If you like hassle free travel with everything handled for you – looking to meet great people, eat great food, enjoy great sightseeing, and have immersive experiences, Trafalgar is for you. From the iconic not-to-be-missed to one-of-a-kind local experiences, including Be-my-Guest dining and stays with stories, you’ll connect deeper to your destination, and every tour has at least one MAKE TRAVEL MATTER immersive impact experience offering you the chance to dive into culture and community.
View all Trafalgar ToursExperience the awe-inspiring sight of majestic elephants in the wild, track exotic birds in the depths of the rainforest, or catch a glimpse of playful otters and porpoises cruising through icy waters. Our Safari & Wildlife Vacation collection features unforgettable experiences led by knowledgeable guides and local specialists deeply committed to conservation and wildlife.
View all Safari and Wildlife ToursConnect with the culture of two countries as you travel from north to south to encounter South Africa’s legacy of Mandela and the cosmopolitan spirit of Cape Town.
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South Africa passport, visa, and entry requirement information for US citizens.
The climate in South Africa varies significantly due to its diverse geographical features. The country experiences a range of climates, including Mediterranean in the southwestern Cape region, temperate in the interior plateaus, subtropical in the northeastern regions, and desert in some areas. Generally, South Africa has hot summers and mild winters, but temperatures can vary greatly depending on the location. The country's coastal areas often experience more moderate temperatures, while inland areas can be hotter during the summer and colder during the winter. Rainfall patterns also differ, with some regions experiencing a summer rainfall pattern, while others have a winter rainfall pattern.
Luggage & Carry-On Bag Size Limits for Africa Tours
Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline, and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.
Packing Tips for Your Tour
Packing for a safari tour in Africa requires careful consideration to ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable experience in the wild. It's best to travel light and prioritize the essentials. The less you bring, the easier it will be to move around and enjoy the experience without unnecessary weight. The specific items you'll need can vary based on the destination and time of year. Here's a general packing list to get you started:
Passport and Travel Documents: Ensure you have your passport, travel insurance, and any necessary travel documents.
Clothing:
Sun Protection:
Medications and First Aid:
Toiletries:
Electronics:
Miscellaneous:
Optional:
Remember to pack light and versatile items that can be mixed and matched for different outfits. Laundry facilities are often available, or you can have your clothes laundered at hotels during your trip. It's also a good idea to pack a small bag or backpack to bring on the coach for day trips and excursions, leaving your larger luggage at the hotel.
Electricity
Most African countries, including South Africa, run on 220-240 volts at 50 Hz. This means that the electrical outlets and voltage used in African countries are different from the standard 110-120 volts at 60 Hz used in the United States.
If you plan to bring American appliances or electronics to Africa, you will likely need a voltage converter and a plug adapter. Here's what you need to know:
It's essential to check the voltage and plug type requirements for the specific African country you plan to visit, as they might vary slightly from one country to another. Some modern electronic devices, like laptops and smartphones, are often designed to handle a wide range of voltages, so they might only require a plug adapter. In Kenya, Morocco, and South Africa, the standard electrical voltage is 220-240 volts at 50 Hz. In Namibia, the standard electrical voltage is also 220-240 volts, but it operates at 50 Hz in most areas and at 60 Hz in some regions. If you plan to bring American appliances or electronics to any of these African countries, you will likely need a voltage converter (transformer) as well as a plug adapter.
Before your trip, verify the compatibility of your appliances and devices. You can find this information on the labels or tags of your electronics or in the user manuals. If in doubt, consult with the manufacturer or a qualified electrician.
We suggest buying an adapter with a voltage converter to help reduce the number of things you have to pack. Additionally, it's essential to get any required adapters or converters for your electronic devices before embarking on your guided tour and bringing them along. It's crucial to be cautious when using electrical appliances in foreign countries, as using incorrect voltage or plugs without the right adapters can cause damage to your devices or even pose a safety hazard.
Hair Dryers in Your Hotel
In hotels in Kenya, South Africa, Morocco, and Namibia, you will typically find hair dryers available for guests to use. These hotels are accustomed to hosting international travelers, and providing hair dryers in the rooms is a common amenity. Some remote safari camps may not have the infrastructure or resources to support electrical appliances like hairdryers due to their location in more pristine and wilderness-focused areas.
It is important to keep in mind that the voltage of the hair dryer provided by the hotel will match the local electrical standards of the country where it is located. For example, in Kenya, South Africa, Morocco, and Namibia, the standard electrical voltage is 220-240 volts at 50 Hz. However, some regions in Namibia may operate at 60 Hz.
You will need a voltage converter (transformer) to safely use your own hair dryer or other 120-110 volt appliances you bring. Before using your hair dryer or any electronic device, it is important to verify voltage compatibility and use the appropriate plug adapter if necessary. Although many modern hair dryers are designed to be dual voltage, meaning they can work on both 120 volts and 220-240 volts, it is always recommended to double-check the label or user manual to be sure.
