There are hundreds of travel apps on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store but there are just a hand full that offer real benefit in my experience

We have tried and tested various of these apps and found that the following are the most useful and effective while travelling.

Most of the apps mentioned below require internet connectivity so if you are deserted without signal they won’t be of much assistance. Some apps are only available on Android

1. Qibla Finder with Google (web app)

Looking for Qibla direction in Cape Town or on the long road?

Qibla finder with Google is a web based and does not require any download. When you visit the website it will request that you provide it access to your camera and location.

Next you need to hold your phone up in front of you and you will see the Kabah in an augmented reality display. All you need to do is turn left and right to find your current Qibla direction.

2. Muslim Central

Travelling by road is a lot of fun but eventually everyone gets bored. The Muslim Central app will provide you with hours of interesting lectures on Deen with topics ranging from Arabic to Islamic History, Tafsir and Islamic Q&A.

The Muslim Central app is an audio only podcast like app that is updated daily with new lectures.

There are more than 100 speakers available to choose from and is available for FREE on the Play Store. Apple users can subscribe to the Muslim Central feed on the podcast app.

3. Athan: Prayer Times and Al Quran

The Athan app by Islamic Finder is a great alternative to the popular Muslim Pro app which recently came into the news for selling user data.

The Athan app displays Salaah times for your current location and allows you to set reminders for your next prayer.

It also offers a nice little daily reminder like Dua of the day or meaning of a random Ayah.

4. Namola

While travelling to South Africa is relatively safe, crime in certain parts of South Africa, like in many other countries are fairly high.

The Namola app allows you to get quick assistance with the tap of a button.

Emergency services provided through the Namola app include Ambulance, Police, Fire Department and Traffic Officers.

You can share your location with friends and family and get smart alerts when they start travelling.

5. PackPoint

Have you ever travelled only to realise at the destination that you forgot something?

Or since there is no laundry service you found that you will soon be running out of clothes?

Then you need the PackPoint travel app!

PackPoint will help you organise what you need to pack based on how long you intend travelling, the weather at your destination and the activities that you plan on doing.

6. FinArt

Track your spending habits during your travels. While this might not be a pure travel app it can definitely be of benefit to monitor your travel expenses.

Finart tracks your expenses by reading the SMS’s on your device and then categorises them. This way you would easily be able to see how much was spent each day on food, activities and transport and would give you a clear picture after your vacation of how much money was spent and where it went.

7. Gautrain app

The Gautrain is a modern train service based in Johannesburg that commutes daily between Gauteng (Johannesburg) and Pretoria.

If you intend using the Gautrain,it would be a good idea to download the Gautrain app.

The app allows you to add credit to your Gautrain travel card, see the Gautrain routes so that you can better plan your day and find the nearest bus or train station near you.

8. My City app

MyCiti is a comfortable and convenient bus system operating in Cape Town that provides transport throughout the city.

The MyCiti app allows you to plan your travels in and around Cape Town.

Track your bus arrival times and save your favourite routes, stops and destinations.

9. Google Maps

Whether you on foot, on bicycle, travelling by road or doing a hike. The Google Maps app which is often pre-installed on most devices is a must-have when travelling.

Google Maps as a travel app not only guides you to your destination but also points out places of interest along the way. If for example you’re looking for a Masjid, Place to eat or filling station, Google Maps has got you covered.

10. Bolt

If you need to get around and don’t have any transport of your own then Uber is a must-have app.

Bolt is an alternative option to Uber where the rates are slightly lower but offers the same service.

11. Uber Eats

While resting in your hotel after a long day on the beach, who’s in the mood to jump back into the car to get something to eat?

There are many Halaal restaurants and takeaways that use Uber Eats as a delivery serivce in South Africa.

Download the app and search for “Halal delivery near me” and you should find something appetizing that’ll be delivered to your door in less than an hour.

Conclusion

If you are travelling in South Africa and want to make the most out of your journey then these apps will definitely benefit you. Try to download and set them up before leaving home so save you the time, data and the possible inconvenience.

We would love to hear more about your travel experience in South Africa. Write to us [email protected], and we’ll publish your stories on our blog