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

1 At Chartfield Guest House

From €28 /person

3.5 Sustainability Rating

A grand old house overlooking a seaside village harbour

Experience timeless elegance at Chartfield Guesthouse, a beautifully restored haven nestled in charming Kalk Bay. Overlooking Kalk Bay's picturesque harbour for 120 years, this grand house welcomes you with bygone-era charm and modern comforts. Spread across three buildings, all rooms are named after boats in the harbour, while most rooms offer unparalleled sea views, inviting the ocean breeze and maritime aromas. With a nod to a stylish past, Chartfield Guesthouse allows you to indulge while relishing in contemporary luxuries like free wifi in all rooms and complimentary coffee and tea room service in the mornings, making your stay a perfect blend of history and modernity.

Experience timeless elegance at Chartfield Guesthouse, a beautifully restored haven nestled in charming Kalk Bay. ...

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Deluxe

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Located in the main building, our Deluxe rooms feature versatile king-size beds, ensuite bathrooms, Android TVs, secure safes, and hairdryers. Enjoy stunning views of the picturesque harbor and the vast ocean. Ideal for travelers seeking comfort and beautiful vistas during their sustainable travel experience.

Loft

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Nestled on the second floor of our main house, you'll find The Loft room. It presents a spacious king-size bed, which can be easily transformed into twin beds for your convenience. To top it off, a private balcony awaits you, offering stunning vistas of the picturesque harbour, the vast ocean, and the majestic mountains.

Standard Room

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Our Standard Rooms provide the flexibility of king-sized beds that can easily be converted into twin beds or double beds to suit your preferences. Furthermore, the majority of these rooms offer captivating views of either the serene sea or the majestic mountains.

Family Room

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The self-catering Family Room is situated on the middle floor of the house. This spacious accommodation comprises two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a fully-equipped kitchen for your convenience. You'll be treated to breathtaking ocean views. Additionally, you'll have full access to all the guesthouse facilities, including the pool nestled in the beautiful garden area.

Basic Single Room

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Our Basic Single Room provides a snug small double bed and a bathroom featuring a convenient walk-in shower. This room offers a separate and private setting away from the main house. Accessible from both the garden and pool area, this room provides a peaceful retreat for your stay.

Deluxe

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Loft

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Standard Room

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Family Room

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Basic Single Room

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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