How do I get to Pretoria?

• Airlines: You can fly directly from New York and Miami, U.S. travel through Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America to Johannesburg. Contact your travel agent for more information. Johannesburg International Airport is the entry point for many visitors. Hotels provide courtesy buses from the airport, and there are public buses and taxis into the city center as well. The larger car rental companies have airport offices. We can also arrange to collect you from the Airport.
• Cruise Lines: Some cruise lines include South African ports on their sailing itineraries. Contact your travel agent for more information.
• Car Hire in Pretoria:
  We will be pleased to make all your car hire arrangements with our preferred suppliers or a supplier of your choice. Where possible, please let us know your requirements well in advance, especially during peak season.

Do I need electricity converters? 

Electrical Current: Power systems are generally 220/230 volts AC, 50 cycles, except in Pretoria, where the currency is 250 volts AC. The German adaptors fit into our special plug adaptors.

Do I need vaccinations? 

Health Considerations: South Africa boasts excellent medical facilities. However all medical treatment must be paid for, so you should purchase travel insurance for your stay. Tap water is safe to drink throughout South Africa. You can swim safely at beaches along the entire coastline. You shouldn't swim in rivers and lakes in the eastern and northern regions, as the bilharzia parasite may be in the water. Warning signs are usually posted. The Eastern Cape is bilharzia-free. No vaccinations are required of visitors coming from the United States or Canada. You should take anti-malaria tablets before visiting the game reserves and parks of the Northern, Mpumalanga, and Kwa Zulu-Natal provinces. You can take tablets 24 hours before entering a malaria-affected area and then on a weekly basis for five to six weeks. They are available without prescription at South African drugstores. Consult a doctor or pharmacist for advice on the best drug or combination.

Should I get a passport and a visa? 

Passports/Visas: You do not need visas for a vacation or business visit of less than 90 days if you hold an American passport. Business travellers need to contact a South African Consulate in New York, Chicago or Los Angeles to obtain a business visa.

How do I call South Africa? 

Telephone: The international code for South Africa is 27, which should be preceded by the international prefix of 012 if calling from the U.S. When dialling from outside South Africa, omit the (0) at the beginning of the area code, but use it when dialling within the country. Public phones are either coin- or card-operated. You can buy telephone cards at post offices and airports.

What's the weather like in Pretoria? 

Climate and Seasons: Because South Africa is below the Equator, its seasons are the opposite of those in North America and Europe. Summer falls between November and March, with the peak summer months being December and January. Winter is May and August. Most of South Africa enjoys a pleasant, warm climate year-round. Annual average rainfall is less than 10 inches in the west and 40 inches in the east. Pretoria is 2000 meter above see level and has a dry climate in winter temperatures can fall at night to O degree and the days can warm up to 20 degrees in the midday. The summers are warm to hot and can bring heavy thunderstorms (often in the early evening) which can last up to 2 hours.

What kind of clothing should I pack? 

Clothing: Lightweight clothing is the norm during the South African summer. In winter, a jacket or coat may be needed, particularly in the evenings. At game reserves, wear neutral colours.

Is there anything I should know about customs? 

Customs Allowances: 400 cigarettes, 8 ounces of tobacco, 50 cigars, 2 pints of spirits, 4 pints of wine, 12 ounces of perfume, 60 ounces of toilet water. Gifts, souvenirs, and all other goods to the value of R500 (about $125) are permitted.

Can I bring firearms? 

Firearms: You may bring firearms into the country for hunting purposes with a temporary permit valid for the duration of the hunt. No prior clearance is required, but you should contact the airline at least two to three weeks before departure for specific details.

When are the public holidays? 

Holidays: January 1, New Year's Day; March 21, Human Rights Day; March 29, Good Friday; April 01, Family Day; April 27, Constitution Day; May 1, Workers' Day; June 16, Youth Day; August 9, National Woman's Day; September 24, Heritage Day; December 16, Day of Reconciliation; December 25, Christmas Day; December 26, Day of Goodwill.

What is the time difference?

Time differences: South Africa is GMT +2. Standard Time in South Africa is seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard (Winter) Time.