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

Tintswalo at Lapalala

Experience the magnificent UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere at this luxury tented escape

Situated in the 44.500 ha untouched bushveld of Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, a part of the incredible UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere, is Tintswalo at Lapalala. A safe haven for all things wild, this malaria-free safari getaway offers guests the chance to spot the Big 5 or take a barge down the river against the backdrop of magnificent riverine gorges, grassy plains and stark mountains. Tintswalo at Lapalala offers guests the choice between 7 luxury tents, each paying homage to a different African tribe. Tintswalo is involved in conservation programs for both elephants and rhinos, which guests have the opportunity to participate in. This eco-friendly camp is also completely off the grid and run by solar-power.

Situated in the 44.500 ha untouched bushveld of Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, a part of the ...

Find it on the map

Our top picks

Trips we think you'll love whilst staying at Tintswalo at Lapalala

View all trips

Luxury Tent

1•

The 2 Luxury Tents, named Himba and Tuareg, feature a private veranda and plunge pool overlooking the sun hued plains. Guests can choose between a fitted king or 2 twin beds, as well as relax in the luxurious open-air bathtub, attached to the en-suite bathroom.

Luxury Tent (Family)

3•

The 2 Luxury Family Tents, named Venda and Zulu, offer the perfect family getaway. The main bedroom offers a luxurious fitted king bed with views of the plains and the adjacent children’s room has 2 twin beds. Each room has a veranda with a private plunge pool and a large shared bathroom.

Superior Luxury Tent

1•

The Turkana Superior Luxury Tent offers the perfect balance between luxury and seclusion. The tent includes a large bedroom with either a fitted king or 2 twin beds, lounge area and a luxurious bathroom in its own adjoining tent. Guests can relax on the large veranda with a private plunge pool overlooking the plains.

Superior Luxury Family Suite Xhosa

2•

The 2-bedroom Luxury Tent Family Suite, named Xhosa A & B, offers families the ideal safari experience. The 2 adjoining tents come with either fitted king or twin beds, en-suite bathrooms, a grand veranda and private plunge pool overlooking the plains.

Maasai Star Bed Superior Tent

1•

The Maasai Superior Luxury Tent offers the perfect romantic getaway with a separate open deck for sleeping under the stars. The tent also includes a spacious bedroom with either a king or 2 twin beds, a large bathroom in an adjoining tent and a lounge that opens onto a private veranda with a plunge pool.

Luxury Tent

1•

Luxury Tent (Family)

3•

Superior Luxury Tent

1•

Superior Luxury Family Suite Xhosa

2•

Maasai Star Bed Superior Tent

1•

Featured Trips

Discover the extraordinary

Have Questions?

Our FAQs about Limpopo

Recent postcards

What our travellers are saying

All Reviews

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