We have been asked numerous questions about travelling to Southern Africa, many quite humorous. Here are some of the more useful and common questions. Should you have any concerns, please contact us for more detailed information.
Is it safe to travel to Southern Africa?
Yes. Despite the terribly high crime rate, especially in South Africa, most visitors to Southern Africa come and go without incident. However, one should always exercise common-sense whilst travelling and bear the following basic rules in mind: Always avoid ostentatious displays of expensive jewellery, cameras and other valuables; do not walk around carrying large sums of money at any time; know where your valuables are at all times; don’t let groups of strangers get too close to you; lock all car doors at all times in the city; take the bare minimum of accessories to the beach; keep your passports, plane tickets, jewellery of value and large sums of money in safe custody; at night, steer clear of dark and isolated areas (it is always better to stick to well-lit, busy streets); plan your self-drive routes beforehand; always take a map with you in case you get lost; never give strangers a lift or pick up hitchhikers; and watch out for wild animals when driving in rural areas.
As long as you are aware of these safety tips you are guaranteed a relaxed, secure and fun stay in beautiful Southern Africa.
What languages are spoken?
With 11 official languages in South Africa alone, not to mention Namibia and other Southern African countries, English is the most common language and accepted in all our destinations.
How should we manage carrying our money?
Most large towns and all cities have a wealth of places where you can exchange cash or travellers cheques on arrival. Most credit cards (Amex, Mastercard, Visa and Diners) are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels. Please note that credit cards are not accepted at filling stations. Shops in the remote areas will only accept cash.
What about banks?
Banks in South Africa open from 09h00 to 15h30 on weekdays and from 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays. Most banks change all traveller’s cheques in major currencies, but the commission charged can differ greatly between banks. Thomas Cook is represented in South Africa by Rennies Travel, American Express by Nedbank, and Visa by First National Bank. ATM machines will support your card if it bears the Cirrus logo.
Which credit cards can I use?
Visa, American Express, Diner’s Club and MasterCard are honoured by most restaurants, stores, hotels, car rental firms and other points of sale and service, but not at petrol stations. Proof of identity may be requested in some instances, so it’s useful to carry a passport or some form of photo identification. A word of caution: Beware of increasing credit card scams – keep a close eye on your card at all times.
Can I get VAT refunds on goods purchased?
Foreign nationals are entitled to claim a refund of VAT levied on purchases prior to their departure from each country. Claim forms are available from the airports and border posts. You must have a VAT receipt and may be asked to show the purchases to an official so we recommend you pack them for easy access.
What visas do I need?
A valid passport with at least one spare page is required. Visa requirements differ for both your nationality and your destination country. Most foreign nationals are issued 90-day visas on arrival, however we recommend you consult your local consulate for each country you intend to visit. If you plan to leave and re-enter South Africa you’ll need a multiple-entry visa to get back into South Africa.
What about malaria and inoculations?
Depending on your itinerary, you may not need to take precautions. Please check with us when you make your booking. If necessary, anti-malaria precautions should be commenced a few weeks prior to departure. Use those weeks to discover any side effects and switch anti-malarial regimes if necessary. For more health-related information, consult the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov/travel/safrica.htm
What other health risks are there?
Apart from malaria in certain areas, travelling on your holiday generally poses no medical threat. For travellers entering South Africa within six days of leaving a yellow fever risk area, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required. Apart from this, there are no compulsory inoculations. One important point to mention is that of the African sun which can be a risk if precautions are not taken. Please do not underestimate the effects of the sun; it is quite common for visitors to lose a day of holiday to sunstroke through overindulgence. Plenty of sun cream, a good sun hat and gradual adjustment are recommended. Tap water in South Africa is free and safe to drink. If you want to pay, however, bottled water is also available.
Where can I see game in a malaria-free area?
In South Africa, the Eastern Cape, the Western Cape, the Northern Cape, the North West Province and the Waterberg area of Limpopo province are free of malaria. Of these, the best game viewing is Addo in the Eastern Cape, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the Northern Cape, Madikwe and Pilanesberg in the North West and Limpopo’s Waterberg.
Are medical facilities of a good standard?
