You need a visa to enter South Africa except U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter South Africa. However, all visitors are required to have two consecutive blank passport pages for each entry into South Africa. Note that some of our packages include multiple entries into South Africa
Malaria is present in South Africa. Take precautions against getting mosquito bites, and talk to your doctor about taking a prescription medicine to prevent malaria (before, during and after your trip). Also ask your doctor about vaccinations for typhoid and hepatitis A and be sure you are up-to-date with other routine vaccinations like such as measles.
Travelers arriving from or visited a yellow fever endemic country within 14 days of arrival in South Africa are required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination upon entry to South Africa
South Africa is located in the southern hemisphere and therefore has the reverse season to those of the U.S. The weather is temperate, and even during the winter time you’ll enjoy comfortable temperatures. Average daytime temperatures are in the 60 F/ 15 C and 70 F / 20 C from April-Sept and in the 70 F/ 20 C and 80 F / 25 C from Oct to March. Overnight temperatures are about 10F / 2C to 20F / 5C degrees cooler.
We suggest bringing clothes made of cotton, preferably in neutral colours. A hat, scarf, sunscreen and insect repellent are also valuable accessories for your trip. Bring at least one pair of comfortable walking shoes. Since weather can be unpredictable anywhere in the world and to be sure you are comfortable during your trip and prepared for all types of weather possibilities, we recommend that you carry a small folding umbrella (or poncho) and take with you a light jacket or sweater. Binoculars are also suggested. Finally, remember that comfort and convenience should dictate your wardrobe for the tour, and casual clothes are the order of the day for most occasions when traveling.
South Africa’s local currency is the South African Rand. Hotels and some stores in South Africa accept major credit cards; however, for "street shopping" you will need local currency. You will be able to exchange your cash to local currency at foreign exchange bureaus in South Africa, located in malls, airports, and on the streets. Most charge a commission. Hotel front desks will almost always exchange money for you, but the exchange rate is usually not as favorable.
Your guides will suggest some favorite shopping places, where the vendors are known, provide good quality merchandise and probably pay some sort of commission from sales to the guide. This should not surprise or offend you, as this is how business is done throughout the world; however, please be aware of this when you shop, especially if you are buying jewelry or other valuable items. If you plan to buy jewelry or other expensive items, be sure to inspect the items before you leave the store. Most stores will not allow you to return or exchange purchased items.
220/230 volts. Plug M. You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit before your South African vacation.
Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Check in google world connections before
Cameras and video recorders are permitted, and photography is generally permitted everywhere except at airports and military installations. Memory cards for digital cameras will be available in major cities.
South Africa has three distinct capitals: Pretoria (administrative and executive), Cape Town (legislative), and Bloemfontein (judicial). Johannesburg is regarded as the country’s unofficial economic capital!
South Africa’s flag is the only one in the world with no emblems or insignia and six different colors! And their national anthem is the only one with five languages!
Mohandas K. Gandhi (later Mahatma Gandhi) once practiced law in Durban, South Africa. In 1893 he was evicted from a “whites only” train carriage, an incident that propelled his career in politics.
South Africans often affectionately abbreviate city names! Locally, Johannesburg is Jozi, Durban becomes Durbs, and Cape Town is warmly referred to as the Mother City.
On the same language lines, South African slang is particularly colorful! For example, traffic lights are called Robots and elevators are referred to as lifts