Travel to South Africa - Useful Information:

 

South Africa has something to offer all types of tourists from safaris to relaxing Beach Holidays, cultural experiences to Adventure Holidays. Here are some useful tips for visitors to South Africa.

 

Visas
All visitors to South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport, but for many countries, visas are not required (up to a maximum number of 30 - 90 days). All visitors must have a valid return ticket and travelers may need to prove that they have sufficient funds for their stay in South Africa.

For the latest visa requirements, contact your nearest South African embassy. You may find this link useful when looking for your nearest embassy:

 

Please note: If you are traveling with children, check on the latest requirements regarding entry to South Africa (and some of it's neighbors).

Transport - Air
The three main international airports in South Africa are O.R. Tambo International (formerly Johannesburg International), Cape Town International and King Shaka International Airport in Durban.

South Africa is served by more than 70 international airlines with the average flight time from Europe of approximately 12 hours and from the US approximately 15 hours.

The main domestic airports are in the following cities: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Nelspruit (Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport), George (Garden Route), Bloemfontein and many others. There are also lots of charter air companies that can get you to the smaller places in Southern Africa.

Car Hire
There are many reputable car hire (even motorcycle, motor-home or 4x4 vehicle) companies in South Africa.

Buses & Trains
South Africa does not have as effective a public transport system as a lot of the European or American cities but for long haul trips, it is fairly adequate. This is a fairly cost effective way of traveling around the country.

The Gautrain Rapid Rail Link the newest addition to the rail transport network in Gauteng. The underground/over ground network, promises travel times of less than 15 minutes between Sandton and O.R. Tambo International, and 40 minutes between Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Accommodation
South African accommodation establishments cater to all budgets and offer an extensive range of choice, from the well-known international city hotels to luxury lodges, bed & breakfasts, self-catering apartments and even township guesthouses.

Money
South Africa’s currency is the Rand, and with favorable exchange rates for many international currencies, visitors will find South Africa a great value-for-money destination.

Visa and Mastercard can be used to withdraw money from the ATMs, but check with your bank first before your journey. All major credit cards are widely accepted, except for the purchasing of fuel.

Weather
Best known as “sunny South Africa”, our country has a warm to hot climate, making it one of the best year-round destinations in the world. Most provinces enjoy a summer rainfall with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Snow usually occurs on the high mountain peaks of the Cape and KwaZulu-Natal during winter. The Western Cape gets most of its rain in winter and in Durban, it seems that it’s summer all year round.

Summer - mid-October to mid-February
Autumn - February to April
Winter - May to July
Spring - August to October

Health
Most parts of South Africa have a high standard of health and hygiene. We have many well-qualified general practitioners in every town and city to help with medical matters. Large hospitals also have doctors on hand and the country is known for having some of the best trauma units on the African continent.

Malaria is found only in the lowveld of Mpumalanga (including the Kruger National Park), in Limpopo, and on the Maputaland coast of KwaZulu-Natal. It is not much of a risk in winter. The most effective measures against malaria are mechanical barriers and the use of insect repellent, body lotions and mosquito nets. Visitors are advised to take prophylactics and should always consult a health practitioner or travel wellness clinic before coming to South Africa.

Tap water is of a high standard in South Africa; however, for long trips and remote areas, ensure that you take bottled water along.

South African Standard Time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean (or Universal Standard) Time, one hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, and seven hours ahead of the USA's Eastern Standard Winter Time.

South Africa Suggested itineraries