TAYEB FAMILY - SOUTH AFRICA ADVENTURE

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.

 We recommend using the following portal for the latest entry requirements: https://www.traveldoc.aero/

You will need the following if you wish to visit South Africa:

• A valid and acceptable passport or travel document for your intended stay
• Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of your return and have a minimum of 2 blank pages per country visiting.
• A valid visa, if required. Please check here http://www.iatatravelcentre.com/passport-visa-health-travel-document-requirements.htm
• Sufficient funds to pay for your day-to-day expenses during your stay
• A return or onward ticket
• Yellow fever certificates if your journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America. (See more details under HEALTH  

NB: REGULATIONS FOR FAMILIES TRAVELLING TO SOUTH AFRICA WITH CHILDREN

See latest advisory here: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/statements-speeches/621-updated-advisory-new-requirements-for-children-travelling-through-south-african-ports-of-entry

TRAVELLER DECLARATION SYSTEM

A new online Traveller Declaration System has been introduced in South Africa for both international travellers as well as South African residents.  The system is being used on a pilot basis at the following airports:  King Shaka International Airport, Cape Town Airport, and OR Tambo International Airport.

The system is being used on a voluntary basis during the pilot phases until further notice.

Please see full  information here:  https://www.sars.gov.za/travellerdeclaration/

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact your African Pathfinder travel specialist.

Please note, all information supplied is valid at the time of print and subject to change. It is the traveller's responsibility to check and comply with all visa and entry requirements.

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.

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.

COVID-19 - Please consult the following portal for the latest  Covid requirements:  https://infopages.traveldoc.aero/information/coronavirus

Anyone who takes any special medication should take enough supplies to last for the duration of the visit. 

Although most of the hotels and lodges that we recommend are equipped with a first aid kit, we suggest that you bring a small airtight container with a few well-chosen articles, such as plasters, travel sickness tablets, antiseptic cream, pain relieving tablets for headaches, indigestion tablets, sunscreen, eye drops, insect repellent, medication for upset stomachs and after-sun moisturiser.  We remind travelers who have any allergies or other health conditions, to pack the required medication.

MALARIA - When traveling in South Africa, you may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, as a result of mosquito bites, this will only be necessary depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside. Please consult your doctor for advice on malaria precautions before travelling to South Africa.

YELLOW FEVER

There is no risk of yellow fever in South Africa. The government of South Africa requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine/certificate.

AFRICA

Angola
Benin
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cameroon
Central African Republic
Chad2
Congo, Republic of the
Côte d’Ivoire
Democratic Republic of the Congo2
Equatorial GuineaEthiopia2
Gabon
The Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Kenya2
Liberia
Mali2
Mauritania2
Niger2Nigeria
Senegal
Sierra Leone
South Sudan
Sudan2
Togo
Uganda

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA

Argentina2
Bolivia2
Brazil2
Colombia2
Ecuador2
French Guiana
Guyana
Panama2
Paraguay
Peru2
Suriname
Trinidad and Tobago2
Venezuela2

1 Defined by the World Health Organization as countries or areas where YF “has been reported currently or in the past and vectors and animal reservoirs currently exist.” See current Annex 1 and country list on the WHO International Travel and Health webpage at www.who.int/ith/en/index.html.

2 These countries are not holoendemic (only a portion of the country has risk of YF virus + transmission). 

TICK BITES - Ticks can be found in Africa’s wilderness areas. To avoid getting bitten when going on bush walks, guests are advised to take precautions by wearing long trousers, socks and boots. Please note that there is a possibility that tick bites could lead to tick bite fever. Symptoms include fever, headaches and painful, enlarged lymph glands in the area of the bite. If you experience these symptoms after returning home, please visit your doctor and advise them of the possibility of tick bite fever.

COVID-19 - Due to frequent revisions in restrictions, updated information will be advised to travelers prior to departure .

The best way to stay safe in South Africa is to exercise the same common sense that you would in any major city.

South Africa is often portrayed by international media as a dangerous place to visit, and certainly, the country struggles with a high rate of violent crime. However, thousands of visitors travel to South Africa every year without incident, and the rewards of doing so are rich. Home to some of the most breath-taking scenery on Earth, South Africa is a land of teeming oceans, pristine beaches, rugged mountains and game-filled reserves. Its diverse cities are rich in both history and culture, and its people are some of the most welcoming you'll ever meet.

Nevertheless, it's important to be aware of the country's less friendly side. Poverty is rife in South Africa, and as a result muggings, break-ins and petty theft are common, however, the vast majority of crimes in South Africa take place in the poorer neighbourhoods of big cities - so staying clear of these areas is an effective way to reduce the risk of becoming a victim. In planning your trip Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban or the likes of we make sure to choose a guesthouse or hotel in a reputable part of that town. Townships offer a fascinating insight into South Africa's rich culture, but visiting informal settlements on your own is inadvisable.

The game reserves we recommend are located far from urban settlements, and consequently there is very little risk of crime on safari. It's a common misconception that predators like lions and leopards roam freely throughout the country, but in reality, game is usually confined to protected reserves. Staying safe on safari is simple - listen carefully to the advice given to you by your tour guide or ranger, don't venture into the bush at night and stay in your car on self-drive safaris. Venomous snakes and spiders typically avoid confrontation with humans, but it's always a good idea to be aware of where you're putting your hands and feet.

If you plan on hiring a car, never leave valuables visible on the seats. Make sure to keep your windows and doors locked when driving through big cities, and park in areas protected by licensed car guards.  

South African roads in general are well marked and maintained. Our speeding limits are strictly enforced, so please be aware of your speed when driving, especially on main motor ways. Driving in rural parts of South Africa, the roads are not well fenced and livestock often gathers on the road at night. Therefore, a general safety rule is to plan long journeys for daylight hours. Nevertheless, with the proper care, exploring South Africa under your own steam is a uniquely rewarding experience.

In summary, South Africa is by no means a Utopia. Crime is a problem, and incidents do occur. However, as a tourist, you can avoid most dangerous situations by simply being aware and making informed choices. Don't let negative media coverage put you off - this is one of the world's most beautiful countries, and somewhere that everyone should visit at least once.

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.

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.

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, if you are travelling during this time.

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 access /WiFi is widely available throughout the country in all major towns and cities.  Some outlets such as hotels, restaurants, shopping centers charge minimal rates or limitations. 

TIPPING GUIDELINES

GAME RANGERS - R300-400 per family/couple per day

TRACKERS - R200 - R300 per family/couple per day

GENERAL STAFF - R200 - R300 per family/couple per day

TOUR GUIDES (GROUP TOUR) - R50 and up per person

TOUR GUIDES (PRIVATE) - R100 and up per couple/ family/ single traveller

WAITERS AND WAITRESSES - 10 to 20 % of total bill

BARMEN AND BAR WOMEN - 10 to 20 % of total bill

ACCOMMODATION - 10 % of total bill

HOTEL PORTERS - R20 to R50

AIRPORT PORTERS - R5 – R10 per piece of luggage 

PETROL (GAS) ATTENDANTS - R5 and up

CAR GUARDS - R5 and up

MASSAGE/ BEAUTY THERAPIST - 10 to 20 % of total fee