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

The St Lucia Eco Lodge

From €39 /person

Experience the wonders of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park at a relaxing eco lodge

Situated between the St Lucia Estuary that flows into the temperate Indian Ocean and the UNESCO World Heritage site, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, The St Lucia Eco Lodge is the perfect getaway full of incredible beaches and wonderful wildlife. Visitors can book a ‘Shakabarker Tour’ at the lodge to explore the wetland and its astonishing variety of animals, as well as learn about the area's abundant biodiversity. Alternatively, spend a day at the beach, then relax with a nightly braai with a drink in hand. The Lodge has implemented their own ‘50 Shades of Green’ benchmark, with 50 sustainable practices ranging from using solar energy to indigenous plants in the garden.

Situated between the St Lucia Estuary that flows into the temperate Indian Ocean and the ...

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Trips we think you'll love whilst staying at The St Lucia Eco Lodge

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Ocean View Complex

1•

The Ocean View Complex boasts gorgeous views of the surrounding estuary, ocean and wetland forests via a private veranda . Guests can choose between rooms with either a fitted king-sized bed or a four-poster king-sized bed. Each room has an en-suite bathroom and a fully-equipped kitchenette.

Garden Studio with Kitchen

2•

The Garden Studios all offer lovely vistas of the verdant gardens via a private veranda. Each room has 2 twin beds, with the option of a double bed on request and subject to availability. The rooms all include an en-suite bathroom and a kitchen.

Family Unit 2 Bedroom With Kitchen

4•

The Family Units all offer 2 bedrooms and access to a private veranda overlooking the indigenous and vibrant tropical gardens. Each room has its own en-suite bathroom and the unit includes a lounge and fully-equipped kitchen. 3 units include bunk beds and an upstairs bedroom, thus accommodating up to 6.

Bed and Breakfast Room

2•

The 3 Bed and Breakfast Rooms offer guests the choice between 1 room with a fitted double bed and 2 rooms with 2 twin beds each. Each room has an en-suite bathroom, a private veranda, a tea station, and a small bar fridge.

Eco-Cottages

1•

The spacious Eco-Cottages boast incredible panoramic views via a grand veranda. The cottages include a king-sized bed that can be converted to 2 twin beds and a fitted queen-size bed, along with a bathroom, lounge and fully equipped kitchen. 2 cottages can be interleading and 1 includes additional children's bunk beds.

Bed and Breakfast Room - no verandah

2•

The Bed and Breakfast Rooms with no veranda face the lush indigenous garden and include 2 twin beds and an en-suite bathroom with a shower. The rooms also have a mini fridge along with a tea station.

Eco Family Cottage

2•

The Eco Family Cottage boasts a private veranda overlooking the wetland forest and the Indian Ocean. The cottage includes a master bedroom with a king-sized bed that can be converted into 2 twin beds. Another room has a children's bunk bed along with a reading or play nook. The cottage also features a dining area, kitchenette and bathroom.

Ocean View Complex

1•

Garden Studio with Kitchen

2•

Family Unit 2 Bedroom With Kitchen

4•

Bed and Breakfast Room

2•

Eco-Cottages

1•

Bed and Breakfast Room - no verandah

2•

The Bed and Breakfast Rooms with no veranda face the lush indigenous garden and include 2 twin beds and an en-suite bathroom with a shower. The rooms also have a mini fridge along with a tea station.

Eco Family Cottage

2•

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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