Facts & Advice
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Malaria may occur in the Lowveld & Kruger National Park regions. Consult a travel clinic or your doctor for the latest information, prophylaxis and preventative measures. Avoid being bitten in the first place: cover your arms and legs as much as possible, and use repellents.
Repellents are available in various forms, including lotions and aerosols that can be applied to the skin, and others that can be applied to clothing. Having a fan switched on can help, as the moving air makes it more difficult for mosquitoes to land. Remember your camera & binoculars & chargers for your electronic devices and cell phones.
- For the summers, bring clothes that are cool, light and comfortable because summer temperatures can get well into the
30 degree range in some areas. - A light jacket or wrap is a good precaution even in summer. Don’t forget a swim/bathing suit.
- Always bring a hat, sunglasses
and sunblock as the sun can be strong even in the winter months. - The winters are generally mild, comparing favorably with European summers. But we do get some days when temperatures dive, especially in high-lying areas such as the Drakensberg, so be prepared with jerseys and jackets.
- Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round, with warm socks in the winter.
- For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there’s no need to go overboard. A good pair of walking shoes is also advisable.
- Budget 10% of total cost for tips; anything from R100 to R500 for individual curious; R50-R80 for a single takeaway meal; R100-R200 per person for a restaurant meal; and R75-R100 for a bottle of wine; R30-R60 for a cocktail and R15-R25 for a beer at restaurants. Tollgate fees vary from around R7 to as much as R40 depending on the route you’re on.
- South African safety precautions are not unlike those recommended when traveling to other countries and major cities. More common sense than hard and fast measures, safety precautions in South Africa mostly require vigilance on behalf of the traveler and sound travel preparation.
- Lock valuables and luggage away in the car boot while traveling (never leave handbags or cameras on car seats)
- Only use reputable tour operators and travel and transport services. If you’re not sure, ask your hotel to recommend a service provider for you.
- Drinking water in South Africa is safe to drink and cook with when taken from taps in urban areas. Avoid drinking water from streams and rivers, especially in areas where there is human habitation. These may carry water-borne diseases.
- Bottled water is available in all major supermarkets and stores.
- An extensive tarred road system makes traveling in South Africa by vehicle convenient and easy. You will find gravel roads in rural areas though.
- Note: We drive on the left-hand side of the road. Wearing seat belts is compulsory and cell phones can only be used ‘hands-free’. Speed limits are generally set at 120km on freeways, 100km on secondary roads and 60km in urban areas. Toll fees apply on certain national roads. Petrol stations are widespread for more information about available transfers.