Common Mistakes to Avoid on a Trip to South Africa

Whether you’re travelling to South Africa for the first time or you’re a veteran on your 20th trip. If you’re doing it in a group or solo, we’ve seen some of these commonly repeated errors which we advise doing your best to prepare for or avoid regardless of when you go. It’ll help you make the most of your trip so you can have the best time on your South African adventure.

Don’t Forget to Pack:

Sun Protection

Always pack sunblock. If it’s winter or summer, the sun in South Africa is harsh. It’s often in the cooler weather you don’t feel the sun doing the damage.

There’s no better way to wreck a few days or an entire holiday for that matter than by getting a horrible sunburn. Pack some of the strongest SPF that you can get and make sure you carry it with you wherever you go. Especially on days when you’ll be outside.

A good pair of polarized sunglasses, a hat and even an SPF rated rash guard for beach days or kayaking trips are also definitely worth bringing on your trip to SA. Don’t get sunburnt.

Warm Clothes

Despite the countries mild winters and warm summers it still gets chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings when the sun isn’t fully overhead. Bring a jersey or jacket and definitely a pair of jeans or tracksuit pants, socks too. Sitting on the back of an open safari vehicle while chattering your teeth together could put you onto a lions menu pretty quickly.

The long pants and jacket are also great to smarten up if you’re planning a night on the town. Some bars and restaurants might have dress codes which require you to look the part.

All 4 seasons in a day, pack the sunblock and the jacket.

Water Bottle

No matter where you’re going a water bottle or some sort of flask should go with. To carry water or your morning tea or coffee. Many resorts offer free water filling so it’ll save you a few bucks having to buy and it benefits the environment from all the unnecessary plastic bottles.

Good Walking Shoes

Your trip to South Africa wouldn’t be complete without a few walks and we don’t mean any ordinary beach stroll. South African terrain is renowned for it’s ruggedness and walking in flip-flops could end with a sprained ankle.

We advise a decent pair of athletic shoes, you don’t need to go and buy a pair of expensive hiking boots, a comfortable pair of shoes are adequate and will double for trainers if you decide to squeeze in a workout or two on your trip.

Getting to the top of Lions Head in flip-flops might be a challenge. Source: _dirklange_

A Plug Adapter

Most South African plugs are a strange 3 prong that almost no other country uses. They have adapters for chargers but it’s probably best to bring your own adapter so you won’t be fighting for charging space.

South African plugs, difficult to get a charger in there.

Don’t worry about:

  • Bug Spray- Carrying liquids on planes can get messy, South Africans also get bitten by mosquitoes. Bug spray is cheap, you can buy it here.
  • Packing the whole closet: lugging big bags sucks, most accommodation has laundry facilities and there are plenty of shops to buy clothes and other essential items if needed. Pack fairly lightly.

Things to Organise Before your trip:

Travel Insurance

Absolutely essential for any trip you’re doing overseas and it never costs you an arm and a leg which not having it could cost. Search online and have a policy for the duration of your trip, we’ll insist on seeing a copy when you arrive. We recommend looking at www.worldnomads.com for their highly comprehensive policies.

Vaccines and Prescription Medication

Some countries recommend getting vaccines for South Africa, although it varies and isn’t essential. If you’re concerned about it then it’s best to consult your doctor first.

One of the most common questions we get asked is if you need to take Malaria pills? For he most part SA is Malaria free and our trip does not go to any Malaria zone. If you’re planning any onward travel in SA, especially closer to it’s bordering countries then it’s best you check if you need any medication.

If you’re on any prescription medication, stock up on it before your trip. SA has great pharmacies but some prescription medications require a doctor’s script and specific pills might be sold under a different name that you’re not used to. Why not also get your GP to write an extra prescription incase your run out of anything?

Currency and a Backup

Local South African currency is the Rand. Most stores and places won’t take anything other than Rand. Before your trip, visit your local bank and organise a travel card with currency loaded onto it. ATM’s are readily available and we don’t advise carrying too much cash.

Your credit or debit card should probably come along too, it can be left in your room while you’re out during the day. If for any reason something happens to your primary means of funds then you’ll have additional access to cash.

