Before you go to South Africa

There are few countries in the world that compare with South Africa's scenic splendor and diversity of leisure options: game reserves, mountain resorts, spectacular beaches and cosmopolitan cities offer a variety of experiences for all interests. The traveler can combine game viewing in the rich bushveld, wine tasting in the countryside and the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town all in one visit. There are tranquil beaches, tribal villages and unique coastal habitats. Situated at the tip of Africa, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, this country encompasses a diverse variety of landscapes offering stunning scenery.

The Basic Facts

Full Name		Republic of South Africa (RSA)
Legislative Capital		Cape Town
Judicial Capital		Bloemfontein
Administrative Capital		Pretoria
Independence		May 31, 1910
Time		GMT 2 hours
Population		43,426,386 (estimated July 1999)
Area		1,219,912 km2
Currency		South African Rands (ZAR)
President		Thabo Mbeki (since June 16, 1999)

Public Holidays

New Year's Day		Jan 1
Human Rights Day		Mar 21
Good Friday		varies
Family Day		varies
Constitution Day		Apr 27
Workers' Day		May 1
Youth Day		June 16
Women's Day		Aug 9
Heritage Day		Sept 24
Day of Reconciliation		Dec 16
Christmas Day		Dec 25
Day of Goodwill		Dec 26

Culture & Language

The people of South Africa are made up of many diverse cultures and hence it is known as the Rainbow Nation. It has been a difficult task to unite the people under laws that represent the traditions and beliefs of all groups. The struggle to live together peacefully still continues, but South Africans are generally optimistic about living in harmony with each other, as well as the land that is so undeniably beautiful.

Many cultures are represented within South Africa. 75% of the population is made up of black cultures such as the Xhosa, Zulu, Ndebele, Venda, Sotho and Tswana. Large groups of South Africans are of mixed-race and there are also many of Asian descent. White people make up a sizable minority and are of mostly British or Afrikaans (Cape Dutch) origin.

South Africans practice a variety of different religions. The major religions are Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism and African Traditional Religions. The new South African culture is one that emphasizes the values of democracy, tolerance and understanding, but of course there are still aspects of the old South Africa that need to be overcome.

Consequently, the modern South Africa is a vibrant mix of cultures and traditions, with influences from all over the world - Europe, Asia and Africa have all contributed to South African traditions, while the ubiquitous American pop culture has found popularity.

There are 11 official languages in South Africa: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Sotho (Sotho is only divided into Southern & Northern Sotho, when it comes to schools), Swazi, Tsongo, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu and Pedi. The English-speaking visitor will have no problem while traveling through the country. Below are a few words and phrases that have been translated into three of the country's official languages - they should be helpful in most regions:

A Few Phrases

English	Afrikaans	Zulu	Xhosa
Good morning	Goeie more	Sawubona	Molo
Good afternoon	Goeie middag	Sawubona	Molo
Good evening	Goeie naand	Sawubona	Molo
Goodbye	Totsiens	Hamba kahle	Hamba kakuhle
Thank you	Dankie	Ngiyabonga	Enkosi
Yes	Ja	Yebo	Ewe
My name is...	My naam is...	Igama lam ngu...	Igama lam ngu...
What is your name?	Wat is jou naam?	Igama lakho ngubani?	Ungubani Igama lakho?
Where is the nearest telephone?	Iphi itelefoni eseduzane?	Iphi imfonomfono ekufutshane?
Show me the way to...	Waar is...	Ngikhombise umgwaqo oya...	Ungandikhombisa indlela ekufutshane...

Before you go

Visa & Passport

All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. There should be sufficient blank pages for entry stamps upon arrival.

Nationals of the following countries do not require visas for a stay of less than 90 days: All Commonwealth Countries, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Denmark, Finland, France, German Federal Republic, Greece, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Namibia, Netherlands, Norway, Western Samoa, San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay, USA and Yugoslavia. This is a guide only - please check with your nearest South Africa Consulate for up to date information.

