South Africa

   ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS

• Passports must have at least six months validity at the time of entry.
• Two completely blank consecutive pages are required for entry and exit stamps for each entry into South Africa, even in transit. YOU MAY BE DENIED ENTRY if you do not have two consecutive blank pages in your passport.
• While technically no longer required for non-residents, it is strongly recommended to carry a certified copy of an unabridged certificate of birth for any minors in your party. When the minor is traveling without both parents, a sworn affidavit from the parent not present stating they are aware of the minor’s travel and that said minor has permission to travel, may also be recommended.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

• No visa is required for US and Canadian Citizens for a tourist stay up to ninety days.

• Read more at: US Department of State Profile for South Africa

LANGUAGE

• There are eleven official languages, but English and Afrikaans are the main spoken languages.

CURRENCY

• The unit of currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR).
• USD, GBP, and EUR are easily converted into local currency, but it is not recommended to tip in foreign currencies.
• Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted at South African businesses, but cash is always preferred due to high foreign transaction fees.

TIME ZONE:

GMT +2

VOLTAGE:

230V, 50Hz

PLUG TYPE:

South Africa uses Types C, D, M, and N plugs.

IMPORT & EXPORT RESTRICTIONS

• It is illegal to purchase rhino horns or elephant ivory, or any items made from these materials.
• Other wildlife products, such as crocodile teeth, flat skins, and horns, should be purchased from reputable vendors, which can provide certification of purchase when required.
• It may be illegal to export game meat in any form to your home country.

• For detailed import and export regulations, please consult the IATA Travel Centre.

   TRAVELERS’ HEALTH & SAFETY

REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS

• Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for all travelers over one year of age traveling from or transiting through (regardless of amount of time spent at the airport) a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (Please visit the CDC.gov website for a current list.), as well as the following countries with low potential for exposure: Eritrea, Sao Tome and Principe, Somalia, and Tanzania. Travelers not meeting this requirement can be refused entry to South Africa or quarantined up to six days.

• Please visit the CDC.gov website for recommended immunizations to visit South Africa.

OTHER SAFETY NOTES

• Malaria is found in Kruger National Park and the surrounding private reserves, Ehlanzeni District in Mpumalanga, several districts in KwaZulu-Natal, and along the border with Mozambique and Zambia. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended.
• Take precautions against insect bites. Tsetse flies and ticks are found throughout South Africa and may carry diseases.
• There is a high incidence of HIV in South Africa.
• Strikes and demonstrations occur frequently. Avoid large gatherings in public.
• Violent crime in populated areas is a serious issue in South Africa. It is recommended to only use transportation services arranged by Ker & Downey or your city hotel. Keep valuables out of site, preferably in the hotel safe.
• High end shops may offer delivery of your purchases directly to your hotel room to avoid street theft.

LOCAL LAWS AND CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Accessibility: South African law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and mandates access to buildings for individuals with disabilities. However, this is not enforced evenly throughout the country, and physical accessibility remains an issue.
• Laundry: Some safari properties will not be able to launder underwear due to cultural differences. Pack extra.
• LGBTQIA+: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex relationships in South Africa.
• Photography: As with travel throughout Africa, it is imperative that GPS data NEVER be recorded for wildlife photography, especially highly poached species such as rhino and pangolin.
• Prescription drugs: Please contact the embassy for specific questions about your prescription medications. DO NOT attempt to bring cannabis-derived products into or out of South Africa.
• Tap water: Tap water may not be potable in all regions. Do not drink tap water without confirming it is safe to drink.

   GRATUITIES

In South Africa, tipping is preferred in South African Rand (ZAR, R).

Please remember, there is no obligation to tip and American standards for tipping are some of the highest in the world. The following list is only a suggestion for your convenience and may vary by itinerary.

Amounts listed are per person, unless otherwise noted.

• Airport assistance or Meet and Greet: ZAR 100 per service
• Hotel porter: ZAR 30 per bag
• Hotel housekeeping: ZAR 100 per night
• Transfer: ZAR 100 per transfer (all guests)
• Guide – full day: ZAR 300 per day
• Guide – half day: ZAR 200 per day
• Camp/lodge/resort staff: ZAR 200 per night
• Camp/lodge/resort butler: ZAR 130 per night
• Game guide: ZAR 300 per day
• Game tracker: ZAR 200 per day
• Train staff: ZAR 170 per day
• Train butler: ZAR 130 per night
• Shark diving crew: ZAR 250 per day
• Whale watching crew: ZAR 250 per day
• Restaurants and bars: 10-15% of bill, if no service charge added

   WEATHER

Please refer to your personalized Vamoos app for the daily weather forcast.

South Africa has a diverse climate due to its varied topography and geography. The country is characterized by a mix of climates ranging from arid in the west to subtropical in the east. Here is a general overview of the average weather in South Africa:

• Temperature: South Africa experiences a wide range of temperatures depending on the region. In general, the coastal areas tend to have milder temperatures, while the inland areas can experience more extreme temperature variations. Coastal cities like Cape Town and Durban have relatively mild climates, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).
• Rainfall: South Africa has a diverse rainfall pattern. The western part of the country, including Cape Town, experiences a Mediterranean climate with winter rainfall. The eastern regions, such as Durban and parts of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, have a summer rainfall pattern. The central and northern areas, including the Kalahari Desert, are characterized by arid or semi-arid conditions with low rainfall.
• Seasons: South Africa has four seasons, but the timing and intensity can vary. Summer typically occurs from December to February, autumn from March to May, winter from June to August, and spring from September to November.
• Cape Town and Western Cape: The Western Cape, including Cape Town, experiences a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. However, water scarcity has been a concern in this region, and there have been efforts to manage water resources more sustainably.
• Kruger National Park and Limpopo: In the northeastern parts, including Kruger National Park and Limpopo, temperatures can be quite high in summer, and the region is known for its wildlife and game reserves.

It's important to note that South Africa's climate can vary significantly from one region to another, so travelers should consider the specific climate of the area they plan to visit. Additionally, climate conditions may be influenced by factors such as altitude and proximity to the coast. For the most accurate and up-to-date weather information, it's recommended to check with local meteorological sources or weather services.