What is the best time to travel to South Africa?

South Africa can be visited year-round, but the best time depends on the region. The dry winter months from May to September are ideal for safaris, as wildlife gathers around waterholes and vegetation is sparse. The warmer summer months from November to March are better for Cape Town, the Garden Route, and the beaches, although this is also the rainy season in much of the country.

Do I need a visa to enter South Africa?

Visa requirements depend on nationality. Citizens of many countries – including most EU states, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Argentina, Israel, and Japan – may enter South Africa without a visa for visits of up to 90 days. Nationals of some countries, such as Malaysia, Turkey, Seychelles, Thailand, Mozambique, and Cyprus, are visa-exempt for up to 30 days. Travellers from countries not on the visa-exempt list must obtain a visa before arrival. All passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the entry date and contain at least one blank page for entry stamps.

Do I need vaccinations to travel to South Africa?

No vaccinations are required for entry unless arriving from a Yellow Fever endemic country, in which case a Yellow Fever certificate is mandatory. Travellers are advised to be up to date with routine vaccinations such as hepatitis, typhoid, and tetanus. Malaria is present in the north-east, including Kruger National Park and parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo, and prophylaxis is strongly recommended for these areas. Malaria is not a risk in Cape Town, the Garden Route, or Johannesburg.

What languages are spoken in South Africa?

South Africa has eleven official languages, reflecting its cultural diversity. English is the main language of business, government, and tourism and is widely understood in cities and tourist areas. Afrikaans, Zulu, and Xhosa are also commonly spoken, along with several other regional languages.

Is South Africa safe for tourists?

South Africa is a popular destination but travellers should take standard precautions. In cities, avoid displaying valuables, keep belongings secure, and do not walk alone in quiet areas after dark. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. When self-driving, plan fuel stops in advance, as distances between towns and petrol stations can be long. In national parks, never leave your vehicle except at designated points and always follow park regulations when viewing wildlife.

What currency is used in South Africa?

South Africa uses the Rand (ZAR). Foreign currency can be exchanged at airports, banks, exchange offices, and ATMs, which are widely available in towns and cities. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, lodges, restaurants, shops, and at most petrol stations. Travellers should check with their bank or card provider before travel to ensure their card will work in South Africa. It is also advisable to carry some cash for tips, small purchases, toll roads, and when visiting remote areas where card facilities may be limited.

What plugs and electricity are used in South Africa?

South Africa mainly uses Type M plugs with a 230-volt supply at 50 Hz, although Type C sockets are also found in some places. Travellers should carry a universal adaptor to ensure compatibility. Power cuts, known locally as load-shedding, can occur, but most hotels and lodges provide back-up systems such as generators or solar power.

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.

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Luxury balcony view of Table Mountain and Lions Head from Horizon Bay apartment with turquoise ocean vista

South Africa

Horizon Bay by Home Meets Hotel

From $31 /person

A seaside escape in well-appointed units offering comfort and tranquillity at Blouberg Beach

Set in Cape Town in the popular suburb of Bloubergstrand, Horizon Bay by Home Meets Hotel offers various units that suit every need and preference. Guests can stay in absolute comfort in well-appointed areas that are ideal for self-catering. Horizon Bay provides tranquillity while still being close to the buzzing city centre with top coffee shops, restaurants and pubs to choose from. Take it easy at the swimming pool or go to Blouberg Beach, which is only a short walk away. The beachfront location allows picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean and from your balcony, you can watch standup board paddlers and kite surfers enjoy themselves or opt to join in for the fun.

Set in Cape Town in the popular suburb of Bloubergstrand, Horizon Bay by Home Meets ...

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Rooms

Luxury beachfront studio apartment with king bed, white linens and ocean view balcony at Horizon Bay

Horizon Bay 501

3•

The Horizon Bay 501 unit comprises 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The main bedroom is en-suite and has a queen-size bed, while the second has single beds. Features include an open-plan kitchen equipped with modern appliances, a living and dining area, a TV, uncapped wifi, and a balcony with outdoor seating, a gas braai and ocean views.

From $407 /person

Bright oceanfront studio bedroom at Horizon Bay with king bed, tropical decor and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking beach views

Horizon Bay 801

3•

The Horizon Bay 801 unit comprises 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, one of which is en-suite. Features include a lounge, wifi, DSTV, a balcony with picturesque views, and an open-plan kitchen with a washer, dryer, and dishwasher.

