What Does NDT Stand For In Tourism? Unveiling Travel Insights

Are you curious about the acronym NDT in the context of tourism? NDT in tourism refers to the National Department of Tourism in South Africa, a crucial entity responsible for promoting and developing the country’s vibrant tourism sector. SIXT.VN is here to help you explore how this department shapes travel experiences. Discover the key initiatives, strategies, and benefits driving South Africa’s tourism industry. Let’s dive into South African tourism, travel planning, and responsible travel.

1. What is NDT in the Context of Tourism?

NDT stands for the National Department of Tourism in South Africa. The National Department of Tourism in South Africa plays a vital role in promoting tourism growth and development within the country. South Africa’s National Department of Tourism focuses on marketing South Africa, enhancing tourism offerings, and ensuring responsible and sustainable tourism practices.

1.1 Understanding the Role of the National Department of Tourism

The National Department of Tourism (NDT) in South Africa plays a multifaceted role in shaping the tourism landscape. Here’s a breakdown of its key responsibilities:

• Policy Development: Crafting and implementing policies that support the growth and sustainability of the tourism sector.
• Promotion & Marketing: Promoting South Africa as a premier tourist destination both domestically and internationally.
• Regulation & Standards: Ensuring quality tourism products and services through grading and regulatory frameworks.
• Skills Development: Fostering skills development programs to enhance the capabilities of the tourism workforce.
• Transformation: Promoting inclusive tourism practices that benefit historically disadvantaged communities.

1.2 How NDT Impacts Tourism in South Africa

The NDT’s influence on South Africa’s tourism industry is significant and far-reaching. Here’s how:

• Economic Growth: Tourism contributes substantially to South Africa’s GDP, and the NDT’s initiatives drive further economic growth by attracting more visitors and boosting tourism-related businesses.
• Job Creation: The tourism sector is a major employer, and the NDT’s focus on skills development and enterprise support leads to increased job opportunities.
• Destination Enhancement: By promoting responsible tourism and supporting infrastructure development, the NDT helps to improve the overall quality and appeal of South Africa as a tourist destination.
• International Recognition: The NDT’s marketing efforts enhance South Africa’s image on the global stage, attracting more international visitors and investment.

2. What is the Mandate of the Department of Tourism?

The mandate of the Department of Tourism, as outlined in the Tourism Act of 2014, includes promoting tourism sector growth and development, enhancing quality tourism products and services, effective marketing, cooperation between government spheres, and promoting responsible tourism.

2.1 Key Objectives of the Tourism Act of 2014

The Tourism Act of 2014 provides the legal framework for the NDT’s operations and outlines its core objectives:

• Growth and Development: To promote the sustainable growth and development of the tourism sector.
• Quality Assurance: To ensure high-quality tourism products and services that meet international standards.
• Effective Marketing: To market South Africa effectively as a premier tourist destination.
• Cooperation and Coordination: To foster cooperation and coordination between different levels of government in tourism development and management.
• Responsible Tourism: To promote responsible tourism practices that benefit both the country and its visitors.

2.2 Promoting Domestic and International Tourism

The NDT is tasked with the dual responsibility of promoting both domestic and international tourism. Here’s how it approaches each:

• Domestic Tourism: Campaigns aimed at encouraging South Africans to explore their own country, often focusing on affordability and unique experiences.
• International Tourism: Marketing campaigns targeting key international markets, showcasing South Africa’s diverse attractions and experiences.

The NDT also collaborates with other government entities and private sector stakeholders to create a conducive environment for tourism growth. According to the South African Government News, the tourism sector has shown strong recovery, underscoring the effectiveness of these collaborative efforts.

3. How Does the NDT Promote Economic Growth?

The NDT promotes economic growth through several initiatives, including attracting more tourists, creating jobs in the tourism sector, and supporting historically disadvantaged tourism enterprises. According to research from Statistics South Africa and South African Tourism, in 2022, nearly 5.7 million tourists visited South Africa, and in the first quarter of 2023, the country received over two million visitors, more than double the amount in the same period last year.

