South Africa Safari Trips & Tours

From the gorgeous properties beneath the gaze of Table Mountain to private suites fit for royalty in the wilderness, adding that luxury element to your South Africa trip is no trouble at all. When it comes to a luxury safari, South Africa has it all including exclusive experiences deep in the bush and uber-stylish lodges to call home for a few days. No luxury South Africa safari would be complete without exploring what else this vibrant country has to offer. Why not escape into the Cape Winelands for a little R&R, surrounded by sensational scenery, or meander down the coast (there's over 1,700 miles of it) where idyllic beaches and an A-Z of activities await. On a visit to South Africa, luxury safaris and bucket list trips promise to leave you with amazing memories to last a lifetime.

South Africa has four major international airports: Johannesburg (JNB), Cape Town (CPT), Durban (DUR), and Port Elizabeth (PLZ). In addition to these major hubs, there are various domestic airports and airfields connecting all major towns and safari destinations. Depending on your arrival time you may have to overnight before catching a connecting flight to your first safari camp/hotel. International flights We would recommend booking your flights online in order to get the best rates. If you need any help or advice please let us know. There are two airlines that fly directly into Johannesburg from the USA including Delta Airlines (departing from Atlanta) and United Airlines (departing from Newark), which takes approximately 14 hours and 40 minutes. There are also direct flights from the USA to Cape Town, with Delta flights taking approximately 14 hours and 45 minutes and United Airlines (departing from Washington) taking around 14 hours and 20 minutes. If you are flying out of Gatwick or Heathrow, there are direct flights to Johannesburg, which take approximately 11 hours. There are also direct flights from London to Cape Town with a travel time of 11 hours and 35 minutes. Please note that the above durations are flying times and exclude layovers. Domestic flights and transfers Connecting between all the locations on your trip may necessitate a variety of modes: light aircraft charters, domestic commercial flights and road transfers. Please review the inclusions and exclusions on your specific trip page for details. If you need help understanding the best flights to book, please let us know. From the moment that you land in South Africa you will be greeted and assisted to your onward connections. You will be looked after from that point on until you are transferred back to the airport in time for your departure flight.

Please consult your personal physician and/or a travel clinic preferably 6 weeks prior to your departure. Vaccine requirements vary based on your country of origin and your travel itinerary and your previous vaccination history. It is best to consult with your physician or the CDC website for guidelines. Important vaccinations to consider and which may either be required or recommended are: Typhoid, Hepatitis A & B and Cholera, among others. Malaria We advise that you consult a medical practitioner at least six weeks prior to travel, although malaria is not prevalent in South Africa. It does occur primarily in wildlife areas such as Kruger National Park and surrounds, KwaZulu Natal province and northern coastal regions. The highest risk time is on safari trips between October and May. In addition to the recommendations of your travel clinic or physician, you may also consider the following proactive preventative measures: ● Apply insect repellent to exposed skin. Recommended repellents contain 20-35% DEET but it is a very virulent repellent, and should be used cautiously. ● Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants at dawn and dusk. ● Use a mosquito net if your tent or room isn't screened or air-conditioned; and spray insecticide or burn a mosquito coil before going to bed. You can also visit www.malaria.org.za for more information. Yellow Fever There is no risk of Yellow Fever in South Africa; however, vaccination is required for travellers who are arriving from, or have transited through, countries with risk of Yellow Fever transmission (e.g. Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda or elsewhere worldwide). This requirement can change unexpectedly, therefore, we recommend carrying a Yellow Fever card with you at all times. Communication South Africa country code: +27 Calling overseas from South Africa: From a landline dial 00 followed by the country code plus area code and number. e.g. USA: 00 1 910 795 1048 When calling from a cell phone dial + prefix followed by the country code plus area code and number. e.g. USA: + 1 910 795 1048 Cell Phone Service Cell phone coverage is available nearly nationwide (few exceptions being remote safari locations). If you have an “unlocked” cellular phone, it is possible to obtain a “pay as you go” local SIM card, which is available at most major stores and airports in South Africa. Preferred carriers are MTN, Vodacom and Cell-C. You will need your passport and air ticket.

