PASSPORT NOTE: At least
two blank passport pages are required when traveling to South Africa.
If traveling to multiple countries throughout Africa, make sure that there is
one blank passport
page available for a stamp from each country. (PLEASE NOTE: Amendment pages are
not
considered valid passport pages.)
Some countries require
that your U.S. passport be valid at least six months or longer beyond the dates
of your trip. If your passport expires before the required validity, you will
have to apply for a new one. Please check with the embassy or nearest consulate
of the country that you plan to visit for their requirements.
http://www.zvs.com/site/Passports/
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Travelers
from certain regions of the world (Scandinavia, Japan, the USA, and most Western
European and Commonwealth countries) do not need to formally apply for a visa.
Upon arrival in South Africa, countries falling into this category will
automatically be given a free entry permit sticker that outlines how long
they may remain in the country. This automatic entry permit is usually for a
maximum of 90 days, though the immigration officer may tailor the time
period according to the airline tickets held.
Click here to see a quick reference for all countries
Foreign
nationals from some other countries are offered this service, but for a
maximum of 30 days. If visitors want to stay for a longer period, they will
have to apply formally for a visa, as opposed to relying on the automatic entry
permit.
You must have
a valid passport that does not expire for at least six months after your return
home. Please ensure your passport has sufficient blank pages for any visas
required and for entry/departure stamps.
You will also require a return air ticket, and sufficient traveler's checks or
foreign currency to finance your travel in and exit from these African
countries.
A
valid passport is the only documentation required by Americans for entry into
Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Seychelles, and South Africa.
The following countries require a visa, which must be obtained from the
consulate prior to travel: Egypt, Madagascar, Mozambique, Kenya and Tanzania.
Visas for the following countries can be obtained upon arrival and are payable
in US dollars: Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Please note that if you will depart
and then re-enter Zimbabwe or Zambia during the course of your holiday, you must
obtain a double entry visa.
It is important that you click on the link below to check for latest updates.
http://www.zvs.com
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East and
Central Africa
The long
rains are from early April through early June, and the short rains from late
November through December.
Dry seasons
offer excellent visibility and more reliable road conditions, and game tends to
congregate around the limited water sources, making the animals easier to find.
July and
August are generally extremely busy in East Africa, offering comfortable
temperatures in addition to being a popular time for travel world-wide.
Ensure that you are very familiar with the migration routes and
the best times to view it.
Southern Africa
The rainy
season runs mainly from late November through mid-April in the safari regions;
however if you are traveling to South Africa, the southern Cape is experiencing
summer at this time and is a wonderful place to visit.
The Cape area
can be cold and rainy during the southern hemisphere winter months from June
through August.
May and June
can be delightful months for sight seeing and safaris.
Click here to see weather in South Africa
http://www.weathersa.co.za/
Indian Ocean Islands
Generally the weather is similar to that of southern Africa, with the summer
rains lasting from November through April, with occasional cyclones during that
time. The dry season from May to October is ideal.
Weather Tips
Although these are general guidelines regarding seasonal patterns, please be
advised that the weather can vary dramatically throughout your trip.
A light warm jacket, hat, gloves, and
raincoat/windbreaker are essential depending on when you travel and the nature
of your trip.
We strongly recommend dressing in layers as
this is an effective method of compensating for the wide variations in
temperatures. The early morning game drives can be very chilly.
http://wwwa.accuweather.com
/adcbin/public/int_index.asp?partner=accuweather
What is
the time difference?
South Africa
operates two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time throughout the year, making it
an hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, seven hours ahead of Eastern
Standard Winter Time and seven hours behind Australian Central Time.
Southern Africa is 7 hours
ahead of Eastern Standard Time (6 hours during Daylight Savings Time). East and
Central Africa is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (5 hours during
Daylight Savings Time).
Altitude
For the first few days
on safari, your body will be adjusting not only to this time change, but also to
the altitude.
Johannesburg is a mile high city just like
Denver. If you
experience adverse health effects at higher than normal altitudes, please
consult your doctor for further advice.
http://www.timezoneconverter.com/cgi-bin/tzc.tzc
Which
side of the road do they drive on?
http://www.brianlucas.ca/roadside/
What
currency do they use?
The currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R, with 100
cents making up R1 (one Rand). Foreign currency can be exchanged at local banks
and Bureaux de Changes. Most major international credit cards such as American
Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and their affiliates are widely accepted.
What
is the exchange rate?
http://www.xe.com/ucc/
How do
I convert from Metric?
http://www.convert-me.com/en/
(Scroll
down after you click on this link.)
What
is the electric current?
South
Africa's electricity supply: 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz
Exceptions: Pretoria (230 V) and Port Elizabeth (200/250 V)
Most plugs have three round pins but some plugs with two smaller pins are also
found on appliances. Adaptors can be purchased but may be in short supply.
US-made appliances may need a transformer.
If you are a client of African Classic Encounters, use your
African Classic Encounters passport to log
into the VIP lounge for a picture of the plug that is used and find additional
valuable information to prepare for your journey.
TERMS AND
CONDITIONS
PRIVACY AND LEGAL
COPY RIGHT
Under 8 power is
too weak. Over 10 power is too strong (unless you are skilled in holding the
binoculars steadily when the vehicle is moving, idling or starting).