3.1 Attracting Tourists and Boosting the Tourism Economy

The NDT employs various strategies to attract tourists and stimulate the tourism economy:

• Marketing Campaigns: Targeted marketing campaigns that showcase South Africa’s diverse attractions to international and domestic audiences.
• Destination Development: Investing in infrastructure and tourism products to enhance the appeal of different regions.
• Partnerships: Collaborating with airlines, tour operators, and other stakeholders to offer attractive travel packages and promotions.
• Events and Festivals: Supporting and promoting events and festivals that draw visitors and generate economic activity.

3.2 Creating Jobs in the Tourism Sector

Job creation is a key priority for the NDT. It achieves this through:

• Skills Development Programs: Providing training and skills development opportunities to equip individuals with the necessary skills for tourism-related jobs.
• Enterprise Support: Supporting small and medium-sized tourism enterprises through funding, mentorship, and access to markets.
• Infrastructure Development: Creating jobs through infrastructure projects that enhance tourism facilities and attractions.

3.3 Supporting Historically Disadvantaged Tourism Enterprises

The NDT is committed to transforming the tourism sector by supporting historically disadvantaged tourism enterprises. This includes:

• Financial Assistance: Providing grants and loans to help these enterprises start or expand their businesses.
• Mentorship and Training: Offering mentorship and training programs to improve their business skills and competitiveness.
• Market Access: Facilitating access to markets and networks to help them reach a wider customer base.

4. What Are the Key Priorities of the NDT?

Key priorities for the NDT include enhancing growth and development in the sector, maintaining core tourism assets and infrastructure, creating work opportunities, and supporting historically disadvantaged tourism enterprises.

4.1 Enhancing Growth and Development in the Sector

The NDT prioritizes the sustainable growth and development of the tourism sector by:

• Policy Frameworks: Developing and implementing policies that support investment, innovation, and sustainable tourism practices.
• Market Research: Conducting market research to identify trends and opportunities for growth.
• Product Development: Supporting the development of new and innovative tourism products and experiences.

4.2 Maintaining Core Tourism Assets and Infrastructure

Preserving and enhancing South Africa’s tourism assets and infrastructure is crucial. The NDT focuses on:

• Infrastructure Investment: Investing in the maintenance and upgrading of tourism infrastructure, such as roads, airports, and attractions.
• Conservation Efforts: Supporting conservation efforts to protect natural and cultural heritage sites.
• Sustainable Practices: Promoting sustainable tourism practices to minimize environmental impact.

4.3 Creating Work Opportunities

Job creation remains a central focus. The NDT promotes employment through:

• Skills Development Programs: Offering training and skills development programs to prepare individuals for tourism-related jobs.
• Enterprise Support: Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises to create jobs and stimulate local economies.
• Public Works Programs: Implementing public works programs that create employment opportunities in the tourism sector.

5. How Does the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Support Tourism?

The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) enhances and develops tourism infrastructure through labor-intensive methods, targeting young people, women, unemployed individuals, people with disabilities, and small, medium, and micro enterprises. The EPWP is a government initiative aimed at providing income relief through temporary work opportunities.

5.1 Enhancing Tourism Infrastructure through Labour-Intensive Methods

The EPWP utilizes labor-intensive methods to enhance tourism infrastructure, ensuring that projects create employment opportunities for local communities. This includes:

• Construction and Maintenance: Building and maintaining tourism facilities, such as trails, picnic sites, and visitor centers.
• Landscaping and Beautification: Landscaping and beautifying tourism areas to enhance their appeal.
• Waste Management: Implementing waste management programs to keep tourism areas clean and attractive.

