Self drive Kruger & Garden Route 15 days

One of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth, South Africa, fondly known by locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', boasts 11 official languages, and its inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of cultures. Discover the gourmet restaurants, impressive art scene, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful beaches of Cape Town. Enjoy a local braai (barbecue) in the Soweto township, browse the bustling Indian markets in Durban, or sample some of the world's finest wines at the myriad wine estates dotting the Cape Winelands. Some historical attractions to explore include the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all else, its untamed wilderness is astonishing: wildlife roams freely across massive unfenced game reserves such as the world-famous Kruger National Park.

Currency
Local currency: South African Rand
Symbol: R
ISO code: ZAR
Subunit: Cent (1/100 of a Rand)
Banknotes: R10, R20, R50, R100, R200
Coins: 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2, R5

Banking
Card Transactions: Widely accepted
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Yes, limited.
Diner’s club: Yes, limited.

Banking Hours: 

Weekdays: 09:00 – 15:30
Weekend: Saturdays: 08:30 – 11:00
Public Holidays: Closed
Foreign exchange services: Yes, available at major banks, airports, and authorised bureaux de change

Air:
Main airlines: South African Airways
International Airports:O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB, Johannesburg), Cape Town International Airport (CPT, Cape Town), King Shaka International Airport (DUR, Durban), Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP, Nelspruit/near Kruger National Park), Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ, Port Elizabeth), East London Airport (ELS, East London, limited international flights), Lanseria International Airport (HLA, Johannesburg)
Domestic Airports: Numerous across the country

Road:
Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Yes, well-maintained in most areas
Gravel roads: Yes, especially in rural areas
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes

Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes, in most large cities

Rail:
Railway system: Yes in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg as well as long distnace luxury options like the Blue Train
Subway System: No

Water:
Ferries: Limited, mainly in coastal cities
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: Yes, especially from Cape Town and Durban

Standard Vaccination Programme (Recommended for all travellers):

• Polio
• Typhoid
• Tetanus (Td/Tdap booster every 10 years)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B

Malaria

• Risk is limited to specific regions (Kruger Park, parts of Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal).
  Preventive medication (e.g. atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) is advised for those visiting these areas.

We strongly advise excellent bite‐avoidance: high-DEET (or equivalent) repellent, long pants/long sleeves especially dusk-to-dawn, accommodations with screened windows, mosquito nets/fans.

In respect of malaria pills (daily prophylaxis) vs standby approach:

• We recommend you consult your travel-health clinic to decide given your individual health, travel profile, and itinerary. If you prefer not to take daily prophylaxis, ensure you have a clear fallback plan, including: carry prescribed rescue-medication, know the symptoms of malaria, commit to immediate medical assessment if any unexplained fever occurs within 12–35 days post-visit.
• In other regions (Cape Town, Garden Route, Winelands), malaria prophylaxis is not required.

Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: Yes, in most urban areas
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: Yes
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes, widely popular and generally safe

Local cuisine:
South African cuisine is diverse and flavourful, featuring dishes like biltong (dried, seasoned meat), bobotie (spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping), and boerewors (farmers' sausage). The culinary scene includes a strong tradition of barbecuing, known locally as "braai."

Drinks:
Notable local drinks include Rooibos tea, craft beers, and South African wines.

Tipping: Customarily 10-15% in restaurants and for services.

Annual rainfall: Varies widely, Cape Town (winter rainfall, 515 mm), Johannesburg (summer rainfall, 713 mm) 
Average temperature: Varies, Cape Town 17°C, Johannesburg 15.5°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 28°C (Cape Town), 26°C (Johannesburg) 
Average lows: 16°C (Cape Town), 15°C (Johannesburg) 

Winter: 
Average highs: 18°C (Cape Town), 17°C (Johannesburg) 
Average lows: 8°C (Cape Town), 4°C (Johannesburg) 

Best time to visit: 
The best time to visit South Africa is from April to September for wildlife viewing, as animals are more concentrated around water sources. For beach holidays, mid-December to March is ideal, especially in Cape Town. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots:  Yes 
 
General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes, during the rainy seasons 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: In winter, particularly in high-altitude areas 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock: Essential 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

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

Driving in South Africa

South Africa drives on the left-hand side of the road, and vehicles are generally right-hand drive.

