PRE
TOUR INFORMATION
TYPES
OF ACCOMMODATION
South Africa
offers a wide variety of accommodation ranging from five star
luxury hotels to thatched huts (rondavels) in the game reserves.
Different accommodation possibilities include hotels, rest
camps in the parks and reserves, camping, caravanning and
other accommodation categories such as guest houses, self
catering bungalows and bed and breakfasts. The choice of accommodation
depends on the budget and personal preferences of the traveller.
Guest Houses and Bed
and Breakfasts
The National Classification and Grading System regulates this
category of establishment. A Bed and Breakfast has fewer rooms
and offer hospitality, comfort and value for money. A Guest
House exudes an elegant and often romantic atmosphere.
Average price, based on a double room with breakfast
Bed and Breakfast / Guest House : R 500/R1200 per person per
night
Hotels
A hotel is awarded a 1 to 5 star grading according to the
services and facilities it offers. A 5 star hotel offers the
ultimate in luxury whilst 3 or 4 stars indicate comfortable
elegance.
Average price, based on a double room with breakfast
3 star hotels from R600; 4 star hotels from R800 and 5 star
hotels from R1300 per person per night.
National and Regional
Parks and Reserves
Accommodation is in thatched chalets or huts, called rondavels.
These are well equipped and usually have private bathroom
and some have a kitchen.
Average price, based on a double room/hut
National Parks : from R 500 per person per night excluding
conservation fee
Private Game Reserve
South Africa has many exclusive and luxurious Private Game
Reserves. The accommodation in the lodges offers excellent
service, delicious, sometimes gourmet cuisine and stunning
interior décor. The price includes all meals, two safaris
per day in an open 4x4 vehicle, and a bushwalk. In the private
reserves, the vehicles are permitted to leave the tracks in
order to follow and animal through the bush.
Average price, based on a double room with full board and
two game drives
Private Game Reserves : R3000 to R 12000 per person per night
INFRASTRUCTURE
South Africa has an excellent road system with
more than 9 000 kilometres of tarred and well maintained highways,
including over 2 000 kilometres of dual carriageway. Johannesburg,
Cape Town and Durban all have international airports and it
is possible to connect to most of the smaller towns. The national
railway has some 30 000 kilometres of rail track and luxury
train trips are offered by the world-renowned Blue Train and
Rovos Rail.
TELEPHONE
AND INTERNET
South Africa has the most developed telecommunications
network in Africa. The cell networks are based on the GSM
900 & 1800 Band. Cellular phones can be rented at the
airports or sim cards can be purchased on a pay-as-you go
system from any of the service providers. GSM, GPRS/EDGE and
3G/HSDPA (1.8 Mb/s internet) is available. Internet cafes
are found throughout the country and many accommodation establishments
offer internet access.
ENTRANCE
FORMALITIES
Contact your nearest South African embassy
for entry requirements into South Africa. In all cases a valid
passport is required. Some countries may need visas.
VAT
14% VAT will be charged on all purchases and
services in South Africa. Foreign tourists can claim a refund
on certain articles on departure from the country. A pamphlet
explaining this procedure can be collected from the VAT Refund
Administration offices on arrival at the international airport.
Keep receipts of all purchases during your stay if you wish
to claim back VAT.
ELECTRICITY
220 Volts – the plug points are unique
to South Africa comprising 3 round prongs. If you cannot find
an international adaptor in your country of origin they can
be purchased in South Africa.
GRATUITIES
Tips are not included in Southern Africa. If
you were satisfied with your service and wish to show your
appreciation, a basic guideline follows:
Waiters : 10% to 15% of the bill
Airport and hotel porters : R5 per suitcase.
Guides : Per person: R50 per day, R25 per half day or R10
per transfer
Lodge and Hotel Staff : Ask the manager for recommendations
as it varies depending on the region and establishment.
CUISINE
South Africa is a paradise for the food lover.
Excellent wines, gourmet cuisine and fresh seafood are all
plentiful at a very reasonable cost. Sample some of the local
dishes such as bobotie, bredies, braais and potjies.
DRIVING
IN SOUTH AFRICA
- Always carry your driver’s licence.
- Drive on the left
- Speed limits are normally 60km/h in urbana
reas, 100km/h on the national roads and 120 km/h on the
highways.
- In the National Parks and Nature Reserves,
the speed limit is usually 40 to 50km/h and must be strictly
adhered to.
- It is obligatory to wear a seat belt.
- The road signs are generally good and
are written in English, Afrikáans or both.
- Foreign Credit Cards are sometimes not
accepted as payment for fuel which costs about R14 per litre.
