World in One Country. 20 days Johannesburg to Cape Town

Transcription

1 20 days Johannesburg to Cape Town The South African safari that has it all! Exciting wildlife, breathtaking scenery and insights into culture and history. Travel from Jo'burg to Kruger National Park, through the Kingdom of Swaziland and onto Zululand. Hike in the Drakensberg Mountains and go pony trekking in Lesotho. Journey south through Addo Elephant Park with wonderful game viewing and the lush Tsitsikamma Forest. Before reaching Cape Town, visit Oudtshoorn's Cango Caves and go wine tasting in Stellenbosch. HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS Trip Highlights Hazyview, Mpumalanga Panorama Route, Kruger National Park Kingdom of Swaziland - Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Zululand - Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve and local Zulu village Drakensberg Mountains Blyde River Canyon - Bourke s Luck Potholes The Kingdom of Lesotho Cradock - historical Karoo town Addo Elephant National Park Tsitsikamma Forest and Storms River Gorge 'The Heads' in Knysna Oudtshoorn - Cango Caves Stellenbosch - the Wine Region Cape Town - Cape Point, Table Mountain, V&A Waterfront, Cape of Good Hope What's Included 19 nights mid range lodges, chalets and tented lodges. Please Note: Accommodation named, may be subject to change but will be of a standard 19 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners Airport arrival and departure transfers Transportation in a fully equipped Toyota Quantums or other appropriate vehicles Services of an experienced local guide/ driver Games drives - Kruger National Park, Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve, Addo Elephant National Park Lesotho - pony trekking and St Lucia Estuary boat cruise. Oudtshoorn - Cango Caves excursion Stellenbosch - wine tasting and cellar tour Cape Point Tour What's Not Included Tipping - an entirely personal gesture Optional activities International flights and visas DETAILED ITINERARY Day 1 : Johannesburg Johannesburg. Welcome to South Africa! An airport transfer is provided by the Safari Club Lodge (our pre tour accommodation) which is close to the airport. Spend the remains of the day at leisure. This evening you will meet your guide and the rest of the group at our pre departure meeting at 18h00. Accommodation: The Safari Club or The Safari Club: Rooms with en-suite, Overnight - Johannesburg Day 2 : Graskop We depart Johannesburg and head east towards Mpumalanga (approximately a 5 hour drive). A landscape characterized by mountains, panoramic passes, valleys, rivers, waterfalls and forests. We spend the night in the town of Graskop, a small forestry town situated on the Drakensberg Escarpment at the start of the panorama route and the gateway to Kruger National Park. Distance: Day 2 385km Departure: 06h30 Accommodation: Graskop Hotel or - 1 -

2 Graskop Hotel: Rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant Overnight - Graskop (B) Days 3-4 : Kruger National Park Graskop - Kruger National Park. This morning we start with a scenic drive along the Panorama Route, arguably one of the most beautiful destinations in South Africa. The most spectacular stretch is the Blyde River Canyon, which is the 3rd largest canyon in the world, and filled with lush vegetation and wildlife. We make a stop at Bourke s Luck Potholes to view these spectacular rock formations, formed eons ago by erosion. In the afternoon we head into the Kruger National Park. We spend two nights inside the park and will have the chance to encounter the wildlife of Africa on exciting morning and afternoon game drives in our tour vehicle. Should you wish to partake on a game drive in an open game-viewer vehicle, these are available at an additional expense. Kruger National Park: Additional Game Drive in Open Game-Viewer Vehicle: (Game drives available to book in advance - subject to availability) Full Day Game Drive: ZAR1100 pp *Pre-booking recommended. Based on a minimum of 2 people. Departure times are seasonally dependent. Distance: Day 3 250km Departure: 07h00 Accommodation: Berg en Dal Camp or Berg en Dal Camp: Rooms with en-suite Overnight - Kruger National Park (B:2) Days 5-6 : Swaziland of Swaziland, led by King Mswati III, and one of 3 monarchies in Africa. You will explore the traditions and discover the culture of which the Swazis are so proud. We spend two nights in the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Swaziland s pioneer conservation area situated in the Valley of Heaven. Apart from abundant bird life, there are a number of animal species to be seen including hippo, giraffe, zebra, and a variety of