Ultimate Kruger Park safari - Relaxury

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South Africa

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.


Entry Requirements

http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries

Covid related : International flights and domestic flights

International flights to and from the Republic, as well as domestic flights within the Republic, are permitted in terms of regulation 75, read with regulation 76(2)(a) of the Regulations.

With effect from the date of publication of these Directions [3 December 2020], international passenger flights to and from the Republic shall be permitted, subject to the following conditions:

(a) A traveller must provide a valid negative Polymerase Chain Reaction ( "PCR ") test certificate, obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel from an accredited laboratory and in line with World Health Organization requirements or equivalent local accreditation authority, South African Authorities reserve the right to verify the authenticity of the presented PCR or COVID-19 test certificates;
(b) in the event of the traveller's failure, for whatever reason, to submit a valid test certificate in terms of paragraph (a), as proof of a negative PCR test or a valid COVID-19 negative test status upon arrival in South Africa, the traveller shall be subjected to a compulsory quarantine or undergo COVID-19 testing in line with the National Health Regiments;
(c) a passenger is required to wear a face mask at all times, may only remove a face mask during an emergency or when instructed by cabin crew to take it off and must observe social distancing, hand washing and sanitize regularly;
(d) a foreign Operator is required to submit procedures that show the level of compliance with South African COVID-19 legislation for approval to the South African Civil Aviation Authority;
(e) foreign Air Ambulance Services are permitted to transport COVID-19 positive patients: Provided that they obtain an approval from the Department of Health, obtain a permit issued by the Department of Transport prior to departure, and comply with the Department of Health Protocols and the Air Ambulance Guidelines issued by the Minister;
(f)  child under the age of five years may be exempted from wearing a face mask;
(g) a passenger who is unable to wear a face mask due to an underlying medical condition, must submit a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner to the Operator prior to departure;
(h) Flight deck crew are required to wear masks for the purpose of embarking and disembarking;
(i) cabin crew members are required to wear masks at all times, except when conducting a safety briefing or during an emergency;
(j) an "immunity passport", "risk-free certificate" or "passport immunity" in respect of COVID-19 is not acceptable;
(k) an Operator shall not board any passenger without a valid negative PCR or a valid COVID-19 negative test certificate;
(l) crew members shall, upon arrival in South Africa, be subjected to health protocols as contemplated in Health Directions;
(m) an Operator must ensure and follow the following risk mitigation measures for crew members:
(i) Conduct risk assessments to ensure that crew members are fit and proper before they undertake their travel duties and mitigate the risk of COVID-19 crew infections; and
(ii) ensure that crew members are protected whilst on duty;
(n) an Operator is allowed to provide catering on-board aircraft: Provided that they take all risk mitigation, health and safety measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, including the provision of pre-packed meals;
(o) a passenger in transit -
(i) must be in possession of a negative PCR test certificate or a valid COVID-19 negative test certificate, obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel, from an accredited laboratory;
(ii) who displays symptoms of COVID-19 must, upon arrival and under the direction of Port Health-
(aa) be taken through primary and secondary screening, including COVID-19 testing, where applicable;
(bb) be quarantined, at own cost, if a positive test result is obtained; and
(cc) if travelling with family, be quarantined, at own cost, with the whole family;
(p) a child or a person with disabilities may be exempted from COVID-19 testing if testing will prove to be a challenge: Provided that Operators must consult local public health authorities to confirm the requirement prior to departure;
(q) international scheduled operations and Charter flights carrying passengers are allowed at the following airports:
(i) OR Tambo International Airport;
(ii) King Shaka International Airport; and
(iii) Cape Town International Airport; and

With regard to international outbound flights-
(a) subject to the travel requirements of a country of destination, a passenger must provide the Operator with a valid negative PCR test certificate or a valid COVID-19 negative test certificate from an accredited laboratory certified by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority ( "SAHPRA ") and South African National Accreditation System ( "SANAS ");
(b) an Operator is responsible for ensuring that passengers comply with COVID-19 requirements of the country of destination; and
(c) Operators must familiarise themselves with the public health measures, including testing requirements, at the destination airport prior to departure.

Domestic passenger flights are permitted at the following domestic airports, as approved:
(a) Bram Fischer International Airport;
(b) Cape Town International Airport;
(c) East London;
(d) George Airport;
(e) Hoedspruit Airport;
(f) Kimberly Airport;
(g) King Shaka International Airport;
(h) Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport;
(i) Lanseria International Airport;
(j) Margate Airport;
(k) Mthatha Airport;
(I) OR Tambo International Airport;
(m) Phalaborwa Airport;
(n) Pietermaritzburg Airport;
(o) Pilanesburg Airport;
(p) Plettenberg Bay Airport;
(q) Polokwane Airport;
(r) Port Elizabeth International Airport;
(s) Richards Bay Airport;
(t) Sishen Airport;
(u) Skukuza Airport; and
(v) Upington International Airport.


Banking and Currency

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 
Diner’s club: Yes 
 
Banking Hours: Weekdays: 09:00 – 15:30 
Weekend: Saturdays: 08:30 – 11:00 
Public Holidays: Closed 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 


Travel, Transport and Getting Around

Air: 
Main airlines: South African Airways 
International Airports: O.R. Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town International, King Shaka (Durban) 
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, including Uber and Bolt 

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

Rail: 
Railway system: Yes, including luxury options like the Blue Train 
Subway System: Gautrain in Gauteng 

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


Health and Medical Information


Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice

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.


Climate and Weather

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 May 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. 


Clothing and Dress Recommendations

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 Availability

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 


Electricity and Plug Standards

Plug Type: M, N 
Voltage (V): 230 V 
Frequency (Hz): 50 Hz 

*A travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 


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