PASSPORT & VISAS:
Visitors to Africa must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond their intended departure date, together with onward travel documents, proof of accommodation and sufficient funds for the duration of their stay. In addition, each country they may be visiting generally requires at least 2 consecutive/side by side blank pages on entry for both visas and stamps. Should the itinerary include more than one country, excluding the country of departure and return, a sufficient number of blank visa pages (not endorsement pages) in their passport is required. Should there be insufficient blank pages in your passport then entry into or exit from country could be denied.
Any applicable visas, costs and/or relevant documentation are the responsibility of the guest. They must please verify with the relevant consulate concerning visa entry requirements and, if extending their journey to other countries, the visa entry requirements for those countries need to be established as well.
Guests must ensure they have all necessary visas prior to departure from their home country (unless these can be obtained on arrival) as Starry Starry Nights, its staff, agents and operators cannot be held liable should entry be denied.
HEALTH
There are a few basic health matters that require care and attention for a visit to the African Continent. 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.
Should you have any specific medical questions prior to your trip, we recommend that you seek advice from your local travel clinic or refer to the organisations cited here.
PLASTIC BAGS
Visitors to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda and Botswana are advised to avoid carrying plastic carrier bags or packing plastic bags or items in plastic carrier bags in suitcases or hand luggage. Special desks will be present at all entry points for the surrender of plastic carrier bags that visitors bring into the above countries.
‘Ziploc bags’ specifically used to carry toiletries will, however, be permitted as they are expected to remain in the permanent possession of visitors and are not expected to be disposed in the country.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
As flexible as Starry Starry Nights is being in relation to future travel, we highly recommend that guests take out comprehensive travel insurance, including “cancel for any reason” (where still available) to ensure any funds lost can be recovered. There are many travel insurance providers that are able to cover some or all Covid-19 related reasons for cancelation.
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.
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
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.
