Cape Town & Johannesburg, South Africa 2022 Excursion

[slide-anything id=”30169″]

10 Days / 9 Nights
Captivating Cape Town & Johannesburg, South Africa
“All-Inclusive” Travel Rate
November 1-10, 2022

This trip will SELL OUT!!!    =Only 20 spaces remaining=

“Come with us to Captivating Cape Town and Jumpin’ Johannesburg!
This exciting trip is full of cultural discovery and scenic adventures. We’ve built-in airfare, transfers, tours, all hotel accommodations, 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches and of course, time for golf, spa and shopping!
A $200 deposit reserves your seat and secures your rate.  Yes, many non-golfers have booked and, are always welcomed.”
DEPOSIT DUE IMMEDIATELY. *Extremely limited space.

—Debert Cook, Publisher
African American Golfer’s Digest

---

---

Included in Your Trip Package:

• Round trip coach air on South African Airways from New York JFK airport to Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport
• Domestic coach air in South Africa as per the itinerary (Johannesburg – Cape Town – Johannesburg)
• Accommodation as per the itinerary
• Meals as per the itinerary
• Ground transfers as per the itinerary
• Scheduled Full Day Cape Tour Tour
• Scheduled Full Day Aquila Safari
• Scheduled Winelands Tour
• Scheduled Journey to Freedom Tour
• Scheduled Johannesburg City Tour
• Personalized Name Tag to enhance your social networking throughout the trip
• The Exclusively Chic AAGD Traveler T-Shirt!

Excluded

Add on air from other US cities; Any meals or services not mentioned above; Any items of personal expense – i.e. drinks, telephone calls, laundry etc; Gratuities for rangers/guides/drivers.

---

ITINERARY

Day 1: Tuesday, November 1
Overnight Travel

---

Day Itinerary

Depart from New York JFK  on your South African Airways flight to South Africa.

Day 2: Wednesday, November 2
SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl, Cape Town

On arrival in Cape Town, you will be met by your driver for the short transfer to your SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl Hotel, where you will settle in and relax after your flight.  The remainder of the day/evening enjoy the city on your own, exploring great things to do before and after dark!

SUNSQUARE CAPE TOWN CITY BOWL ACCOMMODATIONS

The beautiful Cape Town City Bowl hotel in Cape Town offers scenic, lush views over Gardens to make you feel right at home, even when you’re miles away.  

Resting at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic oceans, sandwiched between the slopes of the iconic Table Mountain and the glistening sapphire waters of Table Bay, the exceptionally scenic city of Cape Town is in a class of its own. Some cities boast rich culture, vibrant nightlife, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and extraordinary architecture, while others boast breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary natural wonders. Cape Town is lucky enough to be blessed with all of these attractions and so much more. With its bustling harbor, world-class beaches, top-notch vineyards, and its mountainous surroundings brimming with diverse flora and fauna, Cape Town consistently captivates the hearts of all who visit.

Day Itinerary

On arrival in Johannesburg, you will connect to your two-hour flight to Cape Town. 

On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.  Perhaps take time to explore the vibrant V&A Waterfront with its many shops and restaurants

Optional- This afternoon you can enjoy City Sightseeing on the hop-on-hop off bus;

Today you will have a day hop-on-hop-off RED LINE bus pass for the city allowing you to explore at your own pace. Don’t miss the chance, weather permitting, to take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain for breathtaking views of the city and surrounding peninsula.  

The Hop-On Hop-Off RED LINE ticket is usable this day ONLY. See details of the tour and sites to be visited HERE.  Remember, you can hop-off at any stop and enjoy Cape Town at your leisure.  Note: There is a Hop On-Hop Off stop nearby the Robben Island tour exit, so if you take the Robben Island tour, when it finished you can conveniently Hop On the bus to continue on to Table Mountain!

TOUR DESCRIPTION: Hop on the open-top red bus tours and enjoy the sights of Cape Town – from Table Mountain to the V&A Waterfront, from Camps Bay to Kirstenbosch.

Starts: At any of the 30 Hop On – Hop Off Stops
Duration: Valid: ONLY for the day when first presented

Know before you go:
Hop On Hop Off at any of the stops along the circular route and simply show the same ticket to board the next bus.

Entrance fees at tour stops are not included

Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl

Activities: Hop On Hop Off Bus, Golf, Spa, Market Shopping, Mall Shopping, VA Waterfront Shopping & Eating, Helicopter Tour, ParaGliding, Swim with Sharks, etc.

