Country Facts - South Africa
Airport & Departure Taxes:
Pre-payable international departure tax have been included in the cost of your holiday.
Baggage Allowance:
Due to weight restrictions on flights within South Africa , the baggage allowance for this tour is strictly limited to 20 Kilos regardless of class booked. At the present time each passenger is permitted to carry ONE small item of cabin baggage through the airport security search point. The dimensions of this item must not exceed, a maximum height of 56cm (22 inches), width 45cm (17.7 inches) and depth 25cm (10 inches), including wheels, handles, side pockets etc. In addition to the above allowance you are also permitted to carry personal items such as a ladies handbag or small briefcase. Further information regarding hand luggage and items that can be carried in your hand luggage can be found by accessing www.baa.co.uk which is the website address for BAA which operates London Heathrow Airport . Manchester Airport can be accessed at www.manchesterairport.co.uk
Climate & Weather Watch:
South Africa 's seasons are the reverse of those of the northern hemisphere and therefore summer is between October and April. The climate is generally dry, warm and moderate due to its position between the cold Benguela Current on the Atlantic Ocean side, and the warm Agulhus Current on the Indian Ocean side. Average temperatures in the summer months range between 16-28_c and thunderstorms can be expected later in the days up in the Gauteng and Mpumalanga region.
Clothing:
Emphasis is definitely on cool, casual dress. During the day either light weight trousers or better still shorts, together with short sleeve shirts. A cardigan or jacket may be advisable in case of the odd cool evening. Whilst in the game reserve clothing in white or bright colours should be avoided. Binoculars although not essential, could be very useful throughout the tour.
Currency & Money Matters:
South African currency comprises of South African Rand and cents. We recommend you take a small amount of Rand with you for your immediate requirements. Rand or Sterling travellers cheques are also recommended. Currency can be converted at banks, hotels and foreign exchanges. Major credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country. Please note there is an "official" limit of 5000 Rand that can be taken into South Africa .
In Zambia prices are in US Dollars, and as travellers cheques are not widely accepted it is advisable to take US Dollar bills or South African Rand.
Most banks are open as follows:
Monday to Friday: 08.30 - 14.30 hours
Saturday: 08.30 - 11.00 hours
Sunday: Closed
Public Holidays: Closed
Customs:
Visitors 18 years or over are allowed duty free: 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 2 litres of wine and l litre of spirits or liquor. Gifts/souvenirs up to a total combined value of £145.
Electrical Items:
Voltage 220V. Large 3 pin 'round' plugs are in general use. The 'continental' type adaptors generally on sale in the UK are not compatible. Plugs/adaptors can be obtained locally.
Hotel Facilities:
The majority of bedrooms have tea/coffee making facilities and hairdryers. Irons and ironing boards are not provided although all hotels offer a laundry and housekeeping service. We recommend you take a travel clock as not all hotels have bedside clocks. Electric Razor sockets are provided in all of the hotels.
Immunisation:
There are no compulsory vaccination requirements needed, however, anti-malaria tablets are required on this tour. We strongly recommend you seek your doctor's advice no later than two months prior to your departure.
Medication:
Should be carried in hand luggage. Passengers taking needles/syringes should carry a letter from their General Practitioner. All medication should be carried in original packaging with the dispensing label securely attached. Airline check-in staff should be advised the type of medication being carried and they will give further instructions regarding proceeding through security screening.
Passports & Visas:
Full ten year passports are required for all visitors to South Africa and Zambia , they must be valid for six months after your return to the UK . In addition your passport should also contain at least one clear page otherwise you could be refused entry to South Africa . Visas are not required for British Passport holders for South Africa , however the Zambian Government have advised that a visa will need to be purchased upon arrival into Livingstone. The cost of this visa is currently USD 140.00 per person (£75.00 approximately) and is payable in US dollar bills. If you are intending to do the Chobe day excursion on Day 20 you will then need a multiple entry visa at at cost of USD 442.00 per person (£240.00 approximately).
Photography:
It is recommended that all photographic film and single use cameras are carried in your hand luggage. These items should be handed to security for hand checking rather than being scanned.
Summer Months:
In the summer months especially when temperatures can be very high, every precaution should be taken to protect against the harmful rays of the sun. Insect repellent is strongly recommended.
Taxis:
There are no 'cruising' taxis in South Africa . Taxi stands are situated in various areas within each city. Should you wish to utilise taxis please contact the head porter at your hotel, who will assist you. All taxis run by a meter system.
Telephone Calls:
Please note hotels charge a service fee for calls which can be of a high percentage, please check before dialling. Telephone cards are the cheapest way to telephone home and can be purchased locally.
Time Zone:
GMT + 2
Tipping:
Tipping is a general accepted custom, and the following guidelines may assist you. 8% service charge is included in all meals.
Game Rangers: £2.50 per person per day in private game reserves.
Restaurants: If not included in the main bill, 10% of the total cost is suggested as a tip, if you have been happy with the service.
Tour Managers, Drivers & Guides: Dependent on the standard of service given and your level of satisfaction, we recommend £1.50 per person per day for your Tour Manager, £1.50 per person per day for your local guide and £1.50 per day for your driver.
The above recommendations are for guidance only. As tips are a personal matter and purely down to your discretion , we suggest they are given on an individual basis rather than as a group collection. All hotel porterage is taken care of by Journeys of Distinction.
Valuables:
All hotels have safe deposit facilities and we recommend these be used for valuables, passports etc. when not in use. Care should be taken in all cities and we would recommend that you do not flaunt jewellery, cameras etc.
VAT (Value Added Tax):
Value added tax of 14% is added to all services and sales of goods. This is shown separately on accounts, and VAT on goods (not services) with a total value of over R250 can be claimed back provided a tax invoice is requested at the time of purchase. Forms are available at international airports, which must be shown WITH the purchases upon departure.
Please note that the above information may be subject to change. Current information correct as at 01/05/2008
