PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS:
We recommend that all travelers have a minimum of two blank pages, side-by-side, for entry into any/all African countries. This is a requirement for entry into South Africa, and our recommendation for all African countries as well. These are the pages marked “visa” at the top of the page in US passports. Please ensure you have adequate pages for all countries you’ll be entering. All passports should be valid at least six months from the return date.
Additional official entry requirements may apply for any person under the age of 18 entering Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, or Zimbabwe). Please inquire if applicable.
VISA REQUIREMENTS:
Visas are required for entry into certain African countries. For United States passport holders entering Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Rwanda, or Mozambique, visas can be secured on arrival with payment in US currency. For South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Mauritius, and Seychelles, visas are not required for American citizens. For Tanzania, visas are required and should be applied for and approved online in advance of arrival. For Uganda, visas are required and must be applied for and approved online in advance of arrival. Requirements for non-US passport holders may differ. It is the sole responsibility of all travelers to ensure they are aware of and can fulfill all visa and entry requirements.
YELLOW FEVER REQUIREMENTS:
Proof that yellow fever inoculation (shot) was administered to the traveler at least 10 days prior to arrival is required for entry into certain countries. A (yellow) medical card will be requested by the government authority upon arrival. This requirement applies for entry into Uganda and Rwanda. It also applies for entry into South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Seychelles, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya, or Tanzania following a stay, stop-over (and in some cases even airport transit/transfer) in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, or any other yellow fever country. Check with your Premier Tours agent if you are travelling to or through any countries and are unsure about the yellow fever requirements.
HEALTH MATTERS:
Many safari locations carry a risk of malaria and therefore malaria prophylaxis (oral medication) is strongly recommended.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect the cost of your trip in the event of cancellation for a covered reason, as well as for the medical, emergency evacuation, and numerous other benefits offered.
If you believe your credit card, homeowners, or healthcare plan provides coverage, you should carefully review what is and isn’t covered, as well as any limitations and exclusions. Many of our clients have been surprised to find the coverage they think they have is either limited, doesn’t cover family members, or is insufficient for adventure-oriented travel to remote destinations.
Please be sure to check the rates and coverage options offered by our insurance partner, Travelex, before making your insurance purchase. Unlike other insurance companies that charge based on the age of each traveler, The “Custom Travel Secure” policy was designed to provide the best coverage at highly competitive rates by offering a “one price fits all” option for Premier Tours travelers. All travelers will be required to sign a waiver before final travel documents are released, indicating whether they’ve chosen to purchase insurance.
LUGGAGE STORAGE:
Luggage storage may be available to you depending on your specific itinerary. Please inquire at the time of planning your tour and/or flights to ensure that arrangements can be made.
BAN ON PLASTIC BAGS:
Most African countries, in particular Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda, have banned the use of plastic bags. Please refrain from using them for packing purposes.
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
A passport with validity for at least six months beyond the last date of your stay in South Africa is required. Your passport must have 2 blank pages sitting side-by-side (a blank left side page sitting next to a blank right side page) to allow for official entry and exit stamps. Please ensure you have additional pages as required for any other countries you may be visiting.
Visas are not required for US passport holders entering South Africa. Requirements for passport holders of other countries vary.
Proof of yellow fever inoculation (administered at least 10 days before arrival) is required whenever travelers are arriving after having stayed in or transiting (more than 12 hours) through any yellow fever country. Your (yellow) official medical card must be presented.
It is the sole responsibility of the traveler to understand and fulfill any entry requirements.
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, 10c and 5c.
Banking
Banks are found in most towns, and are generally open from 9AM 3.30PM on weekdays and 8.30AM to 11AM 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.
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 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 centers 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 82°F to average lows of 46°F in the summer months while winter temperatures range from 33°F at night to around 64°F in the day. Average annual rainfall is on the low side at under 20 inches 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 clothes that are cool, light and comfortable because summer temperatures can get well into the 85-100 degree 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 bathing suit!
Winter
The winters are generally mild, comparing favorably 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.
For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there's no need to go overboard.
For the evening, if you are dining at an upmarket restaurant or seeing a show, smart-casual attire is recommended.
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
The current is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second. A three-point round-pin adapter plug (Type M) should be brought for your electrical appliances - such adapters are also available for purchase at many major airports.