If you are unsure about the electrical compatibility or amenities provided by a specific hotel, you can contact them directly before your trip to inquire about the availability of hair dryers and other electrical considerations for international travelers. If you need a hair dryer during your trip but cannot find one in your hotel room, you can inquire with the hotel staff. Many hotels will be able to provide a hair dryer upon request, either at the front desk or through housekeeping.
Air Conditioning
Regardless of where in the world your tour visits, we do our best to ensure your transportation is as comfortable as can be. On Africa safaris, you may be on a coach part of the time and a 4 X 4 safari vehicle at other times.
Airport transfers
Transfers will depend on the trip you choose and vary among destinations. In general, if you are joining or departing your guided vacation on the first or last day, return transfers between the airport and hotel are included. You’ll find specific information on your itinerary page.
To enable you to personalize your tour experience, you will find a number of Optional Experiences designed to complement the itinerary. These are designed to offer a deeper insight into the culture and character of the areas to be visited and provide some wonderful highlights to your travels. The optional program is designed to let you experience more of what interests you and to get the most from your vacation without replacing or overlapping with anything included in an itinerary.
The majority of Optional Experiences will be offered to you by your Travel Director at the beginning of your trip. Some may be subject to change, depending on the time you are traveling or local circumstances, including weather and days of the week. Your Travel Director will provide further information.
Usually, most Optional Experiences will be priced in the local currency, but please read through the details of individual optional experiences for specific information. Exact payment options will be advised locally by your Travel Director/Local Representative for each Optional Experience, but in many cases, cash, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are all accepted.
Traveling to Africa on a guided tour can be an exciting and enriching experience. However, it's essential to prioritize your health and safety while exploring new territories. Health risks can vary based on the specific countries or regions within Africa you are visiting. Staying informed, prepared, and cautious will go a long way in ensuring a safe and enjoyable travel experience. Always stay in touch with your Travel Director and always follow their recommendations.
Here are some health advice and recommendations for travelers heading to Africa:
Visit the Doctor: Before embarking on your trip, schedule a visit with a medicine specialist or your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized health advice based on your medical history, current health status, and the specific countries you'll be visiting.
Travel Insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, evacuations, and trip cancellations.
Vaccinations: While there are no vaccine or testing requirements, travelers should ensure that all routine vaccinations are up to date.
Malaria Prevention: Malaria is prevalent in many parts of Africa. Consult with your healthcare provider about the appropriate malaria prevention measures, such as antimalarial medications and mosquito bite prevention strategies (e.g., insect repellents, mosquito nets, long-sleeved clothing).
Insect Bite Prevention: Besides malaria, mosquitoes can transmit other diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. Use insect repellents containing DEET or Picaridin and wear long-sleeved clothing and pants to reduce the risk of bites.
First Aid Kit: Carry a basic first aid kit with essential items like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, antidiarrheal medication, and any prescribed medications.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially in hot and humid climates, to prevent dehydration.
Respect Local Customs: Be aware of and respect local customs and traditions, as some practices may have health implications.
In order to ensure a healthy and enjoyable trip, we strongly suggest that you pack a plentiful supply of any medication you may need while on vacation. Here’s what you need to know about traveling with medications.
Prior to traveling, please notify GET of any disability requiring special assistance or any specific dietary needs that you may have, and we will strive to accommodate these.
When traveling with GET, baggage handling at hotels, service charges, and tips for hotel wait staff (for included meals) will all be taken care of by your Travel Director. There are, however, a few instances where individual tipping is welcome.
Local Specialists
It is customary to show appreciation for the insights, stories, and know-how shared with you by the Local Specialists, and we suggest a gratuity equivalent to $1.00-$2.00 USD per person per half day.
Your Coach Driver and Travel Director
The trip cost does not include gratuities for your Travel Director and Driver. At the end of your trip, you may express appreciation to your Travel Director and Driver for their excellent service and the personal attention you received. Gratuities are given at the discretion of each guest, and a suggested amount per person/per day is listed in your travel documents.
For your convenience and ease, there is an option to pre-pay gratuities for the Travel Director and Driver at the time of booking.
Hotel services
It is customary to tip hotel staff for room service delivery if the charge has not already been added to the bill. Where ice machines are not available, and you receive ice from the bar, a small tip to the bartender is always appreciated.
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Email Sign-up Travel Credit: Receive a $150 per person ($300 per couple) discount toward your first tour (operated by Trafalgar or Insight Vacations) when you sign up for GET emails; valid for each full-paying adult who signs up with a unique email address. Valid for new bookings only made from 01 January to December 31 2024 for travel from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2025. Full payment is due within three days of booking. Discount is not combinable with any other discount or offer, including GETAWAY Deals, Limited Time Offers, AARP member discount, Past Traveler Global Tour Rewards discount, Groups or Multiple Trip discounts. Offer cannot be booked online. GET reserves the right to validate bookings and will remove any additional offers added online that are not combinable. Other conditions may apply.