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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Pink colonial-style guest suites with white columns surrounded by lush gardens and blooming bougainvillea at Le Manoir de Brendel wine estate

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Pink colonial-style guest suites with white columns surrounded by lush gardens and blooming bougainvillea at Le Manoir de Brendel wine estate

Cape Winelands

Le Manoir de Brendel

From $110 /person

4.3 Sustainability Rating

Luxury accommodation on a family-owned wine estate near Franschhoek

Nestled in the heart of the Cape Winelands, Le Manoir de Brendel is a boutique hotel on a family-owned wine estate. A 5-minute drive from historic Franschhoek, the hotel offers guests a luxury stay in any of its 10 luxury suites or 2 family cottages, each individually decorated and with all the expected creature comforts at hand. Guests can take on a game of tennis, relax by the swimming pool or in the guest lounge, explore one of the walking trails, or enjoy a wine tasting.

Nestled in the heart of the Cape Winelands, Le Manoir de Brendel is a boutique ...

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Rooms

Spacious garden suite at Le Manoir with king bed, exposed wooden beams, elegant grey curtains and rustic hardwood floors

Deluxe Garden View Suite 1

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This suite has lovely garden views, a seating area with a desk, and an en-suite bathroom with a shower and freestanding claw-foot bathtub. Other amenities include air-conditioning, a telephone, DStv, a DVD player, a minibar, coffee and tea facilities, a safe, a hairdryer, gowns, and slippers.

From $110

Luxury suite with exposed wooden beams, king bed with navy accents, floral curtains and elegant country manor decor

Standard Garden Manor House Suite 2

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Located on the first floor, this suite has a seating area with a desk and an en-suite bathroom with a shower and claw-foot bathtub. Other amenities include air-conditioning, a telephone, DStv, a DVD player, a minibar, coffee and tea facilities, a safe, a hairdryer, gowns, and slippers.

From $110

Luxurious garden suite at Le Manoir de Brendel with king bed, warm lighting and elegant white bedding

Standard Garden Manor House Suite 5

1•

This suite has lovely garden views, an outside sitting area, and an en-suite bathroom with a shower and freestanding claw-foot bathtub. Other amenities include air-conditioning, a telephone, DStv, a DVD player, a minibar, coffee and tea facilities, a safe, a hairdryer, gowns, and slippers.

From $110

Spacious luxury suite at Le Manoir de Brendel featuring king bed with navy bedding, wicker headboard, and elegant blue floral curtains in sloped-ceiling room

Upper Family Manor Suite 3

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This spacious suite has a private bedroom with a double bed, a seating area with another double bed and a desk, and an en-suite bathroom with a shower and claw-foot bathtub. Other amenities include air-conditioning, a telephone, DStv, a DVD player, a minibar, coffee and tea facilities, a safe, a hairdryer, gowns, and slippers.

From $139

Spacious junior suite at Le Manoir with king bed, red accents, antique desk, and sloped ceiling featuring warm lighting

Upper Manor Superior Suite 4

1•

Located on the top floor, this suite has a seating area and an en-suite bathroom with a shower and claw-foot bathtub. Other amenities include air-conditioning, a telephone, DStv, a DVD player, a minibar, coffee and tea facilities, a safe, a hairdryer, gowns, and slippers.

From $139

Luxury spa bathroom with white porcelain tub and turquoise towels at Le Manoir de Brendel suite

Honeymoon - Spa Bath Luxury Suite 6

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This spacious suite is perfect for honeymooners and comes with a large seating area and en-suite bathroom with a shower and a luxurious spa bath. Other amenities include air-conditioning, a telephone, DStv, a DVD player, a minibar, coffee and tea facilities, a safe, a hairdryer, gowns, and slippers.

From $194

Luxury suite bedroom with carved wooden headboard, turquoise accent pillows and throw blanket on white bedding

Luxury Poolside Mountain View Suite 7

1•

Located on the ground floor, this suite has an inside and outside seating area and 2 separate en-suite bathrooms, with a shower and bath respectively. Other amenities include air-conditioning, a telephone, DStv, a DVD player, a minibar, coffee and tea facilities, a safe, a hairdryer, gowns, and slippers.

From $152

Luxury suite bedroom with woven headboard, crisp white linens and lime green accent pillows and bedspread at Le Manoir de Brendel

Luxury Poolside Mountain View Suite 8

1•

Located on the ground floor, this suite has an inside and outside seating area and an en-suite bathroom with a shower. Other amenities include air-conditioning, a telephone, DStv, a DVD player, a minibar, coffee and tea facilities, a safe, a hairdryer, gowns, and slippers.

From $152

Luxury suite bedroom with king bed, coral accents, taupe headboard and modern round bedside tables at Le Manoir de Brendel

Luxury Poolside Mountain View Suite 9

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From $152

Luxury king bed suite with dark wood furniture, gray accent pillows and vintage bedside lamps at Le Manoir de Brendel

Executive Poolside Mountain ViewSuite 10

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From $162

Charming white cottage with colonial pillars nestled among lush trees at Le Manoir de Brendel wine estate

Vineyard Cottage

3•

Set in the lush gardens, this 2-storey cottage is perfect for a family or group of friends. It features 2 double beds (1 in the main bedroom and the other in the upstairs living area), a sofa bed, a bathroom with a bath, a fully-equipped kitchenette as well as a dining area.

From $552

Luxury four-poster bed with red canopy drapes in Huguenot Cottage at Le Manoir de Brendel

Huguenot Cottage 1

2•

With lovely views of the surrounding vineyards, this ground-level cottage is great for a family or group of friends. It features 2 bedrooms, each with a double bed, an inside and outside seating area, and a fully-equipped kitchenette.

From $343

Spacious luxury suite with wooden beam ceiling, king bed, plush seating area and mirrored wardrobes at Le Manoir de Brendel

Elegant garden suite interior with hardwood floors, white wooden chairs and floral upholstered seating at Le Manoir de Brendel

Shaded outdoor patio with iron chairs overlooking lush garden at Le Manoir de Brendel luxury suite