Contact Us

Preparing for your travel

INSURANCE

It is essential that adequate travel insurance be taken out prior to departure. 

It is important to note that it is recommended to purchase travel insurance at the time, or within 14 days from paying your deposit. This should cover any medical situation such as medical evacuation, hospitalisation, as well as cancellation, curtailment of arrangements and baggage. 

It is important to note that some travel insurance policies may not be recognized by certain local hospitals; therefore, please check with your provider if their product is accepted in your destination and seek alternative cover if necessary.

HEALTH, MEDICINES & VACCINATIONS

Yellow Fever:  

South Africa and most of the countries in Southern Africa are free of Yellow Fever. 

Africa Explore Safaris Terms and Conditions require you to obtain advice from your medical practitioner or travel clinic before travelling to any destination to determine if you are required to get a yellow fever vaccination, no less than 10 days prior to travel. 

If required, you must be able to produce a yellow fever certificate as proof of vaccination. Depending on which countries you are traveling to prior or post your stay to South Africa the certificate will be required. The certificate may also be required when re-entering your country of origin, or other African countries, if you have visited a destination within the yellow fever belt. 

For more information you may consult the following website, but we must reiterate that we advise you to visit your medical practitioner or your closest travel clinic for further information. 

https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/countries-with-risk-of-yellow-fever-transmission-and-countries-requiring-yellow-fever-vaccination-(november-2022) 

It is not a requirement to have the yellow fever vaccination to visit South Africa. However, proof of vaccination will be required if visitors are coming from another country where the risk of transmitting yellow fever is high. All travellers over the age of 1 year (9 months for certain neighbouring countries) are then required to have the yellow fever vaccination if they have: 

  • Recently visited a high-risk country 
  • Spent over 12 hours in transit in a high-risk country 


If guests cannot have a yellow fever vaccination for medical reasons a doctor’s letter needs to be provided; signed, stamped and on an official letterhead. 

Ticks

Ticks can be found in Africa’s wilderness areas. To avoid getting bitten when going on bush walks, guests are advised to take precautions by wearing long trousers, socks and boots. Take time after your walk to inspect your body carefully for any sign that a tick has managed to attach itself during your walk. Please note that there is a possibility that tick bites could lead to tick bite fever. Symptoms include fever, headaches and painful, enlarged lymph glands in the area of the bite. If you experience these symptoms after returning home, please visit your doctor and advise them of the possibility of tick bite fever.

Malaria

Please consult your physician for advice on Malaria precautions before travel to South Africa.

You cannot purchase Malaria medication over the counter once you arrive in Africa. You must have a doctor’s prescription to purchase the prophylaxis medication.

Many of the Safari destinations are located in the Malaria risk zones and these can vary from Low Risk to High risk depending on the climate, location, and proximity to densely populated areas.

We advise that you purchase insect repellents once you arrive at your destination as not all insect repellents sold internationally are effective here in Africa.

Allergies, Medication and Prescriptions

If you suffer allergies, it is advised to take counteracting medication with you, because the medication may not be available due to the remoteness of these destinations. 

If on medication at time of travel please ensure that you bring sufficient supply for the entire trip, as it may be difficult to obtain after arrival. This applies to any malaria prophylaxis, prescriptions, chronic or preferred brand medication.

Very Important – Please carry with you the doctor’s prescription for any prescribed medicines that you are taking. You may be required to produce this document at the port of entry.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS 

To enter South Africa, a passport valid for at least 30 days after the intended date of departure is required by all nationals (the rest of Africa requires 6 months). Passports must have at least two blank visa pages (not endorsement pages) for entry stamps. Our recommendation is to ensure you have three or even four blank visa pages if you are travelling through more than one country. 

If there are insufficient pages, entry will be denied. Please note that even if you do not require a visa to enter South Africa, blank visa pages are still required in your passport for the applicable entry and exit stamps. 

