Prep for travel to Southern Africa region
PREPARATION AND ADVICE FOR TRAVEL TO SOUTH AFRICA, NAMIBIA AND ZAMBIA (SOUTHERN AFRICA REGION)
Upon planning a trip to South Africa there are some considerations to keep in mind and in this article we are going to guide you through the most important issues to make your trip obstacle-free and most enjoyable.
HEALTH SAFETY:
Wherever you travel to it is best to ensure that all your standard vaccinations are up to date.
Health and medical services are readily available in both South Africa and Namibia, however travelers taking regular medications should carry them properly labeled and in sufficient quantity to last for the duration of their trip. This measure is mentioned just to save unnecessary costs of having to see medical practitioners in order to have prescriptions filled. In Zambia it might be more difficult to get medical help in remote areas.
Malaria is not a major concern in any of these countries, however there are some malaria areas in South Africa and Zambia. For this reason it is wise to visit your local medical practitioner four to six weeks before departure to get the necessary prophylaxis which should be taken before, during and after your visit.
Mosquitos are most active between dusk and dawn, and therefore travelers should take the utmost care by covering up as much as they can once the sun sets. Take enough anti-repellant creams or sprays, and cover the whole body with it before getting dressed.
In South Africa the malaria areas are mostly in the Eastern provinces, including the Kruger National Park.
Diabetics should always take their own testing supplies and insulin.
There is no risk of yellow fever in South Africa. The governments of the countries in question all require proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine.
Cholera is a risk in parts of Zambia, and therefore the vaccine is recommended for adults traveling to an area of active cholera transmission.
WHEREVER YOU GO, DRINK PURIFIED OR BOTTLED WATER
VISAS:
New requirements for visiting South Africa – particularly for children – came into effect on 1 June 2015. All children under the age of 18 – both local and foreigners – must travel with a valid passport and an unabridged (full) birth certificate stating both parents’ names. If the child is travelling alone or with only one parent, then they must also carry an affidavit filled out by the missing parent or parents.
If a child applies for a visa inside South Africa or at a South African embassy abroad, all supporting documents must be submitted before the visa is issued.
If a child is a national of a country exempt from South African visas, all the supporting documents must be presented at a port of entry, or the child will be refused entry.
To find out if you need a visa to visit South Africa, visit the South African Department of Home Affairs website which provides detailed information on South Africa’s visa requirements.
The website gives particulars about which nationals require visas and which are exempt. Enquiries regarding South Africa visa information can also be obtained from South African missions in your home country, or the one nearest to you.
For nationals of countries requiring visas, application of the visa must be made ahead of your departure as visas are not issued on arrival. The visas must be affixed in your passport and shown to immigration officials on landing. Applications must be made through South African diplomatic or consular representatives.
Most foreigners visiting Namibia for holiday purposes do not need visas to enter the country, however check with your embassy to be on the safe side.
Tourist visas are required for visitors to Zambia. A passport and visa are required to enter Zambia. Passports must be valid for at least six months upon arrival and have at least two blank pages upon each entry.
A single-entry visa, valid for up to 90 days, may be obtained at a port of entry. Day visitors from neighboring countries can obtain day-trip visas at the border. Visit the Embassy of Zambia’s website for information on other types of visas and the most current visa information.
Departure Tax/Security Charge: U.S. citizens must pay an airport departure tax in local currency. This tax is included in the cost of international flight tickets. For domestic flights, passengers pay prior to entering the departure hall. A security charge ($3 domestic and $5 international) payable in Zambian kwacha is collected from all departing passengers.
CURRENCIES:
The South African currency is the Rand (ZAR). Money can be exchanged at foreign exchange bureaus in all major cities or banks throughout the country. ATM’s are available throughout the country, and most credit cards are accepted everywhere. Should credit or debit cards not be accepted chances are good that there will be an ATM nearby where cash can be withdrawn.
The currency in Namibia is the Namibian Dollar. The currency is on par with ZAR and the South African currency is as readily accepted in Namibia as their own. Euro, US Dollars or Pounds are not accepted and will have to be exchanged at a foreign exchange bureau, bank, airport or hotel.
It is always better to exchange money at a bank or foreign exchange bureaus as you always get a better rate than at airports or hotels.
ATM’s are available everywhere , and most credit cards are accepted except at local markets or small villages.
