South Africa - FAQs

When is the best time to travel to South Africa? ✈ 🇿🇦

South Africa is a massive country, so much so, that the best times to visit depend on where you're going. Cape Town—and surrounding destinations in the Western Cape—have warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters. Thus, the best time to visit this region is from November to March. If you're considering visiting higher up along the coast, like to the Eastern Cape region and surrounding areas, January to May and August to December are the best months to visit. Head over to our website and search for the destination you're planning to visit for a full rundown.

How many days should I spend in South Africa? 📆

We recommend spending 10 - 14 days in South Africa to explore some of the best sights without feeling too rushed. However, South Africa is an incredibly rich, diverse, and vast country with so much to offer! Biomes, experiences, cultures, and sights vary drastically from province to province, meaning that the exploration opportunities are endless!

Is there malaria in South Africa? 🦟

Most of South Africa is virtually malaria-free. Take care if you are travelling to border areas in the provinces of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal where seasonal Malaria transmission occurs from October, peaking in January and February, and waning towards May. Consult a travel doctor near you a month before leaving for South Africa and ask about anti-malarial medications.

What to expect when travelling to South Africa 🌍

Where to begin? Expect magnificent sunsets, even better food, a variety of remarkable landscapes, and unforgettable people. Not to mention the cultural diversity, incredible wildlife, hospitable atmosphere, (did we say food already?), and exciting experiences in nature, like snorkelling in the Great African Seaforest fringing on Cape Town’s shores, spotting the Big 5 on golden grass plains, or hiking Table Mountain for unparalleled views.

Who is South Africa for? 👪

South Africa is for anyone and everyone! Families, young travellers, honeymooners, solo travellers, and couples will have an absolute blast getting to know all that South Africa has to offer! There are sights and activities for everyone to enjoy while visiting this impressive destination with experiences revolving around history, culture, wildlife, and adventure.

Why is now a good time to travel to South Africa? 🇿🇦

This is a year-round destination filled with gems that have yet to be discovered and as travel changes, Viatu’s goal is to take you to those undiscovered and uncommercialized destinations. When you visit South Africa you’re supporting local businesses and creating jobs that support the economy of this developing country. Of course, you’ll also be advocating for, and supporting, wildlife conservation and sustainable accommodation in all the places you visit.

Is South Africa safe for tourists? 👜

South Africa is safe to visit, but similarly to other developing countries, crimes like petty theft and muggings still take place. However, this should not deter you from visiting this magnificent country. To stay ‘street-smart’ throughout your trip, here are some measures you can take to make sure you stay safe:

• Always keep an eye on your belongings whether you’re travelling solo or in a group.

• Don’t parade your valuables such as your cellphone and camera (especially when walking on the street).

• Avoid walking around deserted areas at night. Rather catch an Uber or call a cab service to get around.

• Don’t keep large sums of money on you (South Africa is equipped with card services and you can also use apps like SnapScan to pay).

• South Africa is a large country, meaning that if you’re on a self-drive trip the nearest town or petrol garage may be a few hours drive away. Make sure you know what to do if your car breaks down or you get a flat tire and that you’ve fueled up on enough petrol.

• South Africa’s impressive wildlife should be respected and viewed from a safe distance. Never leave your car while driving through a national park or game reserve unless you are at a designated picnic area or viewpoint. Do not provoke wild animals or feed them! Be aware that some destinations you might visit have monkeys and baboons nearby, and that it’s in their nature to be curious. Help curb their curiosity by making sure that you never leave doors or windows open when you’re visiting in areas they reside in. Another good tip is to just keep all food out of sight, even if it is locked inside. Monkeys are very resourceful creatures and might find a way in if they see something that looks delicious to them.

What should I expect to spend on a South African itinerary? 💰

Due to South Africa’s variety of income groups, you’ll find that accommodation also caters for this difference. The minimal cost for 14 days of accommodation (with some basic meals and activities included) would be €1,400-€2,100 per person—depending on the category of property. An additional €700-800 would be spent on 14-days of car rental, if the trip involves self-driving.

