Why South Africa – Fernwood

Why retire in South Africa?
7 Great Reasons...

Retiring in South Africa can be a great option for many people, depending on your lifestyle, budget, and interests. Here are some key reasons why people consider retiring there:

EXCELLENT CLIMATE

🌞 1. Excellent Climate

South Africa offers a range of climates, but many areas (like the Western Cape) enjoy mild, Mediterranean-style weather.
Plenty of sunshine, especially compared to places like the UK!

VERY AFFORDABLE COST OF LIVING

💷 2. Affordable Cost of Living

Your retirement savings or pension may go much further due to the favourable exchange rate (especially if you’re earning in pounds, euros, or dollars).
Property, food, domestic help, and healthcare are generally more affordable than in many Western countries.

NATURAL BEAUTY

🏞️ 3. Natural Beauty

Stunning landscapes: beaches, mountains, winelands, and national parks.
Great for an active retirement — hiking, golfing, safari, birdwatching, or just enjoying nature.

RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES ABOUND

🏡 4. Retirement Communities

There are well-developed and secure retirement villages catering to expats and locals alike.
Many offer healthcare facilities, social activities, and beautiful settings.

PRIVATE HEALTHCARE

🏥 5. Private Healthcare

Private healthcare is high quality and much cheaper than in countries like the US.
Many doctors and nurses are trained abroad, and you can often get appointments quickly.

ENGLISH SPOKEN ALMOST EVERYWHERE

🌍 6. English Is Widely Spoken

English is one of the main languages, which makes integration and everyday life easier.
No language barrier for most expats from the UK, US, or Australia.

RELAXED LIFESTYLE

🧘 7. Relaxed Lifestyle

A slower pace of life, with more time to enjoy hobbies, socialise, and relax.
Great wine and food culture, especially in Cape Town and Stellenbosch areas.

❗Things to Consider

Safety: Crime is a concern in some areas. Most retirees live in secure estates or safer suburbs.
Healthcare: While private healthcare is excellent, public services can be under strain.
Currency fluctuation: The rand can be volatile, which affects the value of your income.
Distance from home: If you’re from Europe or North America, it’s a long flight away from family and friends.

Want a comparison with another retirement destination, like Portugal or Thailand?

THINGS TO CONSIDER

❗Things to Consider

Safety: Crime is a concern in some areas. Most retirees live in secure estates or safer suburbs.
Healthcare: While private healthcare is excellent, public services can be under strain.
Currency fluctuation: The Pound Sterling is very strong, but the Rand can be volatile, which may affect the value of your income.
Distance from home: If you’re from Europe the average flight is 11 hours. From USA, 16 hours.

Tell me about Knysna!

Let’s show you – relax and enjoy the flight!

This is Knysna - jewel of the Garden Route

Home to SBL's latest development for Seniors and Retirees.

The Knysna Forests

were famous for elephants roaming through them – nowadays the so-called jewel of the West Coast is about hiking, golfing and yachting, fishing and, of course, bracing for the Brit tourism influx in the summer season – when the ‘swallows’ descend en masse. The Brit seniors (affectionately known by the locals as swallows, following the sun) love the world-class restaurants, scenery, and that friendliness you can find everywhere in South Africa – see for yourself what the locals have to say about Knysna.

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