The currency in Zambia is the Kwacha, and by law payment can only be made by Kwacha even when prices are quoted in USD. Foreign currency will not be accepted once you have cleared immigration at the airport.
Most hotels, restaurants and bigger shops will accept credit cards, and banks will advance local currency against credit cards. Most banks also have ATM’s where Visa cards are accepted to exchange cash. Visa is more readily accepted than MasterCard or American Express.
US Dollars, Pounds and Euros can be exchanged in most main towns at Bureaux de Change.
CULTURE:
The South African culture is known for its ethnic and cultural diversity. Most South Africans have become increasingly westernised with the result that aspects of traditional culture have declined.
The majority still has a substantial number of rural inhabitants amongst whom the cultural traditions still survive.
Most members of the South African middle class live lifestyles very similar to the people in Western Europe, North America and Australia.
The largest ethnic group in Namibia is the Ovambo, but there are at least four other ethnic groups with significant populations. The Bushmen or San people is a smaller group but they still keep to their age-old nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyles like the Himba in the north.
The white people form a minority group and although they tend to be wealthier than the rest of the groups relations between the different groups remain peaceful.
Zambia’s culture is a blend of the values, norms and traditions of more than 70 ethnically diverse people. Most of the rural inhabitants retained their traditional customs and values, but after the country gained independence in 1964 the government focused on creating a national identity. To this end institutions like the National Heritage Conservation Commission was established in order to prected and promote Zambia’s culture.
LANGUAGES: Urban South Africans speak mostly English in addition to their native language, and Afrikaans is still widely spoken.
Even though the official language of Namibia is English, it is the language least spoken in the country. Among the white population most speak Afrikaans and a smaller percentage speak German.
The rest of the population speak their various native languages.
In Zambia English is the official language, with Bemba the most widely-spoken second language.
GREETINGS: In South Africa and most of Namibia greetings are like anywhere else in the world like shaking hands, friendly greetings in passing or even hugging.
The traditional way of greeting in Zambia is to cup your hands together, clap 2 – 3 times and bowing over slightly. It is appropriate to shake hands if a hand is extended towards you.
TIPPING: In South Africa and Namibia it is customary to leave a tip of 10% for services provided in restaurants and hotels. It is always appreciated when a bigger tip is paid for good service, but it is not expected.
You will also find car guards wherever you park your rental car who expect to be paid something for “looking after” your car. This can be very annoying but it will be up to you to decide how much you think their service was worth. You can get away by giving as little as R2.
In Zambia tipping is considered voluntary and it will depend on the service provided. However tipping in the country has a serious impact on the local community.
The important issue here is to tip in accordance with the service provided. If you are going on safari your guide is very important and should be tipped accordingly. The staff members at the lodge or camps also offer a service, but they should obviously be tipped less than the guide.
Visitors are advised to tip only once, and that would be at the end of the safari and/or stay.
COMMUNICATION:
This tip is going to save you a lot of money, so take note! If your phone does not allow for a dual SIM card, buy a local SIM card in the country you intend visiting for communication and internet use. It is extremely expensive if you do not make use of domestic services.
There are various applications like What’s App, Viper and Facebook Messenger which allow internet calling and texting, and data credits or phone minutes can be bought in most African countries either at hotels or airports.
This advice especially applies to US citizens who are used to unlimited phone and internet usage.
In both South Africa and Namibia most major hotels, many shopping malls and restaurants have wi-fi hotspots. Just ask for the wi-fi code and connect for free.
ACCOMMODATION:
In South Africa the variety to choose from is endless. Your budget, preferences, interests and provinces you intend visiting are going to determine your type of accommodation. You can go five star all the way including glamping (five star camping), or you can take the middle road and combine the whole lot. South Africa offers everything, you decide what you want to do.
The best of the best include the One and Only Hotel at the Waterfront in Cape Town or the 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa, an award winning hotel on one of the world’s most scenic routes.
One and Only: Contact by e-mail on reservations@oneandonlycapetown.com or call
On + 27 21 431 5888.
12 Apostles Hotel and Spa: Email on reservations1@12apostles.co.za or call on +27 21 437 9000.
Franschhoek offers just too many to mention. Akademie Street Hotel and Guest House is but one of the numerous hotels in this quaint, beautiful town that scored a 5 star rating. But wherever you go in South Africa, there are outstanding guesthouses that offers top service and accommodation.
