Every country in the world displays some diversity, but South Africa, stretching from the lions in the Kruger National Park to the iconic Table Mountain in the Cape, takes some beating. Enjoy the Country’s sweeping valleys of the Winelands, Cape Town’s jumping nightlife, Namakwa’s springtime symphony of wildflowers or KwaZulu-Natal’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park which alone has five distinct ecosystems, attracting both zebras and dolphins - there is something here for any person with any interest of any age. Although the country has its fair share of problems, South Africans are some of the most upbeat, welcoming and humorous folk you’ll encounter anywhere, from farmers in the rural north who tell you to drive safely on those dirt roads, to Khayelitsha kids who wish you molo (‘good morning’ in Xhosa).
Entry Requirements
Americans:
United States nationals need a valid passport, but no visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days.
Canadians:
Canadian nationals need a valid passport, but no visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days.
UK nationals:
British Nationals need a valid passport, but no visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days if passport holder is an endorsed British Citizen including Guernsey, Jersey and Isle of Man, British Dependent Territories Citizen, or British Overseas Territories Citizen (Virgin Islands). Those whose passports state British National (Overseas) may stay up to 30 days without a visa. All others require a visa.
European Union:
European Union nationals need a valid passport, but no visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days.
Australians:
Australian nationals need a valid passport, but no visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days.
New Zealanders:
New Zealand nationals require a valid passport, and a visa is necessary for stays of up to 90 days.
Irish nationals:
Irish nationals require a valid passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to 90 days.
South America Countries:
Most South American countries require a valid passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to 90 days.
Countries exempt from South African visas
http://www.home-affairs.gov.za
Countries subject to South African visa fees
http://www.home-affairs.gov.za
Traveling with children:
Previously, South Africa required that all children entering the country have an unabridged birth certificate with them. A change in policy on the 8th November 2019 means that children travelling no longer need unabridged birth certificates or parental consent affidavits to travel.
Children will still need a valid passport and visa (if necessary) in order to travel. Passports must have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
Banking and Currency
Currency
The currency is the Rand, which is divided into 100 cents. There are R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10 notes. Coins come in R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c.
Banking
Banks are found in most towns, and are generally open from 09h00 to 15h30 on weekdays and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays (Closed Sundays and Public Holidays). Most of them offer foreign exchange services - with cash, bank & credit cards as well as travellers cheques. You can also obtain cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs). Several international banks have branches in the main city centres. Always advise your bank that you are travelling outside of the country as they might block your purchases if they are not informed.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: South African Airways
International Airports: O.R. Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town International, King Shaka (Durban)
Domestic Airports: Numerous across the country
Road:
Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Yes, well-maintained in most areas
Gravel roads: Yes, especially in rural areas
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes, including Uber and Bolt
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: Yes, including luxury options like the Blue Train
Subway System: Gautrain in Gauteng
Water:
Ferries: Limited, mainly in coastal cities
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: Yes, especially from Cape Town and Durban
Health and Medical Information
Travellers arriving in South Africa from infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate; otherwise no vaccination is required. There is a malaria risk in the following areas; low-lying areas of the Northern Province and Mpumalanga (including the Kruger National Park) and northeastern KwaZulu-Natal, and precautions are advised when travelling to these areas. Tap water is safe in urban areas but bottled water is advisable elsewhere. Medical facilities in South Africa are very good, but medical insurance is strongly advised as private hospitals expect payment up front and public hospitals are best avoided.
Safety Notices
Although crime does occur in South Africa, this tends to be concentrated in pockets throughout the country, for example in the township areas and opportunistic crime can be encountered. Travelers should always be aware of these risks and exercise the necessary precautions. Doors should be locked when driving and one should not walk alone at night in city streets, isolated beaches or remote areas. Be vigilant when using ATMs and do not display signs of wealth (e.g. mobile phones, money, expensive jewellery) on the streets. It is worthwhile noting that the South African authorities do give high priority to the protection of tourists.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: Yes, in most urban areas
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: Yes
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes, widely popular and generally safe
Local cuisine:
South African cuisine is diverse and flavorful, featuring dishes like biltong (dried, seasoned meat), bobotie (spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping), and boerewors (farmers' sausage). The culinary scene includes a strong tradition of barbecuing, known locally as "braai."
