Q. Is a visa required when travelling in Southern Africa?
Consult your Embassy, however, for people who possess a UK or US passport this is generally not required. It is also important to note that your passport has to be valid for at least 6 months after you return to your country of origin and that you have a minimum of two blank pages for visa entries to be stamped into your passport.
Q. Is there internet connectivity?
There are good internet connections in SA although the download is sometimes slower than Europe. Most hotels and cafes have these facilities and wireless access is becoming more and more common, especially if you have a cell phone connected to 3G.
Q. Do I need to have medical insurance?
Medical insurance is a must when traveling through Southern Africa, in the unlikely event of an emergency.
Q. Do I have to take Malaria tablets?
Malaria areas are found in most northern regions of Southern Africa and a doctor should be consulted before arriving on the continent, unless you know in advance that the game reserve being visited is malaria free.
Q. What about HIV/Aids?
Southern Africa has the highest rate of HIV in the world. For more information, click onto www.avert.org/aidssouthafrica.htm
Q. Which are the best months to visit Southern Africa?
Pretty much every month! Game viewing is great all year round and can get extremely hot in January/ February although winter is still warm in the daytime but with colder nights. July/ August are the months to potentially avoid if you are considering spending much of your time in the Western Cape and around Cape Town. This time of year is cool and dry in the Northern Regions!
Q. Do we need any vaccinations?
Please consult your doctor before traveling, however most Southern African countries do not require vaccinations. Zambia is a Yellow Fever Warning area, and a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is essential if travelling through this country.
Q. How safe are the Game Reserves?
All reserves and Game Lodges are run by highly experienced rangers whose job is to make sure you have the safest of environment in any given situation.
Q. Is the African sun a danger?
If you don’t use protection, then yes it is! Southern Africa is generally a very hot climate and even winter days in the Cape are often 18 degrees C. Sun lotion or block should be worn every day, especially on the face, arms and neck. It is also advisable to pack a cap and a wide brimmed hat, and to carry your sun-glasses everywhere you go as even on partly cloudy days the light can be very bright. In the African heat dehydration is a real threat, with many visitors falling ill with it's effects. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day!
Q. What is the usual restaurant tip?
It is customary to tip between 10% and 15% in restaurants. In South Africa, it is also good practice to tip porters ZAR 5.00, petrol pump attendants and car parking monitors ZAR 2.00 and guides a tip that you believe reflects their competence and care.
Q. Are the Banks reliable?
Banks are generally open from 9am to 3.30pm Mondays through Fridays, and 8.30am to 11am on Saturdays. All major banks have a facility to take major international credit cards at their ATM or cash point machines. Most major credit cards are also accepted at shops, hotels and restaurants.
Q. What plugs and power voltage is used in southern Africa?
In South Africa, the power voltage is 220-240 volts, 50Hz, and accessed via a three-pin round plug socket, and smaller two-pin round plug sockets. Neighboring countries are largely equipped with 3 and 2 pin square plug sockets. If you are travelling through a few countries, a universal adapter is recommended.
Q. Is there a language barrier?
Southern Africa is home to a myriad of cultures and languages which you will enjoy, but in most area's English is widely spoken.
