Practical Information

Travel advice for South Africa

South Africa is a destination that offers the most extensive variety of breathtaking experiences, combined with First World infrastructure. As it’s the most ‘western’ country on the African continent, the culture shock won’t be too big. Nevertheless we put together some advice for your trip to South Africa, so you can step into the plane with a peaceful mind and only think about the beautiful wildlife adventures that await you!

Take your pills (if you go to Kruger or Mapungubwe)

There are no compulsory vaccinations required when entering South Africa. Also, there is no yellow fever disease in South Africa, and you can’t contract it there. All travellers should obviously be up to date on their normal routine vaccinations, but to make it easy, no documentation is needed when crossing the South African border.

Malaria is only a risk in three provinces of South Africa and only from October to May. Kruger National Park and Mapungubwe National Park are the only parks in that area so if one of these is on your itinerary, it’s advisable to take malaria prophylaxis medication, wear long sleeves and trousers after sunset and use insect repellents. Our lodges in malaria-prone areas are usually equipped with mosquito nets.

No visa needed

If you’re travelling with a European Union, American, British or Canadian passport, you do not need a visa to visit South Africa. This is, as long as your trip is for tourism or business and doesn’t last more than 90 days. Make sure not to overstay, or you will be put on the non-wanted list for the next five years. And that would be a pity because you’ll definitely want to come back 🙂

English will take you a long way…

South Africa is called ‘the rainbow nation’ for all the right reasons, and with no less than 11 official languages, it’s a melting pot of different cultures and ethnic traditions. Zulu and Xhosa are the most widely spoken languages amongst the black communities, and Afrikaans still is the first language of about 7 million South Africans (mainly white and coloured). While most South Africans can communicate in more than one language, English is the most commonly spoken and the language of official business and commerce.

If you’re keen on communicating with the locals, you can start with some magic words 😊