9 Day KwaZulu-Natal Safari & Mozambique Beach Break

South Africa is a fascinating and diverse travel destination, and its slogan, "A World in One Country," truly reflects reality.

The "New South Africa" has eleven official languages. In addition to Afrikaans, English is the official language. The following indigenous languages are also spoken, listed in alphabetical order: Ndebele, North and South Sotho, Swati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu.

The transition to democracy, following the state elections in April 1994 in a country with over 56 million inhabitants, proceeded relatively peacefully.

South Africa is a highly diverse country where various cultures, religions, and ethnicities coexist, mostly in a respectful manner. The population is exceptionally friendly and helpful, eager to engage in contact and conversation with visitors to their country.

The country is three times the size of Germany (approximately 1.22 million km²) and is divided into nine provinces. It offers a variety of geographical and climatic zones, from the semi-desert Karoo to the lush subtropical Natal coast, from the Mediterranean climate of the Cape to the "Bush" in eastern Mpumalanga, formerly Transvaal. Explore and experience the magnificent blend of breathtaking landscapes: the mountainous regions perfect for hiking, vast wildlife reserves and conservation areas like Kruger National Park and Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, endless pristine beaches, modern cities, and sunshine 365 days a year, as somewhere in South Africa, the sun shines every day!

The different climate zones and the vastness of the country offer a variety of sports activities, such as horseback riding, surfing, hiking, canoeing, swimming, or golfing.

Many visitors "fall in love" with South Africa and return repeatedly to enjoy their holidays here and embark on new adventures. A major advantage is that there is no time difference (only one hour during the switch to daylight saving time/winter time), resulting in no jet lag.

Please keep in mind that unforeseen or unexpected situations may arise during your trip to South Africa. Flexibility, patience, and openness are always good companions and often the key to a wonderful journey.

Visa-Free Entry (up to 90 days):

• Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States: No visa required for tourism stays of up to 90 days.
• Entry is granted on arrival with a visitor’s permit.

Passport Requirements:

• Must be valid for at least 30 days beyond departure from South Africa.
• Must have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
• Temporary passports are accepted. National ID cards are not valid.

For Children:

• Each child requires their own passport.
• Since November 2019, no additional documents (like birth certificates or parental consent letters) are required for minors entering with both parents.

Return Ticket:

• A valid return or onward ticket may be requested on entry.

Yellow Fever Vaccination:

• Only required if you are arriving from a yellow fever risk country or had a long layover there.

Note: Entry regulations can change. Always check with your local South African embassy or consulate before travel.

• Local currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
  💳 Card & Cash Use
• Credit/debit cards are widely accepted, even for small transactions.
• Visa and Mastercard are most commonly used.
• Apple Pay, Google Pay, and travel apps work well in cities.

Keep some cash handy in rural areas or for tipping.
Recommendation: Always monitor your card; block it immediately if lost.

Driving & Car Rental:

• Left-hand traffic
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
• Roads are generally good, though rural routes may be unpaved.
• Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar or remote areas.
• Fuel stations are frequent on main routes but scarce in remote regions.
• Use official or guarded parking areas; tip car guards (approx. R10–20).

Speed Limits:

• Cities: 60 km/h
• Rural roads: 100 km/h
• Highways: 120 km/h

Recommendations:

• Use GPS or offline maps, as mobile reception can be unreliable in remote areas.
• Leave extra time for city traffic.

Medical Care:

• Private hospitals and Medi-Clinics offer excellent care on par with European standards.
• Travel insurance with medical evacuation is strongly recommended. Prepayment is often required.

Vaccinations & Travel Medicine:

• No mandatory vaccines for entry.
• Recommended:
  • Routine immunizations and boosters (e.g., Tetanus, Flu)
  • Hepatitis A
  • Depending on itinerary: Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies

Malaria:

• Risk areas (Sept–May):
  • Low-lying regions of Mpumalanga and Limpopo (e.g., Kruger Park)
  • Northeast KwaZulu-Natal
• Low risk overall; consult your doctor about possible prophylaxis.

Recommendations:

• Seek travel health advice before departure.
• Bring sunblock and insect repellent (also available locally).
• If you develop a fever during or after travel, consult a doctor promptly.

