Sawubona! South Africa welcomes you. A one-stop destination for leisure, wildlife, safari, adventure, and family holidays. With it being one of the world’s most diverse and enchanting countries, it is rich in landscapes, history and culture, and provides you with a truly memorable experience. Its outstanding tourist infrastructure and wide selection of accommodation options make South Africa a popular tourist destination. The country has a little something for everyone, from Luxury Game Lodges to friendly Country Houses, B&Bs, and Camping establishments. Visit South Africa and experience its magic!

Languages & Local Lingo

Languages

South Africa has eleven official languages – English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, isiNdebele and Sepedi, with Zulu, English, Afrikaans, and isiXhosa being the most well-known. If you book with ZULA, all of our tours are presented in English. However, if you are travelling in a private group, we will be happy to arrange for a guide who speaks your preferred language. For example, all of our ZULA guides in South Africa speak English and we can always arrange for a person fluent in German, French or Spanish or any other language. We might only struggle if you are looking for a hiking guide, that also is a certified scuba diver and speaks 5 languages fluently. Everything else we certainly make happen. 

Local Lingo

Aweh	Often said in excitement. The word has many meanings and uses, including hello, goodbye and yes.
Bakkie	Pickup truck. Also used to refer to plastic containers like Tupperware.
Biltong	dried and seasoned meat [like jerky], a popular snack
Braai	a barbecue
Bra/ bru/ boet	a male friend
Boerewors	farm-style sausage commonly braaied and eaten on a roll with tomato sauce and mustard
China	friend, pal, buddy
Dop	alcoholic drink, usually a spirit of some kind
Dorp	small town
Droëwors	dried sausage, snack often eaten with biltong
Eish!	general exclamation that can be used in positive and negative contexts
Hectic	extremely, expression of amazement
Howzit	Greeting, often used instead of hello. Combines hello and how are you, so it saves time.
Ja	yes
Jol	refers to a party, or to a general good time
Just now	sometime soon, roughly within the next 1-3 hours
Koeksister	delicious, syrupy deep-fried dough plaited into knots
Lekker	nice, good, great, tasty, awesome
Now now	Second meaning for now. It also means sometime soon, although sooner than just now, like within the next 30 to 60 minutes
Oom	uncle, often used to refer to any older men
Pap	traditional maize porridge
Plaas	farm
Potjie	a three-legged cast-iron pot used for cooking stews over the fire
Right now	Third meaning for now. This one means immediately or at least within the next 5-10 minutes
Robot	a traffic light
Shebeen	an informal bar that’s open 24 hours
Sies	expression of disgust, disappointment, annoyance
Sosatie	meat (traditionally lamb) and vegetables skewered on a stick
Takkies	sneakers, sports shoes
Tannie	aunt, often used to refer to any older women
Vetkoek	deep-fried bread dough, often sold with kapana
Wors	spicy sausage for accompanying meat on a braai
Yebo	yes
Yoh	an expression of surprise

Food & Beverages

There is a wide range of culinary traditions embodied in South African cuisine due to the diverse range of ethnic communities that inhabit the country. Below dishes are traditional in South Africa and you should give them a try while you travel: 

• Chakalaka: Originally from the townships of South Africa’s cities, chakalaka is a very simple and easy relish to make. Baked beans, curry, peppers, and carrots are usually included. Chakalaka often serves as a side of a braai.
• Biltong: This dried cured meat originates from Southern African countries. It is made from a variety of meats.
• Potjiekos or Potjie: In this dish, meat, vegetables, and starch (usually potatoes) are cooked in a small pot. 
• Milk Tart: Also called “melktert” in Afrikaans, South Africa’s milky version of a custard tart.
• Malva Pudding: This is a South African dessert made with apricot jam. It is similar to sticky toffee pudding but so much better.
• Pap: A stiff cornmeal porridge. At a braai, this dish is essential for scooping up thick and tasty sauces and stews.
• Boerewors: A high-quality sausage that is often spiralled and shaped into a circle. Made from beef, pork, or game meat, it is a must-have at a braai.
• Beef Bobotie: A South African dish consisting of minced meat, fruit, and spices.
• Koeksisters: Infused with syrups or honey, this traditional confectionery is made from fried dough.
• Bunny Chow: This is a South African dish of the hollowed-out white bread loaf stuffed with curry. You get the best Bunny Chows around Durban and KwaZulu Natal. 
• Braai culture: A braai is the South African version of a BBQ. The meat is primarily cooked on a grill.

