PASSPORTS:
- All visitors require a valid passport with a minimum of two blank pages as required by South African law.
- Keep a separate copy of your passport in a safe place just in case.
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VISAS:
- Prior to departure check with your travel advisor as to whether or not you require a visa to enter South Africa or any other neighbouring countries during your trip.
- Visitors intending to re-enter South Africa after visiting neighbouring countries in Southern Africa may need to apply for a multiple-entry visa.
- The South African Consulate in your country will be able to assist you.
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TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION:
- Itinerary, air tickets, vouchers for ground arrangements, original driver’s licence, scuba-diving certification and foreign exchange.
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INSURANCE POLICIES:
- Ensure adequate and appropriate insurance cover for the duration of your trip, including cover for the cancellation or curtailment of reservations, lost luggage and medical expenses.
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IMMUNISATION:
- Immunisation is not required to enter South Africa, except if you have left an area infected with yellow fever. Those visitors need an international yellow fever vaccination certificate.
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MEDICATION AND ALLERGIES:
- Personal prescription medication should be brought from home in sufficient quantities for the duration of your trip.
- Advise your travel advisor of any allergies, injuries, chronic medication, physical or mental handicaps in case of an emergency.
- Advise your travel advisor of any dietary requirements (diabetic, kosher or halaal).
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MALARIA PROPHYLAXIS:
- Important when visiting malaria endemic areas such as Mpumalanga, Kwazulu Natal, parts of Namibia, Botswana, Victoria Falls and Mozambique. Visitors should consult their doctors regarding the precautions to be taken prior to departure, during the trip and after their return home.
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INSECT REPELLENT:
- Peaceful Sleep, Tabard and herbal citronella-based repellents are available in South Africa.
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CLOTHING:
- Cool, casual clothes and comfortable walking shoes for day wear.
- Swimming costume – towels provided at resorts.
- Avoid white and bright colours on safari – neutral colours are best for game viewing.
- Warm clothing for night time and morning and evening game drives – a warm jacket or fleece, hat and gloves.
- Semi-formal attire for city restaurants.
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SUN PROTECTION:
- Sunscreen lotions and lip balms with a high UV-protection factor are recommended.
- A wide-brimmed sun hat.
- Sunglasses for the sunlight and glare.
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CAMERA AND TORCH/FLASHLIGHT:
- Take spare batteries and power chargers.
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BINOCULARS:
- Great to have on a game drive – good idea to bring your own.
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BIRD, MAMMAL, INSECT, PLANT AND TREE FIELD GUIDES:
- Good idea to bring your own, but are available at book shops and curio shops at game lodges. Some upmarket game lodges have their own libraries with nature books available for guests to read.
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SMOKING:
- Smoking is not permitted in all public places. Some restaurants have specifically demarcated areas for customers who smoke.
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TIPPING:
- If the service is satisfactory, it is customary to tip caddies, taxi drivers, hotel and railway porters, chambermaids, stewards, waiters and tour guides. The accepted average is 10 to 15%.
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| SAFETY AND SECURITY: |
| As in most countries in the world, the following safety precautions should be taken: |
- It is not advisable to walk alone in deserted streets, especially after dark. Only book taxis through a reputable taxi company at night.
- Avoid carrying bulky camera bags or wearing expensive jewellery.
- All valuables should be locked in a safe in your room, or ask the hotel’s reception to lock them away for you.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Be aware of the possibility of pick-pockets and bag-snatchers.
- Be vigilant when drawing money from a cash machine. Never let anyone approach you while doing this, no matter how friendly and helpful they may seem.
- Lock your car and hide away any valuables left inside.
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