For the more high-end, luxury accommodation options, one should expect to spend at least €4,000 per person (accommodation only) for a 14-day stay. Head over to our our website where you can customise your own trip to fit your preferences.

Am I able to make changes to my itinerary? ✍️

Viatu allows you to effortlessly customise your dream trip depending on your ‘must-sees’, budget, time you want to visit, and experiences you’d prefer. Please reference our terms and conditions before booking and pay attention to our cancellation policies.

What if I need to cancel my trip due to Covid-19 related circumstances? 📝

We at Viatu will try our best to accommodate any changes as far as possible. For more information, please refer to our Covid Policy or reach out to us directly.

What should I pack for my trip to South Africa? 🧳

• Pack wisely—you’ll probably be bringing back more than you’re going with with all the exquisite souvenirs to buy

• Neutral coloured clothes are optimal for game drives (layered with jackets, beanies and gloves for those crisp mornings and evenings) and help keep insects away

• Long-sleeve shirts made with a lightweight fabric will protect your arms from the harsh African sun when hiking or sightseeing and of course, sunglasses to protect your eyes

• A sports buff to shield your face and neck from the sun will always come in handy

• Spare masks that cover both your nose and mouth

• A refillable water bottle so you don’t have to buy bottled water. Most of South Africa’s tap water is safe, but make sure to only drink water from a tap that you know is safe to drink from—ask the front desk employee or manager of the place where you’re staying if it’s safe

• A flask or reusable takeaway coffee cup for your hot drinks so that you don’t rely on takeaway coffee cups, and can reduce your footprint at the same time

• Coral and reef-friendly sunscreen (35+ SPF), and a wide-brimmed hat (for those lazy beach days, or long hikes)

• Insect repellent (especially if you’re going on a safari)

• Field guides to get to know the fauna and flora

• Cameras and binoculars

• Walking/hiking shoes

• Swimming costume and a light quick-dry travel towel

• A tote bag for shopping

• Solar-powered power bank (not critical, but it can always come in handy)

• A travel adapter for plug types C and M

• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes

• An ointment for bites or stings may come in handy when you’re in the bush

• A sense of adventure

What travel documentation do I need to travel to South Africa? 🛂

• A valid passport or travel document for your intended stay

• At least one blank page in your passport for endorsements

• A valid visa, if required. See a list of exempt countries here

• Review potential requirements for a visa here: ivisa.com)

If you require a visa, here are the documents you’ll need to apply for it:

• A passport or travel document valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit (Your passport must have at least TWO unused pages for entry / departure endorsements)

• A completed Form BI-84 (application for a visa)

• Payment of the prescribed fee

• A yellow fever vaccination certificate (ask your travel doctor if it’s required)

• Statement and/or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of your visit

• Two colour passport photographs

• A return or onward ticket if you are travelling by air

• Proof of financial means to pay for your living expenses while in South Africa in the form of: bank statements, salary advances, undertakings by the host(s) in South Africa, bursary, medical cover or cash available (including credit cards and travellers’ cheques)

• A return or onward ticket

• Yellow fever certificates if your journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa.

• A valid passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of your entry into South Africa

What travel documentation do I need if I am travelling with a minor? 🧒

• Proof of guardianship or custody or consent from the guardian in the case of an unaccompanied minor

• Proof of financial means to pay for your living expenses while in South Africa in the form of bank statements, salary advances, undertakings by the host(s) in South Africa, bursary, medical cover or cash available (including credit cards and travellers’ cheques)

What health certifications do I need to enter South Africa? 💉

• Yellow fever certificates if your journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa

• A valid certificate with a negative PCR test outcome obtained no more than 72 hours before the date of travel (stay up to date with the latest Covid-19 updates here)

• A completed health questionnaire form given by the aeroplane company before onboarding or during the flight

Is my drivers licence valid in South Africa? 📋

Travellers visiting South Africa are allowed to drive in the country without a South African or international drivers licence if their licence is valid in their country, is in English (or any other official South African language) or an official translation in English is attached, and if the licence contains or has attached a photograph and signature of the licence holder.