South African wine dates back to 1659 when its founder Jan van Riebeeck produced the first bottle in Cape Town. South Africa’s beer industry also has a long history, dating back to the early 20th century.

South African Beverages:

• Rooibos: A red bush that grows in fynbos in South Africa. Herbal tea is made from the leaves.
• Pinotage: The Pinotage grape is South Africa’s signature red wine grape. It was first cultivated in 1925 as a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut.
• Amarula: This is a cream liqueur originating in South Africa. Sugar, cream, and marula fruit combine to make this alcohol.

Money

Currency

The official currency of South Africa is the Rand. Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini are also members of the Common Monetary Area and accept the Rand as legal tender. Generally, international Credit Cards are accepted, and ATMs and Speedpoints are readily available. 

The value-added tax is charged at a rate of 15% at the point of sale. Vacationers from outside South Africa can claim VAT on holiday purchases over ZAR 250 if they depart the country through one of 43 designated commercial ports. VAT on goods and services that have been consumed cannot be refunded.

Average Expenses 

All of this depends on where you go, but these are the average expenses:

To travel to South Africa, how much money do I need? 
You should plan to spend around ZAR 1,600 (about EUR/USD/GBP 75) per day on your vacation in South Africa, which is the average daily rate based on the expenses of other visitors. On average ZAR 870 (EUR/USD/GBP 45) is spent on meals for one day and ZAR 250 (EUR/USD/GBP 15) on local transportation. 

Furthermore:

• 3-course meal for two people – ZAR 970 (EUR/USD/GBP 50) (depending on the local restaurant, excluding drinks) 
• Domestic beer (0.5 litre) – ZAR 40 (EUR/USD/GBP 2)
• Cappuccino – ZAR 30 (EUR/USD/GBP 1.5)
• Soft Drinks (eg. Coke/ Pepsi) (0.33 bottle) – ZAR 30 (EUR/USD/GBP 1.5)
• Still water (0.33 bottle) – ZAR 20 (EUR/USD/GBP 1)

Gratuity / Tips

The majority of South African employees are paid a low base salary and are therefore reliant on tips. You are welcome to leave a tip for the good service received during your ZULA visit. But how much is appropriate? This is what we would recommend our ZULA clients:

• Overland Guides and Safari Guides based in Lodges: ZAR 100 p/p and per day (EUR/USD/GBP 6)
• Lodge staff: ZAR 250 for 2 persons for 2 nights (EUR/USD/GBP 15)
• Restaurant: 10% of the total invoice 
• Luggage Porter: ZAR 10 per luggage (EUR/USD/GBP 0,60)
• Assistance at Petrol Station (only for self-drives): ZAR 5 (EUR/USD/GPB 0,30)

We include as many fees and expenses as possible in your ZULA program, so you do not have to worry about them while travelling. It’s important to note, though, that some fees and levies are not pre-bookable and must be covered at the time of entry to a park, etc. 

We generally exclude:  

• Additional meals not specified in the itinerary 
• Additional Entrance fees and Conservation Levies
• Fuel & toll fees (for self-drive tours)
• Personal extras such as tips, laundry services, Roaming etc.
• Private Expenses
• International and/or domestic flights
• Visa and Visa Fees (if applicable
• Travel Insurance
• Any new government taxes, levies or industry increases that are beyond ZULA’s control. 

