Travel Guides

Planning The Best Trip To South Africa? Do This

A game drive in South Africa
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Written by See Africa Today

South Africa is a top travel destination in Africa. The country has a dynamic tourism industry bubbling with a lifetime’s adventure.

From renowned game parks, magnificent shopping malls, fashion houses, wineries among others; South Africa has it all.  It is a leading travel destination in Africa.

Tourism is the heartbeat of South Africa’s economy.  And the south is naturally endowed with breathtaking sceneries coupled with beautiful travel experiences.

Planning a trip to South Africa will often leave you in a fix. There is so much that you can have here and it is always hard making a decision where to visit.

A game drive in South Africa

A game drive in South Africa. [Photo: Wild Wing Safaris]

The many activities to engage in makes it a little bit daunting to put together an itinerary. But the biggest challenge is coming up with a packing list. There are certain things that are a must-have when traveling down to South Africa.

Worry not. This article explores in depth what you require for your maiden trip to South Africa.

Travel Insurance

This should be on top of your packing list. World Nomads is the leading insurance provider due to its ease of purchase and versatility. The insurance covers a wide range including adventures and rental cars. Insurance is comprehensive security you cannot do without. All you have to do is choose the provider of your choice.

Visa

The Covid-19 pandemic changed how travel was in the past. All international travelers can only arrive in South Africa via three designated airports. They are OR Tambo International Airport, King Shaka International Airport and, Cape Town International Airport.

Each traveler must provide a WHO accredited and valid certificate of a negative COVID-19 test. It must be done within 72 hours before arrival to South Africa.

Should a traveler fail to submit this, they must undergo testing at the airport at their cost. If they test positive, they will isolate for 10 days at their cost.

Before the pandemic, South Africa allowed citizens of 48 countries to visit visa-free for 90 days. The UK, US, Canada, Australia valid passport holders could enter the country visa-free with a Visitors Temporary Permit up to three months.

In a nutshell, always double-check travel requirements before planning it all.

Yellow Fever Card

Initially, visitors from countries flagged as Yellow Fever risk zones were not allowed into the country without a Yellow Fever card. Nonetheless, it is proper to get a yellow fever vaccination.

International Driving Permit

If you are planning on renting a car to move around with while in South Africa, you require an International Driving Permit.  Especially if your Driving license is printed in another language other than English.

Money/Debit card/Credit card

Credit cards are widely used in South Africa and are safe.

Pacsafe

Valuables such as cameras, laptops, passports, and other valuables are quite hard to store while traveling to a foreign country but the Pacsafe is a guarantee of keeping your belongings safe.

Camera and Binoculars

South Africa travel

South Africa travel. [Photo: The Exploration Company]

What would be a trip to South Africa without a camera s to capture the epic moments at the national parks? In particular, a visit to Kruger National Park calls for a camera with a powerful lens – one that can take clear shots from a distance. Binoculars take you closer where your naked eyes cannot see. The beauty of some of South Africa’s landscapes is brought about through binoculars.

Malaria Medication

Areas around Kruger National Park are prone to malaria, therefore, anti-malaria medication is important.

Portable Phone & Camera Charger

There is nothing so frustrating than a phone or a camera going off just when the real action begins. Documenting such moments is important, therefore, have a backup to charge your phone and other electronic gadgets you need for the safari.

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About the author

Avatar of See Africa Today

See Africa Today

Pharis Kinyua is the editor of See Africa Today. With over seven years of experience in digital media, he has a soft spot for African tours and travel. His drive is to tell the rest of the world what Africa offers, the best accommodation facilities, national parks, culture, shopping malls and best airline deals to travel to Africa

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