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Why You Should Pack Your Bags and Move to South Africa Now
- Friendly People
- Spacious and Cheap Properties
- Career Opportunities
- Generally Safe to Live In
- Affordable Cost of Living
- Excellent Private Healthcare
- Wide Range of Leisure Activities
- Tasty Food
- Excellent Universities
- Stunning Views
- Beautiful Beaches
- Good Weather
- Inclusive Society
- Great Sense of Humor
- Exciting Wildlife
- Breathtaking Nature
- Sports Haven
- Unforgettable Adventures
- Smooth Moving Process
- Relaxed Pace of Life
Are you looking for a new place to call home? Do you want to experience a different culture, lifestyle, and environment?
If so, you might want to consider moving to South Africa. Here are some of the reasons why South Africa is a great destination for expats, travellers and adventurers.
Friendly People
When you move to South Africa, you’ll notice how friendly the people are. No matter where you’re from or what you look like, they’ll welcome you and share both the good and not-so-good aspects of living there.
Like any place, South Africa has some safety issues, so it’s important to be careful and aware, just as you would in any other country.
Spacious and Cheap Properties
Another reason to move to South Africa is the affordability of housing. Whether you want to rent or buy, you will find a wide range of options that suit your budget and preferences.
Here’s a breakdown of property prices for buying and renting within the city centres of South Africa:
| City | Average Property Price | Rental Prices for a 1-BR Apartment |
| Cape Town | R37,979.18 | R12,013.89 |
| Durban | R12,600.00 | R6,250.00 |
| Johannesburg | R16,910.36 | R7,347.62 |
| Pretoria | R8,996.25 | R7,000.00 |
| Port Elizabeth | R14,020.00 | R10,666.67 |
You can choose from modern apartments, cosy cottages, spacious villas or even farmhouses. You can also enjoy the benefits of living in a gated community, such as security, amenities and social activities.
Career Opportunities
South Africa’s got you covered with tons of opportunities for starting fresh or levelling up your current career game.
Whether you’re bringing the A-game in those sought-after skills or rocking some top-notch qualifications, you’re set for a smooth ride into the job scene. So, if career adventures are your thing, South Africa’s calling!
Generally Safe to Live In
South Africa is generally safe to live in, especially in gated communities and affluent suburbs where crime rates are lower. For people from other countries, South Africa is seen as a safe place.
Still, there’s a lot of crime, especially violent stuff like murder and assault. Even though some areas are risky, you can enjoy visiting cities like Cape Town and Port St. Johns.
Affordable Cost of Living
South Africa has a low cost of living compared to the global average. It is 23% cheaper than the world average and ranks 102nd among 197 countries in terms of living expenses.
Some of the three cheapest places to live in South Africa include Polokwane, Port Elizabeth, and East London.
Excellent Private Healthcare
South Africa’s private healthcare is rated the best in Africa, coming 50th out of 89 countries in the 2023 Global Healthcare Index.
There are more than 200 private hospitals across the country, and big names like Netcare, Life Healthcare, and Mediclinic are known for having the latest equipment and top-notch doctors.
Even though private healthcare can be expensive, many people get health insurance to help with the costs and make sure they can afford the best medical care.
Wide Range of Leisure Activities
South Africa is a huge playground with tons of fun stuff to do. You can go wine tasting, run in the mountains, or spend a day at the beach.
Whether you drive or fly, you’ll find cool towns, beautiful countryside, and nice beaches within a few hours. And if you like amusement parks (Top X theme parks in South Africa), check out Gold Reef City or uShaka Marine World for a good time.
Tasty Food
One of the joys of living in South Africa is the tasty food. South Africa has a rich and diverse culinary heritage, influenced by various cultures and traditions.
You can savour the flavours of local dishes, such as bobotie, bunny chow, biltong and boerewors. And don’t forget to try the famous South African wines, beers and spirits.
Excellent Universities
South Africa’s education scene is making waves globally, especially with the University of Cape Town leading the charge. According to the U.S. News & World Report’s latest rankings, it’s rocking the #125 spot worldwide.
Webometrics chimes in too, giving a nod to the University of Cape Town for its web content quality, securing its top spot in the mid-year update for 2023. Locally, it’s a hometown hero, jumping from 247th to 237th globally.
The University of Witwatersrand, the University of Pretoria, and Stellenbosch University are also flying the South African flag high, with a total of eight universities making it into the prestigious top 1,000 worldwide.
Stunning Views
South Africa is undeniably breathtaking, with its gorgeous beaches, rocky Atlantic coastlines, and impressive mountains, not to mention the diverse wildlife in National Parks.
It’s no surprise that it has been voted the world’s most beautiful country. From climate to landscapes, South Africa’s got it all, making it a perfect spot for everyone to explore and enjoy.
