Before you travel
Things to Know
Things you need to know before you leave home
1. South Africa is the most southerly and most developed country in Africa. Although large in size it has good road structure and internal transportation system that allows access to all areas of this beautiful country.
2. Language - The main languages in South Africa are Afrikaans and English. The indigenous people speak a wide variety of local dialects but most of the younger people will speak Afrikaans or English. There are very few areas in South Africa that you will not be able to make yourself easily understood.
3. Climate - Located in the Southern Hemisphere the weather is ‘back to front’ to ours in the U.K. Generally the warmest months to visit are Oct-April with the Cape area enjoying a Mediterranean style of climate. The Northern part around Johannesburg has very hot summers with some rain but dry and generally warm winters (our summers)
4. Driving - You drive on the left hand side of the road on good quality roads. Use our expertise to select the right car for your trip.
5. Fuel - Currently the fuel price in South Africa is considerably cheaper than the U.K. Petrol stations are always attended and they not only fill your car but clean the windscreen as well! Please note all fuel is paid for in cash but most petrol stations also have small shops and ATM’S.
6. Taxes - All our rates include current taxes unless otherwise stated. Please allow for this when comparing prices particularly with the internet.
7. Food - South Africa’s climate allows for a great choice of high quality food to be grown. It is well cooked and presented and varies from ‘meat and two veg’ originating from its Northern European routes to Indian curries brought over by the sugar plantation workers. Whatever your choice the service level and presentation are world class. Expect to pay approx. 50% of similar meals in the U.K. The wine is great as well!
8. Tipping - Service comes as standard in South Africa but great service should be rewarded. We will indicate to you appropriate tipping levels with your final documentation.
9. Is South Africa Safe? - There are areas of South Africa that it would be unwise to travel to. The same can be said of most countries in the world including our own. In the main tourist areas you are perfectly safe and with simple precautions you will encounter nothing but a warm welcome. The expertise of our ground agents and their 24/7 phone number all add to our on the ground care.
10. Vaccinations - We recommend that you consult your own Doctor in respect of any precautions that you should take. Whilst there are no compulsory vaccinations we always recommend that your protection against polio, tetanus and hepatitis are up to date. Several areas mainly in the north require protection for Malaria. The Cape Area at the time of writing is Malaria free as are the Safari areas in the Eastern Cape. Your Doctor has access to the most up to date informatation. Always use plenty of high factor sun screen.
11. What documents do I need to enter South Africa? - Currently a full 10 year British or E.U. passport valid for at least 6 months after your return date is required. Your passport must also have 2 blank pages. It is the responsibility of all travellers to ensure that they have the right paperwork. If you hold a passport other than those listed above please ask.
12. Foreign Office Travel Advice – The Foreign and Commonwealth Travel Advice Unit may have issued information about your holiday destination. You are advised to check this information on www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo
13. Booking Conditions - Our detailed booking conditions are contained in our combination price list and booking conditions included separately with this brochure. We ask that you review them carefully as they form the basis of contract between yourselves and us in providing your holiday arrangements.