5.2 Targeting Key Demographics

The EPWP specifically targets key demographics, including:

• Young People: Providing young people with job opportunities and skills development to improve their employability.
• Women: Empowering women through employment and training opportunities in the tourism sector.
• Unemployed Individuals: Creating temporary employment for unemployed individuals to provide income relief.
• People with Disabilities: Ensuring that people with disabilities have access to employment opportunities in the tourism sector.
• Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs): Supporting SMMEs by providing them with contracts and business development opportunities.

5.3 Examples of EPWP Projects in the Tourism Sector

Several EPWP projects have made a significant impact on the tourism sector:

• Trail Development: Constructing and maintaining hiking trails in national parks and nature reserves.
• Visitor Center Upgrades: Upgrading visitor centers to improve the visitor experience.
• Community Tourism Projects: Supporting community-based tourism projects that create employment and generate income for local communities.

6. What is the Role of Spatial Planning and Infrastructure Projects?

Spatial planning and infrastructure projects build capacity in township and rural economies and maintain infrastructure on properties managed by South African National Parks (SANParks).

6.1 Building Capacity in Township and Rural Economies

The NDT aims to build capacity in township and rural economies through:

• Infrastructure Development: Investing in infrastructure projects that support tourism development in these areas.
• Skills Development: Providing training and skills development programs to equip local residents with the necessary skills for tourism-related jobs.
• Enterprise Support: Supporting small and medium-sized tourism enterprises in townships and rural areas.

6.2 Maintaining Infrastructure on SANParks Properties

Maintaining infrastructure on properties managed by South African National Parks (SANParks) ensures that these protected areas remain attractive and accessible to tourists. This includes:

• Road Maintenance: Maintaining roads within national parks to ensure safe and easy access for visitors.
• Accommodation Upgrades: Upgrading accommodation facilities to improve the visitor experience.
• Facility Maintenance: Maintaining other facilities, such as restrooms, picnic sites, and visitor centers.

6.3 Community-Based Projects and Tourism Development

Supporting community-based projects contributes to tourism development and creates work opportunities in rural areas. These projects:

• Generate Income: Create income-generating opportunities for local communities through tourism-related activities.
• Promote Cultural Tourism: Showcase the unique cultural heritage of local communities to visitors.
• Conserve Natural Resources: Promote the conservation of natural resources through sustainable tourism practices.

These initiatives are primarily funded through the Working for Tourism program, which is part of the EPWP, enabling the creation of targeted work opportunities over the medium term.

7. What is the Significance of Air Access for the NDT?

Air access is a key priority for the NDT to bring more direct flights to South Africa, fostering reciprocal relationships with countries worldwide.

7.1 Bringing More Direct Flights to South Africa

Increasing the number of direct flights to South Africa makes it easier and more convenient for international tourists to visit the country. This involves:

• Negotiating with Airlines: Working with airlines to establish new direct routes to South Africa.
• Incentive Programs: Offering incentives to airlines to encourage them to operate direct flights to South Africa.
• Marketing South Africa: Promoting South Africa as a destination to attract more passengers on these flights.

7.2 Growing Reciprocal Relationships with Countries Around the World

Ensuring that planes also leave the country with travelers helps to grow reciprocal relationships with countries around the world. This includes:

• Promoting South Africa as a Destination: Showcasing South Africa’s attractions to international audiences to encourage them to visit.
• Facilitating Travel: Making it easier for travelers to obtain visas and navigate entry requirements.
• Developing Tourism Partnerships: Collaborating with other countries to develop joint tourism initiatives.

7.3 The Single African Air Transport Market

The African Union (AU) has launched the Single African Air Transport Market, aiming to liberalize air transport on the continent and promote greater competition and connectivity. Air capacity has risen since 2022, with a 56% increase in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same quarter in 2022. In 2023, the country reached 1.8 million seats, and South Africa welcomed around 23 new routes.

8. What is Township Tourism and Why is it Important?

Township tourism is a vital sector for South Africa’s economy, and the NDT aims to ensure all communities enjoy the full economic benefits of tourism. It involves broadening participation in the tourism value chain for South African Township and Village Tourism Association (SATOVITO) members and other businesses, focusing on skills development and business acumen training.

