Before You Depart

South Africa Highlights & Safari

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Your departure flights from the U.S. to South Africa and back are on the below airlines. We recommend that you check in three-and-a-half hours before departure.

Departure Date Airline Airport Depart Return
2024: Feb.7, Feb. 28, Mar. 13 United Airlines Newark (EWR) 8:35 PM 5:55 AM
2024: Apr. 10 TBA Newark (EWR) TBA TBA
2024: May 8 United Airlines Newark (EWR) 8:40 PM 6:15 AM
2024: May 15, May 22 United Airlines Newark (EWR) 8:40 PM 5:40 AM
2024: Jul. 17, Aug. 7, Oct. 2 United Airlines Newark (EWR) 8:25 PM 5:50 AM
2024: Aug. 21 United Airlines Newark (EWR) 8:25 PM 5:40 AM
2024: Sep.4, Sep. 11, Sep. 18, Sep. 25 United Airlines Newark (EWR) 8:15 PM 5:45 AM
2024: Oct. 16 United Airlines Newark (EWR) 8:25 PM 8:00 AM
2024: Nov. 6, Nov. 20 United Airlines Newark (EWR) 8:35 PM 7:00 AM

 

ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT

The above airlines do not assign seats in advance. Seat assignment can only be arranged when you check-in at the airport.

BOOKING YOUR OWN FLIGHTS

Booking your own flighs has advantages like flying from your home airport, choosing your own seats, upgrading your seats, and using and collecting airline miles. Tour-only travelers are responsible for arranging their entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. Unused land services including those caused by air schedule changes and delays are non-refundable and smarTours cannot be held responsible.

When booking your flights, please note that our tour starts in Cape Town and ends in Johannesburg. We recommend that you:

  • Fly into Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
  • Fly out of O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)

BOOKING YOUR OWN TRANSFERS

In South Africa, private taxis are reliable ways to get to/from the airport. You may also check the airport’s website for additional information on how to book a private transfer in advance.

TOUR MEETING POINT

If you have booked our air package, your Tour Director will be waiting for you in the arrivals area near the point you clear customs.

If you have booked our tour-only package, hotel check-in is generally not before 4:00 PM. The Tour Director and group will meet the morning of Day 2 for breakfast and an orientation meeting.

TOUR ENDING POINT

If you have booked our air package, the tour ends with a transfer to the airport on the last day.

If you have booked our tour-only package, the tour ends after breakfast on the last day. Generally, hotel check-out is prior to 12:00 PM (noon).

PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION

You must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. All visitors are required by the South African immigration authorities to have a minimum of two consecutive blank visa entry pages in their passport. Insufficient pages in the passport normally results in denied boarding or denial of entry upon arrival, and the person is likely to be detained pending return to their country of origin. Visa is not required for U.S. passport holders. Non-US citizens should check with the South Africa and Kingdom of Eswatini consulates as to the most current visa requirements. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.

TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS

Final instructions, documents, and travel tips will be emailed to you 10–14 days before the scheduled start of your tour. If you have not received your final documents, please check your spam folder or contact smarTours.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Please consult your personal physician or local public health authorities regarding taking anti-malaria pills, as well as other recommendations.

CLIMATE

South Africa is located in the southern hemisphere and has the reverse seasons to those of the U.S. The weather is temperate, even in the winter. Overnight temperatures are 10-20 degrees lower. Here’s what you can expect:

  • April–September: Highs in the 60s and 70s.
  • October–March: Highs in the 70s and 80s.

NON-INCLUDED MEALS

Food costs in South Africa are quite reasonable compared to the U.S. In Cape Town, you may dine at either of the hotels used on this tour or in a nearby restaurant recommended by your guide. The V&A Waterfront also offers a fantastic range of dining options. Your hotel will accept credit cards for your non-included meals.

CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY

The official currency in South Africa is the South African rand (R, ZAR). Hotels, restaurants, and many stores accept credit cards and credit cards are the most convenient way to carry money in the region. However, for “street shopping” and incidentals you will need local currency. For convenience, and the best exchange rates, we recommend withdrawing local currency at an in-store ATM. Avoid using ATMs in the street. You may also exchange money at your local bank before you travel. The official currency in Eswatini is the Swazi lilangeni (SZL) which is fixed to the Rand. The South African rand is accepted throughout Eswatini and there is no need to exchange cash. It is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations and that you alert your bank and credit card company of your travels.

Electricity

South Africa operates on 230 volts/50 Hz and uses plug types C, M, and N. Learn more about plug types, adapters, and converters. Please note South Africa has a system of “load shedding” which means power turns off to particular areas on a rotation due to the shortage in electricity supply. Most hotels, restaurants, shops and safari lodges have sufficient backup power in place to avoid major disruptions during load shedding. The impact on tourists is minimal.

BAGGAGE

Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage and one carry-on piece. Please check with the airline for the maximum weight and size for luggage. We recommend that you do not over-pack and that you take a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.