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

Swellendam Country Lodge

From €47 /person

4.3 Sustainability Rating

A charming guest house in Swellendam set in a lush garden

Nestled in a lush garden filled with fruit trees and frequented by a multitude of birds, Swellendam Country Lodge is a delightful guest house in the charming town of Swellendam. Set within the original manor house dating back to the 19th century, Swellendam Country Lodge offers guests an authentic country house stay, with breakfast freshly prepared and served daily, featuring homemade jams and compotes, and ingredients straight from the garden. Guests can laze away the day next to the private swimming pool or with a game of boules. Activities in town and further abroad include exploring quaint shops and boutiques, visiting the open-air museum, hikes, wine and olive oil tastings, and canoeing down the Breede River.

Nestled in a lush garden filled with fruit trees and frequented by a multitude of ...

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Cottage Room (King)

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The Cottage Room (King) comes with a king-size bed or 2 single beds, and has an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower. The room is located in the back of the garden close to the swimming pool, and has a private entrance.

Cottage Room (Queen)

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The Cottage Room (Queen) comes with a queen-size bed, and has an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower. The room is located in the back of the garden close to the swimming pool, and has a private entrance.

Luxury Room (King/Bath)

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The Luxury Room (King/Bath) comes with either 2 twin beds or 1 king-sized bed, and has an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower and separate bath. The Luxury rooms are larger than the Cottage rooms, and come with a private entrance and a patio overlooking the garden.

Luxury Room (King/Bath)

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Luxury Room (King)

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The Luxury Room (King) comes with 1 king-sized bed, and has an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower. The Luxury rooms are larger than the Cottage rooms, and come with a private entrance and a patio overlooking the garden.

Luxury Room (King/Bath)

1•

The Luxury Room (King/Bath) comes with a king-sized bed, and has an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower and separate bath. The Luxury rooms are larger than the Cottage rooms, and come with a private entrance and a patio overlooking the garden.

Cottage Room (King)

3•

Cottage Room (Queen)

1•

Luxury Room (King/Bath)

2•

Luxury Room (King/Bath)

2•

Luxury Room (King)

2•

Luxury Room (King/Bath)

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What our travellers are saying

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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