On safari in South and East Africa: The perfect honeymoon destination

South Africa is sometimes referred to as “the world in one country” or the “rainbow nation” because of its exceptional variety of scenery, cultures, people and attractions. From world-class cities to beautiful beaches, from rugged mountains and lush forests to the scenic winelands, from its vibrant cultures and friendly people to its magnificent wildlife and game reserves, South Africa has something for everyone. It is a fascinating country of contrasts - wealth and poverty, success and failure, challenges and opportunities, a melting pot of cultures and experiences where the first world meets the third. Known as a destination of sunshine, big five game viewing, rich culture and history, stunning scenery and some of Africa’s best safari lodges, South Africa is a favourite “must visit again” destination for many return visitors, and the most popular travel destination in Africa. Be prepared to fall in love with South Africa!

The currency is the South African Rand (ZAR), which is divided into 100 cents. ATM's and banks are plentiful and most major credit cards are widely accepted so you don't need to carry a lot of cash on you.

South Africa has a very good road network and getting around in South Africa is relatively easy. On a guided tour, you won't have to worry about transport as we will make all the arrangements. On a self-drive tour, we recommend getting a GPS with your rental car or using google maps on your phone. We drive on the left, same as the UK.

Public transport is not great, and we do not recommend that tourists use commuter taxis or commuter trains, with the exception of the Gautrain rail system in Johannesburg, which is world class and very safe. Cape Town has a decent public bus system called MyCiti. Apart from a few luxury rail products such as Rovos Rail, train travel in South Africa can be dodgy and is not tourist-friendly.

Local airlines are very good and South Africa's air safety record is excellent. Low cost airlines like Kulula, Safair and Mango are all safe and reliable,  offering affordable flights between major cities, although some local routes serviced by Airlink and SA Express are rather expensive.

No compulsory vaccinations are required for travel to South Africa, but if you plan to visit other destinations in Africa as well, please consult with your travel clinic or doctor regarding vaccinations. For example, a Yellow Fever vaccine may be required to enter South Africa if you have travelled to countries where Yellow Fever occurs. While most Covid regulations have been dropped, a few countries may still require proof of Covid vaccination. During a pandemic, your destination country or a transit country or your home country may require that you provide proof of vaccination or a recent negative PCR test. It is your responsibility to find out what your home country and any transit country’s entry requirements are. If your trip includes areas where malaria is endemic, we recommend that you take anti-malaria tablets as prescribed by your doctor, pharmacist or travel clinic. If you suffer from any medical conditions that may affect you or your participation on this tour, please inform us about this on your booking form. You are responsible for bringing any prescription medication you may need. We accept no responsibility for any medical conditions, illnesses or related incidents that may occur during your safari, even if we have been fully informed about your condition. Please alert us in advance to any serious medical conditions, allergies, mobility issues or disabilities.

Do not let concerns about safety put you off from visiting South Africa. From a tourist perspective, South Africa is perfectly safe to visit, provided you follow basic precautions and avoid known high risk areas. South Africa has a high crime rate due to high levels of poverty and unemployment, but tourists are seldom affected.  In 15 years we've never had an incident of violent crime affecting one of our clients.  Your travel guide, which will be sent along with your booking confirmation, will have some helpful tips and safety guidelines to follow. Please see our blog posts about safety and security for more detail

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.

Be careful when buying street food, as informal traders do not always comply to the same standards and health requirements as licensed restaurants.

South Africa typically has a mild, sunny climate (average 8.5 hours of sunshine per day). Temperatures, which are measured in centigrade, average at daytime highs of 28°C-30°C to average nighttime lows of 8°C-10°C in the summer months, while winter temperatures range from around 0°C-8°C at night to around 16°C-22°C in the day.  Average annual rainfall is on the low side at under 500mm a year, making the country somewhat dry.  Cape Town and the Western Cape gets most of its rain in the winter, while the rest of the country 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.

South Africa is relaxed about clothing - there is no need to dress up. In summer, bring clothes that are cool, light and comfortable because summer temperatures can get well into the 30 - 40 degree Celsius range in some areas. Also bring a small umbrella or raincoat, and don't forget a swimming costume (bathing suit).

The winters are generally mild, and we seldom get snow except in the high mountains, but it can get pretty cold in places, for example on top of Table Mountain. Early morning game drives on an open safari vehicle will also require warm layers, including a windbreaker, gloves and hat or beanie. Dress in layers so you can shed layers as the day warms up.

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, but open sandals are fine in summer. Once you have booked, we will send you more details about what to pack.

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 

South Africa uses 220V AC / 50 Hz electricity. Electrical sockets are Type M (three round pins). Please bring a suitable travel adapter and voltage converter if necessary. South Africa's electricity supply sometimes comes under strain when demand exceeds supply, resulting in periods of rotational "load shedding", where electricity to certain areas is switched off for about 2 hours at a time, according to a predictable schedule. We tend to go through seasons of load shedding, and often months without any load shedding. When there is no load shedding, the electricity supply is stable and reliable. During load shedding, many businesses have backup power for critical functions but it may affect things like air-conditioning. It is a good idea to bring a small flashlight. 

Resting in the magnificent Great Rift Valley and presided over by the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, Kenya is characterised by hauntingly beautiful natural landscapes of forested hills, patchwork farms, wooded savanna and vast forests brimming with an extraordinary abundance of wildlife. The nation’s diverse range of traditional African cultures is influenced by over 70 unique ethnic groups from the Maasai, Samburu, Kikuyu, and Turkana tribes to the Arabs and Indians that settled on the coast. Add to this: an exquisite tropical coastline fringed with breathtaking golden sand beaches; gorgeous coral gardens providing excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities; and a slew of lively beach resorts, and it is easy to see why so many visitors flock here from around the world to experience a truly unique African adventure in one of the world’s most pristine safari destinations.

