General
Visas
Note: Requirements for entry into South Africa differ from country to country, and are subject to change. Always make enquiries before travelling to South Africa.
What are the requirements for entering South Africa?You will need:
- A valid passport or travel document that will be valid for the length of your intended stay - your passport must have at least one blank page in it.
- a valid visa, if required.
- sufficient funds.
- a return or onward ticket.
- yellow fever certificates – if your journey starts or passes through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America.
Do I need a visa to visit South Africa?
Depending on your nationality, and the purpose and duration of your visit, you may not need a visa to visit South Africa. For further information on visas, please click on the link.
Weather/Climate
The best wildlife viewing in the Kruger National Park is during the dry winter months from May to September. At this time the bush thins out and animals congregate around waterholes and rivers. It tends to get better as winter progresses and September is particularly nice since the mornings are a bit less chilly than in mid-winter. The best wildlife viewing time also coincides with the low season, making it even more attractive.
Malaria and vaccinations
The Kruger National Park lies in a malaria zone, but there is only a small risk in winter. During the wet summer months (from October to April), malaria is a health concern and you should take measures to protect yourself by wearing mosquito repellent and by taking anti-malarial medication.
Currency
The South African unit of currency is the Rand (ZAR), which is divided into 100 cents. Coins come in denominations of 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 and R5, and notes in denominations of R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200.
Banks and bureaux de change are available at the airport. Changing currency at the airport on arrival is recommended. All major credit cards, e.g. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, are widely used. Automatic teller machines (ATMs) and 24-hour cash machines are widely used and accepted, including in the Kruger National Park. A branch of First National Bank is located at the Skukuza rest camp with a 24-hour automatic teller machine.
Time
Local time is GMT + 2 hours.
Electricity
Current is 220 V.