antelope, which we hope to spot on a guided walk in the afternoon. The next day we visit the Umphakatsi Chief s homestead, which is an interactive experience where you will get to try your hand at grinding maize and plaiting mountain grass or join the children in Swazi song and dance. An offering of a taste of local food is made but forget about your cutlery and try it the Swazi way with your hands! Distance: Day 5 190km Departure: 08h00 Accommodation: Mlilwane Rest Camp or Mlilwane Rest Camp: Beehive Huts with en-suite bathrooms & restaurant Overnight - Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (B:2, L:1) Days 7-8 : Zululand and Hluhuwe Swaziland - Zululand. After visiting a craft market en-route, we re-enter South Africa via Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal. In the afternoon we make our way to The isimangaliso Wetland Park, which was listed as South Africa s first World Heritage Site. Here we enjoy a boat cruise on the St Lucia estuary, getting up close to the hippos and crocodiles that inhabit the lake. The following day we explore the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, during a game drive in our tour vehicle. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is the oldest game reserve in Africa and is a safe haven to both the endangered black and white rhino. 8. Overnight - Hluhluwe Umfolozi National Park (B:2) Days 9-10 : Drakensberg Mountains Hluhuwe Game reserve - Drakensburg Mountains. Moving further inland, we spend the next two nights in Northern Drakensberg which is an area known for its magnificent scenery of towering mountains, indigenous forests, and cool berg streams. At 3,482 metres in height, The Drakensberg, known in Zulu as ukhahlamba or the Barrier of Spears, is South Africa s highest mountain range, stretching its rugged form roughly 1,000 km from south-west to north-east. Time will be spent exploring this picturesque World Heritage Site on guided walks. Distance: Day 9 540km Departure: 08h00 Accommodation: The Cavern or The Cavern: Rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant Overnight - Drakensberg Mountains (B:2, L:1, D:2) Days : Lesotho pony trekking Distance: Day 7 440km Departure: 08h00 Kruger National Park - Swaziland. Today we cross the border into the mountainous Kingdom Accommodation: Ezulwini Game Lodge or Ezulwini Lodge: Rooms with en-suite Note: In 2019 the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi game drive and isimangaliso boat cruise will both be on day Drakensburg - Lesotho. Today we cross the border into the Kingdom of Lesotho, the southernmost landlocked country in the world, rich in natural beauty, flora, fauna and cultural heritage. Malealea is situated in a remote part of Western Lesotho that is breath-taking in - 2 -

3 its beauty. We have the chance to experience traditional Basotho life, a nation with solid traditions, beliefs and customs. No visit to Lesotho would be complete without a pony trek and the next day we take a ride on the transport of choice for most Basotho, as these sturdy animals handle the narrow trails better than any 4x4 can! Distance: Day km Departure: 08h00 Accommodation: Malealea Lodge or Malealea Lodge: Rooms with en-suite bathrooms, bar & restaurant Overnight - Malealea (B:2, L:1) Day 13 : Cradock Lesotho - Cradock. We leave the beauty of Lesotho behind us and drive to the historical Karoo town of Cradock. Founded in 1814 as a frontier stronghold, the town is an important agricultural centre with traditional Karoo hospitality. Best known for its natural sulphur spring, Cradock is a place of literary legends and the original part of the town is graced with some of the finest buildings. Distance: Day km Departure: 08h00 Accommodation: Die Tuishuise or Die Tiushise: Rooms with en-suite bathrooms, bar & restaurant Overnight - Cradock (B) Day 14 : Addo Elephant National Park Cradock - Addo Elephant National Park. A benchmark conservation success, Addo Elephant National Park offers a unique wildlife habitat, famous for the Addo elephants and the remaining population of the flightless dung beetle. We spend the afternoon on a game drive in our tour vehicle, in search of elephant, black rhino, lion, buffalo and leopard. Additional game drives conducted in open game-viewer vehicles are available at an extra expense. An evening spent at the floodlit waterhole allows us to watch the nocturnal animals and listen to their calls. Addo Elephant National Park: Additional Game Drive in Open Game-Viewer Vehicle: available to book in advance - subject to availability Sundowner Game Drive: ZAR 560pp incl. snacks and drinks * Please note pricing is subject to change, based