Venues4Africa - Page 4 of 5 - Accommodation and Routes in Southern Africa

Things to Do in Cape Town: Outdoor Markets

With weather like this there’s no reason to be indoors. Cape Town is home to a medley of outdoor markets, each with its own personal spice. Whether you’re looking for tasty food, local produce or second-hand treasures, it’s all right here on your doorstep.

Tokai Forest Market (Tokai)

When looking for things to do in Cape Town, marketing in Tokai is definitely on the top of the list. The Tokai Forest Market is shaded by leafy trees and show-cases an impressive array of local goods and fresh produce- all just 20 minutes from the city centre. Enjoy a morning snacking on speciality baked goods and sipping on homemade lemonades and ginger beers, or browsing arts and crafts, or interesting jewellery.

When: Saturday, 9am – 3pm, Sunday, 10am – 3pm
Where: Chrysalis Academy, Porter Estate, between Tokai Forest and Table Mountain National Park
Be sure not to miss: The wide range of beautifully handmade leather goods.

Oranjezicht City Farm Market (Granger Bay)

Head over to Granger Bay and get all your shopping done for the week with an exciting selection of fresh, organic produce, locally made condiments and delicious dairy products. A community run, non-profit organisation, Oranjezicht City Farm Market promotes small-scale food production and is one of the first permanent food bazaars in Cape Town.

Not only is it a great place to get fresh ingredients, it is also home to food stalls that will have your mouth watering. Pop past for lunch, and treat your taste buds to a host of different food styles.

When: Saturday, 9am-2pm
Where: Granger Bay at the V&A Waterfront
Be sure not to miss: Sipping on a freshly squeezed juice with a view of the sparkling harbour

Milnerton Flea Market (Milnerton)

From car parts to t-shirts, telephones to exercise machines, jewellery to pancakes and more, Milnerton Market has every second-hand treasure you could imagine. Search through piles of once-loved merchandise or take advantage of the impressive selection of dried fruit and nuts that come at a fair price. Feast your eyes on the weird and the wonderful, and get lost in the search for prized nuggets.

When: Saturday and Sunday, 07:00 – 16:00
Where: Otto du Plessis Drive, Paarden Island
Be sure not to miss: Freshly laid, organic eggs. Make sure to get them early before they sell out!

Blaauwklippen Family Market

A mere 30km’s from the City Bowl is one of the oldest wine estates in the region, the Blaauwklippen Vineyards family estate. Set against the backdrop of incredible Stellenbosch winelands, the Blaauwklippen Family Market is the ideal place to fight off those Sunday blues.

Choose from freshly baked breads and olives, while the kids enjoy carriage rides and other fun activities. Browse the crafts, jewellery and fashion on offer, or simply enjoy a craft beer on the lawn, and tap your feet to the beat of the live band.

When: Sunday 10am-3pm
Where: On the R44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset West, opposite the Techno Park, Stellenbosch
Be sure not to miss: Every third Sunday of the month, the Helderberg Animal Welfare Society holds a Vineyard Doggy Walk fundraiser. Walk a pup for a good cause!

With fresh air and fantastic things to see, Outdoor Markets in Cape Town are a perfect way to start, or end, a sunny weekend in the Mother City.

Image Credits:
ozcf.co.za
tokaiforestmarket.co.za
Anna Degenaar
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Blaauklippen Market Facebook

Hidden Destinations along the Garden Route

The Garden Route, is a magical place and one of South Africa’s most popular stretches of road. It boasts vast white sandy beaches, fairy tale forests, rugged mountains and an abundance of wildlife.

With so much to see and do, there are many hidden gems, often overlooked, simply waiting to be explored.

Hoekwil

As you make your way along the N2 from Cape Town, you’ll eventually reach a small town named Hoekwil. Here, encounter the ancient Outeniqua Yellowwood tree, or ‘Big Tree’, which is estimated to be 850 years old . The Big Tree rests in the hidden Woodville Forest, which itself is a great destination for a family-friendly expedition. Hiking and walking trails are wheel-chair friendly and offer beautiful designated picnic areas.

Wild Oats Community Farmers Market

While passing through Sedgefield, the town known for its classic cars, why not stop over at the Wild Oats Community Farmers Market held every Saturday between 7:30 and noon. This market supports the principle of small-scale producers, local nature and conservation efforts, as well as fair and ethical pricing.