Safety & Health

Safety

Although South Africa is a developing country, there are areas with world-class attractions. Across the country, there are areas of extreme wealth and communities of severe poverty. Accommodations and shopping malls will either be in upmarket areas with modern airports or in run-down areas of small towns. Being sensible will keep you safe in South Africa. Crime in South Africa is high, yes, and being aware of your surroundings at all times is prevalent. Most violent crime however occurs in areas that are “no go” zones for tourists, so the risk to international tourists is low. Generally, your guide will make mention of any concerns during a guided tour.  

Safety Instructions

Almost two decades after the end of apartheid, South Africa remains divided. The extreme inequality of income and possessions separates the country. South Africa faces many problems, including the vast wealth gap, violence, and crime. Therefore, please consider these aspects:

• Don’t allow yourself to be recognized as a tourist. Cameras should be kept in an inconspicuous bag, valuables should not be visible on the body and should, if possible, be left in the hotel safe.
• If you are driving in the city or at traffic lights, keep your windows and doors shut. When you enter your car, be sure to lock the vehicle using the central locking system. The majority of rental cars do this automatically.
• Coins, handbags, cameras, GPS devices, etc., should not be visible in the car, not even in the back seat. You should keep all of your belongings in the trunk during the day and empty your car at night.
• A suspicious car breakdown may be a trap; do not stop your vehicle. Driving slowly and quietly past an accident on the roadside and calling the police should be your response if you see one.
• Avoid lookout points and rest areas if there are no other tourists around.
• Make sure you book your taxi with a reputable company. The hotel will usually accommodate your requests. Mobile phone applications like Uber, which can be installed easily and quickly, are very common nowadays.
• Avoid letting strangers help you at the ATM. Furthermore, you should always withdraw money from a shopping centre or tourist location.
• When sleeping, do not open the veranda, balcony or patio doors leading to the garden. When it is hot, use the air conditioner and inquire about the security measures at your accommodation. 
• Apes (Baboons or Vervet Monkeys), particularly in KwaZulu Natal, will enter through your open doors and windows and help themselves to your food.

These precautions are not intended to scare you but to relieve any worries you may have during your holiday.

Health

When visiting South Africa, you can expect to find top-quality healthcare facilities and highly trained medical staff. Private hospitals are second to none and will be happy to assist you, providing you take out travel insurance. If not, you will have to pay a lump sum upfront. 

When thinking about (South) Africa, malaria often comes to our minds. The transmission of malaria mainly occurs in border areas. Malaria is endemic in some South African provinces (Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal), where 10% of the population is at risk. South Africa experiences seasonal malaria transmission, with malaria cases rising in October, peaking in January and February, and fading towards the end of May. The disease of malaria should always be properly diagnosed and treated. In most cases, it is transmitted to people by mosquito bites after sunset. Personal protection measures and prophylactics can reduce the risk of malaria.

It is essential to stay up to date on your vaccinations when you travel, such as Polio, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Hepatitis A/B, COVID-19, etc. You should consult your doctor, pharmacist, or travel clinic to determine what precautions and/or vaccinations you need when travelling. Contact them before departing as preventative measures may take a while.

In urban areas, drinking tap water is perfectly safe. But make sure that you check with campsites, or in rural areas, before consuming their water. 

Travel Insurance

Generally, travel insurance is not mandatory. However, it’s a good idea to look into insurance – in the event that you must cancel or interrupt your trip due to illness, or medical expenses occur whilst travelling and/or your luggage gets damaged, etc. Travel insurance for a year may be the best option if you are a frequent traveller. We are sure you will find the best option for you to ensure a memorable ZULA trip. You might also want to check with your bank. Travel insurance is included in most credit cards nowadays.

Entry Requirements

The validity of your passport must remain valid for at least six months after the return date. 

