No Vaccine is required to enter South Africa.

Climate & Weather

Our climate is semi-arid with an annual rainfall around 350mm/11.8in. Rainfall is highly variable but falls entirely during the summer months from October to April. There are, on average, 10 rainy days per year and extended periods of less than average rainfall occur. In summer peak temperatures rise to 45°C/113°F and winters are mild. 

Winter–May to September

Winter is a time of very little, if any, rain or humidity and the heat index is fairly mild, therefore, much less oppressive than during the summer months. It is sunny throughout winter with virtually no clouds – an all-around pleasant time of year. May – A cooling trend develops as summer comes to an end. Average temperatures are mild, at about 10°C/50°F in the morning and 27°C/81° during the day. June, July & August – Chilly mornings are typical during the coldest months of the year, and the nighttime temperature routinely drops to about 7°C/45°F, from the average daily high of 26°C/79°F. September – September, and its slowly climbing temperatures signal the coming of the spring season. Approximate daily temperatures are around 30°C/86°F, up from a lower morning average of about 13°C/55°F.

Summer–October to April
The heat of the summer is hot and it is compounded by the fact that rain is rare and somewhat sporadic. When it does rain, it is a very welcome break and does a great deal to settle the dust which permeates the air. October & November – The first rains will come as a relief after months of dry heat. Temperatures are between 18°C/64°F in the morning and 32°C/90°F in the afternoon. December, January & February – This is an extremely hot time of year. The average temperature in the afternoon is 33°C/92°F, but peak temperatures may rise to 45°C/113°F or higher. Early morning is the nicest time of the day with temperatures of 20°C/68°F. March & April – It cools down, and temperatures are a bit milder at 31°C/88°F in the afternoon. Mornings are still pleasant at 17°C/63°F. The last rain of the season can be expected, but it is mostly dry.

Personal Items

  • Any medical prescriptions
  • Eyeglasses & Sunglasses
  • Sun protection lotion
  • Lip balm
  • Band-aids and blister repair plasters
  • Insect repellent (35% DEET works best)
  • Shaving and Cosmetic kit
  • Skin moisturizer
  • Pocket knife
  • Locks for luggage (while in transit)
  • Diary and pen (so much happens that you will want to make notes)
  • Binoculars
  • Video equipment, spare battery and charger
  • 220-110 volt converter (for personal items)
  • Don’t Forget Your Camera, extra battery and charger!

Communications

The international code for South Africa is 27, which should be preceded by the international prefix of 011 if calling from the U.S. 

Exchange codes must be dialed when calling outside metropolitan areas. A zero always precedes dialing codes but falls away when calling from overseas. For example, locally, the dialing code for Limpopo is 015, but calling from outside South Africa, it would be 2715.

Directory Information-1023International operator-0009Police emergencies-10111Ambulance-10117

Clothing

Camouflage clothing is legal in South Africa (except military-style) and is widely used by many of the residents. Comfortable boots or walking shoes are a must. Three changes of comfortable, cotton bush clothes are recommended.
Bring at least one warm jacket for those cold mornings, a knitted hat/beanie/tuque and a pair of gloves.
You will also need a sun hat for protection from the sun and branches while stalking. In the evening, the camp is very informal.
Other miscellaneous clothing:
Casual clothing for use prior to - and after - your safari or for those side trips.
Belt and a cartridge holder. At least four sets of underwear.
Gaiters, Comfortable shoes and socks for wearing around camp.
The Chalet floors can be cool in the mornings and you might want slippers or shower shoes. Swimsuit and a lightweight waterproof jacket.

Electricity

Voltage in South Africa is 230 – 240 volts, 50 Hz. For your electrical items you will need a voltage converter. These can be purchased at any K-Mart, Walmart or similar type of store. You will also need a plug adapter to plug your converter into the wall. The universal plugs that come with some converters indicate whether they can be used in Africa.

Currency

The unit of currency in South Africa is the Rand (R), which is divided into 100 cents. Notes are in R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10. Coins are in denominations of R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c and 10 cent pieces. Very little cash is required though as most purchases can be done with a debit or credit card. Ingwe Safaris Africa welcomes payments with Visa or MasterCard.

Time

Standard time in South Africa is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the winter and 6 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time in the summer. Europe experiences a one-to-two hour time difference. South Africa has no daylight saving time changes.

Language

South Africa has 11 official languages. English is the language of administration and is spoken throughout the country. The other official languages are: Afrikaans, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsongo, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu. 

Airlines

BEFORE YOU BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS to South Africa!

Airlines are constantly changing their procedures concerning transporting firearms and ammunition. Be sure to check baggage requirements with your airline before you book your flight and be sure to allow plenty of time between flights in case an unforeseen issue comes into play.

Airline transportation to South Africa is not included with any of our safaris. Your local travel agent can assist you with these arrangements; however, some of them might not be familiar with Southern Africa and travelling with hunting rifles, so choose carefully.

Customs and Immigration

All visitors to South Africa are required to carry a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the intended length of stay. There should be sufficient blank pages (a minimum of 2) for entry stamps upon arrival. Visas are not required for citizens from USA, UK, Canada, France, Germany and Spain. Visitors can stay for a maximum of 90 days. You may be requested to show a return ticket. Visit www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries for further details. Should you require an invitation letter from Ingwe Safaris Africa, please contact us and we will ensure you receive it via email.