I get lots of emails from people in the States asking about South Africa and if it is safe to visit due to the crime levels and diseases.

A) Crime is everywhere, in every country. True, this is one of the most dangerous countries in the world, due mostly to the high levels of poverty, but you just have to be smart. Don’t go walking down an alley late at night, all alone.

B) Yes, there is Malaria. You can take shots or pills before you come. Or put on loads of bug spray like the locals. Malaria is only in certain areas of the county, not everywhere.

As much as I might complain sometimes about living here, (seriously, I need a 24 hour grocery store and a Target to be 100% happy) it really is an amazing country with so much to see and do. Friendly people, delicious food and great wine. Oh the wine… What else can you ask for on vacation?

I wrote the below post in May 2011. All of the information is pretty much the same.

The Blairadise Guide to South Africa – May 2011

As per request from my cousin April, here is the Blairadise Guide to South Africa. I don’t claim to know everything about this beautiful county, no do I claim to have traveled the country over. This is just a peak into what I have discovered and hope it will entice more friends to come and explore SA. And visit us, of course.

Buying Tickets

Johan and I have made it back to the states twice since I moved here in 2008. Each time, we have scoured the internet looking for the best deal on flights, and not once have we bought directly from the airlines. South African Airways is way too expensive when dealing direct and Delta isn’t too far behind. For Natalie’s ticket in April, I found the cheapest tickets at Travelstart. For our most recent trip in October, we bought our tickets on Flight Site. Today, I checked and Flight Site was cheaper. The lowest ticket prices I’ve ever found was around $1,200, and the price normally fluctuates between that and $2,000. You can always check with your local travel agent to see if they can get you a better deal with a layover. The direct flight from the states is almost 18 hours, so a few days in London is a nice way to avoid such a long flight.

UPDATE: We are going to the US in December and will probably end up using Travelstart again to book our tickets. They still have the best deals. 

When to Come

There is a website, The Best Time To Visit, that states from November until April is the best time to visit South Africa. I agree. Who wants to come to Africa during the winter time? It’s not our snow you want to see, it’s the hot Africa sun you want to feel. Personally, I say come in December, because the we will also be on holiday and might get to travel with you.

Where to Go

There is so much to see and do here, so I suggest staying at the very least, two weeks. Especially considering you loose a few days while traveling. Where you should go depends on what you want out of your trip. If you want a safari, you go to the Kruger National Park. If you want breathtaking views, you head to Cape Town or the Panorama Route. Surfing, Durban area. If you want a bit of history and city life, you stay right here in Joburg.

If you are into 4×4 off road travel, then you have to check out my brother in law’s site Ivory 4X4 Hire. They offer 4×4 rentals with all the essentials you need for camping in the Africa bush. He will also recommend a route for you to travel and places to camp along the way. All suggested routes he or some mated have traveled. Johan and I went along on one of his trips in 2008. Ut was one of our most memorable trips to date. We saw a mother cheetah catch an ostrich, THEN call it’s four cubs out and teach them how to finish the kill. Amazing. Straight out of the National Geographic. He can’t promise you such an adventure, but I am sure your trip will be just as memorable.

My two places are the Kruger National Park and Cape Town. If you’ve seen those two, you will go home more than satisfied.

Where to Stay

The best site I’ve found for accommodation in South Africa is SA-Venues. They have a huge selection, from luxury homes and villas, to backpackers and hostels. In the Kruger, I would suggest staying in a tented camp. There you can find the most luxurious tents to budget rentals.

We’ve always stayed with friends in Cape Town, so I can’t recommend a certain place, but there are loads of wonderful choices from backpackers to the fanciest hotels. Once there you will also need to venture down to Stellenbosch and check out the wine farms. Even if you aren’t a big wine drinker, you must go enjoy the scenery. One thing to to remember when booking your accommodation is that most places charge per person, per night, opposed to per night.

There is always a free place to stay in Pretoria at the Scheepers’ house! I’d say it’s 6 Star!

*UPDATE: I am staying in The Grand Daddy next week. Trip Advisor, just named it the 12th trendiest hotel in Africa. Will give you a full review upon my return. 

What to Do

Again, there is so much here for everyone to do and see. Safaris, cage diving with sharks, whale watching, hiking Table Mountain, exploring vineyards, the Cradle of Humankind, tour Diamond mines, watch a rugby game or cricket match, travel along the Panorama Route and look out God’s Window, braai with the locals, and the list goes on and on.

South Africa isn’t as far away as it sounds. Here are a few of my favorite photos while on holiday in SA:

The Vortrekker Monument – Pretoria – May 2011 – Don’t believe what you read in your travel guide.

Mine and Amanda’s first rugby game in 2008

Botswana with Ivory 4×4 – May 2008 – Can you spot the lioness?

Knysna – March 2008

The Kruger National Park – December 2009

The Kruger National Park – December 2009

Cape Town – December 2009 – The view of Table Mountain from our dinner table.

Stellenbosch – December 2009

Table Mountain – December 2009 – The view from the top!

Cape Town – December 2009

Botswana with Ivory 4×4 – May 2008

The Free State – March 2008 – Sunflower Fields

Uvongo – February 2011

Oribi Gorge – February 2011

Panorama Route – April 2011 – God’s Window

Panorama Route – April 2011