Travel Tips

 South Africa is a year-round destination, with each season offering its own unique appeal. Winter (May to September) is the best time for safari, as the dry conditions and thinner vegetation make wildlife easier to spot. Summer (November to March) is ideal for Cape Town, beach escapes and the Garden Route, while spring (August to October) brings spectacular wildflower displays and excellent whale watching along the coast.

Whenever you choose to travel, we’ll tailor your itinerary to make the most of what each season has to offer.

Yes. Millions of international visitors travel to South Africa every year and enjoy safe, memorable holidays. As in many countries, it’s important to exercise common sense, such as avoiding remote areas after dark and keeping valuables out of sight.

When you travel with Gonana South African Travel, you’ll stay at carefully selected accommodation, meet trusted local partners and receive guidance from experienced guides throughout your journey.

Many nationalities, including Swedish citizens, can visit South Africa for tourism without applying for a visa in advance for short stays. Entry requirements can change, so we always recommend checking the latest regulations before departure.

If you have any questions, we’re happy to help you find out what applies to your specific circumstances.

We recommend at least 10 to 14 days to truly experience South Africa. This gives you enough time to combine Cape Town, the Winelands, a Big Five safari and perhaps the Garden Route or Victoria Falls. If you have three weeks or more, you’ll have even greater opportunities to discover the country’s incredible diversity.

The currency in South Africa is the South African rand (ZAR). Credit and debit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, wine estates and shops. However, it’s still useful to carry a small amount of cash for markets, tips and smaller businesses.

Tap water is generally safe to drink in South Africa’s cities, towns and most tourist areas. At some more remote lodges, filtered or bottled water may be provided instead. Your accommodation will always let you know if this is the case.

Yes. South Africa has 11 official languages, but English is widely used in tourism, hotels, restaurants and at tourist attractions. Most visitors therefore have no difficulty making themselves understood during their trip.

Pack comfortable clothing suited to the season, good walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. If you’re going on safari, neutral-coloured clothing is recommended. Even in summer, evenings can be cool, so a light jacket is always worth bringing along.

Not all of South Africa is malaria-free. Areas such as Cape Town, the Garden Route and several private safari lodges are malaria-free, while parts of Kruger National Park and north-eastern South Africa are considered malaria-risk areas. We’ll be happy to help you choose a safari destination that suits your preferences and any health-related needs.

Choose comfortable clothing in neutral colours such as khaki, green, beige or brown. Avoid bright colours and camouflage patterns. We also recommend closed-toe shoes, a fleece or light jacket for early-morning game drives, as well as sunglasses and a hat.

Yes, and it’s actually one of our most popular trips. Cape Town and a Big Five safari complement each other perfectly. Many private safari lodges are just a short flight or scenic drive away, making it easy to combine city life, wine estates, dramatic coastal landscapes and incredible wildlife experiences in a single trip.

The dry winter season, from May to September, generally offers the best safari experiences. The vegetation is thinner and animals tend to gather around waterholes, making them easier to spot. Mornings can be chilly, but the days are usually sunny and pleasant.

Absolutely. South Africa is a fantastic destination for families, offering malaria-free safaris, beautiful beaches, exciting outdoor adventures and family-friendly accommodation. We tailor trips to suit children of all ages.

Yes. South Africa has a well-developed road network, and many visitors choose to explore the country by hire car, particularly in the Western Cape and along the Garden Route. Traffic drives on the left, and road signs are in English. If you prefer a more relaxed journey, we can, of course, arrange private transfers and guided tours.