South Africa Travel Advisory & Safety 2027 | Expert Guide

Travel Advice, Information and Tips for South Africa has been compiled from many sources, however we are proud that most of the advice, tips and information contained herein was taken from the personal experiences of the entire Kabira Safaris team, that has been gathered over many trips to South Africa.

TIME:

GMT : +2 hours

CLIMATE:

The Western Cape, Northern Cape & Eastern Cape share a Mediterranean kind of Climate . The winter months [April – August] are moderate and changeable, during these months most of the rainfall occurs; which is opposed to the rest of the country, which receive summer rainfalls. The Kwazulu Natal coastline is sub-tropical and enjoys sunshine throughout the year. The summer months [November – April] can get quite hot and humid (up to 80% humidity) where heavy rainfalls are experienced. Freestate, Gauteng and North-West Province have relatively cold winters and mild to hot summers [November – April]. These places get rainfall in the summer months. Mild winters, scorching summers in Mpumalanga and Northern Province [Nov. – Apr. ] During winter there might be a big difference between the temperature during the day and at night.

LANGUAGES:

South Africa has 11 official languages. English is spoken almost everywhere.

VISAS:

Travellers from the UK and most (not all) visitors from the European Union do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days to South Africa. Visitors who wish to work in South Africa must apply for a work permit overseas at the South African Consulate or Embassy. Before leaving South Africa, check with the nearest South African Consulate or Embassy for any changes to the visa requirements.

In practice, your passport must be valid for a minimum of 30 days beyond your scheduled date of departure from South Africa in terms of South African immigration laws. However, certain immigration authorities still require a passport to be valid for at least 6 months on the date of admission to South Africa. Ensure that your passport fits this criterion so that you don’t have any complications when you get at the airport.
If you need a visa to enter the nation, your passport must contain at least 2 vacant pages. If you don’t require a visa, one blank page is suffice.

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN:

South Africa has eased its rules for travelling with children under the age of 18. Children travelling to South Africa without a visa (including UK Nationals visiting for tourism purposes) must produce a valid passport on arrival. This is irrespective of whether the child is travelling with both parents, one parent or an adult who is not a biological parent (for further information please see the South African Department of Home Affairs). This includes children going as part of a school group.

The requirements for unaccompanied children entering South Africa are different. For specific queries concerning these, or any other entry requirements for a visit to South Africa, please contact your nearest South African High Commission or Embassy.

HEALTH RISKS / IMMUNIZATION:

In South Africa, food and tap water are generally safe. People travelling from a country in tropical South America or Sub-Saharan African may need a certificate of inoculation against yellow fever. This is true for any person over the age of one year old. South Africa – No yellow fever danger. Malaria is prevalent in the north and east of Mpumalanga, the north of Kwazulu Natal and in some parts of the Northern and North West Provinces . The peak transmission of malaria occurs during the rainy season i.e. from November to April. You should take anti-malaria medicines before entering any of the above regions (see your GP or chemist for information). Also, ensure you have sufficient insect repellent with you. If you are bitten by a wild or domestic animal, rabies and tetanus vaccine is recommended. The following vaccines are suggested for health care workers and others who will have close contact with the local population: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid. Booster doses of tetanus-diphtheria and measles and one-time dose of polio vaccination for adults as needed.

Important: where you are travelling to South Africa (including in transit) from a Yellow Fever Zone, with effect from 01st July 2011 you must have a Yellow Fever Certificate showing that you have been immunised at least 10 days earlier, or an exemption certificate (where applicable). This includes (but is not limited to) travel from Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda or Kenya. We recommend that you see your GP or nearest travel clinic for the most up-to-date advice.

ON SAFARI:

All huge game in the wildlife reserves should be treated as dangerous and the laws of the reserve should be scrupulously observed. Boots, socks and long pants are the best defence against snakebites on a walking safari. Neutral coloured attire is suggested and in the cooler months warm apparel is recommended for game drives. Do not swim in rivers in wild life regions. Afternoon / evening game drives usually start between 15h00 – 16h00 so please make sure that you arrive on time.

SAFETY / SECURITY:

Although most visitors enjoy their travels in South Africa without incident visitors are advised to take note of the following points:

  • Avoid using local commuter trains.
  • Avoid walking alone at night in deserted / quiet areas – ask hotel staff for advice.
  • Do not openly carry expensive cameras in city areas.
  • Do not carry large sums of money – credit cards are widely accepted.
  • Ensure that credit cards, credit card numbers and personal identification numbers are protected.
  • While staying at hotels / guesthouses, make use of safety deposit boxes.
  • Avoid nighttime travel when driving in the former homelands of Transkei and Ciskei (Eastern Cape).