A Logistical Guide to South Africa

So, when I first started planning my trip for South Africa, I didn’t quite realize how massive and diverse this country is. Somehow I thought it was reasonable to plan a trip around Johannesburg and Kruger and then get to the Western and Eastern Capes and still have plenty of time.

I wound up cutting out Johannesburg and Kruger (which, as a friend warned me once, really is quite out of the way) in favor of spending more time with friends in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal.

Check out this logistical guide to South Africa so that you’re not as overwhelmed as I was planning everything.

Geographical Set-Up

South Africa is divided up into nine provinces and bordered by two different oceans (Atlantic and Indian). You’ll find the climate will change as you travel, with a drier Western side and a more humid Eastern side. Think of it a bit like California vs. New York in terms of weather and humidity.

Eastern Cape

Along the Indian Ocean in the south, you can find half the Garden Route as well as Port Elizabeth and East London here. Major parks are Addo Elephant National Park and Tsitsikamma National Park. If you’re feeling adventurous,

Free State

The Free State is in the middle of the country and is most known for the Vredefort Dome, the largest and oldest meteorite crater.

Gauteng

The smallest of the provinces, Gauteng holds Pretoria and Johannesburg. You’ll most likely fly into this area.

KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal is above the Eastern Cape along the Indian Ocean. You can find both Durban and the Drakensberg mountains here. This is where I stayed when I visited my friends on their lovely farm.

Limpopo

Limpopo is the most northern province, bordering Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Parts of Kruger National Park are here as well.

Mpumalanga

Right below Limpopo is Mpumalanga, where you can visit other parts of Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon.

Northern Cape

The largest province of all, the Northern Cape takes up most of the western side of the country and borders the Atlantic Ocean. Namibia and Botswana are to the north. While not as high up on travel agendas, you can check out the Kalahari desert, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, and more here.

North West

Above and to the east of the Northern Cape, this is where you can find Sun City and the Pilanesberg Game Reserve.

Western Cape

Probably the most popular of all the provinces, the Western Cape is along the southern border of South Africa and holds well-known places such as Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Table Mountain, and more.

Language Basics

South Africans speak English, so you won’t have issues communicating! There are definitely some fun slang words you’ll learn if you hang out with them enough, but I’ll let that be up to you.

There are, however, 10 other official languages in SA, the most popular being Afrikaans. We have a beginner’s guide here if you’re interested!

Getting Everywhere

Flying In | The two major airports are O.R. Tambo International in Johannesburg and Cape Town International. You’ll most likely be flying into one of them.

Flying Within | Other airports include King Shaka International Airport in Durban, Gateway International, Bloemfontein, East London, George, Kimberley, Lanseria International, Port Elizabeth, Upington, Rand, Grand Central, Pilanesberg, Pietermaritzburg, and Oribi. The major airlines are South African Airways, Interair, SA Airlink, SA Express, Kulula, and Mango.

Taxis | You’ll probably want to rent a car as everything is pretty far apart and parking is usually quite inexpensive. If you do need a taxi, most of my friends recommended downloading Uber, so I used it for both the CT airport and getting to the waterfront.

By Bus | There are four major bus companies: Greyhound, Intercape Mainliner, Translux, and SA Roadlink. You can also use City Bug or Lowveld Link. The Baz Bus has more of a hop on, hop off service.

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