South Africa Visa Information, Entry Requirements, Tourist, Business, Private Visas to South Africa, Comprehensive Information on South Africa Visa Requirements, Other Visa Types
For making a trip to South Africa, a land of enchanting beauty, you have to get South African Visa. South Africa, like every other sovereign country the world over has the sovereign right to decide who can or cannot enter its territory. Possession of a visa does not guarantee automatic admission to the Republic of South Africa.
Traveling for South Africa holidays is really simple and easy; one just has to apply for a visa and you are here, in no time. The South African Embassies are outsourcing the process of applying for a South African visa to various agencies in many countries. One needs to fill a visa application form from the office of South African Embassy of his/her country.
General Visa Requirements to South Africa
– A valid passport; all travelers will need a passport valid for at least 90 days following your departure date from South Africa.
– Blank Visa pages; you are required to have at least two un-used pages in your passport, allowing for any necessary stamps upon arrival and departure.
– Proof of sufficient funds in form of bank statements (should be original and certified by the bank; and for the past 3 months), or salary payslips or bursaries, credit cards or traveler’s cheque.
– Onward / return ticket and, if in transit, proof of sufficient documentation for admission to the country of destination.
– Yellow fever certificates are required if the journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America.
– Copy of certified birth certificate.
– Visitors should be of sound mind and body.

VISA TYPES
Business Visa
The business visa is issued for various reasons such as making feasibility studies, establishing professional and business contacts, and making arrangements for investments. The validity of the visa can vary from one month to twelve months. The fees for the visa are determined administratively, so it is advised that prospective investors consult the appropriate authorities before making application for visas.
Multiple-Entry Visa
Foreigners who, because of their business or investments, need to make frequent visits to RSA are issued multiple-entry visas. Their validity ranges from one month to a year. Multiple-Entry Visa fees are determined administratively. So it is paramount that prospective investors consult the appropriate authorities before applying.
Ordinary Visa
Also the tourist visa is issued at any South African embassy. It grants visitors the permission to enter the country through designated entry points along the borders, airports and harbour stations. However, a person coming from a country with no a South African embassy, is issued a visa any of the entry points in South Africa
Transit Visa
A transit visa is a permission to cross South Africa from one entry point to another and is for people whose purpose in entering South Africa is simply to pass through without visiting. It is issued for a maximum of two weeks. The transit visa is issued only to people with onward tickets, sufficient funds for the crossing in South Africa, and an entry visa for the country of destination.
South Africa has remained one of Africa’s most sought after holiday destinations owing to its natural splendour. The Visas to South Africa are of various types, depending on the purpose of visiting this country. South Africa tourist Visas are meant for those tourists who want to enjoy this country and return back after a short period.
Processing Time
Applications should be made well in advance. Although the minimum processing time is 3 business days and maximum10 business days, nationals applying for a visa are advised to apply up to 10 weeks before their departure date.
Please make sure that you have at least two empty pages in your passport before travelling to South Africa.
Who Needs a South Africa Visa?
Depending on your nationality, and the duration of your visit, you may not need a visa to visit South Africa at all. Nationals of the following countries need a visa to South Africa.
British Dependent Territories including Anquilla, Bermuda, British Antartic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, Cayman Island, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands, Sovereign Base Area of Akrotiri and Dhekelia and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
For applicants intending to stay in RSA for a period of more than 90 consecutive days, the following requirements may also be required;
– Medical Insurance
– Medical Certificate / Doctor’s report (A referral letter from current doctor or detailed appointment letter from doctor in RSA).
– Police Clearance certificate (criminal background record) in respect all applicants 18 years of age or older, in respect of all previous countries of residence for period exceeding one year.
– Deposit of USD 450 or return ticket
– And other supporting documents
Important Notice
– Incomplete applications are not accepted.
– Application forms must be appropriately signed by the applicant and the signature must match the signature in the passport. (You do not have to submit your application for a visa in person.)
– In the event of multiple applications, supporting documents must be copied on all submitted applications.
– Copies of ID and letters of permission may be requested if applications are questionable.
– Please consult with the South African embassy or relevant embassy or your travel agency for information ahead of you travel.