Visa

By providing us with your nationality (which is why we ask for it), we can correctly inform you about the documentation specifications you need for your ZULA experience. Upon your arrival, South Africa is likely to grant a tourist visa, but please check with your Embassy or Department of Home Affairs to ensure what you need to obtain the visa in advance. It is generally necessary to have a minimum of two consecutive free pages for entry into each country you are travelling to, including the visa and stamp. If your itinerary includes more than one country, your passport must always have enough blank visa pages (not endorsement pages) for all required visas, excluding the country of departure and return. A passport with insufficient blank pages could prevent entry into a country. If a visa payment is needed at arrival, a cash payment will usually be requested. It is sometimes necessary to know the exact amount payable as change may not be readily available. Travellers’ Cheques and Credit Cards are not usually accepted for this purpose. Be sure you check with the Department of Home Affairs before travelling to avoid any disappointments.

Accommodations 

Accommodation Types

Various terms for accommodation are used in different countries. In many countries, Guest Houses signify a somewhat rustic accommodation. In contrast, a Guest House in South Africa is comparable to a high-end four or five-star hotel – but a little more private and familiar.   

We have prepared an overview of the various ZULA accommodations for your convenience:

Frequently used accommodations:

• Boutique Hotel
• Guest House
• Bed & Breakfast
• (Game/Safari) Lodge
• Tented Camp / Safari Camp 
• Hotel
• Resort (mainly Mozambique and Tanzania)
• Self-Catering
• Villa
• Farm Stay (particularly Namibia)
• Campground (especially Namibia)
• Houseboat (mainly South Africa and Namibia)
• Train
• Tree House

Boutique Hotel

Most boutique hotels are four to five-star establishments that offer all the amenities and features of a standard hotel with a unique and exclusive design. They are generally small, feature top class service and are marketed to affluent travellers.

Guest House

Guesthouses are typically private homes that have been converted exclusively for the use of visitors. Guests have exclusive access to the establishment’s public areas. Unlike Bed and Breakfast’s, a guest house typically caters to all meals. Owners or managers usually live off-site or in a separate area of the property. 

Bed & Breakfast

Typically, a Bed and Breakfast (B&B) is a private home where guests can be accommodated in private bedrooms. Not all Bed & Breakfast accommodations come with private bathrooms. However, we only deal with suppliers who provide private facilities, and there is usually a resident owner or manager living on the property. Several of the house’s public areas are either restricted to guests or shared with the host family in some way, such as the kitchen and living room. Breakfast is included in the Price (usually continental or FULL-ENGLISH). However, additional meals can be arranged upon request.

Lodge

A lodge is an accommodation facility designed and situated to enhance the sense of being close to nature. Various natural materials such as wood, stone and thatch are often used as building materials. Lodges usually provide outdoor experiences, such as guided hikes and game drives.

Hotel

In general, a hotel is the largest type of accommodation. Typically, there is a common reception area, and rooms often open straight into a passageway. There is usually a restaurant and other facilities on-site that are easily accessible to the public. In addition to the standard amenities, there may be room service and spa’s available. Some hotels belong to larger hotel groups, and the experience may be similar across all the locations. The hotels we work with usually range from 3 to 5 stars.

Self-Catering

This establishment provides all self-catering facilities. For maximum comfort, the units have a fully equipped kitchen (including a refrigerator, stove, cutlery, crockery, cooking utensils, and cleaning supplies).

Check-in / Check-out 

Check-in at your ZULA accommodation typically takes place between 14h00 and 15h00. On the day of departure, check-out is generally between 10h00 and 11h00. In case of a late check-in, please notify the property. Lodges sometimes schedule shuttle services from the park entry into the Reserve. To avoid delays, please arrive at the meeting point at the time indicated on your travel documents. 

Transportation

Trains

More than half a million passengers travel along South Africa’s 23,000km of railway tracks every year, making it Africa’s busiest and largest network. South Africa owns almost all rail services, but a few private companies like the Blue Train and the Rovos Rail offer Luxury Train  Travel.

