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The only thing that should not be in your bag is a safari outfit purchased from the curio shop in the arrivals lounge – you’ll be arrested for bad taste and, even worse, singled out as a novice.
In summer, the weather in the north-west is hot by day, warm by night; in winter it is warm by day and cool by night. A few extra layers won’t go amiss any time of year and if you’re going on safari they’re essential – those morning game drives in open vehicles are cold.
Items you’ll thank all known gods for when you go on safari: a warm hat/beanie; a scarf; a fleece top; a wind-proof parka; gloves and a wide-brimmed hat.
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The two game reserves have excellent year-round activities: bird hides, bush barbeques and sleep-outs in the summer months; and excellent game viewing in the parched winter months.
Your itinerary may include Sun City Resort, which is also a year-round destination with plenty to do indoors and out; the water activities are limited in winter but so are the crowds.
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Unless you are from one of the far flung outer perimeter galaxies with which 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 with your consultant.
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Everything is potentially life-threatening in the wilderness. From the wriggling centipede 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.
The good news is the whole area is malaria-free so you don’t have to worry about hallucinogenic prophylaxis; there are mosquitoes though so you’ll still need to take repellent and wear long-sleeved tops at night to avoid the irritating bite.
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. Sun City Resort has a small health facility; rangers are trained in first aid and – with Joburg a short flight away - all the lodges have emergency evacuation procedures in place.
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The South African Rand (ZAR) has stabilised against all currencies to approximately R6.50 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 Sun City Resort; 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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South Africa has the world’s newest constitution, and in many ways the most enlightened, with discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation outlawed.
The lodges or hotels are not exclusively gay but most of the clientele will be from the enlightened territories of the world. That being said, you’re in straight territory and, while you can expect to get the same treatment as straight couples from the hotels and lodges, we can’t vouch for the guests. Do a cursory check and then act as you see fit.
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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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Some of the lodges offer sleep-outs: they take a large double bed, hoist it onto a raised platform that overlooks a waterhole and leave you there for the rest of the night. It’s a wonderful wilderness experience and pretty darned romantic.
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Both game parks are in a transition zone between savannah woodland and semi-arid desert making for a wonderful diversity of species
Pilanesberg National Park is on a billion-year old volcano
Madikwe Game Reserve is the fourth largest in the country
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