This 5-part itinerary is an accumulation of South Africa’s best, offering a diverse and enriching experience. It begins in the vibrant Mother City of Cape Town, known for its attractions, cultures, cuisines, and natural beauty. Venture into the picturesque South African Winelands, renowned for its world-class wines and gastronomic delights. Wine tastings and wine pairings await. A road trip along the Garden Route takes you to the beautiful town of Knysna, where we’ll visit the iconic Knysna Heads and enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. An unforgettable elephant experience awaits, providing a unique opportunity to spend time with these magnificent creatures and learn about the importance of conservation. Continuing over the mountains on the scenic Outeniqua Pass, see the vegetation change as you arrive in Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world, nestled in the heart of the Klein Karoo (a semi-desert). Explore the breathtaking Cango Caves, located within the foothills of the Swartberg mountain range. Finally, the itinerary takes you along the renowned Route 62 for a thrilling safari experience. Enjoy two game drives daily, relax by the pool, take a Horseback Safari or Quadbike Safaris, or unwind at the spa. End your days with evening cocktails and candlelit dinners under the African night sky, with the presence of the Big-5 never too far away.

• Discover Cape Town’s history, culture, and landmarks.
• Cape Malay cooking course in the Bo-Kaap.
• A cultural dining experience and a 14-course meal.
• A leisurely hike on top of Table Mountain.
• A scenic helicopter ride along the Cape Peninsula.
• See/swim with the African penguins.
• Wine tour, tastings & pairings.
• Route 62 Road Trip.
• Visit an Ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world.
• Explore the majestic Cango Caves.
• Visit the Knysna Heads and the amazing lagoon.
• Enjoy a personal Elephant Experience.
• Safari in the Western Cape.

• Two game drives daily.

• Enjoy complimentary spa access from Zebra Adventures at the end of your tour.

While we intend to follow the itinerary described, there is a certain amount of flexibility built in and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to follow equally amazing alternatives. Travel times listed are approximations and subject to change due to local circumstances. Please note, we encourage a moderate fitness level. To enhance your group travel experience, we highly encourage every lady on tour to participate in all daily activities. In the event that weather conditions impact an excursion and it has to be canceled due to inclement weather, refunds will not be issued for the excursion.

South Africa is renowned for its abundant and diverse wildlife, making it a top destination for nature lovers and safari enthusiasts. The country’s varied landscapes – ranging from savannas and forests to deserts and coastal regions – host a wide array of flora and fauna, each offering a unique and delightful safari experience.

National Park vs. Conservation Safari
Both national parks and conservation safaris offer unique and enriching experiences. Whether it’s the structured environment of a national park or the personalised touch of a conservation safari, South Africa’s wildlife will leave you in awe.

National Parks: National parks are typically managed by the government and are large, publicly owned protected areas. They are open to the public, often with extensive road networks and facilities. Activities are regulated to protect wildlife, which means no off-road driving, night drives or walking safaris in most cases. These parks can be more crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. The Kruger Park is 2 000 000 hectares. Pilanesberg is 55 000 hectares.

Private Game Reserves, Conservation Safaris: Conservation areas or private reserves are often managed by private entities or local communities. They offer more intimate and exclusive experiences, with fewer visitors and more personalised services. These areas allow for a wider range of activities, including off-road driving, night safaris and guided bush walks. Many conservation areas work closely with local communities, contributing to their welfare and involving them in conservation efforts. Aquila is 10 000 hectares.

• Country: The Republic of South Africa
• Total land area: 1,221,037 km2 (471,445 sq. miles)
• Population: 61,075,633 (April 2023). 66.7 % of the population is urban (2020)
• SA has 3 Capital Cities: The administrative capital of South Africa is Pretoria. Cape Towns is South Africa’s legislative capital and the judicial capital of South Africa is Bloemfontein.
• Languages: South Africa has 11 official languages: Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa and isiZulu.
• Time Zone: UTC+2

During January leading up to March, the weather in South Africa will be warm, 25-35°C (77-95°F). Cape Town will be in her dry season; however, the weather is unpredictable and you can have 4 seasons in one day, so come prepared. During April you can expect pleasant temperatures around 23-26°C (73-80°F) during the day. The evenings and early mornings can be on the cool side around 11°C (52.°F). Rainfall during April is moderate. The African sun is merciless so do not underestimate a cloudy day. Bring sunblock and a hat and make sure to hydrate all the time. Please note that all areas visited on this tour are malaria-free zones. If you are prone to mosquito bites, bring a repellent for peace of mind.

