Cheque / Check Payments
Regretfully cheques are not usually accepted at the camps.
Credit Cards
Most lodges accept Master Card, American Express, Diners Club and Visa.
Currency
One Rand (R) = 100 cents (c). Notes issued R200, R100, R50, R20, R10; coins R5, R2, R1, 50c 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c, & 1c. Currency exchange rates are available at banks and published daily in the press.
Driving
Non-residents are permitted to drive with a driving licence issued and valid in their own country, provided it bears the photograph and signature of the holder and is in English. If your drivers licence does not meet these requirements, an international driver's licence is required. Driving is on the left and the wearing of seatbelts is compulsory.
Immunisations
No international immunisation is needed when entering South Africa. The only inoculation requirement is a yellow fever vaccination certificate from travellers over one year of age entering South Africa within six days of leaving an infected country. Visitors who travel through or disembark in these areas are advised to be inoculated against the disease before visiting South Africa.
Malaria
The Sabi Sand Reserve falls within a Malaria area. Anti malarial prophylactics are highly recommended. Visitors are advised to consult their physician prior to travel for the most appropriate prophylactics.
Did you know that there are only 2 accounts of visitors to the reserve having contracted Malaria in the history of the Sabi Sand Reserve? Click here to read more.
Passports & Visas
For the majority of foreign nationals who travel to South Africa for vacation, entry is straightforward and hassle-free. All visitors to South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport in order to enter the country, and in some cases, a visa.
To determine whether you require a visa to enter South Africa, visit the comprehensive South African Home Affairs Department website at:
http://home-affairs.pwv.gov.za. For South African missions abroad, visit http://www.dfa.gov.za/foreign/
sa_abroad/index.htm.
Power Supply
South Africa's electricity supply: 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz
Most plugs have three round pins but some plugs with two smaller pins are also found on appliances. Adaptors can be purchased but may be in short supply. US-made appliances may need a transformer.
Section 51 Manuals
Click here to download the Sec 51 Manual for Sabi Sand Wildtuin.
Click here to download the Sec 51 Manual for Sabi Sand Wildtuin Nature Conservation Trust. |
Standard Time
South African standard Time is two hours in advance of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT + 2), one hour in advance of central European winter time and seven hours in advance of United States eastern standard time throughout the year. There are no time zone differences within the country.
The Sun
We have a warm sunny climate and you should wear sunscreen and a hat whenever you are out of doors during the day, particularly between 10am and 4pm, regardless of whether there is cloud cover or not.
Even if you have a dark complexion, you can still get sunburned if you are from a cooler climate and have not had much exposure to the sun. Sunglasses are also recommended wear, as the glare of the African sun can be strong.
Tipping / Gratuities
Tipping / Gratuities are not included in the respective lodges' daily rates. Tipping is at the guest's discretion, and is dependent on individual levels of satisfaction. An average gratuity of 10% is the norm in South Africa.
Weather
In South Africa the average number of sunshine hours is amongst the highest in the world.
In the Sabi Sand Reserve, spring and summer are rainy seasons, which in turn makes the bush green, lush and thick. It is also the time of year where there are many newborn animals.
Autumn and winter are dry, the bush is less dense and with a lack of water, animals frequent waterholes and rivers more often. Days are typically very warm, but the early mornings and evenings are very chilly.
Many ask when is best to visit. In short - any time! The animals are always there.
What To Take
- Lightweight clothing - in winter light clothing for daytime, very warm insulated jackets for game drives.
- Bathing suit
- Shower-proof rain jacket/windbreaker
- Cameras
- Binoculars
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals
- Sun hats
- Sun-glasses
- Sun screen
- Insect repellent
VAT
VAT (Value Added Tax) is currently at 14% and is included in the price of most goods, services and hotel accommodation. Foreign tourists qualify for a VAT refund on items purchased and taken out of the country upon departure. No VAT refund may be claimed on goods consumed or services rendered.
For further information, visit www.taxrefunds.co.za. |
