Charter Airline Luggage Limitations
Please note that the luggage restriction on the scheduled charter flights in South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe is 20kgs (44lbs) per person which needs to be packed in soft-sided duffel bags. This weight limitation includes your hand luggage.
In Kenya, Tanzania and Namibia the luggage limit is 15Kgs (33lbs) per person packed in soft-sided duffel bags. This weight limitation includes your hand luggage.
Note that seat rate charter flights operate a shuttle service and guests may be collected at other camps before proceeding to your destination.
Visas
Certain countries in Africa require you to obtain travel authorisation ahead of your arrival in those countries. For some travellers, the online application portals can be challenging to use, causing frustration and anxiety. If you do not want to navigate the online process yourself, feel free to contact a specialist visa agency such as Visa HQ to assist you.
Yellow Fever
Please note that you need a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate for travel to Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya. You must travel with the original certificate as you may be asked for proof thereof.
Malaria Medication
We recommend that you take malaria prophylactics as you will be travelling to a malaria risk area. You will need to liaise with your primary care physician or travel clinic regarding the medication most suited to your needs. We're not able to recommend which one to take as it depends on other medication you're currently taking / any medical conditions etc.
Visa Note for South Africa
American, Canadian and EU passport holders do not require a visa for entry to South Africa. However, you are required to have at least two consecutive blank visa pages in your passport, per country visited, to be allowed entry. Please ensure that your passports are valid for at least 30 days after your date of departure from South Africa.
Visa Note for Botswana
American, Canadian and EU passport holders do not require a visa for entry to Botswana. However, you are required to have at least two consecutive blank visa pages in your passport, per country visited, to be allowed entry. Please ensure that your passports are valid for at least 6 months after your date of entry into Botswana.
Please be aware - all children under the age of 18 years must travel with an unabridged birth certificate for entry into Botswana, clearly showing the details of both parents. Both parents need to be travelling with the child. If this is not the case, additional documentation may be required. Please contact us for further info.
Visa Note for Zambia
Zambia has waived all visa fees (including day trip visas), for nationals from Australia, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
All other nationalities are required to pay for their Zambian visas. The entry fee is currently US$50 per person (subject to change). You can purchase your visa at Livingstone / Lusaka Airports on arrival. If you plan to visit both sides of the Falls you can purchase a Kaza Visa for US$50 per person which allows you access to both Zambia and Zimbabwe. Please note that you will need to have cash available to purchase your visa as they do not accept credit cards. (Most African countries only accept USD bills that are in excellent condition and dated 2006 or later).
Visa Note for Zimbabwe
Most passport holders can purchase their visa for Zimbabwe on arrival at a cost of US$30 (subject to change). Please note that you will need to have cash available to purchase your visa as they do not accept credit cards. (Most African countries only accept USD bills that are in excellent condition and dated 2006 or later).
Visa Note for Mozambique
The E-Visa site and implementation of the registration process has NOT been successful, and Mozambique is now rolling out a Visa exemption implementation.
This means the temporary suspension of the pre-registration process for visitors from visa-exempt countries.
Clients can now enter Mozambique without any form of pre-registration (a temporary measure to provide flexibility and convenience for visitors).
Upon entry into Mozambique clients from visa-exempt countries now only require the following:
*Pay MZN 650.00 (at the current rate of exchange this is USD10.00 or R180.00).
There are credit card facilities available but cash is preferred. No change is available, so please ensure you have the correct amount in cash handy. USD and South African Rand are both accepted.
*Provide a valid passport with 6 months validity AFTER the last day of your stay in Mozambique, plus 3 blank pages.
*Provide confirmation of your round-trip flight details (return tickets)
*Proof of accommodation in the form of a letter from your accommodation provider
Visa Note for Namibia
Currently American, Canadian and EU passport holders do not require a visa for entry to Namibia. However, you are required to have at least three consecutive blank visa pages in your passport, per country visited, to be allowed entry. Please ensure that your passports are valid for at least 6 months after your date of entry.
NOTE that as of 1 April 2025, Namibia’s new visa regulations come into effect. This means that 31 countries who did not previously require visas will now require them. The affected countries include the United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, France, Germany, amongst others. The visa fee will be N$1,600 per person (around USD90). You may obtain your visas at the airport on arrival.
