SOUTH AFRICA TOUR

Fancy Something Shorter!

If the escorted touring option isn’t for you and you are happy to make many of your holiday arrangements for yourself, we also have a limited number of hotel and ticket packages that offer great value for money. Aimed more at the independent traveller, we provide the all important match tickets & cricket transfers as part of a minimum seven (7) night package. 

1st TEST - CENTURION

Price Inclusions:  Stay 24 to 30 December (7 nights)

Seven (7) nights twin/double shared accommodation
Dailiy buffet breakfast
Five (5) day ticket to the 1st Test at Centurion
Roundtrip Cricket Transfers

 

2nd TEST - CAPE TOWN

Price Inclusions:  Stay 02 to 08 January (7 nights)

Seven (7) nights twin/double shared accommodation
Dailiy buffet breakfast
Five (5) day ticket to the 2nd Test at  Newlands
Roundtrip Cricket Transfers

 

4th TEST - JOHANNESBURG

Price Inclusions:  Stay 22 to 28 January (7 nights)

Seven (7) nights twin/double shared accommodation
Dailiy buffet breakfast
Five (5) day ticket to the 4th Test at the Wanderers
Roundtrip Cricket Transfers
 

THE WESTIN - Cape Town

A vibrant 5 star hotel boasting panoramic views of Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront and Table Bay. Located in the capital's cultural centre, at the waterfront's entrance near bustling Long Street. The hotel offers a selection of elegant restaurants and bars including Louis B's, boasting an outdoor terrace; and Thirty7, a modern brasserie with open kitchen with Asian and French influences. There is a swimming pool, luxury spa and the hotel offers regular shuttle transfers to the V&A Waterfront. You will be staying in exclusive club rooms on the 14th-18th floors, which offer stunning panoramic views over Cape Town. Your access to the Westin Executive Club Lounge provides you with the following benefits; Complimentary Wi-Fi; Buffet breakfast 06h30-11h00; All day snacks; Lunch - light snacks; Afternoon tea; Evening canapé hour; hot & cold snacks with limited bar service (17h30-19h30) & Complimentary coffee / teas / water throughout the day.
 

CULLINAN HOTEL – Cape Town

Located within walking distance to the V&A Waterfront and the Cape Town CBD, this hotel offers luxurious rooms with free Wi-Fi. It features an outdoor pool and a fitness centre. The Cullinan has elegantly decorated twin and double rooms with modern furniture and rich finishes. Each of the air-conditioned rooms boasts spectacular views of Cape Town. Guests can start their day with a rich breakfast in The Peach Tree Restaurant. The hotel’s bar offers an exclusive menu and refreshing alcoholic beverages. The Big 5 Wine Cave is ideal for unique wine choices. Cape Town International Convention Centre is only 250 m away from the hotel, and Greenmarket Square is also nearby. Camps Bay beach and Clifton Beach are approximately 15 km away.
 

BELMOND MOUNT NELSON – Cape Town

Nestled on a lush garden estate in the heart of the city, this luxurious hotel is an icon of Cape Town and committed to excellent 5-star quality and service. Just a stone’s throw from Company Gardens, the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel is a tranquil oasis in the bustling city centre. Enjoy the hotel’s famous afternoon tea on the terrace or have a swim in one of the pools. Extensive wellness facilities ensure a truly memorable stay. Each of the Belmond Mount Nelson's accommodation wings has its own character, with private gardens and facilities. Marble bathrooms and specially designed furniture make each unit an exclusive retreat after a long day. The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle transfer to the V&A Waterfront. Explore the city’s highlights, including Table Mountain and Robben Island. Price subject to hotel availability at the time of booking.
 