Drinks:
Notable local drinks include Rooibos tea, craft beers, and South African wines.
Tipping: Customarily 10-15% in restaurants and for services.
Climate and Weather
The South Africa summer season runs from October through to March and the central winter period falls between May and July. Although South Africa’s climate is affected by regional differences, the climate is generally mild throughout the year with predominantly summer rainfall. On the whole, South Africa ranks high on the sunshine index.
The Western Cape region (including Cape Town) is the only area that has a mild, Mediterranean climate with dry summers and winter rainfall. In summer the weather in Cape Town is warm and dry, but the idyllic sunny weather can be punctuated by strong south easterly winds. Winters (June, July & August) are characterised by heavy rain, particularly on the mountain slopes, strong north-westerly winds, and low temperatures.
The main game viewing areas of Mpumalanga, Limpopo and KwaZulu Natal, experience predominantly summer rain fall periods with hot, sometimes humid weather. Winter days are mild with evenings and early mornings being chilly. Due to high summer temperatures, spring and autumn are usually the best times to plan a comfortable safari experience.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes, during the rainy seasons
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: In winter, particularly in high-altitude areas
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock: Essential
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes, mainly in urban areas
Accommodation options: Yes, with good connectivity
Restaurants: Yes, in major cities
Cafes: Yes, with Wi-Fi available
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes, in major cities
Libraries: Yes
Electricity and Plug Standards
Current is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second. A three-point round-pin adapter plug should be brought for your electrical appliances - such adapters are also available at major airports.
General Guidance
South African "lingo"
Babalas - Pronounced “Bubba-luss”
There is simply no word in the English language to adequately describe the feeling – so we’ve created one. Your tongue feels like sandpaper, someone is driving a nine-inch nail through the back of you skull and foggy images from the night before are crawling into memory. You slurred your life story to some degenerate at a bar, you sang “It’s Raining Men” several dozen times, and somehow, somewhere, you acquired a traffic cone. That’s right, you have a “babalas”. A nice big hangover.
Braai - Pronounced “Brye”
After soccer, rugby and cricket, our top sport is the “braai” – otherwise known as the barbeque. It’s our favourite pastime and a huge source of merriment for the boykies (a slang name for the men). South Africans abroad have even been known to brave the blizzard and “braai” in London’s below-freezing conditions. Mad? Not as mad as missing a good “braai”.
Crash
Why appoint a designated driver when you can just crash? No, it’s not as bad as it sounds. To “crash” means to spend the night at someone’s house. It beats a head-on collision any day of the week.
Drive Alive, do not drink and drive!
Dwaal
Spend enough time in Cape Town or Durban and you may find yourself in a state of sleepy hypnosis brought on by fresh sea air or magnificent mountain vistas. If this happens, don’t be concerned. It is a common garden variety “dwaal”. Some call it a daydream; others: The Thousand Yard Stare. Whatever you call it, when you are caught staring at a total stranger; the safest response is: “Sorry, I was just in a dwaal”.
Kief
They say that Eskimos have sixty-four words for snow, which makes perfect sense. Their countries boast vast expanses of frozen water and lots of polar bears. In South Africa we have a similar phenomenon. We have countless words to express that which is good, or cool, or exciting, or beautiful; among them, “kief”. Sunny weather; sandy beaches; exotic wildlife; beautiful people - we’ve got more positives than a 12 volt battery. And we can’t help talking about it.
Madiba
Pronounced “Muh-deeba”
More serene than the Dalai Llama, more forgiving than Ghandi, more eloquent than Churchill . . . To us he is our history’s miracle; our national treasure; our most bankable export. You may call him Nelson Mandela, but he is our grandfather: “Madiba”
Mission
No, this has nothing to do with charity work. That’s “missionary”. Being on a “mission” could be as important as delivering high-level documents to Government or as menial as grabbing a cup of coffee.
Platteland
Pronounced “Pluh-te-lund”
The Afrikaans translation of the “flat land” is what we call parts of South Africa that are, you guessed it, flat.
Skollie
Pronounced “Skoh-lee”
A good-for-nothing. Ne’er-do-well, slob, slacker or loser. In other words, your average Mr. Wrong.
