Updated on April 30, 2019 by Asher Fergusson
What do I really need to pack for South Africa?
South Africa offers environments that range from craggy cliffs, pristine beaches, lush forests, lagoons, and the bustling cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg. As the southernmost country on the African continent, South Africa is a sought-after destination for tourists, travelers, and adventurers.
The below list will guide you on what to wear in South Africa, what NOT to bring, and the answers to the top South Africa FAQs. Have a great time, and make the most of this incredible destination!
Other often forgotten items for South Africa
What should I wear in South Africa?
In South Africa, breezy and casual is the accepted style. On beach days, plan on wearing swimsuits, tank tops, shorts, cover-ups and sundresses. When you go out for drinks or dinner, simple and cute outfits are good, so bring some simple dresses, a nice pair of khakis, and simple sandals. A hat and sunglasses are also a good idea too. For any athletic activities, shorts and a tank top are good to beat the heat. No matter what, bring comfortable walking shoes. A nicer outfit and heels or dress shoes might come in handy for going out to dinner or dance clubs in one of South Africa’s big cities.
What should WOMEN wear in South Africa? – (Click to expand)
Since locals tend to dress fairly conservatively, try to avoid wearing anything too revealing. Only wear swimwear at the beach and pool, and cover up with loose clothing or a sarong. Longer skirts and breezy pants will help you beat the heat.
What should MEN wear in South Africa? – (Click to expand)
In general, casual, versatile clothing like t-shirts, shorts, polos and swimwear are good to pack. If you’re planning on going to any nightclubs, know that men are required to wear a shirt with a collar, and no sneakers or tennis shoes are allowed.
South Africa is a year-round destination because of its fluctuating regional climates. The Cape has wonderfully hot, dry weather in its summer months (November-February). Dress in lightweight clothing and bring walking sandals, like Chacos or Tevas. Most of the country has warm, sunny days and cool nights during summer and spring. When packing for an autumn or winter trip ( June–August) , remember to pack long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, warm socks, a jacket and raincoat. Scarves, gloves and beanies may also come in handy.
How to dress for activities in South Africa
Safaris – Wear neutral, lightweight clothing on safari trips. Also bring a wide brim sun hat, and plenty of sunscreen!
Hiking – Always wear synthetic fabrics, so that they don’t trap moisture. A solid synthetic short-sleeve t-shirt is a good idea. If it’s chilly, make sure to bring a midweight synthetic or fleece long-sleeve top to layer on top.
Beach days – Bring a few swimsuits and coverups that dry quickly. Sunglasses and sandals are also a great idea.
Dining and Dancing in Cape Town – Cape Town is an up-and-coming fashion capital, so feel free to dress up! Think dresses, button downs, heels and dress shoes.
Wine Tasting – If you’re headed to the beautiful Stellenbosch to taste some world class wines, dress nicely, and wear appropriate footwear like sandals with a low heel.
Sightseeing – Casual or athletic clothing is fine. Wear comfortable walking shoes, or your hiking boots if you’re looking to save space in your backpack or luggage.
What NOT to bring:
Short shorts or Mini Skirts – In general, revealing clothing is considered inappropriate in almost all parts of Africa. A good rule of thumb is to make sure your shorts reach your fingertips when your hands are hanging by your sides.2)
Lots of Cash – Most larger towns and cities in South Africa have ATMs, so you can take out local currency once you arrive instead of carrying around all your money at once. Mosquito Net – Pretty much all hotels, hostels and airbnbs will already have mosquito nets installed.4)
Unnecessary Valuables – Things can get lost on the road, and there’s always some risk of theft when traveling anywhere. Unless you totally, definitely need it, leave the valuables (like jewelry) at home.What NOT to wear:
Stay away from short shorts, and revealing tank tops. Unless you’re going on a safari, don’t wear safari clothing. You’ll stick out like a sore thumb if you’re walking around any major cities in khaki coloured and cliched safari clothing!
FAQs for South Africa travel:
What’s the best time of year to go to South Africa?
South Africa’s summer months are December to March. Autumn is April to May. Winter is June to August, and spring is September to November. Because South Africa covers such a large area, and each region’s offerings change with the seasons. Check local weather conditions throughout the year, and plan from there.
What languages are spoken in South Africa?
There are eleven official languages of South Africa: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Sotho, SiSwati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu. Fewer than two percent of South Africans speak a first language other than an official one. Most South Africans can speak more than one language!
What kind of adapter do I need to bring?
In South Africa, D, M and N power sockets are used.
How can I capture all my South Africa trip memories?
Bring a camera, gopro, or video camera with an extra battery to capture the special moments of your trip. If your batteries are rechargeable, make sure you bring the charger! Apps like One Second Everyday also make for good memory savers.
