The top 10 reasons for British tourists to visit South Africa

There isn’t a great deal of difference between us and the UK. The relationship is so good, we even let Britain have some of our best sports stars. That’s the type of hospitality you get when you visit South Africa, too.

For many Brits though, taking that plunge to come to SA is sometimes a step too far. They can be deterred by flight duration, or just the fact that it’s a little jump out of a comfort zone. They couldn’t be more wrong…

South Africa has had a resurgence in its travel and tourism market. More and more people are visiting each year, with many ‘return visitors’ deciding that one taste of Mzansi isn’t enough.

This country is practically made for the English. It’s a lekker infusion of African / Anglo culture that would make any Brit feel at home. Here’s why:

Why British tourists should visit South Africa:

1. Extremely good exchange rate

As it stands, £1 will get you R18. The exchange rate usually floats about the 20 mark, and it provides extremely good value for tourists from the UK. Brexit or not, the pound usually performs very well against it’s South African equivalent. You can thank Jacob Zuma for that.

2. Drinking as an art form

This is what truly puts SA on the map: You are never more than a matter of metres away from some high-quality booze. In most city restaurants, you’ll be spoilt for choice with extensive craft ales and wine lists that’d make a Frenchman blush.

In fact, a visit to Mzansi is literally a visit to wine country. The wine-tasting options, particularly in the Western Cape, are a fantastic way to unwind in the sunshine. It’s so affordable, even the old debit card gets a holiday.

3. Year-round warm weather

OK, now ‘warm weather’ by English standards is extremely different to what Saffas define it by. But for 12 months of a year, you are guaranteed extended periods of sunshine no matter when, where, or how long you visit.

For example, a visit to Durban in the depths of a South African winter would still see visitors enjoy temperatures of between 20-25C on average. Whilst the locals leave their houses in thermals, a day of 20C is the internationally-recognised green-light for Brits to take their tops off when they visit South Africa.

4. The Big Five

If you haven’t seen a lion up close, you haven’t lived. That goes for rhinos, leopards, elephants and Cape buffalos, too. South Africa is one of only 13 countries in the world where you can see the Big Five all in one place.

They got their collective name from hunters, who claimed these were the toughest animals to hunt. That should explain why giraffes, though plentiful across the plains of Africa, don’t get top five status. They’re not exactly a hard target to miss.

Safaris are incredibly easy to book, and excursions from city centres and tourist resorts provide safe, comprehensive options. If you’re looking for something more marine-based, our coastlines are the perfect vantage point to spot whales, dolphins and sharks too.

5. It’s a home away from home

If coming to visit South Africa is completely new to you, then it can be quite daunting travelling over for the first time. However, there is plenty of English culture here that does its best to make you forget which hemisphere you’re on.

By no means is SA like the coastal towns of Spain, recolonised by the English to put a “Terry’s English Bar” on every street corner. It’s just the little things…

We drive on the same side of the road. The language barrier isn’t usually a problem for tourists, and there’s a strong contingent of English expats here. Meaning that a large number of those who visit never really want to leave.

6. World-class beaches

Though we concede that the Mediterranean gives South Africa a run for its money, we still edge the best of what Europe has to offer. The breathtaking KwaZulu-Natal coastline eloquently spoons the crystal blue Indian Ocean on the east, whereas the boisterous Atlantic laps upon Western Cape shores.

If you’re stuck for choosing a coastal town, don’t stress. Any choice you make will be a fine one. Don’t feel limited to huge cities, either. Options like Hermanus and Richards Bay offer a quieter, more chilled getaway by the sea.

7. SA offers every type of holiday you could wish for

With 11 official languages, and three official capital cities, South Africa certainly has a taste for indulgence. That’s why, when it comes to choosing a place to stay, your options are as good as endless.

Are you looking for long, lazy sojourns in the sun? We’ve got you covered. Do you want to be in party central, boozing yourself to death? We got it. Do you want city breaks, mini-breaks, mountain lodges, a break for old codgers, camping, glamping, beach resorts or simply somewhere that caters for all sorts? Yes. We have it all.

8. Laid back way of life

South Africa is the polar opposite to the hustle and bustle of England’s busiest cities. The people are more chilled, in less of a rush, and won’t look at you like you’ve killed their family if you dare to talk to them on public transport.

Cape Town is a particularly cool place to just go with the flow. The way of life is one to embrace, especially when you haven’t got anywhere to be or anything to do. It’s a therapeutic break from the abject chaos of morning commutes.

9. The nightlife is electric

You can party in this country, and you can do it hard: Walk into any major city, on any night of the year and we guarantee you’ll find something that suits you.

Whether you’re an alcohol connoisseur, a slave to the rhythm or someone who tans ale like there’s no tomorrow… Well, there doesn’t have to be a tomorrow to think about. Let our vibrant metropolises take you into the blurry, hazy hours of the morning.

10. Flights and accommodation are very fairly priced… 

There has never been a better time to visit South Africa as a Brit. Return flights are almost dipping below the £300 mark, and AirBnb’s are offering cheap, practical solutions to travellers from all over the world.

South Africa isn’t just affordable. It’s unique, diverse and home to everything you need from a holiday destination. To those in the UK, we say this: Take a step outside your comfort zone to come and feel right at home.