The best insurance for your trip to South Africa

Are you planning a trip to South Africa soon? Discover our travel tips and the insurance solution that suits you best.

South Africa is a magnificent country, offering breathtaking landscapes and an incredible mix of cultures and history. It is often referred to as the Rainbow Nation because of its remarkable diversity of people, cultures, and traditions. Trendy cities such as Cape Town and Johannesburg, spectacular wildlife parks, sun-drenched beaches, and the extensive vineyards of the Western Cape make South Africa an exceptional travel destination. With Redion travel insurance, you can leave with complete peace of mind.

What travel insurance should you take out for South Africa?

Travelling to South Africa? Choose annual travel assistance, which provides you with comprehensive protection for all your trips abroad, 24 hours a day, throughout the year. Please note that all our travel insurance products include the following benefits:

• Reimbursement of medical expenses
• Repatriation following illness or an accident, including insured travelling companions if necessary
• Early return in the event of the hospitalization or death of a close relative in Belgium
• Assistance in the event of lost documents

Do you travel only once a year and are you looking for temporary travel insurance for South Africa?

Do you travel only once a year, either alone or with your family? Redion gives you the opportunity to insure a single trip. You will be fully covered during your stay in South Africa. Choose our travel insurance Temporary World and enjoy comprehensive coverage at a very attractive price.

Are you staying in South Africa for more than three months?

Are you travelling to South Africa to study or work? Or would you like to tour the country and stay for more than three months? Then choose a Long Trip travel insurance.

Five Useful Facts About South Africa

You probably already know that there is no time difference between South Africa and Belgium during the summer, while in winter South Africa is one hour ahead. Here are some other interesting facts about South Africa.

• South Africa has eleven official languages, including Afrikaans, which is one of the youngest languages in the world. At just 103 years old, it originated as a Dutch dialect. Interestingly, South Africans often understand Flemish better than they understand modern Dutch.

• South Africa is also known as the Cradle of Humankind. The oldest traces of Homo sapiens have been found near the town of Langebaan in the Western Cape Province. These remains are estimated to be around 117,000 years old.

• South Africa has three capital cities: Pretoria, Cape Town, and Bloemfontein. The country's political system is based on the principle of the separation of powers developed by the French philosopher Charles de Montesquieu. This means that the legislative, executive, and judicial branches are distributed across different parts of the country.

• The fourth-longest place name in the world can be found in South Africa. Have you ever heard of Tweebuffelsmeteenskootmorsdoodgeskietfontein?

• The Bloukrans Bridge is located near Plettenberg Bay, often called "Plett", between the Eastern Cape and Western Cape. This arch bridge rises 216 metres above the ground and is probably best known for offering one of the world's highest commercial bungee jumps.

Good to know: Hermanus is the premier destination for whale watching in South Africa.

Is whale watching on your South Africa bucket list? South Africa is one of the best places in the world to see these magnificent giants in their natural habitat. Just a short distance from the shoreline, you can spot southern right whales, Bryde's whales, and humpback whales. The best location for whale watching is Hermanus, renowned for its exceptional whale-watching opportunities, with the peak season running from June to October.

What visa do you need to travel to South Africa?

If you intend to stay in South Africa for more than three months, you must apply for a visa. For shorter stays, a valid Belgian passport or Kids-ID is sufficient. If you are travelling with children under the age of 18, you must carry an English-language birth certificate. Be sure to contact your local municipality well in advance to obtain this multilingual document.

Three travel tips for your trip to South Africa

With its incredible diversity, South Africa offers whale watching in Hermanus, unforgettable safaris in Kruger National Park, vibrant city life in Cape Town, and wine tastings in the Stellenbosch vineyards. There is so much to see and experience that choosing only a few highlights is difficult. Here are three must-see experiences:

Go on safari:

If you are travelling to South Africa, a safari is an absolute must. Whether you visit Kruger National Park or one of the country's many other wildlife reserves, you may find yourself face to face with a leopard, buffalo, rhinoceros, elephant, or lion. Consider spending a night in the park, where accommodation ranges from budget-friendly options to luxurious five-star lodges. Who wouldn't dream of waking up to the distant roar of lions?

Cape Town:

Cape Town has everything you need for an unforgettable trip. Hike up Table Mountain or Lion's Head, watch adorable penguins and whales along the coast, discover South Africa's fascinating history on Robben Island, and delight your taste buds in one of the city's many restaurants. Whether you are looking for culture, nature, gastronomy, or nightlife, Cape Town offers it all, without any significant jet lag.

Garden Route :

The Garden Route is one of the most beautiful road trips in South Africa. Stretching for approximately 700 kilometres between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, it takes you through breathtaking landscapes featuring nature reserves, beautiful beaches, and charming villages. A journey along this route is an unforgettable way to experience the country's natural beauty.