SEE SOUTH AFRICA

We recommend coming for at least two weeks. South Africa is a big country so even a month wouldn't be enough. If you are coming for two weeks, you might want to spend one week in Cape Town and one week in Durban (or you might just want to spend most of your time in Cape Town or all of your time in Durban).

TRANSPORTATION

GETTING AROUND

HIRE A CAR

We highly recommend that you hire a car so you can explore all that South Africa has to offer.

Pre-book online for some good deals. We use Zest (www.zestcarrental.com) who offer some very good deals. We've always had better deals with them than going direct, but feel free to use a car hire agency/company you're comfortable with. Make sure to get full insurance.

TAXIS AND RIDESHARE

Neven Taxis: +27785004291.

Neven is based in Durban. You can use him to book a taxi for the wedding as well as during your stay in Durban. He can be contacted via WhatsApp too.

UBER

Uber is available in the major cities within South Africa. As always check the driver and car details before entering the car. If available use Uber Black.

We don't recommend using Bolt or InDriver.

There's plenty to see. We've put some recommendations together. Click on one of these buttons or on the drop down menu of "SEE SOUTH AFRICA".

SEE DURBAN

SEE CAPE TOWN

TIPS AND ADIVCE

The South African rand (ZAR) is the currency of South Africa (sign: R)
Ensure you get travel insurance with good medical cover
Car guards: Most parking is free in Durban, but there will be car guards (Cape Town generally has more paid parking). You will need to carry cash to tip them. They will help you with any shopping, parking etc. It may seem like a strange concept, but it is job creation and many do a wonderful job. We recommend a R5 tip or more (approximately 20 pence) . However, you are not obligated to tip.
When driving, lock your doors and keep windows up at the traffic lights (robots). Don't roll windows down for people asking for money at your car, but please treat them with kindness and respect.
Throughout South Africa petrol attendants will fill your tank, they will also clean your windscreen, check oil, water and fill your tires if needed. Tipping is not obligatory, but most South Africans will tip.
South Africa has a tipping culture at restaurants. Tipping is minimum 10-12.5%. Most waiters are not paid a high basic so tips are expected. Don't be put off by the high sounding bill in rands, when you convert to pounds you will be most pleasantly surprised.
Although heading into Winter the South African rays are harsh, ensure you wear sunscreen – you don't want to be a tomato in your suit or dress on the wedding day...unless, you reeeally like that look
SIM CARDS: It is not the easiest to get a SIM when in South Africa as you will need proof of residence and your passport. However, you can complete this process before you leave and pick it up at the airport. Alternatively, if you can buy a package for overseas travel from your current network, I think this would be easiest.
- 1. - How to buy a prepaid SIM card for South Africa? (UK guide 2024) - Wise
    - Guide To Getting and Using A South African SIM Card - Secret Cape Town

Some SA lingo that might be useful to be familiar with

Traffic lights: Robots
Braai: Barbeque but better
Biltong: Air-dried spiced meat. Similar to beef jerky but waaaay better. Defo worth having a taste
Shame: Typically used to express a variety of emotions, including sympathy, pity, regret or tenderness and admiration "E.g. 'Ah, shame man, poor girl!" or "Shame, he's so cute"
Shongololo: Large black or red millipedes. It's only here because it's one of my (Anson) favourite sounding SA words, but you might hear it thrown about.
The Big 5: Referred to animals that are the African buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhinoceros (technically the black rhino). The term was originally used by big-game hunters to describe these 5 animals that were the most dangerous to hunt on foot. You might be lucky to see a couple of the Big 5 at the Game reserve, hopefully more, a miracle if you see all 5!

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