9 Day Kruger Safari & Vilanculos Beach Relax

South Africa is a fascinating and diverse travel destination, and its slogan, "A World in One Country," truly reflects reality.

The "New South Africa" has eleven official languages. In addition to Afrikaans, English is the official language. The following indigenous languages are also spoken, listed in alphabetical order: Ndebele, North and South Sotho, Swati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu.

The transition to democracy, following the state elections in April 1994 in a country with over 56 million inhabitants, proceeded relatively peacefully.

South Africa is a highly diverse country where various cultures, religions, and ethnicities coexist, mostly in a respectful manner. The population is exceptionally friendly and helpful, eager to engage in contact and conversation with visitors to their country.

The country is three times the size of Germany (approximately 1.22 million km²) and is divided into nine provinces. It offers a variety of geographical and climatic zones, from the semi-desert Karoo to the lush subtropical Natal coast, from the Mediterranean climate of the Cape to the "Bush" in eastern Mpumalanga, formerly Transvaal. Explore and experience the magnificent blend of breathtaking landscapes: the mountainous regions perfect for hiking, vast wildlife reserves and conservation areas like Kruger National Park and Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, endless pristine beaches, modern cities, and sunshine 365 days a year, as somewhere in South Africa, the sun shines every day!

The different climate zones and the vastness of the country offer a variety of sports activities, such as horseback riding, surfing, hiking, canoeing, swimming, or golfing.

Many visitors "fall in love" with South Africa and return repeatedly to enjoy their holidays here and embark on new adventures. A major advantage is that there is no time difference (only one hour during the switch to daylight saving time/winter time), resulting in no jet lag.

Please keep in mind that unforeseen or unexpected situations may arise during your trip to South Africa. Flexibility, patience, and openness are always good companions and often the key to a wonderful journey.

Entry Requirements

Visa & Stay
Citizens of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. A “visitor’s permit” is issued upon arrival.

Travel Documents

• Passport must be valid for at least 30 days beyond the date of departure
• At least two blank pages required
• Temporary passports are accepted

Children:

• Must have their own passport
• Additional documents are currently not mandatory but may be requested in individual cases

Additional Notes

• Proof of onward or return travel may be required
• Yellow fever vaccination is only required if arriving from a risk area

Note:
Entry requirements may change at short notice. It is recommended to check current regulations prior to travel.

• Currency & Payments

• Local currency: South African Rand (ZAR)

Card payments are widely accepted, even for smaller amounts. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly used.
Cash is recommended for:
Tips Smaller shops or rural areas

Transport

Car Rental & Driving

• Left-hand traffic
• International driving licence recommended
• Road network generally well developed, especially between major cities

Speed limits:

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

Notes:

• Avoid driving at night
• Fuel stations are less frequent in remote areas – refuel early
• Use secure or monitored parking (tipping car guards is customary, approx. ZAR 10–20)

Medical Care
Medical care in South Africa is of a very high standard, particularly in private hospitals and clinics, and is comparable to European facilities. In rural areas, services may be more limited.
We strongly recommend a travel health insurance, including medical evacuation cover. Upfront payment is often required in private facilities.

Vaccinations & Travel Medicine
No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry (except yellow fever if arriving from a risk area).
Recommended vaccinations include:

• Routine immunisations (e.g. tetanus, diphtheria, and possibly influenza)
• Hepatitis A
• Depending on itinerary: Hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies

Malaria
There is a low malaria risk in certain north-eastern regions, particularly from September to May:

• Parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo (including Kruger National Park)
• North-eastern KwaZulu-Natal (lower risk)

Recommendations:

• Consistent use of insect repellent and long clothing
• Individual medical advice regarding malaria prophylaxis

Important Note
If you develop fever during or after your trip, seek medical attention immediately and inform the doctor about your stay in a malaria-risk area.