Money The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR). ATMs are widely available, please check with your bank for charges and advice when using international ATMs. VISA and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards, while American Express has limited to no coverage. It is advisable to have some cash for smaller shops and for tipping. IMPORTANT: When bringing foreign currency (e.g. USD, GBP, EUR) into the country, be sure to bring new format with no damage or marks. Gratuities Gratuities are not compulsory or expected on a luxury South African safari or trip; rather it is a reward for excellent service. If you are pleased with the service you receive, you are more than welcome to tip your guide or the staff. Tipping is usually done at the end of your stay. You may tip the staff individually, give the tip to the manager to distribute, or do both. Tips can be made in South African Rands (ZAR), USD, GBP or EUR. Gratuities suggestions: Safari camp or city lead guide: $15 - $20 per guest per day Transfer drivers (e.g. in cities or between the airport and hotel/lodge): $5 per guest per transfer Porter: $1 per bag Ranger or any “ancillary” guides on an ad-hoc basis for a specific activity: $5 - $10 per guest per activity General camp staff (put in a central box in each camp’s main area): $10 - $15 per guest per day Waitstaff in a city restaurant: 10% - 15% (large group may incur automatic service charge - please check)

Insurance It is a condition of booking that you carry the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself, as well as any dependents/travelling companions for the duration of your trip. This insurance should include cover in respect of, but not limited to, the following eventualities: Compulsory Insurance: a. Emergency evacuation expenses b. Medical expenses c. Repatriation expenses Recommended Insurance: a. Cancellation or curtailment of trip b. Damage/theft/loss of personal luggage, money and goods

As a general precaution, we recommend you make several copies of your travel-related documents (passport, traveller’s cheques, credit cards, itinerary, airline tickets, insurance cover, visas, etc). Leave one set at home, and bring another set with you, and place it in a location separate from your originals. Generally speaking, most nationalities do not require a visa to enter South Africa. Passports MUST be valid for at least six months from your departure from South Africa to home. There must be at least TWO (we recommend four) consecutive blank VISA pages in the passport (not endorsement pages). South Africa’s immigration control is very strict, and is known to deny entry to those not meeting the requirements. Visa requirements change regularly and it is best to contact your local South African embassy regarding the most recent rules. Visa Central is also a good resource. Travelling with children (under 18) As of November 2019, the rules regarding travel to South Africa with minors have changed. These changes apply ONLY to South Africa, and not surrounding countries (e.g. Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe). It is important to be familiar with those of each country on your itinerary. And requirements do change without warning so please continue to familiarize yourself with the requirements as your departure date approaches. For South Africa, please reference this link (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) where the details of what is required are clearly stated. We recommend referencing the website as requirements change regularly, or contact your nearest South African High Commission if you have any specific questions about your trip.

