South Africa’s Surf City, Durban is one of the most popular destinations all across the globe, such that thousands book flights to the city, each year. Named after the great 19th century Zulu warrior-king, King Shaka International Airport (IATA: DUR) ranks amongst the busiest airports in South Africa. With its humungous passenger terminal building and hosts of features and facilities, the airport may easily stun as well as perplex any first-time visitor. Here is a brief overview of this airport in South Africa for those booking South Africa bound flights to the city for the first time.

Location & Connectivity
Located in La Mercy, KwaZulu-Natal, approximately 35kms from the city centre, King Shaka International Airport is fairly well connected to the rest of the metropolis by a host of public transport options such as shuttles, taxis and car rentals.

Lounges
Also known as La Mercy Airport, the airport features lavish lounges including Slow Lounge, Baobab Lounge and Bidwest Premier Lounges to ensure South Africa bound travelers on flights to Durban are treated to warm hospitality, superb facilities and impeccable services during the course of their stay at the airport. Premium guests booking flights to and from this airport in South Africa are privy to facilities including magazines, newspapers, WIFI & free Internet access, fax, TV and much more.

Dining & Shopping
A wide choice of restaurants, bars and duty-free shops are peppered throughout the terminal building to ensure that foodies and epicureans booking flights to and from this airport are a happy lot. With around amazing shopping frenzy and great bargains to be had, this world-class airport in South Africa remains a port of call for most visitors booking flights to the city of Durban.

Other Facilities
Besides a dazzling shopping scene and an ever-tantalizing dining scene, King Shaka International Airport also features a host of other passenger-friendly services and facilities. There is a state-of-the-art business centre to make it easy for corporate jetsetters to take care of their business on the go! In addition, several ATMs, foreign exchange bureaus, money changers and Internet & WiFi connectivity take care of all communication and business related needs.

The Rainbow Nation, South Africa is one of the most popular destinations amongst safari lovers from across the globe. The fascinating views of fearsome wild beats roaming about in deciduous woods is perhaps the reason that makes South Africa flights a revered commodity among global travellers and lens men. But it makes sense to get well acquainted to certain tips and advice that go a long way in ensuring pleasing safari trips to South Africa for those on flights to the country.

Best time for safaris trips

The winter months of June to September makes for the best time to book flights for South African safari expeditions. This time of the year remains the most ideal time to spot wildlife from close quarters as many trees and shrubs and animals are out in the open more often foraging, hunting or grabbing a drink at a waterhole. The months of November to December make for best time to spot newborns and range of other great sights for vacationers buying air tickets deals for flights landing in South Africa. Also this time of the year sees summer migrant birds that arrive in hordes making this time of the year all the more gratifying for visitors.

Taking a pick from national parks

South Africa features over 600 parks and reserves and visitors on flights to the country for safari expedition may easily get confused on where to start. It is smart to chalk out a plan and zero down on dream experiences, from utter desolation to verdant savannah rich with life in all forms. Be it guided expeditions or isolated jaunts and budget-friendly or utterly lavish, visitors have panoply of spectacular national parks to choose from. KrugerNational Park and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi are just two of the popular picks in terms of national parks and reserves suited for wildlife safaris. It makes sense to choose the best spot for making one’s sojourn a worth remembering one.

Look for wildlife besides the usual ‘Big Five’

While there is no denying the fact that South Africa is immensely popular for the ‘Big Five’, there are many more critters to look out for in South Africa. Zebras, hippos and giraffes are just a few animals that keen spotters on flights to the country can spot! It pays to make a list of animals one is likely to see and make a list of the less famous ones and try to spot those. And quite obviously, one can’t appreciate the beguiling ugliness of a warthog until seen from close quarters and a herd of twitchy impalas remind that danger can lurk anywhere amidst the pastoral beauty.

The beguiling spa resorts in South Africa know the art of rejuvenating the soul as well as mind! The nation is ranked as one of the popular luxury destinations and boasts vast range of accommodations that not only ensures a rewarding stay, but also excels at mollycoddling the tourists with gratifying spa treatments. Here is a rundown to some of the most popular ones that rank high on the itinerary of global travellers who invest on tickets for South Africa bound flights and seek accommodation at resorts with extraordinary spas.

