South Africa is one of the most varied long-haul destinations for UK travellers, combining wildlife, vineyards, coastlines, mountains, cities, road trips and cultural experiences in one country. A single trip could include Cape Town, the Garden Route, a private game reserve, Johannesburg, the Winelands, Durban, Kruger National Park or the Drakensberg mountains.
It is a destination that rewards planning. Distances can be long, driving conditions vary, healthcare can be expensive, and travellers should take local safety advice seriously. With the right preparation, South Africa can offer an unforgettable holiday, whether you are planning a safari, honeymoon, family trip, self-drive adventure or multi-centre itinerary.
Before you travel
British citizens can visit South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business. Your passport must have an expiry date at least 30 days after the date you leave South Africa and must have at least two blank pages. There are also special requirements for children aged 17 and under, so families should check the latest official entry guidance before travelling.
If you are arriving from a country listed as a yellow fever transmission risk, you may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. This will not usually apply to direct travel from the UK, but it may matter if you are combining South Africa with other African or South American destinations.
Before booking, it is sensible to check the latest FCDO travel advice and sign up for alerts. GOV.UK also advises travellers to take out appropriate travel insurance before going abroad, covering existing physical or mental health conditions and any activities planned while away.
Where to go in South Africa
Cape Town is often the first choice for UK visitors. It offers Table Mountain, beaches, food markets, coastal drives, Robben Island, the V&A Waterfront and easy access to the Cape Winelands. The surrounding area is ideal for a few days of sightseeing, with Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl popular for wine tasting, restaurants and mountain scenery.
The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s classic self-drive routes, typically taking in places such as Hermanus, Mossel Bay, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Tsitsikamma. It works well for travellers who want beaches, forests, wildlife encounters, relaxed towns and scenic drives.
For safari holidays, Kruger National Park and the private reserves nearby are among the best-known options. There are also malaria-free safari areas in parts of the Eastern Cape and elsewhere, which may be especially attractive for families or travellers combining safari with the Garden Route.
Johannesburg is a major transport hub and can be worthwhile for history, museums and onward travel, while Durban and KwaZulu-Natal offer beaches, Indian Ocean warmth and access to the Drakensberg mountains.
Health and medical advice
There is no healthcare agreement between the UK and South Africa. Public medical care varies, while private medical care can be of a very high standard but expensive. The FCDO advises travellers to have the right travel health insurance and funds to cover medical treatment abroad and repatriation if needed.
If you take regular medication, plan ahead. Some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK may be regulated differently overseas, and many prescription medicines in South Africa require a local prescription. The FCDO advises checking whether you can obtain repeat prescriptions if needed.
Health considerations will depend on where you are travelling. Malaria prevention may be relevant for certain safari regions, particularly at certain times of year, while city and coastal trips may have different priorities. Check current TravelHealthPro advice before travelling and speak to a healthcare professional well in advance if you need vaccinations, malaria advice or guidance for existing conditions.
Safety and local awareness
South Africa is a rewarding destination, but personal security needs to be taken seriously. The FCDO notes a high crime rate, including violent muggings, jewellery and valuables snatching, carjacking, smash-and-grab attacks, robbery and sexual assault. Violent crime can occur anywhere, including tourist destinations and transport hubs, although the risk is higher in townships, informal settlements, some city centres, isolated areas and after dark.
Practical precautions make a difference. Avoid displaying valuables, use hotel safes where available, take reliable transport, avoid walking around after dark, be wary of people who approach you unexpectedly and only visit townships with a responsible, reputable guide. The FCDO also advises avoiding isolated beaches, picnic spots and local transport hubs, especially when it is dark.
Crime around ATMs and money exchanges is common, so use machines in secure locations, hide your PIN and avoid changing large amounts of money in busy public areas. If driving, keep valuables out of sight, doors locked and windows closed, particularly in cities and at traffic lights.
Safaris and outdoor activities
A safari is often the highlight of a South Africa trip. Choose operators carefully, follow ranger instructions and do not leave vehicles unless told it is safe. Wild animals are unpredictable, even when they appear calm.
