Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden - South Africa Conservation Safari

South Africa presents one of the continent's most intricate tapestries of landscape, wildlife, and human heritage—a complexity that rewards the traveler with experiences found nowhere else on earth. Beyond its well-known safari destinations lies a country where ancient geological forces have sculpted dramatic coastlines, mountain ranges, and bushveld that harbor both iconic megafauna and lesser-known endemic species critical to ongoing conservation efforts.

The Western Cape's fynbos biome—one of the world's six floral kingdoms—supports more plant species than the entire British Isles within an area smaller than Portugal. Here, responsible wine estates are pioneering biodiversity corridors that connect fragmented habitats while producing wines of increasing international recognition. The country's complex political history, while challenging, has fostered innovative community-based conservation models where local communities benefit directly from wildlife protection.

From tracking desert-adapted elephants in the Greater Limpopo region to witnessing the annual sardine run along the Wild Coast, South Africa offers naturalists and cultural enthusiasts encounters that go well beyond the expected.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Passport valid a minimum of six months after your return date, with several blank pages available (IMPORTANT – these must be visa pages, not the amendment/endorsement pages at the back).

VISAS

South Africa has no visa requirement for US Citizens who enter for tourism stays of less than 90 days.

NOTE: Entry requirements can change without notice due to policy updates, health considerations, or other factors. While we strive to provide accurate information, travelers are responsible for verifying current requirements before departure.

For the most current and official entry requirements for US passport holders traveling to South Africa, consult:

• US State Department: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/SouthAfrica.html

• South African Department of Home Affairs: dha.gov.za

We strongly recommend checking these official sources within 30 days of departure, as requirements may change based on current conditions, routing, or individual circumstances.

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 

NOTE: US dollars are not generally accepted in South African businesses; only South African Rand

Banking 
Card Transactions: Widely accepted 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 
 
Tipping in South Africa

Review your trip’s inclusions for tipping, as inclusions vary by Trip.

Recommendations for a job well-done, on a per person basis

• Transfer Driver: ZAR 100 per movement.

• Driver and/or Guide on Sightseeing Excursions half day or full day: ZAR 200 per day.

• Porterage: ZAR 25 per bag

• Safari Guide ZAR 200 per day

• Tracker at Game Lodges: ZAR 100 per day

• Hotel/Guest House/Game Lodge General Staff: ZAR 50 per day

• Train/Rail Services: 100.00 per day for cabin attendants; ZAR 75 per day for the dining car waiter/waitress.

Restaurants & Hotel Meals

10 - 15% is customary if you are satisfied with the service.

Generally, gratuities can be paid in cash (local or foreign currency, i.e. US Dollars, Euro). Depending on the establishment, by credit card.

Air: 
Main airlines from the USA: Delta, United, British Airways, Qatar 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 

Rail: 
Railway system: Yes, including luxury options like Rovos Rail and the Blue Train 

Malaria occurs in specific areas of South Africa:

• Risk areas: Mpumalanga (including Kruger National Park, Nelspruit/Mbombela, Hazyview), Limpopo (Polokwane, Tzaneen, Phalaborwa), northeastern KwaZulu-Natal (areas near Mozambique border)

• No risk: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, Pretoria

• Peak season: October-April (summer/rainy season)

• Lower risk: May-September (winter/dry season)

Essentials

• Consult your doctor or travel clinic for anti-malarial medication

• Recommended options: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, or tafenoquine

• Use insect repellent and protective clothing, especially dusk to dawn

• Stay in screened or air-conditioned accommodations when possible

Important: Chloroquine-resistant malaria is common in South Africa, making chloroquine ineffective.

For current guidance: www.cdc.gov/travel

Safety & Security

South Africa offers incredible experiences, but like many destinations worldwide, requires common-sense precautions. By staying alert and following basic safety guidelines, travelers can enjoy their visit while minimizing risks.

Stay Alert & Aware • Remain conscious of your surroundings at all times, especially in city centers after dark • Keep a low profile - avoid displaying expensive jewelry, electronics, or large amounts of cash • Vary your daily routes and departure times when possible • Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, remove yourself from the situation

Transportation Safety • Be particularly vigilant when leaving OR Tambo Airport - criminals sometimes follow travelers • Stay alert during transfers and when getting in/out of vehicles • Keep valuables secure and out of sight during transport

Accommodation & Activity Precautions • Stay in reputable accommodations with good security measures • Store valuables in hotel safes • Even popular tourist areas and luxury hotels can experience incidents - maintain awareness • Crime can occur anywhere, including near national parks, so stay vigilant during all activities

Personal Security Tips • Avoid isolated areas, particularly after dark • Travel in groups when possible • Keep phones and wallets secure - thieves may grab items from your hands or store counters • Consider having purchases delivered to your accommodation rather than carrying them from high-end stores

Remember: These precautions are standard for urban travel worldwide. Millions of visitors enjoy South Africa safely each year by staying alert and following basic security practices.

Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: Yes, in most urban areas
Fresh fruit and vegetables: Yes
Ice: Yes
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes, widely popular and generally safe

Local Cuisine

South African cuisine reflects the country's rich cultural diversity, blending indigenous African traditions with Cape Malay, Indian, Dutch, and British influences. The result is a vibrant culinary landscape offering something for every palate.

Signature Dishes & Specialties

Biltong - dried, seasoned meat (similar to jerky) made from beef, game, or ostrich

Bobotie - spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping, often served with yellow rice

Boerewors - traditional farmers' sausage, a braai essential

Potjiekos - slow-cooked stew prepared in cast-iron pots over open fires

Pap en wors - maize porridge served with sausage

Sosaties - Cape Malay-style kebabs with marinated meat and dried fruit

Seafood & Coastal Cuisine

Snoek - local fish often grilled or smoked, particularly popular in the Western Cape

Kingklip and linefish - fresh catches served grilled or in curries

West Coast mussels and Knysna oysters - coastal specialties

Pickled fish - Cape Malay-style cured fish, traditionally served at Easter

Rock lobster (crayfish) - seasonal delicacy along the coast

Cultural Food Traditions

Braai - the beloved South African barbecue culture, central to social gatherings

Cape Malay cuisine - aromatic curries, rotis, and spiced dishes

Indian influences - particularly strong in KwaZulu-Natal with authentic curries and bunny chow

Afrikaans specialties - hearty dishes like milk tart, koeksisters, and rusks

Indigenous ingredients - rooibos tea, honeybush, and traditional vegetables like morogo

Wine & Beverages

South Africa's world-renowned wine regions produce exceptional wines, while local beers and the traditional fermented drink umqombothi offer authentic tastes of the region.

Tipping: Customarily 10-15% in restaurants and for services.

Johannesburg, South Africa: Johannesburg lies in the High Veld, an area of plains at elevations from 4,000 to 6,000 feet. Summers (October-March) are warm, though rarely uncomfortably hot; this is the time of year when the most rain falls. Nights are cold in winter (May-September), but daytime temperatures are mild and dry weather predominates. A high percentage of sunshine and low humidity year-round make for a pleasant climate.

Summer (December-February): Daytime highs 75-80°F, nighttime lows 55-60°F

Autumn (March-May): Daytime highs 65-75°F, nighttime lows 45-55°F

Winter (June-August): Daytime highs 60-65°F, nighttime lows 35-40°F

Spring (September-November): Daytime highs 70-80°F, nighttime lows 50-60°F

Kruger National Park/MalaMala, South Africa: The average daily high temperature in January (summer) is 86ºF, but it can get as hot as 117ºF on occasion. Nightly lows in January range from 45-64ºF. In the winter month of July, the average daily high is 73ºF and lows can drop below freezing.

Summer (December-February): Daytime highs 80-90°F, nighttime lows 60-70°F

Autumn (March-May): Daytime highs 75-85°F, nighttime lows 50-60°F

Winter (June-August): Daytime highs 70-75°F, nighttime lows 30-45°F

Spring (September-November): Daytime highs 80-85°F, nighttime lows 55-65°F

Cape Town, South Africa: Cape Town enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers (December-February) and mild, wet winters (June-August). Summer temperatures typically range from 60-80ºF with minimal rainfall, while winter temperatures range from 45-65ºF with most of the year's precipitation occurring during these months.

Summer (December-February): Daytime highs 75-80°F, nighttime lows 60-65°F

Autumn (March-May): Daytime highs 70-75°F, nighttime lows 55-60°F

Winter (June-August): Daytime highs 60-65°F, nighttime lows 45-50°F

Spring (September-November): Daytime highs 70-75°F, nighttime lows 55-60°F

Hermanus, South Africa: Located along the coast southeast of Cape Town, Hermanus has a similar Mediterranean climate. Summers (December-February) are warm and dry with temperatures from 55-75ºF, while winters (June-August) are mild and wet with temperatures ranging from 45-60ºF. The coastal location moderates temperature extremes year-round.