Please be aware - all children under the age of 18 years must travel with an unabridged birth certificate for entry into Namibia, clearly showing the details of both parents. Both parents need to be travelling with the child. If this is not the case, additional documentation may be required. Please contact us for further info.
Visa Note for Seychelles
A visa is not required for stays up to 30 days.
On arrival, travelers need to provide proof of onward or return transportation, a confirmed accommodation booking and proof of sufficient funds for the duration of their stay. They will then be issued a Visitor's Permit which is valid for a stay of up to 30 days.
All visitors must apply for entry through the Health Travel Authorisation platform prior to their arrival in the Seychelles. Please visit https://seychelles.govtas.com/ This health authorisation is essential for travel and will be required when you check in for your flight. Visitors will not be permitted to board their flight without the authorisation being in place.
Visa Note for Kenya
Kenya has implemented an eTA (electronic travel authorisation) system. This is a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to Kenya. The possession of an eTA is not the final authority to enter the Republic of Kenya. Admissibility will be determined at the point of entry.
All visitors are required to apply for an eTA prior to arrival in Kenya by clicking here - https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en
The cost is currently US$32.50 per traveller, plus bank and processing fees.
For most travelers, a single entry eTA will be sufficient. If you are visiting neighbouring countries such as Tanzania, Rwanda or Uganda and then returning to Kenya afterwards, you will be able to use the same eTA for re-entry – provided you do not return to your country of residence between visits.
NOTE that the eTA is only valid for 90 days from the date of issue, so please don’t apply too early. If the eTA expires prior to your arrival in Kenya, you will need to start a new application. The eTA is only required for entry into Kenya - there is no need to re-apply for an eTA if it expires whilst you are in Kenya.
Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date in Kenya, and you require at least two blank visa pages in your passport.
IMPORTANT: Single use plastic bags are banned in Kenya. Arriving visitors are requested to avoid bringing single use plastic bags into the country. Being in possession of a single use plastic bag is an offence and offenders could be penalised.
Visa Note for Tanzania
US passport holders can purchase their visa for Tanzania at the port of entry at a cost of US$100 per person. Please have the exact amount in cash available as they do not accept credit cards. (Please note that East African countries only accept USD bills that are in excellent condition and dated 2006 or later).
Note that, should you be arriving in Tanzania from Kenya, via the Isebania border post, you must apply for your Tanzanian visa ahead of your arrival.
Because the arrival visa process can take a long time, we suggest that you apply for your e-visa prior to travel by clicking on this link - https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/ Guidelines are available here which provides further information on what you’ll need for the application process: https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/guidelines
If you are visiting neighbouring countries such as Kenya, Rwanda or Uganda and then returning to Tanzania afterwards, you will be able to use the same visa for re-entry – provided you do not return to your country of residence between visits. Keep in mind that Zanzibar is part of Tanzania.
Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date in Tanzania. You are also required to have at least two blank visa pages in your passport.
CROSSING THE BORDER FROM THE MASAAI MARA (KENYA) TO THE SERENGETI (TANZANIA) – ISEBANIA BORDER POST
You will fly from your safari lodge to the Migori Airstrip – from here, you will board a shared bus (arranged by the airline) to the immigration check point. After you’ve completed the border formalities, you will continue by bus to the Tarime Airstrip. From here you will fly to your safari lodge in the Serengeti.
Though it is usually possible to get your visa for Tanzania on arrival, for this border crossing you MUST get your Tanzania visa in advance. This is due to the time constraints imposed by the airlines as the flights need to stick to the scheduled times.
Travellers must have the following documents ready when crossing from Kenya to Tanzania:
Passport
Yellow fever certificate
E-visa
Completed entry declaration form
Visa Note for Uganda
Uganda Immigration have implemented the use of electronic visas. All visitors who require an entry visa must apply through the online application system prior to arrival by clicking here: https://visas.immigration.go.ug.
You are required to upload clear copies of the bio-data page of your passport, your Yellow Fever certificate and a recent passport photo.
On completion of the online application you will receive a barcoded e-mail notification. Print out this e-mail and bring it along with you to Uganda.
Upon arrival you must present the barcoded e-mail to the relevant authorities.
The immigration officer will scan the barcode, take your fingerprints, collect your photo and request the US$50 cash payment for the visa. (Please note: Uganda only accepts USD bills dated 2006 or later, and bills that are in excellent condition). A visa sticker will be printed with your photo and placed in your passport.
Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months after your date of entry into Uganda, and you’re required to have at least two blank visa pages in your passport.
It is possible to get an East Africa Tourist Visa which covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya on a single visa. Note that Tanzania is not included and if you have travelled to Tanzania and then return to either Uganda, Rwanda or Kenya, the East Africa visa will no longer be valid. You need to lodge the application with the first country on your itinerary (note that if Kenya is the first country on your itinerary, the East Africa Tourist Visa does not apply and you will need to obtain separate visas for each country).
Visitors to Uganda who will be participating in gorilla trekking activities are required to wear a mask while with the gorillas.
NOTE that e-cigarettes have been BANNED in Uganda.
Uganda is one of the 35 countries globally where e-cigarettes are banned according to World Health Organization (WHO). Electronic cigarettes are battery-operated devices that emit a vaporized solution to inhale. These include e-hookahs, vaporizer cigarettes, vapes, and vape pens.
Please do not carry these items, even if you don't intend on using them.
Visa Note Rwanda
Visas may be obtained on arrival at Kigali International Airport. The cost is currently US$50 per person and must be paid in cash.
You can also apply for a Rwanda e-visa online, please follow this link - https://irembo.gov.rw/home/citizen/all_services
When the site loads – go to Immigration and Emigration to complete the visa application.
Your passport must be valid at least 6 months after the date of arrival in Rwanda. You also require at least two blank visa pages in your passport.
It is possible to get an East African Tourist Visa that covers entry to Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. These need to be purchased from the first country of entry. Please note that this visa does not cover entry into Tanzania and if you enter Tanzania from one of these other countries having travelled on the EA Visa, the East African Tourist Visa will no longer be valid. You need to lodge the application with the first country on your itinerary (note that if Kenya is the first country on your itinerary, the East Africa Tourist Visa does not apply and you will need to obtain separate visas for each country).
Travellers over the age of 5 years who are scheduled to visit the primates at the Volcanoes, Nyungwe and / or Gishwati-Mukura National Parks are required to wear a mask during their visit.
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
ENTERING SOUTH AFRICA
You do NOT require a visa to enter South Africa if you are a citizen of -
· Australia
· Canada
· USA
· United Kingdom
· the majority of the EU countries (please check for exclusions)
If you are a citizen of another country, please check THIS LIST to determine if you need a visa before you enter.
Note that citizens of New Zealand now need a visa for South Africa
In all cases, ALL visitors are required to have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the intended departure date from South Africa. In all instances, ALL visitors must ensure there are TWO successive blank pages (unstamped) in their passport per country to be visited.
NOTE: Should you visit another Southern African country from South Africa, and then return to South Africa, you will require two new pages in your passport upon your return.
Foreign nationals who DO require a visa are advised to apply in person at relevant South African embassies/consulates of home residence at least four weeks prior to departure for South Africa. 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 WILL refuse you entry to South Africa and place you on a return flight to your home country.
Banking and Currency
CURRENCY - CREDIT CARDS & ATM’s
The currency in South African is the South African Rand (ZAR), which is made up of 100 Cents.
Credit Cards
Visa and MasterCard are usually accepted throughout South Africa, American Express and Diners Club less so, and commonly NOT accepted at some venues at all. Be sure to ask your bank about a Visa or MasterCard with no foreign transaction fees!
Smaller vendors do not accept credit cards; please ensure you have adequate cash to cover purchases not able to be made on credit.
ATMs
ATMs are common in all towns, cities and shopping malls as well as most petrol stations, and accept international cards. Be alert when using ATMs, and do not accept help from anyone as conmen are adept at switching cards.
TIPPING
Although not compulsory, if you are happy with the level of service provided, it is customary to tip guides, drivers, and support staff, and it is appropriate to do so in South African Rand (ZAR), or US Dollars (US$).