8.1 Broadening Participation in the Tourism Value Chain

The NDT aims to broaden participation in the tourism value chain by:

• Supporting Local Businesses: Providing support to local businesses in townships and villages to help them develop and market tourism products and services.
• Developing New Tour Programs: Developing new tour programs that showcase the unique cultural and historical attractions of townships and villages.
• Creating Partnerships: Facilitating partnerships between local businesses and mainstream tourism operators.

8.2 Skills Development and Business Acumen Training

Focusing on skills development and business acumen training ensures that local residents have the necessary skills to participate effectively in the tourism sector. This includes:

• Tourism Training Programs: Providing training programs that cover various aspects of tourism, such as guiding, hospitality, and marketing.
• Business Management Training: Offering training in business management skills, such as financial management, marketing, and customer service.
• Mentorship Programs: Pairing local entrepreneurs with experienced business mentors to provide guidance and support.

8.3 The Role of the South African Township and Village Tourism Association (SATOVITO)

SATOVITO is an inclusive organization that aims to promote authentic, indigenous world-standard tourism services and experiences. It develops, represents, and promotes township and village-oriented local, regional, and provincial tourism associations, businesses, and indigents participating in the tourism sector. SATOVITO aims to foster job creation by ensuring inclusive, sustainable development, and transformation of the tourism sector, especially in townships and villages.

9. What is the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan (TSRP)?

The TSRP is in line with the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP), launched in November 2020, aiming to build a new economy and unlock South Africa’s true economic potential.

9.1 Aligning with the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP)

The TSRP aligns with the ERRP by:

• Identifying Tourism as a Priority: Recognizing tourism as a key sector for economic recovery and growth.
• Focusing on Key Interventions: Prioritizing interventions that can have a significant impact on the tourism sector, such as infrastructure development, job creation, and skills development.
• Promoting Inclusive Growth: Ensuring that the benefits of tourism growth are shared by all South Africans, including historically disadvantaged communities.

9.2 Strategic Themes of the TSRP

The TSRP is built around three strategic themes:

• Reigniting Demand: Stimulating demand for tourism products and services through targeted marketing campaigns and promotional activities.
• Rejuvenating Supply: Improving the quality and competitiveness of tourism offerings by investing in infrastructure, skills development, and enterprise support.
• Strengthening Enabling Capability: Creating a supportive environment for tourism growth by addressing regulatory barriers, improving access to finance, and promoting collaboration between stakeholders.

9.3 Key Interventions of the TSRP

The effective implementation of the TSRP is anchored on the following seven strategic interventions:

1. Implement norms and standards for safe operation across the tourism value chain to enable safe travel and to rebuild traveler confidence: Ensuring that tourism businesses operate safely and responsibly to protect the health and safety of visitors.
2. Stimulate domestic demand through targeted initiatives and campaigns: Encouraging South Africans to explore their own country through targeted marketing campaigns and promotional activities.
3. Strengthening the supply-side through resource mobilization and investment facilitation: Attracting investment and resources to improve the quality and competitiveness of tourism offerings.
4. Support for the protection of core tourism infrastructure and assets: Protecting and maintaining key tourism infrastructure and assets to ensure their long-term sustainability.
5. Execute a global marketing program to reignite international demand: Promoting South Africa as a premier tourist destination to attract more international visitors.
6. Tourism regional integration: Working with neighboring countries to promote regional tourism and create seamless travel experiences.
7. Review the tourism policy to provide enhanced support for sector growth and development: Updating tourism policies and regulations to create a more supportive environment for tourism growth.

10. What is the Tourism Incentive Programme (TIP)?

The Tourism Incentive Programme (TIP) stimulates growth and develops the tourism sector by providing financial assistance to privately owned tourism enterprises. It includes the Market Access Support Programme, Tourism Grading Support Programme (TGSP), Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP), and Tourism Transformation Fund (TTF).

