Administrative Formalities

Passport +

Validity : your passport must be valid for at least 30 days after your return.
Blank pages : ensure you have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
Photocopies : make copies of your passport and keep a digital version in a secure location.

Visa +

As citizens of the European Union, the United States, Canada and Australia, you do not need a visa for stays of less than 90 days.

Travelling with Children +

Attention If you are travelling with children, please read this section carefully.

Child travelling alone (without one parent)

Copy of birth certificate
Passport
Authorisation letter from the other parent
Copy of the other parent's passport

Both parents travelling together

Copy of birth certificate
Passport

Official Government Information: www.dha.gov.za

Health

Malaria Prevention +

The map below shows malaria risk areas in South Africa and neighbouring countries. Low-risk areas require only mosquito repellent.
Zimbabwe : the Victoria Falls area is a malaria risk zone, though cases have decreased thanks to preventive measures. It is advisable to use mosquito repellent after 3 pm and to cover arms, legs and ankles in the evening.

Vaccination +

No vaccination is compulsory but certain vaccinations are recommended.

Medical Care +

Attention Before departure, ensure you are well insured (medical cover, assistance and repatriation).

Medical care is easily accessible in large cities, with excellent private clinics, hospitals and GPs. Rural areas are less well served.
Most hospitals and clinics expect advance payment or full details of your medical cover before treating walk-in patients.
Public hospitals have emergency services, but it is preferable not to use these facilities.
First aid kit: bring basic medicines. Note that pharmacies such as Clicks and Dischem are widely available.

French Government Information: France Diplomatie

Food

General Information +

South Africa has strict food hygiene standards, ensuring a safe environment for consuming food in general.
Restaurants recommended by My African Routes: no particular concerns.
Street food: take basic precautions.
Water: drink bottled water only, unless your lodge specifies that tap water is drinkable or provides filtered water.

Must-Try Dishes +

Biltong / Droewors : dried meat
Bobotie : minced meat with spices
Boerewors : similar to a Toulouse sausage made with beef and lamb
Malva pudding : a succulent dessert
Koeksister : sweet pastry

Money

Local Currency +

Attention Notify your bank before departure to avoid any card blocking.

The Rand (ZAR)
1€ = 18.88 Rand (20-11-2024) — click here for live conversion
Recommendation: withdraw cash at an ATM on arrival. Recommended ATMs: Nedbank, Standard Bank, Capitec, FNB, Barclays.
Suggested amount to withdraw: R4,000–R6,000
Zimbabwe : accepted currencies: USD – ZAR – EURO
Note: ATMs in town are not always working — always keep some cash on you.

Bank Cards +

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted (restaurants, hotels and shops).

Tipping +

In South Africa, tipping is a common courtesy but not always obligatory. Here are some guidelines:

In shopping centres or city centres, "car guards" help drivers find parking and carry shopping. Some wear uniforms, others are independent — they live on tips (R5–R10 recommended).
Petrol station attendants fill up the tank, clean the windscreen and check oil, water and tyres. Recommended tip: R5–R10.
Restaurant waiters rely on tips as part of their salary. Standard tip: 10% of the bill.
At lodges, general staff (porters, waiters, bar staff) also receive tips. Recommended amount: R200 per day, placed in a communal pot and shared.
Safari guide: R300 per day. Animal tracker (if present): R100 per day. These are guidelines and can of course be adapted to your preferences.

Climate & Times

Seasons & Temperatures +

Seasons are reversed compared to Europe.
Average winter temperature: 8°C (night) – 20°C (day)
Average summer temperature: 15°C (night) – 28°C (day) / 35°C in the north

Packing — Summer (October to March) +

Days are warm, sometimes very hot, with cooler evenings.