Please check the latest summary, health and entry requirements on the FCO Travel Advice pages here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. Your passport should be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended exit date from South Africa, in line with South African immigration regulations. However, some immigration officials still request that a passport should have at least 6 months of validity on the date of entry to South Africa. To avoid problems at the airport on arrival, you’re advised to ensure your passport meets this requirement. Your passport should have at least 2 blank pages if you require a visa to enter the country. If you do not need a visa, one blank page will be sufficient. Applying for a South African Visitors’ visa is for international travellers who wish to visit the country on a temporary basis for a period of 90 days or less.

Requirements for visitor’s visas differ from country to country and the requirements are subject to change. Each application is treated as an individual case and you should make enquiries with your nearest South African mission or consulate abroad or any office of the Department of Home Affairs to see whether or not you are required to apply for a visa. A visa should be obtained prior to arriving in SA and not at arrival!

In case of an emergency while on tour, it is best to give your local company representative a call. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information (including country code), so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

Emergency Contact Info:

Liezel de Klerk (Company Representative):
+27 84 515 4209

Janettie Wucherpfennig (Tour Leader):
+44 791 352 9799

After clearing customs at Cape Town International Airport, our company representative will meet you at the arrival gate, holding a placard with Zebra Adventures’ company’s logo on it. In case you have trouble finding our representative at the arrival gate, please wait at Vida e Caffè and contact the emergency contact.

Holidays to South Africa present one of the few places able to offer a city break, wine tour, beach holiday, and safari in one trip. Fabulous settings, carefully and meticulously selected hotels, wine farms and a safari lodge complete the package. We strive for excellence and high-class service; this is reflected in the accommodations we choose for our tours. Accommodation may vary from tour to tour.

We are very excited to once again offer Romney Park as our accommodation provider in Cape Town. Romney Park, winner of the Best 5-Star All Suite Hotel in South Africa for six consecutive years, specialising in boutique-style accommodation and has a reputation for excellence. Situated on the highly sought-after Atlantic Seaboard, a narrow band of suburbs sandwiched between the Table Mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean. Romney Park promises privacy, comfort, independence and secure accommodation. We will make use of the 1 and 2-bedroom apartments. Your stay will include daily breakfast and apartment cleaning. These beautiful sea-facing apartments offer private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a coffee machine (Nespresso), a spacious open-plan lounge with a dining area as well as a compact kitchen. During load shedding, a backup generator ensures an uninterrupted power supply and guests can enjoy the swimming pool.

We are thrilled to introduce this exciting NEW addition to our already outstanding collection of accommodations for 2025, as we escape to the Winelands with Boschendal. Boschendal stands as one of South Africa’s oldest wine estates, situated amidst the captivating landscapes between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. This iconic winery resides in one of the most picturesque valleys within the Cape Winelands. With a focus on elegant simplicity, the accommodation offers an ideal setting for experiencing authentic farm living with a modern touch. The newly refurbished Retreat Cottages are situated 3.5 km from the main wine farm (Werf) area and sleep four guests per cottage. The Retreat Cottages are surrounded by meandering fynbos garden paths and a natural swimming pool, perfect for relaxing escapes into nature. Discover for yourself why Boschendal was recognised as one of the finest family hotels worldwide by Condé Nast Traveller. Enjoy unrestricted access to this historic farm, allowing you to explore and uncover all that Boschendal has in store. As a cashless estate, Boschendal ensures a convenient and secure payment experience for all visitors. Behold breathtaking views, savour the incredible award-winning wines and immerse yourself in the enchanting indigenous gardens at the Werf. Rest assured, your stay will remain uninterrupted by load shedding, as the farm is equipped with generators. Take a dip in the shared natural swimming pool, purified by the exquisite aquatic vegetation encircling its edges. Revel in the majestic mountain vistas, relish the smoke-free environment, and benefit from round-the-clock security, housekeeping services, WiFi access, a tea/coffee maker, and more. Indulge in the ultimate luxury of farm living at its finest.

