One of the most interesting destinations in the world is also one of the places that often falls off the radar of many people, and while South Africa was not a great place to visit during Apartheid, today it has an awful lot to offer the solo traveler. From excellent safari and natural sights through to the stunning surroundings of Cape Town, there are a wide range of attractions to enjoy, and the fact that many people speak English help to make this a fairly easy destination to explore too.
It is also worth bearing in mind that there are still significant wealth gaps in many part of the country, but if you are careful you can enjoy a stunning journey around this wonderful destination.
The Top Sights To Enjoy
Robben Island was once the prison that held Nelson Mandela, but since his release and his subsequent political career, the South African equivalent of Alcatraz has now become one of the most popular destinations to visit. The rest of Cape Town is equally interesting, with some lovely coastline and the dramatic Table Mountain just outside the city, while its location at the heart of wine country also helps to make this a popular starting point.
Elsewhere in the country, the Kruger National Park is located in the north east of the country, and is famous for being home to some amazing animal species, including lions, tigers, rhinos, buffaloes and leopards among other species. Durban is another great destination that offers a range of different attractions, from wonderful beaches and some stunning architecture, through to an excellent range of adventure sports, including skydiving, surfing, scuba diving and hiking.
Getting Around South Africa
Most solo travelers will usually use public transport when traveling in the country without difficulty, and the range of scheduled coach services is very good with several coach companies offering inter-city services. You can also use the Baz Bus tourist service, which covers some of the most popular tourist routes and sights, and drops you off near local hostels at each stop. Railways are generally a good option for inter city travel, with the Blue Train and Rovos Rail being the top luxury options available. Most metro services around the cities are fine, but check in advance as there can be some instances of crime, particularly on routes that travel to the poor townships.
Renting a car is another option if you want to go off the beaten track, or you want a little more freedom, but there are a few things to bear in mind. Animals can be a problem on the roads and highways of the country, while you will also find that people can be walking late at night, so travel slowly, and if you are out in the country make sure you have plenty of fuel, as gas stations can be few and far between.
What To Expect From Your Accommodation
Much like the rest of the developed world, South Africa has a good range of accommodation ranging from inexpensive backpacker hostels that offer beds for a good price through to luxury hotels. Accommodation is often graded from one to five stars by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, while you can also find plenty of bed and breakfast accommodation where you will be staying in a room with a local family. Camping is also a common option for those on a budget, although check beforehand as some caravan parks will offer camping pitches, and others won't.
Safety And Security
Staying safe is one of the biggest concerns for people visiting South Africa for the first time, and this is certainly the case for those who are traveling solo, as they can be particularly vulnerable. Common sense measures such as not flashing any valuables and avoiding being out late at night can help, while avoiding the townships unless you are on a guided tour is also a wise move. This is also important if you are driving, as carjacking is a big problem, and try to avoid even stopping at red lights in the township areas at night, otherwise you may find that the car attracts the wrong kind of attention.