South Africa is becoming an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads, offering a blend of incredible natural beauty, rich cultural experiences, affordable living, and modern amenities. If you’re thinking of working remotely from this diverse and vibrant country, here’s a guide to make your experience seamless and exciting.
Things to Do During Your Time Off
South Africa offers a wide variety of exciting activities that will make your free time unforgettable. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or someone interested in local and vibrant culture, there’s something for everyone.
Safaris & Wildlife: South Africa is home to some of the world’s most famous safari destinations. A visit to the Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest game reserves, offers the chance to see the Big Five wildlife. Other safari destinations, such as Addo Elephant Park and Pilanesberg, are also highly recommended for nature lovers.
Hiking & Outdoor Adventures: South Africa’s diverse landscapes offer endless hiking trails. Hike up Table Mountain in Cape Town for breathtaking views of the city, or explore Drakensberg Mountains for challenging treks and stunning scenery. For a more adventurous twist, try Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world.
Wine Tasting: If you’re a wine lover, don’t miss the Cape Winelands, where you can indulge in wine tasting while soaking up the picturesque vineyards. Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl are the must-visit towns for the ultimate wine-tasting experience.
Cultural Tours: Dive into the rich history and culture of South Africa. Visit Robben Island, or Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton with stunning restaurants and shops. Simon’s Town is a must-visit for the penguin colony on Boulders Beach.
Mountain Biking: South Africa is a mountain biking paradise with incredible trails through forests, mountains, and coastal paths. Popular routes include the Garden Route, Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, and Tokai Forest in Cape Town.
Affordable Living in Cape Town & Johannesburg
One of the most attractive aspects of living in South Africa is its affordability. Both Cape Town and Johannesburg offer a great quality of life at a fraction of the cost of other major cities around the world.
Cost of Living: You can comfortably live in South Africa on a digital nomad budget. Expect to pay between $500 – $800 per month for rent in cities like Cape Town or Johannesburg, depending on the neighborhood. This makes South Africa one of the most affordable countries for digital nomads in terms of living costs.
Food & Dining: Dining out is also very affordable. You can enjoy meals at local restaurants for as little as $5 – $12. There are also plenty of cafes, food markets, and street vendors offering delicious local dishes like biltong, bunny chow, and braai (barbecue). There are also amazing restaurants to choose from, some of which have received global awards.
Getting Around: Uber, E-Hailing & Public Transport
South Africa offers various transportation options, making it easy for digital nomads to explore the cities and beyond.
Uber & E-Hailing: Uber is widely available in major cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg. It’s cost-effective and a convenient way to get around, whether you’re heading to meetings, exploring neighborhoods, or heading out for a night on the town.
Gautrain: In Johannesburg, the Gautrain is a reliable and efficient rapid transit system that connects key areas like Sandton, Pretoria, and the airport. It’s perfect for getting around the city quickly and without the hassle of traffic.
Best Time to Visit South Africa
South Africa enjoys a temperate climate, making it an ideal destination year-round. However, the best time to visit can depend on what you’re looking to do.
Cape Town: The best time to visit is during the summer months (December to February), when the weather is warm and ideal for outdoor activities, beach trips, and hiking Table Mountain.
Kruger National Park: For safari enthusiasts, the dry winter months (May to September) are the best time to visit as animals congregate around waterholes, making them easier to spot.
Affordable Accommodation Options
South Africa offers a variety of budget-friendly accommodations, whether you’re looking for a short-term stay or a more long-term solution:
Airbnb & Hostels: There’s an abundance of affordable Airbnbs, hostels, and guesthouses throughout the country.
Co-living Spaces: For digital nomads seeking a community vibe, South Africa has a growing number of co-living spaces. These spaces provide a great work environment, along with a sense of community.
Restaurants with Workspaces: South Africa is home to several cafes and restaurants with fast internet and workspaces, ideal for remote work. Cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg are particularly well-equipped for digital nomads, with several eateries offering both good coffee and fast Wi-Fi.
Stunning Beaches & Tourist Attractions
South Africa’s coastline is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, many of which have Blue Flag status, ensuring they meet high environmental and safety standards. Some of the most famous beaches include Clifton, Camps Bay, and Muizenberg in Cape Town, as well as Durban’s Golden Mile.
Beyond the beaches, there are numerous must-see attractions:
Table Mountain: A visit to Table Mountain is a highlight of any trip to Cape Town. You can hike to the summit or take the cable car for stunning views of the city and coastline.
Robben Island: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Robben Island is where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Take a ferry from the V&A Waterfront and learn about the island’s significance.
Nelson Mandela Square: Located in Sandton, Nelson Mandela Square is a landmark that honors South Africa’s most revered leader. It’s surrounded by shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a great place to visit and soak in the atmosphere.
Shopping Malls: South Africa is known for its incredible shopping malls, including the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, Sandton City in Johannesburg or Mall of Africa. These malls offer everything from high-end fashion to local artisan goods.
South Africa offers an excellent mix of work and play for digital nomads. With affordable living, reliable transportation, and a wealth of activities to enjoy in your free time, it’s a destination that promises a fulfilling and adventurous remote work experience. Whether you’re interested in safaris, mountain biking, wine tasting, or soaking up local culture, South Africa has it all, making it the perfect place for your next digital nomad adventure.
Take your remote working to one of the most stunning countries in the world. Let us help you plan the perfect adventure. Contact us on [email protected] for more information.
