South Africa travel?

[bike21]

Originally Posted by Kristie

I'd check the visa requirements for south africa and verify whether a yellow fever shot is needed. we needed one to get into Ghana and i thought i'd heard that africa as a whole requires proof of immunization against yellow fever.

I hope not! Time for some Google action. Oh, and SA doesn't require a visa from the U.S.

[ATC RET 2003]

Originally Posted by Kristie

I'd check the visa requirements for south africa and verify whether a yellow fever shot is needed. we needed one to get into Ghana and i thought i'd heard that africa as a whole requires proof of immunization against yellow fever.

Good advice!!! Here's what I found...

The destinations section of the CDC website says this about South Africa:

Although yellow fever is not a disease risk in South Africa, the government requires travelers arriving from countries where yellow fever is present to present proof of yellow fever vaccination. If you will be traveling to one of these countries where yellow fever is present before arriving in South Africa, this requirement must be taken into consideration.

The State Department page about SA says:

Travelers entering South Africa from countries where yellow fever is endemic are often required to present their yellow World Health Organization (WHO) vaccination record or other proof of inoculation. If they are unable to do so, they must be inoculated at the airport in order to be permitted entry.

We will not be entering from one of the endemic areas, which probably explains why the vaccination was not required.

However... we will be overflying the areas where yellow fever IS endemic and I would hate to arrive in South Africa after an unexpected/unscheduled stop in one of those places and not be able to continue our journey without an additional delay.

So, I wonder if it would be worth getting one anyway...

[bike21]

Ok, so technically no immunizations are required for U.S. visitors. However, it seems like a very good idea to get Typhoid & Hep A vaccinations. Time to call the doc!

CDC on South Africa...

http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationSouthAfrica.aspx

[SkyCougar]

All of the above info is correct. No yellow fever vaccine needed unless you've been in another country where the disease is present. ATC, if you're going up in the Northern Provinces and to Kruger, then you should definitely take the Malarone.

Nick, definitely Typhoid, Polio, and Hep A is needed if you're not current on Hep A. On a positive note, I got the whole cocktail shot into me the day before yesterday and I'm feeling fairly good today. A little stiffness in my joints and knees (Pengy, don't be making any cracks about old chicks!) and I'm just feeling a little bit on the tired side, but that's it! Even the arms aren't hurting anymore, and I got a lot of shots at once!

I got a PM from another JC'er who is going to be there at the same time as I am. A female pilot who lurks here.......C'mon out and say hi!

[SkyCougar]

I forgot to mention - it is also recommended that you get a prescription of antibiotics filled, as well as some Immodium to take with you in case you get dysentery and the Immodium isn't helping you....and of course you all know better than to take it in anything but the original prescription container. Wouldn't want the TSA to hassle you like you're some sort of druggie!

[ATC RET 2003]

Originally Posted by SkyCougar

ATC, if you're going up in the Northern Provinces and to Kruger, then you should definitely take the Malarone.

We are... (Ngala and Mala Mala), and we will.

Originally Posted by SkyCougar

I forgot to mention - it is also recommended that you get a prescription of antibiotics filled, as well as some Immodium to take with you in case you get dysentery and the Immodium isn't helping you....

Got the same advice from the clinic and will do.

[SkyCougar]

Originally Posted by Kristie

Tonic water!! that's what i keep hearing about....it has the quinine that everyone says is needed to ward of malaria...i'd say just drink that during the entire trip (if you can find them) and use the deet sprays! Malaria is a bigger problem in the tropics than it is in locations like South Africa...but it's not non-existent either.

It's kind of funny that way back when I was in high school and was in my AP chemistry class, we had to do a 6 month study on the alkaloid family and I was assigned Quinine. I conducted this elaborate study with lab rats, mazes, behavior modification, etc to measure the effects of quinine on laboratory rats vs. the control group. There wasn't any measurable effect, therefore I have no problem with having a little tonic water with my vodka!

[FOXES]

Love this South Africa Thread.

I posted before, but I am traveling to South Africa March 2008. We are doing our own itinerary and self catering. Three of us, alleged adults.

My brother's wife works for an airline so they will be traveling non-rev. Always a challenge. I hope I meet up with them. I've never OWNED a cell phone much less used one. We will see...I got a used Blackberry 7290 and an AFRICA Sim. Do have my trusty GPS with South Africa. [I have not figured out how my GPS295 works for the plane yet, but I got the basics of the car one down. ]

I am leaving out of Tampa March 12th, arrive JBurg then Fly same day to Durban. Renting a automatic SUV.

