South Africa Gap Year Travel Info

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South Africa Travel Info

South Africa's tumultuous history has left in its wake a valiant people and offerings of some of the continent’s most exquisite and breathtaking scenery. Coastal regions, arid desert lands, mountain ranges and stunning wildlife reserves mean that South Africa offers all of Africa’s best. South Africa is a kaleidoscope of enthralling offerings.

When to go to South Africa

South Africa has a diverse climate, which means deciding when to go to South Africa depends on where you go in South Africa. It is an all-year-round destination with no "best time of year to travel to South Africa".

Towards the North Eastern part of you will experience a typically tropical climate: high temperatures and high levels of humidity. The Cape coastal region has a Mediterranean climate with high temperatures in summer (October-March) and cold and very wet winters (May-August). Eastern coastal areas such as near Durban have the wettest months in October and April and experience both high temperatures and high humidity. Central/Eastern areas around Johannesburg experiences warm but rainy summers and remarkable drops in temperature during the winter nights and early mornings. They also have pleasantly low humidity levels.

Is it safe to travel in South Africa?

South Africa safety: please refer to our guidelines for advice however, we advise that you are an adequately prepared traveller and keep an eye out on all you belongings the majority of the time. Money exchange is not advised to occur on the streets with local merchants, rather use the national bank.

Please be advised that Pathfinders offers 24 hour ground support for all staff and volunteers to ensure safety in South Africa. Our co-ordinators will provide as much assistance and local knowledge as they can to integrating you into your country and programme.

South Africa Travel Visa

Entry permits for South Africa are issued free on arrival to visitors on holiday from most Commonwealth and most EU countries, as well as the United States.

Passport holders that are not entitled to entry permits will need to get a South Africa travel visa before they arrive. South Africa also issues special volunteering permits that are valid for up to 6 months.

South Africa Heath

Recommended vaccinations for South Africa: Hepatitis A, Polio, and Typhoid.

Vaccination for Yellow Fever is essential even if traveling from an infected area, and recommended even if you are not. Be sure to have your vaccination record of yellow fever with you when you arrive.

Malaria in South Africa: Consult with your local physician before departing and obtain prophylactics. When in South Africa sleep under Mosquito net and apply mosquito repellent as needed. We do advise that long sleeves shirts are worn and repellent is reapplied at regular intervals.

HIV/AIDS in South Africa: South Africa is a high risk area it is recommended that all necessary precautions are taken as the HIV/AIDS infection rate is 1 in 3 in South Africa.

Drinking water in South Africa: We advise not to drink local running water or tap water, bottled water where possible is recommended.