South Africa: Muslim Travel Guide

South Africa, the country I am privileged to call home. Located on the Southernmost tip of Africa,is truly a fascinating place to visit. The diverse range of people and cultures breathe life and energy into our bustling cities. South Africa has a muslim population of roughly 3% of the total population. Muslim visitors and families will be delighted with the plethora of delicious halaal food options here in South Africa. With a masjid in almost every town, as well as the rich Islamic history, this is really a great destination for muslim travellers to explore.

Whether you are looking to see epic top attractions, relax at the beach, go hiking, experience a Big 5 African safari, or indulge your “foodie” side, this country has it all. South Africa provides muslim families and travellers with great opportunities to explore, experience and enjoy our diverse country.

Best time to travel to South Africa:

For the best weather plan your trip to South Africa during the summer months, which is from November to Febuary. The days are hot and the sunsets are later.

If you are planning a safari trip to South Africa, then the best time to come will be during the winter months. From June to August will be the best time as temperatures dip making the game drives more enjoyable.

During autumn, from March to May and during spring, September to October, you will find flights to South Africa cheaper and you will also be able to enjoy the top attractions with fewer crowds.

What to expect:

Language: South Africa has 11 official languages. The most common language spoken in all big cities is English and the most widely spoken language in South Africa is Zulu and Xhosa.

Credit cards and ATMs: Most retailers and restaurants will accept credit cards. You can also easily find ATMs at petrol (gas) stations and at the malls. However, it is best to still have some cash with you for tipping service providers such as car guards and at the restaurants or to buy souvenirs from stalls on the road side.

Plugs:

The plugs in South Africa are type D,M and N. The standard voltage is 230V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. It is best to buy a universal adapter when travelling to South Africa.

South African currency:

The currency in South Africa is the Rand.

Getting Around:

The best option would be to rent a car and drive yourself. If you are not comfortable with driving a car in South Africa, you could use a tourism service that provides tours to the areas you wish to see. You also have the option to use Uber, it is a reliable and safe transport option.

Is it safe to travel to South Africa?

Yes, it is safe. With that being said it is still very important to use common sense and take precautionary safety measures throughout your stay in South Africa, as there is crime in South Africa.