Language

There are 11 official languages in South Africa. English is the language of administration and is widely spoken.

Weather

South Africa's seasons are the reverse of those in the USA, with midwinter in June and July and midsummer in December and January. In general the country enjoys a sunny climate all year round. Cape Town and the southernmost part of Western Cape have a Mediterranean-type climate, with mild changeable winters, when most of the rainfall occurs, and a warm to hot summer. Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal coast enjoy a sub-tropical climate, with plenty of sunshine year round. The winters in the interior are dry and warm, although it may get chilly at night. Summers are hot with more frequent rain.

Shopping Times

Banks open from 09.00 - 15.30, Mondays to Fridays; from 08.30-11h00 on Saturdays. Shops open from 08.00-16.30 Mondays to Fridays and from 08.30-12.30 on Saturdays, although in the main centers, opening hours are likely to be longer. Hours may vary from province to province.

Currency

The currency is the Rand, which is divided into 100 cents.

Clothing

In the South Africa summer, lightweight clothing is the norm; in the winter a jacket, jumper or coat may be needed, particularly in the evenings. While some establishments require jacket and tie, or cocktail dresses for the evening, many stipulate "smart casual", a collared-shirt and slacks or a blouse and skirt. On the beach, topless sunbathing is becoming more accepted. At game reserves, neutral colors, such as browns, beiges, khakis are preferred on game drives. Bright colors or white may disturb the animals. Pack a sweater; it can be chilly in the early morning and after dusk. Wear a hat to avoid sunstroke and don't forget the swimsuits for sitting around the pool during the day. Take sensible shoes – there may be the opportunity to go on a walking safari.

Photography

The sunny weather of South Africa makes it a photographer's paradise. Batteries and film are generally available in main centers, but it is a good idea to stock up before going into more remote areas and into the game parks, although some private reserves have well-stocked shops.

Game Viewing

Before going into the reserves take a can of insect repellant to ward off mosquitoes. Binoculars will considerably improve the game viewing, while a torch is a good idea for seeing the way around the camp after dark.

General 

No matter where you travel, you should always keep a note of the numbers of your travelers' checks, your passport details and air ticket numbers separately from the original documents. Having a record of these details saves time if you need to replace any of them. We recommend that you lock valuables in a hotel safety deposit box and remind you to check the access time as these facilities often open at odd times, which may not be convenient for you.

Medical

It is strongly recommended that all visitors to the eastern lowveld of Mpumalanga and Northern Province, the Kruger National Park and game reserves in KwaZulu-Natal take a course of anti-malaria tablets from a doctor or chemist. For up-to-date information and advice, consult your doctor well before departure. It is safe to drink the tap water throughout South Africa, and health regulations control the hygiene of street vendors. While South Africa boasts excellent medical facilities, visitors should ensure they take out insurance to cover the cost of treatment, should the need arise.
 

Arts and crafts

Traditional South African craft work, such as bowls, clay pots, beadwork, carvings, tapestries and paintings are good value and make interesting souvenirs. Jewellery is also worth looking out for - after all, South Africa is the home of gold and diamonds. Clothing, brightly colored ethnic wear, safari suits for both men and women, and t-shirts with African designs, provide practical reminders of a memorable holiday. Because of the advantageous exchange rate, all clothing and footwear is comparatively inexpensive.

Time

GMT + 2 hours

Current

220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second.

Southern Africa Medical
There are a few basic health matters that require care and attention. We are obviously not medical practitioners and the following points are recommended guidelines only. Please consult your doctor and also check with your health department prior to departure for any changes in health regulations.

a) Malaria
Malaria within South Africa's borders is only prevalent in a few areas. It is encountered mainly in northern and eastern Mpumalanga, northern Kwa-Zulu Natal, and the border areas of the Northern and North West Provinces. Malaria is also common in the lower lying areas of Swaziland. It can also be found throughout Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe, and much of Botswana. Northern Namibia is also a malaria area. Should you be visiting these areas malaria precautions are advised.

Malaria transmission is at its highest during the warmer and wetter months of November through to April. From May through to October the risks of acquiring malaria are reduced.

The malaria parasite requires a human host in order to complete its life cycle. In most cases, our camps are situated in remote, unpopulated areas, so the chances of contracting malaria are very slim. Nonetheless, it is worth taking preventative measures.

