Safari & City FAQ

UK passport holders do not need a visa for tourist visits up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for your stay with at least two blank pages for entry stamps. We will confirm entry rules at the time of booking.

Travelling with children If one parent or guardian is travelling alone, or surnames differ, carry a simple parental consent letter plus copies of the non‑travelling parent/guardian’s ID. The child’s passport is sufficient as their ID; the copies are to support the consent letter. Use the South African Department of Home Affairs suggested template and fill it in before you fly: https://www.dha.gov.za/files/Parental-Consent-Letter_Suggested-Format_v8.pdf

Direct flights from London to Johannesburg are about 11 hours. London to Cape Town is around 11.5 to 12 hours. Choose your arrival airport based on your route: – Cape Town first for Cape Peninsula, Winelands and Eastern Cape safaris. – Johannesburg first for Kruger, Sabi Sands, Timbavati or Madikwe.

Alternative to Johannesburg for Kruger‑area safaris If you prefer to avoid Johannesburg, there are now direct flights between Cape Town (CPT) and Hoedspruit (HDS), the gateway for many Greater Kruger private reserves. This works well for a Cape Town start followed by safari.

Booking policy You usually book your own international return flights. Please check airport and route with us first. We can book internal flights (including CPT↔HDS), car hire and tours, or support you to book direct.

South Africa is UTC+2 year-round. It is typically 2 hours ahead of the UK in winter and 1 hour ahead in British Summer Time.
Jet lag is usually mild.

Pay in South African Rand (ZAR), not GBP, when a card machine offers “pay in your home currency.” That avoids dynamic currency conversion markups. Cards are widely accepted and ATMs are common. Use chip and PIN, keep contactless limits in mind, and carry a little cash for tips and rural stops.

Exchange rate checker For a trusted daily rate reference, use the Bank of England: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/statistics/exchange-rates For a live mid‑market rate, use Wise: https://wise.com/gb/currency-converter/gbp-to-zar-rate

Yes, on eligible goods you are taking out of the country. Keep original tax invoices and present goods and receipts at the VAT refund office before departure. Services and most experiences are not eligible.

Be city-smart as you would in any major destination. Use verified transport, avoid walking alone at night, keep valuables out of sight and be alert at ATMs. Uber operates in South Africa. We can also arrange trusted drivers and guides.

Read more: https://safariandcity.com/travel-safety-guide/

Some safari areas, including parts of the Kruger region and the lowveld, have seasonal malaria risk. Winter months are typically lower risk, but malaria can occur year‑round. The decision to take antimalarial tablets is personal and depends on your specific route and health profile.

Our guidance – We will map your exact itinerary to current risk maps and advise you to consult your GP or a travel‑health clinic 6–8 weeks before travel.  Many guests use a layered approach: Repellent such as Peaceful sleep, long sleeves and trousers at dusk, closed shoes, and sleeping under a mosquito net in screened or air‑conditioned rooms. If you prefer to avoid malaria areas entirely, there are excellent malaria‑free options such as Madikwe, the Waterberg and the Eastern Cape.

Not in national parks such as Kruger and other SANParks areas. Drones are prohibited and may be confiscated. Private reserves also restrict drones to protect wildlife and guest privacy. Ask us before you pack one.

Power cuts have eased but can still occur. Almost all our preferred hotels and lodges have backup power and tap water is far and wide mostly excellent, unless advised specifically.  Follow beach and lagoon signage for water quality updates. We will brief you on any local advisories before you travel

Medical care

Private medical care in South Africa is world‑class. Please ensure your travel insurance covers medical treatment and emergency evacuation. Carry your policy details and 24‑hour number.

Read more: Our safety guide: https://safariandcity.com/safety-guide/

You usually book your own international flights after checking airport choice with us. We can book internal flights, car hire and private tours or help you book direct if you prefer. Either way, you get the same planning support and our local back‑up.

Yes. A valid UK driving licence is accepted for visitors. Drive on the left. Typical limits are 60 km/h in towns, 100 km/h on rural roads and 120 km/h on freeways. If using google maps, apple maps or Waze – just change to kilometers before you head out. Avoid night driving in rural areas due to livestock and potholes. Always keep valuables out of sight.

Read more: https://safariandcity.com/safety-guide/

230V, 50Hz. Sockets are mainly Type M and the newer Type N. Bring a quality universal adaptor that covers M, N and Europlug C.

eSIMs work perfectly for most travellers with compatible phones and are often cheaper than roaming. We recently tried the Revolut eSIM for South Africa with simple in‑app setup and low data rates: https://www.revolut.com/esim/south-africa-esim/, however there are many new options on the market.

If you prefer a local number, local SIMs require RICA registration. Bring your passport; some outlets ask for a proof of address, and hotel details are usually accepted. Buy at an official Vodacom or MTN store at the airport for easiest setup. Several local networks also support eSIM activation.

Guideline amounts vary by service and property. As a rule of thumb: 10 percent in casual restaurants if service is not included, small notes for porters and parking marshals, and lodge teams often have a shared staff tip box.

On safari (all-inclusive private reserves and high‑end lodges)
Ranger/Guide: roughly R175–R350 per person per day
Tracker/Spotter: roughly R90–R200 per person per day
General lodge staff (shared box): R90–R260 per person per day Adjust up for exceptional service or private guiding. If a property supplies its own guideline, follow that.

All safari reserves, private or Kruger, are year‑round. Winter brings low malaria risk, fewer bugs and clearer bush for wildlife viewing. Cape Town and the Winelands shine in summer. Whales peak July to October. Wildflowers peak in late winter to early spring on the West Coast and Namaqualand.

Read more: Month‑by‑month South Africa trip planner

Layered, neutral clothing for safari, comfortable walking shoes, a warm layer for winter mornings, sun protection and a soft‑sided bag for light aircraft. City evenings lean smart‑casual.

Small aircraft baggage rules If your itinerary includes smaller internal bush flights, typical limits are 15–20 kg total per person in soft‑sided bags (no hard cases), with small hand luggage only. Limits vary by route and operator, so we’ll confirm the exact allowance in your plan. Pack from origin with this in mind.

Hairdryers Most lodges, self‑catering stays and hotels provide hairdryers; off‑grid venues don’t allow if on solar power. Tell us if you need one guaranteed.

Read more: Packing by region and season

Yes. Most wine estates and reputable galleries offer to pack and ship your purchases to the UK via specialist shippers or couriers. They will quote for packing, insurance and delivery times and advise on UK duties/taxes. Keep original receipts for customs.

Tell us your travel month, interests and budget. We build a bespoke route, match you to the right lodges and guides, and arrange transfers and internal flights. Our service is free because we’re paid by trusted partners, not by adding fees to your trip. You get UK support while planning and South African support on the ground.

Next step Share a few details and we’ll propose a clear route with stays, transfers and honest pricing.
Free and without obligation.