11 Day Essential South Africa

• Return international airfares
• 5 nights accommodation in 3-star hotels
• 3 nights accommodation in a furnished permanent Safari tent with air-conditioning & en-suite bathroom
• Breakfast daily, 3 dinners
• Game drive through Kruger National park
• Domestic flight Kruger to Cape Town
• Fully escorted by a local guide in each region
• Dedicated coach transportation
• Sightseeing including entry fees as per itinerary

• Kruger National Park - Game drive
• Cape Town - Guided city tour

Optional tours
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):

• Full day game drive in Kruger National Park (Day 5) - $187 per person
• Winelands Including Two Wine Tastings (Day 8) - $164 per person
• Cape Peninsula including Cape Point and Boulders Beach (Day 9) - $175 per person

Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.

Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.

Pre/post accommodation 
Not available

Upgrades 
Not available  

Airport Transfers 
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.

If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.

If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.

Bedding Configuration
Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can not guarantee your request will be available at all properties.

Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:

1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $595.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your room throughout the entire tour.

Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this tour, your room will generally consist of a double or semi-double bed. Occasionally there may be a hotel that will provide a single bedded room for single travellers. 

2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with them and avoid paying a single supplement. 

You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such as adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), making separate payments and having individual access to our Traveller Hub

During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.

Triple Share
Not available

Payment Information
This product requires a $99.00 deposit per person and full payment within 48 hours to secure your booking.

Once you have created your booking you will be directed to your invoice to choose your preferred payment method.

Cooling Off Period 
A refund will be available within the 7-day cooling-off period unless otherwise restricted by the purchased product. 

Where 'last minute' bookings are available within 71 days of departure, the cooling-off period does not apply and bookings are immediately non-refundable.

Terms and conditions 
Please review our terms and conditions here: https://www.inspiringvacations.com/au/page/terms-and-conditions

Tour Suitability

• This trip features a number of early starts, allowing us to maximise our time on safari or get a head start on long travel days. Rising early gives us the opportunity to experience the best safari moments (sunrise) when wildlife is most active and the light is ideal for photography. On travel days, setting off early helps us avoid the morning traffic, ensuring smoother and more efficient journeys.
• Some game drives will be conducted in open 4WD vehicles, where it can get quite cold in the mornings and evenings. Therefore, it's essential to bring warm clothing to ensure your comfort during these times.
• It is important to remember that wildlife is truly wild, and sightings of specific animals cannot be guaranteed. Our expert guides, with their extensive knowledge and experience, will do their utmost to provide you with the best possible opportunities for remarkable wildlife viewing.

• This tour is a combination with several other journeys. You may join a group where some travellers have already been together prior to your arrival, or some of your fellow passengers may be travelling onwards when your tour comes to a finish. If you'd like more information on alternative tour options or extensions, please feel free to contact us.

Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list.

Visas & Entry Requirements
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your tour and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your tour. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the visa entry requirements for your nationality via our page here: https://inspiringvacations-8357211.hs-sites.com/visa-information 

You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.

We need your passport information to get everything ready for your tour so the information on your booking must match your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended on all our tours. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. It is also important to consider forced pre-tour cancellations and how your chosen insurance policy may cover such circumstances, so please keep this in mind when choosing your provider. 

We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international tours, you will be asked by your tour leader for your travel insurance details if they were not already added to your Traveller Hub account pre-departure.

If you have credit card insurance your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide may require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details before arriving in-country.

Before you depart, you will be asked to submit your Travel Insurance details through the booking holder's Traveller Hub account through the Inspiring Vacations website. This is to ensure that we have this information readily available should we ever need it. 

Health & Wellness
All travellers need to be in good physical health to participate fully on this tour. Our group tours are designed to immerse you in incredible sights and activities, often involving walking tours and self-exploration. To ensure you can fully embrace every moment, we recommend a moderate level of fitness for all of our tours. 

When selecting your tour please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that in the assessment of our Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a tour without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell before travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements and we would be more than happy to assist you.

Important Information for Customers with Mobility Limitations
We want to ensure everyone has a fantastic and inclusive experience on our tours. If you require the use of a mobility aid, such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair, please disclose this information at the time of booking.

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for the entire group, our tours are designed with a specific itinerary in mind. This may involve moderate walking, uneven terrain, or stairs. While some itinerary adjustments may not be possible, we'll do our best to find alternative solutions within the planned activities whenever possible.