on a minimum of 2 people and departure times are seasonally dependent. No children under 6. Distance: Day km Departure: 08h00 Accommodation: Addo Elephant Rest Camp or Addo Elephant Rest Camp: Bungalows with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant Overnight - Addo Elephant Park (B) Days : Tsitsikamma National Park Addo Elephant National Park - Tsitsikamma. On day 15 after breakfast our journey takes us to a region of startling beauty along South Africa s southern coastline, known as the Garden Route. We spend two nights in the Storms River Village, in the heart of the Tsitsikamma Forest. We will take a leisurely hike along one of the short trails, which allow you to explore the coastal bush and rocky shoreline. There is also an option to plunge off the world s highest bungee jump at the Bloukrans River (optional pay locally). Distance: Day km Departure: 08h00 Accommodation: Tsitsikamma Village Inn or Tsitsikamma Village Inn: Rooms with en-suite Overnight - Tsitsikamma National Park (B:2) Day 17 : Knysna & Oudtshoorn Tsitsikamma - Oudtshoorn. After visiting The Heads in Knysna, a town nestled on a tranquil lagoon we travel over the Outeniqua Mountains into the Little Karoo to the town of Oudtshoorn. We take a trip to the famous Cango Caves, with their impressive ancient stalagmites and stalactites before we overnight in the ostrich capital of the world. Distance: Day km Departure: 08h00 Accommodation: Turnberry Boutique Hotel or The Pearl of Oustshoorn: Rooms with en-suite bathrooms, bar & restaurant Note: In 2019 we will enjoy an interactive and educational oyster tasting experience in Knysna before travelling on to Oudtshoorn. Overnight - Oudtshoorn (B) Days : Stellenbosch & Cape Town Karoo - Cape Town. En-route to Cape Town, we visit the pretty university town of Stellenbosch, for wine tasting and a cellar tour. Once in Cape Town the afternoon is at leisure, enjoy sundowners at one of the fabulous beaches or indulge in some last minute shopping at the V&A Waterfront. The next day we get to explore the many attractions the Mother City has to offer on our Cape Point tour. Distance: Day km Departure: 08h00 Accommodation: The Townhouse Hotel or The Townhouse Hotel: Rooms with en-suite bathrooms & restaurant Overnight - Cape Town (B:2) - 3 -

4 Day 20 : Cape Town Spend the final day at leisure, weather dependent there is the chance to take the cable car up Table Mountain (own expense) and enjoy one last view of the Cape of Good Hope before your transfer to the airport. If you wish to visit Robben Island and more of Cape Town's many attractions, consider extending your stay. We can book post tour accommodation for you upon request.(b) Please Note This tour is operated by Jenman African Safaris. is a small group, nonparticipation lodge safari. Non participation meaning that you will not be required to assist with the preparation or cooking of food and general safari duties. These safaris run with a minimum of 4 and maximum of 14 passengers, accompanied by a guide who is also the driver. The accommodation named in these Trip Notes is subject to change. Departure The Safari departs from The Safari Club or in Johannesburg. Please note that the daily departure times are a guideline only and are subject to change due to seasonal variations, as well as unforeseen circumstances. The final decision rests with your guide who will advise you at what time you will be departing each day. On the evening of Day 1, there will be a meeting presented by your guide, at 18h00, at The Safari Club. It is imperative that all clients attend this meeting so as not to miss out on any critical information. Whilst it is our every intention to adhere to the above mentioned itinerary, there may on occasion be a necessity to make alterations in order to make the tour more enjoyable or practical. Therefore please treat the itinerary as a guide only. Travelling Times & Distances All travelling times are affected by road conditions, border crossings, detours and weather conditions, therefore on certain days travelling times may be longer than anticipated especially where there is a lot of distance to be covered. Please keep in mind that the time it takes to travel 100 km in your home country is not equivalent to the time it takes to travel 100 km on African roads, therefore we encourage you to sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery Africa has to offer. Where possible additional stops will be made to ensure your travelling comfort at all times. Optional Activities in Cape Town Below is a list of some of the most popular optional activities on offer in Cape Town if you choose to extend your stay. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. All activities are subject to availability and may require a minimum amount of passengers to operate. Certain activities only operate at specific times of the year or certain days of the week. Please contact our reservation office for further information. Should you wish to partake in an activity that is not listed below, we will gladly assist you with rates and reservations. Full Day Cape Winelands Tour Winelands with Bicycles Cape Town City Cycle Tour Township Tour Shark Cage Diving (Gansbaai) Whale Route Tour Give Back Cultural Field Trip Accommodation We make use of mid-range typical African standard lodge accommodation. Accommodation is situated either in National Parks, on the banks of a river, or in other places of interest. The accommodation will be a mix of lodges, chalets and tented camps. Most of them have a private bathroom with a shower and toilet. Some properties are equipped with swimming pools and/or bar areas. Transport Jenman Safaris uses fully equipped Toyota Quantums or other appropriate vehicles with comfortable seating, a music system, PA system and air-conditioning. Please note all game drives are conducted in the touring vehicle. Clients have the option to book additional game drives in open game-viewer vehicles. It is recommended that you pre-book additional game drives in advance to avoid disappointment. Spending money Clients are advised to bring enough money to cover the purchase of curios, and additional entertainment. South African Rand is the most practical and convenient currency. There are automatic teller machines (ATM s) available. International credit cards and travelers cheques are widely accepted. First Aid Our guides are trained in basic first aid and the vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive medical aid kit. Preventative Malaria medication should be taken before the trip and throughout its duration, although it is advisable to consult a doctor prior to departure. Luggage Maximum baggage allowance: 15 kg. Jenman Safaris stipulates this luggage allowance, as an overloaded vehicle is a danger to both the clients and the guide. This does not include photographic equipment and a small daypack. Please bring a backpack or soft barrel bag, not a suitcase. Don't bring too much clothing, as there are washing opportunities along the way. Please adhere to the allowance specified as space for luggage is limited. Things to bring Walking shoes and sandals Light trousers/jeans Swimming costume T-shirts Shorts - 4 -

5 Sun hat Windbreaker Warm clothes (May August) Long-sleeved shirts Torch & spare batteries Water bottle Camera UV protection Mosquito protection Towel South Africa Situated on the tip of the African continent, South Africa has often been described as a world in one country. It has a wealth of natural beauty, pristine wilderness areas, warm and friendly people, cosmopolitan cities and excellent infrastructure - making South Africa a favourite safari destination. Cape Town Cape Town has traditionally been the gateway between Europe and Southern Africa and this is still evident in its atmosphere, its playful character, its people and even its architecture. The Mother City as its known locally has no shortage of attractions. It s a magnetic, multicultural city with an array of diverse offerings within a small, accessible area, surrounded by spectacular topography. Spectacular beaches, mountains (incredibly unique bio-diversity), hiking, water-sport, shopping centers, markets, theatres, museums, historical & cultural attractions, a first-rate waterfront, galleries, night-clubs, restaurants and an abundance of activities to suit all, are prolific in this world-class destination. Although tastes vary, some of the more popular sights include the following: The Wine Routes Constantia, a meager 20 minutes from the city centre, is the birthplace of the wine farming industry in South Africa. Still today, five wine farms in this area produce worldclass wines, recognized for their escalating quality. Further from the city, a drive of approximately 45 minutes north from Cape Town brings you to a region where grand mountains from a dramatic backdrop to lush vineyards and historic gabled Cape Dutch homesteads. Almost 100 wine farms on four wine routes in this region alone boast not only a multitude of award winning wines, but also restaurants, wine tasting and activities. In the wine regions visitors can also experience a number of quaint villages & towns (especially Paarl, Stellenbosch & Franshoek), cheese shops, a crocodile farm, a cheetah rehabilitation centre, hikes and rivers activities. The Garden Route