Buses

Depending on the size of the city, each municipality has its own bus company. Bus services in Cape Town are provided by two official bus companies: Golden Arrow Bus Services and MyCiTi. Additionally, South African cities have minibus taxis. Since drivers do not stick to traffic rules, the minibuses are cheap and fast, and Cape Town has over 600 routes. However, we do not recommend tourists to use them, and they are mainly used by locals. 

Taxis and Uber

Uber is a transportation service accessible as a mobile phone application that can be installed easily and quickly. It is available in Cape Town, Durban, East London, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth and Pretoria. Taxi companies with reputable reputations generally use meters; avoid unmetered taxis. The hotel will usually accommodate your requests.

Coaches

A coach provides one of the most convenient and economical options for crossing the country and its borders. City to City, Citiliner, Citybug, and Intercape are the best companies.

Airway

Due to South Africa being a vast country, getting from one part to another by rail or road takes quite some time. Because of this, domestic air travel remains a reliable means of transportation. We at ZULA can provide any domestic ticket you might need or that is essential to your itinerary. We would only charge a small service fee on that ticket price to cover our administrative costs. We of course ensure that all necessary flights are included in all of our Fly-in programs and all itineraries that require national / domestic flights. If you prefer to book national /domestic tickets yourself, you are more than welcome to do so, and we will reduce your travel price accordingly. 

Luggage Restrictions

The amount of luggage you can carry on an international flight depends on the airline. Typically, a flight’s maximum allowance is listed in the booking confirmation. The standard amount is 20-23kg, excluding your hand luggage. National / domestic flights might have a slightly more restrictive luggage allowance, only permitting 20kg per person. This is important to keep in mind before your ZULA trip. Occasionally, charter flights allow only 15kg per person in soft bags and luggage has to be added to the booking. Don’t worry about this too much because we, at ZULA, always guarantee ticket fares that include at least one checked luggage bag per person. For all flights booked through ZULA, we will provide you with information regarding baggage allowance and other air travel-related matters. (799)

Stay Connected

Electricity

You will always be able to charge your phone, camera and/or laptop. If you plan to travel to South Africa, we recommend bringing a World Travel Adapter. Please note that South Africa does experience power cuts now and then, and some accommodations and lodges may encounter difficulties providing electricity in remote areas. However, most places have generators that automatically turn on when the power goes out. In such a case, wait a few moments before it turns on. In South Africa, the power plugs and sockets are of type D, M and N. The standard voltage is 230V and the standard frequency is 50Hz.

Internet Availability

South Africa is considered to have the 4th most advanced mobile telecommunications networks worldwide. 3G / LTE is available in most urban areas and can deliver download speeds of up to 100mbps with an appropriate device. About 96% of the 1.2million Square Kilometres South African landmass is covered by at least 2G which can allow you to check email. Almost 100% of the 45+ million strong South African population, including tourists, has access to at least a 2G cellular network signal. In fact, all African countries offer some form of mobile internet coverage, both cellular and Wi-Fi.

Important Telephone Numbers

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Police Emergency (SAPS) from a landline: 10111
General Emergency number (mobile phone): 112
General Emergency number from a landline: 107
Ambulance: 10177
National tourism number: +83 123 6789

ZULA Contact

We have your back! Our Emergency / Service Phone is available 24/7, Monday through Sunday. Depending on who is on shift, we can also help you in Afrikaans, German, and/or Spanish. You can find all ZULA contact details in your Travel Documents. You, however, might want to call the rental car company first if you need to exchange a flat tyre or contact the hotel first if you are running late. However, our team is happy to assist you with this, and we will also provide all of the contact details for the services you have booked by us with your Travel Documents. 

Rental Car

Driving in South Africa 

South Africans drive on the left-hand side of the road, and all road signs are in English. South Africa accepts British licences or any other licence printed in English – however, if the licence is not printed in English, an international driver’s license must be obtained.

Generally, the main highways and roads are in good condition, and the majority of the roads in South Africa do not require a 4WD. As for Safari areas and self-drive National Parks such as Kruger and Hluhluwe, a 2WD can easily handle the occasional bump.