Climate South Africa mostly enjoys a temperate climate with sunny, warm days. The winter season runs through from May to September. During this time the low-lying bush areas are dry, with wildlife gathering around the remaining water sources, making game viewing easier. The Western Cape is converse to the rest of the country and experiences winter rainfall and can get very cold in June and July whilst summer is dry and hot. The wet season around the rest of the country (also the summer season) enjoys temperatures up to 30°C. Desert temperatures can soar to 40°C. December to February are the wettest months and you can experience torrential afternoon rain. Dress Code Standard clothing is acceptable in the bigger towns and cities in South Africa and dependent on the climate. Comfortable beach wear is fine on the coast, just be sure to take sun cream because the sun gets very strong in the summer months. When on safari trips in South Africa, light layers of clothing in neutral colours of green, khaki and beige are the best items to bring with you, as well as a warmer jacket or fleece for the colder evenings. A hat is also a must have! Bright and dark colours like yellow, red and purple are discouraged, or sometimes not allowed (on a bush walk) if you are going on safari. What to Pack • Layers - long and short sleeve shirts and trousers • A warm fleece or jumper • A lightweight waterproof jacket • Comfortable but sturdy shoes • Flip-flops • Swimming costume • A hat or baseball cap • Sunglasses • Sunscreen – a must! • Toiletries – most camps will provide shampoo, shower gel and soap • A small torch • Spare batteries, plug adaptors and charging equipment • A good pair of Binoculars • Books or a fully loaded Kindle / iPad for siesta time Camera Equipment (for the enthusiasts) • A telephoto lens (200/300mm) • Flash and fast film (400 ASA) for night photography • Lots of film (64,100,200,400 ASA) if you’re using an SLR cameras • Spare memory cards for digital cameras • Camera cleaning equipment and a good dust proof bag • Bring spare batteries as although you may recharge your batteries at the camps, charging capacity can be limited Most camps and lodges will have a small medical and first aid kit, but we recommend bringing your own supply of essentials - cough medicine, plasters, vitamins, aspirin and paracetamol, and anything else you use on a regular basis. Luggage Please check with your airlines for the specific luggage restrictions relevant to your flight schedule. Many international airlines have a baggage allowance of 20kgs or more per person and commercial airlines generally permit two (2) pieces of checked luggage per person. The carry-on bag must be of such dimensions and weight as set by the airlines. There are new luggage requirements at Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport which requires all luggage to comply with the following: • Bags must have at least one flat surface • No long shoulder straps which can hamper movement on luggage belts • If soft bag has a shoulder strap, this must be taken off before checking luggage • If the bag has more straps they need to be wrapped in plastic Luggage Restrictions on Internal Flights On safari, light aircraft flight luggage is strictly limited to one SOFT duffle bag and one small carry on. The combined weight must not exceed 20kgs/44lbs, unless otherwise noted in your personal itinerary. Electricity South Africa and surrounding countries use 220/230V, 50Hz AC, and sockets take mostly Type M (3 prong large round) and some Type C (2 prong narrow round). Most hotel rooms have sockets for 110V electric razors. It is best to bring an adapter/convertor combination.

Across the board, the best time to go on a South African safari is during winter (July to September), when the parks and reserves are at their driest. This means sparse foliage makes it easier to spot the wildlife and more limited water sources draw animals out. The cooler weather also makes this a pleasant time to be on safari, whether you’re exploring the Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands or other smaller reserves like Phinda Private Game Reserve.

The amount of time you need for a safari in South Africa really depends on what you want to see and do. Ideally, if you’re visiting a park like Kruger, you’ll spend 4 - 5 days on safari, before venturing off to see some of South Africa’s other fantastic sights. A safari could be followed by a few days in Cape Town or the idyllic Winelands, a meandering trip down the Garden Route or a seaside escape. You could even zip over to Victoria Falls to admire its breathtaking cascades. All in all, a week to 10 days is just right for taking in the highlights, but spending longer is never a bad thing.

When it comes to a Kenya versus a South Africa safari, the two destinations are vastly different. Kenya is made up of sprawling plains, shimmering lakes and protected conservancies, while South Africa has the world-renowned Kruger National Park and private reserves that surround it. In terms of wildlife, the Big Five can be seen in both destinations with certain areas boasting high concentrations of animals, and in South Africa, you may find you can get much closer to the wildlife action than Kenya. Kenya plays host to the Great Migration for a portion of the year, which is a major drawcard. Both countries offer unique experiences and incredible sightings, but we’re here to help you choose between them.

As is the case with most safari trips, it’s best to pack items of neutral colours like khaki, green and beige, instead of bright colours like purple, yellow or red. This is to avoid attracting any unwanted attention and scaring the wildlife or causing them to move away. It’s also a good idea to pack light layers and a few warmer items (depending on the season, of course) instead of heavy, burdensome clothing.

While major cities like Johannesburg may not have the best reputation, you’ll be in the safest of hands while on a luxury South Africa safari. Guides are exceptionally well-trained and understand the behaviour of all wildlife, ensuring you remain safe on any game drives and walks. The camps and lodges we send our guests to are also secure and promise the utmost safety.