Do I need to tell my bank that I am travelling abroad? 🏦

It’s always a good idea to let your bank know that you’ll be travelling abroad and that you’ll be paying in ZAR (South African Rands).

Should I take out travel insurance for my trip to South Africa? 📑

Yes! In this case, you would rather want to be safe than sorry. Also, travel insurance should cover Covid-19 tests and quarantine costs.

What should I read, watch, or check out online before leaving for my trip to South Africa? 📺📖

To get a feel for the country and what lies ahead we advise that you read our South African Pocket Guide. If you’re embarking on a self-drive trip, we highly recommend watching a YouTube video about changing a tire to make sure you’ll be prepared in any situation. Familiarise yourself with the fauna, flora, and wildlife you’ll see on your trip to make the experience even more special.

What apps do I need before visiting South Africa? 📱

There are a few apps that will make the start of your visit run a bit smoother. Download the Uber app for when you might need a reliable lift, Google Maps to navigate around the area you’re in, and EskomSePush for details for when your area might experience load-shedding (you’ll want to read more about load-shedding and what it is here).

What is the local etiquette I should follow? 🇿🇦

Responsible tourism and travel etiquette go hand-in-hand in South Africa. It’s your duty to respect the land and the locals, and leave both better than you found them. Please ask locals if you can take a picture of or with them before you do. Some may ask that you pay them a small fee for the photos you take. It is customary to tip 10 - 15% in restaurants (it might not be added to the bill automatically) and to tip petrol attendants and car guards R5 - R10. After having gone on game drives, it is also polite to tip your guide and tracker, or do it at the end of your visit at the lodge or park. For the full breakdown on tipping in South Africa, read our complete guide to tipping on an African safari.

What currency do they use in South Africa? 💵

In South Africa, only the currency Rand is used, but you can convert any currency into Rand at the airport. You can easily Google the exchange rate to compare it to Euro, Pound, Dollar, or any other currency. We advise that you check with your bank if your credit or debit card will work in South Africa so that you don’t have to worry about carrying too much cash (thanks to the widely available card facilities). However, for small tips, we recommend carrying some cash, like a R100, broken up in smaller amounts that consist of notes and coins, and for when you’re visiting more remote destinations you might want to carry about R2000 in cash for if you might need it.

What should I keep in mind when driving in South Africa? 🚗

In South Africa, drivers are seated on the right hand side of the car, and cars drive on the left hand side of the road. If you’re on a self-drive trip in a national park or private reserve and come across any wild animals in the road, turn off your engines and make as little noise as possible while you wait for the animals to pass and admire them from a distance. When driving in urban areas, keep in mind that you should keep the doors and windows locked at all times, store valuable items out of sight when driving and especially when parked, don’t pick up hitchhikers, stay in the car if you are bumped from behind in suspicious circumstances, park in well-lit areas and always lock the vehicle. Also, everyone in the vehicle must wear a seat belt when driving and the use of your phone is banned. You should make sure to always have a valid driving licence on you when driving and note that the legal blood-alcohol limit for driving is under 0.05 g per 100 ml (less than 1 beer). If you’ve had something to drink, we highly encourage you to be responsible and rather call one of the other transportation services mentioned below.

I do not have a driver's licence. Can I still get around easily in South Africa? 🚌

This depends mostly on where in South Africa you are, but yes, other transport options are available across the country. In Cape Town, transportation services like Bolt and Uber are very popular, affordable, and reliable. You also have the option to use the bus when travelling within Cape Town, just remember that times may vary slightly from the schedule. Follow the MyCiti instructions for more details on travelling with the bus.

What should I keep in mind if I am involved in a car accident? 💥

To prevent an accident, make sure you follow the rules of the road, don’t ever go over the speed limit, and never drive under the influence. However, sometimes accidents still happen so make sure that you know what to do if you’re ever involved in one. Here is a breakdown of what to do if something like this happens. Keep the emergency numbers mentioned below saved on your phone as it will be something you’ll need in this scenario.