Toll Roads

Most of the main roads in South Africa are tolled, and, to ensure their good condition is maintained, a toll fee of at least ZAR 50 (EUR/USD/GBP 2.5) is required that needs to be paid in cash. Visa and MasterCard’s are accepted at some toll booths. Toll roads are clearly marked, and plenty of warnings are given, allowing you to prepare your money in advance. For those who don’t want to pay a toll, non-toll roads are marked as alternative routes to take, although they are generally longer. Please note that all rental cars are equipped with e-tags that bill the fees to the car rental company, which, in turn, deducts the costs from the deposit. All tolls are covered for guided tours and/or group tours.

Precautions

It is generally safe to drive in South Africa. Many of the below warnings apply more to driving in major cities and townships as opposed to rural areas and smaller towns where most visitors spend most of their time. However, we highly recommend that all drivers from overseas take the following safety precautions:

• Keep your doors locked, and windows closed, especially while stopped at a traffic light.
• Never pick up a hitchhiker, no matter how innocent, lost, or appealing they seem. In case you are worried about someone’s situation, go to the next town and let them know.
• Make sure you lock your car before leaving it unattended if you are going to be gone for a short period, and do not leave anything valuable in your car when you leave it unattended.
• If possible, park in an area that is busy and well-lit.
• Ask your host for advice when you are staying at the hotel and find out if there are any areas that tourists should avoid.
• If you are hit or knocked from behind in suspicious circumstances, do not get out of your car.
• Don’t let your road rage get the better of you.

Ticketing & Speeding

There are speed cameras in almost every city and town. Your rental car company will receive the fine directly, which they will then charge to your Credit Card. It’s more common to find speeding traps outside of towns, where police wait for drivers to emerge from built-up areas. When caught speeding by traffic police, you must provide the officer with your details (name, car rental agency details and car registration number) so that you can be issued a speeding fine. You can hand in the ticket when returning the car, but if you forget, don’t worry – the fee will be sent to the company anyway, who will forward you the fine amount as well as the admin fee. In addition, you can take the speeding ticket to a local police station and pay it directly, however, this may not be a convenient option, as it may require a long detour and compromise your holiday plans. On the topic of speeding tickets, it’s worth noting that some police officers are asking for an on-the-spot fine instead of writing you a speeding ticket. You are free to refuse this, considering on-the-spot fines don’t exist under South African law.

Gas Stations

Many gas stations can be found along the rural and main roads. However, in some rural areas, there might be lengthy distances between stations. Some stations keep shorter hours, and most are open 24 hours a day. Upon arriving at the gas station, the vehicle’s key is handed over to the attendant, who will fill up the tank for the requested amount. There is a distinction between leaded and unleaded gas and diesel. You cannot refuel by yourself. Furthermore, the attendant will offer to check the water and oil levels and clean the windscreens. Tipping is customary and usually involves a few Rands. Card or cash payments are accepted, but be sure to watch your card at all times. Taking cash is always advised since rural areas may not have card facilities.

Speed Limits (if not otherwise indicated)

• Freeways: 120km/h
• Public Roads: 100km/h
• Towns: 60km/h

Car Rental Terms & Conditions

• The renter must have a valid British or international driving license.
• A renter must be 23 years of age or older.
• The rented vehicle cannot be taken outside of South Africa without prior permission from the rental company. A “Letter of Authorization” will be provided to the renter. Swaziland and Lesotho are included in this rule.

Integrity and transparency are important to us at ZULA. When you book with us, we provide you with complete details of all included and/or excluded services without any hidden fees.

