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Discover Africa with Beachcomber
As a specialist tour operator we have made a conscious decision not to try sell the whole of southern and east Africa. Instead we have chosen to focus on just a few very special destinations, namely South Africa, where we have our own office, Botswana, Namibia, Victoria Falls and Kenya.
These countries are fantastic destinations in their own right, can be combined together or added with time spent on an Indian Ocean island. And as all of our luxury Africa holidays are tailor-made you get to choose where, what and how you see these beautiful countries.
The Beachcomber website, we hope, gives you some holiday inspiration. For a personal understanding of these great destinations and specialist advice on planning your own Africa holiday call and have a chat with our Africa team.
Travel tips on our destinations can be found below, to delve right into our holidays to Africa click on one of the following links:
South Africa holidays, Botswana holidays, Namibia holidays, Kenya holidays, Victoria Falls
South Africa Holidays
When to Go
‘When's the best time to go' and ‘what's the weather like' in many cases form one and the same question. Generally South Africa is a year round destination, with the obvious peaks during the summer months in the Cape. In terms of the luxury South Africa holidays we sell, and for simplicity, the weather can be best split between north (Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal) and south (Cape Town and the Cape).
Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal
This area is where most of our safari lodges are located and takes in the battlefields. The climate through this area is best described as subtropical with hot summers and mild to cool winters. Rains fall November through February. Day time temperatures rise above 30 degrees Celsius in summer and get up and above 20 degrees Celsius in winter months. With the clear night skies in the winter months, evenings and early mornings can feel particularly chilly.
Cape Town and The Cape
The Cape's climate is best described as Mediterranean with beautiful warm, dry summers (October to March) and mild and moist winters (June to August). Summer temperatures get up to a pleasant 27 degrees Celsius and winter months up to 20 degrees Celsius. Inland temperatures through the year are 2 to 5 degrees warmer.
Passports and Visas
British passport holders do not require visas for South Africa. If you have any other passport please contact your local Embassy or Consulate. Your passport should have at least 2 unused pages and must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date.
If one parent wants to take a child to South Africa without the other parent, then a letter of consent must be written by the non travelling parent.
Health
Certificates of vaccination are not necessary for South Africa, except for yellow fever, if arriving from an infected area. Malaria is prevalent in certain parts of South Africa and it is imperative that all visitors to these areas (Mpumalanga and northern Kwazulu-Natal) take anti-malaria tablets. It is recommended to check with your doctor regarding which anti-malarials suit you best and to the latest heath recommendations from www.fco.gov.uk.
Time
South Africa is 2 hours ahead of GMT
Currency
The South African Rand is the currency in South Africa, and 1 Rand is divided into 100 cents. There is no limit on foreign currencies or travellers cheques you take into the country. However, the export of foreign currency is limited to the amount you declared on arrival.
Please ensure you keep all receipts when changing money. The Bureau de Change and banks at the airport are open for the arrival of most flights. All major credit cards are accepted in South Africa and there are a number of ATM facilities at the airport and in town centres.
Insurance
Suitable Travel Insurance is essential and is not automatically included in your booking. Please ensure you understand the terms and conditions of your insurance and take any relevant documentation with you.
Electricity
220volts is used with three pin round plugs. Many hotels and lodges provide adaptor plugs although we recommend that you take adaptors with you. Hairdryers are also normally provided but this is not guaranteed.
Special Diets
Special diets can easily be catered for, and dietary requests must be made to airlines no less than 48 hours prior to departure. It is worth mentioning any special requests on check in, and again when you re confirm your return flight.
Check in, check out and your Room
Check-in time is generally 14h00. Should you arrive prior to this time the hotel will make every effort to let you have your room ready on arrival.
Check out time is between 10am and 12noon. Should your departure be later than this, please advise the hotel on your arrival and they will do everything possible to assist you.
As a rule we book non-smoking rooms where possible. If you would like a smoking room please advise us as soon as possible. South Africa has a fairly strict ‘no smoking in public places' policy and you will be asked to retire to the bar to smoke in many restaurants.
Tipping
Tipping of hotel personnel is not mandatory, but a demonstration of your appreciation for good service is welcomed. Personnel who are deserving of tips are guides, porters, room cleaners and waiters in bars and restaurants who have been particularly helpful. Tipping of transport personnel is also appreciated and drivers of transfer vehicles, tour coach drivers and guides are deserving of recognition. Tipping can be in local currency although many prefer US$ or £sterling.
Security
Please ensure that your passport, air tickets and travellers cheques are safely stored in your room safe. Do not leave jewellery, mobile phones, cameras or any other valuables in your room or in public areas. When travelling please ensure that your cases are securely locked and, if being left in your vehicle, please ensure they remain out of sight.
What to Pack
Cool, comfortable and casual clothing is best suited in South Africa. Natural fibres such as cotton ‘breathe' and are most comfortable. The accent is on informal wear, but a jacket and tie for gentlemen are required at certain city establishments. If you are travelling on the Blue Train or Rovos Rail a jacket and tie is required although many guests wear black tie.
On safari please ensure you have some good shoes in which you can walk short distances. During the winter months a fleece jacket, hat, gloves and scarf are often appreciated for the early mornings. Normally you will change into shorts and T-shirts by mid day. Don't forget binoculars, camera and film, sun hats and good sunscreen whatever time of year you are travelling.
Most of the hotels and lodges provide laundry facilities. Towels are provided at all accommodations.
Driving
Driving in South Africa is on the left side of the road. You will need a new credit card style drivers licence, or an international drivers licence when collecting your car and it is also necessary to produce a valid credit card. Please remember that your hire car contract is on a 24 hour basis. Fuel purchased must be paid for by cash. Garages do not accept credit card payment.
Mobile Phones
If you are intending to use your phone in South Africa please ensure you have international roaming installed. All GSM phones are compatible. Please note that many of the in car adaptors for the UK, do not fit the cigarette lighters in South African cars.
If you are looking for a luxury holiday South Africa is a fantastic choice as it has so much to offer. To find out more about our tailor-made holidays to this great destination click here: South Africa Luxury Holiday
Cape Grace