What condition are the roads in? 🛣️

Depending on where you visit the roads will differ in their condition. In the Western Cape, most roads are well taken care of and are in good condition. In the Eastern Cape, and higher up like Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal, some roads will have the occasional pothole along the way. We advise downloading Google Maps that will show you the best recommended routes, which will likely be the most well-kept as well.

What happens if I get a flat tyre? 🚨

It is recommended that you learn how to change a tire before you begin your adventure. This includes checking that your car has a spare tyre, manual and jack before you leave the rental company. Ask your car rental company for a demonstration. If you are unsure or worried about changing the tyre then we suggest that you call roadside assistance (check which is available to you before your trip).

What other important information should I know about driving a 4x4 in South Africa? 🚙

We don’t generally advise a 4x4 trip due to the level of experience needed to do it safely, and also due to sustainability reasons. But if you are embarking on a 4x4 trip, here are our tips—the first is to keep a close eye on your petrol gauge. Petrol stations are frequent in South Africa, but as you enter more remote areas, they become more scarce. If you run out of petrol, you’ll need to call a nearby petrol station and hope they are kind enough to assist or call prearranged roadside assistance who will come to your rescue. For a full breakdown of various scenarios (like driving in sand) you’ll want to read about, click here.

Can I drink tap water in South Africa? 🚰

South Africa’s tap water is safe in most areas but make sure to only drink water from a tap that you know is safe to drink from—ask the front desk employee or manager of the place where you’re staying if it’s safe. If you are worried, buy a 5 litre bottle of filtered water (available at most convenience shops) and use it to fill up your own water bottle as needed.

What is the food in South Africa like? 🍔

We guarantee that you’ll leave this marvellous country with extremely satisfied taste buds. Make sure to try favourites from numerous South African cultures, like a traditional open-fire braai (not a BBQ), comforting mielie pap with Sheba sauce, or incredible vetkoek. We won’t say any more, you can read all about some of our favourite dishes in our blog post 8 Reasons Why We Love South Africa. All food items in respectable supermarkets and restaurants are safe to eat and you are more likely to find European-style dishes on restaurant menus than local food, especially in cities, but try to eat the local dishes when you come across them. If you’re on a self-drive trip, look out for a padstal along the road. A padstal is a local farm stall selling anything from curio-items, to food, to coffees and alcohols. They often sell farm produce and are exceptionally unique.

What is accommodation like in South Africa? 🏨

South Africa caters to all travellers and there are varieties of accommodation options to choose from. If you prefer a more rustic setting or if you’re one for luxury, you’ll find what's best for you. However, just make sure that when you find the perfect spot you book as soon as you’re able to secure your place. If you want to read more about how we choose our properties, you can find our blog post explaining it here.

What languages are spoken in South Africa? 🗣️

You’ll probably hear it a few times, but South Africa has 11 official languages! These are English, Afrikaans, Ndebele, Xhosa, Zulu, Swati, Southern Sotho, Sepedi, Tsonga, Tswana and Venda. Part of being a responsible traveller is respecting the communities and cultures you visit, so before you come to SA, try to learn how to say hello in Xhosa, Zulu, or Afrikaans as these are spoken often. Most citizens are multilingual and converse in English as well.

How can I stay safe? 😃

Read our tips above (under Is South Africa safe for tourists?) for the rundown on staying safe in South Africa.

Here are all the necessary emergency numbers you may need in worst-case scenarios:

• Police: 10111

• Ambulance: 10177

• Disaster Management Centre: 012 848 4602 (in case of a veld fire)

• Mountain rescue: 031 307 7744 (KZN), 021 948 9900 (Western Cape), 074 125 1385 or 074 163 3952 (Gauteng).

South Africa is unfathomable and to understand the phenomenon that attracts global visitors, you’ll just need to see it for yourself. For a full guide on staying safe, you can read our blog post on staying street-savvy in South Africa.