After breakfast, at 8:45AM you will be met at your hotel by your local English speaking driver-guide for your full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula.  Highlights include; Chapman’s Peak, Cape Point Nature Reserve, Boulders Penguin Colony. (Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens optional)

City Sightseeing Buses

A “Hop on, Hop off” service, which allows you a convenient and informative way to access all major highlights in Cape Town, including a visit to Camps Bay, Hout Bay Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Table Mountain.

Duration: Day at your leisure
Suggested Departure Time: 8:45 AM
Return to hotel on your own
Dinner on your own

Overnight: SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl 

With so much to do and see in Cape Town, you need to stay somewhere central. Situated, on the corner of Buitengracht and Strand Street, the bustling location of SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl inspires visitors to explore the hip surroundings and get to know the city.  

The hotel gym located on the top floor of the hotel will satisfy guests looking to keep fit or work up an appetite before venturing out into the surrounding foodie district. With panoramic views of Table Mountain, you can determine this wondrous mountain’s mood before stepping out of the hotel.

Day 3: Thursday, November 3
SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl, Cape Town

Day Itinerary

• Scheduled Full Day Cape Point Tour
• Boulders Beach
• Cape of Good Hope
• Chapman’s Peak

After breakfast you will be met by your local English-speaking driver-guide for your full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula. Depart the hotel and flank the Atlantic Ocean en route to Hout Bay. Once a fishing community, it is now one of the most popular residential areas. The harbor still has a charm of days gone by. You’ll have a chance to join a half-hour cruise to Seal Island (optional and on your own) or, for the not so adventurous, the fish market Mariners Wharf is a must.

The tour continues over the famous Chapman’s Peak drive, weather permitting. With a 200-meter drop on one side and a 200-meter rise on the other, you will make your way south following the Atlantic Ocean until you reach Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. Said to be the romantic meeting place of the two mighty oceans, the Atlantic and the Indian, Sir Francis Drake the Explorer once called it “the fairest cape that we saw in the whole circumference of the globe.” And rightly so, it must be the highlight of any visit to the Mother City, if not South Africa. Your optional lunch stop is at the Fish Hoek Galley.

You’ll pass the naval base of Simonstown as you continue along the coast en route to see the Jackass penguin colony, which has become well established at Boulders Beach near Simonstown. Your last stop of the day is at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens (optional and on your own account), home of some 3,500 species of Southern African fauna and flora. You’ll return to the hotel in the late afternoon, having seen some of the best the Cape has to offer.

Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl

Day 4: Friday, November 4
SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl, Cape Town

Day Itinerary

Early morning pick up for your Full Day Aquila Safari Tour: 

PICK UP: 6:00 a.m.
Hotel Return: 6:00 p.m.

SAFARI-The safari is led by an experienced guide who will share exciting inside stories at the Aquila Private Game Reserve: facts about your surroundings, easily rousing your inner wild side.  You’ll get up-close and personal with Africa’s most famous animals all just a short drive from Cape Town. This tour is perfect for people wanting to make the most of their time and enjoy a safari without sacrificing too much travel time in the country. Also, as the reserve is situated in the Western Cape, you will never need to worry about the risk of malaria.  Includes: Welcome Drinks, Breakfast, Game Drive, Lunch, Eco-Synergy Tour and return transfers for a memorable experience like none other!

Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl

Day 5: Saturday, November 5
SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl, Cape Town

Day Itinerary

After breakfast your local English-speaking driver-guide will meet you at the hotel for a tour of the Cape wine region. You will depart from the hotel and head north to Paarl. Your first stop is for a morning wine tasting at Nelsons Creek Estate. After a tour through their cellars, there is a chance to sample some of their local wines as well as a cheese tasting. A brief city tour of Paarl follows, before you make your way to Franschhoek with a photo stop at the Groot Drakenstein Prison, where Nelson Mandela was released in 1990. This little village nestled amongst the mountains can easily be mistaken for a little Switzerland.

After a short tour of the town, a second wine tasting will be enjoyed in Franschhoek followed by a lunch stop and perhaps a chance to savor some of the fresh trout for which Franschhoek is renowned.

After lunch, the tour continues to the university town of Stellenbosch. It is easy to understand why Simon van der Stel decided to settle a village here amongst the mountains. The backdrop of the Hottentots Holland Mountains, the white gabled Cape Dutch homesteads and the oak-lined streets and lanes all combine to give this place a charm that will not be quickly forgotten. Time permitting, you will also enjoy a third and final wine tasting. Then you will set off for your return to the Mother City.

Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl

Enjoy Your Late Evenings at Leisure! 

Discover stimulating Cape Town Night Life where clubs and venues are plentiful and renowned for upmarket cocktail and champagne bars, with decadent decor, and twinkling ceiling lights in elegant colonial surroundings.  You can mix-n-mingle, dance to the hottest local DJ’s, relax with a cigar, glass of wine, listen to live jazz, blues, or just hang out until the wee hours of the night.

Overnight at Capetown Sun Square hotel

Day 6: Sunday, November 6
SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl, Cape Town

Day Itinerary

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the beautiful city of Cape Town. Maybe take a trip in the cable car up Table Mountain or a boat ride for a poignant visit to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for many years. Perhaps take time to explore the vibrant V&A Waterfront with its many shops, restaurants and activities available as well as the fascinating Two Oceans Aquarium, play a round of golf, get a massage, manicure or your hair braided. Whatever you decide, you will not be at a loss for things to do!

Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl

Day 7: Monday, November 7
Garden Court Sandton City, Johannesburg

Johannesburg is one of Africa’s biggest and most vibrant cities. It is the economic capital of Africa and the gateway to Southern Africa. Although not as famous as other South African destinations, there is plenty to do in Johannesburg and nearby Pretoria. The old city is a multi-cultural mixture of traditional medicine shops, Chinese restaurants, taxi ranks and ultra-modern skyscrapers. There are excellent museums, art galleries and organized tours of historical and political interest. The shopping is Southern Africa’s best and the many restaurants cater to all tastes. The nearby township of Soweto is Johannesburg’s most popular tourist attraction.

Day Itinerary

After breakfast you will be transferred to the Cape Town airport for your flight to Johannesburg. 

On arrival in Johannesburg, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where you can spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at Garden Court Sandton City.

Overnight: Garden Court Sandton City             View iBrochure

With its stylish urban design and it’s fuss-free approach to accommodation – The Garden Court Sandton City is situated in the heart of Johannesburg. It is here that functional design meets smart technology, resulting in a surprisingly simple hotel that is easily able to meet the needs of business and leisure travelers.

The convenient location meanwhile has plenty of advantages for all guests. Business travelers are within easy reach of the acclaimed Sandton Convention Centre along with the rest of the Sandton CBD, while leisure travelers can enjoy the world-class shopping, entertainment and sight-seeing attractions found within the area. Getting around has never been easier, thanks to the high-speed Gautrain route that spans across the city.

A total of 444 rooms are offered, each furnished in a modern style. Aside from basic features such as baths and separate showers, facilities in each room include invitingly comfortable double or queen beds, workstations, air-conditioning, tea and coffee stations, DSTV, plug points and porter service among others. Wheelchair-accessible and smoking rooms can also be arranged on request.

Day 8: Tuesday, November 8
Garden Court Sandton City, Johannesburg

• Scheduled Full Day Journey to Freedom Tour
• Apartheid Museum
• Hector Pieterson Museum
• Soweto

Apartheid Museum

The Apartheid Museum opened in 2001 and is acknowledged as the pre-eminent museum in the world dealing with 20th century South Africa, at the heart of which is the apartheid story.

The Apartheid Museum, the first of its kind, illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid.

An architectural consortium, comprising several leading architectural firms, conceptualised the design of the building on a seven-hectare stand. The museum is a superb example of design, space and landscape offering the international community a unique South African experience.

The exhibits have been assembled and organised by a multi-disciplinary team of curators, film-makers, historians and designers. They include provocative film footage, photographs, text panels and artefacts illustrating the events and human stories that are part of the epic saga, known as apartheid.

A series of 22 individual exhibition areas takes the visitor through a dramatic emotional journey that tells a story of a state-sanctioned system based on racial discrimination and the struggle of the majority to overthrow this tyranny.

For anyone wanting to understand and experience what apartheid South Africa was really like, a visit to the Apartheid Museum is fundamental.

Hector Pieterson Museum

On 16 June 1976 in the Johannesburg township of Soweto, what began as a peaceful march in the name of educational reforms turned to chaos when police troops responded to the demonstrating students with a barrage of live bullets and teargas. One of the most tragic casualties of this debacle was 13-year-old Hector Pieterson, who was killed when he was caught in the crossfire. The Hector Museum, located close to the site of his death, was built to commemorate his untimely passing and the events that ultimately caused it.

Soweto

Johannesburg’s biggest township and tourist attraction.