Visitors wishing to drive in South Africa must carry a valid driver's licence. Depending on the country of issue, the language of the licence and the requirements of the individual car rental company, an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official translation may also be required. We therefore recommend checking the requirements of your car rental company before travelling and carrying an International Driving Permit together with your national driver's licence as a precaution.

Traffic regulations and road signs largely follow international standards.

A particular feature of driving in South Africa is the 4-Way Stop. The vehicle that comes to a complete stop first generally has the right to proceed first. If there is any uncertainty, drivers usually communicate through eye contact and common courtesy.

Unless otherwise indicated, the general speed limits are:

• Urban areas: 60 km/h
• Rural roads: 100 km/h
• Freeways: 120 km/h

Always follow the posted speed limit, as lower limits may apply.

Seat belts are compulsory for all occupants of the vehicle.

The current legal blood-alcohol limit for ordinary drivers is 0.05 g per 100 ml of blood. However, we strongly recommend not driving after consuming alcohol.

Where possible, avoid driving long distances after dark, particularly in rural areas. Poor lighting, animals, pedestrians and unlit vehicles can present additional hazards.

Public Holidays

South Africa has twelve official public holidays:

• 01 January – New Year's Day
• 21 March – Human Rights Day
• Good Friday – Date varies annually
• Family Day / Easter Monday – Date varies annually
• 27 April – Freedom Day
• 01 May – Workers' Day
• 16 June – Youth Day
• 09 August – National Women's Day
• 24 September – Heritage Day
• 16 December – Day of Reconciliation
• 25 December – Christmas Day
• 26 December – Day of Goodwill

When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is also observed as a public holiday. Please be aware that banks, government offices, shops and some tourist attractions may operate reduced hours or remain closed on public holidays.

Business Hours

Opening hours vary according to location and individual businesses.

Large shopping centres and supermarkets are generally open seven days a week, often until the evening. Smaller shops and boutiques may operate shorter hours and may be closed on Sundays or public holidays.

Bank branches are generally open Monday to Friday during normal business hours, with some branches also opening on Saturday mornings. Opening hours vary, so we recommend checking the relevant branch online if you need to visit a bank.

Value Added Tax (VAT)

• South Africa's Value Added Tax (VAT) is currently 15% and is generally already included in consumer prices.
• International visitors may, under certain conditions, claim a VAT refund on qualifying goods purchased in South Africa and subsequently exported from the country.
• If you intend to claim a VAT refund, please request a valid Tax Invoice when making your purchase and retain the invoice together with the purchased goods.
• Specific requirements and export procedures apply to VAT refunds. We therefore recommend checking the current requirements at your international point of departure before leaving South Africa.
• VAT refunds generally apply to qualifying physical goods exported from South Africa and not to services consumed within the country, such as accommodation, meals or excursions.

Emergency Telephone Numbers

We recommend saving the following numbers on your mobile phone:

• General emergency number from a mobile phone: 112
• Police (SAPS): 10111
• Ambulance / Medical Emergency: 10177

In an emergency, provide your exact location wherever possible, explain the nature of the emergency and provide a telephone number on which you can be reached.

If you are staying at a hotel, lodge or safari camp, we also recommend informing reception or management immediately, as they can often arrange local assistance most efficiently.

Mobile Phones, Internet & Communication

Mobile phone coverage is generally very good in South African cities and along major routes. Coverage can, however, be limited or unavailable in remote areas, national parks and private game reserves.

International visitors can use a local SIM card or a suitable eSIM. Wi-Fi is available at most hotels, lodges and guesthouses, although connections may be slower or more limited in remote safari areas.

International dialling codes:

• South Africa: +27
• United Kingdom: +44
• United States & Canada: +1
• Germany: +49
• Austria: +43
• Switzerland: +41
• Czech Republic: +420
• Slovakia: +421
• Poland: +48
• Hungary: +36
• Slovenia: +386
• Croatia: +385
• Romania: +40
• Bulgaria: +359

When calling a South African number from outside South Africa, omit the first 0 of the South African area or mobile code.

Example:
021 123 4567 becomes +27 21 123 4567

WhatsApp is very widely used in South Africa and is one of the easiest ways to communicate with hotels, lodges, guides and other local contacts.