- It is a serious offence to drive under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Valid drivers licences are accepted as
long as the photo forms an integral part of the document
which must be printed in English.
- Otherwise, you need to obtain an international
driver’s licence in your country of origin.
HEALTH
It is advisable to take out travel insurance
as this will cover you in the event of an accident, illness
or should you need to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances.
South Africa has a very high standard of medical care in the
many private hospitals and clinics, so good in fact that medical
tourism is becoming popular, medical, dental or eye surgery
is combined with a visit of the country.
The water is potable in most
areas. Consult your guide or hotel manager for confirmation.
Should you prefer, bottled water is readily available. It
is safe to eat fruit and vegetables from supermarkets and
restaurants.
If you are visiting any malaria
areas in Southern Africa it is recommended that you consult
your physician for the appropriate preventative measures.
Should you experience flu-like symptoms within 14 days of
leaving a malaria area, consult a physician immediately and
let them know where you were. The sooner treatment is received,
the quicker your recovery. In malaria areas, simple precautions
such as the use of insect repellent and wearing long sleeves
and trousers in the evenings to avoid being bitten are the
best prevention. Since the malaria parasite requires a human
host to propagate, the likelihood of contracting malaria in
remote areas is slim
If you take prescription medication,
we recommend carrying it with you in your hand luggage. If
you suffer from any medical conditions, bring a copy of your
medical history.
The sun in South Africa is
very strong, we advise the use of sun blockout.
WEATHER
Southern Africa covers a large area and the weather varies
between regions which experience very little autumn and spring.
It is a dry region, the average rainfall for the whole country
is less than 500mm per year compared to the worldwide average
of 900mm. The weather is generally sunny and the average hours
of sunlight per day is amongst the highest in the world. The
country can be visited year round.
Summer (October to
April)
Cape Town: The weather in Cape Town differs to the rest of
the region with less rainfall during the summer months
Daily Maximum Temperatures range between 21C and 26C
Daily Minimum Temperatures range between 11C and 16C
Other regions: Coastal areas
and the interior sometimes receive afternoon summer showers.
Daily maximum temperatures range between 23C and 33C.
Daily maximum temperatures range between 12C and 17C
Winter (May to September)
Cape Town: Cape Town receives most of its rainfall
in winter
Daily Maximum Temperatures range between 17C and 20C
Daily Minimum Temperatures range between 7C and 10C
Other regions: Coastal areas
and the interior sometimes receive afternoon summer showers.
Daily maximum temperatures range between 17C and 25C.
Daily maximum temperatures range between 5C and 17C
CURRENCY
AND BANKING
South Africa's unit of currency is the rand, which is divided
into 100 cents. Coins come in denominations of 10c, 20c, 50c,
R1, R2 and R5, and notes in denominations of R10, R20, R50,
R100 and R200. With the favourable exchange rate, most international
travelers will find South Africa to be a relatively inexpensive
destination.
Follow this link to obtain
the latest rates of exchange.
The Universal
Currency Converter Services
All our rates are quoted in
rands. The exchange rate on the day of receiving payment will
apply.
South Africa has a highly
sophisticated banking system. Banks and bureaux de change
are located in all international airports and towns and will
exchange most major foreign currencies and travelers cheques.
Money can also be drawn using your credit card either in the
banks or 24 hours a day from an ATM. Banks are generally open
Monday to Friday from 9.00am until 15.30pm and Saturday mornings
from 9.00am to 11.00am.
Master and Visacard are accepted
by most accommodation establishments, airlines, car rental
companies, restaurants and shops. Some vendors are reluctant
to accept Diners Club and American Express cards so bring
an alternative. NB Fuel can only be paid cash.
SHOPPING
Shops are generally open Monday to Friday 9.00
to 17.00 and Saturday mornings. Most shopping malls are open
later in the evening as well as all day Saturday and Sunday
South Africa is a shoppers’
paradise. Each major town has a shopping mall with restaurants,
cinemas and retails stores selling excellent quality clothing
and other goods at reasonable prices.
Jewellery: South Africa is one of the world’s major
producers of diamonds, gold, semi precious stones and platinum.
Jewellery is exquisite and well priced.
Skins and leather goods: Bags, wallets, purses, hats and much
more in crocodile, ostrich, buffalo skin.
Art: Paintings and sculptures from local artists.
Arte: pinturas y esculturas de artistas locales.
Crafts: Masks, Word and stone sculptures, baskets, fabrics
and much more from local South African tribes as well as the
rest of Africa.
Drinks: Local liquor such as Amarula and a wide variety of
fine South African wines, winners of many international awards.
WHAT
TO BRING
We will supply a comprehensive list according
to your itinerary and baggage allowance
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