Visionary Travel - South Africa Wine + Safari Group 2024 - Visionary Travel - South Africa Wine + Safari Group 2024

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.

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, 10c and 5c.

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 of 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. 

Principal air routes are serviced by SAA and British Airways. There are also low-cost carriers on main routes, namely Kulula.com, Mango and Safair. Facilitating travel around South Africa are 10 airports managed by the Airports Company South Africa (Acsa). In addition, there are some 90 regional airports, including the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in Nelspruit and the Skukuza Airport, offering access to the Kruger National Park. Please note that only one piece of soft baggage weighing 15-20kg is allowed on charter flights

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 and Uber is available.

Another means of getting around South Africa are inter-city bus services such as Greyhound and Trans-Lux. Metrobus buses are available for in-city transport.  Metered taxis must be ordered by telephone.There is the popular MyCityBus system in Cape Town as well as a hop-on-hop-off tourist bus in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

South Africa is a safe country to travel to if you are vigilant. Most violent crime occurs in the townships on the outskirts of the big cities or in remote areas. Although there have been isolated incidents, where people have put themselves in danger, there are, as in any country, certain areas to avoid or be careful in.

The risk of violent crime to visitors in the major tourist cities is generally low. In the main tourist areas, there are usually additional security personnel who can help tourists if they have any problems. However, police action and security can be very limited in more remote areas, so you should always be vigilant.

Here are some general tips to help you on your way:

• Do not carry valuables on display.
• Do not leave valuables in your car or open the boot in public places where anyone can see your valuables.
• Use safe and reliable means of transport (see Public transport).
• Stay alert and be suspicious of people who approach you.
• When visiting a township, only go with a responsible and reliable tour guide.
• Carry your wallet in an inside pocket - never in the back pocket of your trousers.
• Credit card transactions must be done in your presence and be careful at ATMs that are not well guarded or in remote areas.
• Stay away from dark, remote areas at night.
• You can drive to restaurants at any time, as there is generally always security staff in the car parks, who can be paid a small fee after the meal, for safeguarding the area.
• It is always better to travel in groups and stick to well-lit, busy streets.
• If you are unsure about a police checkpoint, please note that members of the South African Police Service are required to carry an identification card containing the member's name, rank, service number and photograph; you have the right to ask members in plain clothes and members in uniform to show their identification and, if unsure, to drive directly to the nearest police station without stopping to ask for clarification of the situation.

If you are looking for further information, we recommend the following South African government website: https://www.tourism.gov.za/Pages/Safety--Travel-Tips-Info.aspx
 

For more information on safety and travel tips, please visit the following website:

https://www.traveltosouthafrica.org/

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 ensure hygienic standards are maintained.

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.

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. 

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, with Wi-Fi available 
Shopping malls: Yes 
Public parks: Yes, in major cities 
Libraries: Yes 

General tipping policy:

Safari Lodges / Hotels:
- Tip box at reception: ZAR 150 per traveller per day of stay
- Game drive guide: ZAR 75 - ZAR 150 per traveller per day
- Game drive tracker: ZAR 35 - ZAR 75 per traveller  per day
- Private game drives: ZAR 200 - ZAR 300 per traveller , per day
- Butler: ZAR 35 - ZAR 75 per traveller  per day
- Staff (general):                ZAR 35 - ZAR 75 per traveller , per day
- Porter: ZAR 15 - ZAR 30 per piece of luggage

Guided Tours:
- Guide ZAR 100 - ZAR 200 per person per day
- Driver ZAR 50 per person per day

General living:
- Restaurants: 10% - 20% of bill
- Activities: ZAR 20 per person
- Petrol attendant: ZAR 5 - ZAR 10
- Parking attendant: ZAR 2 - ZAR 5