To help you enjoy your trip with peace of mind, we’ve summarized the most important safety tips for everyday travel and road use:

General Safety – Everyday Conduct

• Avoid walking at night, especially alone or in quiet areas.
• Keep valuables and travel documents safely stored.
• Carry only small amounts of cash. Use ATMs in secure locations and avoid distractions while withdrawing money.
• Never leave drinks unattended in public places.
• Use recommended taxi services or Uber; never accept rides from strangers.
• Ignore anyone offering unsolicited help or “permits” – this is a known scam.
• Do not leave valuables visible in parked vehicles.

Road Safety

• South Africa drives on the left-hand side – look right before crossing streets.
• Seatbelts are mandatory, and the legal alcohol limit is zero (0.0%).
• Never pick up hitchhikers.
• In national parks: stick to speed limits (40–50 km/h), remain in the vehicle, and do not feed wildlife.
• Township visits should only be done on guided tours.
• When driving in remote areas, carry water, snacks, and fuel.

Useful Apps

• Secura – Personal safety alert app with location sharing and emergency response.
• EskomSePush – Get alerts on any scheduled power outages.
• Google Maps (offline) or Waze – Ideal for navigation without mobile data.

Emergency Contacts

• General Emergency: 112
• Police: 10111
• Ambulance: 10177
• U.S. Embassy in South Africa: +27 (12) 431-4000
• British High Commission in South Africa: +27 12 421 7500 / +27 21 405 2400 / +44 20 7008 5000

South Africa’s culinary landscape is a blend of African, Indian, Malay, Dutch, French, and British influences. Expect flavorful, hearty meals and delicious local specialties.

Typical Dishes:

• Braai (Barbecue): A national tradition featuring lamb, beef, chicken, snoek (fish), or crayfish.
• Boerewors: Hearty, spiced farmer’s sausage.
• Biltong: Spiced, air-dried meat snack.
• Samp & Beans: A wholesome corn-and-bean dish – a favorite of Nelson Mandela.
• Pap (Milliepap): A porridge-style staple, often served with stews or sauces.

South Africa spans various climate zones – from deserts and Mediterranean coastlines to subtropical wetlands and snowy mountains.

Regional Climate Overview:

• Cape Town: Mediterranean climate with dry summers (25–30°C) and wet winters. A strong summer wind ("Cape Doctor") is common. Pack a light jacket.
• Garden Route: Mild and temperate, ideal from spring to autumn.
• Kruger National Park: Subtropical – hot, humid summers (Dec–Feb), dry winters (Jun–Aug) ideal for safaris.
• Coastal Regions:
  • West Coast: Dry, cooled by the Benguela Current.
  • East Coast: Warmer and more humid due to the Agulhas Current.
• Seasons: Southern Hemisphere:
  • Summer: December–February
  • Winter: June–August

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 Access:

• Widespread Wi-Fi in cities, hotels, and cafes.
• A local SIM or eSIM is recommended for extended travel.

Mobile Providers:

• Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Virgin Mobile offer tourist-friendly prepaid options.

eSIM options (e.g., Airalo) can be purchased in advance and used with compatible phones.

• Voltage: 220–240V AC
• Plug type: Type M (three large round pins) – an adapter is recommended.
• Many hotels also offer European-style sockets, but don’t rely on this.
• Loadshedding: No national loadshedding has been in effect since 26 March 2024. However, temporary outages are still possible.

Tip: Carry a power bank, universal adapter, and install EskomSePush for updates.

Tap Water:

• Safe to drink in major cities and tourist areas.
• In rural areas, confirm with your host or opt for bottled water.

Opening Hours (approx.):

• Shops: Mon–Fri 9am–6pm, malls also open weekends.
• Banks: Mon–Fri 9am–3:30pm
• Restaurants: Lunch and dinner; many open late.
• Tourist Sites: Hours vary by region and season.

VAT Refund:

• VAT is 15% and usually included in the price.
• Refunds possible at airports for purchases over R250.

Must present: “VAT INVOICE” with buyer/seller details and the item upon departure.