10.1 Market Access Support Programme

The Market Access Support Programme offers partial financial support towards the cost of exhibition space, return airfare, and hotel accommodation to qualifying small tourism enterprises that wish to participate and exhibit at selected tourism trade platforms.

10.2 Tourism Grading Support Programme (TGSP)

The Tourism Grading Support Programme (TGSP) supports small tourism enterprises in gaining greater access to markets and encourages participation in the tourism grading system. These programs have since been revised and refined, while two additional programs, the Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP) and the Tourism Transformation Fund (TTF), were added in 2017 and 2018 respectively to support the responsible tourism and transformation objectives of the department.

10.3 Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP)

The GTIP and TTF were added in 2017 and 2018, respectively, to support the responsible tourism and transformation objectives of the department.

10.4 Tourism Transformation Fund (TTF)

The TTF offers a combination of grant funding, debt finance, and equity contributions to facilitate capital investment in new and expansion projects in the tourism sector.

11. What is the Tourism Equity Fund (TEF)?

In support of enterprise development and transformation objectives, the department aims to fast-track the piloting of the TEF, which offers capital investment in the form of grant funding to commercially viable black‐owned tourism enterprises.

11.1 Fast-Tracking Transformation within the Tourism Sector

The TEF is intended to fast-track transformation within the tourism sector by providing financial support to black-owned tourism enterprises. This includes:

• Grant Funding: Providing grants to help these enterprises start or expand their businesses.
• Debt Finance: Offering loans to help them finance capital investments.
• Equity Contributions: Providing equity contributions to help them attract additional investment.

11.2 Facilitating Equity Acquisition and New Project Development

The TEF facilitates equity acquisition and new project development in the tourism sector by black entrepreneurs by:

• Providing Financial Support: Offering financial support to help them acquire equity in existing tourism businesses or develop new tourism projects.
• Reducing Barriers to Entry: Lowering the barriers to entry for black entrepreneurs in the tourism sector.
• Promoting Inclusive Growth: Ensuring that the benefits of tourism growth are shared by all South Africans.

11.3 Developing Skills and Ensuring Sector Readiness

The fund seeks to develop skills and ensure the sector is sufficiently equipped to meet increased demand and expectations by implementing capacity‐building programs such as the wine service training program, the hospitality youth program, and food and beverage programs.

12. What is the Purpose of the Tourism Grading Support Programme?

The TGSP is a joint initiative between the NDT and the TGCSA under the broader TIP to encourage more accommodation and MESE (meetings, exhibitions, and special events) establishments to get graded and stay graded under the star grading system.

12.1 Improving Quality and Standards of Tourism Offerings

The TGSP aims to improve the quality and standards of tourism offerings by:

• Encouraging Grading: Encouraging more accommodation and MESE establishments to get graded under the star grading system.
• Providing Incentives: Offering financial incentives to make it more affordable for businesses to get graded.
• Raising Awareness: Raising awareness of the benefits of grading for both businesses and consumers.

12.2 Discounts on Grading Assessment Fees

The program gives discounts of up to 90% on grading assessment fees for new and renewal grading applications. This is an important incentive as it supports our quality assurance program that enhances overall visitor experience without putting an additional burden on small enterprises.

12.3 The Women in Tourism (WiT) Programme

The department is expected to implement the Women in Tourism (WiT) Programme as a platform to drive initiatives that support the development and empowerment of women in the tourism sector. This platform recognizes the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs who are often found at the bottom end of the tourism economic value chain.

13. What is the Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP)?

The GTIP is a resource efficiency incentive program of the NDT whose objective is to encourage and support private sector tourism enterprises to adopt responsible tourism practices by moving towards the sustainable management and usage of energy and water resources.

13.1 Encouraging Responsible Tourism Practices

The GTIP encourages responsible tourism practices by:

• Promoting Resource Efficiency: Encouraging tourism businesses to use energy and water resources more efficiently.
• Supporting Sustainable Management: Supporting the sustainable management of natural resources.
• Reducing Environmental Impact: Helping tourism businesses reduce their environmental impact.

