Facts about South Africa
Purchasing Fuel for your rental car in South Africa.
Please note that Credit cards are NOT accepted for fuel purchases in South Africa. You should pay cash for your fuel in South African Rand. The average price for fuel is around ZAR R7.39 to R7.69 per Litre depending if you are at the coast or inland, and if you are using Unleaded Fuel, Lead Replacement Fuel. Some of the vehicles run on Diesel, which is currently priced from ZAR R6.66 - R6.70 per litre. (Fuel rates as of August 2009)
Time in South Africa
South Africa is 2 hours ahead of GMT, one hour ahead of Central European winter time and 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard winter time (USA).
Language
There are 11 official languages. The English speaking tourist will experience no difficulties, neither the Dutch nor Flemish speakers. Most of the larger institutions and operators cater for German, French and Japanese groups.
Immunisation
No immunisation is needed when entering the country except when entering it within six days after leaving a yellow-fever infected area. Malaria risks in the north-eastern parts of the Northern Province, eastern Mphumalanga and northern Kwazulu Natal is high ( F. Falciparum strain).
Driving
Public roads are well developed and well sign-posted with driving done on the left. Drivers must have an international driver's license and a minimum of 5 years' experience. It is wise to drive defensively as standards vary. This is probably the best way to see the country.
Parking cars
When parking cars at night make sure that they are parked in areas which are secure and well lit. Never leave loose items or valuables anywhere in the vehicle, always remove such items from the vehicle or place it securely in the boot of the car.
Luggagge and travel checklist :
Travel documents and papers to bring:
- A valid passport, be sure to check the expiry date, it should be valid for at least six months from the date of entry, and a minimum of four blank pages as required by South African law.
- It is a also good idea to carry a photocopy of the photo page and the entry stamp page of your passport as well as an additional piece of identification if possible such as one other picture ID (e.g. driver's licence).
- Visas if necessary, double check if you need before you leave, currently they are not required for Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Uganda or Zimbabwe.
- A print out of your itinerary, with the contact details of the places you will be staying at and the companies whose services you will be using.
- Any medical documentation you may need such as doctors prescriptions, allergy information or chronic medication information.
- Map and road map of the areas you will be going, as well as any guides or guide books
- Air tickets, please make sure your air tickets are valid and all in order.
- Travel insurance documents, information and contact numbers
- Drivers licence in english, with a photocopy just to be sure
- Your daily budget and spending money, travellers cheques and credit cards
(NB: Please check the expirey dates of your credit cards, and inform your bank of the countries you will be using your cards in!) - Your present list, it is a good idea to bring a list of names so that you can remember all the people who you would like to buy local gifts for.
Suggested list of Clothing you should pack:
As no formal clothes are needed throughout most of Southern Africa, we recommend that you limit your luggage to the basics, remember that there may be weight restrictions on luggage amounts for internal / domestic flights. (NB: see SAA baggage information below)
Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year but you may want to include items listed below:
- A wide brimmed hat preferable to a peak cap in order to protect the sensitive neck area prone to sunburn
- Comfortable shorts / skirts as well as pants such as long trousers, golf-shirts, t-shirts and long-sleeved cotton shirts for daily wear. If out on safari, bright colours and white are NOT advised, neutral colours are best.
- Semi formal attire will be needed for city restaurants, and you might need also need formal attire if you are staying at a prestigious hotel.
- A warm winter jersey, anorak or Parka is recommended for early morning or evening activities, depending on the time of year.
- Underwear (sports bra recommended on game drives as the roads can be bumpy and uneven) and socks, as well as a bathing costume.
- Good walking shoes such as tennis or running shoes that are comfortable and sturdy. If you will be doing lots of mountain walking, you should consider bringing hiking boots. Some sandals or open shoes to relax in when not exploring is also a good idea.
Other items to bring:
- Basic medical kit containing (chronic medication, allergy medication, aspirins, plasters, Imodium, antiseptic cream, anti-histamine cream etc)
- Personal toiletries - including cosmetics, lip balm, moisture cream, and sun protection cream
- If you wear contact lenses, we recommend a pair of back-up glasses or a spare set of lenses.