Open communication helps us ensure your tour is a perfect fit and it allows your local guide or tour leader to assist you where possible. 

Information for CPAP Users
If you use a CPAP machine, please let us know at the time of booking. Some portions of our itinerary, like overnight cruises, safaris or camping tours, may have limited access to power outlets. In such cases, we recommend travelling with portable battery packs. 

Certain activities, like overnight journeys on board smaller vessels, may not be suitable for CPAP use due to space limitations or noise concerns. We can discuss these potential limitations upfront and help you make informed decisions about your tour.

Please ensure that you check the voltage used throughout the countries you are travelling to and if it will be compatible with your machines. For example, Japan runs on 100 volts vs Australia at 220-240 volts, meaning a voltage converter might be required.

Documentation
Tour documentation is typically emailed to the lead passenger or your travel agent between 14-30 days before your scheduled departure. This will include your final hotel list. 

Child policy 
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.

South Africa and Namibia have implemented regulations for families travelling into or out of the country with children under the age of 18. Minors are required to have an unabridged birth certificate reflecting the particulars of the parents of the child.

Official Travel Advice
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, we recommend referring to the official travel advisory website of your home country for the latest updates on your chosen destination. These websites provide valuable information on:

• Safety and Security: Current risks and precautions for the country you'll be visiting.
• Visa Requirements: Ensure you have all the necessary documentation for entry.
• Entry and Exit: Up-to-date border regulations and health requirements.

Here are some helpful links to get you started:

• Australia: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations
• New Zealand: https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
• America: https://travel.state.gov/
• Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories 
• India: https://www.mea.gov.in/travel-advisories.htm

In the unlikely event of a situation that could potentially disrupt your tour, we want to assure you of the following:

• Local Expertise: We maintain regular communication with our trusted travel partners in your destination.
• Constant Monitoring: We continuously monitor official travel advisories from relevant government websites.
• Flexibility and Safety: Should it become necessary, we will make appropriate adjustments to your itinerary to prioritise your health and safety.

By staying informed and working together, we can ensure a fantastic travel experience for you. We will post our own travel updates to our website here.

Connect with fellow travellers on Facebook
During your booking journey, you might have received an email inviting you to join a special Facebook group dedicated to your chosen destination. These vibrant online communities are exclusively for Inspiring Vacations travellers headed to the same incredible place. Joining this group unlocks a wealth of information and connections. Swap travel tips, share packing insights, or even see if anyone's interested in travelling together.  

We also regularly host insightful webinars featuring travel experts who share their tips and tricks for navigating your destination and maximising your itinerary. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to connect, learn, and get even more excited about your upcoming tour!

Starting Point
Your starting hotel may differ from the original itinerary.  Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list. If you need to book pre-tour accommodation independently, we suggest you do this only once you have received your final hotel list for your tour. If you would like to book something sooner, we recommend that you book using a flexible rate that can be cancelled through your chosen third-party provider without penalty. 

Travellers will arrive at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. If arriving before standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm, you are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available as there are no scheduled activities on day 1 of the itinerary.  The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion. 

Note: if you need to apply for a tourist visa before departure, we recommend using the details of the suggested hotel on the tour itinerary if you wish to fulfil this before the release of your final tour documentation. Please refer to our visa section for more information on whether or not a visa is required for your destination. 

Arrival Details
Airport transfers are not included as part of your package. However, the hotel is a short walk (approximately 5 minutes) from the airport terminal via a skybridge. Simply make your way to the departures floor and from there follow the signs to the City Lodge Hotel. 

Optional Airport Transfers - Transfer Portal
Depending on the package purchased, you may have the option to add airport transfers to your booking and you can do so through your Traveller Hub account. We partner with an online marketplace where travellers can compare and select the transfer of their choice. 

Inspiring Vacations acts as an agent on behalf of our transfer service partner and any service is delivered by the provider. Inspiring Vacations cannot be held liable for any loss resulting from the transfer service provided. It is the customer's responsibility to ensure any transfer booked meets the requirements of any other travel arrangements. Likewise, your tour leader or any of our on-ground representatives cannot be held responsible for the service of your transfer nor are they in a position to assist with amending your reservation. Any transfer booking is separate from any other booking with Inspiring Vacations, regardless of whether purchased with regards to the same travel journey.