From $274 /person

Modern beachfront studio apartment with king bed, ocean view balcony and crisp white linens at Horizon Bay

Horizon Bay 902

4•

The Horizon Bay 902 unit comprises 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, one of which is en-suite. Two of the rooms have queen-sized beds and one of them single beds. Features include an open-plan living area, a fully equipped kitchen, a smart TV, uncapped wifi, and a patio with a gas braai and ocean views.

From $351 /person

Modern studio apartment bedroom with panoramic city views, white walls, hardwood floors and plush queen bed at Horizon Bay

Horizon Bay 903

3•

The Horizon Bay 903 unit comprises 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The main bedroom is en-suite and has a queen-size bed and balcony access, while the second has single beds. Features include floor-to-ceiling windows, a kitchen equipped with modern appliances, an open-plan living area, and a patio with a gas braai and ocean views.

From $338 /person

Bright studio bedroom at Horizon Bay with twin beds, gray paisley bedding and white furnishings

Horizon Bay 1106

2•

The Horizon Bay 1106 unit comprises 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The main bedroom boasts direct access to the balcony with stunning ocean views. Features include an open-plan living area, a fully equipped kitchen for all self-catering needs, uncapped wifi, and a TV with DSTV.

From $245 /person

Bright coastal bedroom with white and navy decor, king bed, matching bedside tables and window with venetian blinds

Horizon Bay 1302

4•

The Horizon Bay 1302 unit comprises 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, one of which is en-suite. Two of the rooms have queen-sized beds and one of them single beds. Features include an open-plan living area, a fully equipped kitchen, uncapped wifi, a TV with DSTV, and a patio with a gas braai and ocean views.

From $351 /person

Modern studio apartment with open-plan bedroom and living area featuring white decor, wall-mounted TV and coastal-inspired furnishings

Horizon Bay 1404

1•

The Horizon Bay 1404 unit comprises 1 bedroom with a queen-size bed and 1 bathroom. Features include an open-plan living area, a kitchen equipped for all self-catering needs, and a patio with Atlantic Ocean and Robben Island views.

From $201 /person

Bright studio apartment bedroom with two white beds, ocean view windows, and modern minimalist decor at Horizon Bay

Horizon Bay 1505

2•

The Horizon Bay 1505 unit comprises 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The main bedroom is en-suite with a queen-size bed, while the second has single beds. Features include a large living area, a smart TV with Netflix, uncapped wifi, a fully equipped kitchen, and a dining table seating 4.

From $248 /person

Luxury beachfront studio bedroom at Horizon Bay with ocean view balcony, twin beds, and modern coastal decor

Horizon Bay 1602

4•

The Horizon Bay 1602 unit is a beachfront penthouse comprising 3 bathrooms and 3 bedrooms, including a king-size bed, a queen-size and 2 single beds. Features include an open-plan living area, a fully equipped kitchen, a TV with Netflix, uncapped wifi, and a balcony with views of the Atlantic Ocean, Robben Island and part of Table Mountain.

From $477 /person

Bright modern studio bedroom at Horizon Bay with queen bed, white linens, gray headboard and coastal decor

Horizon Bay 1603

4•

The Horizon Bay 1603 unit comprises 3 bathrooms and 3 bedrooms. Two rooms are en-suite with queen-size beds and balcony views, while the other has 2 single beds. Features include an open-plan living area, a fully equipped kitchen, a TV with DSTV, uncapped wifi, and a patio with a gas braai and ocean views.

From $327 /person

Luxury studio bedroom at Horizon Bay with panoramic ocean views, floating king bed, and modern minimalist decor

Horizon Bay 1701

5•

The Horizon Bay 1701 unit is a luxury penthouse comprising 3 en-suite bedrooms. One has a super king-size bed and walk-in closet, while the others have three-quarter beds with an underbed each. Features include an open-plan living and dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, uncapped wifi, and a balcony with a private pool, gas braai, outdoor seating and ocean views.