Summer (December-February): Daytime highs 70-75°F, nighttime lows 55-60°F

Autumn (March-May): Daytime highs 65-70°F, nighttime lows 50-55°F

Winter (June-August): Daytime highs 60-65°F, nighttime lows 45-50°F

Spring (September-November): Daytime highs 65-70°F, nighttime lows 50-55°F

What to Wear in South Africa

On Safari

• All seasons: Neutral colors (khaki, olive, brown, beige) - avoid bright colors and white

• Spring/Summer (Oct-Mar): Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun protection and insects; breathable fabrics; wide-brimmed hat

• Winter/Autumn (Apr-Sep): Warm layers for early morning/evening game drives; fleece or light jacket; warm hat and gloves for dawn drives

• Essential: Comfortable walking boots, sunglasses, high SPF sunblock, insect repellent

Johannesburg Area

• Spring/Summer (Oct-Mar): Light, breathable clothing; light sweater for air-conditioned spaces

• Winter/Autumn (Apr-Sep): Warm layers essential - temperatures can drop significantly; jacket or coat, warm hat, gloves

• Essential: Smart-casual attire for restaurants; comfortable walking shoes; umbrella for summer rains

Cape Town

• Spring/Summer (Oct-Mar): Light cotton clothing; light jacket for evening ocean breezes

• Winter/Autumn (Apr-Sep): Waterproof jacket for rain; warm layers; closed shoes • Essential: Windbreaker for Table Mountain cable car; swimming costume; smart-casual clothes for dining

Wine Route & Hermanus • Spring/Summer (Oct-Mar): Comfortable walking shoes for vineyard tours; sun hat; light layers

• Winter/Autumn (Apr-Sep): Warm jacket for cellar tours; waterproof layer; comfortable boots

• Essential: Smart-casual attire for wine tastings and restaurants; swimsuit (Hermanus); binoculars for whale watching (Hermanus)

Year-Round Essentials

• High SPF sunblock and quality sunglasses • Comfortable walking shoes • Smart-casual clothing for dining out • Swimsuit

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 

Plug Type: M, N 
Voltage (V): 230 V 
Frequency (Hz): 50 Hz 

If you are using single voltage American appliances with 110-120v AC, both a plug and a currency adapter are necessary.

If you are using dual-voltage appliances, you only need a plug converter.

For South Africa there are four associated plug types, types C, D, M and N.

M and N are most common.

Plug type C is the plug that has two round pins (Same as Europe), plug type D is the plug that has three round pins in a triangular pattern and plug types M and N both have three round pins. 

It can be difficult to find a Type M adapter in the U.S.; you can find them at the Johannesburg and Cape Town airports.

Mobile Phones

If you plan to use your cell phone / smartphone while traveling, verify your network provider’s international coverage, costs and availability to sign up for a short-term international network and data plan.

The most convenient and affordable access to data while traveling internationally, is with an e-SIM. An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital version of the traditional physical SIM card that's built directly into your device. Instead of inserting a plastic card, you simply download a digital app to connect to a mobile network. There are many provider options; Airalo.com is one example.

To get an e-SIM through Airalo, PRIOR TO DEPARTURE, simply download their app, select your destination country or region, choose a suitable data plan based on your needs, complete the purchase, and UPON ARRIVAL in your destination, activate it with a few taps. The entire process takes just minutes and eliminates the hassle of finding local stores or dealing with physical cards while traveling. Most newer smartphones and tablets support eSIM technology, making it an increasingly convenient option for international connectivity. Upon activation, be sure to change your phone’s preferred network to the e-SIM, and choose DATA ONLY.

Please remember to turn off phone and tablet notifications, keyboard tones, ringers and other sounds on your electronic devices while in the company of your fellow travelers and while guides or the Trip Leader is presenting.

Smartphone Apps

Smartphone apps such as WhatsApp, Skype or FaceTime are the best way to text, videochat and call home from abroad. These services are usually less expensive than making a phone call, but will use roaming network data or a Wi-Fi connection. Ensure that you have downloaded whichever apps you plan to use, connect with your friends and family through the app, and understand basic usage, before you depart on your trip.

We recommend using WhatsApp to communicate with your Trip Leader, and the other members of your group while in transit to, as well as during your trip. Should you need to reach Conservancy Travel while in transit to the start of your trip, or in case of any emergency, WhatsApp is the easiest way to connect.