Gratuities

Tipping is customary in South Africa as a way of recognising good service. It is, however, always discretionary and should reflect the quality of service received.

The following amounts are intended as guidelines only:

Restaurants

• A gratuity of approximately 10–15% of the bill is customary if a service charge has not already been included.
• For larger groups, a service charge may automatically be added to the bill. Please check your bill before adding an additional gratuity.

Safari – Ranger/Guide & Tracker

• Safari guides/rangers and trackers are generally tipped separately.

As a guideline:

• Ranger/Guide: approximately R200–R300 per guest per day
• Tracker: approximately R100–R200 per guest per day

You are, of course, welcome to give more for exceptional service.

Many safari lodges provide gratuity envelopes or tip boxes at check-out.

Private Guides

As a guideline for a private guide:

• approximately R150–R250 per guest per day

For small private groups, guests may alternatively give one combined gratuity appropriate to the size of the group.

Drivers

For a private driver who is not acting as a guide:

• approximately R100–R200 per guest per day

A smaller gratuity is appropriate for short transfers.

Housekeeping

As a guideline:

• approximately R30–R50 per room per night

Some lodges operate a general staff gratuity box, in which case a contribution can be made there instead.

Porters

As a guideline:

• approximately R20–R30 per piece of luggage

All gratuity amounts are recommendations only. Tipping is not compulsory and should always be regarded as recognition for good and personal service.

Time Zone

South Africa operates on South African Standard Time (SAST), UTC+2 throughout the year and does not observe daylight saving time.

The time difference therefore varies according to the season in countries that observe daylight saving time.

As a general guide:

• United Kingdom: South Africa is usually 1–2 hours ahead
• Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary and other Central European countries: South Africa is usually on the same time during the European summer and 1 hour ahead during the European winter
• Eastern European countries operating on EET/EEST: generally the same time as South Africa during their winter and 1 hour ahead of South Africa during their summer
• US Eastern Time: South Africa is generally 6–7 hours ahead
• US Central Time: generally 7–8 hours ahead
• US Mountain Time: generally 8–9 hours ahead
• US Pacific Time: generally 9–10 hours ahead

As daylight-saving dates vary internationally, we recommend checking the exact time difference for your travel dates.

Sunrise & Sunset

• Sunrise and sunset times vary considerably depending on the region and season.
• When travelling on a self-drive itinerary or through national parks, please plan driving times carefully. Many national parks and game reserves have fixed gate opening and closing times.
• We recommend planning longer journeys so that you arrive at your destination before dark whenever possible.

Payments in South Africa

• Credit and debit cards are very widely accepted throughout South Africa. Card payments are generally available at hotels, restaurants, shops, fuel stations and most major tourist establishments.
• It is nevertheless advisable to carry a small amount of cash in South African Rand (ZAR) for smaller purchases, gratuities or when travelling in more remote areas.
• ATMs are widely available in cities and larger towns.
• When withdrawing cash, remain aware of your surroundings and do not accept assistance from strangers at an ATM.

Electricity & Power Sockets

• South Africa operates on 230 volts / 50 Hz.
• Several types of electrical sockets are used. The traditional South African three-round-pin Type M socket remains common, although other socket types are increasingly found in newer establishments.
• We recommend travelling with a suitable South African travel adapter.
• Many modern hotels and lodges also provide international sockets or USB charging points, but these should not be assumed to be available everywhere.
• Occasional power interruptions may occur. Many hotels and lodges now have generators, solar power or other backup systems.

Safety While Travelling

As when travelling in many countries around the world, we recommend taking some sensible precautions while travelling in South Africa.

• Avoid carrying unnecessarily large amounts of cash, passports or valuables and use your accommodation's safe where available.
• Never leave luggage, handbags, mobile phones or other valuables visible inside a parked vehicle.
• Remain aware of your surroundings when using ATMs and do not accept assistance from strangers.
• In cities, ask your hotel, guide or local host for advice about areas suitable for walking, particularly after dark.
• When travelling on a self-drive itinerary, follow your planned route and avoid unnecessary detours through unfamiliar areas.
• If you are uncertain about anything during your journey, contact your accommodation, guide or local representative for advice.