Remotely located in Maputaland, the north-eastern province of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, contiguous to the Mozambique border, Tembe Elephant Park is one of the largest and most popular national elephant reserves in South Africa. The park was established in 1983 to guard the last remaining herds of free-ranging elephants in South Africa which used to migrate between Maputaland and southern Mozambique. These elephants were traumatized by poaching during the civil war in Mozambique so the park was only opened to the public in 1991.
Spanning over an area of 300 sq km, Tembe Elephant Park is noted for its profusion of wildlife including the Big Five (250 elephants, 65 rhinos, buffalos, leopard, serval, hippo, and antelope species); diverse topography plus a rich flora. The Park is a very ideal spot for wildlife expedition, nature safari, and adventure tourism. It attracts a large number of tourists

Tembe Safaris Elephants

and wildlife enthusiasts through out the entire world with its significant elephant population
Vegetation
Because of its differing terrains, Tembe Park supports a diverse mix of tropical and sub-tropical vegetation as it falls in a transitional area. Vegetation ranges from dense sand forest, woodlands, grasslands and swamplands, all of which combine to provide an ideal habitat that enables game-drive vehicles with perfect visibility to spot the elephants as well as the other animals, bird and insect species sheltered here.
Wildlife
Elephants, rhinos, buffalos are the main wildlife attraction of the Park. Hippos, wildebeests, elands, zebras, giraffes, jackals, hyenas, water bucks, reed bucks, nyalas, servals, kudus, warthogs, red duikers and other small mammals also thrive in abundance. Safari visitors to the Park can not miss a glimpse of the rare and elusive suni antelope, one of the smallest and shyest species of buck in southern Africa. Other endemic groups include 14 mammals, 23 reptiles, 3 frog species and 8 water fishes.
Bird Life
Tembe Park is another highlight amongst birding enthusiasts in South Africa.  Its assorted scrub, thornveld and sand forest offers perfect shelters a rich abundance of unique bird species. Over 340 bird varieties many of which are endemic to South Africa or tropical zones have been recorded here including the rare Plain-backed Sunbird, Natal Nightjar, African Broadbill, also rare Rudd’s Apalis, Rufous-bellied Heron and Woodward’s batis. Other common sightings are Woollynecked Stork, Little Bittern, Sharpbilled Honeyguide, Hamerkop, Saddlebilled Stork, White Stork, Woodpecker, Bearded Woodpecker, African Broadbill, Goldentailed Woodpecker, Yellowbilled Stork, etc.
Getting There
From Durban, take the N2 north towards Mkuze, about 350km away. Continue north on the N2, and join Jozini road after about 14km, and drive another 20km to Jozini. You will come across the dam wall but drive on for a further 72km – until you see the sign post of the Park entrance from where you’ll be picked up by a safari guide in a 4WD upon clearing the entrance fee. Park entrance fee of R30 @ visitors

Elephants moving in the Park

Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is from April to September. This is when the weather relatively very pleasant. Game safaris are best during the hot midday times as the elephants congregate around the waterholes.
ACTIVITIES
There are two prominent ways exploring the Tembe Elephant Park. The most preferred way to enjoy the jungle beauty and wildlife attractions of Tembe is;
- Guided Game Drives; Daytime and evening game drives are conducted by an experienced guide and are included at no extra cost. Elephant safaris are another option although not so popular.
- Bird watching – Tembe offers excellent birding opportunities particularly at Ndumo Game Reserve
- Snorkeling & Scuba diving for instance nearby Tongoland reefs.
- Turtle watching along the coast from Kosi to Ponte de Oro.
- Guided boat Excursions across the Kosi Lake system

TEMBE SAFARI ACCOMMODATION

Tembe Safari Camp
Tembe safari camp is nestled in the tangled forests of the Park, on the border with Mozambique, and astride ancient elephant migration routes. It comprises six luxury en-suite and four semi-luxury safari tents that blend unobtrusively with their natural surrounds and are tucked away in secluded areas around the camp. The tents are furnished and built on wooden platforms; each has both a queen size and a single bed.
The Camp is privately managed and offers guided safaris in luxury open safari vehicles. There is an open-air braai area that lends itself to a rustic setting where guests can enjoy campfire meals under bright stars. It also has a Matriarch Suite, elevated on a wooden platform for special safari holidays.

Madikwe Game Reserve is situated on what used to be farm land against the border with Botswana about 90 km north of Zeerust in the North West Province of South Africa. Commissioned in August 1991, Madikwe Game Reserve is the fourth largest game reserve in South Africa and comprises 750 sq km (including the now incorporated privately owned land) of bushland north of the small town Groot-Marico up to the Botswana border. Madikwe has of late gained fame as one of South Africa’s prime safari

