SAFARI GUIDE TO SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa: Travel Advice

When you book your safari with us, you’ll receive all the details for your trip before you travel–including must-have advice and expert travel tips.  As you plan, here are a few essentials to keep in mind.

South Africa’s numerous airport make travel throughout the country easy.  Several frequently used airports for visitors heading on safari include:

International Airports:

  • OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) – Johannesburg: The busiest airport in Africa, serving as a major gateway for international travelers.
  • Cape Town International Airport (CPT) – Cape Town: The primary hub for those visiting the Western Cape, offering extensive international and domestic connections.
  • King Shaka International Airport (DUR) – Durban: A key entry point for international travelers heading to KwaZulu-Natal and surrounding regions.
  • Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) – Near Nelspruit: Convenient access for those visiting the Kruger National Park and nearby reserves, or traveling in the region.

 

Our team will advise on airports for any additional regional/internal flights needed during our travelers’ safari itineraries. 

 

U.S. and U.K. passport holders are not required to get a visa to South Africa if visiting for 90 days or less. Your passport must have 2 consecutive empty visa pages per entry and remain valid a minimum of 30 days beyond your intended date of exit from South Africa.
 
For a full list of countries whose passport-holders are exempt from needing a visa to South Africa, please see here.
 
If you are traveling from a country that requires a visa for travel in South Africa, please see here.
 
Adults traveling with minors should bring a copy of the minors’ unabridged birth certificate (or legal proof of custody) for entry into South Africa.
 
Please note that entry requirements can change at any time, and it is advised to check with your consular for complete details before traveling to South Africa.
It is highly recommended to consult a personal physician or travel clinic prior to your journey to South Africa.
 
Immunization:
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter South Africa if you have recently traveled in a Yellow Fever endemic area (including airport transit >12 hours through a country where yellow fever is endemic).
 
Regardless of your destination, the World Health Organization recommends the following vaccinations for travelers:
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Polio
• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
• TDAP (tetanus, diptheria, pertussis)
• COVID-19
 
In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention generally recommends the following vaccinations to travelers to South Africa:
• rabies
• typhoid
• meningitis
 
Malaria
Malaria, a disease transmitted by mosquitoes, is present in many regions of the country. It is important that you talk to your doctor on how to prevent malaria while travelling and which anti-malarial drug suits you best.
 
It is advisable to try to avoid mosquito bites, especially after sunset. Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and use an appropriate insect repellent.
 
Food, Water & Hygiene
Food in South Africa is generally considered safe for visitors to eat. As a precaution, it is recommended to always choose food that has been carefully prepared. If you buy vegetables and fruits from the local market, make sure they are thoroughly washed in clean water, or are easy to peel without contaminating the inside.
 
Only drink water that you know is safe. All hotels, lodges and supermarkets provide drinking water – usually sealed with plastic. The tap water in major cities is typically considered safe to drink. While in the bush on safari, bottled or purified water is available at lodges/camps.
The monetary unit of South Africa is the Rand, divided into cents and abbreviated as R and C.
 
Notes currently in circulation are in the value of:
  • R200; R100; R50; R20 and R10.
  • Coins are in denominations of R5; R2; R1; 50c; 20c; 10c; 5c. All currency must be declared on entry into South Africa.
 
Although US dollars (USD) are commonly accepted in some circuits, South African Rand (ZAR) are recommended for tips and gratuities, as well as expenses like bar bills, meals not included in your safari, etc.
 
Please note that USD notes dated before 2009 will not be accepted, and notes will not be accepted if they are torn, stamped, or marred.
 
Currency can be exchanged at the airport or foreign exchange centers. Large notes (like EUR, USD 50 and 100) get better exchange rates than the smaller denominations.
 
ATMs are available in cities and dispense South African Rand. It is not advisable to depend on ATMs while on safari in the bush. It is also advisable to alert your bank and credit card companies beforehand that you will be travelling to Africa to avoid denial of a transaction.
 
It is possible to pay by credit or debit (Visa or Mastercard) in most large hotels and lodges (usually with an additional surcharge). However, it is recommended to carry extra cash in case a card is not accepted or the network is down. Travelers checks are not accepted.
 
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Value Added Tax (VAT) of 15% is levied in South Africa. Overseas visitors taking goods out of South Africa are able to reclaim the VAT, which they paid on these goods. Reclaiming VAT is only applicable for goods that you are able to produce at the airport and not for any services whatsoever. When purchasing your products you should request a tax invoice. The shop’s VAT number must appear on this invoice. As you are checking in at the airport ready to depart from South Africa, you should approach the customs official who will compare your invoices with the goods purchased. Once your invoices have been approved and stamped, the VAT Reclaim Office will refund you the appropriate amount. VAT Reclaim Offices are found at Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town Airports.
Electricity in South Africa is available at 220/240 volts AC, 50 Hz.
 
The primary socket type in South Africa is Type D, M, and N. We recommend bringing adapters with you.
 
Please be aware that, even in major cities, the power supply is subject to cuts and voltage fluctuation.
 
