TAILORMADE LUXURY SAFARIS
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SOUTH AFRICA - SAFARIS, TOURS AND TRAVEL
South Africa offers endless safe and exciting safari travel options, so it’s worth planning ahead to ensure that you experience the very best of your holiday in this wonderful country. We have come up with a few frequently asked questions listed below. Should you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.
ABOUT SOUTH AFRICA
ACCESS Q: What method of transportation is recommended to reach South Africa? A: There are many excellent international flight connections to South Africa and minimal time difference when flying from Europe. South Africa is easily combined with Swaziland, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique and the Indian Ocean Islands. We can pre-book and package all of your regional/internal flights and transfers.
Q: How do I get around in South Africa? A: South Africa boasts an excellent infrastructure and travel by road, air and luxury train is easy. The country is great for those wishing to self-drive, and we highly recommend this method of seeing the country. There are also regular scheduled flights, shuttle/charter flights, trains and coaches and a range of exciting guided tours and groups. Our expert travel consultants will assist you every step of the way to ensure seamless and safe travel arrangements…read more. [link to Getting around SA page]
AFRICAN WILDLIFE Q: What are the characteristic animal species of South Africa? A: South Africa’s world-renowned game reserves boast a range of African wildlife, often including the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino, as well as African wild dog, giraffe, Burchell’s zebra, warthog, kudu, impala, bushbuck, grey duiker, blue wildebeest, hippo and a large variety of bird species.
CLOTHING Q: What should I wear? A: You will require comfortable, casual and semi-casual clothes for your South African safari. Please note that bright colours are not suitable for game-viewing. It is best to have some warm clothing for early-morning and evening game-drives, especially in winter.
Q: What should I pack? A: Click here to see packing suggestions
FAMILY SAFARIS Q: Is South Africa a good family destination? A: South Africa offers wonderful value for families, although some establishments cater more for children’s enjoyment than others. The recommended age for children on safari is six years and older. Some lodges do not take children under 12 years – we will advise you of the best family travel options.
FOOD Q: What style and type of meals are on offer? A: Most lodges, hotels and restaurants in South Africa serve delicious, hearty meals of Pan-African cuisine – fresh ingredients, simply prepared with an African flavour. Vegetarian and halaal dietary requirements may be catered. Although it is difficult to find strictly kosher meals, most lodges can arrange it if given two weeks’ prior notice.
GUEST SAFETY Q: Will I be safe? A: Guest safety is of paramount importance and even though South Africa is a safe destination, it is wise to take certain standard security precautions. Please carry a record of your passport number, airline tickets and travellers cheques, and ensure that these items are kept in a safe place. Make use of your hotel safety deposit box for expensive items and never leave baggage or personal items unattended, especially at airports.
HEALTH Q: What kind of medical precautions do I need to take? A: Travel to South Africa poses no medical threat, but there is malaria in certain areas. Please consult your physician or health department for the latest health and anti-malaria precautions when travelling in South Africa.
MONEY Q: Where can I change currency? A: You will be required to declare all foreign currency in any form when entering/exiting South Africa and we therefore advise that you only change money as required. Most international airports have banks where money can be changed and facilities are usually available at hotels and lodges. The unit of currency is the Rand (R), which is divided into 100 cents. Notes are in R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10. Coins are in denominations of R5, R2, R1 and 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c and 1c.
Q: Can I use my credit card? A: All major credit cards, including Visa, American Express, Diners Club and MasterCard, are accepted at most hotels, shops and restaurants. Proof of identity may be requested in some instances and it is therefore useful to carry a passport or some form of photo identification at all times.
SAFARI SEASONS & TEMPERATURES Q: Which are the best months to visit South Africa? A: ‘Sunny South Africa’ has a fabulous climate, with sunshine almost year-round. There is excellent game-viewing throughout the year but it is best during winter (May – August) in the northern regions and during summer (September – April) in the south. Summer temperatures range from 24°C/75° to 32°C/89°F and days are hot and generally sunny in the morning with possible afternoon thunderstorms.
In winter, days are dry, sunny and cool to warm while evening temperatures drop sharply; temperatures range from 8°C/46°F to 23°C/73°F. Please note that very cold spells can occur, although this is the exception rather than the rule.
Q: When is the rainy season? A: Rainfall varies regionally but occurs predominantly in the summer months from September to April in the form of magnificent late afternoon/evening thundershowers. There is very little winter rainfall in the north and low summer rainfall in the south.
TIPPING GUIDELINES Q: What should I tip? A: We recommend that you tender small amounts to your lodge/hotel staff and lodge managers will provide you with guidelines for tipping if required. Where restaurant meals are involved, the tipping standard is usually 10% of the bill.
WATER Q: Can I drink the water? A: Tap water is safe to drink but bottled water is available if you prefer.