The Lofts Boutique Hotel is located on Thesen Island, an award-winning Blue Flag marina in the heart of Knysna, which remains one of the Garden Route’s favourite destinations. Thesen Island consists of 19 man-made islands, interconnected by charming bridges that gracefully span over the pristine waterways. The islands are a vibrant hotspot, providing visitors from around the world with a wide range of shopping and dining options, as well as convenient access to various activities. Guests can enjoy complimentary kayaking directly from the hotel, take the paddle cruiser to Featherbed Nature Reserve, or venture out to explore the captivating natural landscapes nearby. Once the site of an industrial boatbuilding shed, The Lofts seamlessly blends history with contemporary design. Located inside the renovated Boatshed, the hotel honours the building’s maritime legacy by preserving elements of its nautical allure. The hotel was born after Dr Chris Mulder and his wife Pat began developing Thesen Island. Pat envisioned creating The Lofts and, years later, this lagoon-side hotel is still proudly family-owned and operated. The hotel features beautifully appointed rooms and apartments, each designed with comfort in mind. With luxurious bedding, plush furnishings, and all essential modern amenities, our tours will stay in the Balcony Rooms, each thoughtfully designed with a playful and distinctive theme. During load shedding, there’s a full backup generator to ensure uninterrupted power supply, and of course, guests can cool off in the pool situated at the restaurant. And finally, The Lofts Boutique Hotel offers you the treat of breathtaking sunset views overlooking the Lagoon.

Surval Boutique Olive Estate in Oudtshoorn is an elegant working olive farm in the heart of the Klein Karoo at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains. Luxury accommodation with charming features. Live like relaxed royalty during the Ostrich Feather Boom as you enjoy the soothing, yet exclusive farm-chic atmosphere that has become synonymous with the award-winning estate and restaurant. Our female tours will be accommodated in the tastefully decorated airconditioned Luxury Rooms, located on both the ground and first floors. Surval has backup generators during load shedding and has a lot to offer; relax at the sparkling pool or enjoy an olive tasting. Far from the glare of the city lights, you can see and enjoy the Milky Way in its full splendour. The Little Karoo is considered to be one of the best places on earth for stargazing. Surval is a cashless estate.

Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa is a 4-star safari destination 2 hours drive from Cape Town. Home to the legendary big 5, elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard, and rhino, this 10 000-hectare conservancy is located in the historic Touws Rivier town, in a valley between the Langeberg and the Outeniqua Mountains in the Karoo (semi-desert). The reserve has a large swimming pool with a poolside bar, serving cocktails and ice-cold beverages around the 35m long crystal-clear, infinity pool. There is a large, dedicated dining area and an African-style restaurant that serves local cuisine and traditional South African desserts. Our tours will stay in Aquila’s Standard Lodge Rooms, which do not have views overlooking the reserve. We will provide opportunities for upgrades should they become available, and they will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. As a staying guest, you will have access to the mezzanine-level bar and lounge with magnificent views of the reserve. Aquila is more than just an unforgettable wildlife experience; it is a luxurious South African adventure acclaimed for its service excellence, renewable energy initiatives, experience in luxurious African hospitality, traditional culinary delights, and the restoration of pride to the indigenous people and the land. Aquila is dedicated to social responsibility efforts and conservation programs, making it a truly remarkable destination. The Tranquila Spa adds to the world-class facilities and services Aquila offers. Here, you can enjoy a luxurious African treatment and unwind after an action-packed day. The spa boasts a heated indoor pool, outdoor pool, sauna, steam room, and ten treatment rooms; it is a masterpiece of luxury. The rooms have everything you need, coffee/tea making facilities (not Nespresso), in-room safe, USB charging points, fan and air conditioning, mini-fridge (with complimentary water only) and complimentary WiFi. Aquila promises a serene escape immersed in nature’s tranquillity. From luxurious accommodations to breathtaking wildlife encounters, it offers an unforgettable experience under the starlit African sky.