Overnight in Durban (great place with Indian Ocean view), then staying for a week at the Drakensberg Sun. This is not malaria area, so no major precautions needed. I've had the hepatitis series since I worked for hospital before retiring. I do have my own essential oils, for bugs. And lemon e/o for treating water. They say you can drink from flowing streams, though.

We will be hiking. Although I'm not exactly a hiker. Hope to do some game farms. I mostly just enjoy the views/car travel.

March 21, fly from Durban to Capetown. Renting an automatic BMW car then off to Franshhoek to stay on a wine farm.
March 23 -27th Hout Bay in Cape town, private home.
My brother may rent a motorcycle.

I've never hiked before, so I've been buying some gear. Mostly to be as comfortable as possible. The alleged level ONE (on a one is easy ten is hard scale) of hikes in the Drakensbergs have you climbing chain ladders. WTF. I have a torn rotator cuff and will be winded before we leave the parking lot. .

I've always wanted to FLY over Africa.

I love waterfalls.

I'm quite apprehensive about Africa. I am still looking forward to the trip.

Thanks for all the tips.

[SkyCougar]

Foxes! Don't be apprehensive about Africa! Put a smile on your face, in your eyes, and in your voice, and that will translate to any country or people!

But yes, you should exercise caution, as you should anywhere. I'm told by people I know who are from there that crime is quite high because of the 40% unemployment, so one needs to be careful. I'm going to PM you with my info...don't have my final itinerary yet, still waiting for that, but let's keep in touch!

I'm going to be on a couple of flights over SA - I can't wait to look out the window either!

[SkyCougar]

On the subject of immunizations, I wanted to add to the pilots out there, and to all folks who travel internationally, that it's probably advisable to be vaccinated, or current on your Hepatitis A vaccine.

A lot of countries, even "developed" countries, may not have the same sanitation standards that we have. Actually, to be honest, I know a bunch of folks who contracted Hepatitis A in Baltimore when they were students at Johns Hopkins Medical School. They think they got it from a Thanksgiving turkey that they all cooked and shared together. Food can be bad anywhere. I have a friend who is a well-known musician, who was out on a world tour with his band, and got Hep A in South Korea. He was staying in the nicest hotels, eating in the nicest restaurants, and watching what he ate, but he still got it, and he got fairly sick, so I would think that you pilot folks would want to be protected.

I dunno, maybe the airlines already mandate that international pilots get the Hep A vaccine. Kev? Doug? TyphoonPilot? Calcapt? Perhaps I should take these comments to Dr. Forred and ask him as well! I know VERY little about infectious disease medicine!

[SkyCougar]

Here is a little something to get all of us going to South Africa in the groove.........http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5BaY...eature=related

[FOXES]

Great music. Thanks for the link.

I am going to inquire about some vaccines tomorrow, after all.

Is the money exchange rate OK at airport in JNB?
I'll need cash for petrol and whatever.

Anyone done the border crossing(s) at Lesotho? Rates? rental car fees for border? We got a 4 by 4. Done Sani Pass?, Mikes pass? Worth it. Comments?

Know any good game parks near Drakensberg? Weenen sounds promising.



About shopped out for the trip...Now I got to decide what to pack..pick and choose.

[SkyCougar]

Originally Posted by FOXES

Great music. Thanks for the link.

I am going to inquire about some vaccines tomorrow, after all.

Is the money exchange rate OK at airport in JNB?
I'll need cash for petrol and whatever.

Anyone done the border crossing(s) at Lesotho? Rates? rental car fees for border? We got a 4 by 4. Done Sani Pass?, Mikes pass? Worth it. Comments?

Know any good game parks near Drakensberg? Weenen sounds promising.



About shopped out for the trip...Now I got to decide what to pack..pick and choose.

You're welcome! I always love to check out the local music when I'm in another country. I even tried to play the didgeradoo in Australia!

I would recommend getting vaccinations and malaria meds to take with you!

I'm not sure what the exchange rate is at the Johannesburg airport, but my previous experience has told me to only exchange a small amount at airports on foreign countries. Usually you get a better exchange rate elsewhere. Here is a little bit more info that I received today:

Banks
Banks in South Africa open from 09h00 to 15h30 on weekdays and from 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays. Most banks change all traveler’s checks in major currencies, but the commission charged can differ greatly between banks. Thomas Cook is represented in South Africa by Rennies Travel, American Express by Nedbank, and Visa by First National Bank. ATM machines will support your card if it bears the Cirrus logo.


