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

Pakamisa Private Game Reserve

From €232 /person

3.7 Sustainability Rating

A luxurious lodge perched on Pakamisa Mountain overlooking a wildlife reserve

Settled in a piece of pristine Zululand wilderness on the main road to Kruger, Pakamisa Private Reserve means “to lift up” in Zulu and is a great place to uplift your spirits in the beautiful bushveld. This exclusive lodge offers a family-friendly, malaria-free safari destination with plenty of game to be seen. With a small collection of Arabian horses on-site, guests can enjoy a horseback safari along with other guided activities. After that, relax at the enormous lodge pool and take in the magnificent views, before sampling the cocktails and gourmet cuisine on offer and reclining in the large library.

Settled in a piece of pristine Zululand wilderness on the main road to Kruger, Pakamisa ...

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Our top picks

Trips we think you'll love whilst staying at Pakamisa Private Game Reserve

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Honeymoon Suite

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The spacious Honeymoon Suite offers some of the best views of the lodge. The suite includes a fitted king-size bed and en-suite marble bathroom with complimentary amenities. Other features are a lounge area, mini-bar and tea and coffee facilities.

Buffalo Suite

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The Buffalo Suite offers beautiful views of the surrounding bushveld and features a king-size bed as well as 2 extra beds to accommodate a family of 4. The suite features an en-suite bathroom with complimentary amenities, a lounge, a mini-bar and a tea and coffee station with homemade biscuits.

Elephant Suites

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The Elephant Suites overlooks the pristine reserve and features a king-size bed as well as 2 extra beds to accommodate a family of 4. The suite features an en-suite bathroom with complimentary amenities, a lounge, a mini-bar and a tea and coffee station with homemade biscuits.

Kudu Suite

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The Kudu Suite overlooks the beautiful veld and features a king-size bed as well as 2 extra beds to accommodate a family of 4. The suite features an en-suite bathroom with complimentary amenities, a lounge, a mini-bar and a tea and coffee station with homemade biscuits.

Leopard Suite

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The Leopard Suite offers splendid views of the surrounding wilderness and features a king-size bed as well as 2 extra beds to accommodate a family of 4. The suite features an en-suite bathroom with complimentary amenities, a lounge, a mini-bar and a tea and coffee station with homemade biscuits.

Lion Suite

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The Lion Suite features majestic views of the beautiful reserve and features a king-size bed as well as 2 extra beds to accommodate a family of 4. The suite features an en-suite bathroom with complimentary amenities, a lounge, a mini-bar and a tea and coffee station with homemade biscuits.

Rhino Suite

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The Rhino Suite offers lovely vistas of the surroundings and features a king-size bed as well as 2 extra beds to accommodate a family of 4. The suite features an en-suite bathroom with complimentary amenities, a lounge, a mini-bar and a tea and coffee station with homemade biscuits.

Zebra Suite

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The Zebra Suite overlooks the gorgeous, lush reserve and features a king-size bed as well as 2 extra beds to accommodate a family of 4. The suite features an en-suite bathroom with complimentary amenities, a lounge, a mini-bar and a tea and coffee station with homemade biscuits.

Honeymoon Suite

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Buffalo Suite

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Elephant Suites

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Kudu Suite

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Leopard Suite

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Lion Suite

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Rhino Suite

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Zebra Suite

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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