South Africa Expedition

Complete Your Checklist Before heading to the airport, complete the tasks below and check them off in your Online Account Checklist. If you have any questions, give us a call at 617-619-1411. We’re available 24/7 to make sure you have the Best. Trip. Ever.

Important Documents

• Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days  past the end of your travels     
  Visa: U.S. and Canadian citizens can enter South Africa without a visa for tourism purposes and stay for up to 90 days. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.       
• Travel Insurance: While travel insurance is not required, we strongly encourage all travelers to obtain coverage before departure. Check out cost-effective Travel Protection, designed to meet the needs of EF travelers, here.
• Health Insurance: You will need to carry your primary insurance card with you while overseas. This is a critical item in the event of a medical emergency.

Tour Preparation

• Talk with your doctor: It is highly recommended that you talk with your doctor about your travel plans. If you are taking any medications, be certain to bring enough to last throughout your trip.
• Traveling with allergies? Let your Trip Consultant and Tour Director know of any dietary restrictions/allergies and we will do what we can to accommodate for any included meals.
• Request a roommate: Double-check with us and your Tour Director that they have your rooming status on file. We will assign a roommate for you if you do not submit a specific request.
• Get an international data plan: We recommend getting an international data plan for your mobile device so you can stay connected while on the road. Please talk with your phone provider for your best options.
  • Wi-Fi will be in some hotels, restaurants, and bars, though charges may apply and it may be slower than in the U.S.
  • Wi-Fi is not available on the bus.
• Get the EF Ultimate Break app: Your trip's group will be able to connect on the app before you meet IRL. Don't miss out! Meet other travelers, get updates from your Tour Director, see flights and accommodations, and more. If you're having trouble, give us a call at 617-619-1411.

Flight Preparation When preparing for your international flight to Nairobi, check your online account 30 days prior to departure for your flight itinerary and confirmation number. With this information, you can check in to your flight 24 hours prior to departure. If you prefer to check in at the airport, plan to arrive 2.5 – 3 hours before departure.

• If your flight is canceled or delayed: Don’t worry! We design the first day of tour as an arrival day in case of flight delays or cancelations. Work with the airline to get re-booked on the next available flight, then let your Tour Director know your new arrival time
• If you slept in and missed your flight: You should still talk to the airline and see if they can get you on the next available option. Tears may help in this case.
• Travel from the U.S. to South Africa is a long process (20+ hours total travel time). Bring a book, watch a movie (or five), and drink plenty of water!

Arriving in Cape Town Welcome to South Africa! Before you arrive, your Tour Director will communicate through the EF Ultimate Break app, WhatsApp, or email about where to meet them at the airport. This is an important reason to make sure you have the EF Ultimate Break app! Once you arrive in Kenya it will be late evening so you’ll have time to sleep upon arrival.

• If you have booked your own flight arrangements or have extended your travels before the tour dates, you will need to make your own way to the first hotel. Accommodation details will be available in your online account 30 days prior to departure.

Transfers & Game Drives (Safari) On this trip, you’ll travel between cities via private bus or internal flights, which can take anywhere between 2-8 hours depending on distance, local traffic, and bathroom or photo-stop breaks. Note that the road conditions in South Africa can be rough at times, and some stretches of roads may be dirt.

Game drives are drives or safaris through the wild to see animals in their own environment. During game drives your group will be in safari vehicles, which are usually a 4x4 jeep, van, or Land Rover-style vehicle that can handle the off-road terrain. These vehicles typically accommodate 4-10 people so your group may be split up when driving.

• If you’re prone to getting car-sick, please bring motion-sickness medicine like Dramamine with you
• Remember the days can be hot and the nights are chilly, so pack your layers and sun protection!
• Bring your camera or phone fully-charged on game drives, along with a water bottle and anything you need to be comfortable. Safaris can last 2-3 hours, 4 hours at the most.
• Game Drive vehicles are open, allowing for panoramic views. Window seats are guaranteed for all travelers.