When you make your transfer service booking, you will receive a confirmation email and this will include your meeting instructions, as well as direct contact details. Please ensure you print and bring this with you as you will need to ensure you can make direct contact with your transfer service provider. 

Welcome Meeting Instructions
Upon check-in at your hotel, you will receive a Welcome Letter containing detailed information and the schedule for your tour. On Day 2, you will meet your local guide, who will conduct a briefing prior to departing for Kruger National Park.

In Case of Emergency
Although we strive to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, unforeseen circumstances can occasionally arise during travel. If any issues arise during your tour, it's essential to promptly communicate them to your tour leader or local representative. This ensures they can take immediate action to address the problem and mitigate any negative impact on the remainder of your journey.

We understand that there may be instances where your tour leader or local representative is unable to resolve a situation to your satisfaction. In such cases, we encourage you to request that the tour leader or local representative escalate the matter to their direct manager for further assistance.

You also have the option to share details in your online feedback after the tour. However, please keep in mind that it's challenging for us to offer practical assistance once the tour is completed. Therefore, notifying us while still travelling allows us the chance to address the issue in real-time and provide a timely resolution.

For general contact details please visit the Contact Us page on our website.

When your final tour documentation is released, this will include an emergency contact for our local travel partner while you are on tour. If this is not included in your documentation, you will receive this on arrival during your welcome meeting. 

Tour Pace
This tour is categorised as: 3 out of 5
Moderate tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and be able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.

As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip. 

Group Size 
Minimum: 4 people, Maximum: 20 people

Escorted Style 
Fully Escorted by Local Guides - You will be accompanied by various local guides during the tour, who will be responsible for guiding you through the various cities and attractions that you will be visiting. In each new region that you visit, you will likely be introduced to a new local guide who is an expert in that region. 

Tour Type 
Our Classic Tours offer unparalleled value for money and are the perfect style of travel for those on a budget, though still eager to pack as much into their itinerary as possible. These tours tick all the boxes with an abundance of inclusions such as sightseeing highlights, expert tour guides, quality accommodation, transfers, coach transportation, some meals and more. 

Exclusions

• Arrival airport transfer / Departure airport transfer
•  Visas
•  Travel insurance (compulsory)
•  Tipping
•  Optional activities
•  Personal expenses
•  Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Optional Tours 
To secure your spot and enjoy the best rates, pre-booking these tours in advance is highly recommended. While some tours require a minimum number of participants to operate, you'll be fully refunded if the tour is cancelled at your destination for this reason. Our optional tours are typically led by your tour leader or local guide. Please note that transportation to and from the optional tours may not be included, but your tour leader will be happy to assist you with navigating public transportation options like trains or taxis to reach the starting point.

Travelling in a group
Travelling in a group means you will experience both the pleasures and perhaps at times, some of the frustrations of travelling with people you don’t know. The good news is you all have at least one thing in common: a love of travel and exploration. Your fellow travellers will probably come from different parts of the world, and fall into different age groups. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group—patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the overall benefit of the group. 

We kindly ask that you are requested to be at a place at a certain time that you respect this request from your tour leader or local guide. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your tour before departure.

Community Guidelines
Inspiring Vacations does not tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams (Inspiring Vacations Tour Leaders and local expert guides) or local communities.

Any behaviour that prevents your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines, may result in Inspiring Vacations removing you from the tour.

If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader immediately. Alternatively, when you are on-tour and require immediate support you can contact our Customer Support team and select the “On-Tour” option when listening to the options. 

Safari Etiquette and Safety

• Always follow the directions of your guide to ensure safety around wild animals.
• Keep noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing wildlife.
• Never attempt to feed or touch animals.
• Stay inside the vehicle unless instructed otherwise by your guide.

Public Game Reserves & National Parks
Southern and East Africa’s public game reserves and national reserves offer some of the world’s best wildlife viewing across diverse landscapes, from open savannas to dense woodlands and wetlands. Iconic parks like the Serengeti, Kruger, Maasai Mara and Etosha are home to the Big Five, while Chobe, Hwange and Amboseli are renowned for their elephant herds.

