Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
Stop researching. Start exploring.Discover all 131 highlights,ranked
and organized into practical routes.
Get instant access
Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are recommended. Consider typhoid if you’re planning on eating outside major hotels and restaurants. If you’re exploring rural areas, a rabies vaccine might be wise. Malaria prophylaxis is essential if you’re heading to Kruger National Park or other high-risk areas. Check if your routine vaccines (like MMR and tetanus) are up-to-date. Always consult with a travel health professional or clinic for personalized advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in South Africa, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for South AfricaCulture & Customs
Respect elders by addressing them as ”Oom” (uncle) or ”Tannie” (aunt) if you’re unsure of their names. Always greet with a handshake and maintain eye contact. In rural areas, women’s dress should be modest.
South Africa embraces diversity, but LGBTQ+ travelers should be cautious in conservative rural areas. Public displays of affection, regardless of orientation, are generally frowned upon outside urban centers.
Avoid discussing politics or making assumptions about someone’s ethnicity. Tipping is customary: 10-15% at restaurants and a few rand for parking attendants and gas station attendants. Don’t flash valuables in public and keep an eye on your belongings. Crime can be a concern in certain areas, so stay aware of your surroundings.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for South Africa.
- Bunny Chow: This is a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry. Originally from Durban, it reflects the Indian influence on South African cuisine and is super popular for its convenience and flavor.
- Braai: Essentially a barbecue, but with its own unique South African twist. It’s a social event as much as a meal, with meats like boerewors (sausage) and sosaties (skewered meat) cooked over an open flame.
- Bobotie: A comforting dish of spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping. It’s a Cape Malay classic, carrying hints of curry and sometimes topped with dried fruit for a sweet touch.
- Potjiekos: A slow-cooked stew made in a round, cast-iron pot. It’s a mix of meats and vegetables cooked over an open fire, often enjoyed during gatherings, reflecting the communal culture.
- Biltong: Dried, cured meat, similar to jerky but typically thicker and with a unique blend of spices. It’s a go-to snack for locals and travelers alike, perfect for munching on the go.
- Melktert: A sweet pastry crust filled with a creamy custard, sprinkled with cinnamon. This dessert is a staple at any South African gathering, offering a sweet end to a hearty meal.
Tap water in major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban is generally safe to drink and locals do consume it. However, in rural areas, water quality can vary, so it’s wise to stick to bottled or filtered water. To be on the safe side, tourists might want to opt for bottled water, especially if they have a sensitive stomach.
English is widely spoken in South Africa and serves as one of the country’s 11 official languages. It is the primary language of communication in business, government, and media, making it relatively easy for English-speaking travelers to navigate the country. In urban areas, such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban, English is commonly used, and most locals are proficient in it, especially in tourist hotspots.
However, in rural areas and among certain communities, other languages like Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa, and others may be more prevalent. While many South Africans are multilingual and can communicate in English, accents and regional dialects may vary, so clarity in communication is sometimes needed.
Overall, English is well understood and spoken throughout South Africa, making it accessible for travelers. Visitors will find that most people are friendly and willing to assist, even if English is not their first language.
Money & Payments
The local currency of South Africa is ZAR (R).
ATMs are pretty accessible in urban areas and even small towns in South Africa, but keep an eye on fees. Some machines can be sneaky with charges, so it might be worth checking with your bank about their partner banks in SA to dodge unnecessary costs.
Cash is king in rural areas or for small purchases at local markets. While it’s fine to carry some rand, avoid holding large amounts. Instead, hit up an ATM when you need to refill. Leave the dollars and euros at home; they won’t get you far in daily transactions.
Cards are widely accepted in cities, especially in restaurants, hotels, and bigger stores, though some places might have a minimum spend. Always have a backup card handy just in case. In smaller towns and rural areas, it’s a different story — cash rules here.
For exchanging money, it’s best to avoid airport kiosks as they offer pretty poor rates. Instead, check out local banks or established currency exchange offices in the city. A tip: comparing rates online before heading out can save you some money.
In South Africa, tipping is generally expected at restaurants and bars, with 10-15% of the bill being standard. For taxi drivers and petrol attendants, rounding up the fare or giving a small tip is appreciated. Hotel staff, such as porters and housekeeping, often receive a few rand per service.
v2.webp){kind=logo}
Best Backpacking.jpg)
Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
.jpg)
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.