Frequently asked questions and answers
This section is covering some, but not all of your questions. Please feel free to contact us for additional information, if needed.
01
Is it safe to travel in SA?
Yes it is, but you need to take all the usual precautions that you would in any foreign country, such as locking valuables away, not wearing expensive jewellery, keeping to tourist-friendly areas, and locking car doors and windows. Guides or accommodation hosts will put you in the relevant local picture and brief you accordingly.
02
What is the weather like?
South Africa is in the southern hemisphere, so it’s summer here when it’s winter up north. Average day temperatures in summer range from a minimum of 15°C (59F) to a maximum of 28°C (82F). In winter, average day temperatures are 19°C to 23°C (66F to 73F). Cape Town winters tend to be wet and windy from June to August.
The further you move north to Namibia, Botswana, Zambia or Mozambique you will find moderate temperatures in winter (June,July August). and hot in summer (Nov, Dec, Jan)
03
What is your currency and how can I pay?
Our currency is the Rand (ZAR) and is great value against the major currencies like USD, Euro, GBP and Yen. South Africa has one of the most advanced banking systems in the world. Its banks and financial systems use world-class technology and facilities, and instant cash is available with major credit cards from hundreds of ATMs (automatic teller machines) throughout the country. There are also forex booths at airports and shopping malls. Most of the larger hotels also offer money-changing facilities.
You can pay by cash or credit cards. Most businesses accepts VISA and Mastercards.
04
How is the communication infra-structure?
South Africa has excellent mobile phone (cellphone) service providers. Be advised though to contact your own service providers before travelling to set up international roaming, or you can buy a prepaid SIM card at the airport when arriving to use locally on your own phones. Airtime can be purchased at shops and malls almost anywhere in South Africa. Network coverage is fairly widespread, except deep in the bush or in very rural areas.
There are internet cafés in most towns and cities, and Wi-Fi is widely available throughout the country, even in some game reserves, and certainly in luxury game lodges and high-end accommodation.
05
Can I safely drink tap water and what about malaria?
Yes, South Africa has some of the cleanest tap water in the world, and it is treated and safe to drink, except perhaps in very rural areas. It’s quite safe to have ice in drinks and to eat salads.
Malaria is prevalent throughout the year in many of the main game-viewing areas of Mpumalanga, Limpopo and northern KwaZulu-Natal. Don’t be casual about the risk and rather consult with a healthcare professional about medication at least a month before leaving home.
The old adage ‘prevention is the best cure’ holds true. Long pants, long-sleeved shirts, shoes and socks should be worn in the evenings when mosquitoes are at their busiest, and relevant bug spray should be used. Consult your guide to assist.
Western-, Eastern- and Northern Cape is malaria free. So if you are traveling with children aged six and under - please consider these areas as your first option!
South Africa has a well established network of private hospitals and clinics with the latest technology and well trained medical staff.