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Voykit pocket guide · South Africa
Hankey
Skip Hankey unless you have a specific interest in the Saartjie Baartman memorial; otherwise spend a day driving past the Gamtoos valley.
Hankey is a small citrus‑farm town with few tourist facilities. The main draw is the Saartjie Baartman memorial and surrounding valley scenery, best seen on a short drive. Most visitors pass through on the N2 and stay elsewhere.
- Country
- South Africa
- Best months
- All year
- Avoid
- Check local climate
- Stay
- 0–1 nights
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- ZAR
- Money
- Currency is the South African rand (ZAR, R), about 17–18 per US$ in 2026 (check). Cards and tap-to-pay are accepted almost everywhere in cities and at lodges; carry small cash for tips.
- Daily spend
- Budget R500–R800 excl. bed · Mid R800–R1200 excl. bed · High R1200+ excl. bed (estimate; check)
- SIM and data
- Vodacom and MTN have the best coverage; Cell C and Telkom are cheaper. Buy at the airport shop with your passport (RICA registration is required).
- Emergency
- General emergency 112
- Plugs
- Types M, C, N · 230 V · 50 Hz · The big round-pin type M is rarely used elsewhere; buy a local adapter at the airport or any supermarket.
- Tipping
- Restaurant: 10–15%; check if a service charge is added for large groups.; Fuel attendant: R5–20, more if they wash windows and check tyres.; Car guard: R5–20 when you leave.; Safari ranger and tracker: About R150–300 per guest per day for the ranger, R100–200 for the tracker — check lodge guidance.; Hotel porter: R10–20 per bag.
- Water
- Tap water is safe in most cities and towns; in some municipalities with failing infrastructure, ask your host.
- Toilets
- Clean Western toilets at fuel stations (Engen, Shell, Ultra City), malls and park camps.
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Coffee at a café | R20–R35 |
| Meal at a basic restaurant | R80–R150 |
| Petrol (per litre) | R23–R27 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- PLZ · Port Elizabeth Airport
- Domestic, ~110 km (68 mi)Domestic, ~68 mi (110 km)
- CPT · Cape Town International Airport
- International, ~600 km (373 mi)International, ~373 mi (600 km)
Typical fares
- Car hire (compact, 1 day)
- ≈ R400–R600, includes fuel allowance (check)
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get around
Car is the only practical option; follow N2 to Humansdorp turnoff (R330) then to Hankey. No regular public transport.
See and do
Known for
- Saartjie Baartman memorial
- largest sundial in South Africa
- Gamtoos Valley scenery
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| St Francis | Drive south on R330, about 45 km (28 mi), 45 minDrive south on R330, about 28 mi (45 km), 45 min | ≈45 min |
| Jeffreys Bay | Drive south on R330, about 50 km (31 mi), 50 minDrive south on R330, about 31 mi (50 km), 50 min | ≈50 min |
Sleep
- inniKloof
- Self‑catering cottages (5 guests total); check‑in 14:00, check‑out 10:00Self‑catering cottages (5 guests total); check‑in 2:00 PM, check‑out 10:00 AM
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| Excuse me / Sorry | Verskoon myverskoon my |
| Thank you | Dankiedankie |
| How much is this? | Hoeveel kos dit?hoefel kos dit |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Etiquette
- Greeting: Say hello and ask how someone is before any request; avoid: Launching straight into a question
- Handshakes: Three-part African handshake with friends; a normal handshake with strangers; avoid: Refusing an offered hand
- Elders: Use Mr/Mrs or 'Mama', 'Baba' respectfully in townships and rural areas; avoid: First names with older people you have just met
- Braai invitations: Bring meat or drinks, and arrive on 'African time'; avoid: Taking over the fire
- Photos: Ask first, especially in townships and villages; avoid: Photographing children without a parent's permission
- Politics and race: Ask questions and listen; avoid: Lecturing on history or crime
Scams and watch-outs
- Limited attractions – plan a quick stop only.
- Roads can be windy; drive cautiously.
Generally safe; typical small‑town precautions apply. Keep valuables out of sight in cars.
One and two days
No timed day plan for Hankey yet. Suggested stay: 0–1 nights. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- Saartjie Baartman memorial
- largest sundial in South Africa
- Gamtoos Valley scenery
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- South African Tourism – general info: www.southafrica.net/
- Wikivoyage: Hankey, revision 4173303 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=4173303
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Hankey
Na hierdie adres, asseblief
To this address, please
My hotel (write the name and address in the local script)
- General emergency112
US consulate in Cape Town; other embassies in Johannesburg (check details).
Voykit · checked 2026-09
Printed from Voykit (/hankey). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.