13.2 Grant Funding for Energy and Water Efficient Solutions

The GTIP was launched in 2017 and, through grant funding, assists private sector tourism enterprises in reducing the cost of investing in energy and water-efficient solutions.

13.3 Benefits of Implementing GTIP Funded Interventions

Implementing GTIP-funded interventions and identified solutions will not only ensure more responsible operations and environmental benefits, but after the projected payback period, the savings will continue to reduce the overall operational cost of the enterprise with direct and sustained benefits in terms of profitability and improved competitiveness.

The program is managed by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) on behalf of the NDT, and all applications and approvals are managed by the IDC.

The GTIP broadly offers the following benefits to qualifying tourism enterprises:

• The full cost for a new resource efficiency audit or the full cost for reviewing an existing resource efficiency audit;
• Grant funding to qualifying small and micro-enterprises on a sliding scale from 50% to 90% of the total cost of implementing resource efficiency interventions, which is capped at R1 million; and
• Qualifying enterprises may implement projects in phases in order to better manage their cash flow over a two-year project implementation period.

14. What is the Role of South African Tourism (SAT)?

The Tourism Act of 2014 mandates SAT to market South Africa internationally and domestically as a preferred tourism and business events destination while monitoring and evaluating the performance of the tourism sector.

14.1 Marketing South Africa as a Preferred Destination

SAT is responsible for marketing South Africa as a preferred tourism destination by:

• Developing Marketing Campaigns: Creating and implementing marketing campaigns that showcase South Africa’s diverse attractions.
• Attending Trade Shows: Participating in international tourism trade shows to promote South Africa.
• Working with Media: Engaging with media to generate positive coverage of South Africa.

14.2 Supporting Domestic, Regional, and International Tourism

In support of this, over the medium-term period, the entity planned to continue prioritizing support to domestic, regional, and international tourism.

14.3 Bidding to Host Events in Rural Areas

Over the period ahead, SAT planned to focus on efforts to bid to host events such as business meetings, conferences, and exhibitions in rural areas and (small) towns to boost the tourism industry in six focal sectors: mining and minerals, manufacturing, travel and tourism, agriculture, finance, and wholesale and retail trade.

15. How Does Tourism Vary Across Provinces in South Africa?

Tourism varies significantly across provinces in South Africa, each offering unique attractions and experiences.

15.1 Western Cape

The Western Cape is one of the domestic travel destinations in South Africa preferred by foreign tourists, bordered by two oceans and known for its scenic beauty and wealth of flora and fauna.

• Cape Winelands: Known for some of the best wine in the world, including towns like Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
• The Karoo: Divided into the Great Karoo and Little Karoo, featuring semi-desert landscapes and unique vegetation.
• City of Cape Town Metropolitan Area: Best known as the Mother City, the provincial capital, and main city of the province.
• Garden Route: Stretching along the southern coast, including Tsitsikamma National Park and Knysna.
• Overberg: One of the best places in Africa to watch the southern right whale.
• West Coast: Home to the Cederberg Wilderness Area.

15.2 Northern Cape

The Northern Cape is an excellent sandboarding destination with dunes near Kakamas and Witsand being very popular.

15.3 Free State

This central region is characterized by endless rolling fields of wheat, sunflowers, and maize, forming South Africa’s principal breadbasket.

15.4 Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape boasts a magnificent coastline complemented by numerous state-owned and private game reserves.

15.5 Limpopo

The Limpopo landscape is made up of dramatic contrasts characterized by hot savanna plains and mist-clad mountains.

15.6 North West

North West has several cultural villages and excellent game reserves, including Pilanesberg National Park.

• Mahikeng: Includes an Anglo-Boer War siege site and the Molema House.
• Groot Marico: Known as mampoer country, with the Kortkloof Cultural Village dedicated to the Tswana people.
• Ottosdal: The only place in South Africa where the unique “wonderstone” is found and mined.

