To get the most out of your upcoming journey of a lifetime, please check out the links below for detailed information on what to Pack, Health Advice, Arrival formalities & documentation, Quick country facts and so much more:
Travel Insurance
All participants are eligible to purchase travel insurance for both the land package and their group airfare. You can do so through this link. Please be sure to include your full land package, including all upgrades and tours, as well as the full flight cost. Please click HERE to purchase insurance.
Country Travel Guide for South Africa
Please click HERE to see the
Passport and Visa Information
It is the traveler's responsibility for obtaining valid travel documents (passport, visa or other required documents) that comply with the entry and exit requirements for ALL destinations being travelled to. A passenger who does not hold the required travel documents may be denied boarding or entry into the country of destination. Please make sure you have the correct number of blank pages for South Africa. Please click HERE to learn more
We wanted to share an important update for clients traveling to or from South Africa. Effective 1 July 2026, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) requires all travelers entering or departing South Africa by air, land, sea, or rail to complete an online Traveler Declaration before their journey. This new requirement is designed to streamline border processes and enhance customs compliance. Travelers are encouraged to submit their declaration well in advance of departure to help avoid unnecessary delays at the border.
Travellers entering or leaving South Africa are required to complete the SARS online Traveller Declaration before travelling. Declarations should generally be submitted no more than 24 hours before departure.
For answers to frequently asked questions, please visit: list of FAQs
Traveling with Children to South Africa
Please see HERE information for those traveling with children to South Africa:
Document Requirements for Children
—Child’s valid passport (everyone needs one).
—Unabridged birth certificate or equivalent parentage document required in most
cases.
—If a child is travelling with only one parent or someone other than their
parents, you’ll also need:
o Parental consent affidavit or court order granting custody/legal guardianship.
o Copy of the non-travelling parent/guardian’s ID or passport and their contact
details.
—Unaccompanied minors must also bring consent from both parents/legal guardians, a letter from the host in South Africa, and contact details.
Immigration rules may change—always check the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest guidance before travel
Further documentation may be required by airlines, please check with them individually.
What to pack for South Africa?
Light, natural, earthy colours in breathable fabrics are the best way to ensure your comfort on South Africa tours. Avoid dark colours as these can attract mosquitos. Bring a few practical layers if you’re coming in the cooler months from May to October. South African safari vehicles are open, and things get chilly on those early-morning and late-afternoon game drives. Long, lightweight pants and sturdy walking shoes are must-haves on a walking safari, or hiking around the Western Cape. A good camera is also a must. Whether you’re using your phone or an advanced digital camera with a zoom lens, know its settings and quirks inside and out before landing in South Africa. You don’t want to miss an amazing shot.
The most practical items to pack:
— Sun hat
— T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts
— Shorts/skirts (short skirts are not practical for getting in and out of 4x4 game drive vehicles).
— Long trousers for evenings and cooler days
— Closed walking shoes & sandals – preferably low healed or flat if you are going on safari.
— Swim and beachwear, including sarongs
— Jackets and sweaters are recommended for early morning and evening game drives
— Lightweight water-proof jacket
— Hat and gloves for the cold winter months
— Good quality sunglasses
— Torch (head torches are very practical)
— Malaria tablets (if applicable) & insect repellent
— Antihistamine tablets if you suffer from any allergies
— Anti-nausea tablets if you suffer from motion sickness
— Suntan lotion (with a high SPF factor)
— Basic medical kit
— Binoculars
— Sufficient memory cards and batteries for your camera equipment
Can I drink the tap water in South Africa?
While tap water in many urban areas of South Africa is treated, we recommend against drinking tap water during your trip. To be safe, we suggest drinking bottled or filtered water, which is widely available at hotels, lodges, and shops. Bottled water will be easily accessible throughout your itinerary.
Do I need a plug adapter for South Africa?
Yes. South Africa uses a different electrical plug than the U.S. and Europe, so a plug adapter is required for charging electronic devices. We strongly recommend purchasing a South Africa–compatible or universal travel adapter before departure to ensure you can easily charge your devices throughout the trip. Adapters are readily available online (such as on Amazon) and are best arranged in advance, as availability on-site may be limited.
A Special Note About Baggage
Airlines: Each airline has their own baggage rules and restrictions. Please refer to their website for the most up to date rules and regulations. Note United Airlines is 1 free checked bag up to 50lbs and a carry on. SA Airlink is 1 checked bag at 20kg’s and 8kg hand luggage.
Tour Luggage Allowance: Due to limited coach storage, each passenger is permitted one standard-size suitcase to be stored in the coach luggage hold. In addition, passengers may bring one small, soft-sided personal item onboard (such as a handbag or small backpack). Small wheeled cases are not permitted onboard the coach.
