CAPE TOWN & KRUGER – Beaches to Big 5 - Budget

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 scene, vibrant nightlife and beautiful 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 dotting picturesque Cape Winelands. 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.

PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR NEAREST EMBASSY WHAT VISA / PERMIT MAY YOU REQUIRE PRIOR TO YOUR ARRIVAL IN SOUTH AFRICA.
If you are going with the visa on arrival approach, please ensure that you have the following documentation handy: a travel itinerary, return tickets, documents for return or onward journeys, some sort of proof of sufficient funds for the duration of stay, yellow fever card if you have transited through a YF country en route to RSA, or have been to a YF country 6 months prior to your arrival in RSA. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents or even Home Affairs and official sources. OR Tambo, is, fortunately, a well-run International Airport, in a country that has a very good understanding and tourism infrastructure. Your admission is most likely to be hassle free 99% of the times. Be gracious and polite at all times and have your documentation ready, most customs officers are paid a pittance and all they have is fleeting and temporary empowerment to allow you into their country, humour them for a few minutes and you should be through before you know it. Note that your passport must be valid for six months after the time of travel and have at least three empty pages for new stamps.
Please make sure to check requirements when travelling with minors, even if you are the parent, unabridged birth certificates and affidavit letters from non-travelling parents will be needed. 

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, and 10c.

Banking

Banks are found in most towns and are generally open from 09h00 to 15h30 on weekdays and 08h30 to 11h00 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 the country as they might block your purchases if they are not informed. 

Travelling around South Africa is relatively easy by air, road and rail.

Several‌ ‌airlines‌ ‌operate‌ ‌domestic‌ ‌routes‌ ‌with‌ ‌regular‌ ‌links‌ ‌between‌ ‌Johannesburg,‌ ‌Cape‌ ‌Town,‌ ‌Durban,‌ ‌George,‌ ‌Nelspruit‌ ‌and‌ ‌Port‌ ‌Elizabeth‌ ‌and‌ ‌relatively‌ ‌frequent‌ ‌flights‌ ‌to‌ ‌several‌ ‌smaller‌ ‌towns‌ ‌and‌ ‌cities‌ ‌too.‌ ‌

An extensive tarred road system makes travelling in South Africa by vehicle convenient and easy. You will find gravel roads in rural areas though. Please note that a valid international driver's licence is required. We drive on the left-hand side of the road. Most global car hire firms have branches in South Africa.

Another means of getting around South Africa are inter-city bus services. Metrobus buses are available for in-city transport. Metered taxis can be ordered and e-hailing services are available. There is the popular MyCityBus system in Cape Town and a hop-on-hop-off tourist bus in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

The rail system includes the long-haul, inexpensive Shosholoza Meyl Metrorail trains with  more luxurious options are available. There is also the Gautrain rapid transit railway system in Gauteng Province.

Don't overreact to the health warnings put out by many first world government web sites. Many of these web sites publish lists of very exotic-sounding threats for people travelling to developing and third-world countries. Speak to your doctor about inoculations. He will probably recommend those for tetanus, hepatitis A and B, cholera and rabies. For this tour tetanus and typhoid booster would more than suffice but are not legal requirements.
Yellow Fever - It is recommended that you obtain a yellow fever vaccination for most African countries and to carry your International Certificate of Vaccination – you may not be allowed back in South Africa or your country of origin without it. This may be especially true if you have transited through a YF country prior to your landing in RSA, especially if you spent time in a YF country 6 months prior to this tour. YF vaccinations are usually valid for 10 years.
If you only read this as you are flying to RSA and forgot to take a booster jab, or left (and need) your YF card at home, you still have an option in your sleeve. Ask the airport ground staff before passport control to direct you to the health officer and clinic. Hopefully, you are not albumen intolerant and can take the shot here and now, otherwise without an exemption letter from your GP you stand a tougher chance of getting through. If however, you can take a booster shot, the health officer will be able to inoculate you and drain some handsome amount of cash off your credit card there and then. Trust me, it is not the nicest welcome to South Africa we had hoped for you. But hopefully…you did read the notes and come prepared!
The areas in RSA that do present a Malaria risk. Please ensure that you know which areas along your itinerary pose a malaria risk and plan your medication and prophylaxis accordingly.
Malaria is no laughing matter, a silent and effective killer, and it should never be taken lightly. It takes only one “infected” mozzie to get you infected and ruin your holiday. This could place you at huge health risk if not properly and promptly attended. It truly is not worth the risk, and malaria prophylaxis medication is highly recommended. Please consult with your physician what course of anti-malaria pills he suggests you take given your condition and previous history.
In RSA, Mefloquine, Doxycycline, Malanil®, Chloroquine & Proguanil are the most used and recommended, but please contact your doctor for advice. Beware of Lariam if you have never taken it before, as it has a vast array of fascinating side effects that could ruin, or alter your appreciation of this tour.
Please remember that the best insurance is the preventative kind: avoid being bitten by using mosquito repellents liberally; wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers or slacks in the evenings; if staying in a bungalow or tent, spray with an insecticide to kill any mosquitoes that may have flown into your room – mosquito coils are effective.
If you become ill on your return home, please advise your doctor that you have recently been in a malaria area.
Bugs - You may be bitten by bugs which could result in itchy swellings. A good antihistamine cream usually reduces swelling and itchiness. Check your body for ticks after bush walks. If these bites cause discomfort or concern, approach your lodge manager for advice. Should you come down with flu symptoms on your return home, with headaches and muscle pain please get tested for tick bite fever. A quick course of the right antibiotic will take fast and effective care of it.
Water/Dehydration - It is very important that you drink plenty of water to limit the effects of
dehydration, especially during the hotter months. Note that tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages act as diuretics and can actually contribute to dehydration. Bottled water is provided wherever possible and necessary and we advise you to drink this rather than the tap water.
Travellers’ diarrhoea – This is possibly the most common complaint of any visitor to South Africa or travellers in general. Make sure you have some Imodium/Lomotil pills with you.

