Frequently Asked Questions

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PASSPORT & VISA INFORMATION:

PASSPORTS

Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from your scheduled return date and contain two blank pages. 

VISAS:  At the time of quotation, USA and Canadian passport holders do not require a visa for entrance to South Africa. A visa for Zimbabwe will be required at a cost or 50.00-75.00USD pp. Easiest to get online or may still be available at arrival Victoria Falls when you travel. 

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 **applies to US passport and Canadian passport holders only. Please make sure that all destinations to be visited or transited are verified with the applicable consulate(s) for entry requirements prior to departure, together with requirements for anyone travelling on non US passports.

YES, IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that you  purchase cancellation insurance to protect against cancellation due to illness prior to or during travel. In the event a traveller becoming ill during a tour and has not purchased insurance, all hospital and medical expenses are the traveller's responsibility. 

Insurance MUST be purchased prior to final payment.  Insurance Premiums The premium is non-refundable (excluding insurance policy providers any change of mind window). Please check the policy if this is applicable

Please note: Insurance cannot be added once full payment is received for a tour. 

Residents of Southern Africa are generally friendly, warm and welcoming. Most visitors find that they have very positive experiences and feel very safe on their travels. That said, as with all international travel, caution is recommended. Keep your money and passport with you at all times. Use caution at ATM’s. Leave your expensive jewelry at home; don’t check valuables in checked baggage.

Everywhere: Use caution and leave an area if you feel uncomfortable. If any disagreements arise with hotel staff, taxi drivers, locals, etc. do not raise your voice as Africans do not generally respond well to this. Be persistent and polite and remember that sometimes, things take a lot longer to get accomplished in Africa than where you are from. 

For added security, the State Department recommends registering your travel details with them. Please enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment program at step.state.gov to receive alerts and ensure you can be contacted in case of an emergency.  

For the most up-to-date travel advice visit U.S. Dept of State Travel Advisories.

South Africa experiences spring temperatures in October, which vary considerably over vast areas.

In the northern regions of South Africa, including Kruger National Park, October brings warm to hot temperatures, usually between 25 and 30°C (77-86°F). 

This weather is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts wishing to go on safari, as animals are easier to spot near bodies of water and rivers. Clear, sunny days also make for great conditions for outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching.

The coastal areas, especially in the Western Cape and Cape Town, have a cooler and more temperate climate, with average temperatures ranging from 15 to 20 °C (59 to 68 °F). 

Packing essentials for Africa include lightweight and breathable clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, sturdy walking shoes, swimsuit, a camera, binocular and any necessary medications.

One piece of standard size luggage per person is included on tour coaches. Please advise if you will require more than one piece of luggage. Additional arrangements may be required (cost not included).  

Visitors should bring cash (newer crisp bills with no tears or markings, multiple, smaller denominations – visit your bank early as sometimes it is difficult to get newer crisp bills). Bring a credit card for emergency travel expenses or for larger souvenirs, but do not rely on it for daily use. Outside of South Africa, credit cards are not readily accepted although many tourist lodges and safari camps will take them. Surcharges are often imposed. ATMs are limited and not always reliable. We recommend changing a small amount of money into local currency upon arrival.

You are free to skip any excursions/activities you are not willing to attend.. However, keep in mind that you will not receive reimbursement for any activities you do not attend. 

Most of Africa is at GMT + 2 or 3 hours. There is no daylight savings in many countries.

Sometimes but not always. Cell phone coverage is improving in many parts of Africa. But beware: roaming charges can be very expensive. Call your carrier prior to departure to get current rates. Many camps will not have reliable phone service.

All travellers entering South Africa are no longer required to do any testing prior to departure if vaccinated. You must still show a vaccination certificate. If you’re not vaccinated, you’re still required to do a PCR test 72 hours prior to departure. You may also need to complete a health form on the plane before entering South Africa.

Yes, vaccinations are often recommended or required for travellers visiting Africa to protect against diseases like yellow fever, malaria, and others. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional or travel clinic well before your trip to receive the necessary vaccinations and medications. Visitors are strongly recommended to take malaria prophylactics. It is also advised that you take out comprehensive health/travel insurance. You can also visit the Centers for Disease Control website for recommended vaccinations.

CDC CONTACTS: (800 232-4636) https://www.cdc.gov

Destination list: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.htm#b

Yellow Fever: https://www.cdc.gov/yellowfever/vaccine/index.html

Clinic Search: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellow-fever-vaccination-clinics/search.htm

National parks and game reserves with abundant wildlife typically have experienced guides who prioritize visitor safety. Following their instructions and maintaining a respectful distance from wildlife minimizes any risks.

Respecting local customs and traditions is essential when travelling in Africa. This includes dressing modestly, asking for permission before taking photos of people, learning and following local etiquette, and supporting local communities through responsible tourism practices.

It is normal to tip around 10-15% in restaurants. For safaris, we recommend traveling with USD in cash. For a couple, the guideline is $25 per day for your guide and the same again for the combined lodge staff – so around $50 per day total. The camp manager is always on hand on the ground if you have any questions.