Numbeo is the world’s largest cost-of-living database, offering valuable assistance to individuals seeking insights into the cost of living in various locations worldwide. Numbeo proves to be an invaluable resource. By visiting Numbeo’s website, you can access comprehensive information about the cost of living in Cape Town and utilise it effectively for their planning your trip. Click here to view the cost of living in Cape Town.

Please note, we encourage a moderate fitness level and strongly encourage every lady on tour to participate in all daily activities to enhance their group travel experience. Our current itineraries involve a hike to Maclear’s Beacon unless stated otherwise. This hike is suitable only for women who are physically fit and do not have any ankle, knee, hip, or back problems. An excellent alternative will be provided for those who are unable to participate in this hike or are advised to choose the alternative due to an injury. We deeply respect Cape Town’s unpredictable weather and do not want to risk anyone’s safety if the weather changes during the hike. The safety of each woman is our top priority, as well as the safety of the group as a whole.

Hiking on top of Table Mountain – one to tick off your bucket list! Towering 1,086 meters over Cape Town and around 540 million years in the making, Table Mountain is a playground for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Once an island, now boasting more plant species per square mile than the Amazon, this flat-topped monolith begs exploration. Trails run the length and breadth of the mountain, offering exceptional hiking for all experience levels. Whether you’re looking for adventure, escape or views, a hike up Table Mountain is not to be missed. Table Mountain hosts the richest floral kingdom on earth, with more than 1,470 floral species. The mountain is now officially recognised as one of the new Seven Wonders of Nature with the rocks on the mountain over 600,000,000 years old, making Table Mountain one of the oldest mountains in the world.

1. Maclear’s Beacon: Grade A+. 2-2.5 hours.
   At the highest point on Table Mountain, a hike to Maclear’s Beacon is for those who don’t like any of the uphill or downhill parts of hiking, this one is an almost completely flat walk with excellent views and amazing photos opportunities. There is a +/-10m downhill and uphill so 90% of the trail is flat. This is a great route for those interested in Cape Town’s fauna and flora while getting extraordinary views while not having to do any hard work to get them. You’ll start by taking the cable car up Table Mountain. Once on top, you’ll be guided along while seeing amazing vistas of the back of Table Mountain including the Hely-Hutchison Reservior and the rest of the Cape Peninsula on a clear day. It takes just over an hour to reach Maclears Beacon at 1085m above sea level, (our halfway mark). This stone mound is named after Thomas Maclear, a South African astronomer who set out to recalculate the dimensions and shape of the Earth. The beacon is still used by cartographers today. It has become a tourist attraction and hiking trails over the mountain pass next to the beacon. It is also a National Monument. From here you can relax and take in the spectacular views of Cape Town below, Devils Peak, Lions Head, the West Coast and the Winelands in the distance before making your way back to the cable car.
2. Lighthouse Keeper’s: Grade A+. 1 hour
   The Lighthouse Keeper’s Trail is often overlooked by visitors eager to pay a visit to the iconic old lighthouse atop Cape Point, but this short trail that runs below the well-known landmark should not be missed. The trail begins just behind the upper funicular station, and a narrow but well-established path will lead you along a sheer cliff-face towards the lesser-known new lighthouse. It offers a fascinating perspective of the old Cape Point lighthouse which towers many metres above, and it walks you through historical bunkers and beautiful fynbos until the path runs out, at what certainly feels like the very tip of Africa.

Flight arrival times may vary from country to country. If your flight arrives a day earlier or departs a day later than the scheduled tour date and time, we will be happy to arrange your additional accommodation and transport from the airport for an additional charge. There is no itinerary for additional days, but excursions can be arranged. Should you choose to arrive a day earlier and organise your own accommodation and transport to the hotel, please inform us. The official start of your tour is at the Team Orientation Meeting at 3 pm on the starting day of your tour. Please arrive well in advance.

We honestly believe that if you behave sensibly, exactly as you would when travelling to any major city or developing country, you are no more likely to be a victim of crime than you would be almost anywhere else in the world. Once you get there you will be pleasantly surprised by how safe you feel. More will be discussed at our orientation meeting on arrival day.