Madikwe Safari Giraffe

destinations with ease of 5 game viewing.
Madikwe Game Reserve is divided into two main areas. The area north of the Molatedi Dam is fenced and stocked with all the historically indigenous wild animals including elephant, rhinoceros, lion, leopard and buffalo. The climate of the area is generally mild to hot, but winter nights can be cold.
The unique attribute of Madikwe lies in its distinctive location, a transition zone on the edges of the Kalahari, where a number of rare species occur naturally.
VEGETATION
The terrain is predominantly of vast plains of open woodlands and grasslands, interspersed with rocky outcrops and single mountains. The area is dotted with huge rocky hills or inselbergs. The rich diversity of vegetation ensures a wide range of game and the topography offers ideal game viewing opportunities.
WILD LIFE
What initially used to be farm land is now restored to its former natural environment and over 8,000 animals and 27 wildlife species were moved to Madikwe Game Reserve as part of a huge translocation of game known as Operation Phoenix. The Reserve is home for cheetahs, wild dogs, hyenas, lion, elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, herbivores and a number of antelope species. This is also the only place in Africa where Springbok and Kalahari Gemsbok meet naturally.
BIRD LIFE
Over 350 species of birds both resident and migrant have been recorded at Madikwe including raptors. It is a great destination for bird watchers. Some of the most common varieties spotted here include Ostrich, Secretarybird, Cape Vulture, Whitebacked Vulture, Martial Eagle, African Finfoot, Yellowthroated Sandgrouse, Carmine Bee-eater, Groundscraper Thrush, Marico Flycatcher and Violeteared Waxbill.
GETTING THERE
The reserve is conveniently situated 4-5 hrs drive away from Johannesburg. It is a straightforward self-drive route. In situation that you are going towards the lodges about the western border, the street is beneficial tarred road all the way. It is the very same street that is utilised to drive to Gabarone, Botswana, so it is well maintained and utilized. In case you are visiting the camps around the eastern border of the reserve, the street is very good tarred street all the way, except for your final 20km. From right here, it is a superb grit road that is nicely utilized by the local communities.
It is probable to also commute across the reserve your self if you’re visiting the western and eastern camps. It is about a one hour drive from the western camps towards the eastern camps and it offers excellent game viewing en route.
You can also fly into Madikwe from Johannesburg. There are two airstrips, one in the east and one the west.

Madikwe Gamedrives

RESERVE ACTIVITIES
Guided Game Drives: There are day and night game drives within the Reserve. A two and half hours guided game drive enables closer look at amazing wildlife of the area.
Self-drive Safaris: self-drive safaris in Madikwe are arguably the most impressive activity here. They allow for complete freedom to explore the area at your own leisurely pace. Several Madikwe safari lodges offer options of self-drive safaris for guests. There are several routes to take running from short-break to 5-day Long Routes.
Birding: Aside from just hearing the tweeting and chirping sounds of the reserve birds, birding trails create closer proximity to the several bird species in the area.
Bush Walks: Mosethla Bush Camp, Madikwe Safari Lodge, Thakadu River Camp and Mosethla Bush Camp are the best venues with interactive bush walks in the reserve. Guests are taken on conducted day and night bush walks.
WHERE TO STAY
Remarkable accommodation is available at different private lodges in the reserve. There are 30 lodges on the property, and six lodges in the private farms outside the main reserve. Most of the available accommodation options are community managed and owned.

Madikwe Hill Lodge

Thakadu River Camp
Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge
Madikwe Safari Lodge
Morukuru Lodge
Jaci’s Tree Lodge
Tuningi Safari Lodge
Madikwe Hills Lodge
Madikwe River Lodge
Mosethla Bush Camp
Tau Game Lodge
Leopard Rock Lodge
Madikwe Bush House
The Royal Madikwe