Travallers should expect seasonal crowds in popular parks, with peak times leading to busy wildlife sightings. Unlike private reserves, public parks have set opening and closing hours, limiting night drives and off-road exploration. Road conditions vary, with some areas featuring rough, unpaved tracks, particularly in remote regions. Facilities range from well-equipped visitor centers to more basic amenities in less developed parks.

Despite these challenges, public reserves play a crucial role in conservation and offer unforgettable safari experiences with responsible tourism practices.

Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader vs. Local Guide
While both tour leaders and local guides enrich your travel experience, their roles differ. Tour leaders, who often accompany you for the entire tour, handle logistics, ensure smooth sailing of the itinerary, and act as your point of contact for any concerns. They might provide general information about destinations, but in-depth historical or cultural knowledge often comes from local guides. Local guides, frequently native to the area, lead tours at specific sites or attractions, offering a deeper understanding of the local history, art, or way of life.

Coach Transportation 
The size of your vehicle will comfortably accommodate your group. There's usually room for some extra seats, ensuring a relaxing journey. Your luggage will be safely stored either underneath or in a dedicated trailer.

While the exact vehicle style may vary depending on the departure, all our vehicles offer comfortable seating. Keep in mind that Wi-Fi and charging outlets are rarely available. To stay connected and avoid dead batteries,  we recommend fully charging your devices beforehand or bringing a portable charger.

For longer journeys in remote locations, we'll make sure to include breaks along the way, but the facilities may be limited. There are no facilities on-board the vehicle. 

For the optional safari days, open-sided 4WDs are commonly used to maximise wildlife viewing opportunities, offering unobstructed views and an immersive experience in the African wilderness. Expect smooth cruising on paved roads, but be prepared for some bumpy sections on gravel tracks and dirt trails—part of the adventure of exploring these remote and beautiful landscapes! 

Itinerary Changes 
Sometimes, unexpected things can happen, like unpredictable weather or higher-than-usual crowds at attractions. In these situations, your tour leader might need to adjust the itinerary slightly to improve your overall experience. 

This flexibility ensures you get the most out of your tour! Your tour leader will always keep you informed of any changes and explain the reasoning behind them. Remember, when travelling with a group, sometimes going with the flow can lead to even more amazing experiences.

Staying Connected
If you want to stay connected and access reliable internet while on tour, there are a few options available. It is possible to purchase a virtual sim and we recommend contacting your mobile phone provider for assistance in doing so. You can add a roaming data plan to your existing phone contract is another option, albeit an expensive one. You will need to arrange this before departure. Purchasing a local SIM at the airport is the final option. For a prepaid fee, you can get data by simply swapping your current SIM with your new SIM and depending on which package you purchase, you’ll be able to text and make phone calls, just as you would at home. 

We also recommend downloading WhatsApp and using this to communicate with other group members while on tour, and of course, after the tour if you’d like to stay in touch. Our tour leaders may also use this as a means of communicating essential tour information with you, as well as if you choose to add-on transfers to your booking, as your driver may use this to confirm arrangements with you.

Getting Around
While touring Southern Africa, you will be travelling by private buses, planes, and 4WD game viewing vehicles.  Long driving days and early starts are scheduled to optimise travel time, ensure prime wildlife viewing opportunities, and minimise traffic delays. Road quality can vary from comfortable sealed roads to rough & bumpy dirt roads. 

Hotel Ratings
Star ratings can differ between countries, reflecting diverse standards and amenities. To give you the most accurate picture possible, we don't just rely on a single source for hotel ratings. We go beyond by researching various trusted travel websites like Tripadvisor and Booking.com. This allows us to analyse a wider range of genuine customer reviews and experiences, giving you a well-rounded understanding of the hotel's typical star rating.

This means you can book with confidence, knowing the hotel has a strong track record of satisfied guests.

Accommodation Details
This tour features a curated selection of  3-star hotels, lodges, and safari camps, all with private ensuite facilities throughout.  Each accommodation has been carefully chosen based on a stringent set of criteria, ensuring the high standards of comfort and convenience. Accommodation in Africa can differ from what you might be used to at home, but rest assured, we carefully select options to ensure your stay is both comfortable and enjoyable.