15.7 Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga means “the place where the sun rises,” varying from cool highland grasslands to the subtropical Lowveld.

• Barberton: Features reminders of the early gold-rush era and the annual Diggers Festival.
• Blyde River Canyon: A 26-km-long gorge and one of the natural wonders of Africa.
• Sabie: The center of the largest man-made forest in South Africa.

15.8 Gauteng

Gauteng, a Sesotho word meaning “place of gold,” is the smallest province, the most populous, and urbanized, characterized by a cosmopolitan mix of people.

15.9 KwaZulu-Natal

One of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, stretching from Port Edward to the borders of Eswatini and Mozambique.

16. What are the Top 10 Reasons to Visit South Africa?

South Africa offers a multitude of attractions and experiences, making it a must-visit destination.

16.1 Affordability

In South Africa, you can afford luxury and have spending money for shopping and other treats.

16.2 Natural Beauty

South Africa’s scenic wonders are legendary, from Table Mountain to God’s Window.

16.3 World-Class Facilities

You will find it easy to get around, find a comfortable place to stay, and have a great meal.

16.4 Adventure

South Africa is the adventure capital of the world, with over 130 adventures.

16.5 Good Weather

In sunny South Africa, you can enjoy the outdoors, play golf year-round, and take advantage of the nearly 3,000 km coastline.

16.6 Rainbow Nation

The Rainbow Nation celebrates all its African and immigrant cultures, with South Africans known for their friendliness and hospitality.

16.7 Diverse Experiences

Go almost anywhere in South Africa and experience the ultimate combination of nature, wildlife, culture, adventure, heritage, and good vibes.

16.8 Wildlife

The abundant and diverse wildlife includes the Big Five (African lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, African leopard, and black rhinoceros).

16.9 Freedom Struggle

Discover a nation’s struggle for freedom while following the footsteps of Nelson Mandela and Hector Pieterson.

16.10 Responsible Tourism

In South Africa, you can travel with care as you explore protected areas, contribute to social and conservation projects, and collect arts and crafts.

17. What Should Travelers Declare When Entering or Leaving South Africa?

When traveling in or out of South Africa, declare all goods purchased abroad, prohibited items, and goods required to be declared before leaving.

17.1 Declaring Goods Upon Arrival

Any person traveling in or out of the Republic of South Africa should unreservedly declare:

• All goods (including goods of another person) upon his person or in his possession which were purchased or otherwise acquired abroad or on any ship, vehicle, or in any shop selling goods on which duty has not been paid.
• Goods that are prohibited, restricted, or controlled under any law.
• Goods that were required to be declared before leaving the Republic.

17.2 Declaring Goods Before Leaving

Before leaving, declare all goods you are taking with you, including goods which are:

• Carried on behalf of another person.
• Intended for remodel, process, or repair abroad.
• Prohibited, restricted, or controlled under any law.
• Goods that a person, who temporarily entered the Republic, was required to declare upon entering the Republic.

17.3 Providing Full Particulars to Customs Officers

Travelers must provide full particulars related to the goods, such as invoices, transport documents, and permits, upon request by a Customs Officer. Further, travelers must answer all questions truthfully and pay any assessed duties and taxes.

18. What are the Duty-Free Allowances for Travelers in South Africa?

Duty-free allowances apply to goods for personal use or gifts in accompanied travelers’ baggage declared by returning residents and non-residents.

18.1 Allowances for New or Used Goods

• New or used goods of a total value not exceeding R5,000 per person.

18.2 Allowances for Consumables

• Wine not exceeding 2 liters per person.
• Spirituous and other alcoholic beverages, a total quantity not exceeding 1 liter per person.
• Cigarettes not exceeding 200 and cigars not exceeding 20 per person; 250 g cigarette or pipe tobacco per person.
• Perfumery not exceeding 50 ml and eau de toilette not exceeding 250 ml per person.

