Travel Guide with Information and Hints for your stay in South Africa
Don't forget - Cameras, binoculars, comfortable walking shoes, sun block, sunglasses, hat and swimming costume.
Climate - South Africa has a temperate climate which is pleasant throughout the year. Summer is from October to April and is characterized by hot weather and occasional afternoon thundershowers (except the Western Cape which has dry summers and wet winters). Climates range from Mediterranean (the Cape coast), to sub-tropical in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces. The balance of the country enjoys moderate temperatures with summer thunderstorms. The best time for game viewing is in winter, this is from May to August. This is due to the lower density of grasses and ground water.
Summer (Oct April) - Pack light neutral coloured clothing including rain jacket, and warm clothing for evening activities.
Winter (May Sept) - Pack light neutral coloured clothing for daywear, very warm clothing for evening/early morning and also a warm insulated jacket for game drives.
Cell Phones / Mobiles - South Africa's mobile phone operators utilize the GSM system, so if your phone is GSM compatible, you can organize international roaming before you leave. Alternatively, you can hire a "pay-as-you-go" cell phone from Ekala when you arrive.
International & Local Dialing - The international dialing prefix for South Africa is +27. Please remember to remove the zero (0) from the area code if you are dialing from outside South Africa. For local calls the zero must be dialed.
Health - South Africa has well developed medical infrastructure, which are equal to anywhere in the world. There is a large network of private and public hospitals around the country; however travelers should have travel health insurance.
Malaria - Most of South Africa is malaria-free, however, Malaria is endemic in the area covered by our Mpumalanga Tour, the Kruger Park, as well as the Scuba trips to Sodwana, where the summer months are the time of greatest risk. Malaria medication is highly recommended if you are traveling in these areas, but the medication is not foolproof. The medication must be taken strictly as instructed, with most requiring the individual to start a course of medication before entering a malaria area. Further precautions when visiting these areas are:
- Use mosquito repellent products day and night on all exposed skin.
- Wear light, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes and socks if outdoors especially from dusk to dawn.
- Close windows and doors at night unless they are screened.
- Burn mosquito coils and mats in sleeping areas.
- Sleep under a mosquito proof bed-net.
Language - There are 9 provinces, and 11 official languages. English is the official language and spoken by most of the population.
Currency & Foreign Exchange - Local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR), which is divided into 100 cents. Foreign exchange outlets can be found in most major airports and shopping malls.
Banking & ATM's - (Automated Teller Machines) - South Africa has a sophisticated financial and banking sector and ATM's will be found in all towns, many petrol stations also offer this service.
Time Zone - There is only one time zone in South Africa - 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
Local Tax - Value-added tax of 14% is added to the price of most items and services. As a tourist, you can claim your VAT back on goods priced over R 250 at the airport or some shopping centre's prior to departure. You will need the original tax invoice, a VAT refund control sheet, your passport and the goods.
Safety - Most parts of the country can be safely visited if common sense precautions are taken, such as not walking alone at night in deserted areas and not wearing a lot of flashy jewelry. If you have any concerns about any areas your tour will cover please feel free to speak to Ekala staff.
Smoking - Smoking has been banned in public places in South Africa and is consequently a sensitive issue for many establishments. Please check before lighting up.
Water - South Africa has high standards of water treatment and therefore its tap water is some of the cleanest in the world.
Power - Electrical current in South Africa is 220 - 230 volts, AC. Wall sockets accommodate 15 amp plugs with three round pins.
Gratuities - Gratuities are not included in the final bill and are welcomed for good service. Tipping is not compulsory, but is appreciated.
Do I need any vaccinations? - Please see your doctor to find out which, if any, vaccinations are required, and/or visit the World Health Organisation (PDF) for more information. If you are taking medication or suffer from any form of illness, be sure to have an adequate supply of medicines before departing on your tour and be sure to inform your tour operators.
General Safety Guidelines - Ekala will be taking care of you, the following should however be observed. When out and about avoid wearing visible flashy jewelry or carrying cameras and bags over your shoulder. Keep cell phones and wallets tucked away where no one can see them. Do not leave purses on chairs, under tables, on the backs of chairs or on restroom hooks. Do not count your money in the open. Do not leave valuables in the vehicle.
Pay attention to your surroundings and report any suspicious situations or people to your tour operator. Carry travellers' cheques instead of large amounts of cash. Separate your cash and credit cards. Do not carry all of your cash and/travellers' checks with you. Keep valuable documents in a safe place. Write down your credit card numbers as well as the customer service number for the issuing bank(s), put them in a sealed envelope and Ekala will hold these for you.
Do not countersign all your travellers' cheques. Remain alert at all times, especially in crowded and noisy areas. Keep track of your keys. (You many consider returning your room key to the front desk while away from your room).
Should you lose your passport, report the loss as soon as possible to your country's embassy or consulate, and to the police.
If you get lost, keep the numbers of Ekala and your guides with you, go to an open business and ask for help.
Soweto Tour - Johannesburg Tour - Apartheid Museum - Constitution Hill - Gold Reef City - Lion Park
De Wildt Cheetah Sanctuary - Elephant Sanctuary interaction - Pretoria Tour - Pilanesberg National Park
Sun City and the Lost City - Cullinan Diamond Mine - Rhino and Lion Park - The Origins Centre
Adventure Sports - Nile Crocodile Farm - The Lesedi Cultural Village - Cradle of Humankind