Face to face with the world’s most majestic wildlife
On a Safari, you will find some of the world’s most spectacular wildlife. We will give you a unique opportunity to see and experience this rich abundance of wildlife up close and in person, in stunning natural scenery that will surpass your wildest dreams. Here, you will feel the essence of Out of Africa. Safari literally means journey, but by modern standards, a safari involves a visit by jeep to one or several wildlife (national) parks or sanctuaries. Depending on the selected itinerary, a safari usually takes between three and ten days. Based on the available time, the composition of the tour group, and the available budget, an itinerary will be prepared, tailored to your requirements. You can travel privately or in a (small) group, depending on your package.
The safari guides
Your safari guides will make sure that your trip will be an unforgettable experience. Without exception, they are experienced, safe drivers who have the skills necessary to conquer the sometimes bumpy roads of your destination. Once you hit the road, you will be amazed at their powers of perception. At times, they seem to have 360-degree vision, and at a distance where ordinary people can make out nothing but a dot, they can identify an animal. We choose partners who invest a lot of time and energy in their annual training and refresher courses. They can tell you myriads of fun and interesting facts about the flora and fauna as well as about the local culture, customs, and traditions. Even though most of the guides will be natives, they are proficient in English and have excellent social skills. They will enrich your safari with their in-depth expertise, their jokes, and their good cheer whenever that is called for, and respect your privacy where appropriate.
Safari jeeps
Rugged four-wheel drive safari jeeps are almost invariably Toyota Land Cruisers, converted into safari vehicles by a specialized coachworks company. In East Africa (Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda) this means that some of them are stretched to seat 9 instead of 5, the top of the windows is raised for a better panoramic view, and the roof is replaced by a large pop-up roof to allow you to stand up straight to film or take pictures.
In Southern Africa the open 4x4 safari vehicles are most common: South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia and Malawi. The safari vehicles are most often Toyota Land Cruisers and carry 6 to 8 guests. They have open side and offer face to face encounters with nature. In rainy seasons or winter, the guide might decide to put on a canvas roof with side windows. Very often there is space for a tracker who sits on the bonnet reading animal tracks whist the guide drives and ensure your safety. These are the common vehicle type an private lodges and camps throughout Southern Africa. Safari Njema! (Have a pleasant journey!)
Accommodations on your safari
In our view, the accommodations on safari should be at least as enjoyable as the safari itself. Where overnight accommodations are concerned, you can choose from several options. The so-called tented camps consist of luxurious and elegantly decorated lodges. Other than the heavy-duty canvas canopy, these stylish glamping cabins have very little in common with an ordinary tent. They offer the luxury and all the amenities you need, including excellent private bathroom facilities. The biggest attraction, though, is the incomparable, traditional safari atmosphere. And those of you who want to take comfort to the extreme can decide to stay in a luxury hotel.
A typical day on safari
- 05h30 Wakeup call at the room
- 06h00 Light breakfast in the main area
- 06h30 Depart for your morning activity: game drive, nature walk, mokoro
- 10h30 Return from morning activity
- 11h00 Brunch Afternoon at leisure – possible activities: Swimming pool, curio shop, spa
- 15h30 Afternoon Tea
- 16h00 Depart on afternoon game drive
- 19h30 Return from game drive
- 20h00 Dinner under the stars (weather permitting)
- After dinner: optional night drive at certain destinations.
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.
Entry Requirements
Please contact the embassy for your visa requirements.
New rules apply from 1 June 2015. If you’re travelling to South Africa or transiting through a South African airport with a child you must be able to produce the child’s full unabridged birth certificate. The South African Department of Home Affairs have confirmed that no supporting documents will be required by people in direct transit through a South African International Airport. Check with your airline to see whether you need to go through immigration on arrival in South Africa, collect luggage and check in again. If you do go through immigration you’ll need to provide the correct documentation.
There are additional requirements if the child is travelling with only one parent, with neither biological parent, or unaccompanied. See this information sheet, this statement by the South African Department of Home Affairs and this leaflet produced by the South African Department of Home Affairs. Contact the South African High Commission if you have any specific questions about your trip.
If you’re travelling with copies of documents, make sure you get them certified. The South African Department of Home Affairs is not accepting photocopies of birth certificates or passports.
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. Not that luggage allowance may differ from your international airline, average allowance for checked in luggage is 20 kg. per person.
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. In the Gauteng Province E-toll is used. These are bridges over the roads . Rental cars are equipped with an E-tag and will make a beep when driving under one of these bridges. The E-toll amounts (max ZAR 450 per month) will be billed to the client at the end of the rental and are normally deducted form the deposit paid. You will only be billed if you make use of these roads
On other toll roads you will need to pay cash. Most of the international credit cards are not accepted, so make sure you hvae always cash on you. mounts per toll road vary from ZAR R20 to R125.
Petrol stations are widespread and most of them accept credit cards.
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. For a local food experience, visit https://resirest.com/countries/south-africa/
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. A three-point round-pin adapter plug should be brought for your electrical appliances - such adapters are also available at major airports and super markets.
General Guidance
Guide to tipping in South Africa
How much do you tip? This is quite a difficult question with multiple correct answers. Below some further clarification:
Parking tips
Many places have so-called car guards. Some of them are self-appointed, where others are employed. They often wear a yellow vest so you can recognise them. Often they don’t get a salary and completely rely on the tips they get. R5 is a decent amount to give. Please realise that there is no guarantee from a safety point of view, we would still recommend you don’t leave any valuable in your vehicle.
Tips in restaurants
On average a tip of between 10 and 15% of the total amount is normal. Some places include the tip on the bill, so always check!
Tips in hotels and guesthouses
On average people give R20 -R30 per night stay in a guesthouse or hotel. You can either leave this in the room or at reception upon departure.
Tips on safari
When you stay at a safari lodge, you normally have one ranger who will take you on the game drives during your stay. Normally, you tip him/her after your last game drive.as a thank you. R50 per game drive is a guide, but if the amount obviously also depends on how great it was!
Tips for taxi drivers
Uber is very popular in South Africa, Especially in the bigger places such as Cape Town, it is normally cheaper to use Uber than metered taxis. Uber now has the option to tip via the Uber App. If you take a metered taxi, an amount, about 10% of the total amount is appreciated
Tipping at petrol stations
Filling up with petrol in South Africa is quite a unique experience. You don’t actually leave your vehicle, someone will come to you and fill up your car. They often ask if they can check, water and oil, tyre pressure and wash your window too. It is common habit to give them R5 or a bit more in loose change as a thank you.
