OpenTube

11 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Visited South Africa & Top 5 Travel Dos and Don'ts!

James And Rob

4,065 views

Join Rob as he shares essential insights and tips for travelling to South Africa, based on his extensive experiences.

Whether it's your first visit or you're a seasoned traveller, these pointers will enhance your journey in the Rainbow Nation.
Languages and Cultural Melting Pot: Learn about the 11 official languages and the extensive cultural diversity.
Geography and Best Times to Visit: Discover the best times to visit and the diverse landscapes, from beaches to mountains.
Currency and Costs: Get to know the South African Rand and what to expect in terms of costs while travelling.
Safety and Security Tips: Practical advice on staying safe in various areas, including handling valuables and avoiding crime.
Travel Dos and Don'ts: Essential do's and don'ts for navigating local customs, transportation, and attractions effectively.

Today's Highlights:
00:00 Introduction
01:50 South African culture and languages
02:30 Exploring the diverse landscapes of South Africa
04:49 The best time to visit
05:43 Tips on currency use and local pricing
08:22 Safety tips and crime rate awareness
10:36 Understanding load-shedding and its impacts
13:00 Learning about apartheid
14:20 Exploring LGBTQ rights in South Africa
15:12 Top 5 Travel Dos in South Africa
20:14 Top 5 Travel Don'ts in South Africa
25:11 Final thoughts

🌟 Make sure to comment, like, and subscribe for more delightful travel content from all around the globe. Have you ever visited Cape Town? Are you planning a trip soon? We'd love to hear your experiences or expectations of our favourite place in the world!

#CapeTown #travel #southafrica

17 Comments

@izanamiSenju 2 years ago

For those who do not know, apartheid is essentially European settlers/invaders dispossessing natives of their land and subjecting them to sub-human conditions in crowded townships. Similar thing is still experienced by Palestinians, Aboriginal Australians and Native Americans (we share their struggles for self-determination). In South Africa in particular, the socio-economic problems are as direct result of this European invasion as they still control majority of the land and thus the economy, trying to undo these injustices results in being accused of being a communist and therefore an enemy of the ALMIGHTY Western world and essentially your country will be invaded again! Most important to note is that, South African people do not deserve this sub-human treatment! They are kind and extremely welcoming! Thanks for visting our beautiful country, we are not inherently criminal, it is just that hunger can drive a person to do unspeakable things, especially when you are constantly watching others enjoying and living in opulence everyday!

@DebbiePoroza 2 years ago

We are looking forward to welcoming you in South Africa 🇿🇦 Thank you ❤

@jamesandrob Creator 2 years ago

Thank you for all your comments. I can see a lot of passion. I’m a big South Africa lover (can’t you tell!) and I am doing my best to do some positive PR for my favourite country whilst also being honest and balanced.

Look out for the next videos. Some big South Africa news coming!

@crow99100 2 years ago

Great input thanks a lot

@rosekg2716 2 years ago

Thank u❤❤

@Jhetx 2 years ago

My favorite towns, Darling, Riebeek Kasteel, Robertson, Montague and ultimate place is Elandsbay which has nothing but the sereneness is magical, great beach town. Do a top 10 or so restaurants to visit! You must have great knowledge!

@terrencelowery7524 2 years ago

Welcome to south Africa.
Our food and wine is amazing. In south Africa.
Just be street smart. Be aware of your surroundings.
You will see the rich and poor..
Poverty is not hidden.

The is a culture of tipping. Please tip people in SA local people do appreciate. It very much.
SA people are warm and smile.
Please ask for help. Locals will help you with directions. Please tip.

Please pack a torch or flash light.
Have fun. Welcome to SA.
Thank you for good.. information. And a great vedio.

@GaryvanderMerwe 2 years ago

Just a correction from a South African: We typically have more load shedding in winter than in summer. People, as people use electricity more for heating, than we do for air-con cooling, and so usage is higher in winter, and hence load shedding is typically higher.

@SAPatriot2222 2 years ago

When it comes to wealth, Gauteng is the richest province, and Johannesburg is the richest city in South Africa in terms of GDP. Sandton is the richest square mile in Africa. Johannesburg has the largest number of billionaires and millionaires than Cape Town.

Cape Town is however preferred by most Europeans for relocation, whilst Johannesburg is preferred by most African Americans and Africans.

@cynthiastrawson3316 2 years ago

Please do take out medical insurance. Big difference between public and private hospitals. Private hospitals, clinics are of a high standard, sadly many public ones arent.

@riverniletv7273 2 years ago

Well done! Everything was on the mark.

@sadiekhendricks7578 2 years ago

Point of correction .Sa has 12 official languages ,sighn language the 12th.

@astronomywithclaire 7 months ago (edited)

Thanks for this - am planning to visit friends in Hermanus later this year - would you say it is helpful to have friends there who are from South Africa? Would you suggest always stick with them or is venturing out a bit ok? I went to Crete on my own for my 50th and ventured away from the hotel on a bus to Chania and it was a wonderful experience - but I took the sort of precautions you mentioned. Last year I went on my own to Canada and covered Montreal, Kingston and Toronto but I am a bit nervous about going - but I would dearly love to meet up with my friends!

@siyabonganxumalo4574 2 years ago

Not quite true. Joburg gets very cold in winter. And in some years it snows.

@Jhetx 2 years ago (edited)

What a great video! Apologies for all the negative Saffa idiots in the comment section!

@jpdevilliers3768 2 years ago

Do not hike Table Mountain!!!

@KrugerFS 2 years ago

Uber and Bolt should be safer, but not guaranteed. Avoid Johannesburg, crime is the worst there. Townships are generally safe if you're there with someone from there, otherwise, avoid it. Eskom stopped upgrading and maintaining the power plants since 1994 until then it was maintained. Don't engage with anyone next to the road, even if it looks like someone is in danger, it might be a set up.