South Africa Travel Guide

• The country of South Africa is a dominant force on the continent. Since the first Europeans settled in the Cape area in the 17th Century, the history of South Africa has been fraught with conflict. The country has now evolved to be a mixed-race democratic republic, but the struggle to get to this point has been epic and at times, devastating. Despite this, South Africa is a strong nation and is sure to continue to play a leading role in Africa and the world’s affairs in the future. 
• When Nelson Mandela, an iconic South African freedom fighter, was released from prison in 1990, he managed to avert the likely civil war that the former apartheid government feared, and instead embraced “a rainbow nation”. When his political party, the African National Congress (ANC), formed the government in 1994, they included other races in future plans for the country, and ensured a peaceful, albeit difficult, transition to majority rule. It is important to see this for yourself on the streets of South African towns today.
• It is pretty easy to get around. Cape Town is brilliant and easy to explore, and you will find a good welcome in most places.
• Some of the world’s best game viewing is in South Africa’s famous Kruger National Park, and there are many other smaller parks to visit, where you can see wild animals, including the Big Five, extremely close up - just a few metres away!
• Communication is easy. English is used by many people, as well as their local African language, so you will be easily understood, although there are still many places where the Afrikaans language is dominant.
• South Africa is beautiful. The country spans many different types of unique landscape - the awe-inspiring Karoo and Klein Karoo semi-desert grasslands, with endless vistas stretching off into the distance; the remote and windswept Cape Point, with nothing between it and the Antarctic; the Wild Coast, with its hundreds of miles of mangrove trees on pristine white beaches; the craggy Drakensburg mountains; the delightfully pretty Garden Route….the list is endless, and every view is breathtaking. 
• South Africa is beautiful. The country spans many different types of unique landscape - the awe-inspiring Karoo and Klein Karoo semi-desert grasslands, with endless vistas stretching off into the distance; the remote and windswept Cape Point, with nothing between it and the Antarctic; the Wild Coast, with its hundreds of miles of mangrove trees on pristine white beaches; the craggy Drakensburg mountains; the delightfully pretty Garden Route….the list is endless, and every view is breathtaking. 
• Apart from the beauty of the place, there are loads of things to see and do; adventure activities, safaris, beaches, museums, nights out or simply sightseeing and relaxing.

In South Africa, it is considered that if you don’t know how to braai then you are simply not a man. Braai is the Afrikaans word for barbecue, and is a bit of a South African cooking ritual. South African people will put absolutely anything on a braai, so you’ll have the chance to try a range of different chargrilled meats, fish and seafood all freshly cooked and extremely delicious!

However, if you decide that you want to try braaing for yourself, then it's important to realise that you are bound to be judged on the height of your flames, the temperature of your coals, as well as your sausage (or boerewors as they’re known in SA) turning abilities! The idea is to try not to out-macho the men as you will get chirped (made fun of).

Technically a semi-arid country, South Africa generally has excellent weather, very suited for tourism. 

The South African climate is generally mild and sunny but in the winter months, it can get unexpectedly cool. Since it’s located in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are reversed from the UK, with summer being from December – February. In the summer, it’s hot everywhere, but it’s best to avoid Durban and the Indian Ocean coast during this season, as it’s very humid. The Western Cape and Garden Route are great year-round, although from May through to August it will be colder and rainy. Kwazulu and Mpumalanga provinces are mostly hot year-round, although the Drakenberg region gets plenty of rain in winter. Kruger will be very hot in summer. Gauteng (where Johannesburg is located) is also very hot in summer, and cold in winter (Jo’burg is 1524m above sea level)

Indoor heating is virtually non-existent, so it is advised that you consider the weather before you pack - a jumper or two is advisable!

Visa Assistance

Visas may be required in order to enter or transit through certain countries depending on your passport nationality, your reason for travel and how long you intend to stay.

Visa, passport and entry rules are subject to change and you should check the most up to date information from the relevant embassy or visa specialist.

To make things easier we have teamed up with The Travel Visa Company who are one of the UK’s leading travel visa specialists. You can use their website, alongside embassy websites,  to find out the specific entry requirements for the countries you intend to travel to.

For a fee, their dedicated team of experts can also apply for visas on your behalf, taking away the hassle and streamlining the process for you if you wish. For more details on the services they provide please click here – The Travel Visa Company

Entry Requirements for UK Travellers

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in South Africa set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the South African High Commission in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 30 days after the date you leave South Africa and have at least 2 blank pages. 

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

South African-British dual nationals

If you are a South African citizen aged 18 or over, you must use a South African passport to enter and exit South Africa. It is illegal to use another country’s passport. See the South African Department of Home Affairs for further information. 

Visa requirements

You can visit South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days for business or tourism.

Check the expiry date of your visa or entry stamp and ensure you do not overstay.

For more information on visas, contact the South African High Commission.

The Department of Home Affairs also has information on South Africa visas and immigration regulations. 

Travelling with children

There are special requirements for travelling to South Africa with children aged 17 and under, and for unaccompanied children entering South Africa. The South African Department of Home Affairs has more information.

Vaccine requirements

To enter South Africa, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk. 

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s South Africa guide. 

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of South Africa. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.  

Taking money into South Africa

When you enter South Africa, you must declare cash:  

• in South African rand if you are bringing more than 25,000 rand per person
• in other currencies if together they are worth more than 10,000 US dollars

South Africa has a long and complicated history of racial tensions and visitors are advised to be sensitive to this – you may hear the term ‘coloured’ being used to describe mixed-race citizens in South Africa, and although this is a commonly used term in the country be aware that it can have complex connotations and could on occasion cause offence. 

It is advised that you ask permission before taking any photographs of people during your visit to South Africa. 