From $665 /person

Modern dining area with wooden table and woven chairs in Horizon Bay beachfront studio apartment

Luxury beachfront studio apartment with modern grey sectional sofa, ocean view balcony and contemporary coastal decor at Horizon Bay

Spacious modern studio apartment at Horizon Bay featuring open-plan living area with grey stone accent wall and coastal-inspired decor

Modern dining area with wooden table and woven chairs in Horizon Bay 501 apartment featuring pendant lighting and open-plan kitchen

Modern dining area with woven pendant lights and wooden table decorated with succulent plants in luxury Horizon Bay apartment

Modern white kitchen with stainless steel appliances and breakfast bar in Horizon Bay 501 studio apartment

Panoramic ocean view from Horizon Bay apartment balcony overlooking Blouberg Beach with Table Mountain in distance

Oceanfront balcony with wooden loungers overlooking Bloubergstrand Beach and Cape Town coastline at Horizon Bay apartments

Bright white bedroom with twin bed, bedside table, table lamp and minimalist decor at Horizon Bay luxury apartment

Beachfront swimming pool with wooden deck overlooking Table Mountain and Cape Town coastline at Horizon Bay

Horizon Bay 501

3•

From $407 /person

Modern beachfront studio apartment living room with panoramic ocean views, contemporary furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows at Horizon Bay

Oceanfront balcony with wooden deck chairs overlooking turquoise waters at Horizon Bay apartments in Cape Town

Modern dining area with wooden table and chairs in open-plan Horizon Bay studio apartment

Modern open-plan living area in Horizon Bay apartment with leather sofa, dining table and fully-equipped kitchen

Modern kitchen with wooden cabinets and white countertops in Horizon Bay studio apartment

Modern dining area with wooden table and chairs in Horizon Bay studio apartment featuring minimalist decor and built-in shelving

Modern studio bedroom at Horizon Bay with white bedding, yellow throw, tropical print pillows and ensuite bathroom

Bright oceanfront studio bedroom at Horizon Bay with king bed, tropical pillows and panoramic sea views through floor-to-ceiling windows

Modern studio bedroom with three white single beds, patterned throw pillows and African-inspired wall art at Horizon Bay

Horizon Bay 801

3•

From $274 /person

Luxury beachfront studio apartment at Horizon Bay with ocean view balcony, modern furnishings and hardwood floors

Modern living room with white sectional sofa, gray accent wall, floating shelves and open-plan kitchen in Horizon Bay apartment

Luxury beachfront balcony with white sofa and ocean views at Horizon Bay apartments in Cape Town

Panoramic ocean view from Horizon Bay 902 balcony overlooking Cape Town beachfront and coastal highway

Modern studio apartment interior at Horizon Bay with white sectional sofa, wooden entertainment units and light hardwood flooring

Modern open-plan studio apartment with ocean views, white leather seating and stainless steel kitchen at Horizon Bay

Modern kitchen with wood and white cabinets in Horizon Bay studio apartment featuring stainless steel appliances and tiled flooring

Luxury beachfront studio apartment with ocean view balcony, white bedding, and modern coastal decor at Horizon Bay

Twin beds with crisp white linens and bedside reading lamps in bright modern studio room with plantation shutters

Ocean view balcony overlooking Table Mountain and Cape Town's coastline from Horizon Bay apartment

Horizon Bay 902

4•

From $351 /person

Modern open-plan studio apartment interior at Horizon Bay with hardwood floors and contemporary furnishings

Oceanfront balcony with wooden deck seating overlooking Sea Point promenade and Atlantic Ocean in Cape Town

Modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, stainless steel appliances and laundry facilities in Horizon Bay apartment

Horizon Bay 903

3•

From $338 /person

Modern studio bedroom at Horizon Bay with wooden wardrobes, flat-screen TV and bright windows with venetian blinds

Modern beachfront studio apartment with panoramic ocean views, white leather furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows at Horizon Bay

Ocean view from Horizon Bay studio apartment balcony overlooking turquoise waters and crashing waves

Modern open-plan kitchen and dining area with turquoise backsplash, white bar stools and contemporary black dining set in Horizon Bay apartment

Modern workspace desk with copper desk lamp and white chair in bright studio apartment at Horizon Bay

Modern open-plan studio apartment with grey reclining sofa, white kitchen and dining area at Horizon Bay

Modern white kitchen and living area in Horizon Bay studio apartment with ocean views and stainless steel appliances

Modern dining area with black table and chairs overlooking ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows at Horizon Bay

Modern white kitchenette with breakfast bar in Horizon Bay studio apartment featuring turquoise backsplash and contemporary appliances

Modern living room with ocean view in Horizon Bay apartment featuring beige recliner sofa and floor-to-ceiling windows

Horizon Bay 1106

2•

From $245 /person

Luxury beachfront living room with ocean view balcony, modern furniture and marble floors at Horizon Bay apartment

