dime. Take advantage, spend a little money, and go have awesome experiences.

Thanks again. Yeah, in those price ranges, the money isn't a big deal -- I probably made myself sound more price-sensitive than I am. I just like to have a rough idea of these things when I'm weighing my options.

 

[Corky]

Come hang out with me in Cape Town, we can go to Mzolis.

 

[Kyleripman]

I stayed at a place called Elephant Plains in Sabi Sands. It was like 200 USD a night. Look, I know price matters on a lot of this stuff, but you have an opportunity to go on an African Safari. If you can get the money to work, then do it. Really.

I've also stayed at Elephant Plains. Probably the most affordable Sabi Sand location. Had a great time.

 

[Tex117]

I've also stayed at Elephant Plains. Probably the most affordable Sabi Sand location. Had a great time.

HAHA, that's awesome! Yeah, it probably is.

There are "fancier" and more expensive alternatives, but I didn't think Elephant Plains skimpt at all. I got the recommendation from some of the local guys at the office.

Eat out by the camp fire, check out the big 5, drink Mampoor (bad sp...its essentially South African moonshine)...Its a ton of fun. Yes, you can be more "authentic", but unless you are a trained bushman, I would stay with this experience. OP would not regret it.