Drakensberg Mountains
Media from drakensberghiker_
The Drakensberg Mountains were declared a world heritage site in 2000. These mountains, with cool names like Cathedral’s Peak and Devil’s Tooth, are a real sight – think Champagne Castle and the Sentinel adding to the magic.
It’s a long stretch, over 200 kilometres, marking the natural divide between Lesotho and KwaZulu-Natal. They call it the “dragon mountains” for a reason – some of those peaks are giants, towering up to 3,482 metres.
Lisbon Falls
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Lisbon Falls in South Africa’s Mpumalanga province is part of the Panorama Route, known for its natural beauty. Among the waterfalls, Lisbon Falls is the standout, towering at 94 metres.
With trees around, it’s a great spot for a relaxed picnic, enjoying the views, and bird watchers will love spotting different birds along the Panorama Route.
Blyde River Canyon
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Blyde River Canyon is part of the beautiful Panorama Route, offering cosy private lodges and guesthouses for your stay.
Here, you’ve got stunning panoramic views and gorgeous waterfalls to enjoy. Set against the Greater Drakensberg escarpment, you’ll find cool stuff like Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, Pinnacle Rock, and God’s Window.
Beautiful Beaches
South Africa is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You can enjoy the sun, sand and surf all year round, as the climate is mild and pleasant.
You can also explore the diverse marine life, such as dolphins, whales, sharks and penguins. Whether you want to relax, swim, surf or snorkel, you will find a beach that suits your mood and style.
Good Weather
South Africans prefer spending their time outdoors all year, thanks to the amazing weather. If you’re thinking about moving, the weather there is a big plus.
| Average Annual Temperature | 17.5 ℃ |
| Summer (Ave. Temperature) | 15 ℃ to 36 ℃ |
| Winter (Ave. Temperature) | -2 ℃ to 26 ℃ |
| Average Annual Sunshine | 2500 hours |
| Average Annual Rainfall | 464 mm |
| Highest Rainfall | November to March |
| Lowest Precipitation | June to August |
South Africa enjoys sunshine throughout the year. Even in colder areas, nights may be chilly, but the days are sunny and warm, so wearing layers is the way to go in winter.
Inclusive Society
In a 2018 survey, South Africa grabbed the third spot for being inclusive, just behind Canada and the United States. People call it the “Rainbow Nation” because it’s particularly known for its diverse mix of people.
South Africa legalised same-sex marriage in 2006 and made it illegal to discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community. It stands as the only African country with such progressive legal protections for gay and lesbian rights.
Great Sense of Humor
South Africans are known for their witty and sarcastic humour, which helps them cope with the challenges and hardships they face. They can laugh at themselves and their situations, and they don’t take life too seriously.
South African media and social circles are packed with jokes, memes, and satire, and everyday conversations are no exception. You’ll pick up local slang like “lekker” (nice), “howzit” (hello), and “wish” (expressing surprise or frustration).
Exciting Wildlife
South Africa is home to some of the most amazing animals on the planet, such as lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and giraffes.
You can see them in their natural habitats in national parks such as Kruger or Pilanesberg, or in private reserves like Sabi Sands. You can also encounter marine life such as whales, dolphins, penguins, and sharks along the coast.
Breathtaking Nature
Springtime in Namaqualand is like a flower explosion, maybe even more exciting than safaris in Kruger National Park. After winter rains, this usually dry place turns into a colourful carpet of over 3,500 wildflowers, attracting lots of tourists.
If you’re into travel adventures, there are plenty of other cool spots in South Africa, from the impressive Drakensberg mountains to the golden cliffs in the Free State. So, lots of options for exploring nature’s wonders!
Sports Haven
South Africa is a sports lover’s paradise with soccer, cricket, and rugby being the big three. While many enjoy cycling, swimming, and running, the competitive scene centres around these main sports.
Sport is a big deal in schools, and growing up, most South African kids get into some kind of game. The country is dotted with sporting clubs offering everything from bowls and tennis to surfing and world-renowned golf courses.
Unforgettable Adventures
South Africa has a lot of adventurous activities (Adventurous Things to Do in South Africa) where you can see sharks, watch whales, and visit the southernmost point of Africa. It’s exciting to see the Big 5 in one trip, and penguins are fun to swim with.
If you like thrills, you can bungee jump from a really tall bridge. Explore history at the Cradle of Humankind and enjoy beautiful views at Table Mountain. There are also great hikes like the Drakensberg and the famous Otter Trail.
Smooth Moving Process
Moving to South Africa is not as difficult as you might think. There are different types of visas available for expats who want to work or retire in South Africa, depending on your qualifications and circumstances.
You can also find many reliable moving companies that can help you with your relocation and shipping needs.
Relaxed Pace of Life
In South Africa, things generally move at a slower pace compared to many other parts of the world.
South Africans value patience as an important virtue, and the majority of the population tends to embrace the slower way of life. The emphasis is on enjoying life, with less hustle and bustle commonly found in cities like London or New York.