Buffalo Bay

An easily-missed turn off just before Knysna will take you to Buffalo Bay, a small, secluded seaside town within the Goukamma Nature Reserve. Boasting one of the most unique and safe swimming beaches along the Garden Route, it is the ideal location for a seaside holiday.

Nature’s Valley

Nature’s Valley is the last village before entering the Eastern Cape. A small hamlet of about 50 houses, development has been minimised to avoid spoiling the nature of the village, and its peaceful way of life. Despite being situated along the Garden Route, and forming part of the Tsitsikamma National Park, the valley has remained largely undiscovered. Its overwhelming beauty and tranquil atmosphere is sure to enchant you.

Storms River

Nearing the end of the Garden Route is Storms River, another village that echoes fine living in a very raw and natural sense. This is where the famous Otter Trail begins, making it’s away along the Garden Route to Nature’s Valley.

Adventurous activities available here include canopy tours, bungee jumping, kloofing, and fishing.

To plan your trip along the Garden Route, or to find out more about the above destinations, simply email , visit our website, or contact +27 (0) 21 422 2135.

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slack12
matt knoth
Jochem Koole
Harold Kuiper
Andre@ DB

An Essential Guide to the Okavango Delta

Your flights to Botswana are booked, and the great Okavango Delta awaits you. You’ve heard it’s exceptional in its beauty. You’ve heard it’s wild and luscious. You’ve heard it’s enormous.

Spanning a whopping 15 000 square kilometres, we don’t blame you for not knowing where to start. We picked out a few essential DO’s and DON’T’s to make sure you get the most out of your oasis experience!

DO bring a good camera (and extra battery pack)
The Okavango Delta is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to boast about it after the fact now would you?

DON’T be scared away by winter
The winter months are actually the best time to visit the Delta. The waters build in the mountains of Angola and flood into the wetlands around May. The water levels are at their highest between July and September, and with the water comes the wildlife. Though the summer months are incredible for the influx of migrating birds, and sprouting new life. So, don’t worry, you can’t really go wrong.

DO pack your binoculars
If bird-watching is what you’re looking for, you’re heading in the right direction. With over 400 different species of bird, you’ll be able to spend hours completing your checklist. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to spot the rare Pel’s Fishing Owl, which makes the freshwater wetland its home.

DON’T forget the bug spray
While most game drives and campsites will make sure that you’re comfortable, bring your own bug protection to be sure you don’t get bothered by the odd buzz. Peaceful Sleep works wonders, with a smell that isn’t too overpowering.

DO make sure you’re temperature-ready
The heart of the Kalahari is known for being swelteringly hot during the summer months, and bitterly cold when winter hits. Make sure you’re prepared with warm jackets and thick socks for night-time game drives in winter, and light, sun-proof clothing in summer.

DON’T be too relaxed!
Camps like Jao Camp and Thamalakane River Lodge to name just two, are so beautiful it’s hard not to indulge in the luxury of your temporary home. But make sure you take full advantage of the activities on offer! Canoe-like boats called mokoro’s are a Delta treat, so be sure to take a trip on one! Walking safaris are also an absolute must.

For more information on where to find more about these and more Botswana accommodation, visit www.venues4africa.com.

Image Credit: www.venues4africa.com

New Year’s Travel Resolutions in South Africa

With every New Year comes new prospects, new adventures, and New Year’s resolutions. This year, make sure to take full advantage of the notion, especially when it comes to travelling. After all, travelling, whether it be local, national or international, is a whole lot more fun and exciting than say, dieting…

Image Credit - Darren Smith

Here are some definite musts for any traveller seeking to centre their New Year’s resolutions around travelling in South Africa in 2016, whether it be a single trip or a multitude of excursions.

Wild Card – SAN Parks

Anyone travelling within Southern Africa should invest in a Wild Card. This will not only provide added incentive to accomplish the New Year resolution of travelling and spending quality time with friends and family, but it will save you money. Instead of paying a daily rate to enter the parks, you can use your Wild Card. With a variety of options to suit your needs, and with 365 unlimited access to the wild spaces of Southern Africa’s best parks and reserves, the wild card is a definite must. Image Credit - Allan Watt

Prices vary between R300-R945 as a once off payment and depend upon which cluster of Wild Card you purchase, and which package. Please visit the San Parks website for further information.