For a list of countries whose passport holders are exempt from visas for South Africa, please refer to the following website: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries 

It is imperative to check visa requirements with the South African embassy, as these may vary according to your nationality. If you intend to travel between South Africa and its neighbouring countries, it is advised that you apply for multiple entry visas. 

Once again, it is a mandatory requirement that you travel to Africa with at least two blank visa passport pages, per country visited, and that your passport is valid for a minimum of 30 days (for South Africa) or 6 months (for the rest of Africa) after your date of travel. 

To comply with regulation 2(1) (a) of the Immigration Regulations 2014, only Machine-Readable Travel Documents (MRTDs) will be accepted to enter South Africa. Extended passports will no longer be accepted. For this reason, travellers are advised to check their travel documents.

TRAVELLER DECLARATION 

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has introduced a new online Traveller Declaration System, which some airlines are treating as a mandatory requirement before allowing passengers to board. 

It allows travellers to complete and submit an online traveller declaration (on behalf of themselves and all children and infants travelling with them) and receive electronic confirmation thereof before they travel. Once submitted, a confirmation will be received via email, containing instructions on what to do when arriving at the airport. 

 

NOTE: Even though the above website indicates that the system may be used on a voluntary basis, some airlines have a directive to enforce this requirement; therefore, we strongly advise that passengers complete the online declaration

Declaration Process

  • Online Traveller Declaration System: https://www.sars.gov.za/travellerdeclaration/ click on Complete Declaration 
  • Returning home: When departing South Africa, travellers are not required to declare the same equipment again if this was declared upon arrival and proof (online confirmation or stamped TC01 form) has been retained. 

Excess currency 

Excess currency in South Africa is any amount in excess of ZAR 25 000 or any foreign currency which is convertible to Rand in excess of ZAR 25 000. Travellers must obtain written permission from the South African Reserve Bank before entering or leaving South Africa with excess currency. It is important to note that a passenger carrying foreign currency may still be stopped by a Customs officer. 

If the individual cannot produce any proof establishing the origin of the foreign currency, Customs may detain the money to investigate further which could result in forfeiture of the currency. It is advisable, therefore, for all travellers entering or exiting South Africa to declare foreign currency on the SARS Customs online declaration. 

Declaring electronic equipment in South Africa 

Travellers arriving in South Africa are advised to declare their electronic equipment, including cameras and laptops, even if they intend to take these items with them upon their departure from South Africa. Although customs officials may not always enforce this rule for travellers with standard personal electronics, it is best practice to comply, avoiding potential hassles and delays. There is currently no specific value threshold for declaring electronic equipment. 

Declaring electronic equipment in South Africa 

Travellers arriving in South Africa are advised to declare their electronic equipment, including cameras and laptops, even if they intend to take these items with them upon their departure from South Africa. Although customs officials may not always enforce this rule for travellers with standard personal electronics, it is best practice to comply, avoiding potential hassles and delays. There is currently no specific value threshold for declaring electronic equipment. This also avoids any “Importation Taxes” being applied on goods thought to have been purchased abroad when you re-enter your country.

Refundable cash deposits or import duties on goods 

If you are carrying some high-ticket items, it is possible that the customs officials may ask you to pay a deposit and classify the items as a “Temporary Import”. 

Travellers may need to pay refundable cash deposits or import duties on certain goods brought into South Africa temporarily. Refunds are provided once the goods are shown to have left the country. 

You can access the SARS Traveller Leaflet (https://www.sars.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/Docs/Customs-Excise/Brochures/Travelers-A5-leaflet-March-2021-v7-4-panel.pdf) which provides essential information on prohibited items, restrictions, duty-free allowances, and other pertinent customs details.

TRAVELING WITH MINORS

As of November 2019, children travelling on passports of visa-exempt countries will only require a valid passport to enter/exit South African ports of entry (a birth certificates will no longer be a requirement for them), as long as they are accompanied by an adult. 

Children in possession of a valid South African visa are not required to produce the documents already submitted as part of their visa applications. 

