HIGHLIGHTS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA - 12 DAYS

This vast country is undoubtedly one of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth. Fondly known by locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', South Africa has 11 official languages and its multicultural inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of African, Asian and European cultures. Spend your days: discovering the gourmet restaurants, impressive art and nightlife scenes and fine beaches of Cape Town; enjoying a typical local braai (barbecue) in the Soweto Township; browsing the bustling Indian markets in Durban; or sampling some of the world’s finest wines at the myriad wine estates dotted around the picturesque Cape Winelands. Due to its rich and turbulent history there are plenty of historical attractions to explore including the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all else, South Africa’s attraction lies in its remarkably untamed wilderness with its astonishing range of wildlife roaming freely across massive unfenced game reserves such as the world famous Kruger National Park. With all of this variety on offer, it is little wonder that South Africa has fast become Africa’s most popular tourist destination.

A passport with validity for at least six months beyond the last date of your stay in South Africa is required.  Your passport must have 2 blank pages sitting side-by-side (a blank left side page sitting next to a blank right side page) to allow for official entry and exit stamps.  Please ensure you have additional pages as required for any other countries you may be visiting.

Visas are not required for US passport holders entering South Africa. Requirements for passport holders of other countries vary.  

Proof of yellow fever inoculation (administered at least 10 days before arrival) is required whenever travelers are arriving after having stayed in or transiting (more than 12 hours) through any yellow fever country.  Your (yellow) official medical card must be presented.

It is the sole responsibility of the traveler to understand and fulfill any entry requirements.

Currency

The currency is the Rand, which is divided into 100 cents. There are R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10 notes. Coins come in R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c.

Banking

Banks are found in most towns, and are generally open from 9AM 3.30PM on weekdays and 8.30AM to 11AM on Saturdays (Closed Sundays and Public Holidays). Most of them offer foreign exchange services, with cash, bank & credit cards as well as travellers cheques. You can also obtain cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs). Several international banks have branches in the main city centres. Always advise your bank that you are travelling outside of the country as they might block your purchases if they are not informed.

Standards of hygiene in relation to food health and safety in South Africa are generally high in hotels, restaurants, pubs and nightspots.  Tap water in South Africa is safe to drink and cook with when taken from taps in urban areas.  Not all tap water in rural areas is safe for consumption, so take precautions if necessary.

It is safe to eat fresh fruit, vegetables and salads, and put ice in your drinks.  South Africa's fish, meat and chicken are of excellent quality, so there is no need to limit yourself when enjoying the local cuisine.

Restaurants are subject to South Africa's food safety control legislation, which is implemented by local government.  Regulations include certification and regular inspections by health inspectors to ensure hygienic standards are maintained.

Street food is not as common in South Africa as it is in other countries, although vendors selling traditional snacks and meals can be found in city centers and townships. Food safety in such instances cannot always be guaranteed.

South African temperatures, which are measured in centigrade, average at highs of 82°F to average lows of 46°F in the summer months while winter temperatures range from 33°F at night to around 64°F in the day. Average annual rainfall is on the low side at under 20 inches a year, making the country somewhat dry. Much of the rain falls in the Western Cape in the winter, differing from the rest of the country, which experiences summer rainfall. On the plus side, the South African climate boasts more than its fair share of sunshine, recording an average of 8.5 hours a day.

Summer

Bring clothes that are cool, light and comfortable because summer temperatures can get well into the 85-100 degree range in some areas. Also bring an umbrella or raincoat during summer as this is when most of the country gets its rain, but don't forget a bathing suit!

Winter

The winters are generally mild, comparing favorably with European summers, but there are days when temperatures dive, especially in high-lying areas such as the Drakensberg, so be prepared with jerseys and jackets.  Cape Town gets its rain during the winter season so it’s advisable to bring rain gear along.

General:

Always bring a hat, sunglasses and sunblock as the sun can be strong even in the winter months.

Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round, with warm socks in the winter.

For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there's no need to go overboard.

For the evening, if you are dining at an upmarket restaurant or seeing a show, smart-casual attire is recommended.