General Guidelines for Tipping
· Ranger/Field Guide: US$20 (±R260) per couple per day
· Tracker: US$11 (±R165) per couple per day
· Butler: US$15 (±R200) per couple per day
· Hotel/Camp/Lodge Staff: US$15 - US$20 (±R200 - ±R260) per couple per day
· Private Tour Guides: US$40 - US$60 (±R500 - ±R800) per couple per day
· Scheduled Tour Guide: US$20 (±R260) per couple per day
· Transfer Drivers: US$5 (±R65) per transfer
· Porters : US$1 (±R13) per bag, more if the bag is heavy
· Restaurants: 10-15% of the bill
· Luxury Train Travel (Rovos Rail & The Blue Train) –
Train Cabin Attendant: US$30 (±R390) per couple per journey
Waiter in Dining Car: US$24 (±R315) per couple per journey
Train Staff: US$20 - US$40 (±R260 - ±R500) per couple per night
Whilst it is not encouraged to carry enormous quantities of cash, be aware that facilities for exchanging or drawing cash are restricted to cities, towns and villages; there are NO ATMs in the wilderness/bush areas. Many camps do allow tipping by credit card.
NOTE: US dollars dated 2006 or earlier are NOT accepted
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
VACCINATIONS & GENERAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Malaria
Most of South Africa is malaria-free, but visitors travelling to the low-lying eastern parts of the country, are advised to take precautions, especially in summer between October and April. Malaria areas include Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga and northern KwaZulu-Natal. Malaria-free game areas/reserves include the Eastern Cape, Madikwe, Waterberg, Pilanesberg, Welgevonden and Tswalu. In the dry season from May to September, there is less mosquito activity. To obtain a prescription for anti-malaria medication, consult your medical doctor or health authority prior to departure. Currently, the most commonly prescribed anti-malarial tablet is Malarone.
Vaccinations
Good medical services are readily available in urban areas of South Africa, but less so in wilderness regions; as a precautionary measure, vaccinations against diphtheria, rabies, meningococcal meningitis, tuberculosis, tetanus, typhoid, and hepatitis are sometimes recommended.
If you are travelling from a country with a risk of yellow fever, upon your arrival the government of South Africa requires proof of a yellow fever inoculation. Australia, Canada, USA, United Kingdom, and the EU, do NOT fall into this category, BUT, if you have travelled or transited through countries where yellow fever is apparent, you will be required to provide a Yellow Fever certificate. Endemic countries include Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. A full list of yellow fever risk countries may be viewed HERE. The yellow fever inoculation is valid for ten years, and must be administered no later than ten days prior to departure.
NOTE: should you fall into the yellow fever risk category, you are required to travel with your Yellow Fever certificate/card.
Bilharzia
Bilharzia is present in some of the stagnant/slow-moving water tracts in remote areas of the country; as a precautionary measure, check with resident locals before swimming.
Water
Tap water can be drunk in South Africa’s cities and major towns, however drinking tap water in rural areas isn't recommended. All hotels, safari camps and lodges supply fresh, clean (bottled or filtered) water. Do however always check with the camp/lodge staff if it is safe to brush your teeth with the tap water.
Medication
Pack your own basic medications for headaches, hay fever and dry skin as well as for any other minor afflictions, and/or travel-related maladies. Remember to pack sufficient supplies of chronic/prescription medication for the entire duration of your trip.
Safety Notices
SAFETY
Although South Africa is overall a safe destination for international travellers, it is wise to take standard security precautions.
· Carry a record of your passport number, credit card numbers and airline tickets in a separate place.
· Do not be flashy with your money, expensive cameras, and/or jewellery.
· Keep your possessions in sight at all times.
· Use your hotel safe.
· Never leave baggage unattended, especially at airports, coffee shops and restaurants.
· Don’t walk in deserted areas, especially NOT AFTER DARK.
· Keep car doors locked, and don’t drive in deserted areas after dark.
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 flavorful, 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
THE WEATHER in SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa’s climate is typical for the Southern Hemisphere, with the middle of winter being in June, July and August, and December, January and February being mid-summer
Winter in the Cape Town area (including Hermanus, the Winelands, and along the Garden Route), can be rainy, with intermittent stormy weather on the coast of the Western Cape. Snowfalls on the high-lying peaks of the province are not uncommon mid-winter, with the average midday temperature being around 18°C/64°F, but a colder average of 7°C/45°F in the mornings and evenings.
The Eastern Cape gets very cold, also with the possibility of light snow on the higher mountains.
Winter in the northerly areas of the country (around Johannesburg, the Kruger and Madikwe regions), is cool but dry. Early morning and night-time temperatures are cold and plummet to between 4°C/39°F and 7°C/45°F, but it is often sunny and clear during the day with temperatures reaching 16°C/61°F to 20°C/68°F.