On safari, occasionally some lodges are powered by generators or solar panels. These may be turned off during parts of the day and night to reduce noise and fuel consumption. In such cases, power sockets for charging are sometimes only available in the main area.
 
Internet is typically available throughout large hotels in the larger cities. In safari lodges, internet is most often available in the lodge’s main lounge, and speeds may vary.
South Africa is a large country just south of the tropic of Capricorn, but it is the topography and surrounding oceans that influence its climate, rather than the latitude. Although the climate varies from region to region, it is generally mild and sunny throughout the year.
 
It is generally advisable to pack light while traveling on safari, as visitors are often traveling between multiple destinations on a single trip. Laundry services are widely available at hotels and lodges.
 
For international air travel, please check your airlines’ luggage guidelines prior to travel.
 
For domestic and light-aircraft flights, kindly note that most airlines have strict luggage requirements (regarding both luggage weight and bag type). Please ask your travel consultant regarding luggage restrictions prior to travel.
 
 
As part of your overall packing list, the following are typically useful for travel in South Africa:
• Long trousers for comfort while hiking/walking in the bush/sun protection, shorts if desired (culturally, longer shorts or capris are best)
• Long-sleeved shirts & short-sleeved t-shirts
Dressing in layers is recommended, as early mornings and overnights can bring cooler temperatures. Light/neutral colored clothing is best when possible.
• Light rain jacket or similar
• Warmer layer such as a fleece/sweatshirt or similar
• Swimsuit/bathing suit
• Comfortable, sturdy closed-toe walking shoes/sneakers and socks
• Sandals (sturdy closed-toe styles, and open style or “flip flops” for beach itineraries)
• Sunglasses & hat
• Binoculars
• Camera with plenty of memory cards/extra battery
• Converter/outlet adaptors if needed
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Sunscreen, bug repellent, lip balm with SPF
 
Additional Packing Tips:
  • For itineraries that include city stays or the winelands, comfortable, casual clothing with comfortable walking shoes are advised.
  • The weather in Cape Town can vary throughout the day, so layering is recommended.
  • Smart casual clothing is recommended for dining at upmarket restaurants.Kindly note that many upmarket properties require long trousers for men at dinner.
  • For itineraries involving hiking/trekking, we also typically recommend hiking boots (it’s best to break these in before your trip), hiking socks, and a walking stick if desired.
  • When packing, keep in mind the following seasons in South Africa:
Spring: September, October and November.
Summer: December, January, February.
Autumn: March, April, May.
Winter: June, July, and August.
 
 
 
Please note: South Africa has banned the usage of plastic bags. Therefore, please consider using eco-friendly reusable bags. Ziploc bags (especially for toiletries) that can be re-used are permitted.
 
While never mandatory, tipping is a normal part of the service & tourism industry in South Africa especially to those who helped make your safari an unforgettable adventure. It is your individual choice whether you would like to tip or not.
 
A few basic tips on tipping:
• When tipping, it is best to tip only once and recommended at the end of your safari, trek, or stay at a particular camp or lodge.
• Your guide plays an essential role in the success of your safari. It is therefore advised to tip your guide separately.
• At the camps and lodges, it is recommended to use the “tipping box” which is usually found at the main area; the tips are then divided equally between the entire staff. If not available, you can also give the staff tip to the lodge manager to be distributed.
 
As a rough guideline the following is recommended:
Driver / Guide (Half day) – R100
Driver / Guide (Full day) – R200
Hotel Porters – R50
Professional Guide – R200 per day
Ranger – R200 per day
Tracker – R150-200 per day
Lodge staff – R150-200 per day
Restaurant/Server – 10% of bill
 
Tipping is never mandatory, but is always appreciated for excellent service. Travellers are always welcome to adjust the amount to their individual preference.
It is best to ask for permission before you take any pictures. Members of certain ethnic groups or communities may not feel comfortable having their photo taken, so it is important to be respectful and ask beforehand. Others may expect a tip or fee for having their photograph taken, especially in parts of the country where they encounter frequent requests.
 
There are some places where photography is prohibited; it is important to respect this prohibition.
 
Many travelers see this as a “trip of a lifetime” for animal photography, and opt to bring more than one camera in case of a malfunction, or extra batteries and memory cards.
 
It is highly recommended to bring a dustproof camera bag and air brush to help protect your camera from heavy dust while traveling.
South Africa has a vibrant cultural heritage with diverse ethnic groups and tribes.
 
In addition to the standard politeness, there are a few helpful etiquette tips for your time in South Africa:
 
  • Greetings are essential—a friendly hello, wave, smile, or handshake. Elders in particular are treated with respect in South Africa, and it’s recommended to offer everyone in the room a simple greeting.
  • Especially when dealing with government authorities, it’s advisable to be respectful and avoid impatience. Many issues can be handled with some patience and a good sense of humor.
  • When in doubt, a simple “hello” in English works just fine! Any efforts to speak the local languages, too, are often met with heartfelt appreciation.
  • It is polite to receive items with both hands together, held out as a cup.
  • Some South African ethnic groups may find it impolite to make gestures with the left hand, or to give someone something with your left hand. To show respect, touch your right elbow with your left hand when giving someone something or shaking hands.
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