TABLE BAY HOTEL – Cape Town

The Table Bay Hotel is a 5-star luxury hotel situated at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. It boasts beautiful views of the working harbor, Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. It features a pool and a spa. Each air-conditioned twin or double room comes equipped with a minibar, flat-screen satellite TV and tea-and-coffee-making facilities. Enjoy locally inspired and sourced gourmet meals at the Camissa brasserie. The Atlantic Grill serves daily breakfast and high tea is available in the afternoon. The Camelot Spa offers a number of spa treatments, holistic care, laser therapy and a gym. A complimentary shuttle service is available to transport guests within a 5 km radius of the hotel. Free WiFi is available in all rooms. Price subject to hotel availability at the time of booking.
 

MASLOW HOTEL - Johannesburg

Situated in the central business district of Sandton, the hotel is only a short walk from Nelson Mandela Square and Sandton City Mall. It offers luxurious accommodation in either a luxury Twin or Queen Room with free Wi-Fi and a swimming pool. It offers a panoramic views of the city and the on-site Africology Spa offers products and treatments that are natural and holistic. You can dine at The Lacuna Bistro where an à la carte breakfast is served in addition to lunch and dinner.
 

MICHELANGELO HOTEL – Johannesburg

The luxurious Michelangelo is set in the heart of the Sandton business and leisure district of Johannesburg. It features an indoor pool and fitness centre with sauna and steam room. All standard twin rooms at this 5-star hotel are stylishly decorated and equipped with all modern amenities including minibars, satellite TV and free Wi-Fi. The Michelangelo features a 24-hour lounge offering light meals, tapas and snacks. The Piccolo Mondo Restaurant serves classic Italian dishes accompanied by local and international wines. The Michelangelo Hotel overlooks the Nelson Mandela Square.
 

BOARDWALK HOTEL – Port Elizabeth

Located in the Eastern Cape, The Boardwalk Hotel offers a luxurious retreat with a spa, gym and 24-hour room service. The beachfront property has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and air-conditioned rooms overlooking the Indian Ocean. Each room enjoys plenty natural light from its floor-to-ceiling windows, some rooms also have ocean views. A flat-screen TV and a minibar are a standard across all rooms. Guests can unwind with a soothing massage, play mini golf or relax in the sauna. Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas. The Hotel is only a short walk from the beach. In-room breakfast is possible upon request. Alternative dining options can be found in many restaurants nearby. Twin, Junior or King rooms available
 

BEACH HOTEL – Port Elizabeth

Located along the beachfront in Port Elizabeth and with views of the Indian Ocean, The Beach Hotel offers brightly decorated rooms with air conditioning. It features 3 restaurants, a pool and a sun terrace with ocean views. Each room is individually decorated, and some rooms are sea facing with balcony. You can choose between a standard room, a side sea facing or a front sea facing room .A buffet breakfast and a dinner menu are served daily in The Crest or dine Al fresco overlooking the Indian Ocean at The Verandah, which serves a choice of cuisines throughout the day. You can sunbathe by the pool or relax on the sun terrace and enjoy a variety of cocktails or refreshments from the bar.
 

KAPAMA RIVER LODGE

Part of the Greater National Kruger Park, Kapama River Lodge is situated in the expansive Kapama Game Reserve. Enjoy a luxurious stay in modern accommodations, while surrounded by the African bush and wildlife at the bend of the seasonal Kapama River. Kapama is the largest luxury game lodge in the Greater Kruger National Park area, including 64 air-conditioned suites all stylishly furnished and set against the backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountains. Each suite has a private bathroom fitted with a bath and shower and are either furnished with a twin or king sized bed  The lodge features two swimming pools and a luxury spa. Kapama River Lodge offers free WiFi and guests enjoy a variety of activities including game drives and bush walks. All drinks and buffet meals are served at the main restaurant or lodge boma. 

VISA AND PASSPORTS 

British Passports Holders do not need a visa to visit South Africa.  British visitors travelling to South Africa require a standard 10 year passport valid for at least 6 month beyond your date of return to the UK. 