Oceanfront balcony view from Horizon Bay studio apartment overlooking Table Mountain and Blouberg Beach with modern patio furniture

Modern white kitchen and dining area with marble floors in Horizon Bay apartment featuring glass table and black chairs

Twin bedroom with white wooden beds and navy blue bedding at Horizon Bay, featuring bright natural light from window

Luxurious bedroom with tufted gray headboard, floral bedding, and modern white table lamps at Horizon Bay apartment

Horizon Bay 1302

4•

From $351 /person

Bright modern studio apartment at Horizon Bay with panoramic city views, white furnishings and coastal-inspired decor

Modern white kitchen with granite countertops and stainless appliances in Horizon Bay studio apartment

Horizon Bay 1404

1•

From $201 /person

Modern living room with leather sofas, hardwood floors and panoramic ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows at Horizon Bay apartment

Modern studio living area at Horizon Bay with rustic wood furniture, hardwood floors and open-plan layout

Modern studio apartment living room with panoramic city views, leather sofa, rustic wood coffee table and wall-mounted TV

Modern kitchen with granite countertops and ocean views in Horizon Bay luxury apartment, featuring hardwood floors and open-plan layout

Modern studio apartment with hardwood floors, open-plan living area and panoramic city views at Horizon Bay 1505

Modern studio apartment kitchen with granite countertops and panoramic city views at Horizon Bay Cape Town

Modern open-plan kitchen with white cabinetry and granite countertops in Horizon Bay apartment, featuring hardwood floors and minimalist design

Oceanfront balcony with wooden deck furniture overlooking Bloubergstrand beach and Table Bay in Cape Town

Bright twin bedroom with ocean view window, colorful floral artwork and decorative pillows at Horizon Bay apartment

Rooftop swimming pool with wooden deck overlooking Table Mountain and Bloubergstrand beach in Cape Town

Horizon Bay 1505

2•

From $248 /person

Luxury oceanfront living room with glass balcony doors, modern furnishings and stunning sea views at Horizon Bay apartments

Luxury oceanfront living room in Horizon Bay apartment with panoramic sea views, modern grey sectional sofa and glass coffee table

Modern living room with grey sectional sofa, coastal blue accents and glass coffee table in Horizon Bay luxury apartment

Modern dining area with ocean views in Horizon Bay apartment featuring wooden table and white chairs

Ocean view balcony with turquoise waters and white sandy beach at Horizon Bay apartments in Cape Town

Modern beachfront living room in Horizon Bay apartment with ocean views, contemporary furniture and wall-mounted TV

Modern living room with ocean view balcony at Horizon Bay featuring grey sofa, coastal decor and floor-to-ceiling windows

Luxury beachfront kitchen with ocean view balcony and modern white finishes at Horizon Bay apartment

Modern white kitchen with ocean view in Horizon Bay luxury apartment featuring sleek cabinetry and fresh flower arrangement

Modern white kitchen with breakfast bar featuring four designer bar stools and red roses in luxury Horizon Bay apartment

Modern dining area with wooden table and grey chairs overlooking Cape Town cityscape through floor-to-ceiling windows

Luxury oceanview studio bedroom at Horizon Bay with panoramic windows, king bed, white linens and turquoise ocean vista

Bright oceanview studio bedroom at Horizon Bay with twin beds, white linens, and sheer curtains framing coastal vistas

Bright oceanview studio bedroom at Horizon Bay with twin beds and sliding glass doors to private balcony

Horizon Bay 1602

4•

From $477 /person

Modern studio apartment living room with panoramic city views, white round coffee table and plush seating at Horizon Bay

Bright studio apartment bedroom at Horizon Bay with white walls, yellow throw blanket, and ocean view window

Horizon Bay 1603

4•

From $327 /person

Modern open-plan studio apartment with circular jute rug, ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows at Horizon Bay

Rooftop infinity pool overlooking Cape Town beachfront with turquoise ocean views and city skyline

Luxury beachfront studio at Horizon Bay featuring panoramic ocean views, modern lounge furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows

Spacious luxury studio apartment at Horizon Bay with panoramic city views, modern furnishings and plush bedding

Modern studio apartment with panoramic city views, natural light, white bedding, hardwood floors and contemporary furnishings at Horizon Bay

Modern open-plan studio apartment interior with floating wooden staircase and contemporary dining area at Horizon Bay

Modern hallway with hardwood floors and white staircase in Horizon Bay luxury apartment interior