Credit cards
Visa, American Express, Diner's Club and MasterCard are honored by most restaurants, stores, hotels, car rental firms and other points of sale and service, but not at petrol stations. Proof of identity may be requested in some instances, so it's useful to carry a passport or some form of photo identification. A word of caution: beware of increasing credit card scams - keep a close eye on your card.


I bought some cool shoes at The Walking Company for the safari portion of my trip. Also I'm taking safari pants with the zip-away pant legs.

Rental car companies vary GREATLY from country to country! Make sure that you understand all of the conditions of your contract completely! Also note that although your US auto insurance usually covers rental cars in the US, they do not cover rental cars in foreign countries and you have to buy insurance coverage from the rental car company.

More later...I'm at work, but maybe someone else can answer the questions that I didn't answer.

[SkyCougar]

This came over my email today - it's long, but there is good advice no matter where you might travel.


INFORMATION FOR THE VISITOR TO SOUTH AFRICA

International visitors traveling to South Africa 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 (but we recommend 3 especially if you are visiting more than one country on your journey) blank VISA pages (not endorsement 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.

South Africa is the economic powerhouse of Africa with first world infrastructure and a thriving economy. The road and rail network is well developed and the country is open to investment and development.

Malaria prophylactics are recommended for travelers to Mpumalanga and northern KwaZulu-Natal. These are available from South African chemists, but you should consult your local pharmacist regarding malaria.

Apart from malaria in certain areas, travel to South Africa generally poses no medical threat with the greatest health risk to visitors being indulging too much in the finer things the country has to offer or the African sun which can be a risk if precautions are not taken.

As can be expected in a place where the world's first heart transplant was performed, medical facilities in the major centers are excellent with South African doctors enjoying an international reputation.


Currency
The South African currency is the rand (ZAR - often called the "buck" by locals) which is divided into one hundred cents. Notes are in denominations of R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10, and coins are in denominations of R5, R2, R1 and 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c and 1c.


Basic Costs
A generally favorable exchange rate ensures that Europeans, North Americans and Australasians find South Africa a very affordable holiday destination. Home users of Euros or US Dollars particularly will be pleasantly surprised at their purchasing power in South Africa.

Over the past decade South Africa has been among the world's best-performing developing economies, so travelers have been getting progressively less bang for their buck.


Banks
Banks in South Africa open from 09h00 to 15h30 on weekdays and from 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays. Most banks change all traveler’s checks in major currencies, but the commission charged can differ greatly between banks. Thomas Cook is represented in South Africa by Rennies Travel, American Express by Nedbank, and Visa by First National Bank. ATM machines will support your card if it bears the Cirrus logo.


Credit cards
Visa, American Express, Diner's Club and MasterCard are honored by most restaurants, stores, hotels, car rental firms and other points of sale and service, but not at petrol stations. Proof of identity may be requested in some instances, so it's useful to carry a passport or some form of photo identification. A word of caution: beware of increasing credit card scams - keep a close eye on your card.




Climate

SUMMER: September - April
WINTER: May - August

South Africa is a year-round destination, and the best time to visit depends on your priorities. The best season for the beach is summer (November to mid-March). The southern regions are summer destinations, with low summer rainfall.

Temperatures reach 28-30°C ( 82-86° Fahrenheit) or higher during this time and warm waters of the east coast make for almost year-round swimming. Safaris in the Kruger region are best in the dry winter months from May to September or October when the vegetation is sparse so game viewing is easier, and the temperatures are milder.


South Africa is a big country just south of the tropic of Capricorn, but it is the topography and surrounding oceans that influence its climate, rather than the latitude.

Although the climate varies from region to region, it is generally mild and sunny throughout the year. On the whole it is a dry country with a mean annual rainfall of 502 mm. Snowfall is limited to the highest mountain peaks.

The southern Gauteng region has hot summers with occasional thundershowers and frosty winters, while the eastern part of this region (known as the Lowveld) enjoys mild winters.


Shopping
Traditional South African souvenirs include animal skins, elaborate Zulu beadwork and other handicrafts, as well as garments, pouches, belts and pipes.