Safety
South Africa is a fascinating destination but requires a higher level of awareness in daily life.
General recommendations:

• Avoid walking at night, especially alone or in isolated areas
• Keep valuables and documents secure and out of sight
• Carry only small amounts of cash
• Use only secure, monitored ATMs
• Do not leave drinks unattended
• Use official taxis or ride services such as Uber
• Do not engage with offers of supposed “permits” or unofficial fees

Petty crime (e.g. pickpocketing) may occur, particularly in urban areas.
In vehicles:

• Do not leave valuables visible inside the car
• Keep doors locked while driving

Road Safety

• Left-hand traffic
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.05%
• Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers
• Avoid driving after dark (due to wildlife and safety concerns)
• Do not pick up hitchhikers

National parks:

• Speed limits usually 40–50 km/h
• Do not leave the vehicle except in designated areas
• Do not feed animals

Emergency Contacts

• General emergency (mobile): 112
• Police: 10111
• Ambulance: 10177

Diplomatic representations:

• German Embassy Pretoria: +27 12 427 8900
• German Consulate General Cape Town: +27 21 405 3000
• Swiss Embassy Pretoria: +27 12 452 0660
• Swiss Consulate Cape Town: +27 21 400 7500
• Austrian Embassy Pretoria: +27 12 452 9155
• Austrian Consulate Cape Town: +27 63 131 9766

South Africa’s culinary landscape is a blend of African, Indian, Malay, Dutch, French, and British influences. Expect flavorful, hearty meals and delicious local specialties.

Typical Dishes:

• Braai (Barbecue): A national tradition featuring lamb, beef, chicken, snoek (fish), or crayfish.
• Boerewors: Hearty, spiced farmer’s sausage.
• Biltong: Spiced, air-dried meat snack.
• Samp & Beans: A wholesome corn-and-bean dish – a favorite of Nelson Mandela.
• Pap (Milliepap): A porridge-style staple, often served with stews or sauces.

Climate
South Africa features a variety of climate zones:

• Cape Town and the west coast: Mediterranean climate with dry summers and wetter winters
• East coast: Subtropical, warm and humid
• Inland: Drier with greater temperature fluctuations

Seasons:

• Summer: December to February
• Winter: June to August

Clothing

• Light, breathable clothing
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
• Warm layers for cooler evenings depending on region

Safari:

• Neutral colours (beige, khaki)
• Closed shoes
• Insect repellent recommended

Internet & Connectivity

• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and lodges
• Good mobile coverage in cities, limited in remote areas

Recommendations:

• Local SIM cards (e.g. Vodacom, MTN, Cell C)
• eSIM providers such as Airalo

• Electricity

• Voltage: 220–240 V / 50 Hz
• Plug types: primarily Type M, increasingly Type N

An adapter and a power bank are recommended.

Drinking Water

Tap water is generally safe to drink in cities and tourist areas.

Opening Hours (Guideline)

• Shops: Mon–Fri approx. 09:00–18:00, often open on weekends
• Banks: Mon–Fri approx. 09:00–15:30
• Restaurants: typically open for lunch and dinner

VAT (Value Added Tax)

• Currently: 15% (usually included in the price)

VAT refunds may be claimed upon departure for purchases above a certain amount.
Requirements:

• Original “VAT Invoice”
• Goods must be presented at departure

Refund counters are available at major international airports.

SATIB24 provides for INSPIRATION AFRICA guests 24/7 emergency assistance in South Africa with a single point of contact, ensuring fast and clear support in critical situations. The service combines medical, legal, and security support in one solution and is specifically designed for acute crisis and emergency situations. Clients benefit from immediate access to a global network of leading medical and security providers while remaining in control as experts coordinate all measures.