Pezula

Conrad Pezula is the second to none choice for luxury travellers buying tickets aboard flights arriving in South Africa. It is defined as haven where guests discover the best of opulence and are pampered with world class amenities in addition to personalized services. Its Peluza Spa works on the philosophy of spoiling with extraordinary treatments to create an everlasting effect on mind, body and soul. Its signature Maruwa collection of body treatment products are created by the local fynbos vegetation of the Western Cape. Heated massage water bed, medi-spa facility and range of therapeutic treatments are the reasons of visiting this splendid spa.

Thanda Private Game Reserve

Thanda is the plush private Big Five game reserve in northern Kwazulu Natal that offers something for everyone. Apart from enjoying great services, guests can wallow in reserve’s Wellness Centre that pampers with exclusive treatments using African potato and other unique products. Offering such a great experience, the resort captivates the imagination of hosts of travelers who invest on tickets on flights arriving in South Africa.

Arabella Western Cape Hotel & Spa

The proud resort is uniquely designed around the verdant landscape within the Kogelberg Biosphere. Many leisure travellers who buy tickets on flights arriving in South Africa make way for the enchanting hotel. It features utterly lavish rooms, with a private terrace overlooking the green grounds, swimming pool, hill views and lagoon waters. There are stylish restaurants and bars to savour the international cuisines. The award-wining spa is star attraction where one can enjoy the best of spa treatments.

The Rainbow Nation, South Africa is one of the most beautiful corners on the face of the world. The destination attracts thousands to look for seats aboard flights to soak in its unrivalled charm and magnificence. But visitors booking their seats aboard South Africa flights must remember that the country like any other holiday destination has its share of customs and norms that should be followed to the dot. Here’s a little list of some useful tips that go a long way in ensuring wrinkle free vacations to the country after boarding flights.

• South Africa has a high level of crime. Though South African authorities deploy tourism police to protect tourists, it makes sense to exercise general safety precautions. Major tourist centres are pretty safe to visit, but it makes sense to be vigilant against petty crimes in crowded places. It is sensible to avoid flaunting valuables, cash and jewelleries in public.

• There are particularly high levels of crime in the Berea and Hillbrow districts and around the Central Business District of Johannesburg. It pays to remain vigilant at Durban’s city centre and beach front area. Don’t walk alone, especially in remote areas and avoid isolated beaches and picnic spots.

• Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 30 days from the date of your exit from the country. It is important to have two blank pages for visa endorsements and stamping on your passport. Britons may get a visa free entry to the country for holidays up to 90 days. Also carry a yellow fever certificate, if travelling from a country with yellow fever history. Make sure to follow the entry essentials to the dot as South Africa is a disciplinarian in terms of entry rules.

• Do carry a proof of identity or a copy of your passport as you may be required to produce valid identification by South African officials.

• Be on guard against rabies when visiting the region of Kwazulu-Natal. Also sun is too intense in most parts of the country and it makes sense for travellers who are boarding flights to be on guard against the sun. Also be vigilant against malaria when visiting the North-Eastern regions of the country.

South Africa is one of the most scenic countries in the world. So it remains a firm favourite with drivers and car-lovers as they can whip through the panoramic country lanes and head for long drives with friends and family. It is the poetic beauty of the mountains and the huge sprawl of open landscape which gives them goose bumps. Here is a quick look at the top 5 driving destinations in the country!

Eastern Cape

Eastern Cape is one reason why backpackers book flights to this nation. It is wild, natural and breathtakingly scenic. With pristine beaches and prominent game reserves tucked up in this nook, it offers a thrilling driving arena. Holidaymakers booking flights bound for South Africa to sample its natural charms must take a ride across this wonderful region.

Drakensberg

The highway of N3 gives one access to the panorama of DrakensbergMountains. Cool climate, breezy milieu and some archaic rock art formations make this region a stunning site for drivers. This place in South Africa is also reputed for Bushman history and for some leisure activities like cycling, rock climbing, hiking and trekking.

