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

La Cabriere Country House

From €69 /person

4.5 Sustainability Rating

A beautiful Provencal-style luxury guesthouse within walking distance of central Franschhoek

La Cabrière is a perfectly located Franschhoek guesthouse offering peace and tranquillity. Slightly removed back from the vibrant and buzzing village, yet within walking distance of all Franschhoek has to offer, each of the 8 well-decorated rooms is complete with pure cotton bed linen, bathrobes, and heated towel rails to ensure every comfort. The country estate boasts 2 pools, including one that is heated. The property also has an environmentally friendly water-recycling programme in place to alleviate its ecological footprint, and features an eco-dam where you can spot various wild birds, fish, and rare endangered frogs.

La Cabrière is a perfectly located Franschhoek guesthouse offering peace and tranquillity. Slightly removed back ...

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Our top picks

Trips we think you'll love whilst staying at La Cabriere Country House

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Honeymoon Suite

1•

The Honeymoon Suite is an individually-decorated suite with a private garden and stunning views of the valley. The en-suite bathroom comes with a spa bath and walk-in shower, underfloor heating and heated towel rails. Amenities include air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite television, a minibar fridge, a hairdryer, Wi-Fi, and a sitting area.

Garden Suite Deluxe

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The large Garden Suite Deluxe looks out onto the lush garden and the Franschhoek valley beyond. The en-suite bathroom comes with a separate tub and shower, underfloor heating and heated towel rails. Amenities include air-conditioning, a ceiling fan, a flat-screen TV with satellite television, a minibar fridge, a hairdryer, Wi-Fi, and a sitting area.

Garden View Deluxe

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The Garden View Deluxe looks out onto the lush garden and the Franschhoek valley beyond. The en-suite bathroom comes with a large shower, underfloor heating and heated towel rails. Amenities include air-conditioning, a fan, a flat-screen TV with satellite television, minibar fridge, hairdryer, Wi-Fi, and a sitting area.

Poolside Deluxe

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The Poolside Deluxe is a large room with a queen-size bed, overlooking the pool, with panoramic views of the mountains from a private terrace. The en-suite bathroom comes with a bath, shower, and heated towel rails. Amenities include air-conditioning, a fan, a flat-screen TV with satellite television, minibar fridge, hairdryer, Wi-Fi, and a sitting area.

Mountain View

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The Mountain View is a beautifully decorated room with king-size or 2 twin beds, and enjoys views of the garden and a shared terrace. The en-suite bathroom comes with a bath, shower, and heated towel rails. Amenities include air-conditioning, a fan, a flat-screen TV with satellite television, a minibar fridge, a hairdryer, Wi-Fi, and a sitting area.

The Studio

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The Studio is a large room with a spacious lounge and private kitchenette. The en-suite bathroom comes with a bath, shower and heated towel rail. Amenities include air-conditioning, a fan, a flat-screen TV with satellite television, a minibar fridge, a hairdryer, Wi-Fi, a microwave, and a sitting area.

The Villa

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The Villa is perfect for groups and comes with 2 bedrooms, a full kitchen, a large lounge with a fireplace, and a private terrace and pool. Amenities include air-conditioning, a ceiling fan, a flat-screen TV with satellite television, a minibar fridge, a hairdryer, Wi-Fi, a microwave, and a sitting area.

Master Suite

1•

The Master Suite is a large bedroom with an adjoining dressing room, a fireplace, and a private terrace and pool. The en-suite bathroom comes with a walk-in shower, bath, and large vanity. Amenities include air-conditioning, a ceiling fan, a flat-screen TV with satellite television, a minibar fridge, a hairdryer, Wi-Fi, a microwave, and a sitting area.