Currency:  
Local currency: Kenyan Shilling  
Symbol: KSh 
ISO code: KES
Central bank: Central Bank of Kenya
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: KSh1000, 500, 200, 100, 50 
Coins: KSh40, 20, 10, 5, 1 and 50, 10 cents(lesscommonly used)

Banking: 
Card Transactions:  
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Sometimes 
Diner’s club: Sometimes 

Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 09h00 - 15h00
Weekends:Saturdays: 09h00 -12h00. Sundays: Closed. Check the specific hours of the bank branch you plan to visit, as operating hours can vary between branches and regions.
Public Holidays: No
Foreign exchange services: Yes

Air: 
Main airlines: Kenya Airways, Airkenya Express, Fly540, JamboJet, African Express Airways, Mombasa Air Safari 
International Airports: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Moi International Airport, Kisumu International Airport, Eldoret International Airport 

Road:

Conditions vary greatly.
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: No, unless your national licence is not in English. Third party insurance is needed.
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
Uber available: Yes

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Some, but not generally safe.  
Local city bus networks: No 
 
Rail: 
Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: No
 
Water: 
Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety:  
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and vegetables: No, unless thoroughly washed and peeled
Ice: No, unless made from bottled or purified water
Meat: Yes, but from reputable establishments
Street food: No, unless from a reputable source and freshly prepared

Local cuisine: Kenyan food is diverse, exhibiting the different tastes and flavours of its different tribes, as well as the spices of early Arab settlers and East Indian railway workers, and the fresh seafood straight from the Swahili coast. Top dishes include Kenyan Stew, made with meat and spices; Mutura, a rich, dark goat sausage; and Mandazi, a kind of donut flavoured with cardamom and sweet coconut milk.

Drinks: 

Tusker Beer
Kenyan Coffee
Chai (Kenyan Tea)
Madafu (Fresh Coconut Water)
Maziwa Lala (Fermented Milk)

*In addition to these beverages, there are also a variety of everyday drinks available, such as fruit juices, sodas, and bottled water.

Tipping: 10%  

Annual rainfall: 680 mm 
Average temperature: 25°C - 29°C 
 
Summer: December-March
Average in highs: 26°C 
Average in lows: 16°C 
 
Winter: July-October
Average in highs: 21°C 
Average in lows: 12°C 

* Kenya, due to its equatorial location, does not experience traditional summer and winter seasons. Instead, it has periods that are cooler and drier. The climate is generally characterized by wet and dry seasons.

Best time to visit: Visiting between June and September, during the long dry season, will allow you to experience a milder climate and witness the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra. The short dry season, from January to March, provides excellent opportunities for beach visits and outdoor activities. During the rainy seasons, you’ll find fewer tourists and stunning, lush landscapes. The long rainy season runs from March to May, and the short rainy season runs from October to December.

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 
 
Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 
 
General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes, during the rainy seasons (March to May and October to December)
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes, for early morning and evening game drives, especially in higher altitudes or cooler months (June to August).
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes

Internet cafes: Yes 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes 
Cafes: Yes 
Shopping malls: Yes 
Public parks: No 
Libraries: Yes, in cities. 

The name Tanzania conjures up images of wildebeest stampeding across vast savannah, rain forests teeming with monkeys and birdlife, and great plains brimming with legions of game. All of these natural wonders and more are on offer in this exceptionally diverse African nation. Visitors typically visit Tanzania to partake in at least one of the four well-known Tanzanian tourist experiences: a relaxing seaside vacation on the picturesque island paradise of Zanzibar, an underwater tour of some of the world’s most renowned dive sites around the gorgeous Spice Islands, a safari adventure in some of Africa’s most impressive game reserves, or a hiking excursion around Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Whichever of these incredible holidays you choose, you will undoubtedly be welcomed by some fabulously friendly and peaceful inhabitants who, despite being divided into 120 different ethnic groups and cultures, live in harmony with one another and provide some of the most wonderfully exotic local cuisine you could imagine. With all of this diversity on offer, the most difficult part of your Tanzanian holiday experience is likely to be deciding where to go!

Currency 

Local currency: Tanzanian Shilling 
Symbol: TSh 
ISO code: TZS 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, and 20000 shillings 
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 shillings 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: No 
Diner’s club: No 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours) 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: Air Tanzania, Precision Air 
International Airports: Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Zanzibar International Airport 

Road: 
Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: No 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: Limited 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: Tanzanian cuisine reflects its diverse cultural influences, offering a blend of Indian, Arab, and European flavors. Staple foods include ugali (maize porridge), nyamachoma (grilled meat), pilau (spiced rice), and chapati. Traditional dishes like mshikaki (marinated meat skewers) and samosas are popular street foods. Don't miss trying the Swahili cuisine with its rich seafood dishes. 

Drinks: Notable local drinks include Tangawizi (ginger soda), Tembo (local beer), and Konyagi (a spirit). 

Tipping: 10-15% 

Annual rainfall: Varies by region, averaging around 1,000 mm 
Average temperature: 25°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 30°C 
Average lows: 20°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 15°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry season, from June to October, when wildlife viewing in national parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro is optimal. 

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: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes