Do I need a visa to enter South Africa?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Citizens from certain countries may be exempt from obtaining a visa for short stays. To determine if you need a visa, it's best to check with the South African embassy or consulate in your home country. Find out more here . Additionally, South Africa offers a visa waiver program for certain countries, allowing visitors to enter for tourism purposes without a visa for a specified period. Make sure you have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your entry into South Africa and at least 1 blank page in your passport for endorsements.

Is South Africa safe for tourists?

South Africa is safe to visit, but like most developing countries, it's important to be street-smart: Keep a watchful eye on your belongings, whether you're solo or with a group. Avoid displaying valuables like phones and cameras, especially when out and about. Do not walk alone in deserted areas at night. Don’t keep large sums of money on you. When self-driving, be aware of the distance between the towns or petrol stations and know how to handle breakdowns or a flat tire. Admire wildlife from a safe distance –never exit your vehicle in national parks or reserves except at designated areas.

Can I self-drive in South Africa?

When driving in South Africa, travellers can use their valid foreign driver's licence if it meets specific criteria: it should be in English (or any other official South African language) or have an official English translation, and include a photo and signature. Road conditions vary by region. In the Western Cape, roads are generally well-maintained. In areas like the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal, occasional potholes may be encountered. To navigate, we recommend using Google Maps for the best routes, which will likely correspond to well-kept roads.

What currency is used in South Africa?

South Africa uses the currency Rand (ZAR) exclusively. You can exchange your currency for Rand at selected airports, banks, currency exchange offices, or ATMs. Card facilities are widely available, reducing the need for excessive cash on hand. Before your trip, check if your credit or debit card will work in South Africa for convenient card payments. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for small tips and when visiting remote destinations.

South Africa

Franschhoek Country House & Villas

From €105 /person

An exclusive boutique hotel in the heart of Franschhoek

Nestled in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley in the Cape Winelands, Franschhoek Country House & Villas offers exceptional 5-star hotel accommodation to the discerning traveller. A former perfumery dating back to 1890, the restored manor house offers 14 luxury rooms and 12 villa suites, surrounded by enchanting vineyards with majestic mountains in the distance. Each guest’s stay is complemented by the acclaimed Monneaux Restaurant, as well as a range of world-class guest services, such as the 2 pools (1 heated) to laze beside in summer. With only a few minutes’ walk from the Franschhoek town centre, the hotel is the ideal base from which to explore the surroundings.

Nestled in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley in the Cape Winelands, Franschhoek Country House ...

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Standard Room Double / Twin

2•

The Standard Rooms are located in the original manor house. The rooms are en-suite with a shower and bath, and include a charming lounge area and private balcony. Amenities include complimentary wifi, a minibar, air-conditioning, satellite TV, tea and coffee facilities, hairdryers and shaver plugs.

Garden Cottage

2•

The Garden Cottage is a double-storey private villa with an en-suite bedroom downstairs, a private garden and patio, and a lounge with lovely views of the surroundings upstairs. Amenities include complimentary wifi, air-conditioning, satellite TV, tea and coffee facilities, hairdryers, direct dial telephone, and shaver plugs.

Luxury Room King / Twin

2•

The Luxury Rooms offer all the expected creature comforts of the Standard Rooms in addition to the larger room size, plus en-suite bathrooms with showers, baths and double basins. These rooms have private patios or balconies to enjoy the views. Amenities include complimentary wifi, air-conditioning, satellite TV, tea and coffee facilities, hairdryers, direct dial telephone, shaver plugs, and a fireplace.

Villa Suite King / Twin

3•

The Villa Suite has a spacious lounge, in-room dining, a minibar, an entertainment system with satellite TV, a fireplace, air-conditioning, and a music player that plays throughout the villa. The bathroom comes with a stand-alone bath, shower, bidet, double basins with granite tops, and underfloor heating.

Standard Room Double / Twin

2•

Garden Cottage

2•

Luxury Room King / Twin

2•

Villa Suite King / Twin

3•

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Because of the easy way we communicated with our Viatu expert, it felt like planning our holidays with a friend. It made it really flexible and perfectly suitable for our needs. The accommodations that he suggested were just wonderful and a perfect mix of everything we needed.

Nicole