Akademie Street Hotel and Guest House: Email on info@aka.co.za or call on +27 082 517 0405.
In Umhlanga you cannot beat the Beverly Hills Hotel. This exquisite property is located on the beach, it is on par with the best of the best and the ambience will make you beg for more.
Beverly Hills Hotel: Contact by phone on +27 31 561 2211 or visit their website: www.tsogosun.com and search for Beverly Hills Hotel.
Safaris in the wild depend on your budget. Once again you can go on a 5 star safari, staying in the best accommodation imaginable or rough it by sleeping on a mattress under a tree in the wild, African bush.
There are many accredited, reputable tour operators in South Africa which will be able to make all your reservations suited to your liking and budget. To this end contact
Springbok Atlas Tours has been in business for many years and will be able to assist you with all your travel arrangements. Contact them on tours@springbokatlas.com or call them on tel:+27214604700
If you would like a totally different experience and a visit to South Africa with a unique twist call Marieta on +27 82 892 3241 at Guess Where tours. They will arrange a surprise trip based on your requirements and budget.
Say you organized everything and know exactly where you are going, Guess Where can arrange a special surprise, even if it just a weekend, for you and your loved one / party to make your trip unforgettable!
Going to Namibia first time around and uncertain where to stay or what to do, contact Safari Holidays on swasaf@safaris.com.na or call them on 264 (61) 221193. The company is accredited and will be able to assist you with all your travel arrangements.
In Windhoek consider the Hilton Windhoek or the Olive Exclusive, both outstanding hotels in the capital city.
Hilton Windhoek: Call on +264-61-2962929.
In Swakopmund stay at the Swakopmund Luxury Suites or choose from a variety of other upmarket hotels or guesthouses.
Swakopmund Luxury Suites: Email on info@swakopmundluxurysuites.com or call on +264 64 463298.
In Zambia you will also have a wide range of accommodation options to choose from ranging from luxurious riverside lodges, 5 star hotels, tented safari camps, rustic and remote bush. You can even choose to stay on a houseboat or in a mud hut in a rural village where you can experience true Zambian village life.
In Livingstone you might choose to stay at Islands of Siankaba. Situated between the “Smoke that Thunders” (Victoria Falls) and the world-renowned Chobe National Park, the Islands of Siankaba are two private islands in the middle of the magnificent Zambezi River.
To make the best decision on where to stay and where to go in Zambia contact Zambia Tourism by email on info@zambia.travel or call them on (260 211) 229087/ 90.
They are dedicated to promote tourism in the country and will refer you to accredited tour operators / travel agents to help you plan your trip.
HOW TO GET AROUND:
In South Africa getting around is extremely easy. The infrastructure is outstanding and tourists will have absolutely no problem moving between cities, provinces or towns.
You can either travel with guided guided tours or decide to fly between major cities by making use of any of the domestic airlines like Mango, Kulula, FlySafair or SAA (South African Airways) and rent a car to explore the country on your own.
It is very safe to travel by car and car rental companies are everywhere to be found. Just bring along your driver’s licence and an international driving licence as some companies insist to see your original driver’s licence. The main routes are well marked and in very good condition.
Taxis are readily available in all major cities, however avoid taking minibus taxis preferred by the local people. There are enough reliable taxi services available and Uber is very popular in the larger metropolitan areas.
You can also make use of the bus services like Intercape, Greyhound or Translux, to name a few, if you’d prefer this option in order to see more of the countryside.
The Blue Train and Rovos Rail are two tourist trains akin to 5 star hotels on wheels. Take either one of these lines for a couple of nights to be thoroughly spoiled while enjoying the scenery along the way.
In Namibia the public transport is geared towards the needs of the local people and therefore not the ideal way for tourists to travel.
Most of the attractions in the country are off the beaten track, so if you do not join an organised tour then rent a car to explore the vast Namibia. If you plan a visit to the desert choose a 4 x 4 vehicle instead of a sedan. It is safe to travel by car and the roads are good between cities.
Air Namibia has an extensive network of local flights operating out of the airport in Windhoek.
There are also two upmarket tourist trains, namely the Desert Express and the Shongololo Dune Express. These lines offer so-called “rail cruises”, overnight trips between cities and also journeys through and across the country. You can choose between 7 and 12 day packages on these luxurious “hotels” on wheels.