Lodges and safari camps offer a comfortable yet authentic wilderness experience and a unique setting.  Expect cosy, well-appointed accommodations, often in the form of permanent tents or chalets with en-suite bathrooms and hot showers. Many lodges feature communal dining areas, lounges, and fire pits where guests can relax after game drives. Meals are typically included and range from hearty home-style cooking to buffet-style spreads, with vegetarian options available. While some camps have electricity and limited Wi-Fi, others rely on solar power, making for a more off-grid experience. Game drives are often shared with other guests and led by knowledgeable guides, offering excellent wildlife viewing. Warm hospitality and a focus on sustainability ensure a memorable and responsible safari adventure.

Luggage Requirement
A lockable suitcase with wheels is ideal for this trip. It is recommended that you keep your main luggage weight around 15kg and no more than 20kg. A small or medium-sized backpack (45-50 litres) is another good option. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, a camera, a jacket, and your essentials while touring during the day.

Packing Essentials
What you need to pack for your tour will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. We recommend you pack as lightly as possible, ensuring that you can carry and lift your luggage, and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. Help will be on hand in most locations, but there may be times you need to handle your luggage, for example in airports and train stations.

Clothing: Packing appropriately for varying conditions, including lightweight clothing for the day, warm layers for cooler nights, and rain gear for unexpected showers. Long sleeves and pants are beneficial for mosquito protection. Choose clothes that are easy to wash and dry as laundry facilities will be available. Neutral colours are suggested for safari days and wildlife spotting.

Footwear: Closed-in shoes or boots are recommended to protect your feet from injuries and potential bites or stings, whether you're walking in urban areas or through nature. 

Sun Protection: Bring a wide brimmed hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to shield yourself from the sun.

Warm Gear: It can get cold at night and on early morning game drives. A light, warm waterproof jacket is advisable.

Medical Kit: It's good to carry personal items like mild painkillers, electrolytes, Band-Aids, and insect repellent. Ensure you are travelling with any prescription medication that you may need.

Water Bottle: A capacity of at least 1.5 litres is recommended to reduce the environmental impact of bottled water.

Camera/Phone/Binoculars: Don’t forget to bring something to capture memories and for wildlife spotting. 

Comfort Items: Earplugs can help with noisy environments, a good book or journal for downtime, and a music player for entertainment.

Swimwear - many hotels and lodges have swimming pools

Climate
South Africa’s climate varies from Mediterranean in the southwest to temperate in the central regions and subtropical in the northeast. Summers (November to March) can be hot, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F), accompanied by afternoon thunderstorms. Winters (June to August) are mild, with cooler temperatures, especially at night.

Click HERE for more information on weather in South Africa.

Currency and ATMs
Generally for travel throughout Arica it is recommended to have local currency to use for smaller purchases and in more remote areas where credit cards may not be accepted. USD and credit cards are widely accepted in tourist shops and some restaurants across Africa, with Visa and Mastercard being preferred over American Express and Diners. Smaller venues and more remote areas often only take cash. Foreign currency can be easily exchanged at bureaus, which generally offer the best rates. Your tour guide can advise you where and when to exchange or withdraw cash for overland trips.

ATMs are increasingly available in major towns, cities, and even some campsites, making credit or debit cards a convenient way to access money. Be aware that withdrawal limits may vary by country and can be as low as USD 100 per day. Cards with the Visa logo are most widely recognized, though MasterCard is also accepted in most places. Be aware that your home bank and the ATM operator may charge you fees for international withdrawals. Check with your bank before your tour to understand their foreign transaction fees.

In South Africa, the local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). While it is widely accepted, credit cards are commonly used in larger cities and tourist areas. For smaller purchases such as meals and market goods, it's advisable to pay in Rand. Some tourist activities may also accept USD or EUR, but it's best to carry sufficient Rand for convenience.

Food and Allergies
While travelling with Inspiring Vacations you'll enjoy iconic sightseeing, as well as experience the vast array of culinary offerings in Africa. Southern and East African cuisine blends indigenous traditions, colonial influences, and global flavors. Restaurants and lodges primarily serve Western-style dishes and will make every effort to accommodate dietary requirements, ensuring a comfortable and enriching dining experience throughout your journey.

While many meals will be eaten together with your group, not all meals are included in your tour which gives you maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let our Customer Support Team know before departure. Your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader or local representative will also be able to give suggestions on which restaurants to try during your trip. For those with a particular food allergy, your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader will endeavour to advise the main ingredients in the dishes consumed. It is, however, still your responsibility to ensure that you do not ingest any problematic ingredients.

