One of the best things about living in South Africa is that wildlife, coastline and wine country are a weekend away. Many Chinese families also host relatives and friends from China during the holidays; sorting visas, routes and accommodation early makes the trip far easier.
Start here
- Self-drive safari in Kruger National Park: entry, booking accommodation, routes and park rules.
Key things to know
- National parks are run by SANParks. Kruger and other national parks charge a conservation fee, and rest camps book out early for peak season and school holidays, so reserve well ahead.
- Malaria. Kruger and the surrounding area are malaria areas. Ask a doctor about prevention before you go and protect yourself against mosquitoes.
- Visitors from China need a visa. Chinese citizens need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit. Home Affairs plans to fold the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) for tour groups into the ETA, so check the latest arrangements before booking.
- Higher cash limit. The amount of rand banknotes a person may carry into or out of the country has been raised from R25,000 to R100,000 (as of October 2026), though cards are still the better choice for big spending.
Resorts and entertainment
Several holiday destinations in South Africa include a licensed casino, such as Sun City near the Pilanesberg in North West, where many people add a night or two after a safari. You must be 18 or older to enter a casino, and online casino games are illegal in South Africa. For the rules, see Betting & casinos.
Related sections
Before a road trip, read Transport & driving. For visas for visiting family, see Visas & immigration.
