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

Montusi Mountain Lodge

From €165 /person

A splendid family-run stopover overlooking the Drakensberg Mountain range

Situated between Johannesburg and Durban, Montusi Mountain Lodge is the ideal place to stay overnight or book as a hiker’s dream getaway, and is only 20 km from the Royal Natal National Park. This exclusive lodge overlooks the incredible Amphitheatre escarpment of the Drakensberg Mountains and its surroundings have been cared for by the Carte family. The family has made a substantial effort to conserve this area of the northern Drakensberg by removing alien vegetation and rehabilitating the existing indigenous vegetation in the area. This has led to the return of certain wildlife such as the birdlife, bushbuck and even eland.

Situated between Johannesburg and Durban, Montusi Mountain Lodge is the ideal place to stay overnight ...

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Our top picks

Trips we think you'll love whilst staying at Montusi Mountain Lodge

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Garden Suites Double

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The Garden Suites Double offer guests a 1 bedroom thatched suite with a fitted king-size bed facing large sliding glass doors that open up to display incredible vistas of the Amphitheatre escarpment of the Drakensberg. The room also features an en-suite bathroom, lounge with a fireplace and private patio.

Garden Suites Twin

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The Garden Suites Twin offer guests a 1 bedroom thatched suite with a fitted king-size bed facing large sliding glass doors that open up to display incredible vistas of the Amphitheatre escarpment of the Drakensberg. The room also features an en-suite bathroom, lounge with a fireplace and private patio.

Mountain Suites

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The spacious Mountain Suites offer guests the perfect place to relax and take in the incredible views of the Drakensberg. These one-bedroom suites include a fitted king-sized bed and en-suite bathroom. There is also a roomy lounge with fireplace and large glass sliding doors that open onto a private patio.

Family Suite-2 bedroom, bath and shower

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The Family Suite has 2 spacious bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms with both a shower and a bath. Guests can choose between rooms with either a fitted double or king-size bed. There is a roomy living area with a fireplace that opens on to a private patio and gorgeous vistas of the Drakensberg.

Family Suite - 2 bedroom, Showers only

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The Family Suite has 2 spacious bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms with a shower. Guests can choose between rooms with either a fitted double or king-size bed. There is a roomy living area with a fireplace that opens onto a private patio and magnificent panoramic views of the Drakensberg.

Garden Suites Double

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Garden Suites Twin

2•

Mountain Suites

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Family Suite-2 bedroom, bath and shower

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Family Suite - 2 bedroom, Showers only

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Featured Trips

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What our travellers are saying

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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