The public transport in Zambia consists mainly of blue minibuses and taxis which can be found everywhere and is a cheap way to travel. If you are good at negotiating you may even charter a minibus and driver for yourself to take you wherever you want.
However long range Intercity buses frequently travel from Lusaka to all the main towns.
You can rent a car to travel through Zambia on your own, but you will need an international driver’s licence. Although there are tarred roads most are all weather gravel roads. Should you plan to visit more remote parks or attractions you are going to need a 4 x 4 vehicle, and tourists travelling by car are advised to take a range of spares and essential tools with them.
Petrol and diesel can be readily obtained in all major towns, but shortages can happen in the very remote areas so make sure you have spare fuel for emergencies.
First time visitors to Zambia should seriously consider whether it is worth the hassle to rent a vehicle since there are more than enough options available to get around.
Proflight flies from Lusaka to Mfuwe (South Luangwa), to Livingstone and the Copperbelt and also does charters.Various air charter companies will fly to any of the many airstrips around the country and most of the areas worth visiting are accessible by air. Domestic departure tax from airports is $8 per person.
CROSSING BORDERS:
As long as your passport and visa is in place you will have no problem moving between countries.
If it is your intention to visit several countries and you have to cross borders on your own there are certain general tips that might help you with the crossings.
Try to avoid weekend and public holidays to go through borders, and arrive either early in the morning or just after lunch if you hate standing in long queues.
Always be polite and first visit the migration office. There are often guides who offer to assist you and it might be helpful, but find out what they are going to charge you before taking that option.
Exchange some money to the currency of the country you are going to visit, and it is important to have small bills with you. It is also wise to know what the exchange rate is before you get to the border. There should be money changers or banks at all the borders. Always have your passport with your visas and your international driver’s licence with you.
FOOD:
If you are going to stay in hotels on your visit to South Africa expect Western food. Hearty English breakfasts, lots of red meat like beef, lamb or pork, chicken, vegetables and chips (French fries) – potatoes in various forms will almost all be on the menu wherever you go.
Most hotels have their own restaurants which can be either steak houses where you will get the best grilled meats or Italian, French, Greek or Eastern food. Sushi has become very popular in South Africa, and so has healthy eating.
To braai is a tradition in the country and means that a fire is made with either charcoal or wood, and meat is grilled on the fire. It is usually a social gathering where people get together and make a communal meal. The meal will mostly consist of the meat, vegetables, salad and one or two starches like potato or bread. “Pap” with a tomato based sauce is almost always a must with braaivleis. It is a thick porridge made from maize meal and goes down extremely well with the meat from the fire.
Another traditional meal enjoyed by most South Africans is “potjiekos”. It is normally also a social event but in this case a fireproof pot is used. It starts with frying onions in a little bit of oil in the pot on a fire, then the meat gets added together with flavoring and later the vegetables, all in one pot. Either beef, lamb, chicken or pork is used to make a pot.
You will undoubtedly experience either a braai or potjiekos if you undertake a safari or stay in a game reserve or lodge.
Fish is plentiful in the coastal regions, especially in the Cape Province. There are plenty specialist seafood restaurants where you will get the best prawns, crayfish and linefish the country has to offer.
“Biltong” and dry “wors “ (sausage) is famous South African and Namibian specialities. In both cases the seasoned meat is left to dry and once it is dry enough it is served as very special snacks.
In Namibia you will find the food similar to that in South Africa, except that you will also come across lots of German restaurants because of the earlier German influence in the country. There are lots of fine restaurants offering a variety of world foods in the main cities.
The Namibian people love their meat and eat a lot of it. Like in South Africa it is also best enjoyed when accompanied by pap and sauce. The local people eats pap sometimes three times a day, and not always with meat. Spinach is very often cooked to eat with the pap.
If you visit the coastal regions you will also find delicious seafood and fish which is either cooked traditionally or fried on open fire like meat.
Nshima is the staple food eaten in Zambia and is similar to the pap described above. It is cheap and filling and eaten at least twice a day by the local people. In fact without Nshima a meal is not considered a proper meal. It is also eaten with a relish, which is considered a second dish.