Both chloroquine-resistant and normal strains of malaria are prevalent in Africa. Malaria is transmitted by a very small percentage of female Anopheles mosquitoes. They are only active in the early evening and throughout the night, at the times when one is usually sleeping or sitting around the campfire.

MALARIA prophylactic recommendations for southern African travelers:
Expert opinion differs regarding the best approach to malaria prophylaxis. It is important to bear in mind that malaria may be contracted despite chemoprophylaxis, especially in areas where chloroquine resistance has been reported. Please remember that the best insurance is the preventative kind: avoid being bitten by using mosquito repellents liberally. Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers/slacks in the evenings. If staying in a bungalow or tent, spray with an insecticide like DOOM to kill any mosquitoes that may have flown into your room. Mosquito coils are effective.

If you become ill on your return, while still on prophylaxis or even once you have stopped taking them, ensure that your doctor does everything to establish that your illness is not malaria. Malaria is not a serious problem if you are sensible and take basic precautions.

b) Water
It is very important that you drink plenty of water especially during the warmer months. It is generally recommended that guests drink at least 2 to 3 liters (4 to 6 pints) of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration. This excludes tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages, which act as diuretics and can, actually contribute to dehydration.

Generally, water throughout Southern Africa is safe to drink directly from the tap. However, bottled water is readily available, so please do not allow yourself to become dehydrated.

TIPPING / GRATUITIES
Tipping is not compulsory. If, however, you want to tip because you have received good service, below is a brief guideline to assist you:

a) Camp, Game Lodge and Specialist Guides
If the guide has done a good job, we recommend US$10 per guest per day.

b) The General Safari Camp / Lodge Staff
Here we recommend about US$5 per guest per day for safari camps. This should be placed in the communal tipping box to be distributed equally amongst all the staff at a later stage

c) Hotel Staff
Please allow between US$1 and US$2 per guest per day for hotel staff ie: housekeeping etc

d) Porterage
Here we recommend about US$1 per person per movement.

e) Mokoro Paddlers and Trackers
We recommend that each paddler receive US$5 per guest per day and that camp / lodge trackers receive US$5 per guest per day.

f) Transfer and Touring Driver/guides
Transfer US$2 per person
Half day tour US$5 per person
Full day tour US$10 per person

g) Blue Train and Rovos Rail
Cabin attendant R100 per person per journey
Waiter, Dining Car R75 per person per journey

h) Restaurants / Hotels
10% is customary on meal accounts but only if you are satisfied with the service.

PASSPORTS & VISAS
International visitors require a valid passport together with onward travel documents.

If traveling to South Africa then guests must please ensure that their passport is valid for at least 6 months after their entry date and that they have a minimum of 2 blank pages (if there is insufficient space in the passport then entry will be denied) in their passport to enable the entry visa to be issued. In addition if a father (or mother) is traveling with his (her) children (aged 18 years or younger) alone then a letter of consent, certified by their local police, must be signed by the mother (father) and carried with them.

All passport holders should verify with their travel agent or relevant consulate concerning visa entry requirements. If you are extending your journey to other countries, please establish entry requirements for those countries as well.

Please ensure that you have all the necessary visas prior to departure (unless available on entry) AS SWAIN TOURS, THEIR STAFF, THEIR AGENTS NOR THEIR OPERATORS CAN BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY ERRORS.

The following nationals intending on visiting Kenya on holiday, business or transit require visas: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Republic of Ireland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and USA.

Nationals of the following countries do not need visas to travel to Kenya:
Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Botswana, Brunei-Darussalam, Cyprus, Dominica, Ethiopia, Fiji Islands, Gambia, The, Ghana, Grenada, Jamaica, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Maldives, Mauritius, Namibia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, St Lucia, St Vincent & The Grenadines, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tonga, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe

NB * If you are NOT a citizen of any of the above countries and you wish to enter Kenya, YOU MUST OBTAIN A VISA IN ADVANCE TO ENTER THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA, PARTICULARLY if you are proceeding to Kenya from a country where there IS a Kenyan Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to issue visa (SEE LIST OF CONSULATES BELOW) KENYA TRAVEL INFORMATION

Countries whose nationals do require a visa include:
- All not mentioned above.