If your group will be traveling with more than one suitcase per person, this must be advised prior to final payment, as additional arrangements may be required (costs not included). Failure to notify us in advance may impact the smooth operation of the tour and result in additional charges payable locally.
Where Should I dine during my meals at Leisure
Restaurants that are approximately 5 min from JHB Melrose Arch hotel:
- Marble Restaurant is approximately 10 min away.
- The Hussar Grill Harvest Place is approximately 10 min away.
- Bull Run at PH Balalaika is approximately 10 min away.
- Nelson Mandela Square is approximately 14 minutes away from the hotel.
- The Raj on the Square is approximately 14 minutes away from the hotel.
- Pappas Restaurant is approximately 14 minutes away from the hotel.
- Carnivores is approximately 50 min away, so probably not a great option.
Restaurants that are approximately 5 min from Southern Sun The Cullinan hotel: This would be the V & A Waterfront with restaurants like Gibsons, Karibu, City Grill, Baia, Harbour House etc (a variety of restaurants). Spyced Restaurant is 13 min away.
The above restaurants will require pre-booking of tables prior to arrival and some require a deposit to hold the reservation in peak season
What vaccinations do I need for travel to South Africa?
Vaccination requirements and recommendations can vary based on your personal medical history, where you are traveling from, and the regions you plan to visit within South Africa. For this reason, we strongly recommend that all travelers consult their primary care physician or a certified travel health clinic well in advance of departure.
Your doctor can:
—Review which routine vaccinations you are already up to date on
—Advise whether any additional travel-related vaccines are appropriate for you
Where can I find general vaccination guidance?
The U.S. Department of State and CDC provide general, destination-specific health guidance on the travel.gov website. These resources outline commonly recommended vaccines for travelers to South Africa.
Please note: while we are happy to share general information, we are not medical professionals and cannot advise which vaccinations you should receive.
What vaccines might my doctor recommend?
Depending on your itinerary and medical history, your doctor may discuss some of the following vaccinations or preventative measures:
—Hepatitis A and B
—Typhoid
—Tetanus (routine booster)
—Meningitis
—Yellow Fever (required only if arriving from certain countries where Yellow Fever is present)
—Malaria prophylaxis (depending on region)
For travelers visiting Pilanesberg National Park, please note that this area is considered malaria-free, though your doctor can advise if precautions are needed elsewhere in your itinerary.
When should I speak with my doctor?
We recommend scheduling a consultation 6–8 weeks before travel, as some vaccines require multiple doses or time to become effective.
What currency should I use in South Africa?
South Africa’s local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR), and travelers should plan to have Rand available during the trip.
Should I exchange money before I travel or once I arrive?
We strongly recommend exchanging money before departure. While it is possible to exchange currency in South Africa, arriving with cash already in hand will make your experience much smoother—especially for a large group.
If additional cash is needed during the trip, it can be easily exchanged locally.
Where can I get South African Rand (ZAR) before my trip?
You can obtain ZAR through several options:
• Your local bank (availability varies by bank)
• Currency exchange counters at U.S. departure airports
• Local or online currency exchange bureaus (many allow you to order online and pick up at a nearby location)
Please note that not all banks stock Rand, so it’s best to check in advance.
Are credit cards widely accepted in South Africa?
Yes. Credit cards are commonly accepted at hotels, restaurants, shops, and larger establishments.
However, cash is important for:
—Shopping at local markets or tourist stalls
—Purchasing items directly from local vendors
—Small tips or incidental expenses
For these situations, having Rand on hand is essential.
How much cash should I plan to carry?
This will vary depending on personal spending habits, but having a reasonable amount of Rand available for small purchases, gratuities, and souvenirs is recommended.
Tipping customs vary by country and by service, and practices may differ from what you’re used to at home. The guidelines below are intended as general recommendations only. Gratuities are always discretionary, and guests are welcome to reward exceptional service at their own comfort level.
Airport, Train Station & Hotel Porters
At hotels and lodges included in your itinerary, porterage is already included and is handled directly by your tour operator. No additional tipping is required unless you feel you’ve received exceptional service and wish to offer a personal gratuity.
Restaurants
In most restaurants, a tip of 10%–15% is customary if service has been good.
Please note that some restaurants in South Africa (though relatively few) may add a standard service charge, particularly for larger tables. We recommend checking your bill or confirming with the manager before tipping.
Meals Included in Your Package
For meals that are included as part of your group package, gratuities are already covered and no additional tipping is expected.
If you ever feel unsure about tipping in a particular situation, your guide will be happy to offer guidance during your trip.