Cigarettes and tobacco may not be sold to anyone under the age of 16 in South Africa. 

Drug taking and smuggling are serious offences and the punishments can be severe, so avoid any involvement with drugs. 

The minimum age you can buy and consume alcohol in South Africa is 18. 

Homosexuality is legal in South Africa and recent legislation bans discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. 

Health

You should contact your primary care physician to schedule a travel consultation at least 8 weeks prior to your departure to discuss vaccinations and other health measures. 

TB, rabies, cholera and malaria can be a problem in certain areas of South Africa, although not in Cape Town. Malaria has been reported in Kruger Park and parts of the Mpumalanga, Limpopo and KwaZulu Natal provinces. If you intend on visiting any of these areas it is recommended that you seek advice from your primary care physician about the best types of malaria tablets to take.

Cholera has also been known to affect certain poorer areas of South Africa, including North KwaZulu Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces. It is advised that you drink or use only boiled or bottled water when travelling around these areas and avoid having ice in your drinks. There have been some reports of Rift Valley fever (a viral illness contracted from animal blood or flesh). This is spread by mosquitoes and it is best to take particular care when visiting game reserves.

Swimming in fresh water lakes or ponds can be a concern, due to the presence of bilharzia/Schistosomiasis. Follow local advice and use caution. HIV affects the population of South Africa at a high rate so always practice safe sex. Make sure that you seek advice from your GP before travelling to South Africa and ensure that all necessary vaccinations are up to date.

For complete updated information regarding health and safety please refer to - travel.state.gov

Crime & Safety

South Africa is known for having a high level of crime, although in the main tourist destinations it tends to be lower and you can enjoy this beautiful country worry-free. Tourism police are visible in several large towns and protecting tourists is a high priority.

Townships tend to have the highest rate of crime; if you’re planning to visit one while in South Africa then it is advised that you consult a reputable tour company before doing so.

A few common-sense precautions should prevent you from encountering crime on your trip. Theft is more common at airports, bus and train stations so keep your baggage and valuables safe and with you at all times. If you decide to hire a car, don’t drive alone at night. Incidents of car hijack are common so stay vigilant, keep to main roads and park in well lit areas. Don’t walk alone at night under any circumstances.

Be vigilant when using public transport, only use reputable taxi companies and have your hostel or hotel book it for you. If you’re travelling alone, lock the doors and don’t allow the driver to pick up any other passengers.

You should keep large amounts of money, expensive jewellery, cameras and phones out of sight and do not change or withdraw large amounts of money in busy public places, including at ATMs or a foreign exchanges. Credit card fraud and ATM fraud is a concern, so take care to shield your PIN when using cash machines etc. Do not accept help from anyone you don't know. Do not give your personal or financial account details to anyone as there are international fraud rings in operation in South Africa.

Avoid isolated beaches and picnic spots across South Africa. Do not go walking alone in remote areas and if hiking, you should stick to popular, known hiking trails. It is advised you book on a recommended tour. Exercise caution when visiting Table Mountain, especially in quieter areas of the park and during early morning or just before the park closes. Stay in groups and stay vigilant.

South Africa is home to many species of wild animals and insects, including some dangerous creatures such as sharks and snakes. Pay attention to local warnings and take care to avoid high-risk areas. Some of our programmes are located in areas which are populated with poisonous snakes, spiders and scorpions so care should be taken in these areas. Cautionary measures include checking shoes before putting them on and keeping your clothes off the floor to reduce possible hiding places. Never attempt to pick up or handle any dangerous creatures.

We do not recommend hiring motorbikes, scooters, ATV vehicles, quad bikes or other types of motorised vehicles whilst abroad. Safety and quality of vehicles vary considerably and the traffic conditions can be much more dangerous than what UK travellers are used to. Should you wish to go against this advice, you should ensure you are hiring from a reputable company and that your travel insurance covers you for such activities.

South Africa’s climate is split between Mediterranean weather near Cape Town and subtropical weather elsewhere. Located south of the equator, its winter falls from May to September, and its wetter summer months from October to April. South Africa has fairly dry weather overall with sunny days and colder nights.

July and August are the coldest months with average temperatures in Cape Town at around 17℃; meanwhile, January and February is when South Africa is at its hottest, with an average of 26℃. The east coast is relatively warmer throughout the year, with a difference of about 4℃.

For cooler weather and game drives, the best time to visit South Africa is from May to September. If you want to go whale-watching, the ideal time to visit is from July to November. Peak season in South Africa is from November to March because of the Christmas and Easter breaks; the weather is hot and dry at this time of year in the Cape area, while Kruger National Park sees a few tropical rainstorms.

South Africa has 11 official languages (the most in the world), so that should give you a good idea of how diverse the culture is! This fascinating country is nicknamed the “Rainbow Nation” after its melting pot of unique cultures. Generally speaking, South African culture is friendly and less punctual than the UK, so things move at a more leisurely pace here. Tipping around 10 percent here is customary, and if someone is trying to get your attention, they’re more likely to make a hissing noise than shout.

Entry requirements and visa regulations are different for every destination and your purpose of travel. We recommend staying updated on the latest official information before you go travelling. Your passport should be undamaged and have enough blank pages for stamps and visas. Many countries require your passport to have at least 6 months of validity beyond the date of entry.

For more information and resources regarding entry requirements, check out our Visa Advice page.

At Gap 360, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. From the moment your trip is confirmed until you arrive back home, you'll have access to a 24/7 emergency contact number for any urgent issues. For anything non-urgent, our friendly team is also available during office hours to help.

We strongly recommend checking the FCDO travel advice for South Africa, as it's regularly updated with the latest safety and travel information and you can even sign up for email alerts to stay informed of any changes. In addition, you can check the FCDO general travel advice for British nationals abroad.