Voltage is 230V and 50Hz. Power outlets are type C and M. Remember to bring a suitable convertor plug along.

The tour operates on a Half Board basis, which means you’ll enjoy two meals a day, typically either breakfast and lunch or breakfast and dinner. However, on the cultural day, it’s a Full Board arrangement. On the days when your lunch or dinner is not included, we’ve made restaurant reservations to complement the tour, see Itinerary. You’ll be responsible for the cost of meals that are not included. Please inform us of any dietary requirements or allergies when booking. Rest assured, all the restaurants we’ve selected are carefully chosen and offer beautiful South African cuisine in beautiful settings (although not fine dining). From traditional Cape Malay dishes to the freshest seafood straight from the ocean, whether it’s a light lunch or a 14-course meal, it’s bound to be a culinary adventure.

You will receive one water bottle per day while on the road. The drinking water in Cape Town is of remarkable high quality. This is a result of a variety of treatment processes and because most of the water consumed in Cape Town is collected from unpolluted mountain catchments and aquifers. Cape Town water complies with the strict guidelines as specified in the South African National Standards (SANS 241:2015) for drinking water. They have won multiple Blue Drop awards from the Department of Water and Sanitation for their water quality.

The tour price does NOT include international flights. There are many ways to reach South Africa, whether to fly direct or indirect. Direct flight time from London is anything from 11 hours. Please contact us should you need advice.
📌 Please note that your flight must arrive in Cape Town before 12 pm on the day your tour start. If not, we advise you to arrive a day earlier (don’t worry, this is very normal for our clients from the USA, and we can help, see Early Arrivals and Late Departures).
📌 Please also note that you should book your departure flight after 5 pm on the last day of your tour. If not, we advise you to depart the following day (don’t worry, this is very normal for our clients from the USA, and we can help, see Early Arrivals and Late Departures).
Arrival Airport: Cape Town International Airport
Departure Airport: Cape Town International Airport

Space is limited therefore we advise that the following will go into the trailer:
1x large* suitcase (weighing no more than 23kg) per person, plus
1x small* hand-luggage suitcase per person, plus
1x handbag/small day backpack that you can keep with you on the bus at all times

* Large suitcase – same as holding bag/check-in bag on an airplane
* Hand luggage – same as on board cabin suitcase on an airplane

Please note that if your Private tour includes a domestic flight, the domestic checked-in bag weight limit is 20kg. Tours scheduled for Safari in the Pilanesberg include a two-hour domestic flight to Lanseria Airport or OR Tambo, Johannesburg. This internal flight has a strict 20kg weight limit. Overweight bags are subject to penalties and additional charges payable by the individual. Checked-in baggage maximum size dimensions (90 x 75 x 43cm).
You are allowed two free carry-on bags. The larger of the two should not be more than 56 x 36 x 25cm, and should not weigh more than 7kg. This bag must fit in the storage compartment in the cabin. The smaller of the two should not exceed 40cm x 15cm x 20cm and must fit under the seat in front of you. Rules are subject to change and will be confirmed nearer to your departure time.
Please note that OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg has new baggage rules:

• Only regular-shaped bags will be allowed at check-in counters;
• This means that the bags must have at least one flat surface to be accepted on the check-in system:
• Round or irregular-shaped bags will not be allowed at check-in counters; and
• Bags with long straps will not be allowed at check-in counters.

Passengers trying to check in bags that do not conform to these rules will be offered the option of having their baggage wrapped with one flat side at airport-approved baggage wrapping stations.

Cape Town and the Pilanesberg are free from malaria and safe for travellers of all ages. The Travel Doctor is an interactive website providing specialist health information for travellers. However, it is essential to contact your GP a minimum of six weeks before travelling to South Africa regarding vaccinations and individual health recommendations. Once you have booked your tour, you will receive a basic medical form to complete. If you have received any medical treatment or sustained any injuries within six months before you arrive in South Africa, we require a ‘fit to fly’ letter from your GP. We do not want you to miss out on any of our exciting activities like kayaking, hiking etc. and keep up with a jam-packed itinerary. This will also ensure that the group is not being held back from activities. We encourage a moderate fitness level.