Excursions Bucket List

Create a list of tourist attractions within your local area and throughout Southern Africa that you have always wanted to visit, that you tell your foreign friends about, but haven’t actually experienced. Image Credit - miquitos

These things can range from well-known tourist attractions such as taking the cable car up Table Mountain in Cape Town, or visiting the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria. Additionally, other attractions that make a statement include the Big Pineapple in Bathurst, and Bungee Jumping off the Bloukrans Bridge.

Take the Road (Or Routes) Less Travelled

With a similar mind-set to creating a bucket list, exploring the various routes throughout Southern Africa is also a great way to keep your travelling-related New Year’s resolutions intact. Choosing a route to drive, instead of flying to a destination, could prove to be life-changing. Image Credit - Malcolm Manners

Along some of South Africa’s most famous routes such as the Garden Route, Route 62 and Namaqualand Flower Route, you find some hidden treasures that make South Africa stunningly unique. What’s more, the drive itself becomes part of the adventure – lending itself to bonding time with friends and family and appreciation of the country.

Don’t forget to check out Venues4Africa when you book accommodation for your travelling New Year’s resolutions!

New Years Eve Events in South Africa

The end of 2015 is almost upon us. It is a time ripe with change, where energies and hopes are high. Where optimism, positivity and forgiveness are unavoidable and where future prospects for the coming year appear clearer than ever.

What do you have planned in celebration of another year gone by and the start of a new one? We all celebrate New Year’s Eve in different ways, but for the most part we like to make this a gathering of some sort – what would a celebration be without the people you care most about? Without good food, drink and music to get the heart racing?

Here are but a few events taking place around South Africa this New Year’s Eve.

New Year’s Eve events in the Eastern Cape:

Billy’s Beach NYE in St. Francis

Billy’s Beach hosts a series of events during the last week of the year. The New Year’s Eve party this year is a compulsory dress-up party with the theme being Boho Surf Disco. With such a theme, on white sand with great music and Sexy Groovy Disco appearing, there is an endless supply of fun to be had.

Tickets are being sold at selected Billabong stores – Port Elizabeth’s Boardwalk, Walmer Park, BayWest Mall, J-Bay Concept Store and St Francis Store, as well as online via Nutickets.

Niew Bethesda Festival of Lights:

A joyful, family-friendly event, the Niew Bethesda Festival of Lights is the perfect outing for families seeking a fun, alcohol-free celebration. Held at the Bethesda Arts Centre, attendees can be expected to be a part of the celebration, not only mere spectators. This event takes place throughout the local township, Hightown, where everyone carries their lanterns and sings songs, celebrating the arrival of the New Year. The walk ends back at the centre where a massive braai is held and where you can literally dance into the New Year.

Tickets are R150. To book your ticket you can call on 049 841 1731 or email .

New Year’s Eve Events in Gauteng:

Revolution New Year Open Air Music Festival

This two-day open air music festival takes place in Magaliesberg, where thousands of Johannesburg’s dance fanatics gather to celebrate the New Year. Expect to be electrified at this event, that features international acts and over 40 of South Africa’s psy trance, techno and drum & bass DJ’s sharing their magic on two stages.

Tickets are being sold online via Webtickets at R300. Visit the event’s Facebook page for further details.

Masquerade Ball at Chicago Piano Bar

For something a little more elegant, why not try a Masquerade Ball? Taking place in Randpark Ridge at the Chicago Piano Bar, with an interior of chic and sophisticated 1920’s decor. Get your fancy gown and tuxedo out for a night of dining and dancing and welcome in the New Year dressed to the Nines – don’t forget your mask!

Tickets are from R190 at Chicago Piano Bar. Hurry, tickets are limited. For further information, visit their Facebook page.

New Years Eve Events in Kwazulu Natal

Ballito New Year’s Eve Street Party

Ballito’s famous street party is living up to its reputation this year, with four dance floors and cutting-edge design and production. Leading acts include Goldfish and Das Kapital among many others. Durban’s North Coast is frothing in anticipation of the explosion of beats, stomping, lighting and firework displays.

Tickets cost R350 and doors open at 18h00. You can purchase your ticket here.

Hunter’s New Year’s Ever Beach Party

Taking place on Southbroom Main Beach, Kwazulu-Natal’s largest and loudest New Year’s Eve beach party brings you South Africa’s very best in electro, progressive, minimal, techno and deep house. The line-up includes Royal K from Johannesburg, Chris Taylor and Jak Skandi from Cape Town among other DJ’s such as Veranda Panda, Hart and Ryan Stylz and more.

