Ekala Eco Tours Travel Guide

Don’t Forget

Cameras, binoculars, comfortable walking shoes, sun block, sunglasses, hat and swimming costume.

Cell Phones / Mobiles, International & Local Dialling

South Africa’s mobile phone operators utilise the GSM system, so if your phone is GSM compatible, you can organise international roaming before you leave.

Then the international dialing prefix for South Africa is +27. Please remember to remove the zero (0) from the area code if you are dialing from outside South Africa. But for local calls the zero must be dialed.

Weather

The best time for game viewing is in winter, this is from May to August. Consequently due to the lower density of grasses and accordingly the lesser amount of groundwater.

Summer (Oct April) – Then pack light neutral coloured clothing including rain jacket, then warm clothing for evening activities. Summer is then characterised by hot weather and occasional afternoon thundershowers (except the Western Cape which has dry summers and wet winters).

Climates range from Mediterranean (the Cape coast), to sub-tropical in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces.

Then the balance of the country enjoys moderate temperatures with summer thunderstorms.

Winter (May Sept) – Pack light neutral coloured clothing for day wear, very warm clothing for evening/early morning and then also a warm insulated jacket for game drives.

Health

South Africa has well developed medical infrastructure. The private hospitals actually are equal to anywhere in the world. There is a large network of private and public hospitals around the country.

However travelers should have travel health insurance. Accordingly buy adequate medical insurance that includes air evacuation. Always declare pre-existing medical conditions.

Do you need any vaccinations?

Please see your doctor to find out which, if any, vaccinations are thus required, and/or visit the World Health Organisation for more information. If you are taking medication or suffer from any form of illness, consequently be sure to have an adequate supply of medicines before departing on your tour.

Malaria

Most of South Africa is malaria-free, however, Malaria is endemic in the area covered by our Mpumalanga Panoramic Tour, and additionally our safaris to the Kruger Park.

While the summer months are the time of greatest risk.

Malaria medication is above all, highly recommended if you are traveling in these areas, but the medication is not foolproof.

 

The medication must be then be taken strictly as instructed, with most requiring the individual to start a course of medication before entering a malaria area.

 

Further precautions when visiting or travel to these areas are:

As stated above, if you are travelling with Ekala, please discuss with us as to the risks and actual areas we would be consequently traveling in.

Thus ensuring we give you all the information required before departing.

 

Accordingly using mosquito repellent products day and night on all exposed skin. Wear light, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes and socks if outdoors especially from dusk to dawn.

 

Close windows and doors at night unless they are screened. Burn mosquito coils and mats in sleeping areas. Then sleep under a mosquito proof bed-net.

Food Products

Indeed, no agricultural products will be allowed to enter South Africa.

Language

There are 9 provinces, and 11 official languages. English is the official language and spoken or however understood by most of the population.

Currency & Foreign Exchange

Local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR), which is divided into 100 cents.

Then foreign exchange outlets can be found in most major airports and shopping malls.

 

Banking & ATM’s – (Automated Teller Machines) – South Africa has a sophisticated financial and banking sector and ATMs will thus be found in all towns. Additionally many petrol stations offer this service.

 

Local Tax – Value-added tax of 15% is added to the price of most items and services.

 

While as a tourist, you can claim your VAT back on goods priced over R250 at the airport on departure.

 

You will however need the original tax invoice, a VAT refund control sheet, your passport and the goods.

 

Goods consumed and services rendered in South Africa, do however not qualify for a vat refund.

Time Zone

There is only one time zone in South Africa – 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

Safety

Most parts of the country can be safely visited if common sense precautions are however taken.

Such as not walking alone at night in deserted areas and then not wearing a lot of flashy jewelry.

Again – if you are with Ekala, we discuss this in depth.

However if you have any concerns about areas your tour will cover please feel free to speak to Ekala.

Smoking

Smoking has been banned in public places in South Africa and is consequently a sensitive issue for many establishments. Accordingly, please check before lighting up.

Water

South Africa has high standards of water treatment and therefore its tap water is some of the cleanest in the world.

However, some areas are a little different. As the Kruger and some rural parts of South Africa.

Please discuss with Ekala.

Power

Electrical current in South Africa is 220 – 230 volts, AC. Wall sockets accommodate 15 amp plugs with three round pins.

Ekala will assist with adaptors as may be required.

Gratuities

Gratuities are not included in the final bill and are welcomed for good service. Tipping is not compulsory, but is appreciated.

You are welcome to discuss this with Ekala – easy.

General Safety Guidelines

Ekala will be taking care of you for time you have booked with us. The following should however be observed.

When out and about avoid wearing visible flashy jewellery or carrying cameras and bags over your shoulder. Keep cell phones and wallets tucked away where no one can see them.

Do not leave purses on chairs, under tables, on the backs of chairs or then on restroom hooks.

Not to count money in the open.

Additionally do not leave valuables in the vehicle. Pay attention to your surroundings and report any suspicious situations or people to your tour operator.

 

Hence do not carry large amounts of cash. Separate your cash and credit cards. Keep valuable documents in a safe place.

Write down your credit card numbers in addition the customer service number for the issuing bank(s), put them in a sealed envelope and Ekala will hold these for you.

Always remain alert, moreover in crowded and noisy areas. Keep track of your keys. For Ekala Guest Farm, please return your room key to the front desk while away from your room.