Internet cafes: Yes, mainly in urban areas 
Accommodation options: Yes, with good connectivity 
Restaurants: Yes, in major cities 
Cafes: Yes, with Wi-Fi available 
Shopping malls: Yes 
Public parks: Yes, in major cities 
Libraries: Yes 

The current is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second. A three-point round-pin adapter plug (Type M) should be brought for your electrical appliances - such adapters are also available for purchase at many major airports.

A nation of spectacular natural beauty, friendly people and rich culture, Zimbabwe’s status as one of Africa’s leading safari destinations was dampened for years by its political instability. But now that the country is transcending its strife and returning to a state of equilibrium, it is once again emerging as a vacation highlight of the continent. Victoria Falls – known to locals as ‘The Smoke That Thunders’ – is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the sheer power of this massive body of water plunging into the Zambezi Gorge is awe-inspiring and unforgettable. Lake Kariba, with its game-rich shores and islands, is an idyllic safari spot featuring mind-blowing sunsets; Hwange National Park is known for its huge herds of elephants; and a kayak trip down the Zambezi through the Mana Pools National Park will appeal to the intrepid traveller, providing close encounters with crocodiles, hippos and a host of other wildlife.

A passport, valid for at least six months beyond your last date of stay in Zimbabwe, is mandatory.  One blank page (in addition to any pages required by other countries in your itinerary) will be required for official use.

Visas are required for US passport holders entering Zimbabwe. These can be secured on arrival with payment of $30.00 per person, US currency.  Travelers also entering Zambia can request a Uni-Visa (good for both countries) on arrival, at a cost of $50.00 US.  Requirements for passport holders of other countries vary.

Proof of yellow fever inoculation (administered at least 10 days before arrival) is required whenever travelers are arriving after having stayed in or transited (more than 12 hours) through any yellow fever country.  Your (yellow) official medical card must be presented.

It is the sole responsibility of the traveler to understand and fulfill any entry requirements.

Currency

Zimbabwe uses the Zimbabwe Dollar (ZWL). Limited amounts of currency may be available from banks and ATM's within the country.

Only VISA and MasterCard are accepted in Zimbabwe, however it should be noted that very limited facilities will have credit card machines, and the connection is not always reliable so it is advisable to carry cash as back up.

Camps, hotels and lodges that cater to overseas typically serve a variety international fare, and the quality of food prepared in the most remote bush camps is usually excellent.

Water in the main towns is usually purified.. The locals drink it, and are used to the relatively innocuous bugs that it may harbor. If you are in the country for a long time, then it may be worth acclimatising yourself to it. However, if you are in Zimbabwe for just a short period of time, then try to drink only bottled or treated water,  generally supplied by your hotel or lodge.

In Zimbabwe, the rains come principally in December, January, February and March.  The further north you are, the earlier the precipitation arrives and the later it leaves.  Zimbabwe's higher eastern areas usually receive more rainfall than the lower-lying western ones.

By April and May most of the rain is gone, leaving a verdant setting, which is starting to dry out. Especially in more southerly and higher locations, the night-time temperatures start to drop.

The nights in June, July and August become much cooler, so don't forget to bring some warmer clothes, in case you want to spend an evening outside; the days are still clear and warm. For Zimbabwe, this is the start of the peak season.  Days are often cloudless and game sightings continually increase.

Into September and October the temperatures rise once again: Zimbabwe's lower-lying rift valley (Mana Pools ) can get very hot in October.  During this time, you'll see some fantastic game, as the Zimbabwe's wildlife concentrates around the limited water sources.

November is unpredictable; it can be hot and dry, it can also see the season's first rainfalls – and in this respect it's a very interesting month, as on successive days, you can see both weather patterns.

When in Zimbabwe the cardinal rule is to wear casual, comfortable clothes during the day as temperatures can get very hot. It is advisable to wear light loose fitting clothing,   Warmer clothes are advised for the evenings and rainwear for the wet season. 

A  hat and sunglasses are a good idea year round. Long sleeved shirts and long trousers will also guard against the scourching sun rays. It is recommended you wear light shoes, especially if your itinerary entails a lot of walking. 

For safaris, please remember to wear appropriate clothing and shoes. Earth color clothes, such as browns, greens and tans are advisable. 

Internet cafes: Limited 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes 
Cafes: Yes 
Shopping malls: Limited 
Public parks: Limited 
Libraries: Limited