Ever wished you could carry a little tour guide in your pocket – with the convenience of running your own schedule and putting him on mute whenever you want? That’s exactly the kind of perks you can expect with these handy travel apps:

1. go! South Africa

With over 25 000 points of interest, go! South Africa is South Africa’s most comprehensive travel app, helping you find and book things like accommodation, restaurants, events, and must see attractions across the country. The app incorporates travel articles from go! magazine and SA-Venues.com, restaurant reviews from Eat Out, and is integrated with TravelGround (that’s us!), Expedia, and ComeDine’s online booking systems.

Features we love:
–  Trip Planning, which allows you to build your own itinerary by simply dropping pins at your chosen points of interest.  The app will then show you the shortest routes and you can even share it online to show your friends and family what you’re up to.
–  Offline Map Packs, which you can download beforehand and then use to navigate when you can’t find an internet connection (which is often the case when travelling around South Africa).
–  Suggested Trips for each of the 9 provinces.

 
2. Cape Point Route

Cape Town is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world, so we’re excited for tourists to now have access to the Cape Point Route app. Launched by Tourism Radio in November 2013, the app covers the entire Cape Peninsula – one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the world – and is available for free on iPhone and Android mobile devices. The app is ideal for anyone researching a trip to Cape Town or accessing information when they’re already here.

Features we love:
–  High quality images, detailed descriptions, and contact information of more than 80 points of interest around the Cape Peninsula, including restaurants, activities, and cultural and historic attractions.
–  All the information is 100% homegrown and tailored towards the visitor.

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3. ParkSpotter Africa

Experience an African adventure from the palm of your hand with the “Spot. Tag. Share.” features of the ParkSpotter Africa app for iPhone. Currently available for Kruger National Park (North and South), Addo National Park, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, and Etosha National Park, ParkSpotter Africa lets you track your journey and locate wildlife spottings.

Features we love:
– What to see: Details, background info, and maps of the best historical sites, viewing sites, water-holes, and picnic sites.
– Animal and plant species: Interesting info and facts about park wildlife and flora, from scientific names to size, habitat, appearance, status, spoor prints and quality photos for easy identification.
– Tag and release: Tag your wildlife sightings and release them to the world of social media.
– No internet connection required

 
4. Entertainer App

Everyone loves a freebie – especially during the budget-bashing Christmas season! The Entertainer App is based on the “Buy One Get One Free” concept, with vouchers that can be redeemed at a number of dining, leisure, wellness, and entertainment outlets in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The app is available for free (full package can be purchased in 2014) on iPhone, Android, BlackBerry World, and Samsung Apps.

Features we love:
–  The offers are valid 7 days a week, with virtually no restrictions.
– You get free offerings throughout December so you can try it out before buying the full package in 2014.
–  Pinpoints your location so you can find cool specials nearby
–  Tracks your savings over the year (one less task for you to do!)
– Phone the venue directly off the map

 

Looking for more holiday apps? Check out these 6 Handy Travel Apps to use in South Africa!

What travel apps do you love?