VISA REQUIREMENTS
Most nationalities don't need a visa to enter South Africa as a tourist, providing the stay does not exceed 30-90 days. You will need a valid passport that will not expire within 6 months of your stay, with at least one empty page for endorsements. For further information and a list of visa requirements, please see South African Department of Home Affairs web site.
HEALTH
South Africa has some of the best doctors and hospitals in the world. So if you need to be hospitalized you will be in good hands. Make sure you get travel insurance since quality healthcare is not cheap.
There are generally high standards of hygiene and safe drinking water in the tourist areas.
SUN - Always use sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
MALARIA - INDUNA SAFARIS and surrounding areas are completely malaria-free. If you plan on extending your travels, please note that malaria is still prevalent in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo and on the Maputaland coast of Kwazulu Natal. It does include the Kruger National Park. Highest risk time is in the hot rainy months from November to April.
BILHARZIA - This is a water-borne parasite, which can be present in fresh water, particularly in the northern and eastern areas of South Africa. It is easily and effortlessly treated with praziquantel.
CURRENCY
The South African unit of currency is called the Rand and is divided into 100 cents. Traveller's cheques are easily cashed in the major cities, but not in remote areas. Credit cards are widely accepted; however, they cannot be used to purchase petrol. ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) are generally open 24 hours in the cities. Banking hours are 08:30 until 15:30 and the bureau de change generally closes at 17:00.
SEASONS
South Africa's seasons are the reverse of the northern hemisphere.
Spring is September - October
Summer is November - March
Autumn is April - May
Winter is June - August
GETTING TO SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa's national airline is South African Airways (SAA). There are frequent direct and indirect flights by numerous major airlines from destinations throughout Europe and North America. The approximate flight times from these destinations are about 10 - 14 hours. There is no departure tax.
WHAT TO BRING
Majority of items are freely available in South Africa. However, you will need to bring a range of clothing, from a swimming costume to a lightweight raincoat. Sun hats and sunscreen are a necessity.
On Safari: Binoculars, warm clothes in subdued colours (brown, khaki or dark green) for morning and evening game drives and smart casual wear for evening meals in the private game reserves.
TIME
GMT +2
ELECTRICITY
220/230 volts AC; 250 volts AC (Pretoria), 50Hz. Three-pin round plugs are in use.
TELEPHONE
International Direct Dialling is available.
Country code: 27. Outgoing international code: 09
MOBILE TELEPHONE
Coverage extends to most urban areas
IMPORTATION OF FIREARMS
Clients bringing fire arms into South Africa for hunting purposes, will be asked to fill in a Temporary Import Application Form (SAP 520). This form can be downloaded from the SAPS website, and can be completed before arrival in order to save precious time. Please remember to use black ink only and DO NOT sign it until you are in the presence of an official at the airport. Once a temporary import permit is issued, it is valid for that individual only, the required minimum age is 21 years of age. They are issued for a period of no longer than six (6) months. No more than two hundred (200) rounds of ammunition capable to be fired by the firearm may be imported. Application for a temporary import permit will be processed without any costs.
Whenever the holder of the temporary import permit leaves the Republic of South Africa, the firearm in respect of which the permit was issued must accompany the holder of the permit.
If any changes are made in respect of firearm requirements we will notify you in due course.
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