Township art is widely available in urban centers and on roadsides, taking the form of wire models and functional items (baskets, candlesticks, etc.).

Roadside stalls also sell local art - soapstone and wooden sculptures and colorful paintings on fabric. Remember to check the quality carefully, and haggle.

As you would expect from a country rich in gold and diamonds, there is an excellent selection of jewelery available, as well as opportunities to watch goldsmiths in action.

Many visitors take advantage of the exchange rate to buy clothing, golfing equipment, and other fairly expensive goods.


What to Pack
Pack clothing to suit the season and location of your visit. South Africa is coldest during a Cape Town winter or at night-time on the Highveld.

The days can be very warm at any time of year though, so bring plenty of cool clothing. In summer, don't forget beach wear.

Remember a sun hat, particularly if you're going on safari, and sun protection cream. If you're heading into a malaria risk area you'll find full-length clothing useful (just make sure it's not too heavy) as well as spray-on mosquito repellent.

Bring practical shoes - you'll probably be doing a fair amount of walking. Bring hiking boots if you plan on doing mountain trails longer than a single day.

Posh hotels and city clubs may require collared shirts, so bring a set of smart clothing if you plan on being glamorous.

The most practical items to pack are:
• Khaki, brown, white and beige colors
• Light cotton tops and cotton trousers/shorts in summer
• Safari trousers and warm tops for evenings and cooler days
• Swimwear, snorkel, mask, fins, sun lotion
• A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Plastic sandals, to protect feet against injury from sharp coral or stone fish
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Camera film and batteries


Power
All electrical appliances run on 220v. Outlets are round 3 pin, 15 amp plugs. Special adapters for video cameras, chargers and hairdryers are needed and can sometimes be supplied by some hotel receptions.

Various safari camps and lodges may not have 220v and may operate on solar powered 12v electricity. Remember to bring spare batteries to have charged at the lodge while out on safari.

Insurance
It is a condition of booking, that the sole responsibility lies with the guests to ensure that they carry the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover themselves, as well as any dependants/traveling companions for the duration of their trip to southern Africa. This insurance should include cover in respect of, but not limited to, the following eventualities:

Compulsory Insurance:
• emergency evacuation expenses,
• medical expenses,
• repatriation expenses,

Recommended Insurance:
• cancellation or curtailment of trip,
• damage/theft/loss of personal luggage, money and goods.


LUGGAGE ON SCHEDULED FLIGHTS
Scheduled airlines in southern Africa generally carry a weight restriction of 44 lbs per economy class traveler, and 66 lbs for business class. Please ensure that you comply with the applicable restrictions (further details regarding number of luggage pieces and exact dimensions, for the particular carrier can be obtained from your ticketing agent).

Please note when combining scheduled airline flights and air transfers (as specified below), then the smaller restriction of the two will apply unless alternative arrangements have been made for the storage or separate transfer of excess luggage.

It is very important that you do not put anything of high value (personal or financial value) in your checked-in baggage as luggage can be tampered with and valuables removed. This includes, but is not limited to, jewelry, cameras, video equipment, reading / sunglasses, laptops or other computer/electronic equipment, medication (especially chronic medication) etc. Please also lock your luggage with a suitable lock to deter opportunistic theft.


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

• Camp, Game Lodge and Specialist Guides
We recommend US$10 per guest per day.

• 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.

• The General Safari Camp / Lodge Staff
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


• Transfer Driver
Transfer US$2 per person

• Touring (excluding Camp / Game Lodge) Driver and/or Guides
Half day tour US$5 per person
Full day tour US$10 per person


• Hotel Staff
We recommend between US$1 and US$2 per guest per day for hotel staff i.e. housekeeping etc

• Porterage
We recommend about US$1 per person per movement.

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

• Restaurants / Hotels
10% is customary on meal accounts if you are satisfied with the service.

[WindyCityPilot]

Just wanted to let you guys know you are going to have a great time in Africa! I was there in April of '06 and it was one of the best vacations I've ever been on.

We flew in to Jo'Burg and only spent the night in order to catch our flight out the next morning to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. We stayed in Victoria Falls. We of course saw the Victoria Falls, took a day trip over to Botswana and the Chobe National Park and did a bunch of other game drives and tours from our lodging in Vic Falls. Chobe was absolutely amazing. The wildlife is absolutely amazing. The people were as friendly as anywhere I've ever been.