Tickets cost R220 and are available on Computicket. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

New Year’s Eve Events in the Western Cape

Kirstenbosch New Year’s Eve Concert

For a lovely family friendly New Year’s Eve event, the Kirstenbosch New Year’s Eve Concert is perfect. This year, two of South Africa’s well-known performers – Grassy Spark and Jeremy Loops will be performing. Folk, rock and reggae music are also on the cards. Enjoy your picnic with views of the beautiful national garden and mountains, family and friends – what better way to end off the year? Relaxed, at ease and with loved ones.

Tickets for this concert cost R330 and can be purchase online via Webtickets. For further information, click here.

Kinky Summer New Year’s Eve Party

Franschhoek will be hosting this year’s Kinky Summer New Year’s Eve Party. Two of Cape Town’s top outdoor day-party events, Kinky Disco and We Love Summer, will be hosting this party together. Situated on a lush estate, something of a paradise for nature lovers and festival goers. Featuring five international artists with an extra stage that is a surprise for all who attend and food stalls a plenty to avoid the hunger taking over, Kinky Summer have a fun-filled party planned.

Tickets cost R550 and can be purchased online here.

Don’t forget to book your accommodation for this New Year’s Eve on www.Venues4Africa.com once you have decided where you wish to go.

Snorkelling Holidays in Mozambique

After a long year of hard work and stress, spending a few days on the warm, sunny beaches of Mozambique exploring the abundant sea life sounds like the perfect remedy.

There are many top snorkelling spots in Mozambique to choose from, in terms of accommodation, to ensure that your snorkelling trip suits your lifestyle and your budget. Here are a few tips to turn your snorkelling holiday into your best adventure yet.

Best locations for snorkelling in Mozambique:

The most well-known area in Mozambique, Ponta D’Oura, boasts expansive reefs and diverse marine life including reef sharks and sea bass.

Matemo Island, part of the Quirimbas Islands in northern Mozambique, is also a popular snorkelling destination. In Matemo you’ll find sea turtles, breath-taking coral reefs, and you may even spot some whales during migration season, which happens from July to December annually. Dubbed “The Caribbean of Africa,” located only a 20-minute flight away from mainland Pemba, Matemo is unlikely to disappoint.

Most resorts in the country can arrange your snorkelling adventures for you, so be sure to enquire when booking your Mozambique accommodation.

What to Pack:

•   Mask, snorkel and fins but most resorts do rent them out to guests
•   Rash vest to prevent sunburn
•   Reef shoes to prevent slipping/cutting feet
•   Factor 50 sunblock
•   Antiseptic cream in the unfortunate case that you cut yourself on the reef
•   An underwater camera to capture your encounters with rays, angel fish, bass, sea turtles, clownfish (hello Nemo!) and if you’re lucky perhaps even a reef shark.

Island tours

One of the most highly rated tour operators in the area is Ilha Blue. A magical 3 hour trip in kayaking around the Ilha area will give you a taste for the local culture and picturesque local sights, which includes some fascinating old ruins. When you hop off at your snorkelling site in Ilha Gardens, you will find coral reefs, starfish and a kaleidoscope of colour as the tropical fish swim around you.

Another popular tour operator is Diversity Scuba in the Tofo area, who offer 2 hour trips they refer to as ‘ocean safari’s.’ They provide you with all your gear and also give you a quick rundown on some do’s and don’ts to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. They promise whaleshark sightings, and between June and October, humpback whales. The tour is open to all ages, so even the kids can join in on the fun.

Mozambique is the perfect place for your next snorkelling holiday, book yours with Venues4Africa today!

Christmas Events South Africa

Yes, it’s that time of year again – Christmas time – lights, tinsel, decorations and festive feasts. For South Africans, this time of year is associated with the blazing sun, the smell of sun-tan lotion, beach days, lazing by the pool, braaing, and thunderstorms.Christmas is a time of giving. It is a time of self-reflection, paying thanks, of love and unity. It is also a time when loved ones come together to celebrate the end of another year. In light of this, here are some amazing activities over which families and friends can bond, brood, or perhaps rekindle their relationships after a long year.