Local Customs
Understanding local customs in Africa enhances your travel experience. It’s important to respect elders and ask permission before taking photos. Always ask before entering someone's home or sacred sites, dress modestly in rural areas, and be mindful of local sensitivities and customs. Showing respect fosters positive interactions and enriches your journey in these diverse and welcoming cultures.

Dress Code
In Africa, casual and comfortable clothing is generally appropriate. For cities and towns, jeans, shorts, t-shirts, and casual dresses are suitable, with smart casual attire recommended for upscale venues. In rural and conservative areas, dress modestly to show respect.

For safari trips, opt for neutral colours like khaki, brown, green, and beige to blend in with the environment and avoid attracting insects. Layering is key due to temperature fluctuations, with mornings and evenings being chilly and afternoons hot. Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes or boots are essential. Protect yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants are ideal for sun and insect protection, and a lightweight, waterproof jacket may be needed in the rainy season.

Responsible Dining
Avoid consuming endangered species or items harvested unsustainably. Bring your own reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste. Be respectful of local customs and food practices, and always tip fairly to support local workers. Responsible dining helps protect the environment and promotes the well-being of local communities.

Tipping Your Leader, Local Guide or Driver
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.

The suggested tipping amount for Africa is USD$5-7 per person per day for the guides/leader and USD$3 per person per day for your driver, to be paid in either local currency or USD, so you will need to convert your currency depending on your preference. Please note that this information is to be used as a guideline only and is subject to change based on the recommendations that we receive from our ground operator. Tipping is not compulsory and should be done at your discretion.

Peak Travel Times
Peak travel times for Southern Africa coincide with the dry season (May to October) and major holidays. The dry season is ideal for safaris, with cooler, less humid weather and abundant wildlife sightings around water sources. December to January is also popular due to the festive season and school holidays, attracting many tourists to coastal areas and major cities.

Safety and Security
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your own government's advice for the most up-to-date travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your tour. 

Your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities listed on the itinerary, however, you'll have some free time to explore on your own. While your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide will assist you as best they can with your requests and the options available outside your itinerary, please note Inspiring Vacations makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running the activity. Please use your judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. 

Please also note that your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

Apps to Download
 Some useful apps you may want to consider downloading before your tour include Google Translate, the lens function is especially useful when wanting to read product labels, signs, and menus. Google Maps with offline maps downloaded is great for easy navigation without being reliant on wifi.

The MyCiTi app will help you get around Cape Town for affordable prices.

When visiting Kruger National Park the KrugerExplorer app provides information on all the animals and plants found in the park and works offline.

Post-Tour Feedback
Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a link to a post-purchase survey, which is your opportunity to share your feedback with us on your booking experience and interactions with our Sales and Customer Success teams. This feedback is invaluable to ensure that we are servicing our customers to the best of our ability. 

Furthermore, towards the end of your travels and while you are in your destination, you will receive an email from us with a link to an in-depth tour survey. It is very important to us that we hear from our customers to ensure that we continue to meet and exceed customers' expectations, so this will be your opportunity to let us know how your tour has been, what has worked well and potentially what could be improved. 

Finishing Point 
Your finishing hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list. If you need to book additional post-tour accommodation, please do so once you have the final hotel list. We recommend booking a flexible rate that can be changed or cancelled without penalty should there be any unforeseen changes to your booking. 

Travellers will depart at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. Check-out time is generally from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at the hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. This service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost payable directly. 

Departure Details 
You are free to depart any time on the final day of your tour for your flight home. 

Airport transfers are not included as part of your package. However, we trust that your journey from the hotel to the airport will be comfortable and hassle-free.

As an added service, we do offer airport transfers at an additional cost which can be booked via your Traveller Hub.  We recommend you wait until you receive your final documentation to book transfers as your start and end hotels will only be confirmed at this point. Please note that if you are choosing to book an independent airport transfer service, your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader cannot be held responsible for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise, nor can they resolve any concerns that you may have with your transfer service.

To make your way to the airport, there are various connections by train or limousine bus. Most destinations offer ride-share services, such as Uber or Didi. If you're having any problems, you can speak to hotel reception before your departure.

This package is a flight inclusive package.

This package includes international airfares and flights will be added to your booking at no additional cost. Select your departure city after clicking ‘Book Now’.

Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.