South Africa Travel Planning & Travel Tips

Americans living in or visiting South Africa are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria and obtain updated information on travel and security within South Africa. 

U.S. Embassy Pretoria

877 Pretorius St
Arcadia, Pretoria
Phone: +27 (12) 431-4000
Fax: +27 (12) 342-2299

U.S. Citizens with emergencies, please call 011 290 3000
Outside of Office Hours, contact: 079 111 1684
Outside of South Africa: +27 11 290 3000 or +27 79 111 1684

U.S. Consulate General in Cape Town

2 Reddam Ave
Westlake 7945
Phone: +27 (21) 702-7300
Fax: +27 (21) 702-7493

U.S. Consulate General - Durban

Mailing Address:
303 Dr. Pixley KaSeme Street
31st Floor, Delta Towers
Durban 4001

Physical Address:
303 Dr. Pixley KaSeme Street
31st Floor, Delta Towers
Durban 4001
Tel: +27 (31) 305-7600
Fax: +27 (31) 305-7691

U.S. Consulate General - Johannesburg

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 787197
Sandton 2146

Physical Address:
1 Sandton Drive
Sandhurst
(Opposite Sandton City)
Tel: +27 (11) 290-3000
Fax: +27 (11) 884-0396

Climate:

The climate is mild throughout South Africa. There's really not a bad time to visit, but October is our favorite month-it's spring then, an ideal season for touring. Snow is a possibility June-August in the mountain areas. It generally rains in the afternoon during the summer (November-February) everywhere in the country except in the Cape Province, where it rains during the winter.

Durban has a very moderate climate, with swimming possible year-round. November-February is best for Cape Town. During the rest of the year, it's usually quite cool, often rainy/windy/foggy and too cold to lie on the beach. Johannesburg, at 5,700 ft/1,735 m above sea level, can be quite cool in the winter.

Those who go to South Africa specifically for animal viewing may want to go during winter-grass is short, and the animals tend to gather around watering holes.

Electricity:

Electricity in southern Africa runs on 220/230V,50Hz AC, and sockets take round- or flat-pinned plugs. Most hotel rooms have sockets for 110V electric razors. Bring an adapter/converter combination, but also be aware that many bush camps do not have electricity at all. 

Travel Insurance for South Africa Trips:

You should consider the benefits of travel insurance as part of your South Africa travel planning. Most travelers look for travel tips that discuss the importance of travel insurance and travel insurance through Travel Guard can provide important coverage for your trip.

Whether you’re taking a family vacation or business trip, Travel Guard has a plan for your South Africa travel. These plans may include valuable medical expense coverage, trip interruption, medical emergency assistance and treatment services and more. And with Travel Guard’s 24-hour assistance line, your coverage can act as a travel guide should your plans change.*

For more than 20 years, Travel Guard’s plans have covered millions of travelers throughout the world. We're America's leading provider of travel insurance plans and assistance programs and we're here to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Coverage provided through Travel Guard is easy to buy and with our 24-hour emergency travel services it's even easier to use.

*Non-insurance services provided by Travel Guard.