For your rental car, we usually include – (unless otherwise stated):

• Vehicle of booked category
• All taxes and fees
• Contract fee
• Airport charges
• Unlimited kilometres
• Accident and theft insurance
• Tyre and windshield insurance
• Third-party liability insurance
• Additional driver
• Baby/child seat (if required)
• One-way fees
• Cross-border papers (if needed)
• Google Maps links to all destinations 
• 24-hour emergency hotline

Excluded services are usually (unless otherwise stated):

• GPS
• Petrol
• Security payment/deposit
• Surcharge for drivers under 23 years of age
• Luggage insurance
• Costs for overdue rental fees
• Delivery/collection of the rental car
• Cancellation/no-show fee
• Breakdown assistance (except for mechanical failure)
• Additional fees such as fines etc.

Why do we exclude a GPS?
Our decision is based on the fact that we do not want to add unnecessary costs to your booking; many travellers use other directions services or devices. In every travel document, you will find Google Maps links that we provide for all bookings free of charge. 

Travelling with children

African destinations are great for children, such is South Africa. Considering we are mothers, fathers, and sisters as well, we would not recommend taking children anywhere if we had even the slightest doubt. The Hotels and Safari Lodges in our family itineraries offer a range of facilities for kids and teens of all ages. ZULA itineraries offered range from self-drive, fly-in, guided tours, as well as group travel, so you and your family can pick the ideal type of travel for you. Also, many accommodations offer attractive rates for family rooms. Many of our ZULA itineraries, and most of our family itineraries in South Africa and Namibia, are malaria-free, so parents can rest easy as malaria prevention is unnecessary.

Some advice while travelling with kids:

• Aim to arrive at your destination before noon to allow your children to burn off their excess energy.
• Even in the middle of winter, it is warm enough to go swimming during the day.
• Our recommendations are to include fewer destinations, providing you with more time to enjoy the activities.
• If you are interested in conservation, consider places that have educational facilities, rehabilitation programs, or other conservation efforts.

Travel Responsibly

How can I travel responsibly?

Be conscious of your carbon footprint:

This is where it all starts. Travel provides an estimated 8% of global carbon emissions each year, making it one of the worst contributors. Flying is the only way to get to Africa. So, understanding your carbon footprint and how to offset it, is important when planning your travel. If you want to be more precise, you can use a free online carbon emissions calculator, such as Carbon Footprint. The easiest way to offset your flight is by contacting the airline directly when booking. Several airlines have carbon offset programs where travellers can pay an additional fee on top of the flight cost to support carbon offsets. These airlines include Qantas, KLM, Air Canada, and Austrian Airlines. Put yourself on the road to responsible travel by doing this.

Be Waterwise:

• You probably already know that plastic water bottles are a no-no. Instead, fill up your stainless steel or glass bottle whenever you can. 
• Rather than throwing out hot water after a day of travelling, decant it somewhere valuable (like in a garden) or re-purpose it for something else (like washing your hands, clothes, etc.).
• Make sure you take a shower rather than a bath to save the environment. Be sure to turn it off while you lather up with soap, shampoo, or shave.
• Reduce the amount of toilet flushing. Depending on the type of toilet, a flush can use between 6 and 14 litres.
• As opposed to running the tap while brushing your teeth, use a cup instead.

Say no to plastic bags and straws:

We live in a culture where plastic is everywhere. It’s convenient, fast, and inexpensive. Nonetheless, it also ranks among the most pressing environmental problems. Plastics kill millions of animals every year, so reducing how much we use is imperative. Use reusable bags while shopping, carry your water bottle rather than buying water, and avoid plastic straws.

Opening Times 

(without warranty)

Border Posts (South African Summertime)

BeitBridge	24 hours
Caledonspoort	06:00 – 22:00
Ficksburg Bridge	24 hours
Golela	06:00 – 22:00
Grobler’s Bridge	06:00 – 22:00
Jeppes Reef	07:00 – 22:00
Kopfontein	06:00 – 24:00
Lebombo	06:00 – 22:00
Mahamba	06:00 – 22:00
Mananga	07:00 – 18:00
Maseru Bridge	24 hours
Nakop	24 hours
Nerston	08:00 – 18:00
Oshoek	06:00 – 22:00
Qacha’s Nek	07:00 – 22:00
Ramatlabama	06:00 – 22:00
Skilpadshek	06:00 – 24:00
Van Rooyens	06:00 – 22:00
Vioolsdrift	24 hours

National Parks

Sunset /-rise

Please keep in mind, that the sun sets relatively early in Namibia, even in midsummer.  The low position of the sun in the late afternoon (from approx. 5pm) can impair your vision for oncoming traffic. Please try to avoid long journeys after dark.

