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The South African Rand (ZAR) has stabilised against all currencies to approximately R7.00 to US$1 with minor daily fluctuations – our prices are converted at the current exchange rate.
Foreign exchange services are available at the airport and larger shopping malls; you need your passport and airline ticket to exchange money. We recommend obtaining Traveller’s Cheques before departure; a bank or your hotel will be able to cash them for you.
Credit and debit cards are accepted in most outlets, banks, and cash machines but South African bank charges are staggering. Car hire companies require an imprint of your credit card but you don’t have to pay with it.
Keep your receipts for anything you want to take home as you can claim a 14% Tax Refund on the total. You can claim your refund at the airport if you have time and most of the large shopping precincts will have a green VAT Refund booth.
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Everything is potentially life-threatening in the wilderness. From the whining mosquito to the yelping hyena and you should take due care when going on safari, heed the advice of your ranger and follow the park’s rules.
Tame monkeys have been known to nick shiny objects and devour toiletry bags but apart from that, crime is non-existent. Do keep your money, valuables and important documents out of temptation’s way and use the safes if at all worried.
The Kruger Park and low-lying surrounds are malaria areas. Start your prophylaxis before the safari but don’t get whacked by an over-zealous physician - some of the anti-malarial drugs out there have side-effects that make malaria seem preferable. Take mosquito repellent with you and cover up with those loose cotton clothes at night to avoid being bitten. If at any time you feel the symptoms of flu and a bad headache, go straight to a doctor and tell him you’ve been to a malaria area.
HIV is prevalent in southern Africa and you should be wary at all times, regardless of where you are or who you’re with, and always take the necessary precautions.
Doctors and hospitals are of a high standard if you can afford to go private so ensure your travel insurance covers medical emergencies. The alternative does not bear consideration. Rangers are trained in first aid and all the lodges have emergency evacuation procedures in place.
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Unless you are from one of the far flung outer perimeter galaxies with whom South Africa shares a frosty relationship, three-month holiday visas are issued at the door. If you are in any doubt, we will gladly advise and comprehensive visa information is available from www.safrica.info
No vaccinations or inoculations necessary but don’t bring any animal produce into the country. Neighbouring countries have different regulations so if you’re going on a multi-country tour, check the requirements for each country - destinations landing page.
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Coffee – $1.50
Men’s Health – US$5
Heineken – US$2.50
Car Hire – US$45/day |
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South Africa Standard Time is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2). This is ideal for European clients as the time difference is minimal. South Africa does not operate Daylight-Saving Time. International Dialling Code for South Africa is 0027.
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Your ranger will appreciate an audience; encourage him with questions and active responses and by all means be as cheeky as you like – they’re used to polite nods followed by the click of a camera at every stop and the change will be most welcome.
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The park has six eco-systems, 1,982 plant, 517 bird and 147 mammal species
The Kruger Park is the size of Wales and is the world’s oldest game reserve
When the Peace Park between Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa is finalised it will be larger than Switzerland – unless you iron out the Alps.
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