LANGUAGES SPOKEN
Q: Is
English spoken and understood in South Africa?
A: There are
eleven official languages in South Africa, English is a major
official language and is generally understood though out the
Region. English is the preferred Business language, so many
tourist enjoy their Safari Vacation. South Africa has many
diverse population groups and many European languages are
spoken, which should ensure a pleasurable South African Wildlife
Safari.
CURRENCY
Q:
What is the currency used in South Africa?
A: South Africa
has a decimal currency system. The unit of currency is the Rand
(R), which is divided into 100 cents. Notes are in R200, R100,
R50, R20 and R10. Coins are in denominations of R5, R2, R1 and
50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c and 1c. At present one US$ is worth R
7.50(02 October 2006, refer to the Currency converter)South
Africa is so affordable the your next African hunting adventure
or African Wedding is a reality.
MONEY MATTERS
Q: Where can I
change currency?
A: You will be required to
declare all foreign currency in any form when entering/exiting
South Africa and we therefore advise that you only change money
as required. Most international airports have banks where money
can be changed and facilities are usually available at hotels.
Q:
Are Credit Cards Accepted?
A:
Most hotels and shops
accept reputed credit cards. No surcharge should be permitted
for its use. Cash advances are possible against Credit Cards in
certain banks. All major credit cards, including Visa, American
Express, Diners Club and MasterCard, are accepted at most
hotels, shops and restaurants. Proof of identity may be
requested in some instances and it is therefore useful to carry
a passport or some form of photo identification at all times.
Traveller’s cheques are
accepted, mostly with identification. Diners and American
Express credit cards are not always accepted. Keep travel
documents in a safe place. It can be very inconvenient to obtain
replacement airline tickets should they be lost or stolen. A
police affidavit is required, if you want to avoid paying the
full fare for their replacement and this will definitely
inconvenience your Safari Vacation or Big Five experience.
Q: Banking Facilities?
A: Banking
hours are from Monday to Friday 09h00-15h30 and Saturday
08h30-11h00. Automated teller machines (ATMs) operate 24 hours
and can be found in most shopping centres. Online internet
banking facilities are available at most Large Shopping Centres.
Most of these facilities are even available at Game Parks where
the Big Five, lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino can be
seen at their watering hole, during your exotic African
adventure.
TAXES
A: 14% VAT tax
is charged on most purchased goods and services. However,
foreign tourists on Safari are able to reclaim this money on
their departure from the country provided that the goods
purchased exceed R250. Ask for more information at the airport
on arrival.
DRIVERS LICENCE
Q: May I
drive a vehicle if I want to have a Self Drive African Safari
Adventure, if I have an International drivers licence?
A: Yes, check
prior to travelling for any special requirements, or contact us
for more information on Self Drive Tours.
Vehicles drive on the left hand side of the
road in South Africa.
COMMUNICATIONS
Q: What is
the International Direct Dial (IDD) facilities like at the Big
Five Game Parks?
A:
International
Direct Dial (IDD) telephone Services are readily available
through your hotel, or from the roadside public payphones
situated in all parts of South Africa. There are card-operated
payphones. The phone cards are easily obtainable. When touring,
it is best to obtain a phone-card before setting out. It is also
advisable to establish if your mobile/cellular phone is
compatible with the South African network.
Mobile/cellular/satellite phones can be
rented for your vacation, contact us for more details.
The country's cell phone network is an
entirely GSM system. The country has three satellite ground
stations and two submarine cables for international
communications links. It all amounts to a modern, sophisticated,
nation-wide telecommunications system.
Internet Outlets and Internet stores are
readily available whether are on your Safari Honeymoon, African
Wedding Adventure or Safari vacation in South Africa.
MEDIA
Q: When on
an African Adventure Safari, can I be kept in formed of
International news events?
A: South
Africa, receives CNN, SKY and BBC news broadcast as well as the
local news broadcasts. Most of the Daily Newspapers are in
English as well as magazines. So whether you are on “African
hunting safari adventure” or concerned about the “Facts About
Africa” you will be as informed as if you were on an "all
inclusive honeymoon vacation packages to Mexico, Cancun or
Belize"
TRANSPORT
Q: As South
Africa is seen as an overseas venue, is airline travel
recommended to reach South Africa for your Safari Honeymoon?
A: South Africa has many International
Airports which regularly receive many of the World renowned
Airline Carriers. Should you require further assistance in this
regard contact us and we will assist with your
regional/internal flights?
The other pleasurable mode of transport to
South Africa is by luxury Cruise liner boat or yacht, South
Africa has many World class Ports and Yachting berths. This
romantic mode of transport is a favourite of many wealthy
tourists on Honeymoon.
Q:
How do I get around in South Africa?
A: South Africa has a First
World excellent infrastructure and travel by road, air, sea and
luxury train is easy. South Africa lends its self to those
wishing to self-drive, and method of seeing the country is
extremely popular. There are many guided tours, by train, air
conditioned coach; there are also regular scheduled flights,
shuttle/charter flights.