Depart on a scheduled full-day cultural experience including the Apartheid Museum and Soweto

Day 9: Wednesday, November 9
Overnight Travel

Day Itinerary

After breakfast you will check out of your hotel and meet your guide for your  Johannesburg City Tour.

• South Africa’s largest city remains its financial and commercial heart. It’s in this fast-paced metropolis that the country’s radical political and social transformation is most evident – this is the ‘Rainbow Nation’ at work. It’s a heady experience, with contrasts of every kind round every single corner.
• Our tour sets off for Constitution Hill, home of South Africa’s architectural marvel, the Constitutional Court and site of Johannesburg’s Old Fort Prison (closed Sundays).
• We explore the inner city of Johannesburg and the influence the discovery of gold brought to this city and indeed, South Africa.
• We proceed for a visit to the Top of Africa, at the 223m-high Carlton Centre, Africa’s tallest building with magnificent views particularly on a clear day – you can see as far as the capital city of Pretoria and you’ll be amazed at the number of trees you’ll see, easily one of the largest urban forests in the world!
• We visit and explore the Maboneng Precinct, a wonderful example of urban regeneration of the east-side of the Johannesburg CBD which is now home to several independent retail, restaurant, art and entertainment venues – fresh and unique lifestyle offerings of this new exciting development.
• We return to your hotel via the flip-side of the coin, the lush, up-market suburb of lower Houghton. A city of contrasts, that’s for certain.

After your tour, you will be dropped off at Johannesburg Airport for your flight to the US.

Skyscrapers. Fast city life. Hundreds of restaurants, bars and shops, all with their own identity. Johannesburg is for now, Johannesburg is booming!  If  you would you like to get to know Johannesburg better? Our Johannesburg tour is the perfect introduction!

On this half-day tour we take you to the top attractions Johannesburg has to offer. Some of the areas our tour visits are Hillbrow, Constitution Hill, Central Johannesburg, Braamfontein and Newtown.
We start your introduction to Jozi with a good view of the impressive 269 metre Telkom Tower, as seen on many postcards of Johannesburg. We then enter the inspiring Constitution Hill – and Court (when not in session). Political activists like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi were once held here. During a tour inside you will learn about some of the legal history of Johannesburg.

Day 10: Thursday, November 10
End of Itinerary

 Day Itinerary

Arrival in the US.

Welcome Home!!

---

There are several golf courses that you can book a tee-time with during your stay in Cape Town. 
(Golfers we will have two conference calls–one in July, one in August– to discuss pairings and bookings. 
Use Google, or see a list of Cape Town Golf Courses HERE.
at the DIRECTIONS link, put in the ADDRESS of our hotel: SunSquare Cape Town hotel, 10 Mill Street, Gardens, Cape Town, South Africa to view driving/riding distances for your trip via taxi or UBER. Keep in mind that your golf rounds should be scheduled around your trip itinerary so that you will not miss any tours which may interest you.
If wish to you book tee times online, BE SURE TO READ THEIR REFUND and CANCELLATION POLICY. 
Some online services will only allow you to book a tee time 3-weeks out from your desired play date.
GolfGreedy.co.za   GolfTeeTimes.za   Sun Rises at 5:48pm and Sun Sets at 7:12pm.

Erinvale Golf Course — designed by Gary Player

Location: Lourensford Road/Erinvale Avenue
7130 Somerset West 
South Africa  

Opened in 1995, Erinvale Country and Golf Estate rank amongst the TOP Estates in South Africa. 18 hole, par 72, 6171.25 yard course.  One of the jewels of Cape Winelands golf, a ‘must play’ golf course nestled at the foot of the Helderberg mountains, with sweeping views of the Winelands and False Bay coastline. Erinvale Golf Course — designed by Gary Player. 

Morning Tee Times can be made on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays are member days.  Morning tee times are 7am-9:06am with 9 minute intervals between each 4 ball.  

Distance: 30-40 minute drive/UBER from Cape Town City Centre.
The cost of an average Uber and Lyft trip is about the same. On average, the cost per mile is $2, with trips starting at $1 base rates and ranging between $1 and $2 per mile, as of April 30, 2019

The club rents Calloway golf club sets for men and women @ R450.00 / $32.49 USD per set.

The visitor rate for 18 holes is R1375.00 per person and R799.25 $57.69 USD per person for 9 holes.

Book your round with AAGD and you can get a discounted group rate of R725.00 / $52.36 USD per person for 18 holes. 

If you book online you will be paying the full visitor rate of R1375.00 / $99.25 USD per person.  
[20 golfers are needed to secure the group rate.]