In winter, it is warmest on the eastern coastline of the country abutting the Indian Ocean (Durban, and the KwaZulu Natal North coast), all the way up to the border with Mozambique. The lowest temperatures experienced here are around 18°C/64°F, although this does drop considerably as you move inland towards the Drakensberg Mountains.
In summer it is hot and often windy in Cape Town and surrounds, as well as along the Garden Route. Temperatures in summer reach 28°C/82°F to 29°C/84°F. As one travels inland to the Winelands and Karoo areas, away from the influence of the cool Atlantic Ocean breezes, it gets even hotter.
Summer in the north around Johannesburg, the Kruger National Park and Madikwe, is hot and humid with regular thundershowers; this is the rainy ‘green season’, with temperatures easily reaching 25°C/77°F or 26°C/79°F.
KwaZulu Natal is very hot with high humidity in the summer months, and occasional rain. Temperatures of 25°C/77°F and 26°C/79°F do seem higher because of the high moisture content in the air.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
WHAT to PACK
Whilst muted colors are recommended for a safari holiday, there is no need to purchase serious safari gear for your visit to South Africa. It is quite acceptable to wear jeans with a neutral-coloured shirt, with the emphasis on comfort and ease.
Must Haves
· A good wide-brimmed sun hat – for the intense African sun
· A bandana – if going on safari, for the dusty, dry regions
· Comfortable sneakers, tennis shoes, or boat shoes - you do not require serious hiking boots for bush walks
· Sandals – flip-flops for around the camp/lodge, or for on the beach
· Golf shirts or T-shirts
· Long-sleeved cotton shirts - to provide protection from sun, as well as from mosquitos in the summer evenings
· Shorts or skirt - note that short skirts are not practical and not recommended for safaris
· A sport bra - for bumpy game drives
· A micro-fiber zippered jacket and light rain gear - for rainy summer months
· Bathing suit - whilst at all times respecting modesty of local custom
· One better dress, or trousers and shirt -if you plan on dining at some of the finer eateries in Cape Town/Johannesburg
· Warm fleece, anorak, scarf, gloves and beanie - for morning and evening game drives, for the winter months, and for higher altitudes, where it can be cool even in summer
· For Luxury Train Travel - more formal wear for the ladies, jacket and tie for the gents (ONLY for travellers on Rovos Rail or The Blue Train).
A Detailed List of the Most Practical Items to Pack
· Khaki, green, beige, neutral colours
· Shirts with long sleeves
· T-shirts
· Shorts or light skirt (not too short)
· Jeans or safari trousers
· Wind-proof warm jacket
· Light sweater/jumper
· Lightweight water-proof jacket
· Swimwear and sarong
· Comfortable walking shoes
· Socks & underwear
· Personal toiletries
· Sun block, after-sun gel, moisturizer, lip salve/balm
· Strong insect repellent
· Hat and sunglasses
· Binoculars and camera equipment (dustproof bag for camera accessories)
LAUNDRY
Laundry can be done at most hotels, camps and lodges. At many of the camps and lodges, this service is complimentary, but there may be a nominal charge at some establishments. Depending on prevailing local traditions in the country, the staff at certain camps may not or will not wash underwear. It is totally acceptable to wear the same outfit more than once while on safari, there is no need to be a fashionista in the bush!
LUGGAGE SPECIFICATIONS & RESTRICTIONS
Many routings in South Africa are on smaller planes. Often your total luggage weight (INCLUDING carry-on hand luggage), may NOT exceed 20kg/44lbs.
In addition to these strict weight restrictions, and so that it can be packed into the hold of a small plane, your bags must be SOFT-sided with NO wheels or rigid frames.
This requirement varies depending on your flight schedule, please contact your consultant for further details.
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
POWER in SOUTH AFRICA
A large number of the safari camps and lodges in South Africa are situated in remote areas and generate their own electricity - either by solar power or by diesel generator. These power sources in turn charge banks of batteries known as an inverter system, which then provides 220Volt power in each tented room for lighting and ceiling fans.
Hairdryers & Electric Shavers
It is often not possible to use appliances such as hairdryers or electric shavers in tented rooms at the camps/lodges, as they have low-wattage fuses. You will however be able to charge your equipment in a designated area in the camp - either in your room, or in a central charging station in the common areas.
Most camps and lodges have adapters, but if you would like to purchase one prior to departure, the most commonly found plug/socket type in South Africa is the ‘M’