The stunning Garden Route refers to the lovely towns, lakes and forests nestled on the southern coastline of the country. Fantastic beaches and great activities abound, like: Africa's highest bungee jump at the 216m Bloukrantz Bridge; hiking and kloofing, shark diving at Gansbaai and a breathtaking underground world at the Cango Caves. Drakensberg Mountain The Drakensberg Mountains are the highest mountains in South Africa and located in the eastern part of it. They are running for some 1000 km generally southwest to northeast, with a northwesterly bend forming the northeastern border of Lesotho with South Africa. The highest peak is ranging up to 3,482 m and is the Natal Drakensberg which is one of South Africa s most spectacular attractions. Visitors will experience hundreds of kilometers of unspoiled escarpment, scenic beauty, crisp mountain air and clear waters. There is a lot to do: hiking, bird watching, game viewing, horse trails and safaris, guided tours, 4x4 trails, quad bikes, golfing, trout / fly fishing, white water rafting, rock climbing to mention just a few. Furthermore you can visit the Ukahlamba or Drakensberg National Park, which was declared to a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in The most well known National Park in the Drakensberg is the Royal Natal National Park, with its Tugela Falls, the second highest waterfall on earth. The Panorama Route - Mpumalanga South Africa The scenic Panorama Route of the Mpumalanga escarpment is from an outstanding natural beauty and characterized by mountains, panoramic passes, valleys, rivers, waterfalls and forests. During your drive you will experience breathtaking views from natural wonders along the eastern slopes of the escarpment. Some must have seen along the tour are God's Window, the Pinnacle the Blyde River Canyon which is world's third largest canyon and biggest green canyon, the very impressive rock formations Bourke's Luck Potholes and three Rondawels. Furthermore take a rest in one of the towns along the panorama route and enjoy the great food offered in Sabie, Graskop, Ohrigstad and Hazyview. The towns of Lydenburg and White River takes visitors through the quaint towns of Pilgrim's Rest, a living museum dating back to the hey days of the gold rush, for example Alluvial Gold where they were mining until Kruger National Park The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld, this national park of nearly 2 million hectares, SANParks - Kruger National Park is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies. Truly the flagship of the South African national parks, Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. Man's interaction with the Lowveld environment over many centuries - from bushman rock paintings to majestic archaeological sites like Masorini and Thulamela - is very evident in the Kruger National Park. These treasures represent the cultures, persons and events that played a role in the history of the Kruger National Park and are conserved along with the park's natural assets. Zululand Zululand is a historic region and home of the Zulus. It covers 25,900 square km and is located in Kwa Zulu- Natal, surrounded by the Indian Ocean on the east, by Mozambique in the north, and by Swaziland in the west

6 The terrain rises from a low coastal plain to the foothills of the Drakensberg range. Although some corn is grown, the Zulu economy depends primarily on cattle raising. Tourists can go snorkeling or do some game viewing in one of the several game and forest reserves. Zululand is home to several hundreds of bird species, many antelopes, cheetahs, hippos, giraffes and of course of the famous big five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. But the main attraction is the Zulus themselves with their interesting culture, traditions and lifestyles. Swaziland The Kingdom of Swaziland (Umbuso weswatini), sometimes called Ngwane, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, bordered to the north, south, and west by South Africa, and to the east by Mozambique. The nation, as well as its people, are named after the 19th century king Mswati II. Swaziland is a small country, no more than 200 km north to south and 130 km east to west. The western half is mountainous, descending to a lowveld region to the east. The eastern border with Mozambique and South Africa is dominated by the escarpment of the Lebombo Mountains. The climate is temperate in the west, but may reach 40 degrees in summer in the lowveld. Rainfall occurs mainly in the summer and may reach 2 m in the west. The area that Swaziland now covers has been continuously inhabited since prehistory. Today, the population is primarily ethnic Swazis whose language is siswati, though English is spoken as a second language. The Swazi people descend from the southern Bantu who migrated from Central Africa in the 15th and 16th centuries. The Anglo Boer war saw Britain make Swaziland a protectorate under its direct control. Swaziland gained independence in Swaziland is a member of the Southern African Development Community, the African Union, and the Commonwealth of Nations. The head of state is the king, who appoints the prime minister and a small number of representatives for both chambers of parliament. Elections are held every five years to determine the majority of the representatives. A new constitution was adopted in Lesotho Lesotho, officially the Kingdom of Lesotho, is a landlocked country and enclave entirely surrounded by the Republic of South Africa. It is just over 30,000 km² in size with an estimated population of almost 1,800,000. Its capital and largest city is Maseru. Lesotho is the southernmost landlocked country in the world. It is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The name "Lesotho" translates roughly into "the land of the people who speak Sesotho". Lesotho covers 30,355 km2 (11,720 sq mi). It is the only independent state in the world that lies entirely above 1,400 metres (4,593 ft) in elevation. Its lowest point of 1,400 metres (4,593 ft) is thus the highest in the world. Over 80% of the country lies above 1,800 metres (5,906 ft). Lesotho is also landlocked and is entirely contained within the country of South Africa. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Passports & Visas Please ensure that you have at least two blank pages in your passport, plus an additional blank page for each visa/african country you a visiting. If travelling on one of our longer overland safaris we recommend that you have at least 12 blank pages in your passport. Please also note that your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the end date of your trip. Any visa information provided in this document is for general guidance purposes only, visa requirements and fees are subject to change. It is essential that you check current entry requirements with each relevant embassy/ consulate prior to departure. Visa procurement is the responsibility of the traveller and not of On The Go. Booking Your Flights When booking your departure flight you should allow time at the end of your African safari for any unexpected delays. We recommend that you book your onward flight no earlier than 24 hours after the end of your safari. In the case of our longer overland camping safaris (22 days or more) we advise against making any firm arrangements for at least 48 hours after the scheduled departure date. We can help to arrange post tour accommodation upon request. Allergies/Likes/Dislikes Whilst all will done to accommodate everyone, sometimes the choice available is limited as your cook may be making the best of very limited availability, so some flexibility may be required when encountering something you're not particularly fond of or have chosen not to eat as a lifestyle choice. Should you possess allergies which will result in an medical emergency or a life threatening situation then please ensure you speak to your cook on arrival so you can discuss the options available whilst en-route. This will ensure also that they are fully aware of what you can or cannot eat and make adjustments. South Africa Country Guide Visas Please be advised that visa requirements are subject to change and that visa procurement is the responsibility of the traveller and not On The Go Tours, therefore it is essential that you check current visa requirements with the embassy before travel. Please also ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your planned date of departure from Africa. UK, Australian, USA and Canadian citizens do not require a tourist visa for South Africa for stays of up to 90 days. Since 16th January 2017 all New Zealand passport holders have been required to obtain a visa prior to travelling to South Africa. New Zealanders arriving in South Africa on or after 16th January 2017 should ensure they have the correct visa. Nationalities who don't require a visa are able to get an entry stamp at the border on entering South Africa. Please contact your local South African embassy to find out if you require a visa prior to entering SA. If you are subject to visa requirements, you must apply and receive your visa before your departure for South Africa, visas are not issued at South African ports of entry. The border crossings we use in South Africa include: Noordoewer (South Africa/Namibia border) Groblerberg/Martin s Drift (South Africa/ Botswana) - 6 -

7 Lebombo (South Africa/Mozambique) Oshoek (Swaziland/South Africa) Travelling with Children to or through South Africa From 1 June 2015 parents travelling with children into or out of South Africa, or transiting in South Africa will be asked to show the child s unabridged (full) birth certificate which lists the child s details and both parents details. The abridged (short) birth certificate which only lists the child s details won t be accepted. Uncertified copies of birth certificates or copies of the parents/guardians identification will not be accepted. A parental contact affidavit (PCA) must have a certified copy of the parent s/ guardian s identification (ie passport) attached to it. Where only one parent is accompanying a child, parental or legal consent for the child to travel (eg an affidavit from the other parent or if applicable a death certificate) is required and there are other requirements for children travelling unaccompanied or with adults who are not their parents. If you are travelling with children (under 18) it is essential that you contact the South African High Commission or the South African Department of Home Affairs for further information relating to these regulations. If you do not carry the correct documentation you will not be allowed to enter the country. Obtaining the correct paperwork is the responsibility of the traveller and not On The Go Tours. Health & Vaccinations You should seek medical advice before travelling to South Africa from your local health practitioner and ensure that all you receive all of the appropriate vaccinations. As a guide tetanus, diphtheria, polio, hepatitis A (for stays over 4 weeks) and hepatitis B (for stays over 3 months) are recommended. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one, coming from infected areas. A low malaria risk occurs in northern parts of Mpumalanga (as well as Kruger National park, northern and northeastern parts of KwaZulu- Natal). If travelling to these regions and/or the countries north of South Africa, where there is a high malaria risk, we strongly recommend that you take anti-malaria medication. Precautionary measures to take to prevent contact with mosquitoes include: insect repellent, cover up at sundown, sleep under a mosquito net and wear long sleeve clothing and long trousers in the evenings. Currency The currency in South Africa is Rand (ZAR; symbol R) 1 Rand = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of R200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of R5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents. Obtaining local currency within South Africa is very easy. ATMs are widely accessible and very reliable and offer the best rates of exchange. International credit cards are accepted in almost all shops, restaurants, hotels and game reserves. Bureau de changes offer a quick and commission free service but are only found in the main centres such as Cape Town and Johannesburg. Travellers cheques can be changed at banks. These should be in US Dollars or Pound Sterling to avoid additional exchange rate charges. Please note that proof of identity may be requested in some instances, so it s useful to carry a passport or some form of photo identification. Travellers cheques can be difficult to exchange and tend to attract high commission fees. Banking hours: Mon-Fri , Sat Rand can be used in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, so if you are travelling on one of our overland safaris ample money for these three countries can be obtained prior to beginning your trip in Cape Town or Johannesburg. The Rand and Namibian dollar are tied to each other on an equal level and can be used interchangeably in Namibia. The Rand can also be easily converted to Pula in Botswana at good rates. Time & Voltage Time Zone - South Africa is 2 hours ahead of GMT. Daylight saving time is not observed Standard voltage is V. Primary sockets require a Type M - South African, electrical plug which has three thick circular pins. You will need a voltage converter, and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. Climate Climatic conditions generally range from Mediterranean in the south western corner of the country to temperate in the interior plateau, and subtropical in the northeast. A small area in the northwest has a desert climate. Most of the country has warm, sunny days and cool nights. Rainfall generally occurs during summer (November-March), although in the southwest, around Cape Town, rainfall occurs in winter (from June-August). Temperatures are influenced by variations in elevation, terrain, and ocean currents