- Sunglasses, are necessity for the strong sunlight and related glare common in South Africa
- Binoculars, video and camera equipment, with extra film or memory storage cards
- Torch with spare batteries
- Insect repellant - Note that local brands such as 'Peaceful Sleep' and 'Tabard', as well as herbal citronella-based repellants are inexpensive and readily available at most convenience stores.
- Chargers and any adapters you may need for mobile phones, digital cameras and other portable electronic devices.
- Field guides, maps and other documentation for the areas you will be visiting, as well as game and bird guides
- A journal and pen to write about your daily adventures
- An interesting novel to relax with on long journeys
South African Airlines Baggage information:
Free Checked Baggage Allowance on SAA flights, please note that SAA charges ZAR30.00 / KG excess baggage charge. First Class tickets - 40kg, Business Class tickets - 30kg and Economy class tickets - 20kg.
South African Airways will accept only one piece of cabin baggage for economy class and two pieces for business class passengers. The maximum dimensions should not exceed: Length: 115cm (Length + Height + Width) and not weighing more than 8 Kg. Cabin baggage may be removed from the cabin due to space constraints.
SAA will no longer accept any single item of hold baggage exceeding 32kg (70lbs) which has not been approved for carriage by South African Airways at least 24 hours prior to travel. You will be asked to reduce the weight and size of the item by re-packing. If you cannot comply with this, the item will be refused carriage and you will be required to make alternative arrangements.
| Done? | Planning the Trip | Notes |
| Enrol in frequent flyer mileage program | ||
| Request in-flight meals for special dietary needs | ||
| Check auto insurance policy to ensure coverage on rental car | ||
| Check accommodation for special dietry requirements (halaal, kosher, vegan etc) | ||
| Check medical insurance policy for coverage of out-of-town needs | ||
| Decide whether to purchase travel insurance | ||
| Request smoking/non-smoking accommodations | ||
| Purchase or arrange to borrow guidebooks and phrase books for destination | ||
| Ensure passport or visa is current | ||
| Done? | Arrangements | Notes |
| Arrange for pet sitter | ||
| Arrange for houseplant and lawn care | ||
| Arrange for pickup of packages and solicitations left at door | ||
| Leave emergency contact info and itinerary with relative or friend | ||
| Get appropriate inoculations for destination | ||
| Verify available spending limits on credit cards | ||
| Purchase local currency | ||
| Purchase traveller’s checks | ||
| Pay bills | ||
| Put hold on newspapers | ||
| Put hold on mail | ||
| Arrange transportation to and from airport | ||
| Done? | Have you packed properly? | Notes |
| In checked luggage: | ||
| In carry-on luggage: | ||
| Prescription medications | ||
| Vitamins and over-the-counter medications (travel sickness, headache, indigestion, diarrhoea) | ||
| Extra pairs of sunglasses, prescription glasses, contact lenses | ||
| Address book/PDA and PDA charger | ||
| Cell phone and charger | ||
| Camera, video camera, film, batteries, binoculars | ||
| Power adapters and plug adapters | ||
| Magazines, books, portable music or DVD player, playing cards | ||
| Travel maps, guidebook, phrase book | ||
| Travel neck pillow | ||
| Snacks and bottled water | ||
| Lip balm | ||
| Tissues/"Wet Ones" | ||
| Ear plugs | ||
| Credit cards and expirey dates | ||
| Health insurance card | ||
| Long distance phone card | ||
| Driver's license | ||
| Auto insurance policy number and agent telephone number | ||
| Passport/visa | ||
| Recent photos of all travel companions | ||
| Local currency | ||
| Traveller’s checks | ||
| Airplane tickets | ||
| Confirmation numbers for hotel, rental car, and other reservations | ||
| Done? | Day Prior to Departure Notes | Notes |
| Set timers for lights in house | ||
| Water plants | ||
| Empty trash | ||
| Update voice mail and e-mail auto-reply message | ||
| Update Web sites that you manage | ||
| Give or throw away perishables from refrigerator | ||
| Get seat assignments for flights |
