PEACE OF MIND WHILE YOU TRAVEL IN AFRICA
We at Conservation Safari Company understand that travelling in Africa can be a daunting experience but rest assured that when we plan your trip, every step is organised and seamless, from the moment you enter the airport arrivals hall to when you depart. There will be someone to greet you with a signboard and your name on it at each airport/hotel/lodge and you will be transferred in comfort and safety - you basically don’t have to think at all from when you arrive. We provide you with a comprehensive Travel Document that details each day’s plan, what time you need to be where, who the provider is and their contact details – we make sure that everything happens on schedule. In addition our team is here 24hrs and contactable so that if there is a hiccup, we can fix it straight away.
In addition to us planning your safari, we are making a difference as a company. One percent [1%] of the value of every trip booked with us is spent on conservation, at no cost to you. We want to protect Africa’s wild places and wildlife, for future generations – please read more about our conservation efforts on our website!
Thank you for considering Conservation Safari Company
Luxury travel, making a difference!
Travel Documents
Very few additional documents or vouchers are required these days, but copies of electronic flight tickets and any provided vouchers will be sent to you or included in your printable Travel Document. Your Travel Document will contain detailed daily arrangements of each destination and transfer, flight details and contact numbers. It will also contain a list of emergency contact details - a copy of your itinerary should be left at home with friends or next of kin so that they have a means of knowing where you are and who to contact in case of an emergency.
Insurance
It is a condition of booking with all safari outfitters that you have the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself, as well as any dependants/travelling companions for the duration of your trip to Africa. When it comes to making a critical decision in the case of an emergency it is essential that all the service providers have your Insurance Company, Policy Number and a 24hour contact number.
Visas
For travelers visiting South Africa with Children, please download and read the PDF document on our website 'South Africa Children & Visa' - specific documents are required.
Please be advised that visa requirements are subject to change and that visa procurement is the responsibility of the traveller and not Conservation Safari Company. Please also ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your planned date of departure from Africa and that you have enough blank pages in your passport for all of the visas you require.
The majority of visas in Africa can be obtained at the border however it is essential that you check the visa requirements of every country you will be visiting with the local embassy, consulate or a reputable visa handling company for the most up to date visa information before you travel. African countries are in a continual state of political flux and visa requirements can change overnight.
Health
There are a few basic health matters that require care and attention – please consult your medical practitioner and check with your health department/travel clinic prior to departure from your home country, in the event there have been changes in the health regulations of the country you are visiting.
The primary concern for travellers in Africa is Malaria, Yellow Fever, Tsetse Flies and Ticks. Malaria is prevalent in specific areas and usually during the summer months - most travel doctors will recommend malaria tablets. Please read our pre-travel document on this page [pdf] and also consult the World Health Organization website for detailed information or the Centre for Disease Control website.
Luggage Weight Limits
Please take note of the weight limits for travel in the region and take particular note if you are flying on a light aircraft to any of the private and more remote destinations. Typically luggage on light aircraft flights is limited to a total of 20kg (including hand luggage) but in some cases is 15kg or 12kg in soft bags only - no hard cases or soft bags with frames!
Most commercial airline, regional flights have a 23kg check-in baggage limit with a total of 7kg carry on.
What does it mean to be SATSA Bonded?
Conservation Safari Company (Thom Media & Travel Pty Ltd) is a bonded member of the South African Tourism Services Association. As a bonded SATSA member our clients receive a financial guarantee against any deposits they make to us. The SATSA logo signifies our integrity and commitment to the highest service levels as an African travel facilitator.
VIEW OUR SATSA CERTIFICATE AND NUMBER ON OUR WEBSITE
GENERAL INCLUSIONS
- Meet & greet, transfers to/from airports and hotels/lodges
- Regional flights & taxes
- Meals and drinks specified per accommodation
- Daily excursions & activities as specified
- Park fees and entrance fees as specified
- Safari activities and lodge/guide staff
GENERAL EXCLUSIONS
- Visas
- International flights
- Cancellation, baggage and medical insurance
- Any new Government Taxes, levies, fuel or industry increases which are beyond our control
- Items of a personal nature & curio purchases
- Gratuities or tips
Thank you for looking at our itinerary and considering Conservation Safari Company as your travel provider, we put a lot of time and thought into creating itineraries and experiences for your specific needs and interests - so please check all the tabs above [if you are viewing a digital itinerary] or each page of a printed itinerary, to make sure you get through all the information. We know you have a choice of many providers, but we believe we offer excellent service, value for money pricing, and we are making a difference through our conservation projects. [https://www.conservationsafaricompany.com/conservation]
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.
Entry Requirements
You will need the following if you wish to visit South Africa:
A valid and acceptable passport or travel document for your intended stay
At least one blank page in your passport for endorsements
A valid visa, if required
Sufficient funds to pay for your day-to-day expenses during your stay
A return or onward ticket
Yellow fever certificates if your journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America.
General information about South African Visas
Visitors’ visas are for international travellers (citizens of other countries) who have permanent residence outside South Africa and who wish to visit the country on a temporary basis for tourism or business purposes for a period of 90 days or less.
A visa simply indicates that your application has been reviewed at a South African embassy, mission or consulate and that the consular officer has determined you are eligible to enter the country for a specific purpose.
The visa will allow you to travel to a South African port of entry where an immigration official will then determine if you are allowed to enter South Africa and for how long you can stay for that particular visit. Visitors are restricted to the activity or reason for which their visas were issued.
On entry to South Africa, a visa is considered to be a visitor's permit. The permit’s period of validity is calculated from the date of entry into the country and will be set out under the heading "conditions" on the visa label. You must ensure that you apply for the correct visa/permit. Entry in the country may be refused if the purpose of visit was not correctly stated.
Requirements for visitor’s visas differ from country to country and the requirements are subject to change. As each application is treated as an individual case and you should make enquiries with your nearest South African mission or consulate abroad or any office of the Department of Home Affairs to see whether or not you are required to apply for a visa.
For a list of countries that are exempt please go to http://www.home-affairs.gov.za:
Remember that there is a fee charged for issuing a visa, and you should check the cost with the office as well as this is updated annually. The fee is payable in different currencies in different countries.
Visas are not issued at South African ports of entry, and airline officials are obliged to insist on visas before allowing passengers to board. If you arrive without a visa, immigration officials are obliged to put you onto a flight back to your home country.
Don't forget that there are certain goods that you cannot bring into South Africa and other goods on which duties need to be paid.
For Customs requirements, http://www.sars.gov.za/ClientSegments/Customs-Excise/Travellers/Pages/Arrival-in-SA.aspx
For Agricultural requirements, http://www.daff.gov.za/daffweb3/Services/Imports
Banking and Currency
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.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
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.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
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.
Climate and Weather
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.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
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.
Internet Availability
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.
Electricity and Plug Standards
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.
