Load Shedding (Power Outages)
Load shedding is South Africa's most frustrating peculiarity: scheduled power outages by the state energy provider Eskom, because the power plants cannot meet demand. Depending on the "stage" (1–8), power is cut in blocks of 2–4 hours, up to several times a day.
What Does This Mean for Travelers?
- Hotels & Lodges: Most tourist accommodations have generators or solar systems. You often won't notice load shedding.
- Restaurants: Larger restaurants have generators. Smaller restaurants sometimes close.
- Traffic Lights (Robots): Go out! At intersections without power, the 4-Way-Stop rule applies. Caution!
- ATMs: Do not work without power. Have enough cash on hand.
- Electric Fences: In some accommodations: security fences are powerless. Not a real risk, but good to know.
Practical Tips
- App "EskomSePush": The most important app in South Africa! Shows the current load shedding schedule for your address. Free.
- Power bank: For smartphone and camera. A good 20,000-mAh power bank is worth its weight in gold.
- Flashlight: Always handy in the hotel room.
Note: Since the end of 2024, the load shedding situation has significantly improved. Many months without outages. However, the infrastructure remains fragile — check the current status before your trip.