Golf carts are R450.00 / $32.50USD per cart. 
Golf shoes are not available for rent. 
Hot showers available at no cost for all players after their game inside of the men’s and women’s locker rooms.

Golf shirts and suitable golf pants with golf shoes are required as dress code.

The Club has the EOGA Golf Academy providing lessons for golfers. These instructors are the only ones allowed to teach at Erinvale.

To book a lesson during our visit, please contact Murray Smit on 079 385 5507, email murray@eoga.co.za for further information regarding lessons, payable on your own.

During your golf round, a selection of light meals, sandwiches and refreshments are on hand at The Halfway House and the Terrace Bar.  Both venues are for Golfers only, to ensure a smooth and quick service.  

The Terrace Restaurant and Bar Area are the popular places to sit and have breakfast before teeing-off and to celebrate après-golf with a glass of wine and a light meal. Also, non-golf players enjoy the environment and come around to meet other “Erinvalers” for a chat over a coffee, cool drink or pizza.

Free WIFI allows you to stay surf the web or download your e-mails. For sports fans there are multiple TV screens inside showing the latest matches.

The Erinvale’s Playas Restaurant onsite is used for special events and evening functions and has a specific Dress Code.

Milnerton Golf Course is an 18-hole, par 72, 6672.135 yards, challenging coastal course. Experience the best culture, food, and entertainment that is on offer just minutes away in the beautiful City Centre of Cape Town. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Diep River, this lush links-type course is fairly flat with few trees. With the sea and the lagoon bordering most holes, and the seven beautiful water holes waiting to claim the wayward shot, it offers a truly unique golfing experience! — designed by Golf Data.

Tee Times available for:
(TBA)

First morning tee off is 6:45 AM
Last tee off time is 13:30.

Let Debert Cook know your choice and she can proceed in booking your times. 

For a group of 20 players, we can obtain a group rate (20 golfers+) at R330 / $23.82 USD per player.
Golf carts are R350 / $25.26 USD per cart.
Golf shoes are not available for rent.
Green Fee is R795 / $55.61 USD per player.

Showers are available for golfers at no extra cost.

Milnerton does not have an on-course PGA pro for lessons.  Should we bring a Pro with us, our pro can play with and give lessons while others in our group play.

I can invoice you and you can pay beforehand or, you can pay on that day if you’d like.

---

• Complete your cultural experience by extending the morning Township Visit Tour to include a visit to Robben Island.  Please note that this is subject to availability and the Robben Island time-table.
• Once you reach the island you will be given a guided tour and see the prison cell that held Nelson Mandela captive for so many years.

The ferries depart from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V & A Waterfront. Be sure to arrive at least 15-minutes ahead of departure times with YOUR PASSPORT.  Passport Required to enter. The tour takes 3.5 hours including the ferry trip to and from the Island (Depending on the boat used as they have different travel times).  Tourists will disembark at Murray’s Bay Harbour situated on the east coast of the Island and take a short walk to buses that will transport everyone to all the historical sites around the Island. On the way to the buses, visitors will pass buildings and a high wall built by prisoners during the 1960s. The buildings were used for family and lawyer visits to prisoners. Tourists will meet their Tour Guide when they have boarded the busses. The prison tour will be conducted by a Robben Island Tour Guide. This is part of an integrated tour model. They are fully conversant and knowledgeable about the Island’s multi-layered 500-year-old history. The tour route includes the graveyard of people who died from leprosy, the Lime Quarry, Robert Sobukwe’s house, the Bluestone quarry, the army and navy bunkers and the Maximum Security Prison where thousands of South Africa’s freedom fighters were incarcerated for years. The tour culminates with a viewing of Nelson Mandela’s cell.

Cape Town Tandem Paragliding- $ 185 per person 

Tandem paragliding flights vary in duration and it is not possible for them to guarantee a specific flight time due to the changeable nature of the wind and general weather conditions in Cape Town. They only fly in conditions that allow them to launch and land safely. In general flights in Cape Town can be anything from about 5-30 minutes in duration.  Because of this, there are no set pick-up and departure times for the Tandem Paragliding.   Pickup will be in the lobby of your hotel.

Helicopter Flight Above Beautiful Cape Town $225 per person (November 3rd -Optional)

Tours are shared and can be booked for either of two departure times. You may be matched up with others to fill the helicopter. Seating positions are not guaranteed and will be allocated to evenly balance the helicopter. You may fly in any of three different types of helicopters, depending on how many other passengers they find to fly with you. A minimum of two passengers is required in order to commence the flight. If you are a single person, they will try their best to find at least one other to join you. However, if an extra person cannot be found to fly with you, the tour will have to be postponed for another departure time or date.

