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

Zulu Rock Lodge

From €245 /person

4.5 Sustainability Rating

A well-appointed Zululand lodge overlooking the White Umfolozi Valley

The well-appointed Zulu Rock Lodge is situated on the edge of the Babanago Game Reserve, a community-driven, malaria-free zone where explorers can discover the bush on 20.000 ha of conservation land. The lodge’s stone-clad chalets are decorated with curated Zulu artefacts. They are designed to make the most of amazing views while still allowing guests the privacy of an intimate getaway. Guests can enjoy the thrill of daily morning and evening nature drives in the reserve, stopping by the various spoils of the lodge in between, like the swimming pool with a view and the wine cellar and African-style bar.

The well-appointed Zulu Rock Lodge is situated on the edge of the Babanago Game Reserve, ...

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Hilltop Luxury Room

3•

The Hilltop Luxury Room offers 2 guests a comfortable stay in a suite with twin or king-sized beds and a bathroom with heated flooring. Guests can relax in front of the fireplace or appreciate panoramic views of the reserve and valley from a private deck with outdoor seating.

Romance Suite

1•

The Romance Suite is set in a secluded corner of the reserve and offers a king-sized bed and an en-suite bathroom with a bath and shower. Its positioning offers breathtaking views and couples can enjoy other spoils like a cosy fireplace in the luxurious suite and a pool and private deck outside.

Family Villa

6•

The Family Villa accommodates 4 guests in 2 en-suite bedrooms with king-sized or three-quarter beds. Features of this villa include a lounge with a sleeper couch, a fireplace, a dining room, a kitchenette and a guest toilet. Outside, guests enjoy their private pool, lapa area, and a back veranda.

Hilltop Luxury Room

3•

Romance Suite

1•

Family Villa

6•

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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