As you guys may have seen on Instagram, I recently spent two weeks in South Africa and Swaziland with a friend from college. Despite my poor decision to visit in winter (it was cold and damp, and I slept in a tent for most of it!), I really enjoyed the trip.
The highlights? Swaziland for the safari (and Cape Town for the vibes. Honestly, I could move to Cape Town – it’s basically my dream city. It has adorable restaurants, dirt-cheap wine, and incredible hiking – plus, the mountains and the ocean. How can one city have all of that?!
Anyway, I have a lot to share about South Africa and Swaziland. But first, I wanted to share a few of my favorite photos.
Which photo is your favorite?
Books to read before visiting South Africa: Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela and Born a Crime by Trevor Noah (I LOVED it, but I’ve heard the audio version is even better!).
South Africa travel tips:
Travel gear – Before your trip, buy a South Africa travel adapter plug as they’re different than any other country.
Transportation – In Cape Town and Johannesburg, I took Ubers everywhere for safety and convenience. If you’re new to Uber, get $20 off your first ride here.
Safety – I felt safe in most of South Africa but have common sense as you would anywhere else. However, I would avoid walking alone, especially at night. Petty theft is fairly common in South Africa so ladies, pack a crossbody bag.
Health – You don’t need a yellow fever vaccine to travel to South Africa. But if you’ve traveled from a yellow fever risk country, you will need a yellow fever certificate. See more information on which vaccines you will need for South Africa here.
Make sure to purchase travel insurance before your trip to South Africa. I’ve used World Nomads for years and highly recommend it.
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I am LOVING catching up on all of your recent Africa centric posts–keep it up! Capetown has never been high on my travel wishlist, but your description of its positive attributes has me rethinking that. And my favorite photo is the last one! Was it taken at a winery?
It was! It was taken in Stellenbosch, the wine region right outside Cape Town. Glad you’re liking the Africa-based content! :)
These photos are beautifully edited. I really wanted to visit Swaziland.I had a lost passport so couldn’t leave the country! This makes me want to schedule a trip back though!
Thanks! I didn’t see much of Swaziland but the safari was INCREDIBLE.
I particularly love the photo of the birds just chilling on the body of the rhino and also of the beautiful young child, those eyes! Your coastal pictures really remind of the coastline on Oahu too, such dramatic cliffs. I’ve heard that Cliff Town is a one of a kind city, nowhere else like it. Hopefully one day I’ll get to explore it.
Thanks, Julie, for your kind words about the photos. And Cape Town seriously is one of a kind – it’s especially great if you like hiking and wine, which is why I was such a big fan I think, haha.
Wowww!! Those pictures are breathtaking and make me so anxious to go to Africa! I love your little bit at the end with all the relevant info. Way to be so positive despite being in a tent in damp winter. I hope to carry (or develop in time) a similar care-free attitude on my travels.
Glad you found the important info useful – I know when I was planning my trip to SA I had soo many questions, so figured it might help!
‘Love the photography Ashley!
Very nice indeed, especially the giraffe, the rhinoceros, and the cute little girl!
Thanks so much, Victoria! I think my favorite is the giraffe as well :)