Modern white kitchen with panoramic ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows at Horizon Bay luxury apartment

Modern kitchen bar with four black stools overlooking Table Mountain through large windows at Horizon Bay apartment

Luxury rooftop terrace with modern lounge furniture and glass balustrade overlooking Cape Town cityscape and harbor views

Modern balcony terrace with woven lounge chairs and wooden deck flooring at Horizon Bay luxury apartment

Luxury beachfront studio bedroom at Horizon Bay with panoramic ocean views, modern furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows

Luxurious modern bathroom with grey marble tiles, freestanding tub and glass shower enclosure at Horizon Bay apartment

Bright modern studio apartment at Horizon Bay with turquoise accents, multiple beds and panoramic ocean-view windows

Bright oceanfront studio at Horizon Bay featuring panoramic sea views, modern decor and turquoise accents

Luxury beachfront studio apartment with panoramic Table Mountain views through floor-to-ceiling windows at Horizon Bay Bloubergstrand

Modern studio apartment at Horizon Bay with bright blue walls, floor-to-ceiling windows, and ocean views from private balcony

Bright oceanview studio at Horizon Bay featuring white bedding, blue accent wall, and panoramic windows overlooking Table Mountain

Luxury bathroom with oval ocean-view windows, modern white fixtures and freestanding bathtub at Horizon Bay Cape Town

Horizon Bay 1701

5•

From $665 /person

Facilities

The below facilities are available at this stay:

Wi-Fi

Best time to go to Horizon Bay by Home Meets Hotel

Best
Good
Acceptable

January
From $89
February
From $83
March
From $54
April
From $41
May
From $41
June
From $68
July
From $39
August
From $65
September
From $103
October
From $72
November
From $85
December
From $176

January

From $89

February

From $83

March

From $54

April

From $41

May

From $41

June

From $68

July

From $39

August

From $65

September

From $103

October

From $72

November

From $85

December

From $176

Our top picks

Trips we think you'll love whilst staying at Horizon Bay by Home Meets Hotel

View all trips

Have Questions?

Our FAQs about South Africa

Recent postcards

What our travellers are saying

All Reviews

Our Viatu experience was just amazing, starting with the first discussions and the planning of our trip to Namibia. The Viatu team did a great job planning the trip according to our wishes and preferences.

Stefano

Verified Traveller

With super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!

Margherita

Verified Traveller

We booked our 3.5-week honeymoon with Viatu, and it was simply wonderful! We had the most amazing time in South Africa and will book holidays with Viatu again!

Linda

Verified Traveller

I spent one of my most exciting and beautiful holidays with Viatu in Namibia. From unforgettable game drives, lodges with stunning locations, delicious food and an adventurous cycling trip through the desert, we got the full package.

Manuel

Verified Traveller

From the first contact to trip preparation and implementation as well as support during the trip, Viatu always acted very professionally. Our wishes and the given financial framework were taken into account. The hotels, the food, the activities - everything was excellent and highly recommended.

Nadja

Verified Traveller

We had an incredible journey with Viatu and many unforgettable memories in South Africa. The journey was tailor-made to our wishes and the communication with Alex really easy, friendly and helpful. All the information was accessible online at any time, nicely presented and structured in an overview.

Michèle

Verified Traveller

We loved using the Viatu Trip Builder to design our holidays in South Africa. It was super easy and transparent. Our holidays were great and the few times we needed support, our consultant Benoit was very quick and helpful.

Anita

Verified Traveller

I'm very thankful for my first Viatu experience. The 3-week trip across Namibia combined incredible landscapes and nature, mindblowing eco-friendly lodges and utter peace of mind. The organisation and support of the Viatu team were spot-on - this is the way to impress. Thanks a lot!

Christoph

Verified Traveller

We booked our honeymoon with Viatu. From the first minute on, we had good communication going with our travel agent, and she suggested a very nice itinerary right away. After some little adjustments that were easily done, we were ready to go.

Nora

Verified Traveller

What can I say? We've had an absolute blast traveling through Namibia. Soooo many good new memories! We booked our trip a bit last minute but had amazing support from Viatu to get all the information in time.

Anna

Verified Traveller

Stefano

Verified Traveller

With super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!

Margherita

Verified Traveller

We booked our 3.5-week honeymoon with Viatu, and it was simply wonderful! We had the most amazing time in South Africa and will book holidays with Viatu again!

Linda

Manuel

Nadja

Michèle

Anita

Christoph