SOUTH AFRICA FAQ

Your questions answered for our South Africa trip!

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highlights

Experience South Africa

  • Live with the locals in a village homestay experience
  • 4x4 Excursion in a private game reserve
  • Opportunities to observe the Big Five in Kruger National Park
  • Staying in a safari lodge on the edge of Kruger National Park
  • Visiting Boulder’s Beach to view the African Penguin
South Africa is one of the world’s finest Big Five safari destinations and is also known for amazing food and adrenaline-pumping adventure activities. What more can you ask for when crossing a country off your bucket list?

Have a question about the Under30Experiences South Africa trip?

What is the currency in South Africa?

The South African rand (ZAR).

Do I need a visa to travel to South Africa?

U.S. passport holders visiting the Republic of South Africa for ninety (90) days or less for tourism purposes do not need visas.

When is the best time to visit South Africa?

South Africa’s shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) see smaller crowds and better opportunities for wild-watching. During the shoulder seasons, you can also find better budget-friendly deals on accommodations and activities.
November through March is summertime in South Africa. This is also the peak season for tourism, so it’s best to plan ahead if you want to visit during these months. 

What is the official language spoken in South Africa?

South Africa has 11 official languages and a multilingual population fluent in at least two. IsiZulu and isiXhosa are the largest languages. English is an urban language of public life, widely used in the media, business, and government.

What type of luggage is best?

The lighter, the better! If you only have a rolling suitcase, that will work, but getting your hands on a more mobile bag, like a large backpack, would be better. We take private and public transportation, including a domestic flight. We move often on this trip, changing locations every 2-3 days.

Loading your suitcase on and off all these modes of transportation can be challenging. You'll also want a daypack for your personal gear, food, and drinks for the day.

What type of weather should I expect?

South Africa's climatic conditions generally range from Mediterranean in the southwestern corner of South Africa to temperate in the interior plateau and subtropical in the northeast. Most of the country has warm, sunny days and cool nights. 

The mean annual temperature for South Africa as a whole is 64 Fahrenheit (17 Celsius), with average monthly temperatures ranging between 70 Fahrenheit (22 Celsius) (December, January) and 51 Fahrenheit  (11 Celsius) (June, July).

What time of year should I visit Kruger National Park?

Kruger National Park is year-round destination, with each season bringing its own highlights. Whatever time you decide to go on a safari in Kruger National Park--you will not be disappointed!Game viewing can be at its best during the dry winter months.
However, the wet summer season brings full waterholes, lush bush, much newborn wildlife, and the summer migrant birds arrive. Kruger National Park has a hot, subtropical climate, and most of the year, it is hot during the day (above 80 Fahrenheit or 25 Celsius).

What is internet access like in South Africa?

Travelers will be able to access the internet quite easily in the internet cafes of South Africa’s large cities but limited to no access should be expected in rural areas.

What are the toilet facilities like in the village homestay?

True South African long-drop toilets situated outside of each home are available. These facilities are clean and well-kept. Homestay hosts supply guests with hot water every morning and evening via portable bucket baths.

Can I drink the water in South Africa?

Tap water can be drunk in South Africa’s cities. However, drinking tap water in rural areas isn't recommended. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found. Some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

What are the accommodations like in the homestay village?

For two nights of your trip, you will stay in a private room of a host family’s homestay accommodation. Each room is equipped with a double bed, with some hosts having two or three guestrooms. On arrival at your home and upon meeting your host, you will receive a homestay kit. Each kit is fitted with clean linen (duvet, pillow, towel, face cloth, sheet), a roll of toilet paper, hand sanitizer, mosquito repellent, tea, coffee, cup, sugar, and milk. True South African long-drop toilets situated outside of each home are available. These facilities are clean and well-kept. Homestay hosts supply guests with hot water every morning and evening via portable bucket baths

Are credit cards accepted widely in South Africa?

Credit cards are usually accepted by large hotels, modern shops, and western-style restaurants but not by smaller vendors. Ensure you have adequate cash to cover purchases not able to be made on credit.

What is ATM access like in South Africa?

There are many ATMs in the big cities and regional towns of South Africa. Rural areas, national parks, and small villages will have limited to no ATMs, so be sure to carry other payment options before traveling out of the big cities.

What is the luggage weight limit on the domestic flight?

20 kg (44 lbs) for checked luggage and 6 kg (13 lbs) for carry-on

I noticed that the trip begins in Johannesburg and ends in Cape Town. How do you recommend I arrange my flights?

You may find the best international deals by booking a round-trip flight in and out of Johannesburg Airport (JNB). Then you can book a separate domestic flight from Cape Town Airport (CPT) to Johannesburg. However, Cape Town Airport (CPT) is an international airport servicing multiple major airlines.

Do I need a power adapter?

Yes. South Africa operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. We recommend packing a universal travel adapter for your electronic devices. 

How much should I budget for food and activities?

We suggest bringing $350 USD in cash to be used at establishments that do not accept credit cards.This is not the total cash amount that you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your own spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.

Credit cards, such as Mastercard and Visa, are widely accepted in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Cash, in local currency, will be needed for purchasing souvenirs or any other items in the village. ATMs will be available in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Will there be opportunities to do laundry on this trip?

Cape Town will be your best option for doing laundry. The hotel offers this service. Talk to the receptionist when you arrive in Cape Town on Day 6.

What are the Big Five?

The Big Five animals are lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo.

What are the safari vehicles like?

Our local partner uses 10-seater, open-air vehicles. Picture a pickup truck with rows of seats fastened in the bed and a canopy overhead to protect people from the sun and rain. There are no windows/doors on the back of the vehicles, which allows for open viewing.

Can I opt-out of an included activity?

Of course! This trip is your trip, and you don’t have to participate in anything you don’t want to. Just be aware that opting out of included activities will not change the price of the trip.

Do you have last-minute deals?

Yes! When travelers take advantage of our “Switch Your Trip” program, last-minute slots open up on sold-out trips. Visit our Trips On Sale page for the latest last-minute deals. Sign up to the list to be notified.

Have a question that's not on this list?

Feel free to reach out to our all-star customer service team at info@under30experiences.com

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