Frequently Asked Questions

All travelers from India to South Africa require a valid visa even though it is Gratis for all Indian Nationals. Following is the list of documents required (till recent notice) to avail a visa for South Africa:

1) Passport, (valid for at least 30 days after the intended stay/departure date from South Africa; at least three unused/blank visa pages)
2) Duly filled Visa Application forms (DHA-84) in Black Ink
3) Two recent photographs
4) Copies of ticket/ itinerary including hotel bookings
5) Proof of Financial
6) Copies of passport bio-data pages (photo page and address/parents page (INDIAN PASSPORTS)
7) Vaccination certificate for Yellow fever
8) Covering letter

Above information is as per the latest notification from South African Embassy but Visa and Passport requirements may change without any intimation. It is prudent to contact the local embassy or High Commission in India website for the latest information on Visa and Passport requirements.

The national parks are administered by the government body of the South African National Parks and hence the park facilities and accommodation is standardized and the rates are also low.

Reserves however are more luxury and provide game watching parallel to the National Parks, if not better. Since there are private luxury lodges in the reserve, they are usually more expensive and have a higher level of service and facilities like bush walks, bush dinners, trained naturalists and many other added services.

The time zone and standard time is 2 hours ahead of the Greenwich Median Time.

South Africa is a large country like India and has many different climatic zones. However in general summer is between mid-October to mid-February with hot sunny weather and brief afternoon thundershowers. However the western cape enjoys a Mediterranean weather, with rains in winter.

Best time to visit for our Kruger, Sabi sands and Kwazulu Natal Safari is during the dry season between May-October.

The local currency is South African rand. It is advisable to exchange your currency once you reach South Africa?

Banking hours in South Africa
08h30/09h00 - 15h30/16h00 Mon-Fri
08h00/09h00 - 11h00/11h30/12h00 Sat

Post Offices hours in South Africa
08h30 - 16h30 Mon - Fri
09h00 - 12h00 Sat

Tipping is a common practice in South Africa. Tipping of around 10% of the total cost is the norm. Lodges however provide a common tip box for tipping to all staff.

Mobile phone operators use the GSM system similar to our country, hence roaming can be set up in our phones. The other option is the “pay-as-you-go” card that can be used in the phone or on a rented phone.

Telkom, their largest local operator is quite reliable for dialing abroad.

The local electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC, 50HZ and Type G electrical outlet. US made appliances need a transformer.

No. Apartheid or white minority rule is no longer a part of South Africa. South Africa has in fact set an example for other countries where Apartheid is still prevalent.

Filtered water is safe to drink in South Africa. However still and sparkling water bottles are easily available and will also be provided by the lodges.

Smoking is banned in public areas in South Africa.

Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into some areas in South Africa. For malaria affected areas, it is advisable to take necessary precautions.