Travel Info South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA

PASSPORT VALIDITY AND VISA REQUIREMENTS:

Please ensure that you have 2 blank pages and 6 months validity remaining on your passport from the last date of travel.

Please check Embassy of South Africa and U.S. State Department for the most up to date information on passport and visa requirements.

VACCINATIONS:

Vaccines are recommended or required for South Africa. We recommend going to your local travel health services provider, like Passport Health for individual recommendations. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations are recommended for South Africa:

• typhoid

• hepatitis A

• polio

• yellow fever

• chikungungya

• rabies

• hepatitis B

• influenza

• pneumonia

• meningitis

• chickenpox

• shingles

• measles

• covid -19

• mumps and rubella (MMR)

• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)

SAFETY IN SOUTH AFRICA:

We recommend enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program before traveling aboard and to stay up-to-date on the latest information.

Stay away from strikes and political demonstrations for they may often turn violent.

You should be extremely cautious of petty crime including theft and muggings in central business districts, especially at night.

If you are going to a game park in South Africa, do not leave your vehicle out of risk of being attacked by wild animals.

Do not swim alone or at isolated beaches, for riptides can be sudden and dangerous. Be mindful of sharks.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER:

 South African temperatures, which are measured in centigrade, average at highs of 28°C and lows of 8°C in the summer months while winter temperatures range from around 18°C in the day to 1°C at night. The average annual rainfall is on the low side at under 500 mm a year.

Much of the rain falls in the Western Cape in the winter, differing from the rest of the country, which experiences summer rainfall. On the plus side, the South African climate boasts more than its fair share of sunshine, recording an average of 8.5 hours a day.

CLOTHING AND DRESS RECOMMENDATIONS:

 Summer

Bring clothes that are cool, light and comfortable because summer temperatures can range from 30°C to 40°C in some areas. Bring an umbrella or raincoat during summer as this is when most of the country gets its rain, but also don’t forget a swimming costume (bathing suit).

Winter

The winters are generally mild, comparing favourably with European summers. But there are days when temperatures dive, especially in high-lying areas such as the Drakensberg Mountains, so be prepared with jerseys and jackets. Cape Town’s rain falls during the winter season so it’s advisable to bring rain gear along.

Year Round

Always bring a hat, sunglasses and sunblock as the sun can be strong even in the winter months.

For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there’s no need to go overboard. Lightweight casual clothes can be worn all year round, with a jacket or jersey for early winter mornings and evenings. Layering is key in winter so you can add or remove layers with warm days and cool evenings. Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round, with warm socks in the winter.

For the evening, if you are dining at an upmarket restaurant or seeing a show, smart-casual attire is recommended.

TIPPING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SOUTH AFRICA:

Transfer drivers, tour drivers and guides:

• Transfer ZAR 10.00 per guest per transfer.

• Half day ZAR 40.00 per guest per day.

• Full day ZAR 70.00 per guest per day.

Should your guide be travelling with you for several days, we recommend tipping at the end of the journey.
Restaurants and Hotels: 10% is customary on meals providing you are satisfied with the service.

TIPPING RECOMMENDATIONS ON SAFARI IN SOUTH AFRICA:

You may also like to tip the staff at private safari lodges, but this is entirely your choice. The typical arrangement is that you tip your ranger and your tracker separately and give a third general tip for the camp staff.

Lodges can supply envelopes to make it easier.

• Ranger/guide ZAR 200.00 per guest, per day.

• Tracker ZAR 80,00-ZAR 100.00 per guest, per day.

• General camp staff ZAR 200.00 per guest, per day for all staff.