Summer is fast approaching and you haven't planned or booked anything yet?
Many destinations around the world are sold out or have become overpriced.
The last plane seats available are very expensive, an effect accentuated by the recent increase in fuel prices.
And in terms of services or hotels, you will have to take what is left.
Nothing could be more normal and a positive sign of the return of travel to our lives.
But in this “complete” world, there is a paradise where life is cheaper, hotels available, the perfect season… In short, the ideal destination for summer.
Five reasons to go to South Africa!
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Read alsoCovid-19: South Africa removes almost all its entry restrictions
It's easy to get to by plane.
In the Drakensberg region, the Tugela Falls are the highest in Africa (948 meters high).
STEPHAN GLADIEU / Le Figaro Magazine
International flight is always an important item in a trip.
The recent rise in oil prices has a direct and sometimes dramatic effect on the price of airline tickets.
It will be the same for South Africa.
But what will get you accessible tickets is the supply.
Many companies from the Gulf or Europe go there and there are still plenty of places and some good deals.
Add to that that these flights operate mainly at night and there is no jet lag.
The end of the African world is therefore offered to you after a night's sleep and no fatigue...
The flight to book
Air France operates a daily direct flight between Paris and Johannesburg.
With a departure at 11:20 p.m. and an arrival at 10 a.m., the 11 hours of flights pass without noticing.
You will fly on the very latest Boeing 787, with low fuel consumption… For the rest, Air France will offset the CO² spent.
Count from €800 per flight, airfrance.fr/.
Lufthansa, British Airways, Turkish Airlines or Emirates and many other companies serve the country.
You will find prices from 500 or 600€ per person with stopover (and a little more flight time, count 15 to 18 hours of travel)
It's the right season
Summer is the perfect time to soar over the Blyde River Canyon in a hot air balloon.
Adobe Stock / erikapalla
Our summer is synonymous with the southern winter in South Africa.
This season has two faces in this country as big as two and a half times the size of France.
In the North, the weather is dry and sunny with mild to high temperatures during the day and cool in the evening.
In the South, we find an oceanic climate with some rain and mild temperatures (a climate close to the south-west of France in winter).
For safaris, the dry and mild weather causes the animals to constantly move in search of water.
This period when nature is less generous, pushes herbivores to regroup.
We thus come across larger hordes of elephants and antelopes.
Felines, less satiated, are also more active, even during the day.
In short, this season is the best for safaris.
For the discovery of wide open spaces, clear weather will be the best friend of photographers.
During the evenings, the fireplaces or the famous braai (South African barbecue) will warm up the subdued atmosphere.
In the south of the country, around Cape Town, the oceanic influence will decide the program of your days.
But there will always be good days to enjoy the most beautiful city in the country… And its unique way of life.
The activity to do absolutely in summer
The sunny climate that prevails in the north of the country makes it possible to make a unique hot air balloon flight.
We embark not far from Hoedspruit at sunrise and we fly over the North of the Canyon of the Blyde River, the 3rd largest canyon in the world.
A wonder and a unique experience at the best time of the year.
Count 150 to 200€ per person.
Read alsoAs a couple, with the family or on a budget: which safari is right for you?
It's available
The Kruger Shalati, a luxury train, has recently been completely redesigned.
Photo press / Kruger Shalati
Thanks to Omicron (which was discovered for the first time by South African scientists!), South Africa suffered from negative publicity which further penalizes its tourist industry.
Thus, to date, reservations are 50% lower than in 2019 when many countries returned to normal.
Consequence: there is still room in the country's lodges and hotels.
Also rare, we still have a choice.
The choice between classic hotels and quality guest houses or nature accommodation.
This country, cut out for the road, still has (and it's rare enough to report it) rental cars available.
In short, all the conditions are met to plan your trip and book it… Without waiting.
The new wow address to book
The Kruger Shalati is a unique concept in South Africa.
It is a train from the 1920s, completely redesigned to offer 31 comfortable rooms.
This motionless train hangs over the Sabie River not far from Skukuza (inside Kruger National Park).
A motionless journey in time, surrounded by nature for one or more nights.
From €550 per person per night including all meals and 4X4 safaris accompanied by a ranger.
Read alsoSouth Africa: a design address in Kruger Park
It is cheap
The Drakensberg Mountains in Giants Castle Peak.
STEPHAN GLADIEU / Le Figaro Magazine
South Africa has always acted as a gateway for travelers wishing to begin their discovery of Africa.
Its developed infrastructures (roads, airports) and its global development have thus invited many travelers to take the plunge.
But this development also has positive consequences for your travel budget.
You can drive alone or take accessible domestic flights, go to simple or more luxurious addresses at the right price.
But above all, the cost of living is 30 to 40% cheaper than in France.
From petrol to meals (and the marvelous South African wine), everything is less expensive and you can thus enjoy activities or addresses that you would not allow yourself in Europe.
And why not try the best restaurant in the world, that of Kobus Van Der Merwe in Paternoster, not far from Cape Town (World Restaurant Awards 2019).
The table not to be missed
Chef Van Der Merwe's Wolfgat... a very creative cuisine in the North-West of Cape Town for a "tasting" menu around €75 per person in the one that was voted the best restaurant in Africa in 2021 (list of the 50 Best Restaurants of the World).
It is open
The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg.
GIANLUIGI GUERCIA / AFP
The restart of tourism is happening in disarray all over the world.
Shortage of staff, drop in the level of service, impermanence at many levels, tourism is restarting but with a little disorder in many countries.
In South Africa, the tourism industry has never really ceased to operate, even if it is important (8.6% of the country's GDP – as in France) and has ceased to welcome foreigners.
But its strength was its domestic market.
South Africans have never stopped traveling in their country, maintaining hotels and various service providers.
The flights are flying, the cars are driving, the restaurants are open, the wonders are there.
Museums, like the iconic Apartheid Museum, have all reopened.
And a welcoming population, rich in history, awaits travellers… Perhaps more than anywhere else in the world.
The two must-see museums
The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg reopened on April 1, 2022. It offers a modern and very visual visit to discover the genesis, development and fall of this regime which reigned over South Africa in the 20th century.
The Zeitz Mocaa - Art Museum in Cape Town, with its unique architecture.
Built in a former grain silo in the port of Cape Town, this impressive museum has the most fabulous collection of contemporary African art on the continent…
Practical notebook
FORMALITIES
No visa is required for European travelers.
A passport valid for 6 months after the return date.
No restrictions for vaccinated travellers.
For others, an antigen test 72 hours before the flight will be necessary.
For more information, refer to our map.
MORE INFORMATION
South African Embassy in Paris: afriquesud.net
South African Tourist Office in Paris: southafrica.net/ or 0810 203 403.