South African minors are required to present a copy of their birth certificate/equivalent document or passport containing the details of their parents. For more details, please consult http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/statements-speeches/621-advisory-new-requirements-for-children-travelling-through-south-african-ports-of-entry-effective-1-june-2015 

Please note that stricter requirements may need to be adhered to in South Africa’s neighbouring countries. 

 

Exceptions (applicable to holders of South African as well as foreign visa-exempt passports): 

If the minor is travelling unaccompanied, they must have in their possession: 

  •  A valid passport 
  • A copy of his /her birth certificate 
  • Parental consent letters 
  • A copy of the passport(s)/identity document(s) of the parent(s) / legal guardian(s) 
  • Contact details of the parent(s)/ legal guardian(s) 
  • A letter from the person who is to receive the child in the Republic, containing his / her residential address and contact details in the Republic where the child will reside 
  • A copy of the identity document / valid passport and visa or permanent residence permit of the person who is to receive the child in the Republic 
    • where applicable- a copy of an adoption order 
    • A copy of a death certificate of the deceased parent/ parents or legal guardian; 
    • A copy of a court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or legal guardianship in respect of the child 

 

Minors in alternative care (i.e. foster care, temporary safe care or in a youth care centre following a court order) need in their possession: 

  • A valid passport 
  • A letter from the Provincial Head of the Department of Social Development where the child resides authorising their departure from the Republic as contemplated in section 169 of the Children’s Act (Act No. 38 of 2005) 

WHAT TO EXPECT ON ARRIVAL 

The time taken to clear immigration and customs will vary based on your arrival time. Guests can book a Professional Meet & Greet representative to meet them on arrival and assist with formalities before escorting them to their transfer. At the discretion of airport authorities, pre-arranged VIP meet and greet services at certain airports can meet arrivals airside and escort them through expedited formalities. 

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE AND PASSENGER WEIGHT

The luggage allowance on scheduled domestic and regional flights is a maximum of 20 kg (44 lbs) and 7 kg (15 lbs) hand luggage and this can be in hard shell bags.

When you go on Safari, you will be travelling in vehicles and small aircraft with limited space. Your luggage is required to be packed in a soft bag weighing a maximum of 20 kg (44 lbs) and 5 kg (11 lbs) hand luggage. The allowance on certain smaller aircraft may be as little as 15 kg (33 lbs) which includes hand luggage and camera equipment. 

Type of luggage & dimensions: Soft bags with maximum dimensions of 35cm (13.7 inches) wide x 40 cm (15.7 inches) high and 70 cm (27.5 inches) long. No hard suitcases are allowed and oversized bags may not be carried on your lap. An additional seat can be booked for extra luggage, subject to availability. 

Airline luggage requirements will vary slightly between airlines – some will allow one rigid frame or wheels according to strict internal guidelines. We recommend soft bags with correct dimensions as a default but can provide specific and up-to-date luggage rules on request. These rules are often updated without notification so are best checked nearer departure. 

Some air operators may have weight and/or height restrictions per guest per seat. For the sake of your own comfort, please advise us at time of booking if you are particularly bulky or tall and we will do our best to accommodate you. Please note that additional costs may apply. 

For helicopter transfers, please note that the total weight allowance will be determined by the number of passengers, individual body weights, refuelling requirements, and other operational factors. In some cases, a separate road transfer for luggage may be necessary. Particular seats cannot be reserved on the helicopters as the pilot will determine the seating in order to balance the craft.

When travelling to any of our designated destinations in Africa, please remember that it’s a criminal offense to be in possession of, to deal with or to traffic in wildlife products. This includes, without limitation, Ivory, Rhino horns, furs, claws, teeth, bones, eggs, meat and feathers of any form of wildlife. The penalties for violating legislation governing the possession and trafficking of wildlife products in Africa are among the most punitive in the world and may even lead to life imprisonment upon successful prosecution. To avoid any inconvenience, you are strongly advised not to purchase any wildlife products of any nature from any street vendor, local marketplace, or village market when participating in any excursion. Only purchase wildlife products which are offered for sale at legitimate curio vendor establishments located within the duty-free demarcated area of the airport as these vendors are required by law to hold the necessary legal permits to enable them to offer for sale the wildlife products on display in their establishments. 

