Travel Tips

Flights

 

When booking your plane ticket for Explore Africa Tour, please keep in mind the time difference, based on your location, to ensure that you arrive on time for the start of the tour. Ensure that you book your flight to land into Johannesburg on Sunday November 30th 2025 and Depart on Monday December 1, 2025

Your arrival airport should be O.R. Tambo International Airport in South Africa.

Transportation

 

All of your tour experience transportation is included in your trip. More specifically, your transfers to-and-from the O. R. Tambo International Airport and the hotel is included, and transportation to all of the scheduled activities as per the Itinerary (see itinerary page) is included.

All other transportation, whether to the mall for shopping or to a restaurant for dinner in the evenings, during your leisure time is at your own expense.

Note that Uber is available as well as taxi cabs.

Passport

 

It is very important for you to know that TWO BLANK pages are required in your passport when traveling to South Africa. This is a local requirement that is out of our control and you may not be allowed on your flight to Johannesburg if you do not have the two blank pages.

When checking in at the airport, a passport (valid for six months after your return date) is needed as proof of identification to enter South Africa. Citizens of several nations are required visas to enter South Africa, make sure your nation’s passport is not among them. If you require a visa and do not have one, you will be denied entry.

Click HERE to confirm that you are exempt from visas to South Africa.

 

Tech

 

You will need to bring along necessary converters and adapters to operate any 120 volt, 60 Hz appliances such as hair dryers, electric razors, etc. You will also need converters for cell phones and laptop usage. Most hotels in South Africa will have electric convertors to lend you for the durations of your stay. However, we do recommend that you purchase your own prior to arrival.

 

Currency

 

The currency in South Africa is the Rand; sometimes called ZAR. As the economy fluctuates, it is wise to keep an eye on rates of exchange as you approach your departure date. We recommend that you withdraw money from ATM machines in South Africa in order to get the best exchange rates.

Cash

 

It is a good idea to have some cash with you for emergencies and small purchases. If you bring an ATM card you can get a better rate of exchange from local banks without having to worry about fees; if you go inside the bank, you’ll have to pay a fee.

Beware of money changers on the street. Most businesses accept credit cards.

 

Health

 

Many seasoned travelers are not aware that their health insurance will not cover them outside of the country. For a minimal amount of money, travel insurance is a strong consideration.

If you need to cancel your trip due to an unforeseen emergency or serious illness, your trip may be nonrefundable, but contact for clarity

In the event you become ill during your travels, finding and receiving medical care may be expensive. Travel insurance not only covers lost baggage, but most travel insurance also have worldwide emergency assistance coverage. We highly recommend you research travel insurance options with your insurance provider.

 

Pack

 

You should plan to dress summer casual. It is important to point out however, that we will be in different climates while on the tour. 

Choose comfort over fashion. For those things you will need to carry with you daily, we recommend bringing a lightweight travel pouch, that attaches around your waist or across your body, or a backpack.

Travelers have different opinions regarding carrying wallets and purses. Some people believe it’s safer to put valuables in a pouch or conceal them, others opt to bring only minimal valuables or to leave them in hotel safes. Whichever you choose, is up to you.

We also recommend that you bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Remember to leave room in your suitcase for souvenir purchases.

Weather

 

The season of the tour is the spring season in South Africa that lasts from September to late November.  The temperature is usually characterized as sunny weather, often with afternoon thunderstorms that clear quickly leaving a comfortable climate.

Covid 19

 

All travelers must, upon arrival at the Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport, provide a valid certificate of a negative COVID-19 test, not more than 72 hours before the date of travel.

All South Africa Covid 19 protocol requirements will be stricly enforced.

Travelers will also be responsible for keeping abreast on COVID 19 re-entry requirements to return home.

A Free Covid-19 Test will be provided, if needed, for departure to your home country.