The relish is known as “ndiwo”, “umunani” or “dende” and consists of cooked vegetables and meat, fish or gravy, must like South African “potjiekos”.
Restaurants can be found in the major cities but while on safari or in game reserves visitors will mostly be treated by meat accompanied with vegetables and nshima.
Do not be surprised if you are offered meat from game like Springbok, Eland or Blouwildebees, amongst others, and even crocodile in certain regions!
SHOPPING:
South Africa and Namibia are both shopper’s paradises because of the low value of the currency. You can buy much of the same stuff in the country than you would at home, but you will most likely pay much less there than you would at home.
In all African countries traditional crafts and art is available everywhere, especially at the numerous craft markets wherever you go.
You will find the most beautiful beaded ornaments and jewellery, true pieces of art, on street corners and at markets. These make ideal gifts to take home.
In South Africa items made from ostrich leather is very popular, as is ostrich feathers and eggs. Ostrich eggs painted by artists are exquisite and some are even made into lamps.
Oudtshoorn, a little town in the Western Cape, is famous for its ostrich farms and products. The town is also referred to as the ostrich capital of the world, and a visit to an ostrich farm is a must if you find yourself in the region.
Of course a visit to South Africa or Namibia would not be complete without a shopping trip to a jewellery store where you can buy gold or diamond jewellery. Gold is sold by gram and diamonds by carats, and the variety is astonishing.
In Namibia Penduka just outside Windhoek is worth a visit. Penduka, which means ‘wake up’, operates a nonprofit women’s needlework project at Goreangab Dam, 8km northwest of the city centre. You can purchase needlework, baskets, carvings and fabric creations for fair prices and be assured that all proceeds go to the producers. Ask about their places to stay as an alternative to the city’s hotels.
Zambia’s best buys are handicrafts, carvings and baskets made locally. The curio stall near the border to the Victoria Falls has a good selection, but prices are lower if you shop for similar items away from tourist areas like the roadside stalls near and in Lusaka.
Kabwata Cultural Centre is an obvious place to do some shopping. Wherever you buy handicrafts, don’t be afraid to bargain gently. Expect an eventual reduction of about a quarter of the original asking price and always be polite and good-humoured. After all, a few cents will probably make more difference to the person with whom you are bargaining than it will mean to you.
Occasionally you will be offered ‘precious’ stones to buy – rough diamonds, emeralds and the like. Expert geologists may spot the occasional genuine article amongst hoards of fakes, but most mere mortals will end up being conned. Stick to the carvings if you want a bargain.
WHAT CLOTHES DO I PACK FOR MY VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA:
Climate is the most important aspect to keep in mind when packing for your visit to a South African country.
The climatic conditions range from Mediterranean in the southwestern regions to pleasant in the interior and subtropical in the northeast. Most of the country has warm, sunny days and cool nights. It rains during summer (November to March) although in and around Cape Town winter (June to August) is the rainy season.
The temperatures are mild, seldom dropping below 0℃ but in summer often rising to above 36℃. The answer is in packing light clothing and if your trip is planned for summer you will need rainwear as well.
Do not forget your swimming costume, hat and sunscreen – there is always a beach or a swimming spot somewhere to cool off on a particularly hot day!
Winters are mild but you will need a warm jacket and boots for ladies as it can turn quite chilly at night and early mornings.
There is no specific dress code in either South Africa or Namibia. People wear western clothing and almost everything goes.
In upmarket hotels and restaurants you can dress up if you wish, and during the day you can wear whatever you find comfortable. It is fine to wear jewellery but always be careful with very valuable items.
Namibia has an average of 300 days of sunshine annually, making it one of the sunniest countries in the world. However the climate can be described as hot and dry.
The days can become quite hot, even in winter, but it cools off at night, especially in the desert.
The climate in Zambia is more pleasant than in other African tropical countries. It is cool and dry from May to August, hot and dry from September to November and warm and wet from December to April. Pack accordingly.
On safari the most important thing is probably the correct shoes. If you are going to spend a lot of time in the bush preferably take boots that cover the ankles as well as it can be very unpleasant wading through thornbush and branches if your legs and feet are not covered.
Always take care with expensive equipment like cameras etc. Anything valuable that you do not need with you should be locked away in a safe in your hotel / lodge.
Always take copies of your important travel documents, like your passport, and keep it separate where it will be safe in case you should lose anything.