If you are traveling with another passport, please contact the consulate directly regarding visa requirements. All visitors may be requested to show proof of sufficient funds and onward travel / return ticket.

Embassy of the Republic of South Africa
3051 Massachusetts, NW
Washington D.C. 20008
202.232.4400
safrica@southafrica.net

Note: Before you leave home, we suggest you make photocopies of the information pages in your passport and carry them separately from your passport. We also recommend bringing at least two extra 2"x2" passport photographs. This will facilitate the replacement of your passport and visa(s) in the event your passport is lost or stolen.

Immunizations & Health

Current WHO Report for South Africa

You will find Africa a hospitable and healthy place to visit. However, we do strongly recommend that you consult your physician regarding medications and immunizations that are recommended or mandatory. The World Health Organization compiles a listing of required and recommended immunizations for international travelers. Your health insurance provider may cover some of the costs associated with these immunizations. All vaccinations should be officially recorded and stamped in a yellow international immunization card. This card should be carried with your passport.

Routine Immunizations are: tetanus-diphtheria, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, rubella, influenza and pneumococcal. Many of these are grouped together and some are oral. Additional immunizations to discuss with your doctor are yellow fever, hepatitus A, typhoid, cholera, polio and meningitis.

For your safety, we request all passengers take a course of malaria prophylactics. There are several different possibilities on the market. Please discuss with your doctor which one is best for you.

Please remember, not all immunizations can be taken or obtained on the same day or on the day of departure. Some immunizations must be administered serially over a period of time and some cannot be given together. See your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to allow time for vaccines to take effect.

*Health concerns throughout the world change regularly. For the latest requirements and recommendations, consult your doctor and/or go to the above link for the latest WHO report on South Africa.

It is important that you alert us to any allergies, dietary restrictions and existing medical conditions.

Packing

Africa is very casual. Plan to wear neutral colors because bright colors and white can startle some animals. Remember, there is a lot of dust - khaki seems to be a good solution. South Africa is a very developed nation and there are many occasions to dress up at luxury lodges and in cities. The following is a general outline of items to pack:

Documentation

Passport
2 passport photos
Health Certificates
Airline Tickets
Travelers Checks
Spending Money

Proof of insurance

Xerox copy of passport, travelers checks

General

1 bag/backpack - max 30 lbs
1 small day bag
Travel pillow
Travel alarm clock
Luggage lock
Travel umbrella

Field Gear

Camera/film/batteries
Video camera/tapes/batteries
Binoculars (Extremely Important)
African Field Guild
Journal & Pens
Book
Map - Michelin #746 is best
Water Bottle
Flashlight & Batteries
Sunglasses
Wide-brimmed hat, baseball cap and/or bandanas

Clothes

2 pair shorts
2 pair lightweight pants
3 lightweight shirts
1 longsleeved lightweight shirt
1 sweater/fleece
1 warm windproof jacket
Swim Suit
Undergarments & Socks
1 pair all weather sandals
1 pair lightweight walking shoes
1 pair evening shoes for lodges and cities
Men: one nice collared shirt
Women: Dress or skirt and blouse. Sports bra for ladies

Toiletries

General - toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, razor, shampoo, etc.
Sunblock
Insect repellent (containing DEET - 20% is optimal)
Lotion/sun protective lip balm
Small bottle of Woolite or washing detergent for undergarments
Contact lenses/solution/glasses
Hairdryer (requires a converter 220-240 volt AC 50 Hz

First Aid Kit

The basics: bandages, antibiotic ointment, anti-diarrhea tablets, antacid tablets, pain reliever, waterproof tape, antiseptic, tweezers, scissors, etc./li>
Allergy pills
Prescription drugs w/original label
Malaria tablets

Money & Tipping

Today's Exchange Rate

The unit of currency is the rand (R), which is divided into 100 cents. Notes are in R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10. Coins are in denominations of R5, R2, R1 and 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c and 1c.