If you are hiking, particularly around Cape Town, plan your route carefully. The FCDO has highlighted violent attacks and muggings against hikers and foreign tourists in Table Mountain National Park, including on Lion’s Head and Signal Hill. Travellers are advised to avoid quieter areas, stay on busy marked trails, hike on popular days and go in groups of four or more.
Adventure activities such as shark cage diving, bungee jumping, quad biking, zip-lining, surfing, mountain biking or safari excursions may not all be covered as standard by travel insurance. Check your policy wording before booking activities, especially if the activity is high-risk, remote or involves specialist equipment.
Travel insurance for South Africa
Travel insurance should be arranged as soon as you book your trip, not just before departure. Depending on the policy and level of cover selected, travel insurance may help with unexpected costs linked to cancellation, cutting short a trip, emergency medical treatment, repatriation, travel delay, lost or stolen belongings and other insured events.
For South Africa, medical cover and repatriation are especially important because there is no UK-South Africa healthcare agreement and private healthcare can be expensive. GOV.UK advises travellers to read the small print, understand exclusions and make sure their policy covers the full trip length, activities, destinations, medical conditions and emergency transport.
Leisure Guard’s travel insurance wording also makes clear that travellers should read the policy wording and policy certificate carefully, as different cover levels and optional sections only apply where selected and paid for. It also advises travellers to keep the policy documents with them when travelling and to contact the Medical Assistance Service as soon as possible if hospital treatment or medical assistance abroad is needed.
If you have pre-existing medical conditions, declare them accurately when buying cover. You should also check whether safari activities, hiking, cycling, water sports, adventure activities or multi-country travel are included. A Cape Town and safari itinerary may involve different risks from a resort-style beach holiday.
Driving and car hire in South Africa
South Africa is a popular self-drive destination, particularly for Cape Town, the Winelands, the Garden Route and some safari routes. UK photocard driving licences can be used for up to 12 months, although hire companies may have stricter rules such as minimum age or driving experience requirements. If you still have a paper licence, you should obtain the correct International Driving Permit before travelling.
Driving standards vary, fatal road accidents are common, and the FCDO advises drivers to obey speed limits, avoid unfamiliar areas, be extra vigilant at night and keep fuel levels above half a tank. GPS systems may also direct drivers through less secure areas, so check routes locally and stay on main roads where possible.
Before accepting a hire car, inspect it thoroughly, take photos of any existing damage, check the fuel policy and understand what insurance is included. Many rental agreements include basic insurance, but there may still be a large excess or charges for damage to tyres, wheels, glass, keys or underbody areas.
Car hire excess insurance may help with certain excess charges, deposits or other costs applied by the rental company after an insured incident, depending on the policy terms. It is not a replacement for full rental car insurance, third-party liability, fire cover or other compulsory cover. Leisure Guard’s Car Hire Excess & Damage Insurance wording explains that the product is designed to help with certain amounts you are liable to pay to the rental company after an incident, but is not suitable for travellers seeking total insurance and liability cover for rental cars.
Travellers should also check the certificate of insurance, rental dates, named driver, destination and exclusions before relying on any car hire excess policy.
Weather and practical tips
South Africa’s seasons are opposite to the UK, so December to February is summer and June to August is winter. Cape Town can be hot and dry in summer but cooler and wetter in winter, while safari areas may have different patterns. Pack for the region and season rather than assuming the whole country will have the same conditions.
Power cuts and water restrictions can affect parts of South Africa. The FCDO advises travellers to ask accommodation providers how they manage power cuts, carry a power bank and torch, and keep essential medicine and emergency contact numbers accessible.
Final thoughts
South Africa is a spectacular destination for travellers who want variety: wildlife, food, wine, mountains, beaches, history and road trips. It is also a country where planning matters. Check entry requirements, follow current travel advice, take sensible safety precautions and choose travel insurance that reflects your health, activities, itinerary and transport plans.
For self-drive holidays, make sure you understand the rental agreement and any car hire excess insurance before you collect the vehicle. With the right preparation, South Africa can be one of the most memorable long-haul trips available to UK travellers.
The contents of this article are for informative purposes only and does not affect the terms and conditions of a Leisure Guard Travel Insurance policy. For more information on what is covered under a Leisure Guard policy, please refer to the terms and conditions found in the policy wording.
