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

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

From €243 /person

4.4 Sustainability Rating

A luxury private safari lodge nestled in the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park

Explore the heart of the renowned Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park at this private luxury safari lodge. With open-plan rooms that offer a unique window into Africa’s wildlife, guests can spend their mornings enjoying spectacular views of the bushveld right from their private viewing deck. As pioneers of ecotourism, the lodge encourages guests to take part in informative bush trails or an afternoon game drive in South Africa’s oldest game reserve with close to 2.000 white rhinos, where binoculars are welcomed as the park is also home to over 400 species of birds. Guests can relax and unwind with a rejuvenating African spa treatment and stunning views of a waterhole set on the pristine African landscape.

Explore the heart of the renowned Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park at this private luxury safari lodge. ...

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Safari Room

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Each of the 4 Safari Rooms are configured in pairs and share a common entrance lobby. Each room features 2 single beds with crisp linen, a private shower room that opens onto a small viewing deck and separate toilet, as well as a minibar, safe, and air conditioning.

Luxury Bush Villa

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The 8 Luxury Bush Villas feature a spacious, open-plan design with a lounge area, open fireplace and a large viewing deck. Each villa has a king-sized bed with mosquito nets and a large bathroom with a rain shower that opens onto the outdoors along with a bathtub that looks directly into the wild African bush.

Honeymoon Villa

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Each of the 2 Honeymoon Villas feature an open-plan bedroom with a king-sized bed and mosquito net, and a bathroom with a bath, double vanity, separate shower and toilet. Both rooms have a lounge area, fireplace, and a private plunge pool on an elevated viewing deck.

Safari Room

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Luxury Bush Villa

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Honeymoon Villa

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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