Destination: South Africa

LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL GUIDEBOOK INFORMATION

Getting Started

South Africa’s infrastructure is well-developed, with an excellent network of tarmac roads, ready access to ATMs and the Internet, and an extensive selection of good-value, high-quality accommodation. Except during school holidays (when accommodation in popular areas is invariably booked out), it’s possible to visit almost on the spur of the moment. Swaziland and (especially) Lesotho have less-developed infrastructure than South Africa. In Lesotho, for example, only a few major roads are paved, and in both countries, ATM and Internet access are only available at a handful of places in or near the capitals. Yet, both countries are so small and easily navigated that it is usually no problem to sort things out as you go. Wherever you go, however, you’ll get more out of your visit with some advance planning. Tourism in all three countries is big business and a much welcomed source of revenue – resulting in a raft of informative tourist offices and a generally high level of tourism awareness throughout the region.

If travelling by public transport, allow plenty of time to wait for connections, especially away from major routes. It’s quite popular and easy to journey around South Africa by private car – and this is often the only way to get around when away from the major routes. With luck and advance planning, you can sometimes find good rental deals. Car travel is also easy and reasonably priced in Lesotho and Swaziland, although – and in contrast with South Africa – public transport will take you almost everywhere you could want to go in these countries cheaply and with a minimum of hassle.

DON`T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT…

binoculars for wildlife-watching and a zoom lens for taking great wildlife shots.
an appetite for biltong, boerewors and mealie pap.
making room in your schedule to visit at least one township.
your yellow-fever vaccination card, if you’ve been travelling elsewhere in Southern Africa.
reading the Malaria section of the Health chapter in this book if you’ll be travelling in malarial areas.
a torch (flashlight) and warm, waterproof clothing for those cold, black, starry nights in the Lesotho highlands.
a sleeping bag if you’re planning on camping.
reading a few of the books listed on, or bringing one along for long bus rides.

Travelling to South Africa?
Lonely Planet recommends World Nomads Travel insurance