24-hour emergency hotline for our guests: +27 31 100 2370

Situated on the east coast of Africa, this tropical paradise is blessed with 2500 kilometres of spectacular coastline. With its idyllic beaches fringed with palm trees and lapped by crystal-clear waters brimming with a dazzling array of marine life, this enchanting African nation is an ideal adventure holiday destination, with an abundance of activities on offer such as snorkelling, sunset cruises, horse-riding, dolphin tours and world-renowned scuba diving. Mozambique’s two major centres, Maputo and Inhambane, offer an exotic kaleidoscope of art, music and delicious local food as well as a lively nightlife scene. Spend your days immersing yourself in the fascinating local culture, marvelling at the impressive colonial architecture and interacting with the fabulously friendly local inhabitants. Those seeking a more remote getaway can head for the isolated beaches of Benguerra Island; the historic Portuguese and Muslim architecture of Mozambique Island; or the outstanding wildlife of Gorongosa National Park. However, you choose to spend your time in this exceptionally scenic destination you are likely to leave with a heavy heart and a burning desire to return time and time again.

Currency 
Local currency: Mozambican Metical 
Symbol: MT 
ISO code: MZN 
Subunit: Centavo (1/100 of a Metical) 
Banknotes: 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 meticais 
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10 meticais 

Banking 
Card Transactions: Widely accepted in major cities 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: No 
Diner’s club: No 
Banking Hours: Weekdays: 07:30 – 15:30, Weekends: Closed, Public Holidays: Closed 
Foreign exchange services: Yes

Air: 
Main airlines: LAM Mozambique Airlines 
International Airports: Maputo International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Beira Airport, Nampula Airport 

Road: 
Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes, mainly in urban areas 
Gravel roads: Yes, common in rural areas 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes, in major cities 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: Yes, limited service 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: Yes, to the Bazaruto Archipelago 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Ärztliche Versorgung

Die ärztliche Versorgung in Mosambik ist aufgrund der eingeschränkten Ressourcen in vielen Bereichen des Landes begrenzt. Es gibt eine ungleiche Verteilung von Gesundheitseinrichtungen im Land, wobei städtische Gebiete besser versorgt sind als ländliche Gebiete. Mosambik hat jedoch in den letzten Jahren Fortschritte gemacht, um das öffentliche Gesundheitswesen zu verbessern und das

Gesundheitssystem zu stärken.

Malaria

Malaria ist insbesondere während der regenreichen Jahreszeiten (Nov - Apr & Aug - Sep), wenn sich Mücken leicht vermehren können, weit verbreitet. Es wird dringend empfohlen, vor Reiseantritt eine reisemedizinische Beratung aufzusuchen, um maßgeschneiderte Informationen und Empfehlungen zur Malariaprophylaxe sowie zu weiteren Impfungen zu erhalten. Indem Sie diese vorbeugenden Maßnahmen beachten und gegebenenfalls verschreibungspflichtige Medikamente einnehmen, können Sie das Risiko von Malaria während Ihres Aufenthalts in Mosambik deutlich verringern. Denken Sie daran, dass das Tragen von angemessener Kleidung und die Verwendung von Insektenschutzmitteln ebenfalls empfohlen werden, um Mückenstiche zu vermeiden.

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, if washed 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes, if cooked thoroughly 
Street food: Yes, from reputable vendors 

Local cuisine: 
Mozambican cuisine is a delicious blend of African, Portuguese, and Arab influences. Seafood is a staple, especially prawns, served with piri-piri sauce. Coconut, lime, and spices enrich dishes like Matapa, a stew made with cassava leaves and nuts. Corn porridge (Xima) is a common side. 

Drinks: Notable local drinks include Laurentina and 2M beers, and Tipo Tinto rum. 
Tipping: 10% is customary in restaurants. 

Annual rainfall: Varies greatly, from 500 mm in the south to 900 mm in the north 
Average temperature: 28°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 31°C 
Average lows: 24°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 18°C 

Best time to visit: 
The best time to visit Mozambique is from May to November during the dry season when temperatures are cooler and there is less humidity, making it ideal for wildlife viewing and beach holidays. 

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: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes, during the rainy season 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet cafes: Yes 
Accommodation options: Yes, in major cities and tourist areas 
Restaurants: Yes, in major cities 
Cafes: Yes, in major cities 
Shopping malls: Yes, in major cities 
Public parks: No 
Libraries: Yes, in major cities