Personal safety
Your personal safety and security is mostly a matter of common sense. So take the same precautions while traveling in Africa on safari that you would in any major city at home:
Do not carry large sums of cash (see below for more information on Cash, Credit Cards & ATMs).
Carry your cash (plus passport and other travel documents) in a money pouch hidden under your shirt. Keep it out of sight or stowed in your camera bag or knapsack (which should remain in sight at all times).
Keep a close watch on your personal bags when walking in crowded areas (airports, markets, restaurants and on the street).
Do not walk alone at night.
Leave your passport, airline tickets and cash in a safe place (the hotel/lodge safe) when venturing out. Make sure to have a copy of your passport in a separate location.
Keep tempting valuables (including phones, cameras, wallet pouches, handbags) out of sight. Lock them up in the room safe or hand them into management.
If possible, leave your jewelry at home.
Cash, Credit Cards & ATM’s
Normally the best option would be to carry a combination of cash (preferably US$ for most countries…and Rand for South Africa) and at least one credit card.
Traveller’s cheques (checks) are not widely accepted in African countries whereas the American Dollar remains the most widely accepted, followed by the Euro and Sterling.
Be careful of money-changers!
Credit & Debit cards
Most establishments accept international credit cards. Use them as a method of payment wherever possible. However, it is advisable to carry more than one brand of credit card as not all types are accepted by all outlets/hotels.
Important Travel Tip: Most banks and credit card companies advocate that you advise them before you travel overseas. This is so that their credit card monitoring systems do not suspend your card when they detect any unusual purchases. Such purchases will trigger the suspension of your card.
Always be extra cautious with providing your credit card details when traveling and above all and do not let your card out of your sight when paying your bill.
ATM machines
In Africa, ATM machines supply only local currency and you may need an international PIN code. Be sure to check with your bank/credit card facility at home about how this should work. Not all ATMs in Africa will accept every credit card type. VISA has the best coverage in Africa. Use an ATM at a bank, so if your card is retained for any reason, you can go in and get it back. Don’t rely on ATMs as your main source of cash while on safari!
Electric current
220 -240V/50Hz is the predominant electrical system that all of Africa uses, as is much of Europe, the UK, Australia and New Zealand and virtually all the Asian countries and India. If you are however from North America, please ensure that you bring an adapter for the proper plug configuration and a converter.
Plugs/Types:
(South African plug): Three-prong round (large)
Telecommunications
Generally speaking, telecommunication in Africa is not of the same quality as accustomed to at home but mobile (cell) phone coverage (and even Wi-Fi) is certainly more widespread throughout Africa – although not in some of the more remote safari destinations (thankfully).
A Travel Tip before you leave for safari: confirm with your service provider that your phone is registered for international roaming (also check that your phone is compatible with the networks in Africa. If your phone is a dual or tri-band GSM phone it will work just fine.
Nowadays Wi-Fi is being offered at most safari destinations – some as an extension of that country’s communications grid, and some connected via satellite. We will gladly inform you before you leave home which camps/lodges have WiFi. Better to use WiFi than your mobile phone. Avoid exorbitant international roaming charges!
Water is life
Drink only bottled water. Drink water frequently! Dehydration is a real danger on safari and quite frequent. Make sure to drink at regular intervals and have water at hand at all times. You will always be safe drinking the bottled water that is readily available at all the camps and lodges. It is recommendable to carry a bottle of water with you at all times – including on transfers between camps.
Dust
In the winter months (June to October), the game reserves can be extremely dusty. Contact lens wearers should bring eye drops and eyeglasses, to avoid eye irritation. Clean camera and video lenses regularly and store them in a camera bag, while on safari.
Do not exchange too much money into local currency at any one time. There is normally no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that may be imported.
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Reasons to Visit Kruger
The Kruger to Canyon Biosphere is the third-largest in the world.
You can experience savannah, grassland and forest species and landscapes.
517 recorded bird species – the birding between Parfuri and Punda Maria in the north of the national park is extremely rewarding (253 residents, 117 non-breeding migrants and 147 nomads).
Large concentrations of the Big 5 including about 17 000 elephants and 2 000 lions.
Every visit contributes to vital conservation efforts.
The oldest conservation area in Africa.
Easy logistics from Johannesburg, Southern Africa’s international airport hub.
Excellent infrastructure for first-timers to Africa, including English-speaking transfer drivers and some of the most highly trained guides in the world.
Weather in South Africa
Best Things to Do on a Kruger Safari
Kruger is primarily a safari area and the focus is definitely on seeing the game. There are limited cultural and historical excursions to be had, and these may only be possible if you are in the area – the park is enormous and it may be far to drive to a significant site.
May June July August September
Kruger 78.8 75.2 75.2 78.8 82.4
Cape Town 68.0 64.4 62.6 62.6 66.2
JNB 68.0 62.6 62.6 68.6 73.4
