We would like to invite you TO READ this section carefully.
Perhaps the less interesting part to the itinerary but it covers IMPORTANT ADMINISTRATIVE, HEALTH and SAFETY topics which should be taken into consideration in order not to spoil the enjoyment of your safari holiday.
Do also note that INSPIRATION AFRICA can take no responsibility with regard to the consequences of failing to adhere to any of the advise provided below.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
One requires a valid passport to visit any of the countries in Africa we operate in. As a general rule, your passport should still be valid for a period of 6 months after your anticipated return date.
Do also note that a number of countries such as Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, require parents travelling with minor children - aged <18 - to be in possession of birth certificates as a proof of parenthood.
For children not travelling with their own parents, please note it is required to have an officially certified authorization letter by the natural parents for the children to travel.
We do invite each traveler to ensure that you have proper documentation at hand to travel to the selected destinations. Failing to have this, you might even be denied boarding the initial flight.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
All the African countries we operate in, require a tourism visa. Which, for citizens of many countries, can be obtained upon arrival in the country of destination. We recommend to check with the Embassy of the destination country for up-to-date information on their tourist visa requirements.
Tourism visa could be free-of-charge depending on your nationality - like in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa - and issued at the border on arrival. Others - including Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe - are payable and fees vary from USD 30.00 per person to over USD 100.00 depending on the duration of your stay and your nationality.
A number of countries such as the Kenya-Rwanda-Uganda trio as well as Zambia-Zimbabwe duo have partnered up and offer the option of a cross border tourism visa - respectively called East Africa Tourism Visa and KAZA UniVisa - allowing the holder to travel for tourism within the borders of the countries part of the visa agreement for a limited duration up to 1 month.
Many destination countries are moving towards offering online applications for tourism visa which we would highly recommend.
MALARIA
Malaria is endemic to most countries in which we operate. This would include Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Only Namibia and South Africa offer travel options in areas not affected by malaria but this applies to some parts of the countries only. Malaria is endemic in Northern Namaibi from the Kunene region all the way to the Caprivi. In South Africa, most of the 3 Eastern Provinces including KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo have malaria.
A malaria prophylactic is required when visiting any of the regions or countries where the sickness is present. Please consult your family physician for the right medication.
VACCINATION COMPULSORY
Yellow fever vaccination is required in Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. It might as well be required in other countries when travelling from a country where yellow fever is present. Make sure you have your yellow fever vaccination certificate at hand.
VACCINATION RECOMMENDED
Depending on your type of travel, certain vaccinations might be strongly advised. In general we would advise to be vaccinated against tetanus.
Should you rough it up, stay in budget accommodation in remote Africa or camp in wildlife areas, it might also be advisable to be vaccinated against hepatitis A & B, rabies, meningitis, typhoid fever. We do recommend you consult a travel clinic or your physician in this regard.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
At Inspiration Africa, we require all clients to have valid travel assistance insurance cover for the duration of your safari holiday. Please do provide us with a copy of your insurance policy or simply share the details of the policy number and the emergency contact numbers to use should any situation require it.
Should you not be insured, please do let us know and we will gladly subscribe a temporary travel assistance insurance policy to offer you the right cover during the duration of your journey.
Additionally, it is highly recommended to subscribe to a travel cancellation insurance to cover you against any such risks that may occur due to external circumstances beyond our control such as airline delays, flight cancellations, missed flight connections, severe bad weather, etc.
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.
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 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.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Travelling around South Africa is relatively easy by air, road and rail.
Principal air routes are serviced by SAA and British Airways, operated by Comair. There are 2 low-cost carriers on main routes, namely Kulula.com and Mango.
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.
An extensive tarred road system makes travelling in South Africa by vehicle convenient and easy. You will find gravel roads in rural areas though. Note:
A valid international driver's licence is required.
We drive on the left hand side of the road.
Wearing seat belts is compulsory and cellphones can only be used ‘hands free'.
Speed limits are generally set at 120km on freeways, 100km on secondary roads and 60km in urban areas.
Toll fees apply on certain national roads.
Petrol stations are widespread.
Most global car hire firms have branches in South Africa
Another means of getting around South Africa are luxury 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 a hop-on-hop-off bus in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Our rail system includes the long-haul, inexpensive Shosholoza Meyl Metrorail trains. More luxurious options are the Blue Train, Premier Classe and the steam train Rovos Rail. There is also the new Gautrain rapid transit railway system in Gauteng Province which links Johannesburg, Pretoria, Ekhuruleni and OR Tambo International Airport.
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 centres 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 28°C to average lows of 8°C in the summer months while winter temperatures range from 1°C at night to around 18°C in the day. Average annual rainfall is on the low side at under 500mm 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 30 - 40 degree Celsius 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 swimming costume (bathing suit).
Winter
The winters are generally mild, comparing favourably 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.
If you are doing business in the country, business attire (suit and tie) is generally called for in the corporate sector, but media for example generally dress more casually.
For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there's no need to go overboard. A good pair of walking shoes is also advisable.
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
Current is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second. As South Africa still uses the old British Standard three-point round-pin plug an adapter should be brought for your electrical appliances - such adapters are available at all major airports in South Africa.