General Recommendations Fact: Travel is exhilarating. And FOMO is real. So, we understand why you don’t want to miss a second of the action. But there’s a difference between maximizing your time and spreading yourself too thin. Here are some tips to stay healthy and happy on tour:

• Sleep: Flying across the globe, changing time zones, and being constantly on the move can take a toll on your body. Make sure you get the rest your body needs. If that means missing a night out for some well-earned rest, or having a little afternoon siesta, so be it. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
• Stay hydrated: It’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially after spending all day in the sun!
• Be Prepared: The most prepared travelers will bring a small first aid kit, including antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, motion sickness medication, and any prescription medications in your carry-on bag.
• Take time for yourself: Group travel is an amazing experience, and there’s nothing quite like exploring a foreign country with a group of like-minded people. That said, it’s okay to take time for yourself to relax and reflect on your experience. Here are a couple mindfulness apps you can take with you on the road:
  • MindShift: Focused on anxiety management, this app has an array of cognitive behavior therapy features including journaling, goal-setting, calming audio, and a community forum.
  • Ten Percent Happier: Filled with videos and guided meditations intended to help with everything ranging from sleep to stress reduction.

Destination-Specific Information There are no major health risks associated with traveling to South Africa, but we strongly recommend you consult your physician or local travel clinic, and the CDC (Center for Disease Control) at least 60 days prior to departure for the latest updates and entry requirements. See more tips below for staying healthy in South Africa:

• While Cape Town and Johannesburg are considered safe, Kruger is a risk area for malaria. Wear long clothing at night to help prevent being bitten, apply insect repellent to exposed skin, and take anti-malaria pills. Please note that depending on what type of malaria pills you purchase, you may need to begin your regiment before departing the U.S.
• Tap water is safe to drink in major cities, but double-check with locals when you venture out into the parks.
• Take proper care with sun exposure, the sun is very strong in some of the areas you are visiting
• Certain medications (both over-the-counter and prescription) are banned in foreign countries. Consult your physician at least four weeks prior to departure to make sure any medications you want to bring with you are legal.

With a global presence of more than 46,000 people in over 115 countries and regions, we’re fully committed to your safety. From your first flight all the way through to your farewell dinner, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Tour Director or your Trip Consultant if you need a helping hand. Keep these extra tips in mind so you can #travelsmart: 

• Avoid walking on your own at night in major cities or at your safari camp. In safari camps, the staff at the accommodation will likely not allow you to wander camp grounds unsupervised due to animal precautions.
• Keep your bag/purse in front of you and your phone zipped inside when you’re not using it. Leave your laptop at home, store valuables at the hotel in locked luggage or the safe deposit box. Refrain from carrying large sums of money or wearing valuable jewelry. 
• Use the buddy system. Stay in groups and watch out for each other, especially at night—no one gets left behind! 
• Be smart about alcohol consumption. Watch your drinks and don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know. Don’t leave the bar alone with someone you just met.
• Before you go out, grab a business card at your hotel so that you always have the address handy for getting back later. 
• At the end of a night out, use trusted transportation like a licensed taxi and always have cash on hand. 
• Save our 24/7 number in your phone: +1–617–619–1411

For weight and size restrictions please refer to your airline’s website. Flight information will be available 30 days prior to departure in your online account. Below you'll find some critical packing information and suggestions.

• For game drives, we recommend muted colors as bright clothing may scare animals away, and blue or black clothing attracts tsetse flies.
• The most important piece of advice we can give you: Pack light! Your international airline ticket does include a checked bag, but years of customer feedback tells us a carry-on is the way to go. You may need to carry your suitcase where buses and elevators cannot, so make sure you are comfortable carrying everything you bring yourself.
  • You've probably heard the hacks about rolling clothes and using packing cubes a million times, but there's a reason for that! It really does help.
  • If you choose to pack all of your toiletries, don't bring your regular-sized bottles from home. Offload some of that into travel-sized containers.
  • Choose shoes carefully as well. They're some of the bulkiest items you can pack, so we recommend a good pair of walking shoes and a pair of climate-appropriate shoes (boots or sandals depending on the destination and time of year). We also recommend a pair of closed-toe water shoes if your itinerary has any water activities.
  • Make a packing list of must-haves and stick to it. If you have a little extra space in your bags once all your must-haves are packed, then consider adding in a few nice extras.
• Unfortunately, luggage can get lost. It’s a painful situation no matter what, but here are tips to ease some of the hassle:
  • DO NOT put important medications in a checked bag. If your luggage is lost, this could become a dangerous issue.
  • Even if you put most of your clothes in a checked bag, put a couple outfits in your carry-on along with your toiletries.
  • If you are forced to check you carry-on at the gate, be sure to remove essentials and valuables before handing it over.
• Carefully review TSA restrictions when packing. There are a number of items not allowed in your carry-on and liquids have certain restrictions.
• Check out the local weather; we haven't figured out how to control the weather yet so best to be prepared and plan accordingly.
• Don't forget: Outlets overseas can differ from the US, so be sure to pack the right power adapters/converters!

The currency of South Africa is the South African Rand. See more information about money abroad below:

• While better exchange rates are usually found overseas, it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
• ATMs are readily available throughout major cities.
• Budget around $50-$60per day for meals, drinks, souvenirs, and tips or extra activities.
• We recommend tipping your Tour Director $10-$12 per day at the end of the trip, plus additional tips ($2-$3) for local guides.
• Tipping is an important part of South Africa's local economy, and a 10% tip is customary in city restaurants and bars when a service charge is not included.
• Let your bank and credit card companies know your travel plans ahead of time to avoid potential complications while abroad.

As you prepare to spend time in a new culture, here are some expert tips to help you understand the ins and outs and feel like a local South Africa:

• South Africa is an incredibly diverse country, with eleven official languages (one of which being English).
• There are actually three different capital cities: Pretoria (executive), Bloemfontein (judicial), and Cape Town (legislative).
• People drive on the left side of the road, so be careful when crossing streets.
• The pace of life is laid-back to the point where there's a term "now-now", which could mean anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.
• Locals are very warm and welcoming. It's not difficult to strike up a conversation.
• Having only ended in the 1990s, Apartheid is still a very sensitive subject for many.

With so many overlapping cultures, it's unsurprising that South Africa's culinary offerings can really run the gamut. You’ll sample a variety of local dishes on your trip, but read on for tips, tricks, and delicacies you must try.

• Braai: Braai is both method of grilling and a social gathering. All different types of meat are involved, and you can even find braaibroodije (braai bread) made of white bread filled with tomato cheese, onion, and chutney.
• Potjiekos: Also more of a style of cooking than an actual dish, potjiekos translates to "small pot food". These mini cast irons can carry an endless array of stews and casseroles.
• Vetkoek: While the most popular variety of these fried yeast balls is minced meat, there are other filled with cheeses or syrups.
• Chakalaka & pap: Often served together as a braai side, chakalaka a vegetable dish made up of onions, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, beans and spices, while pap is a corn dish similar to grits or polenta.
• Bobotie: This baked dish is a combination of minced meat, curry spices, and dried fruit in a pan that's topped with a mixture of egg and milk.
• Malva pudding: Distinguished by the apricot jam folded into the mix, this baked dessert is a sweet delight. Try it topped with ice cream or a thick custard for maximum indulgence.
• Wine: Red or white, South Africa has no shortage of superb wines to sample.
• Amarula: With a fruit spirit base distilled from marula, this cream liqueur has a similar consistency to Bailey's.

If you did not purchase an EF Ultimate Break optional excursion and like to plan something else during your free time, connect with your Tour Director before doing so; they sometimes arrange extra activities for the group during free time.

• If you did not purchase one of the optional excursions before the trip, log into your Online Account and you can purchase there, or, talk to your Tour Director on tour and they can enroll you.
• Prices for these optional excursions will increase on tour.