Frequently Asked Questions

South Africa is generally a very casual country, with warm, windy days and chilly nights. Jeans, tshirts, shorts and skirts are fine for during the day.

Summer days can range from pleasant to very hot, with balmy evenings.

Winters can be wet and windy during the day, while in other areas can be dry, hot and humid. Winter nights, however, always cold.

Formal to semi-formal attire is worn in upper class restaurants and clubs. Casual wear is accepted at most restaurants, pubs and bars. Most clubs do not accept guests in trainers and bathing suits (full or two pieces) and are strictly for the beach.

Electricity in South Africa runs on 220/230V, 50Hz AC and the sockets are adapted to take round or flat pinned plugs. Plugs have 3 round pins, some have 2 smaller pins. Most hotel rooms have sockets for 110V electric razors.

Adaptors can be purchased but may be in short supply. Also, bear in mind some bush camps may not even have any electricity.

The South Africa country dialling code is +27.

Long distance calls can be made in South Africa using the correct country code. Many hotels, lodges and guest houses offer direct dialling facilities. It is worth purchasing a phone card for international calls, available from post offices and news agencies in units ranging from R20, R50, R100 and R200.

South Africa has three world class mobile phone operators

• Vodacom
• MTN
• Telkom

Sim cards can be purchased almost anywhere and can be as little as R5. Pay-as-you-go airtime is recommended for tourists.

Generally: Porters usually receive R5 per item; taxis receive 10% of the bill, and waiters and waitresses in restaurants 10-15% (service charge is not included in the total bill).

At petrol stations: A tip of about R2 will be appreciated for a fill-up, oil and water check and windscreen wash.

In parking areas: Whatever small change you may have will be appreciated for parking and watching your car.

Whilst at Safari Lodges:

Who: Safari staff
Service: A game viewing experience in South Africa is not just spectacular because of the animals; it’s also usually out-of-this-world because of the careful attention of a contingent of staff members. There are the rangers and trackers, who keep you safe on safari, point out the (often near-hidden) animals and lead a once-in-a-lifetime experience out in the beautiful wild (for a day to up to a week at a time); the porters, who deftly carry your bags to your room; the housekeeping staff, who keeps your room clean and tidy; and the servers, who tend to your every culinary need for multiple meals a day.

Special note: Assuming you’ve enjoyed your stay, a day-by-day tip is not necessary. Alternatively, a pooled tip for the staff could be a convenient way for you to reach the housekeeping, front-of-house and general staff all at once. It’s generally accepted that you tip the guide/ranger separately.

Do: Bring envelopes; if you enjoyed the service of a specific person or group, put the relevant name/s on the envelope with a tip inside.
Ranger: R150 per night per person
Tracker: R100 per night per person
General staff: R100 per night per person (Porter/Housemaid/Kitchen)

• New Year’s Day: 01 January
• Human Rights Day: 21 March
• Good Friday: The Friday before Easter (between late March and late April)
• Family Day: The Monday after Easter Sunday
• Freedom Day: 27 April
• Workers Day: 01 May
• Youth Day: 16 June
• National Women’s Day: 09 August
• Heritage Day: 24 September
• Day of Reconciliation: 16 December
• Christmas Day: 25 December
• Day of Goodwill: 26 December