The exchange rate tends to be in the international tourist's favor and you should find most goods very affordable, and some imported and specially manufactured items might be cheaper here than elsewhere. Generally, you will find that fine cuisine, wine and entertainment cost a fraction of the tariff charged by equivalent establishments elsewhere in the world.

We suggest bringing a combination of Traveler's Checks (mainly as a security measure) and US dollars. Have your traveler's checks issued in small denominations ($20s and $50s) as you will receive the entire amount in the foreign currency you exchange for. Getting US dollars in Africa is expensive but having some throughout the trip is necessary. The remainder of your spending money is a combination of credit card purchases and obtaining local currency at ATM machines. The amount of extra money you need to bring will depend on how many optional activities interest you and your shopping habits. $300 cash should be plenty - with at least $50 in small bills for bartering and tipping.

Personal expenditures, meals in major cities, insurance, drinks other than specified, gratuities, airport taxes and visa fees are excluded. We suggest that you allow US$25-35 per day to cover the cost of personal expenses and souvenirs (within reason). There are a number of optional activities available and recommended in Cape Town.
Note: We strongly recommend keeping your passport, all money, vouchers and international air tickets in a money belt or pouch.

Guide to Tipping on Safari

Although tipping is a safari tradition, it is never compulsory and should only be done if you have received good service. The staff very much appreciates receiving gratuity from you and it is one way of assuring them they are doing a good job. You can tip in US dollars or local currency.

Guests often want to know what is appropriate, so we have prepared a brief guideline to assist you.

Professional Guides and Driver Guides
We recommend, if you are happy with the service, about US$5-10 per person, per day for the guide and about US$3 per person, per day for the driver as a suggested tip.

Lodges and Camps
Here we recommend US$3-5 per client, per day, to be divided among the staff. Most lodges have a staff tip box located at reception or a central location. Tips left here will be divided among the porters and waiters and other lodge staff. If you are particularly satisfied with assistance received from someone, a personal tip is also acceptable.

Voltage & Photography

Bring the photo equipment you are used to working with. A trip like this is not the best place for trying out a new camera. If you spend all of your time learning how to use a piece of equipment, you may not learn how to shoot good images. Bring the instruction manual. Keep in mind that too much equipment can be a hindrance, while leaving behind a piece that could be useful is also a mistake. We suggest bringing an 8" x 5" beanbag to use as a tripod to hold your camera steady when shooting from the vehicle. Bring a combination of lenses that range from 25mm to 300mm.

We suggest an average of 2-3 rolls of film per day of game viewing. Most of your game viewing is in the early morning and mid to late afternoons. For protection from airport X-ray machines, pack all film in lead-lined shield bags. Film and batteries are not available in the African bush. You will find them in the major cities, but they are very expensive.

Digital photography is here. Digital photographers will have to plan for how to save images while in the field. Multiple storage disks are less cumbersome than bringing a laptop to download images to.

Whichever film type you select, the slower ASA films (50-100) generally produce higher quality photos. I would bring a slow film and a faster one (400) for low-light situations.
Note: Always ask before photographing the native people. Do not take pictures of military installations, police stations, airports, soldiers, police or border posts - you may have your film confiscated.

Please consult with lodge managers about charging your equipment. Many properties are run on generators that are only turned on at certain times of the day, usually in the early evening and turned off in the late evening at bedtime.

Electricity in Africa is generally at 220 volts AC, therefore, for most 110 appliances you will need both an adapter for the proper plug configuration and a converter for the correct current. Both round and rectangular three pronged plug sockets are in use. Most safari camps do not have individual electrical outlets in the tents.

The Africa factor

Expect the unexpected. Despite our efforts to have every safari run perfectly, things are going to happen that are simply out of our control. We will do what we can to minimize these situations however, things will still occur albeit a canceled flight beyond our control, rogue warthogs wandering in our camp, flat tires, floods, all or none may occur.