On this site I want to give you some basic information, about what to do, where to stay, where to have a drink (very important!!!), and so on. Of course it's just subjective and some people (but not to many) will have a different opinion.

Index

| Accommodation | Transportation | Security | Activities |
| Nightlife | Money | Other Sources & Links |

Accommodation

The hostels in SA are in average the best I have ever seen. I haven't stayed in any bad one! That also means I haven't stayed in one without a bar. They are cheap (35 - 45 Rands), clean and save. Their service is excellent and most of them are also offering meals and day trips. And by the way, you can also do your bookings (Baz Bus, Kruger, ...) there. But for security reasons you shouldn't stay in hostels in the down town area of the big cities.

Complete list of all hostels in SA.
For more detailed information go to the City Guide.

Transportation

If you have enough money to hire a car or friends to share the costs, DO IT! In this way you are indepedant and you can reach spots where the Baz Bus just passes by. But notice that you have to drive on the wrong side, which means on the left side.

Otherwise take the Baz Bus. It's a save (but not the cheapest) transportation system for backpackers which brings you from one hostel to the next hostel. That's it. Not more and not less.
www.icon.co.za/~bazbus

Ask at the hostel for the best local transportation systems. In Cape Town the Mini-Buses are an excellent and very cheap way to come around.

Security

Unfortunately this beautiful country is not the safest place on earth. Caused by a very high unemployment rate and many other reasons, the crime rate is alarming high, especially in the big cities like Jo' burg and Durban.

But there is no reason to be paranoid and to stay your whole vacation just in your hotel room and to enjoy their room service. If you notice a few simple and logical security measures you can reduce the risk to a minimum!

• Don't stay at hostels in the down town area of big cities. First, at the down town areas is nearly NO nightlife (exceptional these kind of bars which have a red light outside) and by the way the streets are empty and dangerous at night (Also Sundays are scary there!).

• Don't walk at night alone on the streets. Or much better take a taxi. After a few (or more) drinks at a bar it can be really hard to find the way back to the hostel.

• Don't be one of these stupid idiots who are running around with all their money, valuables and their papers. You can't imagine how much paper work you will have when you need new papers.

• As many people on the streets want to have your credit card, don' t use the bank machines after hours.

• Ask the guy at the reception for the best places to have fun and for the local situation.

• When you are travelling around with a car, lock the doors, car jacking is not uncommon.

And so on ....

Activities

Some highlights are:

• Kruger National Park. You have to see it!

• For those who want to simulate a suicide. Try the highest bungi jump of the world.

• If you want to see many, many elephants go to the Addo National Game Reserve near Port Elisabeth.

• Hiking, surfing, canoeing, visting a township, jumping around in mud, watching hypos, enjoying the nature and so on, are just a few other things what you can do.

For more detailed information go to the City Guide.

Nightlife

Some guide books are saying that a real nightlife doesn't exist. But there is a night life in SA. It's white (most of the blacks are not able to afford it) and trendy. But you have to know where you have to go, as each day of the week has different populare places.

For more detailed information go to the City Guide.

Money

Compares to Europe, SA is very cheap. Everything is at least 50 % cheaper than in Austria. Exceptional some imported goods like for example Red Bull.

• Change your money in SA, as the changing rate is much better than in Europe.

• Be prepared that you will need more cash as usal, as unfortunately many hostels and tour companies don't accept credit cards.

• The beer is not so good like Austrian beer, but it's very cheap!!!

• You have to tip in a restaurant (10 percent).

• You can use the Rand also in Swaziland but you will get the change in Swazi-money back.

Other sources and links

• Get a copy of the Coast to Coast book. It's free and you will get it at any hostel in SA.

• The Baz Bus Website also offers loads of links and info.

• And of course the Lonely Planet Website and Guidebook are standard.