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How to travel to South Africa
South Africa is a popular and well-connected destination for visitors, with excellent tourism infrastructure. International flights are available to Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.
Domestic flights, car rentals and an excellent road network make exploring effortless, whether travelling independently or on a guided tour. We share tips on how to get to and around South Africa.
GETTING TO SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa is one of Africa’s most accessible destinations. International airports and frequent flights connect it to Europe, the Middle East and beyond. Whatever your focus, there are convenient entry points.
Major International Airports
- R. Tambo International Airport – JNB (Johannesburg): Handles the most international flights. It is a key gateway for onward travel to safari destinations in the Greater Kruger National Park
- Cape Town International Airport – CPT: Popular with European visitors, with direct flights from Frankfurt, Amsterdam and London. Ideal for travellers to Cape Town, the Winelands and the Garden Route.
- King Shaka International Airport – DUR: Connected to regional hubs in the United Arab Emirates, it is the ideal entry point for beach holidays, the Drakensberg Mountains and wildlife parks of KwaZulu-Natal.
Direct flights to these and smaller international airports are available from neighbouring countries, like Botswana and Namibia.
Connections and domestic travel
The domestic flight network in South Africa is excellent. Frequent flights connect all major cities, making it easy to combine destinations; think a beach break in Cape Town followed by a safari in a private reserve.
For independently-inclined travellers, car rentals are the obvious choice, with magnificent journeys on an extensive road network enticing wanderlust, be it along the Garden Route or from Cape Town to Kruger.
If you’d prefer not to drive, private transfers and organised tours are readily available, letting you arrive at your destinations refreshed and ready for action.
Efficient air travel to and around South Africa ensures the holiday starts as you touch down.
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
Domestic air travel in South Africa is generally fast and reliable, but more expensive than in Western countries. Still, it is the most efficient way to cover long distances quickly.
For instance, the flight from Cape Town to Kruger takes two hours, compared to about twenty hours by road. Factor in other costs, and flying remains the most efficient option.
The key airports for domestic connections include:
Main Airports and provinces served:
R. Tambo (Johannesburg) – Gauteng, Northwest, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Free State
Cape Town International – Western and Northern Cape
King Shaka (Durban) – KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape
Regional hubs and regions served:
Eastgate Airport (HDS) – Northern Greater Kruger Park, including Timbavati
Skukuza Airport (SKZ) – Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands
Kruger-Mpumalanga Airport (MQP) – Kruger, Sabi Sands
Richards Bay Airport (FARB) – Northern KwaZulu-Natal
Gqebehra (PLZ) – Eastern Cape, Wild Coast, eastern Garden Route
George Airport (GRJ) – Garden Route
These airports are well-connected, giving travellers numerous options when planning multi-stop holidays.
Several local airlines operate frequent services, like South African Airways, FlySafair and Airlink. While baggage allowances, onboard services and ticket flexibility may vary, standards are high, with simple online booking available.
For safaris, many private lodges in the Sabi Sands and Timbavati are serviced by scheduled charter flights, and we can assist you in booking a seamless transfer from the city to the wilderness.
GUIDED TOURS
The simplest, and possibly most cost-effective way to explore South Africa is by joining a guided group tour. These are especially suitable for those who prefer not to drive, have limited time, and are looking for a simple way to see various South Africa’s highlights.
Guides & vehicles
We have a team of experienced, registered guides on hand, who act as both your driver and tour guide. As such, all logistical matters stay in their competent hands, allowing you to sit back and enjoy South Africa.
Furthermore, you will travel in one of our specially-modified tour vehicles, ensuring you get to your destinations ready to explore.
Your experienced guide has a wealth of knowledge at their disposal, sharing useful information about the country’s fauna, flora, history and culture. In essence, they open a window to South Africa that simply isn’t there on self-drive holidays.
We organise both scheduled group and private guided tours of South Africa.
SELF-DRIVE TOURS
Exploring South Africa in a rental car on a self-drive holiday is a fantastic way to experience the country’s diversity. Self-drive tours give visitors the flexibility and freedom to decide what they want to see and how long they want to spend in the various destinations, from the Mother City, Cape Town, to the vast Kruger National Park.
Most car rental companies have branches conveniently located at the country’s international airports, meaning that you can begin your road trip adventure within minutes of entering the country. Additionally, their services are also available at the various regional airports.
All manner of vehicles are available for hire, from compact hatchbacks to luxury sedans and from fully-equipped 4×4 safari vehicles to multi-berth campervans. Also, with reasonably priced fuel and goods, you can go a long way for less than you’d expect.
Contact us for assistance in putting together a wonderful self-drive itinerary.
VISA
Do you need a visa to visit South Africa?
Most European passport holders can enter South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days. Check the list of exempted nationalities before travelling here.
If you do need a visa, the government offers a convenient South African e-visa option. Alternatively, contact the nearest South African consulate or high commission.
Note, you should apply for a visa well in advance.
Passport requirements
Visitors must have a passport that is valid for at least 30 days after the intended departure date, with two blank pages.
Other requirements
You may be required to provide the following:
- Proof of a return or onward ticket
- If travelling from, or via, a country with the risk of yellow fever transmission, a certificate for a yellow fever vaccination is required.
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Proof of itinerary
Travelling with children
Families travelling with minors under the age of 18 must pay particular attention to the requirements for entry into the country. Please follow the link to find out more about the Travel Requirements for Children.
In some cases, parents may be required to provide unabridged birth certificates, consent affidavits, and/or additional paperwork if children travel with one parent or another guardian. These rules are rigorously enforced.
Important Disclaimer:
Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice. It remains the traveller’s responsibility to ensure that they have the correct visa and documentation. Always confirm requirements with the nearest South African authority before travelling to South Africa.
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OUR EXPERT ADVICE
ROAD TRIP PRECAUTIONS
Where possible, avoid driving after dark and always allow ample time to reach your destination before nightfall.
The gates of most wildlife destinations are locked between sunset and sunrise, so factor this into your travel plans. Ensure that you have sufficient fuel for the next leg of your journey.
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