Although crime rates in South Africa are high, travelling here is not as dangerous as our reputation may suggest. Petty crimes are an international phenomenon, and it did not fail to skip South Africa. Our guides will always monitor your safety and will do their best to keep you alert when needed.
Use your common sense and travel responsibly by following these basic guidelines:

1. Do not travel on foot at night.
2. If you must use public transport, Uber is the safest option.
3. When leaving your vehicle unattended, do not leave any bags or valuables behind that are visible through the window.
4. Don’t wear expensive accessories.
5. Don’t carry large sums of cash.
6. Try to travel in groups, especially at night.
7. Do not allow any person to assist you while withdrawing cash from an ATM.

South Africa uses 220/230-volt electricity and requires a plug type M. For Travellers who need a voltage converter for 110-volt devices, It is best to travel with your adapters.

South Africa has a number of fantastic providers; however, Vodacom has the best reception in most areas of the country.

The Kruger National Park and its surroundings are a malaria risk zone, the further north you go into Kruger National Park the higher the risk of malaria, especially during the rainy season from September to April. To prevent getting bitten simply use an insect repellent. It is also recommended you consult with your doctor with regards to using malaria medication.

Yes. It is your responsibility to make sure your passport requirements are valid.
Make sure your passport:
a) Is undamaged and in an acceptable condition.
b) Has at least two unused pages for entry/departure endorsements (if your itinerary includes crossing additional borders you will need more blank pages accordingly).
c) Is valid for no less than 30 days after the departure date of your intended visit.
Some countries add an additional slip to extend the passport's expiration date – these passports are not accepted in South Africa and will deny you entry into the country.

The local currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR). While foreign currencies cannot be used for transactions within the country, you can exchange most major currencies into ZAR at licensed exchange providers, which can be found in major cities, airports, and shopping centres. However, currency exchange in South Africa tends to be costly, so we don’t recommend this option.

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted across most businesses, though American Express is less commonly accepted. It’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases, such as souvenirs, tips, or porter services. ATMs are readily available for convenient withdrawals.

Bringing traveller’s cheques is not recommended, as they may be difficult to exchange or use for payments in South Africa.

When out on a game drive it is important to remember that you are a guest in their world. You are here to observe, not to interact, and not to obstruct.

• Minimise your disturbance of their natural activities by enjoying this experience silently – loud talking, foreign noises, and voices during game drives can scare the animals away.
• Do not attempt to attract animals' attention by trying to imitate animal sounds, throwing objects, pounding on the vehicle, clapping hands, standing up, or waving.
• Never, under any circumstances, may you attempt to feed wild animals, approach them on foot, or reach out from the vehicle to try and touch them or to get close-up photographs.
• Please always respect your guide or ranger’s judgment, especially when sighting dangerous animals and predators. Don’t insist on moving the vehicle closer to try to get a better view or photo, our team will do their very best to allow such while keeping you and the animals safe. Driving too close to the animals may cause them to react and the outcome of that won't be pleasant.
• Refrain from smoking on game drives; the dry African bush ignites very easily, and a flash fire can be devastating.

Kruger National Park is open all year round, there is no one answer as to when is the best time to visit. The animals in the park are wild animals that roam around freely and spotting them is mainly luck, patience, and your guide or ranger's knowledge of the park, its inhabitants, and the latest sightings. During summer (rainy season), the waterholes are more and full; the vegetation is high and lush, and the temperature is usually high. This causes some animals to rest more during the hottest time of the day to protect themselves from the direct sun, all of which makes it slightly harder to spot the more elusive animals. However, there is still a very high possibility of spotting the big five (Rhino, Leopard, Buffalo, Lion, Elephant)  , even during summer. Although Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve in South Africa and it can give you some serious bragging rights, keep in mind that there are many other private reserves that will provide you with an experience, perfect for you. Please be sure to consult with the Bonisa Global team about the best wildlife experience according to your preferences, time, budget, and itinerary.

The Hermanus peak whale season usually runs from June to mid-December, annually.  The exact date all depends on when our giant guests arrive and depart.

The African penguin colony is open for visitors all year round.

South Africa has plenty to offer for everyone! Whether you are a solo traveller, on a family holiday with your children, or here for business or a romantic honeymoon, South Africa has it all! History, wildlife, adventure tourism, backpacking, luxury travel, and luxury accommodation. There are fantastic travel opportunities and experiences to suit every type of budget.

South Africa is a year-round holiday destination; it really depends on what experience you are looking for. Some activities are better in certain seasons. For the best game watching, visit during a South African spring (August to October), however, for all other tourism South Africa is best visited from spring through summer and early autumn (mid-September until early May).

South Africa has eleven official languages, namely Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, and Xitsonga. The five most spoken home languages in South Africa are isiZulu, isiXhosa, Afrikaans, Sepedi, and English. English and Afrikaans are the most used languages in official circles, the media, and in business. Road signs, advertisements, directions, etc. are all mainly in English. Even if English is not the mother tongue of every South African, the majority are able to speak and understand the language.

South Africa is the only country in the world with three capital cities.
The first being Cape Town, ‘The mother city’, the legislative capital.
The second being Bloemfontein, the judicial capital.
The third being Pretoria, known today as Tshwane, the administrative capital.

Value Added Tax is charged by purchasing from qualified vendors within South Africa, the current rate is 15% and is paid for the acquisition of goods and services.
You can apply for a refund of the acquisition of goods only and can't apply for acquisition of services i.e. you CAN’T apply for a refund for accommodation, transport and so on. You CAN apply for electronics, jewellery, and so on.
To be considered you need to:

1. Be a tourist visiting South Africa and have no citizenship here
2. Present the goods you have purchased to the correct officials
3. Supply a Tax invoice that includes your details on it
4. Attach your receipt as proof of purchase
5. Make the claim within a maximum of 90 days from the tax invoice date
6. The total value must exceed R250
7. To claim you must declare the goods to customs in one of the 43 designated commercial ports (land borders, international airports, harbours, railways – a link with a list will be supplied)

VRA – Vat Refund Administrator has a physical presence only in three international airports

1. Cape Town
2. King Shaka (Durban)
3. OR Tambo (Johannesburg)

If you cross via one of the other 40 ports you will have to apply to the VRA in writing.
If you cross at one of the three international airports where VRA has physical presence and have been found qualified for a refund, you will receive an electronic card and your credit will be loaded to it within a number of weeks.
For further information and contact details kindly follow this link:
https://www.sars.gov.za/TaxTypes/VAT/Pages/VAT-Refund-on-Exported-Goods.aspx
Not Legal or Financial Advice. The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for legal or financial advice that can be provided by your own attorney, accountant, and/or financial advisor. Although care has been taken in preparing the information provided to you, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions, and we accept no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage howsoever arising. The law is constantly changing, and therefore it affects each individual and business in different ways. As a result, it is recommended to seek outside counsel relating to your specific circumstances as needed. You are hereby advised to consult with your tax consultant, accountant, or lawyer for any and all questions and concerns you have, may have, or hereafter have, and any and all information presented pertaining to your specific situation. For Educational and Informational Purposes Only. The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and is made available for your own use.

Yes, tap water is safe to drink in South Africa. It is monitored by a government program called ‘BLUE DROP’ and water quality is graded ‘SANS 241’ which is aligned with the World Health Organization’s guidelines for drinking water.