Garden Route

Garden Route region commences from Cape Town and takes you through a fabled land of moors and passes. Winding roads, steep slopes and an all-conquering scenic beauty will leave you thrilled to pieces. Enthusiastic drivers often book tickets on Cape Town bound flights simply to enjoy a few hours of drive along this area.

Kruger National Park

KrugerNational Park gives visitors the chance to combine the passion of driving with the pleasure of game-watching. This driving site requires drivers to go a bit slow so that they can check out more of its wildlife legacy and make the most of their money spent on flights and holiday deals for the destination. This park has, over the years, prompted countless wildlife buffs to plan a holiday in South Africa.

KwaZulu-Natal

If you are interested to check out South Africa’s countryside charm, then this place is the one you should settle for. It is quaint, it is perfect and it gives you every reason to book flights and vacation packages for the wonderful nation.

KrugerNational Park is to South Africa what Taj Mahal is to India – most important not only in terms of country possessions but also from the perspective of tourism. Millions of tourists, from different parts of the world, put in money to book flights tickets, hotels, and overall holiday packages for South Africa, primarily to explore the country’s rich wildlife and KrugerNational Park is the place to do so for them.

Located in the north-eastern corner of the nation, KrugerNational Park is huge and is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. It is at this national park where people get to greet the “Big 5” of African wildlife. In totality, there are around 150 species of animals and over 500 species of birds in Kruger. No wonder, people seem so desperate for affordable flights and hotel packages for South Africa! Beyond game watching, tourists can do a lot more during their trip to Kruger. Here is a very brief region-wise account of things to do in the KrugerNational Park, something that’s sure to help first-time visitors.

North Region Highlights

This is the premier place to spot hippos. A majority of them are found around the Letaba and Olifants rivers. Elephant and water buffalo are also present in this part of the park. The far north is rather isolated with dense Mopani Woodland.

Central Region Highlights

Those who are booking tickets on SA bound flights to revel in the big cat sightings, this is the zone to be in. Lion, cheetah and hyena are often sighed here. Impala, buffalo, giraffe, wildebeest and zebra are other animals that can be found here.

Southern Region Highlights

Game watchers, who book tickets and board South Africa bound flights, will find very few large cats here. White rhino, impala, kudu, giraffe and baboon are more in numbers. This part of Kruger is also home to several rare flora and trees such as Coral Tree and Lavender Fever Berry.

The Rainbow Nation, South Africa is crammed full with attractions and is a popular holiday destination across the globe. Quite naturally, airlines that operate scheduled flights to the country often witness a virtual stampede for cheap air tickets to the destination. However, like other major tourist spots, South Africa also has its fair share of oddities and being mindful of five thumb rules may help in scoring a hassle-free holiday in the country.

As in any foreign country, it pays to exercise general safety precautions when in South Africa. Crime against foreign tourists is not unheard of in South Africa and you must try not to deviate from the planned itinerary of your tour operator and stick to your group. It is sensible to avoid travelling alone to deserted areas after dark. Avoid carrying large volumes of cash or valuables.

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least 30 days from the date of your departure from South Africa. Also, do leave two blank pages for entry and exit endorsements on passport. Though Britons do need a visa for holiday for up to 90 days, do not overstay your visa. South Africa is quite a disciplinarian in terms of entry regulations and it pays to abide by the rules.

There are many tourists who book flights to the country with the intention of doing drugs. But it is important to know that drug consumption and smuggling is an offence in the country and attracts severe punishments.

Being overly amorous in public is not suggestible to those on flights to the country. Tourists booking tickets on flights arriving in South Africa must refrain from fondling in public in order to avoid unwanted attention. Though Homosexuality is legal in the country, people with homosexual orientation must refrain from public display of affection.

Try to avoid public hospitals for medical help. Exercise adequate precautions against sunburn, malaria and AIDS, which are prevalent in the country. Contact your GP around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures.