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What to bring
Almost everything is freely available in South Africa. In general, bring a wide of range clothing, from swimming costumes to light-weight raincoats and a warm fleece. Sun hats & sunscreen are a necessity.

On Safari: Binoculars, warm clothes in subdued colours (brown, khaki or dark green) for morning & evening game drives, and "smart casual" wear for evening meals in the private game reserves.

Driving in South Africa
A valid Drivers License (we suggest an International License) is required when hiring a vehicle. Driving is on the left. 24 hour petrol stations are found in all major cities and along the freeways. However it is important to note that petrol has to be paid for with cash.

Traveling with children
South Africa is probably the easiest and most interesting country in Africa for travel with children. Basic necessities such as nappies (diapers), milk formula, wipes and baby food are easily available. There are first world standard private hospitals & doctors. Cots can be arranged in advance in the majority of hotels and child car seats can be booked through car rental companies at a small additional fee.

It is important to note that although children are welcomed at most safari lodges, in general children under the age of six are not permitted on game drives. In these instances, babysitters can be arranged at an additional charge.

Safety Issues
As with all major cities and travel destinations around the world, due care has to be taken to avoid pickpockets and bag snatchers in the tourist areas. Always check with your hotel or guest house whether it is safe to walk around in the evening. Alternatively taxis are easily available.

Health Issues
(Please note we are not Health Professionals and you must consult your GP before traveling)
There are generally high standards of hygiene and safe drinking water in the tourist areas, and international standard private hospitals.

Sun - Always use sunscreen, wear sunglasses and a hat and drink plenty of fluids.
Malaria - Most of South Africa is malaria-free, however there are risk areas, such as the Kruger National Park and northern KwaZulu-Natal. Highest risk time is in the rainy months from November to April. To avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes cover up during the early morning and evening, wear insect repellent, sleep under a mosquito net and burn a mosquito coil. Check with your local doctor or pharmacist about the areas you are visiting and what anti-malarial tablets they recommend.

Shopping
South Africa offers some excellent shopping, with a wide range of bargain-priced curios, crafts, jewellery, wines and leather goods, among a multitude of others. 14% VAT, included in the purchase price, is refundable at the airport prior to your international departure. Ensure you have retained your VAT receipts.

Dining Out
Restaurants in South Africa offer outstanding value. The food is of international standards and the locally produced wines are of excellent quality and astoundingly cheap.

Tipping
It is customary to tip waiting staff 10% in restaurants. Other people who usually receive tips are taxi driver, bar tender, guide, hotel porter, petrol pump attendant, hotel maids and the ranger & tracker team on safari.

South Africa is a country of cultural diversity, with a population of 45 million and 11 different official languages (English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa, siSwati, Ndebele, North Sotho, Sesotho, Tswana, Venda and Tsonga). English is spoken in all main cities and tourist destinations.