Situated on the east coast of Africa, this tropical paradise is blessed with 2500 kilometres of spectacular coastline. With its idyllic beaches fringed with palm trees and lapped by crystal-clear waters brimming with a dazzling array of marine life, this enchanting African nation is an ideal adventure holiday destination, with an abundance of activities on offer such as snorkelling, sunset cruises, horse-riding, dolphin tours and world-renowned scuba diving. Mozambique’s two major centres, Maputo and Inhambane, offer an exotic kaleidoscope of art, music and delicious local food as well as a lively nightlife scene. Spend your days immersing yourself in the fascinating local culture, marvelling at the impressive colonial architecture and interacting with the fabulously friendly local inhabitants. Those seeking a more remote getaway can head for the isolated beaches of Benguerra Island; the historic Portuguese and Muslim architecture of Mozambique Island; or the outstanding wildlife of Gorongosa National Park. However, you choose to spend your time in this exceptionally scenic destination you are likely to leave with a heavy heart and a burning desire to return time and time again.

Currency 
Local currency: Mozambican Metical 
Symbol: MT 
ISO code: MZN 
Subunit: Centavo (1/100 of a Metical) 
Banknotes: 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 meticais 
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10 meticais 

Banking 
Card Transactions: Widely accepted in major cities 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: No 
Diner’s club: No 
Banking Hours: Weekdays: 07:30 – 15:30, Weekends: Closed, Public Holidays: Closed 
Foreign exchange services: Yes

Air: 
Main airlines: LAM Mozambique Airlines 
International Airports: Maputo International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Beira Airport, Nampula Airport 

Road: 
Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes, mainly in urban areas 
Gravel roads: Yes, common in rural areas 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes, in major cities 

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

Rail: 
Railway system: Yes, limited service 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: Yes, to the Bazaruto Archipelago 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Ärztliche Versorgung

Die ärztliche Versorgung in Mosambik ist aufgrund der eingeschränkten Ressourcen in vielen Bereichen des Landes begrenzt. Es gibt eine ungleiche Verteilung von Gesundheitseinrichtungen im Land, wobei städtische Gebiete besser versorgt sind als ländliche Gebiete. Mosambik hat jedoch in den letzten Jahren Fortschritte gemacht, um das öffentliche Gesundheitswesen zu verbessern und das

Gesundheitssystem zu stärken.

Malaria

Malaria ist insbesondere während der regenreichen Jahreszeiten (Nov - Apr & Aug - Sep), wenn sich Mücken leicht vermehren können, weit verbreitet. Es wird dringend empfohlen, vor Reiseantritt eine reisemedizinische Beratung aufzusuchen, um maßgeschneiderte Informationen und Empfehlungen zur Malariaprophylaxe sowie zu weiteren Impfungen zu erhalten. Indem Sie diese vorbeugenden Maßnahmen beachten und gegebenenfalls verschreibungspflichtige Medikamente einnehmen, können Sie das Risiko von Malaria während Ihres Aufenthalts in Mosambik deutlich verringern. Denken Sie daran, dass das Tragen von angemessener Kleidung und die Verwendung von Insektenschutzmitteln ebenfalls empfohlen werden, um Mückenstiche zu vermeiden.

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, if washed 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes, if cooked thoroughly 
Street food: Yes, from reputable vendors 

Local cuisine: 
Mozambican cuisine is a delicious blend of African, Portuguese, and Arab influences. Seafood is a staple, especially prawns, served with piri-piri sauce. Coconut, lime, and spices enrich dishes like Matapa, a stew made with cassava leaves and nuts. Corn porridge (Xima) is a common side. 

Drinks: Notable local drinks include Laurentina and 2M beers, and Tipo Tinto rum. 
Tipping: 10% is customary in restaurants. 

Annual rainfall: Varies greatly, from 500 mm in the south to 900 mm in the north 
Average temperature: 28°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 31°C 
Average lows: 24°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 18°C 

Best time to visit: 
The best time to visit Mozambique is from May to November during the dry season when temperatures are cooler and there is less humidity, making it ideal for wildlife viewing and beach holidays. 

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, during the rainy season 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
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, in major cities and tourist areas 
Restaurants: Yes, in major cities 
Cafes: Yes, in major cities 
Shopping malls: Yes, in major cities 
Public parks: No 
Libraries: Yes, in major cities