It is also a criminal offence to collect or carry any precious or semi-precious stones that may be found when traveling through Namibia and other countries.

 

OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg has implemented restrictions on the shape of luggage that may be checked in. Please note that bags should comply with the following: 

– Bags must be regularly shaped, with at least one flat surface. Round or irregularly shaped bags will not be accepted 

– Bags with long hanging straps will not be accepted 

Passengers with bags not meeting these restrictions will be asked to wrap their bags at one of the wrapping stations in the airport.

CHECK IN 

When checking in, some hotels or lodges may take a pre-authorisation hold on your credit card, which will enable you to bill back expenses such as non-included meals, spa treatments or other extras to your room account. Your expenditure will then be subtracted from that hold before releasing the balance at the end of your stay. Reversing the hold may take a few days, depending on your bank. Instead of allowing a pre-authorisation hold to be put on your credit card, you may normally also choose to put down a cash deposit, or a “no post” can be added to your room, which means that you will not be able to charge anything back to your room account but, instead, settle any extras directly in cash. 

In accordance with global practice, all hotel and lodge check-in/out times are normally as follows (depending on the specific hotel or lodge): Check-in: 14h00/15h00; Check-out: 10h00/11h00. A later check-out time may be negotiated but that can usually only be done the day before when the hotel has all the information regarding arrival guests on your day of departure.

For self-drive guests to the Safari Areas, it is advisable to arrive at their safari lodge/camp no later than 14h30 as afternoon activities generally start from 15h00.

WHAT TO PACK 

As a general guide, comfortable, casual wash and wear clothes are recommended. Muted colours are recommended for game viewing. Game drives are conducted in the early morning and late afternoon, which can be very cold, especially in winter. 

The most practical items to pack for safari are: 

  • Khaki, green, beige and neutral colours 
  • Shirts with long sleeves (even in summer, as protection from the sun and mosquitoes) 
  • T-shirts 
  • Shorts or a light skirt 
  • Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days 
  • Jackets and sweaters are recommended for early morning and evening game drives 
  • Lightweight water-proof jacket 
  • Swim and beachwear 
  • Comfortable walking shoes 
  • Sun block, sunglasses, hat, moisturizer and lipbalm are all essentials 
  • Strong insect repellent like Mozzie Guard (www.mosi-guard.com) 
  • Binoculars and camera equipment 
  • Additional memory cards and batteries for your equipment.  

Laundry

 Most lodges, camps and hotels do their best to deliver a same day laundry service, weather permitting. Dry cleaning can be arranged at most hotels but is not available at lodges. It is advisable to carry soap suds to wash your delicate items. Please be mindful that, due to culture and customs in many of the areas in which we operate, some lodges/camps do not wash underwear. 

First Aid 

Although most hotels and lodges are equipped with a first aid kit, we suggest that you bring a small airtight container with a few well-chosen articles, such as plasters, travel sickness tablets, antiseptic cream, pain relieving tablets for headaches, indigestion tablets, sunscreen, eye drops, insect repellent, medication for upset stomachs and after-sun moisturiser. We remind travellers who have any allergies, for example insect stings, or an asthma condition, to pack the required medication. 

CLIMATE 

South Africa is famous for its sunshine. Over much of South Africa, summer is characterised by hot, sunny weather, often with afternoon thunderstorms that clear quickly. The Western Cape gets most of its rain in winter, with quite a few days of windy, cloudy, and rainy weather. Johannesburg lies at an altitude of 1 694 metres (5 560 feet), keeping the average summer temperatures below 32°C (90ºF). The hot, humid KwaZulu-Natal coast, as well as the Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces, offer fantastic winter weather, with sunny, warmish days and virtually no wind or rain. 