Sunrise (approximate range) 

September to March	05:35 – 07:00
April to August	07:00 – 07:45

Sunsets (approximate range)
Cape Town and Garden Route

October to March	18:45 – 20:00
April to September	17:45 – 18:45

Johannesburg/ Mpumalanga/ Swaziland/ KwaZulu Natal

October to March	18:00 – 19:00
April to September	17:00 – 18:00

Time Zone/ Time Difference

South African Standard Time (SAST) is the time zone used by all of South Africa as well as Eswatini and Lesotho. The zone is two hours ahead of GMT (GMT+02:00) and is the same as Central Africa Time.

Summer: From the first Sunday in September to the first Sunday in April – two hours in advance of GMT.
Winter: From the first Sunday in April to the first Sunday in September – one hour in advance of GMT.

Public Holidays

New Year’s Day	01 Jan
Human Rights Day	21 Mar
Good Friday	15 Apr
Family Day	18 Apr
Freedom Day	27 Apr
Worker’s Day	01 May
Youth Day	16 Jun
Women’s Day	09 Aug
Heritage Day	24 Sep
Reconciliation Day	16 Dec
Christmas Day	25 Dec
Day of Goodwill	26 Dec

Load Shedding & Water Restrictions

Load Shedding

South Africa was first introduced to the concept of load shedding in July 2007, when its electricity provider, Eskom, announced that it could not supply power to the entire country simultaneously. The government responded by introducing a series of blackouts – referred to as “load shedding” – to prevent the collapse of the whole power grid. The load shedding process typically runs in two-hour parts, and at its worst, it could occur twice daily. When staying in a hotel, the staff should inform you about the daily load shedding schedule. Fortunately, if you are a visitor to South Africa, it is unlikely your daily routine will be significantly affected, so visiting the country shouldn’t be cancelled due to load shedding. Restaurants, hotels, shopping malls, and wine estates have taken steps to mitigate the effects of the power outage, so much so that you may not even notice it at all.

Water Restrictions

Cape Town endured its worst drought in almost a century in the latter part of 2017. Lack of rain resulted in a shortage of water in the reservoirs that supply water to the city. Early in 2018, the region had even been declared a disaster zone. With the rain having filled up our dams, we are now ready for another summer season. However, please remember that water is a valuable resource and should be used mindfully and sparingly.

What steps should you take?

• Whenever possible, limit your shower time to 3 minutes
• “If it’s yellow, let it mellow.” Take into consideration whether flushing the toilet is necessary
• Use your towels in your accommodation for several days
• Don’t let the water run if it isn’t needed

Taking pictures of local people

May I take pictures of local people?

• To take pictures of people in their environment, it is always best to have a local guide accompany you in order to communicate with the locals and overcome the barriers between you and them.
• Before taking someone’s picture, be sure to ask. By doing so, you can avoid any conflict when taking photographs.
• It is common for people to expect payment for their pictures. Among these people are those still wearing traditional clothing, such as the Himba and Herero.
• Even though young children enjoy having their pictures taken, asking their guardians or parents first is always a good idea.
• It’s important to show someone your digital photo after you take it. Most people are not familiar with cameras but are amazed at what they can do.
• Photographing men and women in uniform is illegal, except for situations such as public parades.
• Most photo opportunities are arranged ahead of time on organized tours, allowing you to take photos at your leisure and allowing your guide to handle the formalities. Be sure to discuss this with your guide ahead of time.