---

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
*Price is per person based on double occupancy and economy class flights. Valid for departures from New York John F Kennedy (JFK).  Other departure points and domestic flights within the U.S. can be booked. Price for other departure cities and/or travel dates may vary. Subject to availability and currency exchange rate fluctuations. Prices are valid for new bookings only, are not retroactive and may change without notice. Package includes all government and airline imposed taxes and fees. Baggage and optional service fees, cancellation charges and other restrictions may apply.  Itinerary subject to change.  Travel insurance is recommended to protect your trip.

*Please note that all availability, the itinerary and pricing is subject to change.  Rates are subject to change until time of booking by which a credit card must be given to solidify all reservations and lock in all pricing.
Wear loose comfortable clothing. Bring some chewing gum or something to chew during takeoff and landing to help your ears when the plane is pressurizing. Exercise before your flight, and during your flight do exercises onboard (flexing your muscles while in your seat is one example). Drink plenty of fluids, but not coffee, tea or alcohol.  Everyone has their own remedy for jet lag.

Next we fly direct to Johannesburg.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

*As of September 2015 South African Airways will be charging for pre-assigned seats on all international flights and some domestic Africa flights. Seats will be an average of $25 per person per flight. Upgrading to Exit Row ($60) or Bulk Head ($40) seats is an option. You can opt to choose your seats 24 hours prior to departure for free. The above pricing does not include seat selections. After airfare has been purchased you will need to call SAA directly at 1-800-722-9675 if you would like to pre-purchase seat assignments.

**Important Notice:  Your passport must have four blank visa pages (two facing pages – two facing pages) for any visas and entry stamps upon arrival in South Africa. (Please make sure the blank pages say “Visa” at the top) If visiting other countries, more will be required. Also, your passport must be valid for six months after the intended date of return from South Africa.** Only MACHINE READABLE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS (MRTDs) will be accepted to enter South Africa with effect from 24 November 2015. Please note that extended passports won’t be accepted any longer. For this reason, we advise checking your travel documents.

As a general precaution, all travelers are advised to carry a photocopy of the photo/bio information page of their passport and keep it in a location separate from their passport.

CUSTOMS, Duty & Restrictions
See customs restrictions and more information on importing items here: https://kingshakaairport.info/travel/airport-customs.html

---

LUGGAGE Information

• Checked: 2 pieces at 50 pounds each per person.
• Carry on: 2 pieces -18 pounds total, one to fit in the overhead and one under the seat in front of you.
• Golf Bags are free of charge as long as the weight is under 51 pounds and with a maximum length/width/height dimension of 200cm (78.8″).  The Golf bag counts as 1 piece of your 2 piece checked luggage limit.

The amount of hand and checked baggage you are allowed depends on the class that you are flying.  Your travel package has been booked for COACH class unless you have notified our agent that you wish to pay for an upgrade to Business or First Class.  See all of the baggage allotment and restrictions HERE.

---

EXPLORING CAPE TOWN
While wildlife safaris are reason enough to visit this exquisite country, South Africa offers even more to see and do. For one, the city of Cape Town is a jewel that is well worth visiting. Set against the iconic Table Mountain, C.T. offers lots to explore, including the V&A Waterfront, Chapman’s Peak, Boulders Penguin Colony and several beautiful beaches — just to give you an idea. Not to mention the delicious food and fabulous shopping, which can all be enjoyed at a favorable exchange rate.

One of the biggest attractions in the Western Cape is the towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek . Boasting some of the best wine tours in the world, they offer picturesque vineyards, fantastic art galleries and gourmet food.

Furthermore, South Africans are some of the most upbeat, welcoming and humorous people you’ll ever encounter. You will be exposed to different cultures, languages and traditions that will certainly enhance your experience.

With so much diversity, South Africa has something for everyone to enjoy!

---

Entry Requirements

As for all international travel, the visitor to South Africa is required to be in possession of a valid passport.  U.S. citizens  (US passport holders) traveling to the Republic of South Africa for 90 days or less for tourism or business purposes do not need visas. U.S. green card holders (non-US passport holders) require visas to visit South Africa.  Nationals of other countries must check the list of visa-exempt countries to see if they need to apply for visas.