Africa is no different to the rest of the world. If you plan to spend time in a city, take precautions as you would in your home country. Petty theft is common in cities, but physical attacks on tourists are very rare.

Safety tips for cities:

* Don't wander around the streets after dark.

* Ask your hotel about unsafe areas if any and avoid them.

* Leave very expensive jewellery at home and wear a cheap plastic watch.

* Don't carry cameras and video cameras when unnecessary

* Keep your money and passport in a money belt and out of sight or in a safe at your hotel.

* Dress like a local or at least dress casually.

* Use your cell phone discreetly

Our final comment regarding crime and safety: you will spend most of your African holiday in a relatively remote and wild area where crime of any sort is extremely rare, if not non-existent.

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 maintain hygienic standards.

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 centres and townships. Food safety in such instances cannot always be guaranteed.

South African temperatures, which are measured in centigrade, average at highs of 28°C to average lows of 8°C in the summer months, while winter temperatures range from 1°C at night to around 18°C during the day. Average annual rainfall is on the low side at under 500mm 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 cool, light and comfortable clothes because summer temperatures can get well into the 30 - 40 degree Celsius 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 swimming costume (bathing suit).

Winter

The winters are generally mild, comparing favourably 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.

If you are doing business in the country, business attire is generally called for in the corporate sector, but media, for example generally dress more casually.

For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there's no need to go overboard. A good pair of walking shoes is also advisable.

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

Most accommodation offer Wifi in their business centres, rooms or restaurants. Internet cafes are found in most business areas and shopping malls. In addition, some South African restaurants offer WiFi access.

There are also outlets such as PostNet that offer internet, fax and postage facilities.  

Electrical sockets in the Republic of South Africa are Type M (SABS-1661). If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug it in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all types.

Electrical sockets in South Africa usually supply electricity at 230 volts AC / 50 Hz frequency. If you're plugging in an appliance built for 230-volt electrical input, or an appliance compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. A voltage converter will be necessary if your appliance isn't compatible with 230 volts.

Travel Insurance: It is vital that you acquire adequate travel insurance. 

Should you want to make a claim on your insurance, you will need documentation with which to substantiate it. Generally, the more documentation you have, the faster your claim will be processed. All claims should be notified to the insurance company as soon as possible after your return.

Travel insurance can be very handy to avert a number of potentially threatening scenarios to the smooth and enjoyable course of your trip. As the ditty goes...nothing beats expecting the unexpected.

Make sure you read and understand your insurance policy carefully to determine the exact extent of cover provided. In the event of a claim being filed make sure you retain all original and relevant documents and send copies of statements, affidavits, etc. with the completed claims form.

Keep photocopies of all your important documents and pack them in different places; preferably carry a set of these on you at all times.

In case of any of the following events happening, you will need to notify your travel insurer as follows:

For lost, damaged or delayed baggage: a copy of your notification in writing to the carrier concerned (the form should be completed by you before leaving the airport) together with a copy of their written report. Additionally, the loss or damage should be notified (again in writing) to the airline’s main office.

For loss of money, travellers’ cheques and items of value: You should report all missing items to the police within 24 hours of discovery of loss, and obtain a written police report. Keep all evidence of money changed either in Europe or in Tanzania and a separate note of any travellers’ cheques numbers (travellers’ cheques are usually refundable by the company which issued them). Please note that even the best travel insurance policies will cover a cash loss of only $1000 or less. Items of particular value, such as jewellery, more expensive cameras, video equipment etc. should be separately insured before you go. Your household contents insurance can often be extended to cover these items.

For medical expenses: Any doctor’s, dentist’s or hospital prescriptions, bills, receipts or receipted accounts, and a certificate showing the nature of the illness or sickness. If possible, a written report from the doctor, dentist or hospital involved.

For travel delay: A written report from the airline stating length of delay and its cause. For interruption of travel services: A written report from the carrier concerned.

Credit Card Insurance: Some credit card companies give you automatic travel accident insurance free of charge if you have used their card to pay for part or all of your holiday cost.

In many cases the cover provided is not as comprehensive in terms of medical expenses, loss of baggage, money, or cancellation charges etc., as policies that you can buy separately. Should you have no travel insurance, we strongly advise you to check with your credit card company as to the exact extent of the cover that they provide.