South Africa Safari & Hiking Tour

Central Africa Time (CAT) is the time zone for South Africa, it’s 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Our trips include all transportation, guiding, meals and activities (except where indicated on the itinerary). As far as spending money, you may want to bring some spending money to buy a souvenir or two, try a local activity or restaurant, or buy a round of drinks.

Usually the easiest thing to do is use your credit or debit card to withdraw money directly from your home account, in local currency. There are plenty of ATM's and banks in larger towns in Africa, and ATM's will accept all major credit cards and many debit cards. Cash advances are the most convenient way to get cash.

South Africa’s currency is the South African Rand.

We are accustomed to catering to the following special diets:

• vegan (no meat or animal products)
• vegetarian (no meat products)
• fishatarian (vegetarian, and eat fish)
• no red meat (eat chicken & fish)
• gluten intolerant (no wheat, rye, barley or oats)
• lactose intolerant (no dairy products)

You will get the opportunity to specify your particular requirements when you fill in our pre-trip questionnaire. If you have any other dietary requirements please let us know well in advance, via email or the online questionnaire.

South Africa is one of a few African countries where there are higher crime levels (especially in cities) that visitors need to be aware of.

• Don’t bring valuable things with you unless they’re necessary for your trip.
• Keep your money and other valuables in a money belt or pouch under your clothes and don’t withdraw money from ATM’s at tourist locations.
• Only visit places where there are other people around
• Travel with a local tour guide in the City if possible.
• Lock your bags and luggage, and leave valuable items you don’t need for the day (e.g. passports and credit cards) in the hotel safe.
• It’s also a good idea to take a taxi after dark rather than walking.

Being in a tropical environment and not treated by the government, the water in South Africa contains different bacteria to what we’re used to at home. So we ask you not to drink it or use it for brushing teeth - use treated water at all times. Bottled water is recommended and the safari lodges will provide refillable drinking bottles too.

If you have good ankles that will be able to cope pretty well with varied terrain, then good hiking shoes or sneakers should be fine, but if not then hiking boots will give you better support.

Once you've booked your trip, you'll have access to a gear list in your portal on exactly what to bring along. The gear list is carefully thought out to provide you with everything you need to be warm and happy, or cool and relaxed, whatever the weather! So it is best to bring everything we recommend along, if you don't bring everything you need, we can't guarantee your comfort.

If you’d prefer not to share a room, we have a single supplement option for an additional fare. If you purchase a single supplement, we’ll arrange for you to have your own room throughout the trip, except when you’re tenting at the Lowveld Trails Camp and the price of the single supplement takes this into account.

Our preferred Travel Partner Fuzion Travel can assist with you with flights and other travel arrangements. Let them know your preferred travel plans, including any stopovers or extra nights’ accommodation, and they’ll put everything in place for you. They offer a total travel solution and five star service that you’ll want to tell your friends about!

As an Active Adventures traveller, It’s essential you take out travel insurance to cover the likes of personal injury, medical expenses, trip cancellation for your travel with us. Please head to our Travel Insurance page for more in-depth information and insurance provider options. It’s also important to check your insurance covers all the activities you’ll be partaking in, in case you’re travelling to altitude or looking at extreme sports.

For the most up-to-date recommendations please check with your doctor or travel clinic, and always go with their recommendations, as these can often change. We strongly recommend that you see a doctor, preferably one with experience in travel medicine, at least 8 weeks before your trip starts to discuss appropriate vaccinations.

It is your responsibility to stay up to date on the latest visa and entry requirements for your destination. Depending on your country of origin and the type of passport you hold, you may require a visa or other endorsement to enter South Africa.

You can find essential travel advice, including passport and visa information, security details and local regulations, on the government website of your home country.

Here are some helpful links:

• United States of America: US Department of State Travel Advice
• Canada: Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories
• United Kingdom: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice
• Australia: Government of Australia Smart Traveller
• Residents of other countries should refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate

Entry requirements can change at any time, so it’s important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.