Backpacking through South Africa is a dream. From nature and wildlife to the vibrant cities, it’s a trip you’ll never forget.
Unlike the well-trodden backpacker trails through South America or Southeast Asia, South Africa doesn’t get the same attention. That works in your favor—fewer crowds, more authentic experiences. Everything about it makes it a trip of a lifetime.
Since it’s not as familiar to UK travelers, we’ve put together this guide to help you sort the practicalities before you go.
Visa Requirements for UK Travelers
Good news: you don’t need a visa if you’re visiting South Africa for 90 days or less. Your UK passport gets you in without any paperwork.
Planning to stay longer than three months? You’ll need to apply for a visitor’s visa either at the South African High Commission in London or online through the Department of Home Affairs website. Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks, so don’t leave it until the last minute.
There’s also an option to extend your 90-day stay by another 90 days, but you must apply at least 60 days before your original visa expires. Extensions are handled within South Africa at Home Affairs offices.
Staying Connected
An eSIM is the easiest way to stay connected throughout South Africa. Your UK network will charge extortionate roaming fees—EE, Vodafone, and Three all charge around £6-7 per day for roaming in South Africa.
Skip that. You can buy a Holafly eSIM for South Africa and have it downloaded to your phone within minutes, giving you instant connectivity on arrival. Most eSIMs will either ask you to scan a QR code or follow a download link with straightforward instructions.
Get a package with unlimited data for the full duration of your trip. Holafly’s South Africa plans start from around £19 for 7 days, which works out far cheaper than paying daily roaming charges. You’ll need data for maps, booking accommodation on the go, and staying in touch with people back home.
Currency and Managing Money
South Africa uses the South African Rand (ZAR). The exchange rate hovers around 23-24 ZAR to £1, though it fluctuates.
Here’s what things actually cost compared to the UK:
| Item | UK Price (£) | South Africa Price (ZAR) | South Africa Price (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee | £3.50 | 35-40 | £1.50-£1.70 |
| Restaurant meal | £15-20 | 150-200 | £6.50-£8.50 |
| Hostel bed (dorm) | £25-30 | 250-350 | £10.50-£15 |
| Pint of beer | £6 | 45-60 | £2-£2.50 |
| Supermarket shop (weekly) | £50-60 | 600-800 | £25-£35 |
| Petrol (per liter) | £1.45 | 24-26 | £1-£1.10 |
South Africa is noticeably cheaper than the UK, which stretches your budget further.
Exchange some cash before you leave—around £100-150 in Rand is enough to cover your first day or two. After that, don’t rely entirely on cash.
Most supermarkets, restaurants, and businesses accept card payments. Download Wise and setting up a virtual account before you travel. You can exchange pounds to Rand through the app at the real exchange rate (banks and airport exchanges will rip you off), then use the Wise card or add it to Apple Pay or Google Pay. Revolut works similarly, though Wise tends to have better rates for South African Rand.
Cash is still useful, especially in remote areas like the Wild Coast or smaller towns in the Eastern Cape. ATMs are widely available in cities, but withdrawal fees can add up—usually around 50-60 ZAR per transaction.
Booking Accommodation and Excursions
Book in advance. South Africa isn’t overrun with hostels like Thailand, so options can fill up, especially during peak season (December-February).
You don’t need to book every single night months ahead, but have at least your first few nights sorted and know where accommodation clusters are along your route. Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg have plenty of options. Smaller spots like Storms River or Coffee Bay? Less so.
For excursions—cage diving, safaris, township tours, hiking permits for Table Mountain—book one or two days ahead at minimum. Some activities, like certain safari lodges or the Otter Trail hike, need weeks or months of advance booking.
You won’t regret traveling across South Africa. The culture is welcoming, the landscapes are staggering, and it’s nowhere near as touristy as other backpacker hotspots. It might not be the first place people think of, but it’ll quickly become your favorite.