CAPE TOWN

Kirstenbosch Carols by Candlelight Concert

One of the most popular Cape Town events in December, that has been running for more than 20 years, is the Kirstenbosch Carols by Candlelight Concert. This is a great time to get into the festive mood and to spend time with loved ones. Running from 17th December to 20th December 2015, tickets are affordable, ranging from R20 to R65.

PORT ELIZABETH

Seaview Predator Park

Visit the Seaview Predator Park just outside of Port Elizabeth for a unique experience this festive season. Get up close and personal with lions, tigers and cheetahs or play with tame lion cubs. Along with these rare interactions, visitors get close-up views of other wildlife such as giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, antelope and jackals within their natural habitat. There are also enclosures where lynx, warthogs and meerkat among other wildlife can be viewed. With views of the ocean and wildlife, Seaview Predator Park truly is a unique experience. It is open daily between 08:00 to 17:00 and lion feeding time is on Sundays at 12:00.

JOHANNESBURG

Montecasino

If travelling to the coast is not on the cards this festive season, don’t despair – Montecasino in Johannesburg has a wide variety of activities suitable for all members of the family.

Swan Lake on Ice runs from December 17 2015 to January 31 2016 at Teatro at Montecasino. This dynamic interpretation of a festive classic, performed by The Imperial Ice Starts has received standing ovations from audiences in 15 countries around the world!
Performed at the same venue, the popular on stage musical Singin’ in the Rain runs from December 17 2015 to March 13 2016. Packed full of comedy, romance, and glamour, it’s not to be missed!

Parkers Comedy and Jive is an exciting regular at Montecasino, designed to showcase only the very best in local and international stand-up comedy. Shows run daily until January 2 2016, with a variety of different performances lined-up.

Visit Computicket for more information on all of the events mentioned above.

DURBAN

Durban boasts great weather all year long, so over the festive time when we are just entering summer, the beach is definitely the place to be. Spend the day with friends and family building sand castles, playing bat-and-ball, and swimming in the warm Indian Ocean waters. All in all, no matter where you are or what you are doing, remember to spend time with your family and friends. Spoil them with your time and shower them with love. This is after all “the most wonderful time of the year”.

Don’t forget to visit www.Venues4Africa.com to book your South African summer holiday!

Image Credits:
capetown.travel
Seaview Predator Park
pietertoerien
Robbie Ribeiro

Cape Town for Kids

One of the world’s best-loved cities, Cape Town is our one-stop destination recommendation for a Christmas holiday with the kids. Family holidays in Cape Town are a breeze, with an endless range of things to do and see for every member of the crew.

Now that you’ve booked your accommodation in Cape Town, it’s time to start planning the fun – here is our shortlist of the best Cape Town kid’s activities to be had this summer:

Between 17 and 20 December, the annual Cape Town Carols by Candlelight concert will be held at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, where children can join in classical renditions of Christmas carols, and mom and dad can sing along too.

Winnie the Pooh will be wowing the crowds from 10 to 23 December at the Artscape Theatre in town, and Scooby Doo is ‘doo-ing’ Grand West from 11-13 December.
Children can burn off some of that endless energy in the early evening Big Bay park run which takes places every Saturday at 08h00 at at Eden on Bay, Big Bay. Excitingly, the event is free for all! However, make sure to register before you run.

Check out the Circus Family Christmas show at the SA National Circus grounds from 18 to 20 December. Located at The San Circus Observatory, the tickets are as follows: R110 (Adults) and R70 (Kids).

Ratanga Junction, Century City, is the scene of Cape Town family fun in the extreme from 27 November this year, all the way through to 12 January 2016, while Bugz Play Park offers a tamer ride for children of all ages. The Full Adventurer Ticket (Over 1.3m) is currently priced at R181, while the Mini Adventurer Ticket (Below 1.3m) is priced at R95.

Every child loves a trampoline – Bounce World in Montague offers energetic amusement every weekend of the holidays. Entry is priced at R60, and allows you all-day access. Alternatively, bounce it off daily at Rush in Claremont for those in the Southern Suburbs. Prices range from R75 to R240, depending on time spent, and age.

Cute creatures are always a win with the kiddies – head to Butterfly world in Klapmuts, World of Birds in Hout Bay and Monkey Town in Somerset West for fun and learning.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to family entertainment in Cape Town; with beaches aplenty and restaurants for all ages, Cape Town offers it all in the name of family fun these holidays.