You will need:

• A valid machine-readable passport
• At least TWO BLANK pages available in your passport which must lie side by side when the passport is open (i.e. a left and a right-hand page).
• Yellow fever certificates if your journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America

For nationals of countries requiring visas, application of the visa must be made ahead of your departure, as visas are not issued on arrival. The visas must be affixed in your passport and shown to immigration officials on landing.  Applications must be made through South African diplomatic or consular representatives.

If you’re travelling to South Africa or transiting through a South African airport with a child (under the age of 18) you must be able to produce the child’s full unabridged (original) birth certificate, which shows the names of the childs parents. There are additional requirements if the child is travelling with only one parent. For further details please visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa/entry-requirements
 

SAFETY TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS
Like many other places in today's world, crime can be a problem, but all you need to do is take the usual sensible precautions and follow some basic safety rules.

Know where you're going before you set off, particularly at night, watch your possessions, don't walk alone in dimly lit areas and lock your doors at night. Like many major cities across the world, there are always areas that are known to be more risky than others. It is easy to avoid these and still have a good time. As a general rule, try not to wear too much visible jewellery or carry cameras and bags over your shoulder. Limit the amount of money you carry on you and keep mobile phones and wallets tucked away where no one can see them. Always check beforehand that the areas you plan to visit are safe by asking hotel staff, your local tour manager or police.

BANKS AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE
From the moment you step off the plane, you'll start seeing banks, bureaux de change, and automatic tellers. The major banks have branches as well as automated teller machines (ATMs) in most large towns – and all over the cities. You will not be charged any fees over and above those levied by your own bank.  Always be vigilant when drawing cash from an ATM.

South Africa's currency is the rand. Coins are issued in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R 1, R 2, and R 5 denominations. Banknotes include R 10, R 20, R 50, R 100, R 200 denominations.

All major credit cards can be used in South Africa, with American Express and Diners Club enjoying less universal acceptance than MasterCard and Visa. If you have a so-called "chip card", you will be required to enter a pin code. Pin-based debit cards are often accepted too. Remember to notify your bank in advance that you will be travelling abroad

VAT
All South Africans pay Value Added Tax (VAT) as it included in the price of most goods and services. It is currently set at 15%. Visitors are not exempt from paying it, but if you are a foreign passport holder you can claim it back on the items you are taking out the country if their value is more than R250. Be sure to request a tax invoice when buying goods.

LANGUAGES
South Africa is a multi-lingual country and there are 11 official languages including English, Afrikaans, isiNdebele, isiXhosa and isiZulu.  English is the official language of business, politics and media.

HOTEL CHECK IN TIMES
Times may vary depending on the establishment but generally speaking for hotels, check-in is after 14h00 and check-out is either at 10h00 or 11h00.

At most safari lodges and camps, the rooms need to be vacated by noon but this will be re-confirmed once in camp. Use of your room until such time as you are scheduled to depart for the airstrip/airport for onward transfers will be arranged where possible, bearing in mind this is subject to availability and therefore cannot guaranteed.

CLIMATE
In Johannesburg, the country's commercial capital, the weather is mild all year round, but can get cool at night. Iconic Cape Town, where travellers flock to admire one of the world's most spectacular settings, the weather is usually warm, though can be temperamental.  The seasons are opposite to the northern hemisphere, so when it's winter over here, it's summer over there! In Port Elizabeth, a major port and known for its numerous beaches. The climate is warm and temperate.

ELECTRICITY
The South African electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ.  Most plugs are 15 amp 3-prong or 5 amp 2-prong, with round pins so remember to bring an adaptor.  Most hotels and lodges also have adaptors for hire, if they do not have International plugs.  Most hotel rooms have 110 volt outlets for electric shavers and appliances.

CLOTHING
South Africans are generally laid back when it comes to clothing so no need to haul out your best silks and diamonds.  During the Summer months of December, January and February bring clothes that are cool and comfortable because summer temperatures can get well into the 30 degree range. For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there's no need to go overboard. Remember a warm top for early morning safaris when it can be cold.  Lodges do provide blankets on vehicles for extra warmth.  Bring sunglasses and sunscreen and leave the raincoat at home. Don’t forget binoculars, insect repellent, chargers for your camera and mobile phone.