Clothing

Light, comfortable clothing: breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen
Shirts / T-shirts (short sleeves or light long sleeves for sun protection)
Light trousers or shorts
Swimwear / sarong or beach outfit
Light jacket or windbreaker for evenings and early morning safaris
Comfortable closed shoes for walking and safaris
Sandals or flip-flops
Neutral colours (khaki, beige, olive) for safaris

Accessories

Hat or cap
Sunglasses
Sunscreen (face and body)
Water bottle
Small backpack for excursions

Packing — Winter (May to September) +

Days are generally mild, but mornings and late afternoons can be very cold, especially on safari.

Layering recommended
Long-sleeve T-shirts / shirts
Long trousers
Warm jumper or fleece
Windbreaker or light waterproof jacket
Light down jacket (JOTT type) for early morning safaris
Beanie for cold mornings
Neutral colours (khaki, beige, olive) for safaris

Important On early morning and late afternoon safaris, temperatures in open vehicles can be very cold. Lodges usually provide blankets, but a warm fleece and a good windbreaker are strongly recommended.

Year-Round Essentials & Time Difference +

Accessories & practical items

Mosquito repellent (depending on region/season)
Binoculars for wildlife watching
Camera
Power adapter (type M — South Africa)
Personal medication
Copies of important documents (passport, insurance)

Time Difference

Austral winter (May–Sep): no time difference with France
Summer (Oct–Apr): +1 hour

Phone & Internet

Data Usage & Recommendations +

Attention Using connected devices (smartphones, tablets…) in South Africa can incur high costs. Remember to disable data roaming on arrival, unless you have an international option.

Subscribe to an international option if available
Adjust your over-limit blocking option
Install your mobile operator's app on your smartphone
Bear in mind that all use of connected devices — communication, social networks, navigation, GPS, emails, various apps — will consume your personal data allowance.

Local SIM Card (Vodacom) +

These packages are available at Vodacom shops at airports and participating retailers. They include data, minutes and SMS valid on all networks for 30 days, and are activated upon purchase and SIM registration (RICA).
www.vodacom.co.za/vodacom/terms/vodacom-travel-sim

eSIM Airalo +

These eSIM packages are available via the Airalo app. They include data valid on all South African networks and are activated immediately upon installation on a compatible phone, with no need to visit a store.
www.airalo.com/south-africa-esim

Wi-Fi +

Most hotels and restaurants in large cities offer free Wi-Fi.
When connected to Wi-Fi, you do not use data from your personal plan.

Local Transport

Car Hire +

Drive on the left
Validity of your licence: check before departure
International driving licence: not required
Translated version of French licence: not required

Roads & Driving Tips +

Motorways are in good condition and well maintained. Secondary roads may be in poorer condition with potholes. Be careful.
Don't be surprised — there is a lot happening on main roads: people walking, cyclists, goats, cows, golf ball vendors and avocado sellers. That's daily life! Stay alert.
Hire car: should normally have a tag for toll roads. However, always keep some cash in case of malfunction. Toll booths do not accept international credit cards.
Traffic lights: in the event of load-shedding, traffic lights will stop working. They then become a "4-way stop". The rule: the first to arrive has priority.
Two-lane roads: drivers often move into the yellow emergency lane to let others overtake. Do so with caution, as the lane is also used by pedestrians and cyclists. If someone pulls over to let you pass, thank them by flashing your hazard lights.
Night / rural driving: best avoided due to pedestrians who are hard to spot and animals crossing the road.
Drink-driving: legal limit: 0.05%.
Parking: freely available at most hotels, lodges, shopping centres (underground car parks) and on the street.

Safety & Practical Tips

Safety Tips +

Large cities: stay vigilant. Do not display valuables visibly and avoid going out alone at night. Be aware that your standard of living is incomparably higher than that of the vast majority of South Africans.
Use official taxis or services such as Uber. In tourist areas, pickpocketing can occur — stay alert. Public transport is not recommended.
Always lock doors: keep windows closed and doors locked while driving, especially in urban areas.
Petrol stations: fill up during the day and avoid isolated stations at night. Do not leave valuables in the car, even out of sight.