Travel Insurance is not mandatory for our 2025 Zebra Adventures tours. We strongly recommend medical cover for the duration of your time in South Africa. Travel insurance that covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability, Covid-related events and illness, loss of luggage, and personal effects, is recommended. Please validate that your travel insurance covers all the activities outlined in the itinerary. ZEBRA ADVENTURES do not arrange travel insurance. This is the traveller’s responsibility to organise.

It’s always a highlight to reflect on a special holiday once it’s over, especially when looking back at all the wonderful photos and videos captured. To make sharing these memories easier, we offer a shared folder where everyone can upload and enjoy each other’s media. Guests are welcome to share these images on social media and we kindly ask that you tag @zebadventures in your posts. You may not sell or otherwise use any of the images taken by Zebra Adventures or our photographers and videographers or other guests for commercial purposes. If you would like to share any of the content or photos from Zebra Adventures, we kindly request that you tag us (@zebadventures) and credit us in the post. When booking with Zebra Adventures, you agree and acknowledge that your image and likeness may be used in future promotional material by Zebra Adventures. We only select the best images where everyone looks great for our promotional material. However, if you would prefer not to appear in any photos or videos, please inform us ahead of time. Your comfort and preferences are our top priority.

Staying in touch while on holiday in South Africa (SA) is far less complicated and expensive than it used to be. What’s best for one person may not necessarily be ideal for another so we suggest these options..

• We highly recommend downloading WhatsApp on your phone before travelling to SA as we will be communicating using WhatsApp during your tour to confirm meeting times etc.
• Zebra Adventures can supply you with a local SIM card and various data packages (example: 1GB data for R100 / roughly £5). Please inform us prior to your departure to South Africa. Buying a local prepaid SIM card, inserting it into your mobile or Internet device and operating on a top-up basis is one of the easiest and most convenient options (your phone must just be unlocked – check with your local service provider to make sure this is the case. This alternative allows you to keep your number forever as well as use your OWN phone with all your crazy apps, ringtones and important contacts. Keep in mind, if you’ve been a contract phone user your whole life, you’ll have to familiarise yourself with the concepts of data and airtime, the idea of buying prepaid vouchers/data and the notion of monitoring your credit so you don’t get cut off while sending a photo to your loved ones.
• Only use Wi-Fi hotspots at hotel/restaurants etc. and no roaming or Sim card is needed (most popular).
• Switch on your roaming but it can be very expensive, contact your service provider for detail.

Most hotels, lodges and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi. The signal quality and download speed are variable and can at times be frustrating if you are used to high-speed internet connections.

South Africa’s currency is the Rand (R). Each Rand is comprised of 100 cents (c). Both coins (10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 and R5) and notes (R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200) are available, and the exchange rate is generally quite favourable for those coming from foreign countries.

It’s necessary to figure out the best form of money to bring with you on your travels. Contrary to popular belief, SA has quite a well-developed financial system and extensive bank network and there are a number of different options available for tourists spending money here. Most shops and restaurants accept major credit and debit cards and cash can be exchanged at hotels or Bureau de Change. We highly recommend using credit cards to avoid walking around with too much cash on you.

South Africans are very warm, accommodating and hospitable, very much like the country’s climate. South Africa has been famously referred to as the rainbow nation because it is made up of so many diverse cultures and religions. All these people are united by calling South Africa home.

South Africa has 11 official languages so all the major languages used in the country are given recognition. These languages are Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa and isiZulu. Even though there are 11 official languages in reality English is most citizens’ second or third language, so visitors can get along fine if they are proficient in English.

South African cuisine is a fusion of African, European, Indian, and Malay influences. What brings everyone together though is the practice of braai, which is similar to barbeque (but a true South African will say that it is nothing like a barbeque, it is a BRAAI). What sets braai apart is that purists only do it on open wood fires, feeling that it is more authentic. It is a communal event, where South Africans come together to talk and be merry while the meat, usually lamb or beef, is sizzling on the fire. An inexpensive staple food in the country is pap (the Afrikaans word for porridge), which is made from ground maize and has a thick consistency, being enjoyed as a breakfast dish while it is also eaten as a side/main dish during a braai, with chakalaka (spicy vegetable relish).

