To enter South Africa as a United States citizen for up to 90 days, you are not required to have a tourist visa, business visa or official visa.
Even though a visa is not required for United States citizens, you must meet other requirements before you will be able to enter the country. This includes holding a valid and acceptable passport or travel document good for a sufficient period to cover your intended stay, sufficient funds, a return ticket, at least two blank pages in your passport and yellow fever certificates (required if the journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America).
Pack for the environment. South Africa has a typically mild climate. Good things to pack include walking shoes, layered clothes, long pants, breathable long-sleeved shirts, a light jacket, a rain jacket, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Make two copies of all of your important documents (passports, identification and credit cards). Keep one with you and leave one copy at home.
South Africa is generally a safe destination with safe water, good hygiene and up-to-date medical facilities. Prepare for your trip by bringing necessities such as toiletries and travel first aid kit.