Private hospitals throughout Southern Africa are of an international standard. In general, state-run hospitals, though functional, are under-supplied and under-staffed. Because of the vast distances between cities, private medical air rescue services operate throughout the region. Doctors and hospitals may require immediate cash payment, but usually accept major credit cards. You should secure medical cover on your travel insurance before arriving in the country. Major hotels have contracts with physicians and dentists, but you should bring along supplies of specialised medication you may require. Alternatively, you can buy medicines at pharmacies, and emergency pharmacies are open all night.
What temperatures are we likely to experience?
The Southern African summer covers the months October through March with mid winter being May, June and July. In main game viewing areas, summer temperatures range from 16 deg C to 32 deg C and in winter from 5 deg C to 24 deg C. In isolated cases summer maximum temperatures can exceed 40 deg C. Summer days and nights are generally hot and sometimes humid outdoors and winter days are mild and comfortable with evenings and early mornings being cold.
What clothing and accessories should we bring along with us?
Dress is informal. For safaris and bush walks bring along clothing of neutral colours, a pair of good walking shoes (sandals are not recommended) and a wind proof jacket for winter mornings and evenings. If you’re heading into a malaria risk area you’ll find full-length clothing useful (just make sure it’s not too heavy) as well as spray-on mosquito repellent. A high SPF sun block should be brought with you especially if you require a specific hypoallergenic brand as well as a cap/hat. A good camera is essential and 100 or 200 asa film. On safari it is not often possible to keep the Land Rover dead still for those shots requiring powerful telephoto lenses and it is suggested that the most versatile lens should be capable of ranges between 70 to 210/300. Both slide and print film as well as batteries are available in the curio shops. Video cameras are ideal to capture sights and sounds and a pair of binoculars is a must for keen bird watchers. And of course, don’t forget your beach wear!
What side of the road do cars drive on in South Africa?
The left hand side.
Will I need an international drivers permit to drive in Southern Africa?
Yes. You will need to arrange this in your home country. In general, speed limits are 120 km/h (freeways) and 60 km/h (towns and cities).
Can I bring my children on safari?
Of course yes! There are several extremely child-friendly lodges with excellent children’s programmes. However, even child-friendly lodges do not generally allow children under the age of 6 to go on the guided game drives for safety reasons. If you stay in the national park however and do your own game drives in your own closed car, then you can safely have children of all ages.
Are my electrical appliances compatible?
The region’s electricity supply is a universal 220/240 volts at 50 Hertz. Although electrical plugs and sockets are usually round, three-pin, 15 amps, a square-pin to round-pin travel adapter will be useful.
Is there electricity at the safari lodges?
This depends on where you are staying, but most lodges do have electricity. Those lodges which do not have electricity usually have a generator or another source of power. Charging your camera or cell (mobile) phone should not be a problem.
How much should I tip?
Waiters and bar tenders receive a small basic wage and rely on tips for their income. In restaurants, the usual is 10% of the bill for good service and up to 20% for excellent service. Hotel porters should be tipped between US$1 and US$2 – or local equivalent – and you may want to tip housekeeping staff in hotels as well. In game lodges, it is usual to tip the ranger about 10% of your total bill and leave another 10% with lodge management to disburse among the invisible staff.
Is there cellular coverage in Southern Africa?
Absolutely! All countries accept roaming calls. Coverage is limited to the larger towns and main arterial routes and we recommend that you contact your local service provider before departure to confirm the service.
What should I buy?
Traditional South African souvenirs include elaborate Zulu beadwork and other handicrafts, as well as garments, pouches, belts and pipes. Township art is widely available in urban centres and on roadsides, taking the form of wire models and functional items (for example, baskets). Roadside stalls also sell local art – soapstone and wooden sculptures and colourful paintings on fabric. Remember to check the quality carefully, and haggle. As you would expect from a country rich in gold and diamonds, there is an excellent selection of jewellery available, as well as opportunities to watch goldsmiths in action. Always keep in mind though, all newly purchased items have to return home with you, and although a wooden carving of giraffe looks fabulous in the bush, it is somewhat difficult to hide in an overhead compartment of a Boeing!
Will I be able to see elephants in the street?
Depends how much you’ve been drinking …