Top 10 Coastal Towns in South Africa

You deserve a break. It’s been a long year. And nothing says “holiday” quite like a sea-breeze and the feeling of sand between your toes. Whether it’s a quaint seaside village, a local gem, or somewhere with Happy Hour and a view, there isn’t much you can’t find along South Africa’s extraordinary coastline. Each one of the coastal towns in South Africa has its own special flavour, and we have chosen ten of the best to get you started.

1. Pringle bay

About an hour outside of Cape Town, Pringle Bay sits quiet and unassuming, surrounded by mountains on three of its sides. If the wind picks up, have a coffee and amble around the craft shops and galleries in the town centre. Or even better, visit South Africa’s first UNESCO registered Biosphere Reserve, Kogelberg, to get your nature kicks.

2. Coffee Bay

The hills that roll away from Coffee Bay and into the warm Indian Ocean will teach you something new about the colour green. Surf, hike, and share a beer with travellers from all around the world. It’s not known as one of the most popular backpacking destinations for nothing.

3. Wilderness

Known for its hospitality and warm weather, Wilderness is perfect if you’re looking for something low-key and reliable along the Garden Route. Nothing makes enough noise to be heard over the sound of the sea, which makes it a great place to recharge. Take a walk along the abandoned tracks of the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe, or keep the couch company with a good book.

4. Port St. Johns

Port St. Johns isn’t interested in being tamed. Rustic and authentic, its history is surprising and its fishing is top notch. Take a walk along one of the unspoiled beaches or trek through an overgrown forest. Catch up on some deep breaths and much needed sleep.

5. Zinkwazi

Zinkwazi lies low just past Kwazulu Natal’s more popular spots. Foot-traffic is sparse, which leaves the estuary quiet enough for the birds to stay happy. Get out your binoculars and see if you can spy the town’s name-sake, which is the Zulu word for Fish Eagle.

6. St Francis Bay

St Francis Bay is built on the banks of interlinking canals, and having the water so close by is a definite perk. You can sit on the deck with a glass of wine and watch the neighbours SUP past, or fish right off your front garden lawn. This small town knows how good it feels to be on holiday, and it makes sure you don’t have to lift a finger by bringing the sea to you.

7. Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay doesn’t let the sea air dampen its mood. Bustling and energetic, it offers all the great qualities of a coastal town and adds a beat. Spend the day playing beach volley-ball and end it right with a cocktail, or five. You’re on holiday – you can always sleep in.

8. Nature’s Valley

Nature’s Valley is the only town in South Africa that’s situated within a national park, and that’s reason enough to visit. Being the endpoint of the famous Otter Trail, it attracts all kinds of nature lovers. If history’s your thing, it’s also home to the Cape Columbine Lighthouse, which is the last manned lighthouse in South Africa.

9. Paternoster

Looking for a postcard perfect getaway? Paternoster’s your place. The white-washed fishermen’s cottages and rocky coastline will spice up your Instagram enough to make all your friends jealous. Oh, and take that seafood recipe you’ve been waiting to try; they take their fishing seriously.

10. Hermanus

Despite being best known for the whales that visit every year, Hermanus has a lot more to offer. If you’re feeling daring, shark-cage diving is only a few minutes’ drive away. If you’re not, go wine-tasting in the Hemel en Aarde valley. No matter your choice, there is good food to be had and you won’t be short of a view.

Image Credits:
Luis E.
Meraj Chhaya
Tom Booth
fabulousfabs
Rob Schleiffert

Latest news from the Department of Home Affairs on children travelling to and from South Africa

After much debate in the travel industry, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has released a summary of the new regulations regarding children travelling to South Africa. The new regulations, operational from 26 May 2014 specify the following for all travellers, on departure as well as arrival:

Both parents travelling with a child – parents must produce the child’s original OR certified unabridged birth certificate reflecting the parents’ details. Adoptive parents must provide an adoption certificate.
One parent travelling with a child must also provide
- an affidavit from the other parent on the birth certificate authorising the travelling parent to enter or depart South Africa with the child
- OR a court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights
- OR where applicable a death certificate for the other parent.
Adults travelling with children who are not their biological children must produce
- a copy of the unabridged birth certificate of the child,
- an affidavit from the parents of the child giving permission to travel with the child
- copies of the IDs or passports of the parents
- contact details for the parents