South Africa Beach Holidays
Cape Town sunsets, Garden Route coves, and warm KwaZulu-Natal surf. Plan your South Africa beach holiday with flights, hotels, and travel tips.
€1 = R 19
Today
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Weather in South Africa
Fri
Sat
Sun
SPF level in South Africa
Autumn
SPF 50
Spring
SPF 50
Summer
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 30
Entry requirements for South Africa
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.
You can visit South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days for business or tourism.
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 to enter South Africa.
From 1 July 2026, all travellers entering or leaving South Africa through air, land, sea and rail ports of entry are required to submit an online traveller declaration before travelling.
There are special requirements for travelling to South Africa with children aged 17 and under, and for unaccompanied children entering South Africa.
Good to know:
You must declare cash if bringing more than 25,000 South African rand per person or other currencies worth more than 10,000 US dollars combined when entering.
If you are a South African citizen aged 18 or over, you must use a South African passport to enter and exit South Africa as it is illegal to use another country's passport.
Safety in South Africa
South Africa is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Do not display valuables or leave them in your car to avoid attracting thieves.
Be wary of strangers offering you free drinks or rides, as there have been instances of drink spiking followed by robbery or assault.
Avoid walking alone on remote beaches or in deserted areas, especially after dark.
Always carry a copy of your passport's photo page and visa page with you as local officials may ask for identification.
When driving, keep your car windows closed, especially at junctions, and keep valuables out of sight to prevent 'smash and grab' thefts.
Bonus tips:
Only swim between the red and yellow flags on busy tourist beaches and follow lifeguard instructions.
If you are driving, be aware that pedestrians often cross major roads away from marked crossings, so be extra cautious.
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Driving in South Africa
A valid UK driving license is accepted for a period. An International Driving Permit can also be useful.
Side of the road
Left
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
60 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: South Africa drives on the left. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the right.
Health in South Africa
As a British tourist, you should ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, repatriation, and other unforeseen events. While the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) and its predecessor, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), are not valid in South Africa, travel insurance is crucial to cover any medical costs incurred during your trip.
No vaccinations required
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic for the most up-to-date health advice and recommended vaccinations before travelling to South Africa. Malaria is a risk in some parts of South Africa, particularly Kruger National Park and KwaZulu-Natal province. Discuss malaria prevention with your healthcare provider. Be aware of HIV/AIDS prevalence. Drink bottled water to avoid stomach upsets.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in South Africa, especially in major cities and tourist areas. However, it's always wise to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments, markets, or rural areas.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
Tipping in South Africa
Tipping is customary in South Africa for good service. While not mandatory, it's a common practice to show appreciation.
Restaurant
10-15% of the bill
Bar/Café
10-15% of the bill for table service
Taxi
10% of the fare, or round up
Hotel Porter
10-20 ZAR per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
20-50 ZAR per night
Tour Guide
10-15% of the tour price
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in South Africa. Roaming can be expensive, so consider purchasing a local SIM card for cheaper data and calls.
Local SIM
5GB for 150 ZAR (~£6.50)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in South Africa
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type D, Type M, Type N
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, restaurants, cafes, and shopping malls in cities and tourist areas. However, the quality and reliability of the connection can vary.
Average speed
35 Mbps
While WiFi is readily available, purchasing a local SIM card may give you better connectivity, especially if you intend to travel to more remote locations. Data speeds may vary depending on location and network congestion.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
10111
Ambulance
10177
Fire
10177
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling South Africa
Country code
27
To call South Africa from the UK, dial 00 27 followed by the local number.
UK Embassy
255 Hill Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa
Phone
+27 (0)12 421 7500
Website
O.R. Tambo International Airport
Cape Town International Airport
King Shaka International Airport
Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport
George Airport
Bram Fischer International Airport
Recent updates
Safety
The specific warning about a proposed national shutdown day on 30 June 2026 and related travel disruption has been removed.
Xenophobic violence now primarily but not exclusively targets African immigrants and those perceived as African immigrants.
A specific date of increased risk has been added: 30 June 2026 has been proposed as a day of national shutdown, with an increased likelihood of protests and travel disruption on or around that date.
If you encounter a protest unexpectedly, you should now leave the area as soon as it is safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities.
There has been an increase in xenophobic and anti-immigration marches and violence, primarily targeting African immigrants and those perceived to be African immigrants.
The list of higher-risk crime locations now includes 'informal settlements, and other high-density areas'.
You should now also avoid 'local transport hubs' in addition to isolated beaches and picnic spots.
A new separate subsection 'E-hailing and taxis' replaces and expands on 'Taxi app crime'. It adds advice to 'identify a place of safety until the vehicle arrives'.
It now states tensions between e-hailing and metered taxi drivers 'have led to armed violence and fatalities', rather than 'can lead to armed violence'.
A new advice point is added: 'Plan your journey so that you can avoid busy areas such as taxi ranks and transport hubs.'
The hiking advice for Table Mountain National Park is now to 'hike in groups of 4 or more' instead of 'not hike alone'.
In Kruger National Park, a specific incident from May 2026 is mentioned where '2 local tourists were killed in a rare violent incident within the park and the suspects were arrested.'
The Western Cape travel disruption warning has been removed.
No current advisories for strong winds, heavy rain, flight delays, cancellations, or diversions at Cape Town.
Strong winds and heavy rain across the Western Cape are now causing flight disruption.
Flights to and from Cape Town may be delayed, cancelled, or diverted.
Travellers are advised to monitor flight status, stay away from flooded areas, follow local advice, and allow extra time for travel.
Entry Requirements
From 1 July 2026, all travellers entering or leaving South Africa must submit an online traveller declaration before travelling.
Beaches in South Africa
No beaches listed for South Africa yet.
Frequently asked Questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.