South Africa is a dream destination for many travellers from Dubai, thanks to its breathtaking landscapes, thrilling adventures, diverse wildlife and also its rich cultural heritage. Whether craving for a scenic coastal drive, a luxury safari, or to just relax in a high-end resort with scenic views, South Africa has got something for every type of traveller. we have created for you South Africa tour packages from Dubai for citizens and residents of Dubai to guide you as you explore this African country that has so much to offer. Continue reading this guide to learn everything about travelling to South Africa from Dubai, including details of the south African visa, the places to visit in South Africa and how to get around when you arrive there.
UAE citizens with a valid Emirati passport qualify to enter South Africa without visa and stay for up to 90 days. UAE residents may however need to get a visa to South Africa depending on their nationalities. Passport holders of countries like India, Pakistan and Filipinos need to get a prearranged visa to be allowed entry into South Africa. Residents of Dubai with passports from countries like UK, US and those with valid Schengen visas may be allowed to enter South Africa visa free for short stays. There are some nationalities who also qualify for visa on arrival in some airports in South Africa. You therefore should confirm with authorized sources if your passport allows you to enter South Africa visa-free or you need to make arrangements for a visa in advance.
The most perfect time to travel to South Africa depends on the areas you are planning to explore and what experiences you are looking for. During summer, which runs from November to February, the weather is warm and perfect for beach holidays and also wildlife safaris. If you are looking for a relaxed tour and to go for wine tours in the winelands of South Africa, the best time to visit is between march and May. From September to October, the weather is cool and recovering from winter so the landscapes are in full bloom, and the weather perfect for outdoor activities.
There are a number of airlines that operate between Dubai and South Africa with the Emirates, FlyDubai and South Africa Airways, offering direct flights between Dubai and the major cities in South Africa. There are many other airlines that give connecting flights from Dubai to South Africa such as Qatar airways, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines.
A direct flight from Dubai International airport to O.R Tambo or the Cape Town International airport lasts for 8 to 9 hours while a connecting flight may take 10 to 15 hours depending on the layover.
There are domestic flights to connect the major cities in South Africa. For your movement around the country, you can choose to rent a car, private transfers or choose guided tours which include transportation between attractions. When you book for Arooha tour packages, we include private transfers from the airport, to your accommodations and between attractions during your entire stay in South Africa. You can also opt for public transportation but it may be inconvenient if your itinerary includes multiple stops.
Go for a tour of the Table Mountain where you can hike or take a cable car ride to the top to enjoy panoramic views of Cape Town. You will also get views of the Robben Island with the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. You will also spot unique biodiversity including the many plant species.
Go to Robben Island which was a political prison in the old times to see where politicians like Nelson Mandela was jailed. There is also a museum in the island where you will learn about the history of South Africans and its political heroes.
Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope – Go for a scenic drive to tour the rugged terrains of the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. Choose the hiking tours which are offered there to get a better chance to spot the wildlife here like ostriches and baboons.
Chapmans Peak Drive which is one of the most scenic coastal routes in the world and it gives stunning views of Cape Town and the Atlantic Coast.
Explore the Beaches. Some of the popular beaches in Cape Town are Clifton and Camps Bay, Muizenberg and Llandudno where you can try beach sports like surfing or just relax while enjoying the waves.
You can not mention Africa without mentioning wildlife as Africa is rich with variety of wildlife including the big 5. Visit the Kruger National Park where you will spot a variety of wildlife including the Big Five animals and also go to the Sabi Sand Game reserve, a private game reserve near Kruger National Park where you can enjoy a night safari drive.
The Pilanesberg National Park and also the Addo Elephant National Park in Eastern Cape are malaria free and you can go there for self-drive tours. You will see many huge elephants in south African Parks than in any other park.
Visit historical sites like the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg and District Six Museum in Cape town to get insights of thecountry’s history. Get absorbed into the culture of the locals by touring Zulu villages in Durban and also attend cultural festivals in the local areas where you will be entertained by cultural performances.
South Africa is a paradise for food and wine enthusiasts as it offers a combination of diverse flavors, unique culinary traditions and world class vineyards. The must try South African Dishes include:
A BBQ of boerewors, which are spiced sausages and sosaties, a type of kebabs.
Biltong and Droewors, a delicacy of dried meats
A cuisine mostly in Durban and is basically hollowed out bread filled with curry.
a dish of spiced minced meat with a topping of egg custard
a sticky caramelized dessert best served with custard
Tour the popular vineyards in south Africa and learn about the wine making process from farming of vines to tasting variety of wines. The best wine tours include the Franschhoek wine tour where you get on a tram to tour the vineyards and the Stellenbosch wine safari where you enjoy a game drive and wine tasting at Spier. You may also go for helicopter wine tours which takes you over the Cape Winelands. The Constantia in Cape Town is the oldest wine region in South Africa and you will also enjoy stunning mountain views while there.