Please note that all foreigners who wish to visit South Africa must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after his/her intended return date. The passport must have a minimum of four blank (unstamped) visa pages in the passport to enter the country. It is preferred these are facing pages. Your international carrier can deny boarding if you do not have the blank (unstamped) visa pages. Travelers should make sure there are sufficient pages for visas and immigration stamps to enter into South Africa and other countries to be visited.  These blank pages cannot be endorsement or amendment pages.

Look at Travel.State.Gov for complete details on Passport/Visa and Vaccinations.

As a general precaution, all travelers are advised to carry a photocopy of the photo/bio information page of their passport and keep it in a location separate from their passport.

Optional tours cater to all types of activities for exploring the Cape!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=VL6BU5bypis%3Fcontrols%3D0

Banking and Currency

Currency

South Africa’s currency is the Rand, which offers visitors great value for their money. The rand comes in a range of coins (R1 = 100 cents) and note denominations of R10, R20, R50, R100.  With the exchange rate in your favor, you’ll find South Africa offers great value.

It is advisable to exchange US Dollars into Rands upon arrival for tips and small purchases where credit cards are not normally used.

Exchanging large denominations of US Dollars at game lodges can be challenging so come prepared.

FYI:  Cost of living in Cape Town (South Africa) is 60% cheaper than in New York City (United States)

EXCHANGE RATE CALCULATOR
Calculate how much the US Dollar
is valued at in South African Rand

Banking

Banks are found in most towns and are generally open from 09h00 to 15h30 on weekdays and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays (Closed Sundays and Public Holidays). Most of them offer foreign exchange services – with cash, bank & credit cards as well as traveler’s cheques. You can also obtain cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs). Several international banks have branches in the main city centers. Always advise your bank that you are traveling outside of the country as they might block your purchases if they are not informed.

Travel, Transport and Getting Around

Traveling around South Africa is relatively easy by air, road and rail.

UBER is a travel option in Cape Town, South Africa.
Compare taxi and Uber rates HERE.

Principal air routes are serviced by South African Airways and British Airways, operated by Comair. There are 2 low-cost carriers on main routes, namely Kulula.com and Mango.

Facilitating travel around South Africa are 10 airports managed by the Airports Company South Africa (Acsa). In addition, there are some 90 regional airports, including the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in Nelspruit and the Skukuza Airport, offering access to the Kruger National Park.

An extensive tarred road system makes traveling in South Africa by vehicle convenient and easy. You will find gravel roads in rural areas though.  Note:

• A valid international driver’s permit/license is required.
• South Africans drive on the left-hand side of the road.
• Wearing seat belts is compulsory and cell phones can only be used ‘hands-free’.
• Speed limits are generally set at 120km on freeways, 100km on secondary roads and 60km in urban areas.
• Toll fees apply on certain national roads.
• Petrol stations are widespread.
• Most global car hire firms have branches in South Africa

Another means of getting around South Africa are luxury inter-city bus services such as Greyhound and Trans-Lux.  Metrobus buses are available for in-city transport.  Metered taxis must be ordered by telephone. There is a hop-on-hop-off bus in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

The Cape Town rail system includes the long-haul, inexpensive ShosholozaMeyl Metrorail trains. More luxurious options are the Blue Train, Premier Classe and the steam train Rovos Rail.  There is also the new Gautrain rapid transit railway system in Gauteng Province which links Johannesburg, Pretoria, Ekhuruleni and OR Tambo International Airport.

---

Communicating Through WhatsAPP

DOWNLOAD WhatsApp before you leave the USA for easy WiFi use in communicating with the tour group, friends and family back home during your international travel.  This application is available for Android and IOS.

---

DOWNLOAD “SAA KNOW BEFORE YOU GO“

---

Health and Medical Information

Look at Travel.State.Gov for complete details on Passport/Visa and Vaccinations.

Many of the main tourist areas are malaria-free, so you need not worry at all. However, the Kruger National Park, the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, and the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal do pose a malaria risk in the summer months.

Many local people and some travelers do not take anti-malaria prophylaxis, but most health professionals recommend that you do.   All guests must consult their own medical doctor or health authorities regarding the use of anti-malarial tablets prior to departure.

Whether you take oral prophylaxis or not, always use mosquito repellent, wear long pants, closed shoes, light long-sleeved shirts at night, and sleep under a mosquito net in endemic areas (the anopheles mosquito, which carries malaria, operates almost exclusively after dark). Mosquito repellent containing “deet” is best.  It is advisable to avoid malarial areas if you are pregnant.

