South Africa Holidays

Holidays to South Africa lasting under 90 days do not require a visa.

Please consult your doctor for any specific health advice based on the latest recommendations and your travel plans and health conditions before travelling. Typically, health authorities advise routine vaccinations, as well as vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, typhoid and tetanus. Additionally, because of the prevalence of mosquito-borne illnesses in South Africa, your provider may prescribe malaria medication.

While clean, potable water may be available in the major cities of South Africa, you should drink bottled or filtered water if there is any question of safety. Further, opt for bottled or filtered water when travelling to remote destinations and smaller villages, where clean water is not available.

Mobile phone service is readily available throughout South Africa; however, check with your mobile service provider to see if they offer coverage for your route and if international roaming rates apply. While cell phone service may not be available in remote regions, select hotels, restaurants and trains, such as the Blue Train, offer Wi-Fi, which you can use to communicate via messaging apps.

• Contact the police by dialing 10111 from any landline or 112 from a cell phone.
• Request an ambulance by calling 10177
• For fire emergencies, dial 10177

The vast majority of South Africa falls in the South Africa Standard Time zone, which is UTC +2, while Marion Island follows Eastern Africa Time, of UTC +3.

Bad weather is rarely an issue in South Africa thanks to a largely subtropical climate which provides year-round sunshine and warmth. From May to September - South Africa's winter - there is almost no rainfall. In summer, from October to April, rainfall is usually characterised by heavy downpours, which helpfully cool down temperatures typically ranging between 32°C (90°F) and 38°C (100°F).

Every safari provides a unique experience, even when following the same route. Animals are free to roam their parks and preserves as they please, though certain times of day lend themselves to different viewing experiences. Heading out on early-morning wildlife viewing trips allows you to see big cats returning from their nightly hunts and some nocturnal animals before they settle in for the day. Late afternoon safaris showcase animals as they graze and look for water. While there is no guarantee, some animals you may see include the 'Big Five' - lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and African buffalo - giraffes, hippopotamuses, cheetahs, zebras, and many other species of mammals, reptiles and birds.

Our itineraries are thoughtfully designed with stays in highly rated hotels located centrally within cities and in well-known lodges or hotels near preserves and parks where safety is of the utmost importance. While out on safari, each expedition is led by qualified rangers and trackers who dedicate their lives to the safety of both the animals and park visitors. Should you have any safety concerns while on a Great Rail Journeys holiday, the Tour Manager is always available.

Though it seems cliché to pack a bag full of olives, tans, khakis and whites, experience shows these are the best colours for animal viewing. The point of any wildlife spotting experience is to blend in with your surroundings, fading into the backdrop as animals go about their lives. South Africa's terrain is filled with these muted hues, and if you are wearing bright colours, you will stick out and could be seen as a threat by the animals. This means they may hide or run away, limiting your viewing opportunities. Wearing black, while not bright, could cause you to overheat while under the African sun.

To accommodate excursions at different times of day, pack items that can be layered; sweaters and light jackets are an important addition to any suitcase. Comfortable walking shoes and pants you are comfortable sitting in for long periods are also recommended. Other items to bring along on your holiday include a backpack or collapsible bag to bring along on excursions, sunglasses with a lanyard, a hat, a camera, binoculars, sunblock, mosquito repellent and a mobile phone lanyard.

The official currency of South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR). For your journey, bring along a mixture of cash and credit cards, checking with your financial institution for foreign transaction fees and ATM fees before departing. While credit cards can be used in many major cities and at hotels, cash is often required in more remote areas and for tipping. Exchange only the cash you will need in each destination during your trip, as most currency, aside from the Rand, cannot be exchanged back into GBP, EUR or USD.

While tipping is never required, it is always appreciated. When dining out, a standard tip of between 10 and 15 percent of the meal's value is appropriate.

Great Rail Journeys is a market leader when it comes to small group tours. We're proud of being pioneers in our approach to group sizes and have become the leading operator for escorted holidays. Our group sizes vary between tours, but are our ranges are usually a good indicator of what to expect.

For our Discoveries range, you'll be in groups with an average of 30-35 travellers and a maximum of 40. If opting for our Classic collection, you'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. Our Landmark holidays are where you'll find our smallest group sizes, starting from as low as 16 travellers and an average of 22, to a maximum of 30.

*Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.