A sticky treat that is well known in the country is koeksisters. It is fried dough, worked into distinctive knots, which are submerged in a cold syrup that makes it very gluey. Also in the sweet category are melktert – a tart that has a light crust with a custard filling, malva pudding and more. Rooibos (Redbush) tea grows in South Africa’s fynbos. The leaves are used to make herbal tea that is called by the names: rooibos, bush tea, red tea, or redbush tea. It reduces stress, alleviates allergies and inflammation, regulates immune function, calms stomach cramps and slows down the ageing process, as the high levels of antioxidants fight free radicals in the body.

For many people in South, Africa poverty is a daily reality. It is hard not to engage, but giving to beggars or children does not solve their problems, instead, it encourages them to continue begging. If you want to donate, Zebra Adventures donates towards Nonceba Family Centre in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. You can ask your guide for more detail or you can follow this link.

Tipping is a great way to acknowledge and reward great service. It’s a normal part of the service industry in South Africa, as it is in many countries. Tipping is expected by most people involved in the country’s tourism industry. While tipping is not mandatory, it is very important. If your experience was excellent, a good rule of thumb is to tip your service providers the equivalent of R150-R250 per person per day. A 10-12% tip is normal in restaurants. Where Zebra Adventures are paying for your meal, the tip is already included. The staff working in the hotels you’ll be staying at or restaurants you’ll be eating at, often have tough jobs for lower end wages and tipping will always be appreciated.

Plan ahead. A great idea is to bring small envelopes for your tips, perhaps with a thank-you note inside. Prepare small change in the local currency before leaving the airport or use an ATM while on tour. Whenever you tip during your tour in South Africa, it is important to use the local currency, that is South African rand (R), otherwise you’ll leave your service providers with cash they can’t use without paying high fees on currency exchange. We always encourage our ladies on tour to give from their hearts.

R150 = £6.30 / $8.00 per person per day
R250 = £10.50 / $13.50 per person per day

• Please ask before taking photographs of people, and respect their wishes should an individual not be happy to be photographed.
• Strive where possible to make your own contribution to environmental practices within the destination you are travelling to – leave a ‘zebra footprint’. We always leave a destination in a better condition than we find it.
• Where possible, try to purchase from local suppliers. In areas where haggling is an accepted part of daily life, don’t become angry or offended if you are unable to obtain what you perceive as a fair price for an item. We pass on all feedback from every trip undertaken with Zebra Adventures to our hotels, restaurants and events.
• A good rule of thumb when it comes to wine-tasting, is to keep track of the number of tastings and alcohol you consume each day. Your headache may not only spoil your experience but will also affect the people with you on tour.
• To enhance your group travel experience, we highly encourage every lady on tour to participate in all daily activities. We have an amazing itinerary lined up and some days build on each other. If there is something in the itinerary that you do not want to participate in, please talk to us, your wellbeing is our priority.
• If you are unsure about anything relating to the above, please feel free to contact us. Our company representatives either live or have travelled extensively in the country you are visiting and will be more than happy to offer their considered advice.

Zebra Adventures remain fully committed to offering our guests the peace of mind to enjoy a memorable tour with us, knowing that we have implemented the necessary precautions and protocols to ensure their health and safety during their tour. The safety and security of our guests and team members remain our highest priority. We comply with South Africa’s latest guidance and travel regulations. Please check entry requirements well in advance of your departure.

• Travellers will be required to sign and complete an indemnity form before joining the tour (at the orientation meeting).
• We do not mandate vaccination.
• Staff at all hotels and lodges are trained on preventative measures and hygiene protocols to ensure guests enjoy an even cleaner and safer stay.
• If you have a fever or any other covid symptoms on tour, you may be required to have a doctor clear you before rejoining the tour. Medical costs and transport to the doctor are your own expense. No refunds of activities or accommodation that are missed are available should you not be able to complete the tour due to covid reasons.

The above measures are subject to change based on the latest guidance and regulations from the SA government. The protocols will be updated as required on an ongoing basis.

Please see the full Terms and Conditions.