SOUTH AFRICA FAQ’s

What is the best period to visit South Africa?

South Africa has a perfect climate, with sunshine almost all year round. There is excellent game-viewing all year long but the best period is during winter during the dry season (May - August) in the northern part of the country.
Is South Africa a good family destination? South Africa is a wonderful destination for families, although some establishments are more children friendly than others. Having children ourselves, we will advise you on the best options for you and your family according to the ages and interests of your children.

What about my passport and visa requirements?

Free visas will be delivered on arrival at the South African customs. It applied to the European Community, Canadian citizens and US. You must ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your entry date with a minimum of 2 blank pages. If you are considering a“ Between bush & Indian Ocean” as travel option, you have to request for a multiple entry as you will enter twice in South Africa.

What is the weather like in South Africa?

South Africa enjoys a high number of clear, sunny days. Summer in South Africa lasts from October until March. Despite regional differences, South Africa’s climate is generally mild throughout the year.

Temperature (ºC) - These are the average lows and highs for Johannesburg

Rainfall (mm) - Johannesburg. This varies according to the year and where you are.

Temperature (ºC) - These are the average lows and highs for Cape Town

Rainfall (mm).- Cape Town. This varies according to the year and where you are.

Can I use my credit card?

Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted throughout the country. American Express and Diners are less widely accepted, however more acceptable in the main city centers.

What currency must I bring with?

The currency unit is Rands and Cents. 1 rand = 100 cents. Major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and stores. In line with the legislative changes in Europe and USA.

What are South Africa’s banks opening hours?

Most banks are open Monday to Friday 09h00 to 15h30 and Saturday from 08h30 to 11h00. Various teller machines (ATM's) and foreign exchanges offices are found in major town.

Can I use my electric hairdryer and shaver whilst in South Africa?

All electrical appliances run on 220 volts. Outlets are round 3 pins, 15 amp plugs. Adapters for video cameras, chargers and hairdryers are needed. Various safari camps and lodges may not have 220 volts and may operate on solar powered 12-volt electricity

Are there any health precautions I need to be aware of?

Medical facilities in the major cities are of international standard. Malaria is only prevalent in a few areas. It is encountered mainly in northern and eastern Mpumalanga, northern Kwa-Zulu Natal, and the border areas of the Northern and North West Provinces. Should you be visiting these areas malaria precautions are advised. Malaria transmission is at risk during the warmer and wetter months of November through to April. From May through to October the risks of acquiring malaria are reduced.

Do the local people speak English in South Africa?

The major languages spoken are still English and Afrikaans. The other 9 languages are African, the most common being Zulu and Xhosa.

What can I look out for when shopping?

A variety of shopping centers, local handicrafts markets and roadside stalls are found. Quality gold and diamond jewellery is high on the list of the most popular purchases. Leather goods, wooden carvings, sculptures, paintings and local handicrafts including pottery, beadwork and woven articles are also available for purchase.

Can I claim back sales tax on departure from South Africa?

To qualify for a refund, visitors must be in possession of a valid passport, valid tax invoices and must produce the goods purchased. The VAT rate is 14 percent and is levied on most products. Goods are also not to be utilized/consumed whilst in South Africa and must be in original packaging.

How much should I tip my guide?

If not included, it is customary to tip 10% to taxi drivers, waitresses, waiters, stewards and delivery persons. On safari, approximately US$ 5.00 - 10.00 per person per day, or more if service is above average

Do you have any safety tips for me?

It's sensible to take the same precautions in major cities as you would in any of the world's metropolitan areas. Never leave luggage unattended in front of the hotel or in the lobby. Deposit your valuables in the hotel's safety deposit box. Don't stroll around the streets after dark. Do not walk around the city looking like a tourist and keep your camera concealed. Please carry a photocopy of your passport, airline tickets and travelers cheques.

What kind of dressing should I consider to take on Safari?

On safari, most people wear shorts and a T-shirt during the day and put on long sleeved shirts and long pants in the evening for warmth as well as protection from mosquitoes. Should you be particularly sensitive to the sun a loose cotton shirt is essential during the day. Khaki, brown, olive and beige colors are best for and safaris and game walks. White is not a suitable color for these activities, as it increases your visibility to wildlife you want to get a closer look at and it will get dirty very quickly. Fleece or sweater and a windbreaker for game drives, because it is highly possible that you may go out on a hot day, but be faced with a chill evening on your return. Remember that layering your clothing will keep you warmer than relying on one thick item.