As far as vaccinations go we got Hep A, B, Meningitis, Typhoid and we got the standard assortment of Malaria pills. I didn't have any symptoms at all from the Malaria pills but was a little scared at first.

If anyone is interested in seeing some pics let me know and I can try to post some on my Photobucket site.

[SkyCougar]

I'd love to see your photos! Let me know when you get them posted.

[WindyCityPilot]

Will do. I'll try to get some posted in the next few days. So many to choose from!

[typhoonpilot]

Originally Posted by SkyCougar

I dunno, maybe the airlines already mandate that international pilots get the Hep A vaccine. Kev? Doug? TyphoonPilot? Calcapt? Perhaps I should take these comments to Dr. Forred and ask him as well! I know VERY little about infectious disease medicine!

My company mandates all the vaccinations. Hep A is a must when travelling as Sky Cougar points out. I've seen people get it in modern cities. The Oral Polio booster is a good idea as Polio still exists and the shot you had as a child probably doesn't have the same effect.

I'm glad you posted the info on blank Visa pages for the passport, I was going to mention that as there was a story of some travellers from Dubai who weren't allowed in because they did not have two blank pages.

South Africa can be an extemely dangerous country. Many of my colleagues are from South Africa. The operative word being from. They got out because they are subject to so much violent crime. If you stay in large groups and "good" areas you probably won't have a problem, but be wary and safety minded. I'm usually in Jo-Burg one night per month and haven't had any issues, but we stay in the "good" areas and I don't go out alone at night, if at all.


Typhoonpilot

[bike21]

Typhoon - do you stay in Sandton when in Jo'burg?

[SkyCougar]

Originally Posted by typhoonpilot

My company mandates all the vaccinations. Hep A is a must when travelling as Sky Cougar points out. I've seen people get it in modern cities. The Oral Polio booster is a good idea as Polio still exists and the shot you had as a child probably doesn't have the same effect.

I'm glad you posted the info on blank Visa pages for the passport, I was going to mention that as there was a story of some travellers from Dubai who weren't allowed in because they did not have two blank pages.

South Africa can be an extemely dangerous country. Many of my colleagues are from South Africa. The operative word being from. They got out because they are subject to so much violent crime. If you stay in large groups and "good" areas you probably won't have a problem, but be wary and safety minded. I'm usually in Jo-Burg one night per month and haven't had any issues, but we stay in the "good" areas and I don't go out alone at night, if at all.


Typhoonpilot

TP is right about the crime. One needs to be very cautious, particularly in Jo'Burg. One of my agents is from South Africa and we were just talking about the crime there. She advised me to be "aware" of my surroundings constantly. There is over 40% unemployment in South Africa, so crime is heavy. Her mother was murdered in Jo'Burg the week before Christmas. She had bars on her windows and they broke through them and killed her during the robbery.

As it turns out, I am spending most of my time in Cape Town, the Winelands, The Garden district, and on safari, plus I will be with a group, so I'm not worried. Plenty of people go to SA and have no problems, but it is true that one must be vigilant and aware. Also keep your eyes on your credit card, and do all of the usual things that one would do to protect their belongings from pickpockets, etc.

[WindyCityPilot]

Here are a few pics from my trip to Zimbabwe and Botswana in '06!

http://picasaweb.google.com/windycitypilot/Africa

Enjoy!

[Kristie]

Those are awesome!! I would LOVE to see Victoria Falls.

[SkyCougar]

Originally Posted by WindyCityPilot

Here are a few pics from my trip to Zimbabwe and Botswana in '06!

http://picasaweb.google.com/windycitypilot/Africa

Enjoy!

Those are awesome pictures! I'm excited about going there! Thanks for posting those!

[SkyCougar]

Nick, I know that you're leaving tomorrow - hope you and your wife have a pleasant trip, it's a long one! - have fun and stay safe!

[FOXES]

Well,
I'm off to Africa in a few hours. Still haven't decided what to pack.
Looks like the non-rev folks will be on the same flight. That will be great.

Going through Cape Verde on the flight to Africa. Interesting...ALL THE DAKAR HOTELS WERE FULL SO THE flight staff had no where to stay. So they switched...

Delta will be flying direct to Capetown soon.




I ended up getting a ton of shots and had a nice hour long consult with a nurse.

I sprayed my clothes with permethrin...and put some sun protector "Rit Dye" on my cotton/silk clothes.

Sorry I missed hooking up with ya.

Dr. Spears