ELECTRICITY 

220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. It is possible that lodges in more remote areas do not have electricity and run on generator or solar power. 

South Africa experiences load shedding at times when demand for electricity is high and the power system is constrained. Electricity may be cut off for a number of hours at various times during the day and night. The hotels have generators, inverters or other alternative power sources, minimising the disruption; however, certain hotels do not wish to create noise disturbance and opt for no generator or to enable the reduced use of appliances only, sometimes limited to only essential lighting. This can be cause for temporary inconvenience or the opportunity to go off the grid.

MONEY 

Different local currencies apply in each country around Southern and East Africa. The United States Dollar is widely used but USD cash payment is not accepted everywhere. 

Payment by Credit Card is accepted throughout the region and many merchants have adopted a cashless system and will only accept card payments. Should you wish to shop at local markets you would be required to pay in local currency or USD. Please note that the USD notes you carry must be no older than 10 years and they must be undamaged.

The currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). 

Officials may not always be in a position to issue large amounts of change, so please carry small denominations of cash where possible. 

Please note that credit card transactions could take anything up to a few months to go through on guests’ cards, especially from more remote areas. 

General banking hours in main centres and towns: 

Monday – Friday: 09h00 – 15h30 

Saturdays: 08h00 – 11h00 

Travellers taking goods out of South Africa are able to reclaim VAT. VAT Reclaim Offices are found at Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town International Airports. 

NOTE – Never allow your credit card to leave your person. All transactions are done in front of you with you tapping or inserting your card in the machine. Credit card scams are rife, so remain vigilant at all time.

LANGUAGES 

English is widely spoken across the region. There are 11 official languages in South Africa, and countries like Zambia have 73 languages and dialects, although English is widely spoken. 

DIETARY 

Most dietary requirements can be catered for. Please advise us of any specific dietary requirements and these will be communicated to all the properties you will be visiting. Should you require kosher meals these will incur additional costs as they are specially flown in to the more remote destinations (two weeks’ prior notice is required). 

RESTAURANTS 

We recommend pre-booking restaurants for dinner during South Africa’s peak seasons and many of the popular restaurants may require that a booking deposit be paid.

PHOTOGRAPHY 

Please be sure to bring sufficient memory cards and batteries as, although these are readily available in all South African cities and towns, there might be no stock available at the safari lodges. 

Please remember to ask permission before taking a photograph of any local resident. 

Please be advised that the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones) is not allowed in any of the conservation areas across Southern and East Africa. Failure to comply with this rule will result if the loss of your equipment and you will be prosecuted.

GRATUITY GUIDELINE 

We are often asked for advice concerning gratuities. This is completely at your discretion. However, should you feel that you would like to show your appreciation to the staff; an amount of your choice may be added to your bill or handed to the manager to distribute amongst the staff. Alternatively, you may prefer to personally thank a staff member whom you feel went the extra mile to ensure that your stay was memorable. Envelopes can be found in your room. 

Providing gratuities using new and undamaged USD notes is widely accepted when you reward the person directly.

If you are unsure how much you would like to give, you may use the below as a guideline: 

Waiters and Drivers 10-15% of the fare or bill 

Airport Meet and Greets R 30 – R 50 per meet and greet 

Baggage Handlers/Porters R 30 – R 50 per couple 

Hotel Doormen/Baggage Handlers R 30 – R 50 per couple 

City Guides 

Private transfer R 165 per transfer 

Private half-day tours R 440 per tour 

Private full-day tours R 880 per tour 

On Safari 

Ranger/Guide R 500 per couple per day 

Tracker R 250 per couple per day 

Butler R 250 per couple per day 

Lodge/Camp Staff R 500 per couple per day 

CULTURAL AWARENESS 

Please note that local laws, religious beliefs and cultural practices in parts of Africa may be more conservative than those in your country of origin. As these must be observed and adhered to, we suggest that guests carry out due diligence on any areas of concern to them and exercise their discretion when travelling in the region.