The Garden Route is an extensive bio-diverse area that stretches on the southern coast from Heidelberg to the Tsitsikamma Forest and Storms River. It’s a nook of the nation that offers inspiration to writers and artists whose presence offers the Garden Route a trendy flavour. It is also a top priority of numerous foreign visitors. The coastal drive links a sequence of charming towns interspersed with natural splendor. Along the way in which, each kind of adventure exercise is feasible; scuba diving, abseiling, fishing and additional. The Tsitsikamma National Park perched on a tumultuous Indian Ocean shore is one of South Africa’s most dramatic secured regions, combining marine and land sights. One of the most geologically interesting attributes of South Africa is the Klein Karoo, with its towering mountains and sheer gorges.
A significant geological characteristic is the Cango Caves, a series of caverns and chambers naturally hewn out of limestone situated outdoors the metropolis of Oudtshoorn.
Being one of the coolest and greenest locations in Africa, the Garden Route attracts every single year a substantial amount of interest from Westerners looking for an alternative towards the sizzling and arid lands.
Garden Route Wildlife
The Garden Route has a selection of wildlife .You will find basically Game reserves from exactly where 26 distinctive species of wildlife might be seen namely, lions, elephants, rhinoceros , buffalo and giraffe from specially developed and comfy automobiles together with Helicopter tours. Horse back again safaris and quad bicycle trails are offered for all those feeling additional adventurous. You will find basically elephant sanctuaries in Knysna plus the Craggs in Plettenberg Bay, exactly where elephants could be fed, ridden or walked with. Bush buck may perhaps be noticed grazing in the forests together with porcupines as well as other mystical creatures that inhabit the Garden Route. Wild elephants in the Knysna Forest, when thought to be extinct, have already been spotted not too lengthy in the past and perhaps you might be fortunate to spot these rare and elusive creatures. Wildlife conservation is taken very seriously and in the Garden Route you’ll find many conservancies and National parks protecting Wildlife from the encroaching human developments
Bird Life
The indigenous forests of the area are a haven for numerous varieties of birds. Over 300 bird species have been recorded here.  The very best approach to watch the vast quantity of Garden Route birds is an early morning or late afternoon hike along the a lot of trials. The most common and suitably recognized of all speices present is the Loerie species. A host of other birds including species of weaver birds can be observed such as the blue and crowned crane, Sun birds, African Jacana, Black Oyster Catcher, Kori Bustard, Cape White Eye and Cape Canary. Garden Route birders are encouraged to pack an excellent pair of binoculars and walking footwear for a more adventurous excursion. Several a lot more birds might be observed on any one of the walks or hikes by means of the Forest or along the Touw River and specifically whilst walking by way of Wilderness National Park.
Climate
The Garden Route experiences a Mediterranean Maritime climate with moderately hot summers and mild to chilly winters. It is one of Soth Africa’s wettest areas, with heavy rains coming in the winter months resultant of the blowing humid sea-winds from the Indian Ocean. However, the area is an appropriate travel destination in any time of the year depending on your travel objective.
Popular Stops During Garden Route Tours
Knysna
Perched on the banks of an estuary teaming with marine life and surrounded by the indigenous forests of the Outeniqua Mountains, this beautiful town has a lot to offer. Your local guide at Knysna Lagoon should share fascinating tales about the Lagoon, the early shipping industry and oyster cultivation. Several outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and abseiling to sampling are some of the finest experience in Knysna. All in all, Knysna is a bustling happening spot with much to offer.
Mossel Bay
Mossel Bay is South Africa’s historical gem. For the culturally minded, there is the Maritime Museum, Cultural Museum, the Shell Museum, the Aquarium, and the Ethno-Botanical garden. Visit Hough’s Herbal garden in Excellent Brak plus the many art galleries in this small town. Take a drive to the original mission village of Friemersheim in the Outeniqua hills and revisit the South Africa of the ancient times.
Oudtshoorn
Dubbed the ostrich capital of the world, Oudtshoorn is a great place to visit especially if it’s raining everywhere else on the Garden Route. Visitors are guaranteed sight of several ostriches in just this one location.
Plettenberg Bay
Nestled along the Garden Route about 210 km from Port Elizabeth and 600 km from Cape Town, Plettenberg Bay is a sports paradise and boasts fabulous trails for hikers, mountain bikers, horse riders and canoeists. The highlight of the area is definitely the rivers, beaches and the bay with its ideal conditions for all facets of watersports, including sailing in the safe waters of the Bay, superb rock and surf fishing and scuba diving spots.
Tsitsikamma National Park
The Garden Route tours climax with adventure safaris into magnificent Tsitsikamma National Park. The Park stretches 50 miles along the coast and into the ocean. It comprises two sections: indigenous rain forest and a coastal strip. The rain forest is lush, green, thick and exotic.
Activities
To keep one occupied for the entire duration of your holiday in the Garden Route there is an array of Garden Route activities.

• Golfing is a huge activity on the Garden Route with some of the top golf courses in the world based here such Fancourt Country Club Estate offering 4 courses built by Gary Player. Others are  George Golf Course, Simola Golf Estate, Pezula Champioship Golf Course, Knysna Golf Course and Goose Valley Golf Course in Plettenberg Bay.
• Quad biking
• Mountain biking in Harkerville and Knysna forests
• Bungee jumping more popular at Bloukran’s Bridge, the world’s highest bungee jump at 216m
• One can take a Hot Air Balloon trip in Oudtshoorn
• Abseiling off the Knysna Heads
• Canoeing & Hiking on Knysna River and Forest
• Boat cruises with the intention to spot dolphins, seals and whales. Best between July and November

Where to Stay
Overmeer Guest House, Argyle House, Turning Tides Bed & Breakfast, Fairways Self Catering