If you’ve got a layover in Secunda, don’t let it go to waste sitting at ZEC. The city, in South Africa, is within easy reach — roughly 40 minutes by Taxi. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at ZEC:
First, verify that you can enter South Africa — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Taxi takes about 40 minutes into Secunda, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — ZAR is the currency here. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
How to Spend Your Time in Secunda
For a layover visit to Secunda, we’d suggest Lake Umuzi Waterfront and Graceland Hotel, Casino & Country Club. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at ZEC, check out Relaxation & Reading Area or Tarmac & Aircraft Viewing to keep yourself occupied.
Food Worth Trying
For food in Secunda, local travelers recommend Anchor Creek Brewery. If you have time for a second stop, Dros Secunda is another popular pick.
Back at ZEC, Airport Coffee & Bites is the go-to. Terminal Snack Bar rounds out your in-terminal options.
How to Get Into Secunda
From ZEC, the Taxi gets you to Secunda in around 40 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 60 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
What to Budget for Your Secunda Side Trip
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Secunda, budget roughly $27 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $11 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $6 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Secunda.
What to Do With Your Bags
Luggage storage options at ZEC can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Secunda for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at ZEC for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Secunda or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at ZEC.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Secunda genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.