Copies of important documents

Instead of carrying your original passport everywhere it’s best to have a copy on you. Losing your passport and trying to arrange a new one in a foreign country could make for stressful travel. The same goes for things like drivers licenses, insurance policies etc. carry copies or save digital scans on your phone for easy access.

Bonus: Organise a Sim card at the airport

SA has some of the best telecoms in Africa and the airport is your best bet to get a reasonably priced tourist package, plus all your important documents will be handy to make registration a breeze. If you’re not phased by staying connected all the time, WiFi is accessible at accommodation, bars and restaurants.

General Mistakes:

Planning too much in too short a time

South Africa is big, from Johannesburg to Cape Town is 1600kms or at least a 14hr drive. Depending on how long you’re in the country for should determine how far you’ll travel within it and what you’ll do on the trip.

Unless you want to spend hours behind the wheel seeing the country from inside a vehicle we’d say it’s best to average between 100-200kms every other day. There’s a lot to do even in the most unassuming little towns that will keep you busy most days. A plan that is too rigid will mean missing out on some gems.

This is especially important if traveling the country on your own. Rather plan less and have a few minimum goals set which means you can improvise in between stops. If you fall in love with a place, why not spend an extra day?

I did a trip along the Garden Route once and was on the way from Plettenberg Bay to Witsand. Accommodation was already paid and I had to be there the same day I left Plett. I remember driving right over the famous Bloukraans Bridge bungy jump and was devastated that I couldn’t take the time to stop and still make it to Witsand. Moral of the story: plan less to experience more.

South Africa is filled with spontaneous opportunities and locals always offer up insider tips that are totally worth making the time to check out, so be flexible.

Flights booked to one airport

Because of South Africa’s size it’s not a bad idea to book your inbound flight to one airport and your outbound flight from another. This way you’ll be able to go further and see more without having to rush back to where you started to make a flight. The prices are negligible (mostly) and help maximise your opportunity to experience the most SA has to offer.

Constantly Worrying

Yes, SA has a bad reputation for it’s safety but you shouldn’t stay couped up in a hotel your whole trip.

For the most part nothing will happen and if anything does, it’ll be petty. Come prepared for any situation and carry a positive attitude with you and you’ll have a great time.

Listen to locals, join groups and do your research. Having your wits about you and using your common sense will prevent a lot of hassles. Joining a group trip which is aligned with your interests could be the best way to have you feeling safe.

Not being Open Minded

South Africa is the land of contrasts and you will see them the minute you’re out of the airport. Picturesque scenery and vast squatter camps, friendly locals and homeless people on the streets, amazing bars, restaurants and derelict buildings. It’s all a product of the countries checkered past and one of the reasons that makes visiting South Africa such an eye-opener and a step out of your comfort zone.

You’ll get to see first hand what the country has gone through and what battles still lie ahead. Being open minded and empathetic to the vast contrasts South Africans come to terms with every day is what makes visiting SA such a valuable experience and you’ll also go home appreciating everything you’ve learned.

Local Tip: Cars

If you’ve decided to do the trip to SA alone and are renting a car take out the super insurance waiver. If anything happens you’re covered.

Also when parking you’ll notice something quite unique to South Africa; car guards, tip them, R5 is decent.

Remote jamming is also something that happens. Crooks interfere with your car’s remote signal as you’re locking it and walking away. You’ll leave thinking it’s safe only to return and everything inside has been stolen. Manually check your car is locked before heading off.

Be careful when parking that you manually check that your car is definitely locked. Also, tip the car guard.

Does that make things easier?

We hope so and will help make your trip to South Africa a fantastic experience.

The “Don’t worry” part is especially important for a good time travelling anywhere. Forgot your toothbrush? No problem. Lost debit card? You’ll make a plan. There’s always a solution. Don’t worry about something unless it actually happens, if it does then you can figure it out.

Backpacking Tour Co’s trip was conceived to remove the worries that travellers associate with visiting South Africa. If it’s on your travel bucket list but something is holding you back, we’re here to help and might be the answer to get you out here! Don’t be afraid to get in touch we’re always available to talk.