Travel and Medical Insurance

Comprehensive medical insurance is advised. Travel insurance is highly recommended and can be purchased through SAA Vacations or your travel agent. It can be used to cover baggage and personal item loss as well as trip cancellations. SAA Vacations will not be held responsible for any loss or damage to passenger’s belongings. Travel Guard is the (travel) insurance carrier offered through SAA Vacations.

Safety Notices

For international travel advisory and emergency, alerts check the U.S. Department of State website.

If you have lost your passport or wallet, please contact the local police department and file a report. Once you have done this, contact one of South Africa’s U.S. Embassies or Consulates (located in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban).

Contact Information:
Cape Town Consulate General
Telephone : (021) 702 – 7300
Email: americanscapetown@state.gov

Durban Consulate General
Telephone: (031) 305 – 7600
Email: consulardurban@state.gov

Johannesburg Consulate General
Telephone: (011) 290 – 3000
Email: consularjohannesburg@state.gov

Alternately, you can obtain information online at  http://www.embassy-worldwide.com/embassy/american-embassy-in-pretoria-south-africa

TRAVEL TIPS: 

• Keep a photograph of your luggage and passport on your smartphone
• Download the GateGuru app before your next trip: It shows maps and amenities for any terminal
• By far the best transit guide is CityMapper. It’s free, and offers real-time directions via public transport, on foot, or by car

Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice

Standards of hygiene in relation to food health and safety in South Africa, are generally high in hotels, restaurants, pubs and nightspots. Tap water in South Africa is safe to drink and cook with when taken from taps in urban areas. Not all tap water in rural areas is safe for consumption, so take precautions if necessary.

It is safe to eat fresh fruit, vegetables and salads, and put ice in your drinks. South Africa’s fish, meat and chicken are of excellent quality, so there is no need to limit yourself when enjoying the local cuisine.

Restaurants are subject to South Africa’s food safety control legislation, which is implemented by the local government.  Regulations include certification and regular inspections by health inspectors to ensure hygienic standards are maintained.

Street food is not as common in South Africa as it is in other countries, although vendors selling traditional snacks and meals can be found in city centers and townships. Food safety in such instances cannot always be guaranteed.

Climate and Weather

In the Western Cape, the average rainfall is highest in the winter months, while in other provinces, the average rainfall is highest during the summer. Overall South Africa enjoys a temperate and pleasant climate, with lovely warm sunny days most of the year.  KwaZulu-Natal has a subtropical climate with high humidity in Summer. The Southern Gauteng region has hot summers with occasional thundershowers and frosty winters, while the Eastern part of this region (known as the Lowveld) enjoys mild winters. The Cape interior and the Free State have similar weather conditions to the Southern Gauteng region. The Western Cape region has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.

SEASONS
Spring: September – October
Summer: November – February
Autumn: March – April
Winter: May – August

Clothing and Dress Recommendations  What To Pack

Spring (Aug-Oct)/Summer (Nov-Feb) 

Bring clothes that are cool, light and comfortable because summer temperatures can get well into the 30 – 40 degree Celsius range in some areas. Also bring an umbrella or raincoat during summer as this is when most of the country gets its rain, but don’t forget a swimming costume (bathing suit).

Duty-free allowances

• No more than 200 cigarettes and 20 cigars per person
• No more than 250g  (o.55 lb) of cigarette or pipe tobacco per person
• No more than 50ml (1.6) perfume and 250ml eau de toilette per person
• No more than 2 litres (67.6 oz or 8 cups) of wine per person
• No more than 1 litre (33 oz or 4 cups) in total of other alcoholic beverages per person

General

Always bring a hat, sunglasses and sunblock as the sun can be strong even in the winter months.

Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round, with warm socks in the winter.

If you are doing business in the country, business attire  (suit and tie) is generally called for in the corporate sector, but media for example generally dress more casually.

For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there’s no need to go overboard. A good pair of walking shoes is also advisable.

For the evening, if you are dining at an upmarket restaurant or seeing a show, smart-casual attire is recommended.

Electricity and Plug Standards

The South African electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ. With a few exceptions (in deep rural areas) electricity is available almost everywhere. However, you will need to purchase or bring adapters for the outlets. You can purchase the adapters in many US stores, online, or from a store while in South Africa. Adapters are usually available on loan at major hotels in South Africa. Three to five-star hotels usually have 110-volt outlets for electric shavers in bathrooms and often provide hairdryers and irons. An NW 4 plug with two prongs, 0.19 inches in diameter is required for compatibility.

---

Our Partners:

---

SMILE!

By participating in our programs and events you are consenting to be photographed/videotaped for material to be used in our publication and marketing efforts.