South Africa: Before You Go

Visas

• Check if you require to enter the country at the South African Department of Home Affairs: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries
• If possible, apply for an e-visa online before you depart at the following link: https://ehome.dha.gov.za/epermit/home
• Please note that visas are not available at ports of entry – you must secure one before you travel. You will not be allowed to board the aircraft without a visa. If you do arrive without a visa, you will be returned to your home country by immigration officials.

Unabridged Birth Certificates

• Please pay careful attention to the official documentation required if you are travelling with minor children: https://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/statements-speeches/621-updated-advisory-new-requirements-for-children-travelling-through-south-african-ports-of-entry
• You may be asked to show unabridged birth certificates, letters of consent or copies of custody agreements for children under 18 depending on your relationship with them. This is to clampdown on child trafficking.

Sars Online Declaration

• The South African Revenue Service requires at all travellers entering South Africa complete a declaration of their personal details and goods. This is to ensure you are not taxed on your belongings on departure.
• You can complete the form here: https://tools.sars.gov.za/sarsonlinequery/traveller or download the SARS app from your app store.

Currency and Foreign Exchange

• South Africa’s currency is the rand (ZAR). Cash is widely accepted but not US dollars, euros or pounds sterling.
• If possible, always use banks or official bureaus de change to exchange currency. Local traders may not give you the best possible exchange rate. Banks and bureaux de change can be found at international airports and major shopping malls.

Credit Cards and ATMs / Cash Points

• Diners Club and Amex are not widely accepted or may attract additional fees. Please bring an alternative card if possible.
• Some establishments may levy a surcharge on credit-card payments but this is not usual.
• Please inform your bank that you will be travelling to South Africa so that your card is not blocked when you try to use it.
• ATMs / cash points are widely available in airports, malls, in banks and on the street. Be aware of scammers offering to ‘assist’ you.

Claiming Vat Back

• Value-added tax (VAT) is levied at 15% on many goods sold in South Africa. International visitors can claim VAT on any purchases made over a certain value when they depart the country provided the correct documents are produced.
• For more information, please see https://www.gov.za/services/custom-duties/how-apply-vat-refund and https://vatrefundagency.co.za/

Tipping

• Gratuities are never mandatory but are always gratefully received. The average employed person supports up to seven other people so tips that supplement their incomes are very welcome.
• Guides can be tipped in cash at the end of your time with them. We suggest ZAR200 per day per person as a guideline.
• Lodge staff are generally tipped via a box in the reception area at the end of your time there or given to the manager in front of other staff by saying that the gratuity is for everyone. We suggest ZAR200 per person per day. It is not usual to leave money for housekeeping in your room outside city hotels.
• For restaurants, add 10% of the total bill as a gratuity – more if you feel the service warrants it.

General Costs

• Your consultant will break down all costs that are covered by your itinerary and those that aren’t. Generally, extras include souvenirs, premium wines and spirits, activities not included, meals not included and personal expenses.
• Eating out in South Africa is generally affordable but please note that wines, imported beers and international spirits can be more expensive.

Insurance

• Please ensure you have comprehensive medical and travel insurance to cover all eventualities, including evacuation and CFAR (cancel for any reason) coverage (if possible).

Vaccinations

• A mandatory yellow fever vaccination is required if you are passing through a yellow fever zone – please see the list here: https://www.southafrica.net/gl/en/travel/article/yellow-fever-entry-requirements
• There is a very low risk of malaria in some remote places in South Africa along borders with neighbouring countries. Consider prophylaxis and/or take preventative measures to avoid getting bitten such as using insect repellent, avoiding bright colours that attract mosquitoes, and wearing socks, long-sleeved shirts and trousers from sunset.

Safety

• All the global safety standards apply: watch your belongings, be aware of your surroundings and keep to well-lit, main areas.
• On safari, always obey any instructions from guides, rangers or lodge staff.
• Do not try to attract wild animals’ attention under any circumstances, leave the vehicle without permission, or walk and swim in areas that are out of bounds.

Plug Points and Power

The main plug types in South Africa are C (two round pins), D (three round pins in a triangle shape), M and N.

• Some lodges and camps have international plug adapters but it is best to bring your own.
• The voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz so be sure to check that your appliances are compliant – you may need to bring a voltage converter.
• Many lodges have solar power and the staff will inform you when this is available and what appliances it can run. Charging phones and camera batteries is straightforward but running hairdryers and CPAP machines can be problematic so please chat to your consultant.
• While tents have lighting, it can sometimes be dim. A headlamp is a great addition and helpful when packing luggage or checking documentation.
• South Africa undergoes periodic, scheduled loadshedding where power may be cut. Reputable establishments have diesel generators, battery inverters and solar power. If you are self-driving, petrol stations may not function during loadshedding so be sure to keep your rental car’s tank topped up. ATMs may also not work if you require cash.

What to Pack

It is not necessary to buy specialist safari gear. Your luggage limit is 15kg / 33lb in a soft bag.

• Choose the colours of nature: greys, greens, browns and khakis. Avoid bright colours like red and yellow; avoid whites and blacks as they provide too much contrast against the bush.
• Choose natural fibres.
• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers protect you from the sun, insects and thorns.
• Closed shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and a cap or hat are highly recommended.
• Early mornings and late evenings can be cold so bring fingerless gloves, a scarf, beanie and jacket.
• Rural South Africans are modest: avoid revealing large expanses between your knees and shoulders as these are considered private areas. Cover up after leaving the pool and walking to your room.
• As far as possible, bring eco-friendly toiletries.
• Bring extras of necessities like contact lenses, medications and reading glasses.
• At lodges that are solar powered, hairdryers can generally not be used.
• Aim to be comfortable and dress in layers.
• Avoid hard shell suitcases, strong perfumes and expensive jewellery.
• Bring extra underwear as often these items are not accepted by the lodge laundry service (see note below). When you have two nights at a lodge or camp, turn in your laundry on your first day so it has the full second day to be laundered and dry.
• If you are visiting Cape Town between May and September, bring a rain jacket.

Cultural Norms

South Africans in the hospitality industry are generally helpful, friendly and cheerful people.

• It is normal to greet and enquire about the person’s wellbeing before launching into a question or complaint. Politeness and a sense of humour are prized.
• Washing powder will often be provided in your room: this is for cleaning your own underwear. Cultural norms mean that you will rinse out your own intimate items. Generally, all other items will be laundered, often for free.
• Be mindful when passing through villages. Ask permission before photographing people, buildings or homes, and respect children or the elderly. Ask yourself whether you would like a stranger photographing your children without permission, outside your home.
• It is illegal to photograph police stations, border points, airports, military buildings, government buildings or soldiers and other officials.
• Please do not bring candy, sweets or balloons to give to children. Dental care is limited and plastic is harmful to the environment. Contributions via the lodge or Pack For A Purpose are always appreciated!

Weather and Climate

South Africa’s seasons are reversed to the northern hemisphere’s: summer runs from about November to March and winter from about May to August.

Cape Town has winter rainfall (ie from around May to August) while safari destinations like Kruger and Madikwe have summer rainfall (ie from around November to March). Summer rainfall often means late-afternoon thunderstorms that are short-lived.