TIME
South Africa does not change its clocks during the year and there are no regional variations within the country. South African Standard Time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and one hour ahead of Central European Winter Time.

SMOKING
South Africa became one of the first countries in the world to ban smoking in public places in 2000.  Smoking is prohibited in restaurants, pubs, shopping centres and offices unless there is a separate, enclosed and designated smoking room provided.

HEALTH
South Africa has a well-developed infrastructure, high standards of water treatment and medical facilities equal to the best in the world.  When visiting South Africa, there are a number of health issues you should be aware of.  

Inoculations
No compulsory inoculations are required unless you're travelling from a yellow-fever endemic area (the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America), in which case you will need certification to prove your inoculation status.

Medical facilities
Medical facilities in cities and larger towns are world-class, offering specialist services by highly skilled professionals. Doctors are well trained and must be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

Malaria
Many of the main tourist areas are malaria-free.  However, Kruger National Park (Kapama River Lodge), the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal and Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls) do pose a marginal malaria risk in the summer months. (Transmission is seasonal, with peak rates of infection occurring in April and declining by June.) Please consult your doctor or a specialist travel clinic for the latest advice concerning malaria prophylaxis.

Whether you take oral prophylaxis or not, always use mosquito repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and closed shoes at night.

INSURANCE
It is a condition of booking and your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself, as well as any dependants/travelling companions for the duration of your holiday. This insurance should include cover in respect of, but not limited to, the following eventualities:

• Emergency evacuation expenses
• Medical expenses
• Repatriation expenses

• Cancellation or curtailment of trip,
• Damage/theft/loss of personal luggage, money and goods.

Terra Nova (our local agent) including their representatives, employees and agents will take no responsibility for any costs, losses incurred or suffered by guests, or guest’s dependants or travelling companions, with regards to, but not limited to, any of the above mentioned eventualities.

TIPPING
Tipping in South Africa is widely practised.  In restaurants and bars, 10% to 15% is the accepted tipping standard. Tour guides, drivers and safari guides also rely on their tips as part of their income so please reward, as you feel appropriate, for good service.
 

FLYING TO SOUTH AFRICA
International airfares are not included in our holiday prices. If you would like a flight inclusive package, we will quote the best available airfares at the time of booking/quoting.

Emirates are likely to offer the lowest fares to South Africa but not necessarily the quickest journey as they operate via Dubai. Direct flights from various UK airports are offered by Virgin Atlantic, South African Airways and British Airways. If you want to stretch out and enjoy some extra comfort, we will happily look for the best available fares in Premium Economy, Business or First Class cabins.

Our preferred airlines have been chosen for their strong reputations for service, reliability and punctualit. An indication of their route network to South Africa is shown below.

South African Airways fly from Heathrow to Johannesburg
British Airways fly from Heathrow to Johannesburg and Cape Town
Virgin Atlantic fly from Heathrow to Johannesburg
Emirates fly from a large number of UK airports to Dubai with onward connections to Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines fly from a wide range of UK Airports via Amsterdam to Johannesburg and Cape Town

How to book

When you have chosen the holiday you wish to book, call our sales team on 01737 244398 to check the availability of the tour. 

To confirm your booking we need to collect a deposit payment equivalent to 30% of the total holiday price. The deposit amount will increase if flights are added as the full cost of the flights needs to be collected at the time of booking. Our preferred method of payment is via bank transfer, quoting your invoice number (TSTXXXX) on all payments. Credit and debit cards are also accepted.   

Your final balance payment will be due 90 days before you are due to travel. The person signing the booking form will be treated as doing so on behalf of, and with the consent of, all the persons for whom the booking is made and is responsible for ensuring due payment of all monies.  Please ensure you return your signed booking form, together with a copy of the photograph page of all passports. 

Booking Form Download