Luggage for a Safari?

For the camping Safari option, the best type of luggage to bring is a soft bag, or backpack with an internal frame. As packing space in Safari vehicles is limited, only one bag is allowed, but you should also have a daypack for all of your personal items/camera/binoculars. Hard suitcases are usually scuffed or damaged in transit and are inappropriate for a game safari.
For other Safari options, we will be able to accommodate your suitcases in a trailer.

MOZAMBIQUE FAQS

Can you tell me about my passport and visa requirements?

International visitors require a valid passport together with onward travel documents. All passport holders should obtain a visa from the Mozambican embassy before departure. What is the weather like in Mozambique?

Mozambique's south coast offers a pleasurable expanse from April to November of consistently little rainfall and moderately hot 20 to 29°C (68-85°F) days. Closer towards the centre of the coast things get a bit wetter but with the middle of the year still an optimum time to travel around. The mercury climbs as you head inland and towards the northwest; the moister months from October to April can get humid.
Is Mozambique a good family destination? Mozambique is a wonderful destination for families, although some island resorts are more children friendly than others. Having children myself, I can advise you on the best options for you and your family according to the ages and interests of your children. All passport holders will obtain a visa at the Mozambican border.

What is the best time of the year to visit Mozambique?

Mozambique has a tropical climate, with the northern coastal regions in particular being quite hot and humid. The average temperature for Mozambique is around 30ºC all year round. The dry winter runs from April to September, when the average daily high reaches 27°C on the coast, becoming cooler inland. The wet summer is from October to April, with an average daily temperature of 33°C. The best fishing months are in summer from October to March.

Can I use my credit card?

Credit cards are usually accepted only at the more up market hotels and island lodges. We therefore suggest that you use cash when making payments

What currency must I bring with?

The currency in Mozambique is the Metical. South African Rands and US Dollars in cash are advised. There are few credit card or ATM facilities in Mozambique. Although very time consuming; cash can be changed at local banks.

Do the people speak English in Mozambique?

The local language is Portuguese; few people can speak English.

What are the opening hours of the local shops?

Normal business hours are between 08h00 - 12h00 and 14h00 - 17h30

How much should I include for gratuities?

If not included, it is customary to tip 10% to taxi drivers, waitresses, waiters, stewards and delivery persons. For your guide, approximately US$ 5.00 - 10.00 per person per day, or more if service is above average.

Can I use my electric hairdryer or shaver in Mozambique?

All electrical appliances run on 220 volts. Outlets are round 3 pins, 15 amp plugs. Special adapters for video cameras, chargers and hairdryers are needed and can sometimes be supplied by some hotel or lodge receptions. Various island lodges may not have 220 volts and may operate on solar powered 12-volt electricity. Remember to bring spare batteries to have charged at the lodge while out on an excursion.

Should I take anti malaria precautions before entering Mozambique?

Anti-Malaria tablets are a must. These should be taken 24 hrs before entering Mozambique and continue taking them for 6 weeks after leaving the country. Please speak to your doctor in this regard. All lodges are equipped with mosquito netting and repellents.

What kind of dressing should I consider to take on Safari?

On safari, most people wear shorts and a T-shirt during the day and put on long sleeved shirts and long pants in the evening for warmth as well as protection from mosquitoes. Should you be particularly sensitive to the sun a loose cotton shirt is essential during the day. Khaki, brown, olive and beige colors are best for and safaris and game walks. White is not a suitable color for these activities, as it increases your visibility to wildlife you want to get a closer look at and it will get dirty very quickly. Fleece or sweater and a windbreaker for game drives, because it is highly possible that you may go out on a hot day, but be faced with a chill evening on your return. Remember that layering your clothing will keep you warmer than relying on one thick item.

Luggage for a Safari?

For the camping Safari option, the best type of luggage to bring is a soft bag, or backpack with an internal frame. As packing space in Safari vehicles is limited, only one bag is allowed, but you should also have a daypack for all of your personal items/camera/binoculars. Hard suitcases are usually scuffed or damaged in transit and are inappropriate for a game safari.
For other Safari options, we will be able to accommodate your suitcases in a trailer.