18.3 Clearing Excess Quantities

Wine, spirituous and other alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and perfumery imported in excess of the specified quantities must be cleared at the rates of duty specified in Schedule No.1 to the Customs and Excise Act No.91 of 1964.

19. What is the Flat-Rate Assessment Allowance in South Africa?

The flat-rate assessment allowance applies to goods in excess of the R5,000 duty-free allowance but not exceeding R20,000, allowing you to pay customs duty at a rate of full duty less 20% with VAT exempted.

19.1 Conditions for Duty-Free Allowances

• The duty-free allowances related to new or used goods are allowed once per person during a period of 30 days, following an absence of not less than 48 hours from South Africa.
• The flat-rate assessment allowance is allowed during a period of 30 days and does not apply to goods imported by persons returning after an absence of less than 48 hours.
• The allowances for wine, spirituous beverages, tobacco, and perfumery are allowed once per person during a period of 30 days, following an absence of not less than 48 hours from South Africa.
• The goods must be carried as accompanied baggage.
• The tobacco or alcoholic beverage allowance is not applicable to persons under the age of 18 years.

19.2 Handmade Articles

Travelers can import handmade articles of leather, wood, plastic, stone, or glass of up to 25kg for commercial purposes without paying duties or taxes.

19.3 Goods Coming in Temporarily

You may need to lodge a cash deposit as security to cover potential import duty or VAT on certain articles imported temporarily. Your refund will be paid after confirmation that the goods have left the country.

20. What Goods are Prohibited or Restricted in South Africa?

Prohibited goods are not allowed to enter or exit South Africa, while restricted goods are allowed under certain conditions, such as requiring a permit or certificate.

20.1 Prohibited Goods

These are not allowed to enter or exit South Africa under any circumstances.

20.2 Restricted Goods

These are allowed to enter or exit South Africa under certain conditions, e.g., a permit or certificate is required.

20.3 Counterfeit Goods Act

Traders and travelers must be aware of the Counterfeit Goods Act No. 37 of 1997, which states that goods of inferior quality made or sold under another brand without the brand owners’ authorization are an infringement.

21. What are the Cash Restrictions for Travelers in South Africa?

Travelers are allowed to declare and carry a maximum of R25,000 or unlimited foreign currency, and must declare any banknotes, gold, securities, or foreign currency they have with them.

21.1 Declaring Cash

• Travelers must declare whether they have any banknotes, gold, securities, or foreign currency.
• The South African bank notes are unlimited if the traveler is going to / coming from a country within the Common Monetary Area (CMA).

21.2 Contacting the South African Reserve Bank

Travelers are advised to contact the South African Reserve Bank to obtain approval prior to taking cash across the borders of South Africa.

21.3 International Travel

Although there’s technically no legal limit on how much money you can carry on a plane, if you are traveling internationally you must declare amounts of more than US$10,000 on your customs form, and be prepared for possible interviews with customs or law enforcement to explain the amount of money you have with you.

22. What is the Southern African Customs Union (SACU)?

The Southern African Customs Union (SACU) includes Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, and Eswatini, where travelers from member countries do not pay customs import duties and are entitled to a VAT exemption on goods up to a value of R5,000.

22.1 SACU Member Countries

The countries that fall under the SACU are Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, and Eswatini.

22.2 VAT Exemption

Travelers from SACU member countries do not pay customs import duties and are entitled to a VAT exemption on goods up to a value of R5,000.

23. When Do You Need to Register for a Customs Code in South Africa?

You need to register for a customs code before goods can be imported or exported, with exclusions for those importing or exporting goods of a total value less than R150,000 during any calendar year.

23.1 Exclusions from Formal Registration

A person, including a traveler, who imports or exports goods of which the total value required to be declared is less than R150,000 during any calendar year is excluded from formal registration requirements.

23.2 Conditions for Using Registration Code 70707070

Persons excluded from formal registration requirements may use the registration code 70707070 subject to the following conditions:

• He/she is a natural person.
• Enters the goods for home consumption, temporary export, or export.