AFRICAN WILDLIFE
Q:
what animal species can be seen in South Africa?
A: South Africa’s
world-renowned game reserves including the Big Five – lion,
leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino, as well as many other
species of African wildlife and a large variety of bird species.
South Africa prides itself on preserving nature and many
protected Game Parks have been established.
SAFARI SAFETY
Q: Will my
Fiancé or family be safe on Safari?
A: It must be remembered at all times
that the African Wildlife that you see, IS WILD, and must not be
approached on foot unless with an experienced African Safari
guide. Stay in you vehicle and if approached by an Elephant, on
of the Big Five, make a hasty but gentle retreat, this is his
domain.
Don’t swim in rivers, if it is known that
Hippopotamus or crocodiles live in the area.
Don’t feed the animals, this is very
dangerous and can cause the African wildlife, like the Big Five
to become reliant on man, with Ecological ramifications.
Don’t walk bare foot, when on an exotic
Southern African Safari as there are many species of snake and
insect. It is recommended that you wear a strong walking boot
when on Safari, especially when viewing the Big 5.
CHILDREN ON
SAFARIS
Q: Is South Africa a good destination when
travelling with children?
A: South Africa will create
a lasting impression on any child and there are many exciting
exotic African adventure tours. It should be remembered that
while on a tented luxury walking safaris, the recommended age
for children on safari is six years and older.
SAFETY
Q: How safe is South Africa?
A: Many Game Parks, Hotels
have security personnel and safety is of paramount importance,
even so, it is wise to take certain standard security
precautions. Ask the place of accommodation to place your
valuables and passport in the safe. Most will have personalised
safes in the main bedroom. Always keep a record of your passport
number, airline tickets and travellers cheques, and ensure that
these items are kept in a safe place. Don’t ever leave baggage
or personal items unattended as petty thieves are always looking
for an easy opportunity
FOOD
Q: What type of meals is served in South
Africa?
A: In general, every type of
cuisine or dietary requirement can be catered for. Most B&B
establishments, hotels and restaurants in South Africa serve
delicious, hearty meals with fresh ingredients and wonder
Tropical fresh fruit. Vegetarian, kosher and halaal dietary
requirements will be accommodated with prior notice.
HEALTH
Q: Do I have to make special medical
precautions?
A: There are no major medical threats
in South Africa, however, please consult your physician or
health department for the latest health and anti-malaria
precautions when travelling in South Africa. There is malaria in
certain areas and taking the prescribed malaria tablets, use of
mosquito nets and insect sprays is usually adequate.
Prescription
medications: make sure you have enough to last
during your trip, as well as a copy of the prescription(s).
Pharmacies are available throughout South Africa, so your Safari
adventure will be more pleasurable than an
"all
inclusive honeymoon vacation packages to Mexico”,
and
have the first world facilities, as if you were having a "Disney
honeymoon packages", without the crowd.
South Africa has many World Class Hospitals
and Clinics, that in the eventuality of one of your party
requiring medical treatment, you can rest assured that they will
receive First World medical treatment, while you are on Safari.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
Q: What travel
documents do I require?
A: Please
ensure that you are holding a valid passport with sufficient
blank pages for entry stamps in each country visited, and that
you apply for visas prior to your departure. Nationals of
certain countries do not require visas. It is advisable to check
with your Embassy or Consulate for the latest visa and entry
requirements beforehand or contact us and we’ll gladly
provide you with information so that your African Adventure
Vacation documentation is correct. See our Embassies section.
WATER
Q:
Can I drink the water?
A: Tap water is safe to
drink in South Africa. However, many types of bottled water are
available. It is also not advisable to drink any water from
rivers or streams, while viewing the Big Five or the exotic
African bird without prior boiling or sterilisation.
ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE
Q:
What types of accommodation is available?
A: South Africa has every conceivable
type and price range of accommodation. From, luxury air
conditioned tents, Five star Hotels, B&B’s, Big Five Game Parks,
Ocean facing Accommodation, Pleasure Cruisers, Back packing,
Caves, Caravans, Time Share, Private, Hostel, every conceivable
type you may require for your special African Safari Honeymoon.
In this regard view Accommodation.
ELECTRICITY
Q: What’s
the standard voltage used in South Africa?
A:
230-240 volts.
PLACES OF WORSHIP
Q: Are Places
of Worship allowed in South Africa?
A: South
Africa’s Constitution has entrenched the right to Worship, and
most Religions are practiced in South Africa. Enjoy your
Religious beliefs, without prejudice while on your African
Adventure Honeymoon or African hunting safari adventure
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TIMESHARES
Q: Are timeshares available in South Africa?
A: Yes. If you would like to secure annual or biennial accommodations in South Africa and are not able to afford fractional ownership, there are dozens of
timeshares for sale
in this beautiful country. Additionally, these vacation properties are very flexible and tradable, meaning that owners of
South Africa timeshare
can often use their property to travel to thousands of locations all over the world.
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