Getting around · Featured
Driving in South Africa
South Africa is one of the world's great self-drive countries: good roads, easy distances and stunning routes. Here's everything you need, from your licence to night-driving safety.
Magazine & practical info
Everything to prepare your trip
Flights, power plugs, eSIM, the best season to go, budget and safety — the answers to the essential questions before you pack your bags.
The Big Five, and what they really are
The Big Five is a hunting term, not a ranking of the best animals. Here is what each of the five really is, where it's easiest and hardest to see, and why the checklist shouldn't run your safari.
Self-drive or guided safari
The biggest decision on a South African safari is whether to drive yourself or be guided. Here is the honest breakdown: the real costs, what you gain and lose, and why doing both often wins.
When to go on safari in Kruger
Dry winter is the easy answer for a Kruger safari, but the full picture has more in it. A season-by-season look at game viewing, birds, malaria, crowds and price, so you can pick your month.
eSIM & staying connected
How to get online the moment you land in South Africa, which option to choose, and a side-by-side comparison of our two eSIM picks, Airalo and Ubigi.
Flights & getting to South Africa
Two main gateways, near-zero jet lag from Britain, and a longer haul from the States: here's how to get to South Africa, which airports to aim for, and when to book for the best fares.
Power plugs & voltage in South Africa
South Africa's plugs are the one quirk to plan for. The voltage is easy for Britons and a small catch for Americans: here's exactly what to pack so everything charges.
When is the best time to visit South Africa?
Reversed seasons, two rainfall regimes, and the calendars of wildlife and wildflowers: here's how to pick the perfect dates, region by region and interest by interest.
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