How do I prepare for a trip to South Africa?

#1: What should you be packing?

One thing that you must not forget is an unlocked phone that accepts a SIM card that is local since the Wi-Fi is majorly powered by the carrier named pigeon and if you wish to stay connected with your loved ones while you are away from them as well as share your experience live on social media platforms. You may also carry a flashlight along with you since this place is famous for its blackouts.
If you are a photographer, you cannot forget your camera equipment to capture some of the most beautiful elements of wildlife that this place has got to offer.

#2: Consult Your Doctor

This may sound surprising and even, foolish to you at first but you should have a conversation with your doctor before going to South Africa in order to keep yourself equipped with medications and aid kits that are required here. In fact, this place is prone to malaria, hepatitis A, as well as flu. This would mean that you might even need a shot of them prior to your visit.

#3: Safari Plans

Yeah, that is definitely the most crucial and interesting part. A ride on safari is what you might have on your mind when you think about visiting South Africa, right? So you must do your research for which place you wish to go to – Pilanesberg Game Reserve or Kruger National Park. If you are looking for avoiding malaria, the first is the best choice.

#4: Where will you stay?

You might be visiting the wild places in the day but at the night, you need a place to sleep. So, before visiting South Africa, you must be aware of the places where you can stay. Moreover, you can even travel at a very low price and even easily so that would not be an issue. In case you are able to get yourself home hospitality, even for a couple of days, it is preferable. You may also consider staying at Durban, where the coastal attractions will amaze you.

#5: Learn a bit of Zulu

Even though the people residing in South Africa are familiar with 11 national languages, Zulu is the most commonly spoken language among the major population. This is why if you learn a bit of it prior to your visit, it might be helpful for you. You may consider learning the following phrases.
Do you speak English? - UkhulumaisiNgisina?
I don’t know. – Angazi.
Maybe. – Mhlawumbe.
No. – Cha.
Yes. – Yebo.
Cheers!-Impilontle!
Hello!-Sanibonani (plural), Sawubona (singular).
Pleased to meet you.-Ngiyajabulaukukwazi.

#6: Try planning your visit in July and August

While South Africa will certainly please you in all months of the year, it is best to visit it in the months of July and August due to its weather. The nights are cool and the days are mild during these months, which result in a visit that is free of insects in a majority of part of the nation. Based on your itinerary, you may carry a light jacket and a bug spray. In fact, the temperatures can be as low as freezing points, so you may carry a coat along with yourself as well. Moreover, even when it is sunny, the temperatures are likely to be in the 70s.

#7: Airfares

In case you are going to visit the country by air, keeping an eye on the airfares is a must. If you are a resident of a nation that is pretty much far away from the country, you might be willing to travel in business class instead of the economy due to the number of hours for which you will be travelling. Therefore, it would be best to watch out airfares beforehand if you do not want to pay a lot for travelling. This might also save you some money for travelling within the country along with stays.

 

The Bottom Line

South Africa is a country that will amaze you but you might regret a few things if you are not prepared beforehand. Therefore, you must consider the tips provided here for your visit to the country.