Will I ever come face to face with wild animals? 🦁

We are relieved to tell you that South Africa is not as wild as many foreigners believe. Don’t get us wrong, there are WILD places in South Africa, but all of these are private game reserves or national parks that are well fenced as to keep the wild animals in, and wandering humans out. When you do visit one of these parks or reserves, you will encounter wild animals up close. Never get out of your car when you are in a national park (you could also be prosecuted for this) or game reserve unless you are at a designated picnic spot, and never try to touch or interact with any wild animal you find. While on a game drive, your safety is the number one priority of your knowledgeable guide and you can trust them to make the right calls when out in the bush.

Is there cell phone reception in South Africa? 📶

Yes, there is cellular reception in South Africa, however, some remote destinations will have weaker signals. Keep in mind that many lodges, hotels, and guesthouses will have wifi access as well.

How to get your cell phone connected to a local network? 📲

This is super easy! You can buy a pay-as-you-go sim card at the airport, any cellular store, or grocery shop. We recommend sticking to one of these brands: Vodacom, MTN, or Cell-C. You can buy a local SIM card and 1 GB data for around €5.75 (R100).

Is internet connection widely available and reliable? 🌐

This definitely depends on where you’re visiting. In most cities internet connection is available at coffee shops and restaurants, but might be capped to a certain amount of data. However, most accommodations will definitely have wifi connection available. Take note that when the area you’re in experiences load-shedding, there might not be internet connectivity for that period of time (read above for more details on load-shedding).

Do I need to draw cash or is a credit or debit card enough? 💳

In South Africa, you’ll find that most places have card facilities available, so to be safe never draw a super large amount of cash to carry with you. But we do advise drawing a small amount of cash for if you would like to tip petrol attendants or lodge staff. Cash also comes in handy if you’re buying goods from locals. Just remember not to draw too much and never carry a large amount on you. For usual purchases a debit card is accepted, but keep in mind that when wanting to hire a car you’ll need a credit card.

Do I need a power plug travel adapter? 🔌

South Africa uses type C and M plugs in most cases, and often a socket will be able to accommodate a type N plug as well. Visit this power plug and socket website and select your country of origin and travel destination to find out exactly what you’ll need.

Can I make changes to my itinerary while travelling? 📝

Although we advocate for spontaneity, some lodges and hotels may not. We’ll try our best to be as accommodating as possible and make your requested changes, but depending on the T & Cs of the affected accommodation provider, cancellation or administrative charges may apply. We will always endeavour to find the next best option.

How can I contact someone at Viatu? 📱

If you need to get in touch with anyone at Viatu, please reference your travel docs. Otherwise, you can email helpme@viatu.com.

Is healthcare in South Africa good? 🏥

Great quality private hospitals are found in all South African cities and all are on par with international standards. You will have access to great support and levels of care at these facilities.

Who covers the cost of a medical emergency? 💵

If you have taken out comprehensive travel insurance your insurer will cover the costs for usual medical treatment. Check the details of your insurance before you leave and if faced with an emergency situation while travelling.

Will I be able to find a doctor and hospital? ⚕️

Definitely! Each major city in South Africa will have top-class health care available. Smaller towns will also have clinics nearby. In drastic cases, make sure to rather get to a larger town when needed. Have a look at the emergency numbers we’ve included above.

Do I need to present a Covid-19 negative test result at customs? 😷

For the latest regulations and updates, visit our Covid-Hub for full details on this.

Will I have access to Covid-19 testing facilities in South Africa? 🧪

Definitely! South Africa has been really on top of managing Covid-19 and testing facilities are widely available. There are drive through facilities and numerous ones at hospitals and clinics. Visit our Covid-Hub for recommended testing facilities and services.

What happens if I get Covid-19 whilst on my trip? 🚨

If you suspect that you might have Covid-19, don’t panic. Isolate yourself and seek medical attention if you are unwell. Check what the Covid-19 procedure is at your hotel, lodge, or guesthouse and follow their guidelines.