Applications from Nationals of the following countries have to be referred to Nairobi for approval:
Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Senegal, Somalia, Tazikstan, Yemen, Stateless Persons

Persons falling under the above category are advised to apply at least three months before the proposed date of travel to Kenya

Area

1,002,000 Sq Km

Population

65 million (official estimate for 1999)

Religion

Islam is the dominant religion. For Christianity the majority is from the Coptic Church.

Health

Egypt is free from diseases that could be met within normal circumstances. Drinking water in Egypt is safe. But it is recommended to use mineral water wherever possible. Chemists, clinics and hospitals are open to tourists and the public every day in most areas.

Time

GMT + 2 hours

Electricity
220 VOLTS AC; 2 Pins plug

Suggested Clothing

Light weight cottons during summer with warmer clothes for winter and the cool evenings. Women should not wear revealing clothes in religious buildings.

Currency

The Egyptian pound (£E) =100 piasters (p)

Banking Hours

Sunday -Thursday 8:30-2pm

Shopping Hours

9:00am-12:30pm and then 4pm-8pm except Thursday and Monday. In winter shops open 9-7pm except Monday and Thursday, when they open till 8pm. Shops are closed on Sundays.

Climate and Weather

Egypt lies between the Mediterra­nean and the 23rd parallel north of the Equator and is sunny for all but a few days of the year. Rain does not fall on more than 40 days a year and then only in a few places. Within Egypt, there is the contrast between the coastal Mediterranean climate and the hot dryness of the interior. In the desert areas there is a sharp contrast between day and night temperatures. The weather is predictably dry, sunny and warm most of the year with very little rainfall. The winter temperatures are similar to the European and USA spring. June, July and August are rather hot, but the evenings are refreshingly cooler due to the desert breezes that blow into the Nile Valley.

Distances between Cairo and the main cities in kilometers/miles

·         Abu Simbel                  1235 Km / 1976 miles

·         Hurghada                     510 Km / 816 miles

·         Alexandria                   217 Km / 348 miles

·         Luxor                           720 Km / 1152 miles

·         Aswan                          1202 Km / 1924 miles

·         St. Catherine               450 Km / 720 miles

·         Sharm El Sheikh          481 Km / 770 miles

·         Siwa Oasis                   790 Km / 1264 miles

That depends on where in Africa you choose to go.

East Africa (Kenya/Tanzania)
The most popular time of year to visit is July through September in Kenya and December through February in Tanzania. These times are generally the peak of the migration of the wildebeest and zebra. These are also the times of year when these destinations will be most crowded by tourists. The long rains usually come to these areas in the months of April and May.

Namibia/Botswana
June through September is considered the high season. December to early January is also a popular to visit and the game viewing can still be good. Once the rains come, the game tends to disperse and is not drawn to the waterholes. The animals are still there but are more difficult to locate. April is an excellent time of year for birding.

South Africa
Almost any time of year is great to visit South Africa. Seasons are opposite from those in the United States. Winters are usually mild, requiring only a light jacket.

As a first time visitor to Africa, where will I see the most animals?

Both Tanzania and Botswana have great game viewing. Tanzania however, tends to have a greater number of animals. We would suggest considering Tanzania for your first trip if you have not been to Africa before.

East Africa's reputation as the quintessential safari destination is well deserved. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda offer an extraordinary opportunity to view wildlife in its natural habitat. While this popularity has led to some crowded national parks and reserves, busy areas can be avoided by focusing on private reserves, sanctuaries and less-visited national parks. Here the region's extraordinary wildlife is on display in uncrowded landscapes of great beauty and variety.

Wildlife viewing in Southern Africa is different than that of East Africa. There's nowhere better to spot the "Big Five" on safari than South Africa's Kruger National Park and the luxurious private reserves that hug its borders. Lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino can all be found, and highly skilled rangers know just where to look. Bird life is prolific and for sheer variety of flora, only the Amazon rivals the species density found here.

What vaccinations are required when someone travels internationally from the United States?

We suggest you check with the U.S. National Center for Infectious Diseases. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia operates a 24-hour recorded ‘International Travelers’ Information Line’ at 877-394-8747. You can also dial 888-232-3299 and follow the prompts for a faxed copy of available information; or visit the CDC web site at www.cdc.gov/travel/ for the most up-to-the-moment information. Your local Public Health Department may have useful information too.

Contact United Vacations 1-800-417-9246